These benefits can accrue to state and local governments as well. Governments can save tax dollars by Avoiding costly and time-consuming efforts in creating and updating proprietary technical standards. Companies wishing to supply products and services to governments in more than one jurisdiction would experience less confusion and frustration stemming from trying to meet several different compliance standards for the same product or service. Technical standards can enable or constrain trade not only at the federal but also at the state and local levels. Therefore, creating and choosing the right technical standards can lead to an environment that encourages global trade which can keep local companies competitive.
Federal compliance is mandatory, while state and local compliance is entirely voluntary.
You will benefit greatly from learning about and subsequently encouraging the use of voluntary consensus standards in your government agency. Aside from helping your agency experience the benefits listed above, you will personally have the opportunity to meet and to share ideas with like-minded individuals from all over the United States. If you are unfamiliar with the universe of voluntary consensus standards, you will learn from more experienced people the ways in which their agencies are adopting voluntary consensus standards to cut costs, streamline purchases, and conduct more effective regulatory activities. If, on the other hand, you are already familiar with voluntary consensus standards, you will have an opportunity to share information, accomplishments and lessons learned in your agency with your peers. At the same time, you will learn new and different ways of applying voluntary consensus standards to further benefit your own organization in ways you may not yet recognize.