1.1 This specification was initiated to meet the needs of regulatory programs for the certification of manufactured building. The various statutes differ somewhat in the responsibilities assigned to the administrative agency responsible for implementing the rules and regulations for manufactured building. The administrative agency may utilize the services and facilities of building-evaluation agencies in carrying out its responsibilities for evaluating manufactured building systems. By providing criteria for evaluating these agencies, this specification's objective is to (1) utilize the voluntary standards system to provide a common base for the various regulatory approaches employed by the authorities having jurisdiction, and (2) make provision for varying degrees of optional technical support for the certification of manufactured building.

1.2 To establish an appropriate degree of intra- and inter-state credibility regarding building system evaluations made through governmental or private agencies, the authorities having jurisdiction may wish to utilize an accreditation program for such agencies.

1.3 Building-evaluation organizations examined under this specification may include both governmental and private agencies qualified to act on behalf of the public as designee agents (that is, agencies) of the government office having jurisdiction.

1.4 This specification covers criteria by which the technical resources of agencies, both governmental and private, may be evaluated for their capability to perform the system analysis or compliance assurance function, or combination thereof, in the evaluation and inspection (certification) of manufactured building. Practice E651/E651M may be used for the evaluation of such agencies.

1.5 These criteria set forth the minimum personnel requirements and the technical and organizational procedures required for agencies engaged in evaluating manufactured building. Other criteria such as independence, financial stability, and objectivity may need to be considered.

1.6 Criteria are included for agencies evaluating innovative as well as conventional building systems, against applicable requirements.

1.7 Agencies involved in testing, quality assurance and evaluating building components can be evaluated by using Practice E699.

1.8 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.