The International Committee for Information Technology Standards (INCITS) is the central U.S. forum dedicated to creating technology standards for the next generation of innovation. INCITS is one example of the existing standards organizations (or voluntary consensus standards bodies) that OMB Circular A-119 directs Federal agencies to utilize to develop and maintain agency data standards.

The Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) is the premier Internet standards body, developing open standards through open processes. IETF is a large open international community of network designers, operators, vendors, and researchers concerned with the evolution of the Internet architecture and the smooth operation of the Internet. IETF is one example of the existing standards organizations (or voluntary consensus standards bodies) that OMB Circular A-119 directs Federal agencies to utilize to develop and maintain agency data standards.

The National Information Exchange Model (NIEM) is a common vocabulary that enables efficient information exchange across diverse public and private organizations. NIEM is one example of the existing standards organizations (or voluntary consensus standards bodies) that OMB Circular A-119 directs Federal agencies to utilize to develop and maintain agency data standards.

The United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) serves as the focal point for trade facilitation recommendations and electronic business standards, covering both commercial and government business processes that can foster growth in international trade and related services. UNECE is one example of the existing data standards organizations (or voluntary consensus standards bodies) that OMB Circular A-119 directs Federal agencies to utilize to develop and maintain agency data standards.

The World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) is an international community where member organizations, a full-time staff, and the public work together to develop Web standards. W3C is one example of the existing standards organizations (or voluntary consensus standards bodies) that OMB Circular A-119 directs Federal agencies to utilize to develop and maintain agency data standards.

Office of Management and Budget circular that directs agencies to use standards developed or adopted by voluntary consensus standards bodies rather than government-unique standards, except where inconsistent with applicable law or otherwise impractical. Revised Jan. 27, 2016.