Update: 2/24/2022
Based on numerous surveys conducted on the use of remote assessment techniques, onsite assessments are generally the preferred approach from both the assessor and CAB viewpoints. Beginning March 1, 2022, all formal assessor assignments for initial and renewal assessments made will be considered ‘onsite’ assessments unless there is a compelling justification for remote assessment. We will continue to monitor the situation and adjust accordingly.
For additional details, please read the full statement here.
Update: 9/1/2021
A2LA will continue to monitor the COVID situation domestically and globally. As assessments are currently being assigned, we are extending our remote assessment policy for the foreseeable future until we can determine a more definitive end to the ‘remote assessment’ norm. We will continue to monitor the situation and adjust accordingly.
For additional details, please read the full statement here.
Update: 4/8/2021
Although good news is on the horizon with the US vaccine rollout, A2LA is not yet ready to return to on-site assessments. We are currently extending our remote assessment policy until Sept. 30, 2021. As the vaccine rollout progresses, we will continue to monitor the situation and adjust accordingly. For individual organizations who wish to have an assessment conducted in person, please reach out to your accreditation officer and we will make that determination on a case-by-case basis.
For additional details, please read the full statement here.
Update: 1/12/2021
The pandemic doesn’t appear to be slowing down and the rolling out of the vaccine isn’t progressing as rapidly as expected. As assessments being assigned are likely to be planned into the 2nd quarter, we are extending our remote assessment policy to the end of the second quarter 2021 (June 30, 2021). We will continue to monitor the situation and adjust accordingly.
For additional details, please read the entire statement here.
Update: 10/16/2020
In our last CAB bulletin (July 29th), we indicated that A2LA was extending our remote assessment policy to the end of the year (December 31, 2020). As assessments being assigned are likely to be planned into the new year, we are extending our remote assessment policy to the end of the first quarter 2021 (March 31, 2021). We will continue to monitor the situation and adjust accordingly.
For additional details, please read the entire statement here.
Update: 7/30/2020
VP of Accreditation Services Trace McInturff has issued a memorandum to A2LA CABs announcing the extension of our remote assessment procedure for the foreseeable future. All assessments, for both new and renewal applications, will be conducted remotely by default. Our assessors and accreditation officers will work with CABs to coordinate their individual remote assessments. CABs may be considered for an on-site assessment if they request one specifically, but approval of the request will be based on a careful review of the safety and feasibility of doing so.
For additional details, please read the entire statement here.
For any questions, please reach out to your accreditation officer or our customer care team at 301-644-3248.
Update: 5/31/2020
VP of Accreditation Services Trace McInturff has issued a memorandum to A2LA CABs outlining our plan to resume on-site assessments in a limited capacity in locations where it is possible to do so without compromising the safety of our assessors or customers. Individual CABs will have authority to decide whether or not they can accept outside visitors to conduct assessments, and A2LA will remain flexible and accomodating about how best to cautiously and effectively support our customers.
Please read the entire statement here.
For any questions, please reach out to your accreditation officer or our customer care team at 301-644-3248.
Update: 5/15/2020
COVID-19 Virus Testing and Returning to Work
A2LA Supporting Laboratory Testing
As workers in regions of the United States and around the world begin returning to work sites, employers will need to take precautions to ensure that a safe work environment exists and remains intact. This may entail an extensive focus on indoor environmental, industrial hygiene and other occupational sampling, testing and monitoring. We are committed to supporting our accredited customers, the general public, government regulators, industry and other stakeholders that rely on our accreditation programs, as we collectively embark into these uncharted waters, to help assure that the testing needs are met, and workplaces are safer for society.
Accredited Customers – Seeking to add SARS-Cov-2 Testing?
ISO/IEC 17025 Biological and Environmental Testing laboratories and sampling organizations will be called upon to provide additional services that may not currently be included on their existing Scopes of Accreditation. Accredited organizations seeking to add SARS-Cov-2 environmental testing please contact your Accreditation Officer or Customers Service for assistance requesting a scope expansion.
Resources for Users of Accreditation and Stakeholders
Our Customer Care Team stands ready to offer assistance. The team can be reached at: 301-644-3248, A2LA.org/form/contact-us, or through chat on any page of the www.A2LA.org website.
Regulatory Guidance
Laboratories can refer to the following links for additional guidance on sampling and testing:
CDC’s Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to Coronavirus Disease 2019
OSHA’s webpage devoted to providing information for workers and employers
The WHO’s Surface Sampling of Coronavirus disease guidance documen
Update: 4/1/2020
Memorandum from Trace McInturff, Vice President, Accreditation Services
As the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve, A2LA has been adjusting our policies, procedures, and processes as needed to keep our staff and customers safe; to adhere to guidance from the government and health experts; and to maintain compliance with ISO/IEC 17011 and our international recognition arrangements. Our plan for the next several months is as follows:
- A2LA employees will continue to ‘work from home’ until Monday, May 4th
- A2LA will continue to perform remote assessments through to the end of May
- Customers scheduled to have an upcoming A2LA Assessment will be contacted by their Accreditation Officers and provided with details surrounding their assessment to be performed remotely.
A2LA Executive Management will continue to monitor the COVID situation and will provide timely communications if anything changes.
Please contact your Accreditation Officer if you have any questions or need any assistance. Our entire staff remains accessible by phone or email. For general inquiries, please call 301-644-3248 or contact us by using this form. We hope everyone is practicing social distancing and staying safe.
Update: 3/16/2020
Dear A2LA Accredited Organizations, Members, and Stakeholders:
As we all respond to the unprecedented events unfolding related to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), we want to take a moment to communicate with our current applicants and accredited customers, members of the association, and other stakeholders. A2LA Management has been monitoring news surrounding COVID-19 and determining the steps our association can take to ensure the wellbeing of our customers, staff, and assessors.
First and foremost, our thoughts are with those directly and indirectly impacted by the global pandemic. We understand you may need to take time away from your business and your customers. If you find your organization in a unique situation, please let us know how we can assist.
For our current customers, we will not be conducting on-site assessments, effective immediately, and lasting through Friday, April 10th. However, if assessments are currently underway, they will continue, if possible. All A2LA Accreditation customers who are in good standing and with accreditation anniversary dates in the next 90 days, will automatically be granted extensions. Within the coming weeks, A2LA staff members will be in contact with all currently accredited organizations to discuss their status. The steps we are taking are in the best interest of the health and safety of our customers and stakeholders, while also upholding requirements and processes for A2LA accreditation that is known and trusted throughout the world.
Currently, A2LA plans for the majority of staff to work remotely effective Monday, March 16th through Friday, April 10th to support efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19. Our availability to you will be the same as always. Individual contact information for staff remains the same. You may also reach a representative through our main phone line (301)-644-3248, or info@a2la.org. We are committed to maintaining the highest level of customer service.
Regarding the 2020 A2LA Technical Forum, we have made the difficult decision to cancel the event. With the WHO and CDC both warning against mass gatherings, we felt it was the only responsible course of action at this juncture. We will be communicating directly with exhibitors, sponsors, and registrants as soon as possible to address next steps. Thank you for your patience as we plan a clear and effective course of action.
Circumstances continue to change rapidly as more news becomes available, but A2LA as an association remains committed to our customers and stakeholders. Please do not hesitate to reach out to A2LA staff, we are ready to help assist you during this challenging time. We appreciate you continued support and business.
— The A2LA Executive Team