scope:

The purpose of this standard is to encourage defense contractors and other commercial organizations supplying goods and services to the U.S. Government to submit efficient and effective process control (prevention) procedures in place of prescribed sampling requirements. The goal is to support the movement away from an AQL-based inspection (detection) strategy to implementation of an effective prevention-based strategy including a comprehensive quality system, continuous improvement and a partnership with the Government. The underlying theme is a partnership between DoD and the defense supplier, with the requisite competence of both parties, and a clear mutual benefit from processes capable of consistently high quality products and services. The objective is to create an atmosphere where every noncompliance is an opportunity for corrective action and improvement rather than one where acceptable quality levels are the contractually sufficient goals.

This standard, when referenced in the contract, specification, or purchase order, is applicable to the prime contractor, and should be extended to subcontractors or vendor facilities. The quality plans are to be applied as specified in the contract documents, and deliverables may be submitted for acceptance if the requirements of this standard have been met.

Quality plans and procedures in this standard may be used when appropriate to assess conformance to requirements of the following:

a. End items

b. Components or basic materials

c. Operations or services

d. Materials in process

e. Supplies in storage

f. Maintenance operations

g. Data or records

h. Administrative procedures

Note, use of the word "product" throughout this standard also refers to services and other deliverables.

The contractor is required to submit product that meets all contract and specification requirements. The application of the quality plans or procedures of this standard does not relieve the contractor of responsibility for meeting all contract product requirements. The contractor's quality system, including manufacturing processes and quality control measures, will be established and operated to consistently produce products that meet all requirements. Absence of any inspection or process control requirement in the contract does not relieve the contractor of responsibility for assuring that all products or supplies submitted to the Government for acceptance conform to all requirements of the contract.

The sampling plans and procedures of this standard are not intended for use with destructive tests or where product screening is not feasible or desirable. In such cases, the sampling plans to be used will be specified in the contract or product specifications.

This Appendix is not a mandatory part of the standard. The information contained herein is intended for guidance only.

This Appendix illustrates how to implement the three types of sampling plans described in paragraphs 4 and 5 of this standard. The examples explain how to use the four tables, how to apply the switching rules, and how to do some of the requisite calculations. In addition, this Appendix explains how the contractor can modify Table IV to some extent by calculating and using other "i" and "f" values.

intended Use:

This document is intended for use in contracts in place of AQL-based sampling documents.