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General Laboratory Competency for the Agency
On February 23, 2004, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA or the Agency) Science Policy Council (SPC) approved a new Policy Directive developed by the Forum on Environmental Measurement (FEM), Assuring the Competency of Environmental Protection Agency Laboratories (PDF) (4pp, 146KB, about PDF). All EPA operated laboratories, including Agency owned, contractor operated facilities must to address the specific items listed in the Laboratory Quality System Components section of the Policy Directive as well as maintain a documented quality system that meets the existing specifications of the EPA Quality System as defined in EPA Order CIO 2105.0 (i.e., formally known as EPA Order 5360.1), Policy and Program Requirements for the Mandatory Agency-wide Quality System (PDF) (12pp, 79KB, about PDF). All laboratories will demonstrate adherence to their quality system through periodic independent assessments and by participation in inter-laboratory comparisons. In addition, where appropriate accreditation programs are available for one or more components of a given laboratory's operations, the laboratory will seek accreditation for those components.
The FEM's Laboratory Competency Action Team has completed their work to provide assistance with policy implementation. Information regarding the contractual mechanism in place for Assessment Support Services can be obtained by using the Contact Us link to make us aware of your assistance request.