(a) OMB Circular A-119 establishes a Federal policy requiring the use of voluntary consensus standards in lieu of government-unique standards except where inconsistent with law or otherwise impractical.

(b) An HCA is authorized to submit the determination required by OMB Circular A-119 that a voluntary standard is inconsistent with law or otherwise impracticable. The HCA must submit the determination to OMB through the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in accordance with the Circular with a copy provided to the SPE.

Recommendations for changes to standardization documents are to be submitted through the SPE, who will coordinate the submission of these recommendations to the cognizant preparing activity.

USDA has authority to issue rated orders under section 202(c) of Executive Order 13603, and the Defense Production Act of 1950, as Amended (DPA), 50 U.S.C. 4501 et seq.