Standards, Regulations and Codes: U.S. Military and Gov't Standards

How to identify and obtain technical standards, specifications, regulations, and codes.

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Government Standards

Unlike industry standards, which are voluntary, most standards developed by various federal and state agencies for procedure, compatibility and manufacture, including the military, are mandatory, especially regarding government contracts and supply.

Standards.Gov offers background on standards and useful links for locating information about the use of standards in government. Their primary focus is on federal agency use of standards for regulatory and procurement purposes.

Government Standards Bodies

Code of Federal Regulations
The codification of the general and permanent rules published in the Federal Register by the executive departments and agencies of the Federal Government.
Department of Defense (DoD) Standardization Program
A comprehensive effort to reduce costs and improve operational effectiveness throughout the DoD. The "Specs and Standards" link on this page leads you to information on how to obtain DoD, NATO, and other standards and specifications.
Department of Energy - Technical Standards Program
Promotes the use of voluntary consensus standards, manages efforts to develop necessary technical standards.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
The Laws and Regulations tab provides access to information on regulatory process, pending regulatory reviews, and ability to search regulations or browse by topic, industry, or state.
Federal Aviation Administration
The Regulations and Policies tab has a wealth of information on regulations and policy handbooks from the FAA and other sources pertaining to aviation.
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) -CDRH
Search for FDA's Center for Devices and Radiological Health Standards. General information also available from the FDA Data Standards Council.
National Atmospheric and Space Administration (NASA)
Allows public access to preferred technical standards products information (some of which is full-text) for free.
National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
A non-regulatory federal agency within the U.S. Commerce Department's Technology Administration. NIST's mission is to develop and promote measurement, standards, and technology to enhance productivity, facilitate trade, and improve the quality of life.
Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC)
Outlines the entire regulatory process, including the creation of regulations.
Occupational Health and Safety (OSHA)
Searchable site of U.S. gov't workplace safety standards and regulations. Link to full text.