Projects

Where We Work

Phase 2 Projects

Standards Alliance: Phase 2 projects aim to increase the capacity of developing countries to implement accepted international best practices to reduce instances of poor quality and unsafe products, services, and infrastructure. Ultimately, better adoption and implementation of international standards will improve the quality and safety of goods and services on a global scale. Please click on the titles below to read more about each sector’s projects.

In response to the global COVID-19 pandemic, ANSI and USAID dedicated resources to support projects in the Medical Devices sector. SA2 Medical Devices projects promote regulatory convergence in the context of COVID-19, good regulatory practice (GRP), and the adherence and adoption of medical device international standards. Support for the production of surgical grade Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is also underway. Medical Device projects establish an efficient medical device regulatory environment and framework that will facilitate the COVID-19 response and diminish technical barriers to trade. For more information on the project's work in Latin America, please visit the following website: Inter-American Coalition for Regulatory Convergence.

View Medical Devices & COVID-19 Projects

Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) SA2 projects are working to strengthen the WASH sector globally. Project activities include trainings for water utility managers to improve management and performance and trainings for regulators, operators and manufacturers to strengthen water quality infrastructure. Working with foreign ministries, local industry and U.S. manufacturers, projects aim to remove technical barriers to trade, standardize conformity assessment practices and help to develop much-needed supply chains of safe products. Research is conducted on the increased understanding and recognition of the role that law and policy plays in improving National Quality Infrastructure and the need for reform in order to create a stronger marketplace for WASH products and to increase consumer confidence in WASH products.

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Energy projects in SA2 cover the harmonization of renewable technologies, clean fuel, energy efficiency, and petroleum standards in West Africa. These programs aim to increase global stability and drive economic growth through the creation of momentum for clean fuel and energy delivery standards to be utilized locally and regionally in support of energy, climate, health, and economic goals. Additional benefits will also be supported by the implementation of regional energy efficient building codes and standards.

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SA2 Infrastructure projects aim at building awareness and confidence with key decision makers and influencers in target countries on the adoption and implementation of modern, international building codes for the construction sector. Projects look to help countries build capacity in standards development processes, provide training opportunities to engineering professionals and students on structural integrity, help ensure longevity of construction projects and long-term social-economic development. Projects also look to foster greater understanding of top quality infrastructure standards/ best practices that can ultimately lead to certification, eliminate uncertainties and minimize invest risk for outside investors, thereby making infrastructure projects in host countries more attractive and open to private financial resources.

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SA2 works with regional standards bodies such as the African Organisation for Standardisation (ARSO) to support standards harmonization, leading to good regulatory practices and safer products for citizens. The development of a Regulatory Impact Analysis (RIA) Quality Assessment Tool is also underway to enhance reporting on RIA implementation to improve the consistency of RIA implementation and the quality of regulation.

View Regional Standards Body and Government Support Project

Phase 2 and the Sustainable Development Goals

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure that by 2030 all people enjoy peace and prosperity. The Standards Alliance: Phase 2 project contributes to this global goal by creating market confidence and supporting market access by decreasing barriers to trade, increasing transparency, improving regulatory development, and improving market predictability. These contributions further bolster the health and safety of citizens in project countries through the increased understanding and utilization of international best practices for consumer protection.

The Standards Alliance Phase 2 projects contributes to:

The Standards Alliance: Phase 2 project contributes to this global goal

Standards have a broad impact across society and tend to have a foundat ion in STEM fields, which often include an underrepresentation of women. ANSI has recognized the opportunity to expand programing to address gender-based issues, such as representation in policymaking and technical work that leads to the development of gender responsive standards and regulations.

Standards Alliance: Phase 2 pursues an inclusive approach to foster equality by working to ensure gender representation during events and in speaking roles while also including gender-specific programing for women.

In particular, the SA2 COVID-19 Medical Device Regulatory Convergence project (MDRC) focuses on reducing barriers to countries' importation of U.S. medical devices that aid in the fight against COVID-19. Women in outreach, implementation, and leadership roles have helped support access to essential medical resources. MDRC is a partnership between ANSI and USAID, and spearheaded by the Advanced Medical Technology Association (AdvaMed). Women who support and lead elements of the SA2 project are invaluable in the fight against the pandemic.

View Standards Alliance: Phase 1 Completed Projects