NVLAP
NVLAP, the National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program, is a NIST program that provides third-party accreditation to testing and calibration laboratories.
NVLAP-accredited laboratories are assessed against ISO/IEC 17025. The Element U.S. Space & Defense facility in Belcamp, MD is accredited under the program.
What It Means
The Element U.S. Space & Defense facility in Belcamp, MD is accredited under the NIST National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program (NVLAP).
The certificate and scope of accreditation are on the Accreditations page.
[Michelle to confirm: what does the Belcamp NVLAP scope cover? The current site does not say in words, so this page does not either.]
[Michelle to confirm: the NVLAP lab code appears on the Accreditations page but stays off this page, pending Tony. Keep it off?]
Common Questions
[Michelle to confirm: please route these answers for quality team review. They were written from NIST and CJTTEC public pages and general knowledge, not Element documents.]
[Michelle to confirm: can we link body armor directly to the Belcamp NVLAP accreditation in the body armor answer?]
What is NVLAP?
NVLAP is the National Voluntary Laboratory Accreditation Program. It provides third-party accreditation to testing and calibration laboratories, often in response to legislation or requests from government agencies and private organizations. The Element U.S. Space & Defense facility in Belcamp, MD is accredited under the program.
Read the full answer →Who runs NVLAP?
The National Institute of Standards and Technology, part of the U.S. Department of Commerce, runs NVLAP. Program requirements and technical guidance are published by NIST in its handbook series. Element U.S. Space & Defense links its Belcamp certificate and scope from the Accreditations page, and NIST publishes program information online.
Read the full answer →How is NVLAP related to ISO/IEC 17025?
NVLAP assesses laboratories against the management and technical requirements of ISO/IEC 17025. Individual programs add technical requirements for the tests involved. Element U.S. Space & Defense lists NVLAP accreditation for Belcamp, MD, alongside ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation through A2LA at the same facility.
Read the full answer →What is the difference between NVLAP and A2LA?
Both accredit laboratories against ISO/IEC 17025. NVLAP is a program of NIST, a federal agency, while A2LA is an independent nonprofit. Which one matters depends on your requirement, since some programs name a specific accreditor. Element U.S. Space & Defense lists both for its Belcamp, MD facility.
Read the full answer →Which Element U.S. Space & Defense facility is NVLAP accredited?
The Accreditations page lists NVLAP accreditation for Belcamp, MD. If your test requires an NVLAP-accredited lab, send your requirement to Element U.S. Space & Defense so the team can check it against the current scope for that facility before you finalize your test plan.
Read the full answer →Why does NVLAP matter for body armor testing?
The NIJ Compliance Testing Program requires its approved laboratories to hold NVLAP accreditation. That includes general requirements for technical competence and specific requirements for body armor tests. Element U.S. Space & Defense in Belcamp, MD is NVLAP accredited and is also approved by the NIJ Compliance Testing Program.
Read the full answer →What does the NVLAP scope cover?
A scope lists the specific tests or test types a lab is accredited to perform, so it is the document to check. Element U.S. Space & Defense links the Belcamp NVLAP scope from its Accreditations page. Compare your test method against that document, or ask the team to confirm it.
Read the full answer →How does a laboratory earn NVLAP accreditation?
The process generally includes an application, an on-site assessment, resolution of any nonconformities, proficiency testing and a technical evaluation. A lab that succeeds receives a certificate and a scope of accreditation. Element U.S. Space & Defense publishes those documents for Belcamp, MD on its Accreditations page.
Read the full answer →If the program is voluntary, is NVLAP ever required?
Yes. Labs choose to participate, but a program or regulation can require NVLAP accreditation for certain work. The NIJ Compliance Testing Program is one example. Check your own requirement, then ask Element U.S. Space & Defense whether the Belcamp, MD facility can support it under its current scope.
Read the full answer →How can I verify NVLAP accreditation?
Review the current certificate and scope for the specific facility. Element U.S. Space & Defense links both for Belcamp, MD from its Accreditations page, and NIST provides NVLAP program information on its website. Confirm that the test method you need appears on the scope before you rely on it.
Read the full answer →Further Reading
More from Element U.S. Space & Defense on this topic.
Articles
Accessibility: If you are vision-impaired or have some other impairment covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act or a similar law, and you wish to discuss potential accommodations related to using this website, please contact us at (833) 673-8773