SD-9 Dod Guidance On Participating In The Development And Use Of Non-Government StandardsThe purpose of this document is to promote more effective DoD use of nongovernment standards NGSs and participation in their development.To achieve this purpose, this document describes the different types of NGSs and the organizations that develop them, provides general guidance and practices relative to DoD┬┐s involvement in developing or using NGSs, identifies criteria that should be considered regarding requirements and verification before developing an NGS or replacing an existing military or federal document with an NGS, clarifies the roles and responsibilities of DoD personnel when participating in NGS activities, and explains the meaning of DoD adoption of an NGS and its importance.

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DoD Participation in NGSBs

DoD personnel are encouraged to participate on NGS technical committees to pro- mote standards that meet DoD needs. DoD personnel who participate in the activities of NGSBs at Government expense do so as official DoD or agency representatives. If DoD representation at an NGSB meeting is not possible, DoD may participate through correspondence, online capability, telephone, or other suitable means. Participation in NGSBs does not necessarily connote DoD agreement with, or endorsement of, deci- sions reached by such organizations, or that DoD will eventually adopt the NGS.

The Technical Committee Participation (TCP) database identifies the known DoD participants and the NGSB committee on which they participate.There are undoubt- edly large numbers of DoD participants who have not been identified, therefore, these individuals are not included in the TCP database.The TCP database can be accessed at www.dsp.dla.mil. For security reasons, only authorized DoD users may register their participation, edit a previously created participation record, or access point of contact information in the TCP database.

DoD participation in the development of NGSs has many benefits, including the following:

•  Reducing DoD document development cost

•  Reducing DoD document maintenance burden and cost

•  Ensuring DoD interests are met, by influencing the content of standards

•  Representing defense "customer" interests in standards

•  Promoting DoD interoperability interests

•  Helping DoD stay abreast of new technologies

•  Providing DoD access to dual-use products in accordance with NGSs

•  Expediting DoD access to information about new industry developments

•  Gaining insight into new market directions and future market trend

•  Learning from both manufacturers and end users

•  Promoting competition and providing a broad base of suppliers.

By being involved with NGSBs, DoD can communicate information about military needs early in the NGS development cycle.Today, more than ever, the ability to influ-

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