(A2LA: Frederick, MD) -- The American Association for Laboratory Accreditation (A2LA) announces the expansion of its accreditation activities to encompass special inspection agencies in New York City.

The criteria for special inspection agency accreditation requires agencies to provide objective evidence of compliance to ISO/IEC 17020 general criteria for the operation of various types of bodies performing inspection by gaining and maintaining accreditation through a recognized accreditation body (AB) such as A2LA. The accreditation will confirm compliance to ASTM E329 and local requirements associated with the International Building Code chapter 17. A2LA has created the R310—“Specific Requirements: Special Inspection Agencies Inspection Body Accreditation Program” document, highlighting the specific areas that go above and beyond the requirements of ISO/IEC 17020.

The criteria for AB acceptance rely heavily on the ability of the AB to demonstrate that they are members of an internationally recognized cooperation subject to a mutual recognition agreement (MRA). A2LA is a member and signatory to the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) Mutual Recognition Agreement. As a signatory to the ILAC MRA, A2LA has demonstrated evidence of compliance to ISO/IEC 17011—“Conformity assessment—General requirements for bodies providing assessment and accreditation of conformity assessment bodies,” and has undergone rigorous periodic peer evaluations by other signatories to the ILAC MRA.

A2LA has been accrediting conformity assessment bodies (CAB) in the building industry for more than 30 years. This wealth of experience has positioned A2LA to contribute to the improvement of CAB data quality, resulting in increased confidence to the data users and exemplary customer service to its accredited entities.

A2LA is currently accepting new applications for accreditation from inspection agencies that wish to comply with the Rules of NY section 101-06. Further, A2LA is working with other jurisdictions to write relevant requirements to expand this program offering. Direct any questions on applying for accreditation to Elizabeth Carbonella at (301) 644-3219 or ecarbonella@A2LA.org. There are resources devoted to ensure prompt attention to all interested parties’ needs. Existing laboratories should direct their questions on expanding their scope of accreditation to their current accreditation officer at A2LA.