| Definition |
The Office of Management and Budget within the US Executive Office of the President defines voluntary consensus standards bodies as domestic or international organizations that plan, develop, establish, or coordinate voluntary standards using agreed-upon procedures. These bodies may include nonprofit organizations, industry associations, accredited standards developers, professional and technical societies, institutes, committees, task forces, or working groups. Participation of government representatives in these bodies is encouraged to increase the likelihood that the standards they develop will meet both public and private sector needs. A voluntary consensus standards body observes principles such as openness, balance of interest, and due process. Voluntary consensus standards bodies operate by consensus (general agreement), but not necessarily unanimity, characterized by the absence of sustained opposition to substantial issues by any important part of the concerned interests. Consensus requires that all views and objections be considered and that an effort be made toward their resolution. |