Draft Technical Standards
Available for Public Review & Comment
What are the Initial and Broad Reviews?
In order to ensure that the SOC process is as inclusive and accountable as possible, the technical standards that are undergoing either new or major revisions must be open for public review before they are published. These drafts first undergo an initial review by people who are primarily chosen by the work team members. The initial review is intended to provide the work team with some constructive feedback before the drafts are open to the broad review.
During the time allotted, technical standards are open for broad review by anyone who wishes to review and comment based upon a few simple guidelines (see below or the Handbook). The SOC distribution list currently includes approximately 600 people who are on either electronic or post mailing lists. If you wish to become a reviewer of technical standards, or simply wish to receive standards and other related documents, please contact the SOC Coordinator.
Standard(s) Currently Under Broad Review
None at this time.
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Commenting:
Submit comments to the SOC Coordinator. We ask that you keep comments specific and directly related to the standard. Indicate the section you are referring to when commenting, for example "V.B.4.a(1): Does this mean that…" Respond in the same order as the sections appear in the draft. If you have general comments applicable to the entire standard please note them as such. Submit comments to the individual identified above or in the summary (if provided for the draft standard).
Specific Responsibilities of a Technical Standard Reviewer Include:
- Evaluating the application of the draft standard to local conditions and anticipating its effects.
- Coordinating or compiling comments to the draft among members of your office or representative group in an attempt to submit a consensus comment.
- Reviewing and responding to the draft with constructive comments within the announced time limit. This includes an explanation for negative comments and suggestions for improvement.
- Checking for consistency among overlapping or similar technical standards and pointing out discrepancies.
- Acknowledging the process outlined in the Technical Standards Process Handbook.
All reviewers who submit substantive comments will receive a response explaining whether or not the comment was incorporated into the draft. Reviewers may submit a written appeal to the SOC for clarification or mediation of any concern that they feel are inadequately addressed. The Custodian of the standard retains approval authority for the content of the standard.
We thank you in advance for your participation.
Drafts available for review require Adobe Acrobat Reader 4.0 or higher to view. If you do not have Adobe Acrobat Reader, it is available for free at www.adobe.com.
