One of the greatest strengths of the NFPA standards-development process is the effort that is put into ensuring broad participation. While our committees are always balanced to protect against any single interest dominating the process, we also work hard to attract enforcers to serve on those committees. Enforcers share their technical expertise when they participate in the development of codes and standards. They also provide an invaluable perspective on the practical application of NFPA codes and standards in the field.

These days, though, it’s getting tougher to make sure enforcers have a seat at the table. Government expenditures are being slashed at the local, state, and national levels; code enforcement agencies are consolidating and reducing personnel, which can constrain the time available for enforcers to participate in the activities of organizations such as NFPA. Travel expenses are always among the first things to go when budgets are cut, which further complicates the job of getting enforcer participation on our committees.

In 2010, when we developed NFPA’s new strategic plan, we agreed that finding ways to get more enforcement officials involved in our process should be a priority. I wish we could expect that these constraints on government spending were just a temporary phenomenon, but it looks as though those limitations will continue for the foreseeable future. Our goal is to increase the percentage of enforcement officials who serve on our technical committees from the current 12 percent of the total committee members to 20 percent, and to have enforcers serve on all of our 243 committees, which include 7,702 occupied seats. Read former NFPA President Jim Shannon's column about the Enforcer Funding Program.

How to apply for eligibility

In order to apply for eligibility to receive reimbursement funds under the NFPA Enforcer Funding Program (EFP), you must be a duly appointed member of one or more NFPA Technical Committees, and have been classified by the NFPA Standards Council, for purposes of Committee balance, as an “Enforcing Authority (E)” (“Enforcer”). How enforcers are defined.

Apply now
Current Technical Committee members can submit the Enforcer Funding Program eligibility application form. Approval must be granted by NFPA's Project Administrator before travel expenses are incurred. See a list of Technical Committees seeking enforcers. If you are not a Technical Committee member, learn how to apply for membership.

Travel reimbursement request form
The travel reimbursement form (PDF) should be completed by current Technical Committee members employed in the public sector in the Enforcer membership category after approval is granted through the Eligibility Application process. The form must be submitted within 30 days of the last day of committee meeting.