AACE International Approved as ANSI Accredited Standards Developer
AACE International has achieved a significant milestone in its 70-year history, earning approval as an ANSI Accredited Standards Developer (ASD) from the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). The accreditation recognizes that AACE’s standards development process meets ANSI’s rigorous requirements for openness, balance, due process, transparency, and consensus.
The designation positions AACE to develop American National Standards (ANS), further strengthening the organization’s role as the global technical authority in cost engineering and project controls.
“Achieving ANSI Accredited Standards Developer status is a defining milestone for AACE and a testament to the strength, integrity, and maturity of our technical community,” said John P. Orr, PSP FAACE, Chair of the AACE Technical Board. “This accreditation affirms that our standards development process meets the highest principles of openness, balance, consensus, and due process, positioning AACE to develop American National Standards that will further elevate our profession. It reinforces AACE’s role as the global technical authority in cost engineering and project controls while creating new opportunities to expand the impact of our technical guidance across industry.”
For decades, AACE has developed trusted technical resources that serve practitioners around the world, including its Recommended Practices (RPs), the Total Cost Management (TCM) Framework®, technical publications, and internationally recognized certification programs. ANSI accreditation builds on that legacy by creating a pathway for AACE to develop standards that can achieve formal recognition as American National Standards.
The accreditation also enhances the credibility and visibility of AACE’s technical work among industry organizations, project owners, government agencies, and other standards-developing bodies. As industry challenges continue to evolve, the ability to develop nationally recognized standards will further support consistent, high-quality practices across the profession.
For AACE members, the designation creates new opportunities to participate directly in nationally recognized standards development. Volunteers will have another meaningful avenue to contribute their expertise, influence the future of the profession, and help shape standards that will guide projects for years to come.
“Becoming an ANSI-accredited standards developer represents a significant achievement for AACE and reflects the considerable time and effort required to reach this milestone,” said Dr. Stephen P. Warhoe, PE CCP CFCC FAACE Hon. Life, and Director – Technical on the AACE Board of Directors. “I am proud to have been involved with that effort. AACE has long been recognized for its Recommended Practices, Total Cost Management Framework, and technical expertise. The ability to develop nationally recognized standards from this strong foundation will further enhance the credibility and influence of AACE’s technical guidance, particularly within the construction and legal industries, while giving our members and volunteers a greater role in shaping the future of cost engineering and project controls.”
The achievement also supports AACE’s long-term strategy to deepen industry engagement, increase the profession’s influence, and continue investing in technical leadership and professional excellence. By complementing its existing body of knowledge, Recommended Practices, TCM Framework, and certification programs, ANSI accreditation further strengthens AACE’s ability to provide authoritative technical guidance that benefits members, employers, owners, and the broader project community.
As AACE begins this new chapter, the organization looks forward to collaborating with its members, volunteers, and industry partners to develop standards that advance the profession and support successful project outcomes worldwide.