"Standards are documents describing how materials and products should be manufactured, defined, measured, or tested. Standards are used to establish quality requirements and fitness for purpose and to ensure compatibility of products from different sources. Standards may be issued by voluntary trade associations (industry standards), by government agencies, or by international organizations. Specifications establish requirements for materials, products, or services, and are usually issued by the organization for which they are to be provided. Standards and specifications are essential documents for engineering design, and can also have legal and contractual status." (NASA)
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