Initiation of Projects

Signature of the sponsor

Signature of SAE staff representative

Date received by SAE

Approval/Disapproval by Council/Division

Signature of Council/Division Chair

Elements to be clarified when proposing a new work item (new standard)

Title
Indicate the subject matter of the proposed new standard

Scope
Give a clear indication of the coverage of the proposed new work item and, if necessary for clarity, exclusions.

Purpose and justification
Give details based on a critical study of the following elements wherever practical:

• The specific aims and reason for the standardization activity, with particular emphasis on the aspects of standardization to be covered, the problems it is expected to solve or the difficulties it is intended to overcome.
• The main interests that might benefit from or be affected by the activity, such as industry, consumers, trade, governments, and distributors.
• Feasibility of the activity: Are there factors that could hinder the successful establishment or general application of the standard?
• Timeliness of the standard to be produced: is the technology reasonably stabilized? If not, how much time is likely to be available before advances in technology may render the proposed standard outdated? Is the proposed standard required as a basis for the future development of the technology in question?
• Urgency of the activity, considering the needs of other fields or organizations. Indicate target date, and, when a series of standards is proposed, suggest priorities.
• The benefits to be gained by the implementation of the proposed standard; alternatively, the loss or disadvantage(s) if no standard is established within a reasonable time. Data such as product volume or value of trade should be included and quantified.
• If the standardization activity is, or is likely to be, the subject of regulations or to require the harmonization of existing regulations, this should be indicated.

Relevant documents
List any known relevant documents (such as standards and regulations), regardless of their source. When the proposer considers that an existing well-established document may be acceptable as a standard (with or without amendments) indicate this with appropriate justification and attach a copy to the proposal.

Cooperation and liaison
List relevant organizations or bodies with which cooperation and liaison should exist.

Selection of projects
Proposals for projects will be selected based on criteria so that volunteer and staff resources can be properly assigned to the project. Work will be initiated by the committee if three of the following criteria are met:

Will this technical report help to:

• Harmonize global markets
• Reduce costs
• Facilitate trade through reduced regulations
• Enhance safety
• Improve the environment
• Promote uniform testing or performance
• Permit common interfaces
• Create common language
• Increase productivity or performance

Preparatory work
Indicate whether the proposer is prepared to undertake the preparatory work required for the new work item.