scope:

PURPOSE. This document establishes the Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) responsibilities and instructions for Acute Launch Emergency Restraint Tip (ALERT) and ALERT-type notification processing for government hardware described in MPD 1280.1, "Marshall Management Manual."

The MSFC system for processing ALERTS and ALERT-type notifications is designed to (1) prevent occurrence on MSFC-controlled products of nonconformances documented in the Government-Industry Data Exchange Program (GIDEP), NASA ALERT processing systems, or similar notification systems; (2) provide the impact of identifying and correcting ALERT and ALERT-type product problems on MSFC-controlled products when requested; (3) prevent occurrence on other government products of product supplier problem issues which are found on MSFC government products; and (4) satisfy requirements of NSTS 5300.4 (1D-2), NPD 8720.1, NPD 8730.2, and NPD 8730.3.

APPLICABILITY. This Marshall Work Instruction (MWI) is applicable to all MSFC organizations and programs, which use, develop, or provide products for the government or government entities. This includes flight hardware, ground support equipment, test equipment, and other products used by MSFC government or government support personnel on or in support of government programs.

In order to perform ALERT screening adequately for all flight and ground support Material Traceability Level 1 and 2 components as determined by the project manager or systems engineer in accordance with MWI 8040.4, it is necessary for each evaluating organization to have parts traceability for those components by manufacturer and part number and, if applicable and available, serial number and lot/date code. Each evaluating organization must also clearly identify where and how the component is used throughout its various integrated equipment. This requires advance planning for any component used in a Material Traceability Level 1 or 2 operation. While this detailed level of traceability is not required for Material Traceability Level 3 and 4 components, ALERT processing will be performed on all government equipment to the greatest extent possible based on each component's available traceability defined in MPG 8040.3 and MWI 8040.4.