12.915—Metric system of measurement.
The Metric Conversion Act, as amended by the Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act (15 U.S.C. 205) declares that the metric system is the preferred measurement system for U.S. trade and commerce. The Act requires each Federal agency to establish a date or dates in consultation with the Secretary of Commerce when the metric system of measurement will be used in the agency's procurements, grants, and other business-related activities. Metric implementation may take longer where the use of the system is initially impractical or likely to cause significant inefficiencies in the accomplishment of Federally-funded activities. Federal awarding agencies will follow the provisions of E.O. 12770, “Metric usage in Federal Government Programs.” When applicable, the awarding agency shall request that measurement-sensitive information to be included as part of the application, be expressed in metric units. When required by the awarding agency, for grants to recipients, the following term and condition will be incorporated into the grant:
Provision
All progress and final reports, other reports, or
All progress and final reports, other reports, or publications produced under this award shall employ the metric system of measurements to the maximum extent practicable. Both metric and inch-pound units (dual units) may be used if necessary during any transition period(s). However, the recipient may use non-metric measurements to the extent that the recipient has supporting documentation that the use of metric measurements is impracticable or is likely to cause significant inefficiencies or loss of markets to the recipient, such as when foreign competitors are producing competing products in non-metric units.