Press Releases

Arlington, VA (May 19, 2014) – The Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA), the leading association representing the manufacturers and suppliers of high-tech communications networks, has filed comments with the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) regarding proposed changes to OMB Circular A-119, Federal Participation in the Development and Use of Voluntary Consensus Standards and in Conformity Assessment Activities. 

Representing information and communications technology (ICT) manufacturers, vendors, and supplier companies as well as TIA’s American National Standards Institute (ANSI)-accredited standard development process used to develop voluntary industry standards for a wide variety of telecommunications products, TIA commended OMB for undertaking this effort in light of changes that have taken place in the world of regulation, standards, and conformity assessment since the Circular was last revised in 1998.

In its filing, TIA noted that it has long supported government efforts towards ensuring that public authorities can more easily acquire ICT services, applications and products that meet their specific requirements.  TIA also encouraged the participation of Federal agencies in technical standards-setting processes, and noted its appreciation of the value of the public-private partnership that exists in the U.S. with regards to standards.

Importantly, TIA also noted its belief that the U.S. Government serves an important role in terms of advocating the “multiple path” approach to developing international standards, raising concerns when there may be trade-related or other standards issues that arise among different nations, and as a stakeholder in the standards development process in technology areas where it has a specific interest.

TIA’s full OMB filing is available here.