About Us History
In a 1996 review of the diverse economic and technological forces then impacting state governments, the National Conference of States on Building Codes and Standards (NCSBCS), under its cooperative agreements with the Council of State Governments and the National Governors Association, opened a discussion to establish a new entity in the building codes and public safety field. This proposed new organization was to be specifically designed to facilitate the implementation of the building regulatory policies and regulations created at the government level that protect the health, welfare, economic development, and life safety of our citizens.In this needs assessment, it was noted that as Federal, state, and local governments were downsizing, many jurisdictions were finding it increasingly difficult to provide their states and/or communities with adequate levels of building regulatory and administrative services in a timely and cost-effective manner. In recognition of that problem, in 1997, NCSBCS invited the National Governors Association and Council of State Governments to work with them to establish a separate, non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation to undertake, on behalf of governmental entities throughout the nation, contract, grant, and cooperative agreement work which would facilitate effective and efficient codes enforcement.
The new entity, initially called the "States' Institute for Building Technology and Safety" (the "Institute") was drawn up with the purpose of lessening the burdens of all levels of government and enhancing regulatory efficiency by providing a state-based non-profit corporation and qualified professional staff who, under contracts, grants and cooperative agreements, provide governmental agencies with technical codes analysis and administrative services that support the building code and public safety needs of communities across this nation.
In 1998, the National Governors Association's Executive Committee concurred with the formation of this new entity, and NGA appointed a member to serve on the new Board of Directors. In that same year, the Council of State Governments likewise endorsed the formation of this new entity, and designated their official representative on the new organization's Board of Directors. At their organizational meeting, the Institute was established with a four-member Board, but made provisions for two additional Board members to be appointed at a later time.
In 1999, the new entity, then called the States' Institute for Building Technology and Safety, was recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a 501 (c)(3) non-profit corporation, and the Institute held its first organizational meeting and developed an operations schedule which envisioned the offering of services in 2000.
In follow-up conversations held in 2000 with associations representing cities and counties , it was determined that the name of the Institute and its purpose needed to be broadened to incorporate local government on an equal footing with the states. Therefore, prior to becoming fully operational, the Institute's Board voted in early 2001 to change the entity's name from the States' Institute for Building Technology and Safety to its current name: The Institute for Building Technology and Safety. In 2002 the National Association of Counties (NACo) was added as a Board-appointing association, followed later by the National League of Cities and International City/County Management Association.
IBTS's initial services focused on facilitation and coordination between Federal and state regulations and the manufactured housing industry. New services are constantly being added to support local governments and state universities. Within the role as a non-profit organization, IBTS also provides public service projects that support the built industry.
Mission
Our mission is to deliver quality services that meet the challenges of today...Board of Directors
IBTS's work is guided by a Board of Directors made up of representatives of five national associations...Contract Vehicles
IBTS works with many grant, contract, and service agreement vehicles, to include GSA...Certifications
IBTS is committed to attracting and retaining highly qualified and experienced personnel...Annual Reports
IBTS’s Annual Reports highlight key achievements in adding value to communities, governments, and the planet...History
In 1999, IBTS was recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a 501 (c)(3) not-for-profit...Services in the Public Good
IBTS has an ongoing responsibility to support initiatives that provide a public service...Contact Us
Your inquiry is important to us. Please complete our online contact form to help us serve you...certifications
IBTS is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization established to provide unbiased professional building code compliance
services directly to, or on behalf of, government agencies at all levels.
These services include inspections, plan reviews, building department services, education and training, staff augmentation, policy and procedure development, cost evaluation, energy ratings, and auditing.
