Establishment of a Laboratory Accreditation Program for Laboratories Performing System Integration Testing and Operational/User Acceptance Testing on Federal Warfare Systems Under the National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program, 40813-40814 [2021-16179]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 143 / Thursday, July 29, 2021 / Notices 9. The appropriateness of the attributes NIST has developed for the AI Risk Management Framework. (See above, ‘‘AI RMF Development and Attributes’’); 10. Effective ways to structure the Framework to achieve the desired goals, including, but not limited to, integrating AI risk management processes with organizational processes for developing products and services for better outcomes in terms of trustworthiness and management of AI risks. Respondents are asked to identify any current models which would be effective. These could include—but are not limited to—the NIST Cybersecurity Framework or Privacy Framework, which focus on outcomes, functions, categories and subcategories and also offer options for developing profiles reflecting current and desired approaches as well as tiers to describe degree of framework implementation; and 11. How the Framework could be developed to advance the recruitment, hiring, development, and retention of a knowledgeable and skilled workforce necessary to perform AI-related functions within organizations. 12. The extent to which the Framework should include governance issues, including but not limited to make up of design and development teams, monitoring and evaluation, and grievance and redress. Authority: 15 U.S.C. 272(b), (c), & (e); 15 U.S.C. 278g–3. Alicia Chambers, NIST Executive Secretariat. [FR Doc. 2021–16176 Filed 7–28–21; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–13–P DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Institute of Standards and Technology Establishment of a Laboratory Accreditation Program for Laboratories Performing System Integration Testing and Operational/ User Acceptance Testing on Federal Warfare Systems Under the National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program National Institute of Standards and Technology, Commerce. ACTION: Notice. jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with NOTICES AGENCY: Under the National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP) the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) announces the establishment of a laboratory accreditation program and SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:19 Jul 28, 2021 Jkt 253001 the availability of applications for accreditation of laboratories that perform System Integration Testing (SIT) and Operational/User Acceptance Testing (O/UAT) on Federal Warfare Systems. Laboratories may obtain NIST Handbook 150, NVLAP Procedures and General Requirements, NIST Handbook 150–872, Federal Warfare System(s), and an application for this program by visiting the NVLAP website at https://www.nist.gov/nvlap or by sending a request to NVLAP by mail at NIST/NVLAP, 100 Bureau Drive, Stop 2140, Gaithersburg, MD 20899–2140 or by email at nvlap@nist.gov. All applications for accreditation must be submitted to nvlap@nist.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Brad Moore, Program Manager, NIST/NVLAP, 100 Bureau Drive, Stop 2140, Gaithersburg, MD 20899–2140, Phone: (301) 975–5740 or email: bradley.moore@nist.gov. Information regarding NVLAP and the accreditation process can be obtained from https://www.nist.gov/nvlap. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In response to the need for an improved capability to protype and experiment prior to generating requirements, the U–2 Federal Laboratory was established in accordance with 15 U.S.C. 3710 and 10 U.S.C. § 2500. The U–2 Federal Laboratory’s mission is to ‘‘[f]ast-field advanced technologies at a speed relevant to the warfighter,’’ in accordance with House Report 115–676 (2018) 1 and the Congressionallymandated 2018 National Defense Strategy. This is accomplished through vertical integration with one laboratory to effect ‘‘[c]onfluence of Warfighter, Developer, and Acquirer.’’ 2 On May 7, 2019, the U–2 Federal Laboratory formally requested in writing the Chief of NVLAP consider the establishment of a proposed new Laboratory Accreditation Program (LAP) entitled, ‘‘Federal Warfare System(s) LAP,’’ in accordance with NIST Handbook 150 Para 2.1.3. In compliance with NVLAP procedures (15 CFR part 285), NVLAP held a public workshop on November 19, 2019 to solicit further comments on the establishment of a Federal Warfare System(s) LAP and on ADDRESSES: 1 U.S., House, Committee on Armed Services, National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (H. Rpt. 115–676). Washington: Government Printing Office, 2018. 2 MAJOR Tierney, Raymond G., The Federal Warfare Systems Laboratory Executive Summary, Available at: https://www.nist.gov/system/files/ documents/2021/05/27/FWS%20LAB_ 2021%20White%20Paper_v17.2021APR19.pdf. Accessed: 7/13/2021. PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 40813 the technical requirements to be associated with the LAP. Determination Under the framework of the Federal Warfare Systems Laboratory, advanced technologies can be developed or integrated to determine technical feasibility (‘‘Is it possible?’’). Embedded developers then hand the technology to the end-user (‘‘Warfighter’’) to determine operational utility (‘‘Is it useful?’’). This process continuously cycles between development and operations. The desired outcome is achieved when the technology has evolved to a high-Technology Readiness Level (TRL), Warfighter-useful solution. At this point, the technology generally transitions into the Joint Capabilities Integration and Development System and Defense Acquisition System (DoD Directive 5000.01 and DoD Instruction 5000.02) as a vetted, mature requirement. In this way, the acquisitions process is meaningfully compressed, and cost offsets realized, by (a) front-loading development with the end-user and (b) abating the problems of scope, understanding, and volatility associated with the requirement development process. Importantly, establishment of this LAP affords a means to standardize the traceability, competence, impartiality, and operational consistency of Federal Laboratories supporting warfare systems within the Department of Defense, as well as a means to meet a 2018 National Defense Strategy mandate that, ‘‘prototyping and experimentation should be used prior to defining requirements.’’ 3 The U.S. Air Force Air Combat Command (ACC) Office of the Chief Scientist is considering a commandwide plan for adoption of the Federal Warfare System Laboratory construct. Interest in this concept has also been expressed by senior military leaders. Based on careful analysis of comments received during the public workshop and a review of the Secretary of Defense’s strategies, instructions, and mandates, the Chief of NVLAP has determined that the establishment of a LAP for laboratories conducting SIT and O/UAT on Federal Warfare Systems best meets government needs. This notice is issued in accordance with NVLAP procedures and general requirements, found in 15 CFR part 285. NVLAP provides an unbiased, thirdparty evaluation and recognition of competence. NVLAP accreditation signifies that a laboratory has 3 Excerpt from the 2018 National Defense Strategy. E:\FR\FM\29JYN1.SGM 29JYN1 jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with NOTICES 40814 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 143 / Thursday, July 29, 2021 / Notices demonstrated that it operates in accordance with NVLAP management and technical requirements pertaining to quality systems, personnel, accommodation and environment, test and calibration methods, equipment, measurement traceability, sampling, handling of test and calibration items, and test and calibration reports. NVLAP accreditation does not imply any guarantee (certification) of laboratory performance or test/ calibration data. NVLAP accreditation is a finding of laboratory competence. Technical Requirements for the Accreditation Process: NVLAP assessments are conducted in accordance with the National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program regulations, which are found at 15 CFR part 285. NVLAP accreditation is in full conformance with relevant standards of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), including ISO/IEC 17025, General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories. Accreditation is granted to a laboratory following successful completion of a process, which includes submission of an application and payment of fees by the laboratory, a review of the laboratory management system documentation, an on-site assessment by technical experts, participation in proficiency testing when available, and resolution of any management system or technical nonconformities identified during any phase of the application process. The accreditation is formalized through issuance of a Certificate of Accreditation and Scope of Accreditation. General requirements for accreditation are given in NIST Handbook 150, NVLAP Procedures and General Requirements, https:// nvlpubs.nist.gov/nistpubs/hb/2020/ NIST.HB.150-2020.pdf. The specific technical and administrative requirements for the program for accreditation of laboratories performing SIT and O/UAT on Federal Warfare Systems are provided in NIST Handbook 150–872, Federal Warfare System(s), https://nvlpubs.nist.gov/ nistpubs/hb/2021/NIST.HB.150-8722021.pdf. Laboratories must meet all NVLAP criteria and requirements in order to become accredited. To be considered for accreditation, the applicant laboratory must provide a completed application to NVLAP, pay all required fees, agree to conditions for accreditation, and be found competent to perform the tests prescribed in the standards. VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:19 Jul 28, 2021 Jkt 253001 Application Requirements include: (1) Legal name and full address of the laboratory; (2) Ownership of the laboratory; (3) Authorized Representative’s name and contact information; (4) Names, titles, and contact information for laboratory staff nominated to serve as Approved Signatories of test and calibration reports that reference NVLAP accreditation; (5) Organization chart defining relationships that are relevant to performing testing and calibrations covered in the accreditation request; (6) General description of laboratory, including its facilities and scope of operations; and (7) Requested scope and accreditation. For this program, the laboratory shall provide a copy of its management system documents prior to the on-site assessment. NVLAP will review the management system documentation and discuss any nonconformities with the Authorized Representative before the on-site visit. Laboratories that apply for accreditation will be required to pay NVLAP fees and undergo on-site assessment and shall meet proficiency testing requirements before initial accreditation can be granted. Paperwork Reduction Act: This action contains a collection-of-information requirement subject to review and approval by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995. Collection activities for NVLAP are currently approved by OMB under control number 0693–0003. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no person is required to respond to, nor shall any person be subject to a penalty for failure to comply with a collection of information subject to the requirements of the PRA unless it displays a currently valid OMB Control Number. Alicia Chambers, NIST Executive Secretariat. [FR Doc. 2021–16179 Filed 7–28–21; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 3510–13–P PO 00000 DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Application and Certification Requirements for Distributors of NOAA Electronic Navigational Charts/NOAA Hydrographic Products National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce. ACTION: Notice of information collection, request for comment. AGENCY: The Department of Commerce, in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), invites the general public and other Federal agencies to comment on proposed, and continuing information collections, which helps us assess the impact of our information collection requirements and minimize the public’s reporting burden. The purpose of this notice is to allow for 60 days of public comment preceding submission of the collection to OMB. DATES: To ensure consideration, comments regarding this proposed information collection must be received on or before September 27, 2021. ADDRESSES: Interested persons are invited to submit written comments to Adrienne Thomas, NOAA PRA Officer, at Adrienne.thomas@noaa.gov. Please reference OMB Control Number 0648– 0508 in the subject line of your comments. Do not submit Confidential Business Information or otherwise sensitive or protected information. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or specific questions related to collection activities should be directed to CAPT Edward J. Van Den Ameele, Chief, Marine Chart Division, 1315 East-West Highway, N/CS 2, Silver Spring, MD 20910, (240) 431–1030, Edward.J.Vandenameele@noaa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: SUMMARY: I. Abstract This request is for a revision and extension of a currently approved information collection. The National Ocean Service (NOS) Office of Coast Survey manages the Certification Requirements for Distributors of NOAA Electronic Navigational Charts (NOAA ENCs®). Electronic Navigational Charts (ENC) are vector data sets that support all types of marine navigation. Originally designed Frm 00013 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\29JYN1.SGM 29JYN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 143 (Thursday, July 29, 2021)]
[Notices]
[Pages 40813-40814]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-16179]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Institute of Standards and Technology


Establishment of a Laboratory Accreditation Program for 
Laboratories Performing System Integration Testing and Operational/User 
Acceptance Testing on Federal Warfare Systems Under the National 
Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program

AGENCY: National Institute of Standards and Technology, Commerce.

ACTION: Notice.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: Under the National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program 
(NVLAP) the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) 
announces the establishment of a laboratory accreditation program and 
the availability of applications for accreditation of laboratories that 
perform System Integration Testing (SIT) and Operational/User 
Acceptance Testing (O/UAT) on Federal Warfare Systems.

ADDRESSES: Laboratories may obtain NIST Handbook 150, NVLAP Procedures 
and General Requirements, NIST Handbook 150-872, Federal Warfare 
System(s), and an application for this program by visiting the NVLAP 
website at https://www.nist.gov/nvlap or by sending a request to NVLAP 
by mail at NIST/NVLAP, 100 Bureau Drive, Stop 2140, Gaithersburg, MD 
20899-2140 or by email at [email protected]. All applications for 
accreditation must be submitted to [email protected].

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Brad Moore, Program Manager, NIST/
NVLAP, 100 Bureau Drive, Stop 2140, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-2140, Phone: 
(301) 975-5740 or email: [email protected].
    Information regarding NVLAP and the accreditation process can be 
obtained from https://www.nist.gov/nvlap.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In response to the need for an improved 
capability to protype and experiment prior to generating requirements, 
the U-2 Federal Laboratory was established in accordance with 15 U.S.C. 
3710 and 10 U.S.C. Sec.  2500. The U-2 Federal Laboratory's mission is 
to ``[f]ast-field advanced technologies at a speed relevant to the 
warfighter,'' in accordance with House Report 115-676 (2018) \1\ and 
the Congressionally-mandated 2018 National Defense Strategy. This is 
accomplished through vertical integration with one laboratory to effect 
``[c]onfluence of Warfighter, Developer, and Acquirer.'' \2\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ U.S., House, Committee on Armed Services, National Defense 
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (H. Rpt. 115-676). 
Washington: Government Printing Office, 2018.
    \2\ MAJOR Tierney, Raymond G., The Federal Warfare Systems 
Laboratory Executive Summary, Available at: https://www.nist.gov/system/files/documents/2021/05/27/FWS%20LAB_2021%20White%20Paper_v17.2021APR19.pdf. Accessed: 7/13/
2021.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    On May 7, 2019, the U-2 Federal Laboratory formally requested in 
writing the Chief of NVLAP consider the establishment of a proposed new 
Laboratory Accreditation Program (LAP) entitled, ``Federal Warfare 
System(s) LAP,'' in accordance with NIST Handbook 150 Para 2.1.3. In 
compliance with NVLAP procedures (15 CFR part 285), NVLAP held a public 
workshop on November 19, 2019 to solicit further comments on the 
establishment of a Federal Warfare System(s) LAP and on the technical 
requirements to be associated with the LAP.

Determination

    Under the framework of the Federal Warfare Systems Laboratory, 
advanced technologies can be developed or integrated to determine 
technical feasibility (``Is it possible?''). Embedded developers then 
hand the technology to the end-user (``Warfighter'') to determine 
operational utility (``Is it useful?''). This process continuously 
cycles between development and operations. The desired outcome is 
achieved when the technology has evolved to a high-Technology Readiness 
Level (TRL), Warfighter-useful solution. At this point, the technology 
generally transitions into the Joint Capabilities Integration and 
Development System and Defense Acquisition System (DoD Directive 
5000.01 and DoD Instruction 5000.02) as a vetted, mature requirement. 
In this way, the acquisitions process is meaningfully compressed, and 
cost offsets realized, by (a) front-loading development with the end-
user and (b) abating the problems of scope, understanding, and 
volatility associated with the requirement development process. 
Importantly, establishment of this LAP affords a means to standardize 
the traceability, competence, impartiality, and operational consistency 
of Federal Laboratories supporting warfare systems within the 
Department of Defense, as well as a means to meet a 2018 National 
Defense Strategy mandate that, ``prototyping and experimentation should 
be used prior to defining requirements.'' \3\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \3\ Excerpt from the 2018 National Defense Strategy.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The U.S. Air Force Air Combat Command (ACC) Office of the Chief 
Scientist is considering a command-wide plan for adoption of the 
Federal Warfare System Laboratory construct. Interest in this concept 
has also been expressed by senior military leaders.
    Based on careful analysis of comments received during the public 
workshop and a review of the Secretary of Defense's strategies, 
instructions, and mandates, the Chief of NVLAP has determined that the 
establishment of a LAP for laboratories conducting SIT and O/UAT on 
Federal Warfare Systems best meets government needs.
    This notice is issued in accordance with NVLAP procedures and 
general requirements, found in 15 CFR part 285.
    NVLAP provides an unbiased, third-party evaluation and recognition 
of competence. NVLAP accreditation signifies that a laboratory has

[[Page 40814]]

demonstrated that it operates in accordance with NVLAP management and 
technical requirements pertaining to quality systems, personnel, 
accommodation and environment, test and calibration methods, equipment, 
measurement traceability, sampling, handling of test and calibration 
items, and test and calibration reports.
    NVLAP accreditation does not imply any guarantee (certification) of 
laboratory performance or test/calibration data. NVLAP accreditation is 
a finding of laboratory competence.
    Technical Requirements for the Accreditation Process: NVLAP 
assessments are conducted in accordance with the National Voluntary 
Laboratory Accreditation Program regulations, which are found at 15 CFR 
part 285. NVLAP accreditation is in full conformance with relevant 
standards of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 
and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), including ISO/
IEC 17025, General requirements for the competence of testing and 
calibration laboratories.
    Accreditation is granted to a laboratory following successful 
completion of a process, which includes submission of an application 
and payment of fees by the laboratory, a review of the laboratory 
management system documentation, an on-site assessment by technical 
experts, participation in proficiency testing when available, and 
resolution of any management system or technical nonconformities 
identified during any phase of the application process. The 
accreditation is formalized through issuance of a Certificate of 
Accreditation and Scope of Accreditation.
    General requirements for accreditation are given in NIST Handbook 
150, NVLAP Procedures and General Requirements, https://nvlpubs.nist.gov/nistpubs/hb/2020/NIST.HB.150-2020.pdf. The specific 
technical and administrative requirements for the program for 
accreditation of laboratories performing SIT and O/UAT on Federal 
Warfare Systems are provided in NIST Handbook 150-872, Federal Warfare 
System(s), https://nvlpubs.nist.gov/nistpubs/hb/2021/NIST.HB.150-872-2021.pdf. Laboratories must meet all NVLAP criteria and requirements in 
order to become accredited. To be considered for accreditation, the 
applicant laboratory must provide a completed application to NVLAP, pay 
all required fees, agree to conditions for accreditation, and be found 
competent to perform the tests prescribed in the standards.
    Application Requirements include: (1) Legal name and full address 
of the laboratory; (2) Ownership of the laboratory; (3) Authorized 
Representative's name and contact information; (4) Names, titles, and 
contact information for laboratory staff nominated to serve as Approved 
Signatories of test and calibration reports that reference NVLAP 
accreditation; (5) Organization chart defining relationships that are 
relevant to performing testing and calibrations covered in the 
accreditation request; (6) General description of laboratory, including 
its facilities and scope of operations; and (7) Requested scope and 
accreditation.
    For this program, the laboratory shall provide a copy of its 
management system documents prior to the on-site assessment. NVLAP will 
review the management system documentation and discuss any 
nonconformities with the Authorized Representative before the on-site 
visit. Laboratories that apply for accreditation will be required to 
pay NVLAP fees and undergo on-site assessment and shall meet 
proficiency testing requirements before initial accreditation can be 
granted.
    Paperwork Reduction Act: This action contains a collection-of-
information requirement subject to review and approval by the Office of 
Management and Budget (OMB) under the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 
1995. Collection activities for NVLAP are currently approved by OMB 
under control number 0693-0003.
    Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no person is required 
to respond to, nor shall any person be subject to a penalty for failure 
to comply with a collection of information subject to the requirements 
of the PRA unless it displays a currently valid OMB Control Number.

Alicia Chambers,
NIST Executive Secretariat.
[FR Doc. 2021-16179 Filed 7-28-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-13-P
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.