The Office of Vehicle Safety Compliance (OVSC) provides contracted laboratories with Laboratory Test Procedures (TPs) which serve as guidelines for obtaining compliance test data. The data are used to determine if a specific vehicle or item of motor vehicle equipment meets the minimum performance requirements of the subject Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS). The purpose of the TP is to present a uniform testing and data recording format, and provide suggestions for the use of specific equipment and procedures. Any contractor interpreting any part of a TP to be in conflict with a FMVSS or observing any deficiencies in a TP is required to advise the Contracting Officer's Technical Representative (COTR) and resolve the discrepancy prior to the start of compliance testing. The TPs are not intended to limit or restrain a contractor from developing or utilizing any testing techniques or equipment, which will assist in procuring the required compliance test data. Contractors must develop detailed in-house working procedures applicable to their specific use.