The Metric Conversion Act, as amended by the Omnibus Trade and
Competitiveness Act (15 U.S.C. 205), declares that the metric system is
the preferred measurement system for U.S. trade and commerce. The Act
requires each Federal agency to establish a date or dates in
consultation with the Secretary of Commerce, when the metric system of
measurement will be used in the agency's procurements, grants, and other
business-related activities. Metric implementation may take longer where
the use of the system is initially impractical or likely to cause
significant inefficiencies in the accomplishment of federally-funded
activities. DOL shall follow the provisions of E.O. 12770, ``Metric
Usage in Federal Government Programs.''