How ACF is organized
ACF operates as a program of Blue Horn Ventures LLC with an independent Technical Working Group (TWG) that owns the standard. This structure separates operational execution (Blue Horn Ventures) from standards governance (TWG).
Blue Horn Ventures manages certification operations, auditor accreditation, registry infrastructure, and commercial relationships. The TWG is structurally independent from Blue Horn Ventures' commercial interests — TWG voting members are prohibited from being Blue Horn Ventures employees or contractors.
This separation ensures that commercial pressures on certification operations cannot influence the integrity of the standard itself.
Independence by design
The TWG controls the standard. ACF (Blue Horn Ventures) controls operations. Neither can unilaterally change the other's domain. If Blue Horn Ventures were to cease operations, the standard and its governance would continue through the TWG.
Governance at a glance
Conflict Prevention
- TWG members may not be Blue Horn Ventures employees or contractors
- Auditors barred from reviewing operators with whom they have commercial relationships
- Conflict-of-interest register maintained and auditable
- Maximum 3 enterprise operator seats — prevents industry capture of the standard
Transparency Commitments
What ACF publishes publicly: