AWS D17.1 is an ANSI/AWS welding standard, as such it is reviewed, revised, or reaffirmed in accordance with ANSI requirements.

Most contracts will specify the edition of the standard that is applicable. In some cases they simply state that the "latest" edition (of the standard) is applicable.

It sounds like you work for a company that does subcontracts welding, as such, you may be involved with several welding standards at any given time. Most of the big players, i.e., Boeing, Rolls-Royce, GE, Pratt & Whitney,  have their own welding standards that are applicable when you subcontract for them. You may also have to be NADCAP approved as a prerequisite before they will consider you for subcontracted work. Each company has their own quality control requirements and while they may be similar, there are differences your company has to be aware of.

The bottom line is that your company will have to review various standards [material specs, welding specs, finishing specs, welding symbols (not all companies use the same ones)] all the time, its a never ending job.

Best regards - Al