scope:

This Handbook establishes basic and detailed requirements for Quality Assurance programs for MSFC Test Area activation and operation. This document applies to MSFC on-site activities, and those off-site procurements as specifically identified by the Safety and Mission Assurance Directorate and the Contracting Officer.

MSFC shall invoke the requirements of this publication contractually in full or in part, as appropriate, to various flight, flight-related, ground systems and equipment, and research and development (R&D) test projects and services for testing at MSFC. This publication may also be invoked on subcontracts to the extent necessary to ensure the required quality of test articles, materials, structures, components and services. The contract shall specify which portions of this document are applicable. On programs where a formal contract does not exist, such as Independent Research and Development (IRAD) programs, Cooperative Agreements, Space Act Agreements and Memos of Understanding (MOUs), this document can be tailored for the establishment of an acceptable quality system. This document can also be used in conjunction with National Consensus Code (e.g. ASME) requirements.

This publication is consistent with the requirements of ISO 9001 and SAE AS 9100 for Quality Assurance requirements, but provides quality assurance requirements with emphasis on test and test-related activities and operations which may or may not involve flight hardware. For contractors who provide flight hardware quality assurance programs as required by NASA contracts, and who are also required to provide test activity support, applicable portions of this document shall be invoked for purposes of establishing an on-site quality program.