The International Code Council (ICC) and the National Institute
of Standards and Technology (NIST) Building Fire Research Laboratory
recently executed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). NIST's
statutory authority (272(b)(9), Title 15, U.S. Code) calls for
cooperation with "other departments and agencies of the
Federal Government, with industry, with State and local governments,
with the governments of other nations and international organizations,
and with private organizations in establishing standards practices,
codes, specifications, and voluntary consensus standards."
NIST and ICC To Support Development and Maintenance of Codes
Under the terms of the MOU, NIST and the ICC will work together
to support the development and maintenance of appropriate building
and construction codes which promote health, safety, and welfare,
reduce human and economic losses resulting from hazards, and
avoid the creation of technical barriers to trade.
NIST's Role in MOU
NIST's role in the MOU will include technical and advisory
committee participation, including code development committees,
Ad Hoc committees, and the Industry Advisory Committee. In addition,
NIST will prepare advisory technical reviews, perform research
and tests, and provide other technical assistance as needed.
NIST will also provide support and information related to the
adoption and use of the ICC model codes, consistent with its
congressionally mandated role in the implementation of the National
Technology Transfer and Advancement Act (Public Law 104-113).
In turn, the ICC will identify technical areas of concern,
support NIST programs, and suggest research priorities.
