scope:

FOREWORD

This manual has been prepared for use by personnel responsible for performing DOD PQA functions. It is applicable to subcontracts at all tires as well as prime contracts.

This manual is mandatory for use by all CAS components unless authority to deviate is granted at Departmental level.

The policy and procedures set forth herein encompass the policy established by DOD in the ASPR relative to PQA

Basically, the manual addresses itself to the policy, procedure, and actions that are required to be implemented at the site designated for contract performance. The instructions contained herein are not all inclusive with respect to certain commodity areas or certain specialized programs that do not have an across the board application. There are specialized commodity instructions involving PQA contained in separate documents and appendices to this manual such as for petroleum, maintenance and overhaul, and clothing and textile materials which supplement or are used in lieu of these procedures.

This manual is written primarily around the responsibility of the QAR. Success of a plant-level Government QA program is normally dependent on this individual Impact of outside influences not-withstanding, it is the QAR who signs or authorizes signature on a document such as the DD Form 250, Material inspection and Receiving Report, which permits shipment of supplies and provides the basis for expenditure of public funds. While not used herein, the term "Resident-In-Charge QAR" is applicable in those situations where more than one QAR is assigned to a given contractor facility These references to the QAR are generally concerned with the level of responsibility as opposed to indicating that the individual QAR must personally perform the activity being described

The efforts of all PQA personnel, regardless of organization level, are directed toward the single purpose of assuring that the supplies or services subject to PQA are in complete compliance with the terms of those contracts assigned for administration. The majority of PQA personnel involved in achieving the stated purpose are assigned at contractor facilities where the work is performed.

Of particular importance in accomplishment of the PQA mission is the role of the technical specialists. These specialists are individuals assigned to various organizational levels in QA within CAOs, Technical Activities, and Purchasing Offices who can provide expertise with respect to given commodity area; on specialized subjects such as materials processes, calibration, reliability, maintainability, or for selected disciplines, such as electronics, mechanical or metallurgical It is incumbent upon the QAR to make maximum use of available specialists in the performance of those responsibilities for which he is charged. At no time should a QAR take the position that requesting assistance is a reflection of his incapability In recognition of the wide variety of products, processes, and procedures which may confront the QAR in his day-to-day operations, it is unreasonable to expect that QARs will always possess the total knowledge required to perform these activities.

The role of management and supervision, particularly the firs level supervisor, is critical in the performance of the PQA mission The first level supervisor is responsible for assuring that assigned QARs are technically competent perform their assigned mission in a satisfactory manner, and receive required support.

All personnel involved in the PQA function must be thoroughly familiar with the contents of this manual.

It is essential that the records which document the results of PQA actions required by this manual  are accurate. Legible, and relatable to the individual determinations. The adequacy and accuracy of PQA records and related reports should receive the same emphasis as the determinations made relative in the technical aspects of a contract.

Duplicating or paraphrasing of policy, procedures, and forms in this manual by issuance of local direction is prohibited.

The procedures contained herein are provided for preparation of the in-plant PQA program and further direction should not be required Amplifying, interpretive or supplemental publications will be issued at Departmental/agency level only Formal changes to policy and procedures in this manual will not be published prior to concurrence by all DOD activities whose numbers are assigned to this manual..

Any suggestions for improvement in this manual should be submitted through channels to HQ DSA, ATTN DCAS-Q, HQ DARCOM, ATTN, DRCQA-P; HQ NMC, ATTN, MAT06Q; HQ USAF, ATTN LGPMA, OR HQ MC, ATTN, LMO