Superfund CLP National Functional Guidelines for Data Review
In the 1990s, the Contract Laboratory Program (CLP) developed the National Functional Guidelines (NFGs) for Data Review, the first centralized, consistent approach to analytical data review. The NFGs assist in the technical review of analytical data generated through the CLP and elsewhere, providing guidance for evaluating (a) whether analytical data meet the technical and quality control (QC) criteria in the applicable Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) or in the Superfund CLP Statement of Work (SOW), and (b) the uncertainty and extent of bias associated with any data that do not meet these criteria. Each set of NFGs corresponds to a specific SOW and covers QC areas such as blanks, calibration, instrument performance, and proficiency testing samples to support reviewers in assessing data quality and usability for site decision-making.
National Functional Guideline Documents
The NFG documents, organized by SOW, are listed below.
(NOTE: The link on page 2 for Guidance for Labeling Externally Validated Laboratory Analytical Data for Superfund Use has been revised to https://www.epa.gov/clp/clp-information-field-samplers)
- National Functional Guidelines for Organic Superfund Methods Data Review (SFAM01.1)_November 2020 (pdf)
- National Functional Guidelines for Inorganic Superfund Methods Data Review (SFAM01.1)_November 2020 (pdf)
- National Functional Guidelines for HRSM Superfund Methods Data Review (HRSM02.1)_November 2020 (pdf)
- National Functional Guidelines for DFC Superfund Methods Data Review (DFC02.0) August 2026 (pdf)