March 2020

Volume 10, Issue 1

WEIGHTS & MEASURES 

CONNECTION

On The Cover

A Tale of Two Feet..............................1

Inside this issue

Memo on the Revision of NIST 

HB 105-1: What Now? ........................2

Test Procedure for Checking the .

Area Measurement of Chamois 

Revised ................................................6

Accepting Applications for the 

2020 USMA/Blake Family Metric 

Awards.................................................7

National Measurement Outreach 

Opportunities.......................................8

OIML: Revision of “D 31, General 

Requirements for Software-Controlled 

Measuring Instruments”.....................10

New to NIST-OWM ..........................11

Calendar of Events– Training and 

Meeting Events .................................12

Office of Weights & 

Measures

General Inquiries:

Barbara D. Cohn

barbara.cohn@nist.gov

(301) 975-4004

Training/Database:

Yvonne A. Branden

yvonne.branden@nist.gov

(301) 975-3272

Publication/Newsletter:

Breyanna M. Blackwell

breyanna.blackwell@nist.gov

(301) 975-3998

A Tale of Two Feet

Byline: Elizabeth Benham

NOAA, NIST prepare to drop U.S. survey foot and adopt the international survey 

foot in a move towards more precise positioning.

Since 1959, land surveyors and other geospatial professionals have had two 

standards to measure the length of a foot — the U.S. survey foot and the 

international foot. Both have been supported by NOAA’s National Geodetic 

Survey (NGS) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology. And 

they’re not exactly equal.

The difference between the two measurements is very small and barely noticeable 

in everyday use and is a function of their relationship to the standard meter. A U.S. 

survey foot is expressed as a fraction — 1200/3937 meters — while an 

international foot is expressed as a decimal, exactly 0.3048 meters. That’s a 

difference of only one one-hundredth of a foot per mile. But when you begin to 

measure or use coordinates that span hundreds or thousands of miles, that minor 

difference can reach a few to several feet. In such cases, accidentally confusing the 

two types of feet can severely impact the precise coordinates and measurements 

used in engineering, surveying, mapping, agriculture, and other industries that 

depend on accurate positions.

That’s why NIST and NOAA are retiring the U.S. survey foot, and standardizing 

on the international foot. And the modernization of the National Spatial Reference 

System, a precise coordinate system that defines latitude, longitude, height, scale, 

gravity and orientation throughout the U.S. in 2022, is the perfect time to move the 

U.S. toward a single, uniform definition of the foot.

“Our vision at NOAA's National Geodetic Survey is that everyone accurately 

knows where they are and where other things are at all times and in all places,” 

said Brett Howe, geodetic services division chief at NGS. “To that end, working 

with NIST on removing this confusion is a step in the right direction for precise 

positioning applications.”

NGS and NIST have issued the first of two public notices. Seventy two public 

comments were received from October 17, 2019 to December 2, 2019 

(www.federalregister.gov/documents/2019/10/17/2019-22414/deprecation-ofthe-united-states-us-survey-foot). This stakeholder feedback will be used to help 

ensure a smooth transition to the new standard. A second Federal Register Notice 

will be published by the end of June 2020. After this step is taken, American 

surveyors will be starting out on the right foot or, more precisely, the same 

foot. For more information visit: www.nist.gov/pml/us-surveyfoot. 
2

NIST Handbook 105-1 REVISED! What Now?

Byline: Val Miller

After seeking input from interested parties for over five years, the NIST Office of Weights and 

Measures (OWM) revised and published NIST Handbook 105-1 (2019) (HB 105-1) Specifications 

and Tolerances for Field Standard Weights in May 2019. Field standard weights are used primarily 

to test commercial weighing devices for compliance with commercial requirements. Use of these 

field standards at all appropriate levels of manufacture, distribution, and Weights and Measures 

inspection will help promote accuracy and uniformity in commerce. NIST OWM has received a 

number of questions regarding the 2019 edition of HB 105-1. In particular, questions have arisen 

regarding the continued use of Class F weights.

Background. The 2019 revision of NIST HB 105-1 was brought about by significant changes taking 

place in the Weights and Measures Field environment. Improvements in technology and changes in 

the regulated marketplace have resulted in the rapidly increasing number of NIST Handbook (HB) 44 

Class I and Class II weighing devices in 

the commercial marketplace. Typical 

applications for Class I and Class II are 

precision and other laboratory weighing; 

precious metals and gems weighing; and 

grain test scales.

In 2014, Examination Procedure Outline 

Number 5 (EPO 5), Jeweler and 

Prescription Scales, Part 1, was updated to 

address the fact that weights designated 

under the classification of “NIST Class F” 

are not adequate to field test Class I and 

Class II scales. In that EPO, Table 1 

provides basic guidance to field staff in 

selecting mass standards for the test of a 

commercial scale. While some weights and 

measures jurisdictions followed such 

guidance prior to the addition of this table, 

many weights and measures jurisdictions 

simply used “Class F” weights to test all commercial weighing devices, including Class I and Class II 

devices. As the use of these higher accuracy class (Class I and Class II) scales became more common 

in commercial applications, this prompted the need for field standard weights with a wider variety of 

classifications. This also required that Weights and Measures field staff be trained in the use of 

higher weight classifications that cannot be handled with bare fingers. The increased use of higher 

accuracy weighing devices also requires that more attention be given to the process of calculating 

and comparing commercial scale tolerances and, field standard weight errors and tolerances to ensure 

compliance with NIST HB 44 Fundamental Considerations.

Status of Class F Weights. There were many significant changes in the NIST HB 105-1 

documentary standard, but the most challenging change for users of HB 105-1 seems to be the 

requirement that no new NIST Class F weights be placed into service for use in testing commercial 

weighing equipment after January 1, 2020. 

———————————————

1 In accordance with NIST Handbook 44, Fundamental Considerations Section 3 paragraph 3.2., the combined error and 

uncertainty of any standard used for testing must be less than one-third the applicable device tolerance. The use of the mass 

standards indicated in the above table for each of the scale accuracy classes listed will ensure conformance with this 

fundamental consideration. 

2

Excerpt from EPO 5 (2014) Table 1

Mass Standards Required

Class I Scales: 

OIML E-2, ASTM 1, or standards of greater 

accuracy.

Class II Scales: 

OIML F-1, ASTM 3, or standards of greater 

accuracy.

Class III Scales: 

NIST Class F, or standards of greater accuracy.

Unmarked Scales: 

Use standards of the proper level of accuracy that 

comply with NIST Handbook 44 Fundamental 

Consideration as detailed in footnote 1.

Weights & Measures Connection

(Continued on page 3)
3

Weights & Measures Connection

(NIST HANDBOOK 105-1 REVISED. . . Continued from page 2)

Existing NIST Class F field standard weights may continue to be used, provided they demonstrate 

mass stability and are properly maintained. However, their suitability will still be limited to use as 

field standard weights for verification of NIST Handbook 44 weighing systems designated as 

Accuracy Classes III, IIIL and IIII.

Legal Requirements for Field Standard Weights. Retiring HB 105-1 was initially discussed. 

However, to minimize the impact to the many states and weights and measures jurisdictions who have 

the specific handbook cited in their legal documents, the revised NIST HB 105-1 has been maintained 

as a NIST Handbook. Field standard weights, regardless of accuracy classification, must still comply 

with the requirement of NIST HB 105-1. However, that document now directs the user to one of the 

following standards for the specifications and tolerances of new weights to be used for weighing 

device field tests.

 ASTM E617, Standard Specification for Laboratory Weights and Precision Mass Standards

 OIML R111-1, International Recommendation, Weights of Classes E1, E2, F1, F2, M1, M1-2, M2, 

M2-3 and M3, Part 1

Comparing Tolerances Among Standards. As a quick reference, Table 1 of the 2019 edition of 

NIST HB 105-1 lists the most common weight tolerance classifications that will be used for the 

various classes of weighing devices. For the purposes of this article and clarity, the table title has 

been editorially modified and the dates noted in the table; references are to the versions of these 

documents that are current as of the date of this publication.

 Table 1: Appropriate Test Weight Designations for Tests of Commercial Weighing Devices to 

Maintenance Tolerances

Class of Weighing 

Device to be 

Tested

ASTM E617 

Accuracy Classes

(2018)

OIML R111 

Accuracy Classes

(2004)

NIST HB 105-1

(1990)

Class I 1 F1

Class II 1, 2 F1, F2

Class III 3, 4, 5, 6 M1, M2, M1-2, M2-3 F

Class IIIL 3, 4, 5, 6 M1, M2, M1-2, M2-3 F

Class IIII 3, 4, 5, 6 M3 F

The field inspector or service technician performing the verification or calibration of the weighing 

device is responsible for selecting the correct class of field standard weights for the test of a weighing 

device.

ASTM E617. ASTM E617 Class 6 tolerances are very similar to those of NIST Class F, though they 

are not the same for all nominal values. Additionally, there are some nominal values for which there 

is not a Class 6 tolerance specified in this Class. However, ASTM E617 paragraph 4.3 states that “for 

weight of denominations intermediate between those listed, the maximum permissible error 

(tolerance) shall be proportional to the values shown.” So, even if a nominal value does not have a 

tolerance value assigned, one can typically be calculated by interpolating between the nominal values 

that are listed in the table. For example, the most likely encountered nominal value with no specified 

tolerance is 1/32 oz, which is equivalent to 0.03125 oz.

3

March 2020: Volume 10, Issue 1

(Continued on page 4)
4

(NIST HANDBOOK 105-1 REVISED. . . Continued from page 3)

Nominal values and tolerances listed ASTM E617 for weights with nominal values adjacent to the 

value of 0.03125 oz are as shown below:

In this example, the tolerance specified for both the nominal values adjacent to 0.03125 ounces in 

the table are the same (0.091 mg). Thus, it is permissible to assign a tolerance of 0.091 mg to a test 

weight with a nominal value of 0.03125 oz. 

If there are no bracketing options, then the best one can do is to assume that the tolerance of the next 

largest published nominal value will continue to those smaller nominal values, but this approach is 

not always the best as the tolerances may become unreasonably large for very small weights.

As shown in the example, it would likely be best to select a tolerance classification that has stated 

tolerances rather than attempting to extrapolate the tolerance of the larger weight to those smaller as 

you can see that the tolerance of the larger nominal value is likely not appropriate for those smaller 

nominal values.

If a weight having a special nominal value that is not included is desired, the tolerance of that weight 

can be calculated by interpolation. For example, a nominal value that has been identified by some 

laboratories is a 4 lb weight which is not shown in the tolerance table. However, we see that there is 

a 5 lb and a 3 lb nominal value with stated tolerances. Using the concept of proportionality, we can 

interpolate the tolerance that should be applied to the 4 lb nominal weight. 

The calculation for the tolerance of a 4 lb weight would be:

with the result being 185 mg as shown in the table above.

4

Nominal Value

(oz)

Class 6 Tolerance

(mg)*

0.03 0.091

0.03125 (1/32) (0.091)

0.05 0.091

*Value in parentheses are possible tolerance values where none are specified

Nominal Value

(lb)

Class 6 Tolerance

(mg)*

Class 6 Tolerance 

(% of nominal)

0.001 0.091 0.020

0.0005 (0.091) 0.040

0.0003 (0.091) 0.067

0.000001 (0.091) 20.062

*Value in parentheses are possible tolerance values where none are specified

Nominal Value

(lb)

Class 6 Tolerance

(mg)*

5 230

4 (185)

3 140

*Value in parentheses are possible tolerance values where none are specified

Weights & Measures Connection

( )

( ) ( ) 230mg 140mg

4 lb 4lb 3lb 140mg

5lb 3lb

tolerance −= − +

−

(Continued on page 5)
5

Weights & Measures Connection

(NIST HANDBOOK 105-1 REVISED. . . Continued from page 4)

In 1997, an attempt was made to align ASTM E617 with the 1994 version of OIML R111; this resulted 

in the removal of a number of different units and tolerances, leaving only those for metric nominal 

values. The 2013 edition of ASTM E617 was created to provide alignment of technical specifications 

to those set forth in a more recent (and most current as of the publication of this article) 2004 edition of 

OIML R111, while at the same time bringing back the many different units and tolerances that had 

been removed in the 1997 edition of ASTM E617. A multitude of calculations were performed to set 

parameters such as material density limits so that performance criteria were met for the returning 

tolerances. The main criteria to be met was that a 10 % change in ambient air density would result in a 

mass error no greater than 25 % of the stated tolerance.

The documentary standards are written so that, regardless of the documentary standard selected, a user 

can properly select weight classifications with confidence to perform equally well for a NIST 

Handbook 44 scale verification. Since 2013, there have been several relatively insignificant edits 

made to ASTM E617 and, as of the date of this article, the current version of ASTM E617 is the 2018 

version. ASTM documentary standards are reviewed on a five-year cycle by the responsible technical 

committee. So, if users of the documents have a desire to suggest changes to the standard (such as 

suggesting the addition of tolerances for nominal values of weights where no tolerance is currently 

specified) members can submit such changes to the responsible ASTM technical committee. 

NIST Handbook 105-1. Handbook 105-1 (2019) recommends that NIST Class F weights not be 

reclassified to an ASTM or OIML accuracy classification. Reclassification would require that the 

artifacts be stringently evaluated to determine the actual material density; the surface finish; the 

magnetic susceptibility; and the permanent magnetization field. These tests are expensive and may be 

destructive to perform. Most calibration laboratories are not equipped to fully evaluate all parameters 

of the design of existing weights for reclassification. This level of testing is best left to the 

manufacturer to perform at the time of manufacture. Therefore, it is best if field standard weights 

manufactured to meet NIST HB 105-1(1990), “Class F” requirements remain identified as such and 

are used in applications where weights with a “Class F” designation are appropriate. Maintaining 

documentation of the original Class F classification will be required to ensure that these field standards 

are properly maintained throughout their useful life.

The earlier (1990) edition of NIST HB 105-1 will be maintained by the NIST Office of Weights and 

Measures (OWM). The superseded document is available for download from the NIST Research 

Library (www.nist.gov/nist-research-library) and will be provided upon request. It is expected that 

no new NIST Class F field standard weights will be manufactured and distributed after January 1, 

2020. However, users and calibration laboratories may need information contained in the 1990 version 

of the handbook to reference and maintain existing Class F field standard weights for field use. 

Summary. The 2019 revision of NIST Handbook 105-1 was significant, and it now applies the field 

standard weight designation to a number of precision weight classifications requiring special handling 

and historically used in a laboratory environment. A key goal of the 2019 edition is to simply provide 

weights and measures laboratory and field staff more tools to use in their quest to ensure the accuracy 

and traceability of the many varied weighing device types in commercial use. This in turn helps 

weights and measures officials, manufacturers, and service companies in their joint quest to create and 

maintain a level playing field in the U.S. weights and measures system.

For more information, please contact Val Miller at val.miller@nist.gov or (301) 975-3602.

5

March 2020: Volume 10, Issue 1
6

6

Test Procedure for Checking the Area Measurement of 

Chamois Revised

Byline: David Sefcik

Introduction. Chamois is a natural leather made from skins of sheep and lambs that have been oiltanned. Chamois are irregularly shaped, which makes it difficult to measure the area of the skin. In 

1964, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued an advisory opinion stating that using the word 

“chamois” on a product that is not made from oil tanned sheepskin is unlawful and deceptive. It is 

unlawful to use the name “Artificial Chamois,” “Pig Chamois”, “Synthetic Chamois,” or “Man-Made 

Chamois” because they are not made from oil tanned sheepskin. 

Chamois is typically labeled in uniform sizes in terms of square 

decimeters and square feet, and sized in increments of 2.32 dm2

(

1

/4 ft2 ), 9.29 dm2(1 ft2 ), 11.61 dm2(11/4 ft2), and 13.93 dm2

(11/2 ft2). 

Over the years the manufacturing and processing of chamois has 

changed. When the procedure was developed over 40 years ago 

moisture loss was a primary concern. With improvements in the 

distribution process (e.g., shorter shelf life), store environmental 

conditions, and tanning process, moisture loss is no longer the 

primary factor. 

The current test procedure was adopted at the 2019 National Conference on Weights and Measures 

(NCWM) Annual Meeting and can be found in NIST Handbook 133 (2020 Edition), Checking the 

Net Contents of Packaged Goods (www.nist.gov/pml/weights-and-measures/publications/nisthandbooks/handbook-133).

Questions arose during a NIST OWM Handbook 133 training class on the test procedure led to a 

review, research, and analysis of the chamois test procedure. As part of this process, OWM sought 

the expertise and help of Hopkins Manufacturing Corporation (formerly Acme Sponge & Chamois 

Company) due to their leading role in the original development of the test procedure with NCWM in 

the 1970s. In addition, input was sought from eight companies that comprised of the majority of the 

chamois industry. 

When water is applied to a chamois, as part of the 

hydration/conditioning process, the chamois reacts 

negatively causing the chamois to swell and pulling the 

fibers inward. This leads to shrinkage of the surface 

area, rather than the originally intended result of 

restoring area. As a result, the proposed test procedure 

adopted has removed the step.

Image of Chamois Leather

Weights & Measures Connection

(Continued on page 7)
7

Weights & Measures Connection

(AREA MEASUREMENT OF CHAMOIS REVISED. . . Continued from page 6)

In addition, several other changes also were made to clarify and improve the readability and usability 

of the procedure which includes: 

 “Sample Conditioning” (which involves conditioning each sample with water before testing) will 

no longer be required during the Gravimetric Test Procedure. This means that a lab test is no 

longer necessary, and the test can be performed in the field. 

 The Gravimetric Test Procedure was clarified to better explain the “ironing” process including the 

proper heat setting and technique for removing wrinkles. 

 The “Audit Test Procedure” was revised to: a) clarify the sampling plan; b) improve the 

procedure for tracing the chamois on graph paper; c) explain how to calculate the area; and d) 

update the test equipment including the type of graph paper and ruler required. 

Please contact David Sefcik at david.sefcik@nist.gov or Lisa Warfield at lisa.warfield@nist.gov or 

at (301) 975-4004 for additional assistance and information. 

“What’s measured improves.” - Peter Drucker

Accepting Applications for the 2020 USMA/

Blake Family Metric Awards

Byline: Elizabeth Benham

The U.S. Metric Association (USMA) has partnered with the Blake Family Foundation to offer two 

awards to increase awareness and usage of the International System of Units (SI) in the United States 

(www.usma.org/usma-blake-family-foundation-metric-awards#). 

The first award is a $2500 scholarship for U.S. high school senior students, which may be applied to 

two or four-year undergraduate degree tuition for the 2020 to 2021 academic year. The second is a 

$500 award for non-students, including K-12 educators as well as professionals from academia, 

industry, and government. All applicants are asked to explain their current efforts and future plans to 

promote the SI in the United States.

Applicants must complete and submit the application online beginning January 1, 2019 through 

March 31, 2020 (www.tinyurl.com/wpwuzcp). All judging and final award decisions are the sole 

responsibility of the USMA.

Congratulations to the 2019 award recipients: Genevieve (Jenna) Grade of Wanakee, WI (student, 

University of Wisconsin-Madison) and Jonathan Benskin of Boca Raton, FL (teacher, Boca Raton 

High School). The U.S. Metric Association (USMA), Inc., is a national non-profit organization that 

was founded in 1916 and advocates completing the U.S. conversion to the SI (www.usma.org). 

Please contact Elizabeth Benham at elizabeth.benham@nist.gov or (301) 975-4690 for additional 

information.

7

March 2020: Volume 10, Issue 1
8 8

National Measurement Outreach 

Opportunities

Weights & Measures Connection

Byline: Elizabeth Benham

National holidays are ideal opportunities for anyone interested in sharing their passion for 

measurements and promoting legal metrology in their community.

Beginning on March 1 through March 7, 2020, NIST celebrated national Weights and Measures 

Week to commemorate the signing of the first United States weights and measures law on March 2, 

1799 by President John Adams. On Thursday, April 23, 2020, workplaces, employees, parents, and 

children will be celebrating Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day, a program designed to 

expand future opportunities for children age 8 to 18 in their work and family lives.

By hosting or participating in an outreach event, students often learn about career opportunities they 

would otherwise never known existed. Students build connections between what they are learning at 

school and future careers. The Office of Weights and Measures will host a hands-on activity session 

at NIST’s annual Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day, promoting metrology careers and the 

metric system. SI measurement 

system familiarity and fluency 

must be developed along the 

Science, Technology, Engineering, 

and Mathematics (STEM) career 

pipeline to produce an U.S. 

engineering workforce with these 

essential 21st century knowledge 

and skills. 

The NIST Office of Weights and 

Measures and the Metric Program 

have resources to help enrich 

workplace, school, or community 

outreach events (www.nist.gov/

pml/weights-and-measures/

education-resources-metricsystem-si). 

The Get What You Pay For video series explains topics important to consumers, including:

 Tare - why it's important that grocery stores not charge for this material - or tare (www.nist.gov/

video/get-what-you-pay-tare). 

 Seafood - how weights and measures inspectors remove that glaze to make sure you're getting 

what you paid for (www.nist.gov/video/get-what-you-pay-seafood); and 

 At the Grocery Store - how weights and measures inspectors calibrate scales at the grocery store. 

(www.nist.gov/video/get-what-you-pay-grocery-store). 

Tina Butcher helps students estimate measurements during a 

NIST outreach event. 

(Continued on page 9)
9

Weights & Measures Connection The League of SI Superheroes is a comic book-style video animation series 

has been developed to help middle school students learn about the seven SI base measurement 

units. Videos are available on the NIST YouTube Channel.

 Episode 1: Desperate Measures! The SI Superheroes use the power of measurement to help a 

stranded soccer player get home (https://youtu.be/5ZHpOojFtH8). 

 Episode 2: Running Out of Time! The SI Superheroes battle archvillain Major Uncertainty in a 

race to keep the world's satellite navigation system "on time" (https://youtu.be/

FP86qG1bjMY). 

 Episode 3: Mass Hysteria! The nefarious Major Uncertainty has kidnapped Monsieur 

Kilogram, putting the world’s measurements of mass in jeopardy. (https://youtu.be/7HyxCzWg6k)

NIST has developed a Metric Trivia Quiz, in both an Alexa voice personal assistant and online 

format. The Alexa quiz will ask you a series of five questions. Every question relates to the 

International System of Units (SI), commonly known as the metric system (www.nist.gov/quiz/nist

-metric-trivia-quiz).

It’s not too late to celebrate the historic change to the SI that that occurred in 2019. Both the NIST 

SI Redefinition website resources, Metric Makeover and We Did It! videos will help explain these 

significant updates to high school and secondary audiences (www.nist.gov/si-redefinition; 

www.nist.gov/video/we-did-it; https://youtu.be/21vElKsU3K4). The Metrology Career website 

highlights career pathways, video and audio interviews with scientists and engineers, scholarship 

opportunities, and much more (www.MetrologyCareers.com). 

Let OWM know how you plan to share metrology and weights and measures with the next 

generation!

Please contact Elizabeth Benham, Metric Coordinator to discuss ideas for measurement activities, 

handouts, and job aids that are available for measurement science education outreach (301-975-

3690, elizabeth.benham@nist.gov). 

March 2020: Volume 10, Issue 1
10 10

OIML: Revision of “D 31: General 

Requirements for Software-Controlled 

Measuring Instruments”

Byline: Katya Delak

In December 2019, the International Committee on Legal Metrology (CIML) approved a new 

revision of the International Organization of Legal Metrology (OIML) document, D 31: General 

Requirements for Software-Controlled Measuring Instruments. This document is the culmination 

of three years of meetings of the project group, and the first such revision since 2008. 

Software is increasingly essential to the operation of numerous metrological instruments, and 

typically, type approval or inspection guidelines have not taken into account considerations for 

this evolution in instrumentation. Additionally, those responsible for testing and evaluating 

measuring instruments often do not have the expertise to delve deeply into software analysis. 

The guidelines provided in D 31 attempt to reconcile some of these gaps, while also providing 

manufacturers guidelines as to how instruments should be configured so that the appropriate 

testing can be carried out. The document covers such things as risk assessments, software 

identification, protection from alteration, requirements for configurations, protection of data, 

examination of software traceability, and the means for updates. 

At this time, a new project group is forming to carry on further revision of D 31. The conveners 

and members of the previous project agreed that there are still numerous issues related to the 

rapidly developing landscape in software-controlled instruments, most of which were not 

addressed in this most recent revision. Areas being considered for inclusion in the next revision 

are formal verification of software; the impact machine learning and statistical analysis tools; 

data storage and processing, such as cloud-based systems; options for new display technologies, 

such as smartphone apps; a more explicit consideration of risk levels and vulnerabilities of 

software; operating systems and the degree of legal control to be considered in verification; and 

finally, formal verification requirements.

Representation to the OIML project group on the D 31 revision is being coordinated by Katya 

Delak of the NIST Office of Weights and Measures. 

Interested parties may contact Katya Delak at katya.delak@nist.gov or 301-975-2520. 

Weights & Measures Connection
11

Weights & Measures Connection

New To NIST– Office of Weights and Measures 

Micheal Hicks

Micheal Hicks serves as a Metrologist in the Laboratory Metrology Program at the 

National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Physical Measurement 

Laboratory, Office of Weights and Measures (OWM) Division. He received 

training in Metrology with the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration 

(NOAA) where he worked in the Standards Laboratory in Sterling, VA for the 

National Weather Service (NWS). There he managed the NWS Pressure 

Standards Laboratory where over 600 transfer standards were calibrated 

nationwide annually. 

These transfer standards were used to validate the performance of close to 1000 

Automated Surface Observing Systems (ASOS) stations across the country at 

airports and the performance of balloon borne-radiosonde devices at over 100 

NWS upper air observing sites. He also managed the NWS Hygrothermometry 

and Wind Speed Standards Laboratories which operated on a smaller scale to 

calibrate NWS Standards and perform tests on contingent for purchase 

atmospheric observing instrumentation. 

Micheal has a B.S. degree in Mathematics and a PhD in Atmospheric Sciences. 

He is a published author in several peer-reviewed journals in the use of observing 

methods to measure atmospheric conditions. In his current role with the NIST, 

Micheal supports the OWM mission of ensuring the traceability of the U.S. legal 

metrology laboratories to the international system of units (SI) through training, 

proficiency tests, and Recognition of compliance to documentary standards. 

Micheal Hicks joined OWM in April 2019.

Breyanna Blackwell

Breyanna Blackwell is a Marketing Communications professional who specializes 

in writing and communication management. She currently works as the 

Publications Coordinator for the Office of Weights and Measures at the National 

Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST). She is responsible for the editing 

of publications in the Office of Weights and Measures (OWM) such as NIST 

handbooks, the OWM Connection newsletter, and other written materials. Prior to 

her current role, she worked as a Technical Writer at Walter Reed Army Institute 

of Research (WRAIR) for the Commander and her Chief of Staff, tasked with 

drafting policy memos and editing marketing materials for WRAIR stakeholders. 

Breyanna attended the Graduate School at East Tennessee State University and 

received her Master of Arts in Professional Communication with a specialization 

in Marketing Communications. Breyanna published her thesis, "To Share or Not 

to Share: A Study of an Individual's Self-Representation on Instagram in 

Accordance with Impression Management Theory” in 2017, which has been 

downloaded and cited over 500 times. Breyanna Blackwell joined OWM in April 

2019.

11

Micheal Hicks, OWM

Laboratory Metrology Program

March 2020: Volume 10, Issue 1

Breyanna Blackwell, OWM

Administration Program
1212

Calendar of Events—Training and Meeting Events

Training

Course Date/Location

Volume Metrology Seminar 

Class No. 5620

April 20 to 24

NIST, Gaithersburg, MD

NIST Handbook 133 - Checking the Net Contents of Packaged Goods -

Basic "Overview

Class No. 5632

May 4 to 6 

Saratoga Springs, NY

Western Regional Assurance Program (WRAP)

Class No. 5624

May 4 to 7 

Sparks, NV

Retail Motor-Fuel Dispensers and Consoles

Class No. 5645

May 11 to May 15

TBD, LA

NIST Handbook 130 - Uniform Packaging and Labeling Regulation

Class No. 5604

May 18 to 20 

Sacramento, CA

High Precision Scale (Class I & II)

Class No. 5643

May 19 to May 21

Wisconsin Dells, WI

Advanced Mass Seminar

Class No. 5611

June 1 to 11 

NIST, Gaithersburg, MD

Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) Liquid-Measuring Systems

Class No. 5642

June 8 to June 12

Sioux Falls, SD

Balance and Scale Calibration and Uncertainties - IAAO Participants 

Only 

Class No. 5628

July 13 to 16

NIST, Gaithersburg, MD

Fundamentals of Metrology - IAAO Participants Only 

Class No. 5631

July 20 to 24

NIST, Gaithersburg, MD

Northeastern Measurement Assurance Program (NEMAP) 

Class No. 5625

September 14 to 17

Hartford, CT

Southwest Assurance Program (SWAP) 

Class No. 5626

September 28 to October 1 

Las Cruces, NM

MidAmerica Measurement Assurance Program (MidMAP) 

Class No. 5627

October 5 to 8

Indianapolis, IN

Mass Metrology Seminar 

Class No. 5615

October 19 to 30

NIST, Gaithersburg, MD

Webinar Training 

Course Date/Time

NIST Handbook 130 - Examination Procedure for Price Verification

Class No. 5633

March 25 (2 hours)

NIST Handbook 130 - Overview of the Uniform 

Packaging and Labeling Regulation

Class No. 5634

March 26 (2 hours)

NIST Handbook 130 - Examination Procedure for Price Verification 

Class No. 5635

July 22 (2 hours)

Weights & Measures Connection
13

Weights & Measures Connection

13

NIST Handbook 130 - Overview of the Uniform 

Packaging and Labeling Regulation 

Class No. 5636

July 23 (2 hours)

NIST Handbook 133 - Overview of Handbook 133 

Class No. 5637

August 5 (2.5 hours)

Measurement Systems for Legal Metrology 

Class No. 5603

August 12 (2 hours)

State Laboratory Annual Submission Process

Class No. 5641

September 3

NCWM & Regional Meetings

Event Date/Location 

NTEP Lab Meeting March 24 to 26

Annapolis, MD

Northeastern Weights and Measures Association (NEWMA) Annual Meeting

(www.newma.us/page-1075185)

May 4 to 7

Saratoga Springs, NY 

National Type Evaluation Program (NTEP) MDMD Meeting 

(www.ncwm.com/events-detail/20-mdmd-meeting)

May 5 to 6

Reynoldsburg, OH

Central Weights and Measures Association (CWMA) Annual Meeting

(www.cwma.net/Events)

May 18 to 21

Wisconsin Dells, WI

105th NCWM Annual Meeting

(www.ncwm.com)

July 12 to 16

Tacoma, WA

NTEP Grain/Software Meeting August 11 to 12

Kansas City, MO

NTEP Weighing Meeting

(www.ncwm.com/events-detail/2020-ntep-weighing-meeting)

August 18 to 19

San Antonio, TX

NTEP Measuring Meeting September 22 to 23

San Antonio, TX

Western Weights and Measures Association (WWMA) Annual Meeting

(www.westernwma.org/Events)

September 27 to October 1

Golden, CO

Southern Weights and Measures Association (SWMA) Annual Meeting 

(www.swma.org/events)

October 4 to 7

Washington, D.C. 

**2021 NCWM Interim Meeting

(www.ncwm.com/events-detail/2021-interim-FL)

January 10 to 13, 2021 

St. Pete Beach, FL

 Course descriptions can be viewed on the Office of Weights and Measures website at www.nist.gov/pml/weights-andmeasures/about-owm/calendar-events and clicking on the name of the course. 

 For more information, contact Yvonne Branden at yvonne.branden@nist.gov.

Any exciting W&M news, events, tips or fun facts to 

share?

Send your submissions to the Editor, Breyanna Blackwell, 

at breyanna.blackwell@nist.gov.

We Would Love to Hear From You!

Contact Us

NIST Office of Weights and Measures

100 Bureau Drive MS 2600

Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899-2600

Phone: 301-975-4004

E-mail: owm@nist.gov

March 2020: Volume 10, Issue 1