About Us

The National Cooperation for Laboratory Accreditation (NACLA) is a not-for-profit corporation established in 1998. It was founded by representatives of public and private-sector organizations to provide coordination and focus for laboratory accreditation programs in the U.S. NACLA’s primary mission is to evaluate U.S. laboratory accreditation bodies (ABs) and to grant recognition to those ABs found to be in compliance with NACLA procedures and the relevant international standards for competent ABs. (NACLA does not itself accredit laboratories.) NACLA also provides educational and training opportunities to persons interested in laboratory accreditation.

NACLA is a stakeholder organization. Accordingly, its leadership body, the Board of Directors/Operations Council is composed of balanced representation from the four key stakeholder groups: Industry, Government, Laboratories and Accreditation Bodies. Past and present members of the Board/Council include representatives of Caterpilar, Ford, GE, GM, Lucent Technologies, DoD, DOE, FDA, FHWA, NIST, USDA, major laboratory associations and major accreditation bodies.

Membership in NACLA is open to organizations in the four stakeholder groups and to any other organization that wishes to participate. A Membership Application Form can be found in the Membership Section of this web site.

NACLA’s work is carried out by a cadre of volunteers from its member organizations. NACLA's Executive Officer is Robert Uttenweiler.  He may be reached at (202) 887-5872 Ext. 107.