MoA for U.S. TAGs for ISO/IEC JTC 1 and its Subgroups

Note: This revised MoA was approved at the May 1997 ISSB meeting.

ISSB N 1868
(Supersedes ISSB N 1695)

Date: 30 October 1997

American National Standards Institute
Information Systems Standards Board

STANDING DOCUMENT 9 (SD-9)

TITLE:
MoA for U.S. TAGs for ISO/IEC JTC 1 and its Subgroups (includes Interpretation Document)

SOURCE:
M.Maas, ISSB Secretariat

STATUS:
For information.

ACTION:
This document is submitted for information.

DISTRIBUTION:
ISSB Officers
Organizational Members
Government Members
Company Members
Information Members
Liaison Members

MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT
U.S. TAGs for ISO/IEC JTC 1 and its Subgroups

Introduction

Past, present and anticipated future activities clearly demonstrate the necessity for a clear set of procedures which will permit the direct assignment of Technical Advisory Group (TAG) responsibility to organizations at the Subcommittee (SC), Working Group (WG) and Project levels while at the same time ensuring that U.S. positions into JTC 1 and its subgroups are properly coordinated within the U.S. This Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) shall be used in conjunction with the ANSI Procedures for U.S. Participation in the International Standards Activities of ISO, March 26, 1990. Those organizations seeking and accepting JTC 1 TAG* administration assignments shall agree to the following:

I. TAG Accreditation

The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) is responsible for accrediting U.S. TAGs in accordance with the ANSI Procedures for U.S. Participation in the International Standards Activities of ISO, March 26, 1990. ANSI, as referenced in this MOA, refers to the appropriate Board, Council or Committee, the membership and responsibilities of which are outlined in the aforementioned ANSI Procedures, except as otherwise specified in Sections III and IV.

II TAG Assignment

The need for a new TAG assignment may arise when one of the following occurs:

A New Work Item Proposal (NP) is submitted either by the U.S. or another National Body.
A new international Subgroup is created.
A request of a national organization having an established area of expertise relative to the work of JTC 1 is received.

Recommendations for TAG assignments relative to JTC 1 shall be balloted by the JTC 1 TAG who shall forward its recommendation to ANSI for approval. The JTC 1 TAG shall ensure that an appropriate SC level TAG assignment is established, and all administrative responsibilities necessary to coordinate the work among SC, WG and Project TAGs shall be defined before WG and Project TAGs are established. These responsibilities must be specific enough to permit the JTC 1 TAG Administrator to determine appropriate organizational responsibilities for each area of work.

*Note: Throughout this document the U.S. TAG for ISO/IEC JTC 1 is referred to as the JTC 1 TAG

The SC TAG Administrator, in consultation with the SC TAG and any related WG and Project TAGs, shall be responsible for defining the administrative responsibilities necessary to coordinate the work among SC, WG and Project TAGs and shall make recommendations on WG and Project TAG assignments to the JTC 1 TAG.

Where an area of activity is of interest or concern to more than one entity, every effort shall be made for a discrete TAG assignment to one organization. Other interested entities will be encouraged to participate on the relevant TAG.

Any recommendation to ANSI on the part of the JTC 1 TAG regarding a TAG assignment may be appealed by an affected party directly to ANSI.

III. General TAG Responsibilities

Any entity designated as a U.S. TAG for a JTC 1 subgroup or project is responsible for all U.S. matters relating to the responsibilities of the corresponding international subgroup or project, except as provided for in this MOA.

All TAG procedures for organizations administering TAGs for subgroups or projects within JTC 1 shall be reviewed by the JTC 1 TAG to ensure that no conflict exists with the procedures of the JTC 1 TAG. In the event of a conflict, if the disputing parties are unable to resolve said conflict, the ANSI Information Systems Standards Board (ISSB) will serve as a forum for resolution.

When an organization assumes a TAG responsibility, it shall provide the necessary resources in support of the activity as outlined in Section A3 of the ANSI Procedures for U.S. Participation in the International Standards Activities of the ISO.

For all votes, recommendations and comments, the procedures for developing the U.S. position shall be in accordance with the TAG procedures of the organization administering the TAG as long as these procedures are in accordance with the ANSI Procedures for U.S. Participation in the International Standards Activities of ISO and this MOA. In particular, all TAGs shall be open to all concerned U.S. interests.

Documents to and from JTC 1 and any of its subgroups enter and leave the U.S. through ANSI, the U.S. National Body of JTC 1. ANSI staff ensures that entering documents are circulated to the appropriate U.S. TAG Administrator(s) for JTC 1 and its subgroups. The term 'documents' used here includes all numbered documents, ballots, comments, contributions, letters and recommended responses.

Appropriate liaisons shall be maintained among TAGs on related activities. WG and Project TAGs shall be represented on the corresponding SC TAG in order to ensure appropriate coordination on SC matters.

All TAGs shall be required to submit an annual report to the JTC 1 TAG Administrator in order to maintain the continuity of the entire JTC 1 program and shall notify the JTC 1 TAG on matters pertaining to JTC 1 organization, management and policy, which are the responsibility of the JTC 1 TAG.

IV. Responsibility for Development of U.S. Positions

The term "responsible TAG" used in this section shall refer to the particular SC, WG or Project TAG to which the particular project has been assigned in the U.S.

New Work Item Proposals (NPs)

* New Work Item Proposals (NPs) Submitted by the U.S. to JTC 1

The responsible U.S. JTC 1/SC, WG or Project TAG Administrator shall submit the proposal to the JTC 1 TAG Administrator. This proposal shall include a recommendation on assignment as well as an identification of other U.S. TAGs having a concern for subject matter related to the proposal. The JTC 1 TAG Administrator shall circulate the proposal for review and subsequent ballot of the JTC 1 TAG. It shall also be circulated to any concerned SC, WG or Project TAG for review and comment within a time frame which shall permit consideration of such comments by the JTC 1 TAG when it ballots the submission of the proposal. Once approved by the JTC 1 TAG, the proposal may be submitted by ANSI as a U.S. proposal to JTC 1 for NP ballot.

* U.S. Contributions Submitted to JTC 1 SCs and WGs Intended to Lead to a New Work Item Proposal (NP)

U.S. contributions submitted to an SC or WG are not subject to a JTC 1 TAG ballot. However, if such contribution is intended to lead to the development of a NP, the SC or WG TAG Administrator shall send a copy, simultaneously to ANSI for submission to the SC or WG, and to the JTC 1 TAG Administrator for circulation to the JTC 1 TAG for information and comments as appropriate. If the contribution is being submitted to a WG, an information copy shall also be sent by the WG TAG Administrator to the SC TAG Administrator.

* New Work Item Proposals originating outside the U.S. (i.e., from a JTC 1 National Body, a JTC 1 Category A Liaison or a JTC 1 Subcommittee)

- At the JTC 1 Level: NP ballots received by the U.S. from JTC 1 shall be circulated to the JTC 1 TAG by the JTC 1 TAG Administrator for review and subsequent letter ballot. A copy shall also be simultaneously sent to all concerned SC, WG or Project TAG Administrators for review and comment within a time frame which shall permit consideration of such comments by the JTC 1 TAG when it ballots the NP.

- At the JTC 1 SC Level: NP ballots received by the U.S. from SCs shall be circulated to the corresponding U.S. SC TAG Administrator, WG or Project TAG Administrators. A copy shall also be simultaneously sent to the JTC 1 TAG Administrator and other U.S. TAG Administrators having a concern for subject matter related to the ballot for information and comments as appropriate. The responsible TAG shall take into consideration any comments received and recommend a U.S. position to ANSI for submission to the international SC. An information copy shall also be sent to the JTC 1 TAG Administrator, and if the responsible TAG is a WG or Project TAG, an information copy shall also be sent by the responsible TAG Administrator to the SC TAG Administrator.

Committee Drafts (CDs) and Other Technical Documents Balloted at the JTC 1/SC Level

SC ballots received by the U.S. from SCs shall be circulated to the corresponding U.S. SC TAG Administrator, WG and Project TAG Administrators and to any other TAG Administrators having concerns for the subject matter related to the ballot. The responsible TAG, in determining a recommended U.S. position, shall take into account comments from all other TAGs and sources and shall make a concerted effort to resolve differences prior to forwarding a recommendation to ANSI for submission to the international SC. An information copy of the recommended U.S. position shall be forwarded to the JTC 1 TAG Administrator, as well as to other appropriate TAGs. In addition, if the responsible TAG is a WG or Project TAG, an information copy shall also be sent by the responsible TAG Administrator to the SC TAG Administrator.

Draft International Standards (DISs) and Other Technical Documents Balloted at the JTC 1 Level

The JTC 1 TAG Administrator shall distribute the ballot document to the responsible SC, WG or Project TAG Administrator, and to any other TAG Administrators having a concern for related subject matter. The responsible TAG, in determining a recommended U.S. position, shall take into account comments from other TAGs and sources and shall make a concerted effort to resolve differences prior to making a recommendation to the JTC 1 TAG. Any unresolved comments, together with a description of the actions taken to resolve these comments, and a recommended position for balloting shall then be forwarded to the JTC 1 TAG Administrator who shall circulate it for ballot by the JTC 1 TAG. In addition, if the responsible TAG is a WG or Project TAG, an information copy shall also be sent by the responsible TAG Administrator to the SC TAG Administrator. Once a U.S. position is approved by the JTC 1 TAG, it may be submitted by ANSI to the Information Technology Task Force (ITTF) or to JTC 1, as appropriate.

Draft International Standards Processed Using the Fast Track Procedures

* U.S. Proposal for Submission of an American National Standard (or other U.S. standard) Using Fast Track Processing.

The responsible U.S. JTC 1/SC, WG or Project TAG Administrator shall submit the standard to the JTC 1 TAG Administrator. The proposal shall also include a recommendation on assignment as well as an identification of other U.S. TAGs having a concern for subject matter related to the proposed Fast Track document. The JTC 1 TAG Administrator shall circulate it for review and subsequent ballot of the JTC 1 TAG. It shall also be circulated to any concerned SC, WG or Project TAG for review and comment within a time frame which shall permit consideration of such comments by the JTC 1 TAG when it ballots the submission of the proposed Fast Track document. Once approved by the JTC 1 TAG, the standard may be submitted by ANSI as a U.S. proposed Fast Track document to the ITTF for ballot.

* U.S. Vote on Fast Track Document Received for DIS Ballot from JTC 1

The JTC 1 TAG Administrator shall distribute the ballot document to the responsible SC, WG or Project TAG Administrator, and to any other TAG Administrators having a concern for related subject matter. The responsible TAG, in determining a recommended U.S. position, shall take into account comments from other TAGs and sources and shall make a concerted effort to resolve differences prior to making a recommendation to the JTC 1 TAG. Any unresolved comments, together with a description of the actions taken to resolve these comments, and a recommended U.S. position for balloting shall then be forwarded to the JTC 1 TAG Administrator who shall circulate it for ballot by the JTC 1 TAG. Once a U.S. position is approved by the JTC 1 TAG, it may be submitted by ANSI to ITTF.

International Standardized Profiles (ISPs)

* U.S. Proposed ISP for Submission to JTC 1

The responsible U.S. JTC 1/SC, WG or Project TAG Administrator shall submit the proposed ISP together with an identification of other U.S. TAGs having a concern for subject matter related to the proposed ISP, to the JTC 1 TAG Administrator. The JTC 1 TAG Administrator shall circulate it for review and subsequent ballot of the JTC 1 TAG. It shall also be circulated to any concerned SC, WG or Project TAG for review and comment within a time frame which shall permit consideration of such comments by the JTC 1 TAG* when it ballots the submission of the proposed ISP. Once approved by the JTC 1 TAG, the proposed ISP shall be submitted by ANSI to JTC 1 for action.

*Note: The JTC 1 TAG has established a subgroup which serves as the TAG to JTC 1 SGFS and provides recommendations to the JTC 1 TAG on functional standards matters decided at the JTC 1 level. The consolidation of comments from concerned TAGs and the development of a recommended U.S. position for JTC 1 TAG balloting is the responsibility of this group.

* U.S. Vote on ISPs Received for Ballot from JTC 1

The JTC 1 TAG Administrator shall distribute the ballot document to the responsible SC, WG or Project TAG Administrator, and to any other TAG Administrators having a concern for related subject matter. The JTC 1 TAG subgroup responsible for functional standards, in determining a recommended U.S. position, shall take into account comments from other TAGs and sources and shall make a concerted effort to resolve differences prior to making a recommendation to the JTC 1 TAG. Any unresolved comments, together with a description of the actions taken to resolve these comments, and a recommended U.S. position for balloting shall then be forwarded to the JTC 1 TAG Administrator who shall circulate it for ballot by the JTC 1 TAG. Once a U.S. position is approved by the JTC 1 TAG, it may be submitted by ANSI to ITTF.

Appointment of WG Conveners and SC Chairmen

* Nomination of U.S. Personnel by the U.S.

The responsible U.S. JTC 1/SC, WG or Project TAG Administrator shall submit the name of the proposed U.S. WG Convener or SC Chairman, together with all necessary documentation, to the JTC 1 TAG Administrator. The JTC 1 TAG Administrator shall circulate the name of the proposed WG Convener or SC Chairman for vote of the JTC 1 TAG. Once approved by the JTC 1 TAG, the name of the proposed WG Convener or SC Chairman may be submitted by ANSI as a U.S. nomination to the relevant SC or WG for consideration.

* Receipt of International Ballots for WG Conveners and SC Chairmen

- SC Chairmen: The JTC 1 TAG Administrator shall distribute the ballot on the nomination of the SC Chairman to the responsible SC TAG Administrator, and to any other TAG Administrators having a concern for related subject matter. The responsible TAG shall forward a recommended U.S. position for balloting to the JTC 1 TAG Administrator who shall circulate it for ballot by the JTC 1 TAG. Once a U.S. position is approved by the JTC 1 TAG, it may be submitted by ANSI to JTC 1.

- WG Conveners: SC ballots on the nomination of WG Conveners received by the U.S. from international SC shall be circulated to the corresponding U.S. SC TAG Administrator, WG and Project TAG Administrators and to any other TAG Administrators with concerns for the subject matter related to the ballot. The responsible TAG shall forward a recommendation to ANSI for submission to the SC. An information copy of the recommended U.S. position shall be forwarded to the JTC 1 TAG Administrator, as well as to any other appropriate TAG. In addition, if the responsible TAG is a WG or Project TAG, an information copy shall also be sent by the responsible TAG Administrator to the SC TAG Administrator.

U.S. Membership (Participating or Observer) in SCs and WGs

* The responsible SC, WG or Project TAG Administrator shall submit a recommendation as to U.S. membership in a subgroup of the JTC 1 to the JTC 1 TAG Administrator. The JTC 1 TAG Administrator shall circulate the recommendation for ballot of the JTC 1 TAG. A copy shall also be sent to all concerned SC, WG or Project TAG Administrators for review and comment within a timeframe which shall permit consideration of such comments by the JTC 1 TAG when it ballots. In addition, a notice of the intended action shall be placed in Standards Action for comment. Once approved by the JTC 1 TAG, a recommendation for membership in that subgroup of the JTC 1 shall be sent to ANSI for submission to the relevant subgroup.

Acceptance of Secretariats by the U.S. The responsible SC, WG or Project TAG Administrator shall submit a recommendation for the U.S. to assume the Secretariat responsibilities for a subgroup of JTC 1, to the JTC 1 TAG Administrator. The JTC 1 TAG Administrator shall, in consultation with the ANSI Information Technology Consultative Committee (ITCC), determine if the resources in the U.S. are sufficient to support the acceptance of the Secretariat responsibilities in question. If it is determined that the resources are sufficient, the JTC 1 TAG Administrator shall circulate the recommendation for ballot of the JTC 1 TAG. Once a U.S. position to seek a JTC 1 subgroup Secretariat is approved by the JTC 1 TAG, it may be submitted by ANSI to JTC 1 or a JTC 1 SC, as appropriate, for consideration.

Hosting of International Meetings in the U.S.

All JTC 1-related meetings held in the US are at the invitation of and hosted by the US National Body (ANSI). Invitations to host international meetings at any level require prior approval of the appropriate TAG. Tentative offers for the US to host a future JTC 1-related meeting may be made at a meeting by the appropriate US Head of Delegation, contingent upon subsequent approval by the appropriate US TAG followed by submission of a formal invitation from ANSI as the US National Body.

- JTC 1 and JTC 1 Special Working Groups

For JTC 1 and JTC 1 SWGs, the JTC 1 TAG Administrator shall submit required documentation (i.e., financial responsibility for hosting) proposing U.S. sponsorship of meetings in the U.S. to the JTC 1 TAG for vote. Once approved by the JTC 1 TAG, the invitation shall be submitted to ANSI for subsequent processing.

- SC Plenary Meetings

The responsible U.S. JTC 1/SC TAG Administrator shall submit all necessary documentation (i.e., financial responsibility for hosting) proposing US sponsorship of an SC Plenary in the US to the JTC 1 TAG Administrator. The JTC 1 TAG Administrator shall circulate the proposal to the JTC 1 TAG for vote. Once approved by the JTC 1 TAG, the invitation shall be submitted to ANSI for subsequent processing.

- Meetings of SC Working Groups and Other Subgroups

For the hosting of SC Working Groups or other subgroup meetings in the U.S., the appropriate TAG Administrator shall forward the required documentation to ANSI for subsequent processing.

REFERENCES

Please note: All the documents listed below are available from the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 11 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036

ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1: Procedures for the Technical work; Part 2: Methodology for the development of International Standards; Part 3: Drafting and presentation of International Standards

ISO/IEC Directives: Procedures for the technical work of ISO/IEC JTC 1 on Information Technology

ANSI Procedures for U.S. Participation in the International Standards Activities of ISO, March 26, 1990.

ANSI: Guide for U.S. Delegates to IEC/ISO Meetings.

INTERPRETATIONS

Reference: Section III - paragraph 7:

Interpretation: The JTC 1 TAG has authority with regard to organization, management and policy matters of JTC 1 and responsibility for the continuity of the entire JTC 1 programme of work.

Approved by ISSB: 7 November 1994