Development of AMCA Publications and the ANSI Process
Development of New AMCA International Standards
AMCA International develops standards when it is determined that a need to develop such a standard exists. Any person can suggest to AMCA staff that a standard be developed. Once a request to develop a standard is received, AMCA staff contacts all AMCA members who may have an interest in developing such a standard. If three or more AMCA member companies express interest, AMCA staff sends a request to the AMCA International Board of Directors to form a Technical Committee. In addition, the AMCA International Board of Directors can vote to initiate the development of a standard if they believe such a project would further the goals of the association.
AMCA Review and Revision Process
AMCA solicits the opinions of the general public at all times for all AMCA standards and publications on the Up for Review Comment Forms.
Once every year, AMCA staff makes a special request for comments on all publications that have been approved for approximately three years. After a period of 60 days, all comments received for these publications are compiled by AMCA staff. If substantive comments have been received, then a Technical Committee is formed and the comments are addressed. If no comments are received, AMCA staff recommends that the document be either reaffirmed or withdrawn.
ANSI Accreditation of AMCA Standards
AMCA International is an accredited ANSI developer, and all AMCA standards are submitted to ANSI after being approved by the Consensus Body.
ANSI Approval Process
All AMCA Technical Committees serve a dual purpose: to develop or revise AMCA standards, and to ensure that all individuals have an opportunity to comment on a developing standard during the ANSI Approval Process.
When a Technical Committee is formed, members of that committee are also considered to be a part of a Consensus Body. The Consensus Body votes on whether a standard should be forwarded to ANSI for approval as an American National Standard.
All comments from the public are accepted and considered in regards to the standard being developed. All public objections will be considered by the Technical Committee, and the objections will either be accepted and incorporated into the draft or rejected and responded to by the committee. All objectors have the right to appeal the committee's decision.
If the Consensus Body votes to forward the document to ANSI for approval, and once all objections are heard, AMCA staff submits the document to ANSI for approval. AMCA standards that are approved by ANSI receive the "ANSI/AMCA" designation.
How Can I Participate?
If you are directly and materially affected and interested in helping to draft or revise a standard, you are welcome to join a Technical Committee.
In addition, AMCA International solicits Technical Committee membership in the following ways:
1. A press release is sent to industry trade magazines indicating that an AMCA standard is being developed or revised. Anyone who is materially affected by the standard is welcome to join.
2. An announcement is made on the AMCA website indicating that an AMCA standard is being developed or revised. Anyone who is materially affected by the standard is welcome to join.
3. Individuals who have expressed an interest in being contacted when new committees are formed to develop or revise a standard are contacted by AMCA staff.
If you are not interested in joining a Technical Committee, AMCA accepts comments at all times on the Up for Review Comment Forms and as part of a public review process. Public reviews for standards development are announced in ANSI's Standards Action, as well as on the AMCA website.
All requests for additional information should be directed to John Pakan (jpakan@amca.org).