As a result, an agreement was made to convene annually to set national standards for voluntary adoption and implementation by the states.

Starting in 1958, NCWM members began electing a state or local weights and measures official each year to serve as chairman.

This program provides certification that a manufacturer of a particular model or family of weighing or measuring devices is capable of meeting the United States standards as adopted by NCWM and published in Handbook 44.

The NTEP Committee also addresses NCWM’s involvement in international standards development and agreements related to type evaluation and certification.

Sector members include authorized laboratories, manufacturers, technical advisors and the NTEP Administrator.

The sectors provide a forum for consensus building among evaluators and the technical experts who design and market the equipment.

NCWM offers many meetings throughout the year to allow every person a voice in the issues facing the weights and measures community today.

NCWM works in partnership with four regional associations to facilitate a grassroots approach to standards development.

[22] These associations are stand-alone organizations composed of volunteer leadership from the public and private sectors of the weights and measures community.

Regional associations also serve as a means to continue development of items on the agendas of the national committees.

Finally, these associations provide an opportunity for state and local officials and private companies to conduct training events, build relationships and assist NCWM in the standards development process.