Technical proficiency with a clear purpose
Conlaps provides proficiency testing for geotechnical and construction materials laboratories, helping accredited and quality-focused testing teams assess performance with clarity, consistency, and confidence.
Our work is grounded in technical credibility and practical communication. We aim to make program requirements, methods, and outcomes easy to understand so laboratories can engage with proficiency testing through a process that is structured, transparent, and professionally managed.
Why Conlaps exists
Conlaps was established in Western Australia in 2008 by Bill Barns, a former NATA regional co-ordinator with over 19 years’ experience in laboratory assessment across the geotechnical and construction materials sector. Through that experience, a gap was identified in the availability and variety of proficiency testing programs available for laboratories.
Conlaps was created to address that need — providing structured, technically credible programs that reflect real laboratory practice and offer meaningful participation for accredited testing organisations. Conlaps provides services to material laboratories Australia wide.
Today
Since 2024, Conlaps has been operated by Luke Barns, a civil engineer with over 20 years’ experience across geotechnical laboratories, road construction, and major infrastructure delivery.
Having started his career in soil testing laboratories, Luke brings practical understanding of laboratory systems, testing methods, and project requirements. This experience is combined with broader engineering and project delivery knowledge to ensure Conlaps programs remain relevant, practical, and aligned with industry expectations.
Conlaps is supported by Kim Tan, who manages administration and accounts, ensuring the day-to-day operation of the business is organised, responsive, and reliable for participating laboratories.
What guides us
Built for laboratories that value accuracy
Conlaps supports laboratories working across soil, aggregate, concrete, asphalt, and bitumen. The business is designed around technical clarity, dependable administration, and communication suited to the standards-driven environment laboratories operate in.
Credible technical focus
Programs are aligned to recognised testing methods and presented in a way that helps laboratories understand scope, participation, and expectations without unnecessary complexity.
Straightforward engagement
From reviewing program information to registering interest, the experience is clear, professional, and easy to navigate for accredited laboratories and engineering consultants.
How Conlaps works
Conlaps is structured to support laboratories with a practical, methodical approach that balances technical detail with usability.
01 – Program design
- Method-based scope
- Clear documentation
- Relevant sample focus
02 – Professional delivery
- Structured timelines
- Practical guidance
- Consistent administration
03 – Useful outcomes
- Clear reporting
- Quality support
- Confidence in process
Our approach
A dependable partner for proficiency testing
Conlaps supports laboratories that require proficiency testing delivered with professionalism, technical awareness, and clear communication. The focus is on helping organisations quickly understand what is offered and how to engage.
The approach is straightforward: provide proficiency testing programs that laboratories can review with confidence, supported by clear information and practical service pathways.
Next step
Discuss your laboratory requirements
If your team would like to review current proficiency testing options or register interest in an upcoming program, Conlaps is ready to assist.