ACLASS

ISO/IEC 17025 Accreditation System

Document Number 6

ACLASS

Accreditation System

Document Number 6

February 23, 2004

REVISION HISTORY
Date
March 21, 2000
March 31, 2000
March 31, 2000
August 1, 2000
September 28, 2000
August 21, 2001
July 15, 2001
August 1, 2002

February 12, 2003

February 20, 2003
June 11, 2003

November 28, 2003

January 29, 2004
February 23, 2004

Description/Author
Draft. C. Shillito
C. Miller review. C. Shillito
Initial release. C. Shillito
Review/correction. C. Shillito
Multiple corrections. R. Nappier
Review/update in response to NACLA Pre-EvalReport
Finding/recommendation. R. Nappier
Re-Formatted entire document; changed font, alignment; and
margins. J.Warren
Re-Formatted document; changed spacing, changed spelling,
added
registered trademark symbol to ACLASS throughout document and
changed distribution and approval page. J. Warren.
Revised to distinguish from new HACCP system. B. Hirt
Review/Corrections K. Greenaway
Updated document in response to NACLA input from NACLA
Accreditation Body Recognition Procedure Requirements K.
Greenaway
Updated document to reflect current practices K. Greenaway
Added section 15, added to section 12, added to section 0.0, added to
section 9 K. Greenaway
Final Review K. Greenaway

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Accreditation System

Document Number 6

February 23, 2004

FLOW DIAGRAM
This flow diagram briefly and pictorially
shows the ACLASS 17025 accreditation
process.

The customer requests a quotation from ACLASS.

The customer submits application and scope to

ACLASS for review. ACLASS assigns lead

assessor and team.

Quotation

Application

ACLASS will provide a one day presentation of

the accreditation process, and review and discuss
the requirements.

ACLASS will perform a practice accreditation

assessment. This will allow the customer to
judge how close it is to being compliant. This
assessment has no official effect on the outcome
of accreditation process.

Practice
AssessmentOptional

ACLASS performs a one day review of the

customers documentation to determine
compliance to the requirements. The customer
receives a report including a copy the assessors
detailed review.

Document Review

ACLASS performs an on-site visit to plan the

accreditation assessment and to verify other
documentation (procedures, work instruction,
etc.) needed to demonstrate compliance to the
requirements. The customer receives a report
detailing the status of its accreditation process.

Planning Visit

An ACLASS assessment team will conduct a

thorough and objective on-site assessment to
determine the degree and effectiveness of the
customers implementation of the requirements
and its laboratory management system. The
customer receives a detailed assessment report.
The assessment team makes an accreditation
recommendation.

Corrective action follow-up may be required

depending on the results of the assessment.

Based on the recommendation from the

assessment team, ACLASS makes the

accreditation decision. The customer receives a
certificate and complete documentation package
after the contract is signed.

Introductory
Visit-Optional

Accreditation
Assessment

Corrective
Action Followup Visit-may be
required

Accreditation
Decision

Surveillance visits are performed by ACLASS

normally every twelve months. Each section of
the requirements and the customers laboratory
management system is required to be audited
within a two year period for continuous
reassessment.

Surveillance
and
Reassessment

0.0 PURPOSE
This purpose of this document is to establish policies for and provide a general description
of the ACLASS 17025 accreditation process. This document is available to the general
public and any interested party, and is written specifically to communicate the ACLASS
17025 accreditation process to its customer.
ACLASS maintains its financial stability by charging its customers fees and expenses for its
services according to its approved public rates and as provided to its customers in
quotation.
The term "customer" as used in this document refers to an organization seeking
accreditation from ACLASS. An ACLASS customer shall maintain impartiality and
integrity.
ACLASS strives for quality and reliable accreditation to ISO/IEC 17025 by engaging the
customer as a partner and providing evaluation compliance with ISO/IEC 17025 standards
by assessing people, skill, and knowledge.
ACLASS is committed to providing recognized, competent, efficient, affordable, and
openly available laboratory accreditation and assessment services to various national and
international standards in a timely manner with the highest integrity. ACLASS will give its
customers the best laboratory accreditation and assessment services possible while helping
its customers stay focused on achieving and providing value from their calibration and
testing services. This commitment is established by the ACLASS Quality Manual,
Document Number 1.
1.0 ACCREDITATION PROCESS
1.1 Quotation and Charges: Information on the numbers of days and rates for ACLASS
services are readily available. ACLASS will charge the customer for the accreditation
services on the basis of the time spent and the number of the types of calibration(s) and
test(s) as stated in ACLASS' then current fee schedule. Based on these rates and
information, ACLASS will provide a quotation on fees and travel for the entire
accreditation process, surveillance and reassessment. All quotations are based on the size of
the laboratory and the number of the types of calibration(s) and test(s). The International
Accreditation Forum Guidelines may be used as a reference in determining the number of
assessor days.
If a customer fails to pay any charges, ACLASS may discontinue further consideration of
the application, not offer an accreditation agreement, or terminate an existing accreditation
agreement.
1.2 Application: An application form is provided with each quotation. The information
required to be completed is detailed on the form, including the laboratory address to be

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covered by the accreditation and an attached scope. ACLASS accreditation activities shall
be confined to the attached scope.
Separate applications are required for each accreditation location. Physical locations in close
proximity can be considered one location (this will be determined by ACLASS). The
requirements for accreditation are primarily based on ISO/IEC 17025.
Upon receipt of the completed application form (signed by the customers Authorized
Representative) and fee, ACLASS will review the application to make sure it has all the
information needed, as well as to make sure ACLASS has the proper accreditation
credentials and resources. During the review of the application, ACLASS will assign a lead
assessor. The customer will be informed of the assigned assessor. The customer has the right
to appeal the assigned assessor (see also Document 7 Complaint and Appeals).
The lead assessor will have complete authority and responsibility for the customer's
assessment process. ACLASS will provide accreditation services to any customer who
applies and if ACLASS has or can reasonably obtain the proper credentials and resources.
The customer will be notified of the lead assessor assigned and may choose to reject that
individual for reasonable cause.
After final review of the completed application form, ACLASS will acknowledge to the
customer receipt of the application and ensure that all customer expectations can be met,
particularly the customer's desired scheduling. Customer and ACLASS shall work in
coordination with each other to determine assessment dates. The receipt of the
application is considered public and ACLASS may make a public announcement unless
otherwise requested by the customer.
ACLASS will then wait for the customer's submittal of documentation (i.e., at a
minimum the Quality Manual). Upon completion of the review and report, ACLASS
Headquarters, the lead assessor and/or the Accreditation Manager may schedule one of
the optional services or the planning visit.
1.3 Introductory Visit: If the customer requests an introductory visit, ACLASS
Headquarters, the assigned ACLASS lead assessor, and/or the Accreditation Manager
will make arrangements for the visit.
This optional service may be very useful to the customer. During this visit, the lead
assessor will present the ACLASS accreditation process and requirements to the
customer. The lead assessor will review with the customer the actual scope to which the
customer is seeking accreditation. Further, the lead assessor may answer any specific
questions regarding the process and requirements. The lead assessor is not permitted to
give any advice nor consult in any manner. The lead assessor may tour the facility and
point out any obvious non-conformities.
1.4 Practice Assessment: The Practice Assessment is another optional service offered by
ACLASS. ACLASS will perform an assessment which is essentially the same as an

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accreditation assessment, except it is "unofficial". ACLASS will conduct the assessment

in the same manner as an actual accreditation assessment and will document compliance
and non-conformities on the same forms as in an actual assessment. ACLASS will
provide the customer with the assessment records.
ACLASS will only maintain records for traceability to insure and demonstrate
impartiality of the customer's accreditation process (i.e., a Confidentiality and Conflict of
Interest Statement from each assigned assessor). ACLASS limits itself to two practice
assessments per customer. The practice assessment has no influence on the actual
accreditation assessment.
1.5 Document Review: The customer is required to document its laboratory
management system. This documentation normally starts with a quality manual organized
according to the requirements. Upon receipt of the customer's documentation (i.e., at least
the quality manual), the assigned ACLASS lead or designated assessor will perform an
evaluation to begin the determination of conformance of the customer's laboratory
management system to the requirements. The customer must have a documented
laboratory management system which conforms to the requirements. The assessor may
ask the customer for additional documentation and information. The actual time charged
for this service is normally one day.
ACLASS will deliver to the customer a document review report indicating which
requirements are adequately addressed and a summary of any issues. This report includes
the use of the Accreditation Checklist, Document Number 3 which shows a clause by
clause and paragraph by paragraph review by the ACLASS assessor.
ACLASS' philosophy is to provide details to the customer as to what is expected as
early as possible in the accreditation process to eliminate any surprises that might arise
during the accreditation assessment. Therefore, ACLASS emphasizes the document
review and planning visit and recommend customers utilize the introduction and practice
assessment visits.
1.6 Planning Visit: An assessor will normally perform a one to two day visit to the
customer to review resolution of any issues from the document review, and to verify that
other documentation exists supporting the customer's laboratory management system.
The assessor will also perform sample assessment questioning. This allows the assessor
to judge if the customer is ready for the accreditation assessment. Also, this visit and
review enable the assessor to prepare the plan and schedule for the assessment.
ACLASS will provide the customer with a Planning Visit Report. This report will
contain the customer's scope and scope description as it is to be formally listed by
ACLASS, the status of any document review issues and any new issues that may have
arisen during the planning visit. The Accreditation Checklist, Document Number 3 is
carried forward to document compliance to the requirements.

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At this point of the accreditation process, the customer and ACLASS should be able to
agree upon the customer's readiness to be assessed. The customer shall have completed a
thorough internal audit covering all elements of its laboratory management system as
well as conducted a management review compliant with the requirements. ACLASS
Headquarters, the ACLASS assessor with concurrence of the Accreditation Manager
and/or ACLASS Headquarters will agree with the customer as to the date for the
accreditation assessment.
1.7 Accreditation Assessment: A team of assessors assigned by ACLASS will perform
an in-depth and objective accreditation assessment. The amount of time and actual charge
for this service depends on many factors, including the scope and type(s) of calibration
and test, the number of customer's employees, the number of customer's sites, the
complexity of the calibration(s) and test(s), the number of required corrective actions, and
if a specific technical expert is needed. ACLASS shall determine the number of days
for the accreditation assessment before the actual assessment occurs. ACLASS shall
have itemized the number of days and the charge in the quotation. The number of days
may be adjusted as determined during the planning visit. If a follow-up visit is needed
and/or extensive corrective actions are required, ACLASS may charge the customer an
additional fee.
The ACLASS Accreditation Manager and/or the Executive Vice President/COO will
appoint the lead assessor and the assessment team to conduct the assessment. This team
will normally consist of at least two persons, when necessary. External experts may be
part of an assessment team.
The assessment will be conducted in accordance with the ACLASS procedure,
Accreditation, Reassessment and Surveillance, Document Number 2. The assessment is a
sampling of the customer's laboratory management system, documentation and records.
Each type of calibration(s) and test(s) shall be sampled, including on-site operations. The
assessment is intended to determine if the customer has effectively implemented its
laboratory system and documentation. Assessment team members are not permitted to
give advice at anytime. The assessment team shall document how the customer complies
with each requirement using the Accreditation Checklist carried forward from the
Planning Visit. The assessment team shall record findings on ACLASS' NonConformance Record traceable to the Accreditation Checklist. Team members will
classify each finding as a major non-conformance, a minor non-conformance or an
opportunity and note each one on the respective location in the checklist.
A Major Non-conformance is the absence of, or the failure to implement and maintain
one or more of the Accreditation Checklist requirements, or a situation which would, on
the basis of available objective evidence raise significant doubt as to the calibration(s) or
test(s) conducted by the accreditation customer. The assessment team may judge
numerous minor non-conformities against a single requirement to be a significant
breakdown of the laboratory management system and thus a major non-conformance. A
Minor Non-conformance is any other non-conformance which is an isolated occurrence

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and is normally easily corrected and verified. An Opportunity is neither a major nor
minor non-conformance. It is used to document items that may help a customer improve.
The accreditation assessment will result in the assessment team making a
recommendation to the ACLASS Accreditation Manager (or his designee) and/or the
Executive Vice President/COO. This recommendation is documented on the ACLASS
Accreditation Recommendation Record form. The recommendation will be to accredit
the customer, withhold accreditation until verification of the customer's corrective action
which may include a follow-up visit, or not to accredit the customer. A customer cannot
be recommended for accreditation if any major nonconformity exists. The
recommendation must be supported with documentation.
The customer will receive a detailed Accreditation Assessment Report. This report
contains information about the customer, details about the accreditation and scope,
identification and information about the assessors, a summary of the assessment results,
and copies of each finding. The report will also include copies of the assessors
Accreditation Checklist and notes.
ACLASS will post the accreditation report on its secure web site accessible only to each
respective customer and ACLASS. The customer will have secure access to these reports
through a username and password. ACLASS intends that this reporting and record
keeping method will enhance the consistency of the assessment, reassessment and
surveillance. That is, the documentation report may be useful to both ACLASS and the
customer in answering issues addressed during the accreditation assessment which may
again arise during surveillance and reassessments.
1.8 Corrective Action Follow-up Visit: Based on the recommendation of the assessment
team and results of the assessment, extensive corrective actions and a possible follow-up
visit may be required. The amount of time to perform this service will depend on the
severity of the situation. The charge for this service will be at ACLASS' current rate.
The timing for this part of the assessment process will be coordinated between ACLASS
Headquarters, the lead assessor, and/or the Accreditation Manager.
1.9 Accreditation Decision: The lead assessor will present the recommendation and
assessment reports to the ACLASS Accreditation Manager (or his designee) and/or the
Executive Vice President/COO. The content and format of the assessment report will be
in accordance with ACLASS' procedures. There will be a one time charge for the
processing of the accreditation decision and assessment report.
ACLASS requires the assessment and accreditation decision to be separate. The
Accreditation Manager (or his designee) and/or the Executive Vice President/COO will
review the recommendation of the assessment team. Before acting on a recommendation
to grant accreditation to a customer, the Accreditation Manager (or his designee) and/or
the Executive Vice President/COO will ensure that all accreditation requirements have
been met and are properly documented in accordance with ACLASS procedures. The

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Accreditation Manager and/or ACLASS Headquarters will notify the customer of the
accreditation decision.
If for any reason, the Accreditation Manager is unavailable, he/she may appoint another
qualified individual to make an accreditation decision according to Document 9,
Personnel and Assessor Criteria and Training.
If an accreditation decision is unfavorable or if a customer has withdrawn its application,
ACLASS will consider any new application only after the customer has demonstrated
that adequate corrective actions have been taken on those points on which the earlier
accreditation had been denied, or that the reasons for the withdrawal no longer apply.
ACLASS will prepare and present an accreditation contract to the customer sometime
before accreditation is granted and issuance of the accreditation certificate. See
Attachment A for a copy of the model accreditation contract.
If the accreditation decision is favorable, the accreditation contract is agreed upon and
properly executed, and when all payments have been received, ACLASS will grant
accreditation and will issue a certificate. A description of the accreditation and a
reference to the scope will be shown on the certificate.
ACLASS controls the certificate and the use of the ACLASS accreditation logo with
ACLASS procedures and as provided for in the accreditation contract. The customer
may use the ACLASS accreditation logo on letterhead, web sites, marketing
documentation, calibration certificates, test reports, test certificates, etc. At no time or in
any way may the customer use the logo to indicate ACLASS approval of the results of
its calibration(s) or test(s).
The customer shall ensure that the accreditation logo is only used within the scope of the
accreditation (e.g., the ACLASS logo may not be used on certificates, reports, websites,
etc. which contain calibration(s) and test results(s) which are not on the customers
approved ACLASS scope). ACLASS may withdraw a customer's accreditation
certificate and the use of the accreditation logo at any time for a customer's misuse of the
logo, or laboratory management system failures.
ACLASS will publish a listing of all the customers it accredits. This list will include the
customers scopes. This list will be publicly available, and ACLASS may submit the list
to external bodies who maintain such information.
1.10 Surveillance and Reassessment: ACLASS will conduct surveillance assessments
at least yearly. All requirements and scope of the customer's laboratory management
system are reviewed at least every two years during the surveillance and reassessment.
The time and charge for this service will be detailed on the quotation presented to the
customer at the beginning of the accreditation process. The time and charge for this
service may vary if ACLASS determines that the customer's legal status, accreditation
requirements, and/or accreditation scope have changed.

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ACLASS requires its accredited customers to keep records of complaints against its
calibration(s) and test(s), and against its laboratory management system. Records shall
clearly show the resolution of those complaints. Complaints, internal audits and
management reviews are elements of the customer's laboratory management system
which ACLASS will review during each surveillance and reassessment visit.
ACLASS intends for the surveillance and reassessment to be a value added service.
Additionally and with customer concurrence, the ACLASS assessor may point out
and/or record continuous improvement opportunities. At no time may the assessor make
recommendations or give advice as how to address these opportunities. The customer's
choice of action or non-action with regard to these opportunities shall have no bearing on
continuing accreditation.
If the results of the surveillance and reassessment yield excessive non-conformities or if
major modifications occur, ACLASS may charge the customer for additional assessment
time. In addition ACLASS may withdraw or suspend the customer's accreditation in
accordance with ACLASS procedures and the Accreditation Contract. ACLASS will
charge any additional fees at ACLASS' current rates.
ACLASS will provide a surveillance report to the customer at the time of each
surveillance visit. The report will include details of those areas assessed, and any nonconformance.
2.0 PROFICIENCY TESTING
Customers are required to participate in proficiency testing or other interlaboratory
comparisons. The customer shall select and judge with ACLASS concurrence that the
organization conducting the proficiency testing or interlaboratory comparison is
competent in accordance with ISO/IEC Guide 43. See ACLASS Document 11,
Interlaboratory Comparisons/Proficiency Testing, for further guidance.
2.1 TRACEABILITY AND MEASUREMENT UNCERTAINTY
Customers are required to demonstrate traceability and measurement uncertainty. See
Document 10, Traceability and Measurement Uncertainty, for further guidance.
3.0 APPEALS
If an accreditation customer seeking or maintaining accreditation has received an
unfavorable report, action or decision, the customer may appeal the report, action or
decision in accordance with the ACLASS procedure. A copy of the ACLASS
Complaints and Appeals procedure is available to the customer. Customers may
commence the appeal by contacting the Accreditation Manager and/or ACLASS
Headquarters.

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Complaints and Appeals may also be initiated from other then accreditation customers.
4.0 ACCREDITATION SCOPE AND ASSESSORS
ACLASS shall be formally recognized or shall be competent to assess the accreditation
scope for each customer that applies to ACLASS for accreditation. ACLASS shall
ensure that its Governing Board and an assessor or experts possess the appropriate
expertise. The Governing Board is approved by the Board of Directors, and ACLASS
approves every assessor and expert according to its procedures.
The Accreditation Manager and/or the Executive Vice President or a manager acting on
behalf of the above mentioned will assign all assessors and experts, including the lead
assessor, for a customer's accreditation process. The lead assessor will have complete
authority and responsibility for the customer's assessment process.
ACLASS will inform the customer in advance of performance of any service as to the
names of all assessors and experts assigned to its accreditation process. The customer
may decline to the Accreditation Manager and/or ACLASS Headquarters to have any
particular assessor and/or expert work on their accreditation process. This is especially
true and expected if the customer knows of any existing or potential conflicts of interest.
5.0 MODIFICATION OR TERMINATION OF THE ACCREDITATION, SCOPE OR
CHANGE TO THE LABORATORY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
If the customer wishes to modify, terminate or change the scope of its accreditation or
laboratory management system (i.e., legal, commercial or organizational status; key
management; quality manual and documentation; premises; significant personnel,
equipment, facilities, working environment, other resources; authorized signatories; or
other criteria of competence), it must notify ACLASS. Any changes, as described above,
must be submitted in writing to ACLASS.
ACLASS will make the appropriate decision as to the actions to take in accordance with
its procedures.
ACLASS may require the customer to forthwith return the certificate of accreditation
and cease using the ACLASS logo. If the scope of accreditation is changed, ACLASS
may issue a new certificate reflecting the change of scope after properly verifying and
assessing that all accreditation requirements are met. If additional time is needed
ACLASS will make appropriate charges.
6.0 COMPLAINTS
Each ACLASS customer is required to maintain a record of all complaints directly
received and remedial action taken about its laboratory system, calibration(s) and test(s).
These records shall be available to ACLASS.

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If a well-reasoned complaint is submitted to ACLASS in writing, alleging nonconformance of an accredited customer with the accreditation requirements and scope,
the ACLASS Executive Vice President/COO will investigate. ACLASS shall inform
the complainant of the results of the investigation.
All complaints received by ACLASS will be handled in accordance with Complaints
and Appeals, Document Number 7.
7.0 CUSTOMER CORRECTIVE ACTIONS
During the accreditation process, surveillance and reassessment, ACLASS assessors will
identify issues and non-conformities. The customer and ACLASS will agree upon the
deadline (normally 30 days) for corrective actions. ACLASS reserves the right to verify
whether the customer has taken and effectively implemented adequate corrective action.
ACLASS requires the customer to take prompt actions on any issues or problems
identified by the customer during internal audits or reviews.
8.0 PUBLICATIONS, PUBLIC NOTICE AND INFORMATION
ACLASS maintains a current listing of its accredited customers and their scopes. This
information is publicly available, and may be published or submitted to parties who
maintain and publish lists of accredited organizations. ACLASS may make public
announcements of the application for, granting of, and renewal or withdrawal of
accreditation.
This document (Accreditation System, Document Number 6) is the publication of the
ACLASS 17025 Accreditation System.
The ACLASS web site will contain all the current versions of documents, forms and
templates.
9.0 CHANGES TO THE 17025 ACCREDITATION REQUIREMENTS AND
PROCEDURES
Changes to the requirements and procedures for accreditation may be made only by
coordination and agreement of ACLASS and its Governing Board (only if changes
affect the accreditation process). ACLASS shall communicate the date on which the
changes are to go into effect and become mandatory to all customers. ACLASS will give
each customer a reasonable amount of time to document and implement the change.
ACLASS will present changes of the accreditation requirements to all customers in a
timely manner via the quarterly newsletter, ACLASS web site, and/or additional written
communication through mail, email, facsimile, or other means, as necessary to ensure
each ACLASS customer has a reasonable amount of time do document and implement
any necessary change. The customers response to these changes will normally be

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reviewed at their next surveillance, unless the changes to the accreditation requirements
warrant earlier verification, as determined by ACLASS.
10.0 CONFIDENTIALITY AND DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION
The information included in the application for accreditation and subsequent
accreditation listing is considered public information.
All other reports and information which ACLASS acquires during the ACLASS
accreditation process will be treated as confidential by all ACLASS employees,
assessors, experts and associates. ACLASS 17025 assessment team members are
required to maintain confidentiality regarding information obtained about the customer
and its operations. Each ACLASS assessor and expert will sign a confidentiality
statement for each customer for whom accreditation services are provided by the
ACLASS assessor and expert.
11.0 CONFLICT OF INTEREST
ACLASS 17025 assessment team members will have no current, previous or future
consulting ties with the customer being assessed. This limitation is for 24 months before
and 12 months after any accreditation activity. No ACLASS assessor shall have
provided any laboratory system consulting service to a customer that assessor is
appointed to assess for 24 months before the date of the assessment activity.
Additionally, no ACLASS assessor shall provide any accreditation service other than
from ACLASS or any consulting to an ACLASS customer for 12 months after the date
of the last appointed accreditation service.
12.0 CUSTOMER WITH EXISTING ACCREDITATION
A potential customer that is accredited by a legitimate and recognized accreditation body
may apply to ACLASS for transfer of accreditation, surveillance and reassessment. The
Accreditation Manager and/or the Executive Vice President/COO have the final authority
for the determination of all transfers.
Any laboratory requesting to transfer accreditation bodies (still in good standing) is
required to submit to ACLASS and/or Affiliate, for review, their accreditation reports
issued by their current accreditation body. In the absence of such reports, a full
assessment is necessary. A full assessment entails a complete evaluation of the laboratory
against the requirements of the ISO/IEC 17025 standard.
Any laboratory (still in good standing) requesting an extension of scope to an already
approved scope of accreditation by an ACLASS recognized accreditation body shall be
subject to on-site verification, whereas, additional assessment days may be necessary.
The customer must submit an application with fee, and copies of its quality manual,
assessment report, surveillance reports and accreditation certificate and scope to

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ACLASS. ACLASS will review these documents to ensure that all ACLASS
requirements are met. After this review, ACLASS will follow the normal process for the
accreditation decision. ACLASS will charge the initial review at one day. ACLASS
will bill any needed visits, surveillance and reassessments at the then established rates.
13.0 CUSTOMERS WITH MULTIPLE LOCATIONS
Each location where calibrations and tests occur shall be treated as a separate
accreditation. This would not include a location with different sites in close proximity.
13.1 FIELD (ON-SITE) CALIBRATION AND TESTS
Field (on-site) calibrations and tests which are controlled from a given location, may be
included as part of that locations accreditation. The calibration and/or test performed in
the field may be sampled by the assessment team. For guidance, see ACLASS Field (OnSite) Calibration and Testing.
14.0 WITHDRAWAL, WITHHOLDING OR TRANSFER OF ACCREDITATION
Upon the recommendation of the assessor and agreement of the Accreditation Manager
and/or Executive Vice President/COO, ACLASS may withdraw a certificate and use of
its logo if one or more major non-conformities are discovered during a surveillance and
reassessment visit. In particular, if any major non-conformity causes the assessor to have
any material doubt about the performance of a calibration or test by the customer,
ACLASS upon the recommendation of the assessor may hold the customer's
accreditation and certificate in abeyance until final determination is made by the
Accreditation Manager and/or Executive Vice President/COO.
If the ACLASS logo is misused in any manner (e.g., refers to non-accredited
calibration(s) or test(s)), or for nonpayment of services ACLASS may hold or withdraw
the customer's accreditation and certificate in accordance with the accreditation contract.
ACLASS may require the customer to forthwith return the certificate of accreditation
and cease using the ACLASS logo.
The transfer of accreditation may occur when legal status changes in accordance with the
accreditation agreement.
15.0 SUBCONTRACTING ASSESSMENT
ACLASS has expended significant effort and cost in preparing to perform ISO/IEC
17025 accreditation activities, including training, introductory visits, practice
assessments, document reviews, planning visits, accreditation assessments, corrective
action reviews, and annual scope maintenance.
ACLASS may appoint an Affiliate as an Affiliate for Accreditation Activities. Affiliate
possesses the credentials and experience to cause its employees and third parties to

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perform Accreditation Activities on behalf of Affiliate. Affiliate shall identify current and
future clients to be accredited by ACLASS and shall perform certain Accreditation
Activities for such clients.
The Affiliate shall submit to ACLASS the following in order for ACLASS to make the
final accreditation decision:

The Affiliate shall submit copies of documentation during each stage of the
accreditation process.

The Affiliate shall request a quote from ACLASS to begin the process.

The Affiliate shall submit the application to ACLASS immediately upon receipt
by Affiliate prior to beginning the accreditation process.

Upon receipt of the application, ACLASS will review the qualifications of the
Affiliate in order to determine technical competency.

The Affiliate shall submit the document review report to ACLASS immediately,
once completed by the Affiliate, prior to the accreditation assessment.

The Affiliate shall submit to ACLASS all supporting technical materials. These
documents include, but are not limited to the: quality manual, summary sheet of
proficiency testing reports, additional documentation, as needed. This is necessary
in order for ACLASS to perform a thorough review of the accreditation
assessment.

The Affiliate shall submit a final report, along with any additional objective
evidence, as necessary, for review by ACLASS. ACLASS shall review each stage
of the accreditation process to ensure Affiliate compliance to ACLASS
procedures and to issue the accreditation decision.

The accreditation decision is still made exclusively by ACLASS.

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ACLASS

Accreditation System

Document Number 6

DISTRIBUTION AND APPROVAL

Distribute to:
Main File
CEO/President
Executive Vice President/COO
Accreditation Manager
Board of Governors
Assessors

Approvals:

\s\
Skip Greenaway
CEO/President

\s\
Keith Greenaway
Executive Vice President/COO

16

February 23, 2004

ACLASS

Accreditation System

Document Number 6

February 23, 2004

ASSURED CALIBRATION AND LABORATORY ACCREDITATION SELECT SERVICES

17025 ACCREDITATION CONTRACT AGREEMENT
This Agreement made this __ day of________________ by and between ASSURED
CALIBRATION AND LABORATORY ACCREDITATION SELECT SERVICES, an Ohio
Corporation with an address of 2009 N. 14th Street, Suite 502, Arlington, VA 22201,
("ACLASS") and ______________ with an address of _____________________________
("Client") under the following circumstances:
1.

Accreditation Activities. Client hereby requests ACLASS to perform the 17025

accreditation activities pursuant to the application submitted to ACLASS by Client
(Accreditation Activities). ACLASS shall perform the Accreditation Activities in
accordance with ACLASS' then current Accreditation System. ACLASS shall make
available to Client at Clients request, the documents comprising ACLASS 17025
Accreditation System.

2.

Accreditation Decision. ACLASS shall determine in its sole discretion whether Client
meets ACLASS' requirements for accreditation to the applicable requirement(s) as set
forth in ACLASS' 17025 Accreditation System (Accreditation Criteria). In the event
ACLASS determines that Client meets the Accreditation Criteria, ACLASS shall
deliver to Client ACLASS' Certificate of Accreditation (the "Certificate") which shall
include a copy of ACLASS' logo (the "ACLASS Logo"). The Certificate shall be
deemed to be the evidence of Client's status as being accredited pursuant to ACLASS'
Accreditation Criteria.

3.

Surveillance and Reassessment. ACLASS shall have the right to carry out surveillance
and reassessment pursuant to ACLASS 17025 Accreditation System to verify Clients
continuous compliance to the Accreditation Criteria and this Agreement.

4.

Client's Obligations. Client shall:

a.

Maintain impartiality and integrity for all services provided under their scope of
accreditation;

b.

Take such actions as necessary to allow ACLASS to perform the Accreditation

Activities, including provide for the examination of documentation and the
assessment of all areas, records and personnel for the purposes of assessment,
surveillance, reassessment and resolution of complaints;

c.

Record and address complaints, report complaints to ACLASS and otherwise

continuously comply with all relevant provisions of the Accreditation Criteria and
claim accreditation only in respect of requirements and scope for which Client
has been granted accreditation (ACLASS accreditation and scope does not cover
subcontracted calibrations);

d.

Notify ACLASS within 30 days of changes to Client's laboratory management

system or changes significantly affecting Client (such as a change of ownership,
change in key personnel or change in equipment or if analysis of a complaint or
other information indicates that Client no longer complies with the Accreditation
Criteria) (Change).

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ACLASS

Accreditation System

Document Number 6

February 23, 2004

e.

Allow ACLASS to conduct reassessment of Client in the event of a Change;

f.

Not expose auditors or others representing ACLASS to unsafe working

conditions or environments, and to provide all auditors and others appropriate
protective equipment;

g.

Allow third parties selected by ACLASS to witness ACLASS audits.

h.

Pay ACLASS for the Accreditation Activities as set in ACLASS procedures.

5.

Certificate and ACLASS Logo. The ACLASS Logo is a registered trademark solely
owned by ACLASS. So long as Client maintains its status as being accredited by
ACLASS pursuant to this Agreement, Client shall have the non-exclusive and nontransferable right to use the Certificate and the ACLASS Logo (except as provided for
in Section 6 hereof) in Client's advertising, and marketing materials and campaigns,
certificates and reports. In no event shall Client use the Certificate and the ACLASS
Logo (or a confusingly similar certificate or logo) in a misleading or unauthorized manner,
including, but not limited to, representing that the Certificate and the ACLASS Logo
exemplifies a product, service or performance conformity certification; using the
Certificate or the ACLASS Logo in connection with requirements or activities not
approved by ACLASS; or otherwise acting to bring ACLASS or the ACLASS Logo in
disrepute.

6.

Suspension and Other Actions. If ACLASS expresses any concern with respect to the use
of the Certificate or the ACLASS Logo as being inconsistent with or impermissible under
this Agreement or ACLASS 17025 Accreditation System, ("Improper Use"), ACLASS
may request Client to cease and desist the Improper Use, and it shall be deemed to be a
condition to Client's continued accreditation that such Improper Use is immediately
discontinued. In addition, in the event of such Improper Use or in the event ACLASS
determines that Client is not complying with any obligation of Client under this
Agreement or the Accreditation System, ACLASS shall have the right upon written
notice to the Client to (a) suspend its Accreditation Activities until Client complies with its
obligation, (b) determine that Client is no longer entitled to identify itself as accredited by
ACLASS and to require Client (temporarily or permanently) to cease using in any
manner the Certificate (and to return such Certificate), the ACLASS Logo and
Accreditation Mark, (c) refuse to issue a Certificate to Client, (d) require a corrective
action, (e) publish Clients transgression or (f) take other legal action. In the event
ACLASS takes any of the foregoing actions, ACLASS shall not be required to
reimburse any amounts to Client.

7.

Term and Termination. The initial term of this Agreement shall commence on the date of
this Agreement and shall continue for a two year period. ACLASS may terminate this
Agreement without cause upon 90 days prior written notice to Client, and in such event
ACLASS shall cooperate with Client to assist Client in obtaining Accreditation services
from a third party. ACLASS may terminate this Agreement upon ten days prior written
notice for (a) Client's failure to pay under this Agreement, (b) Client's use of the
Certificate or the ACLASS Logo in a manner which is in violation of its obligations
under this Agreement or is not expressly authorized under this Agreement, or (c) any other
breach of this Agreement by Client. Client may not terminate this Agreement without
cause during the Term of this Agreement. Client may terminate this. Agreement for
breach of this Agreement by ACLASS upon ten days prior written notice. Unless Client

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ACLASS

Accreditation System

Document Number 6

February 23, 2004

or ACLASS provides the other written notice of the non-renewal of this Agreement at
least 90 days prior to the end of the then current term of this Agreement, this Agreement
shall automatically renew for an additional two year term.
8.

Warranty and Related Matters. ACLASS and its auditors shall perform the Accreditation
Activities in a workmanlike manner consistent with ACLASS then current Accreditation
System. ACLASS may subcontract its obligations under this Agreement, but ACLASS
shall retain responsibility for the performance of its obligations. THE WARRANTY SET
FORTH IN THIS SECTION IS THE SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE WARRANTY OF
ACLASS UNDER THIS AGREEMENT AND THE SERVICES CONTEMPLATED TO
BE PROVIDED HEREIN, AND NO OTHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES
EXIST, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY WARRANTY OF
MERCHANTABILITY AND ANY WARRANTY OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR
PURPOSE. CLIENT ACKNOWLEDGES THAT ACLASS DOES NOT WARRANT
AND HAS NO LIABILITY OR RESPONSIBILITY FOR (AND SUCH LIABILITY
AND RESPONSIBILITY BELONGS SOLELY TO CLIENT) THE Laboratory and
SAFETY OF ANY PRODUCT OR SERVICE PRODUCED, MANUFACTURED,
DELIVERED SOLD OR OTHERWISE DISTRIBUTED BY CLIENT. Client's sole
remedy for any failure by ACLASS to perform as provided in this Agreement shall be the
payment by ACLASS to Client of an amount representing the damages caused by
ACLASS, but not to exceed the entire payment made by Client to ACLASS for services
(exclusive of reimbursement of expenses) during the twelve month period prior to the
breach by ACLASS of its obligations under this Agreement. In no event shall
ACLASS, its shareholders, directors, officers, employees, agents, representatives,
subcontractors, independent contractors, affiliates or subsidiaries, predecessors, successors
or assigns (Related Parties), be liable for any indirect, incidental or consequential
damages (including, but not limited to lost opportunities or profits) foreseen or unforeseen,
incurred by Client or any third party in connection with this Agreement or Clients
activities. This limitation on damages shall be in effect regardless of the form of action
filed to obtain such damages, whether in contract, for negligence or other tort, or for strict
liability or otherwise. Client hereby indemnifies ACLASS and Related Parties and holds
ACLASS and Related Parties harmless from and against any losses, damages, causes of
action, claims, demands, suits, liabilities and expenses (including attorneys fees) that arise
out of or in connection with this Agreement or Clients activities.

9.

Miscellaneous Matters. ACLASS and Client are independent parties and nothing set forth
in this Agreement creates a joint venture, partnership or other concerted activity. This
Agreement together with any applications submitted by Client represent the entire
agreement between ACLASS and Client and replaces any currently existing agreement
between ACLASS and Client. This Agreement may only be modified by a writing
executed by ACLASS and by Client.
This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of ACLASS and Client and
their respective successors and assigns and may be assigned by each of them upon ten days
written notice to the other; provided if, in ACLASS' sole discretion, an assignment by Client
effects a Change under this Agreement or the Accreditation System, Client shall cooperate
and take the actions necessary to allow the assignment to occur based on a re-audit or such
other activity as ACLASS reasonably deems necessary. This Agreement shall be governed
by, and construed and enforced in accordance with, the laws of the State of Ohio. Any
dispute under this Agreement shall be resolved pursuant to the appeals procedure adopted by
ACLASS from time to time. In the event Client makes any claim that a dispute is not

19

ACLASS

Accreditation System

Document Number 6

February 23, 2004

subject to the appeals process or has not been adjudicated pursuant to the rules provided
therein, Client shall not have the right to bring any action with respect thereto before a court
of law or equity, but shall only have the right to seek a determination from one arbitrator
pursuant to the rules of the American Arbitration Association as to whether such dispute was
subject to the appeals process or was adjudicated pursuant to the rules provided therein. Such
arbitration shall be conducted in Dayton, Ohio, and each party shall bear its own expense for
such arbitration.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Client and ACLASS hereby execute this Agreement as of the date
first set forth above.
ACLASS
Signature:

CLIENT Name:
Signature:

By:
Its:

By:
Its:

20