Attachment 0002 First Article Inspection Orientation.pdf

ORIENTATION ON FIRST ARTICLE INSPECTION (FAI)

INTRODUCTION

This document is provided as an orientation to familiarize you with the purpose and scope of first article inspection (contractor testing) as performed on this contract by the United States Army Aviation and Missile Command (AMCOM) for proponent materiel. It is a more detailed review of the processes, controls and procedures described in the first article inspection and test clause of the contract. Moreover, it is provided for informational purposes only and is not part of the terms and/or conditions of the contract.

Purpose. The purpose of the first article inspection and approval process is to assure that the Contractor has the capability to manufacture a product that conforms to all contract requirements. The Contractor must notify the Procurement Contracting Officer (PCO) and the Government surveillance element of the contractual scheduled date, time, and location for performance of the required FAI, in writing, no less than 30 days prior to the scheduled first article inspection and test date. Notification must include the date, time and location of scheduled testing. Participation in the first article inspection and test is an option available to the AMCOM Quality Management Division. In addition to Quality Management personnel, other

Command representatives may also participate. Likewise, it is imperative that your local Defense Contract Management Command (DCMC) Quality Assurance Representative (QAR) participate in the inspection and/or tests, whether or not AMCOM representatives attend. A thorough review of the procurement package is accomplished to determine the technical scope involved and to insure that concerned personnel are intimately familiar with overall requirements.

Meeting. The first article inspection and test process normally begins with a meeting between all cognizant Government and Contractor personnel. The purpose is to review the scope of the first article inspection and test and to agree upon the manner in which it will be conducted. At this time, a Contractor representative is designated as a point of contact for Government participants to coordinate actions and to obtain authoritative responses to matters that may arise. Meeting are held as often as necessary, and a final critique is conducted upon completion of the inspection.

Inspection.

The inspection and test of the first article candidate is the responsibility of the Contractor.

However, the Government representatives may, at their option, perform any of the required inspections and/or tests with assistance from any specially trained Contractor personnel necessary to operate unique or complex special inspection and test equipment. The on-site first article inspection consists of, but is not limited to, a thorough examination of certifications, material, processes, procedures, item characteristics, manufacturing, inspection and test equipment records, dimensions, marking, preservation, packaging, packing and operations, special and/or functional testing, necessary to assure compliance. The Contractor is responsible for providing the facilities and test equipment, and any additional administrative or technical support personnel necessary to assist in conducting the first article inspection and test.

ORIENTATION ON FIRST ARTICLE INSPECTION (FAI) (CONTINUED)

Inspection (continued).

The product of this process is the First Article Test Report, which must include all of the information required by the First Article Test Clause contained in your contract. The importance of the test report cannot be underestimated, as it is the deliverable which forms the basis of acceptability of the First Article Test, notwithstanding the observations of Government Representatives while on-site. Do not hesitate to contact the AMCOM Quality Assurance Specialist, if you have questions regarding the content of the First Article Test Report.

Deficiencies. Deficiencies are defined as any nonconformance or departure from any contractually required material, physical, operational, functional or special characteristics, processes and/or procedures. The Contractor may, at its option, elect to submit a nonconforming first article as long as the appropriate waivers and/or deviations accompany the test report.

There are risks associated with this decision, however, as the Government may either require a contract price adjustment, or elect to disapprove the First Article Test Report and require another first article test inspection at no additional cost.

Final Critique and Reporting. Upon completion of the first article inspection and test, a final meeting is held. Findings and/or results of the first article inspection and test are discussed and differences resolved. The test report is annotated by the DCMA QAR recommending approval/disapproval and each page must contain the QAR's inspection stamp signifying his/her review of it. The Contractor will finalize the report and forward it through the Administrative Contracting Officer (ACO) to the AMCOM Procurement Contracting Officer (PCO) who will provide it to Quality Management. In the event any first article inspection and test item is disapproved, another first article inspection and test will be scheduled. The second inspection and test should be scheduled after the Contractor has implemented the appropriate actions to determine the cause of the nonconformance, taken required corrective actions, and presentation of reworked or replacement first article test piece. Purchase of materials, components and /or commencement of production for the balance of the contract quantity is at the sole risk of the Contractor unless the PCO grants specific written authorization (see paragraph (g) of FAR

52-209-3.)

SUMMARY

There may be variations in the basic outline presented herein, based on the peculiarities of specific products. The FAis are thorough assessments to determine the ability of the Contractor to produce conforming material and to ascertain the adequacy of product specifications and operational requirements. When fully supported by Contractor and Government personnel, FAis play an extremely important role in the overall objective to provide quality materiel to the user. Your cooperation and assistance in obtaining this objective is solicited and appreciated.