MIL-PRF-28800_failure_criteria_(2).doc

MIL-PRF-28800 Failure Criteria Processing

MIL-PRF-28800F establishes the criteria for reliability in paragraph 3.13, the methodology for evaluation in paragraph 4.3.1.6, and criteria for failure in paragraph 4.5.2.3.5. The bid sample evaluation process conforms to MIL-PRF-28800F and evaluates the performance of submitted bid samples to determine compliance to the requirements of the purchase description. While the reliability data described in para. 3.13 establishes the reliability of the manufacturers product over the population of the product, it does not address acceptable bounds for failures identified during the bid sample testing. To clarify the acceptable bounds for the bid sample testing, the following requirements are established:

1. Each manufacturer must submit two identical units for each model that the manufacturer proposes to have considered for the solicitation. At the discretion of the Government, the quantity may be reduced based on prior competitive experience with the procurement of the model.

2. The Government will perform the bid sample evaluation following the order of MIL-PRF-28800F, with specific performance tests established by the technical requirements of the specific purchase description of the solicitation.

3. Bid Sample Testing is anticipated to require 90 business days to complete. To achieve completion in 90 business days, all failures must be addressed expeditiously. Failures are defined in MIL-PRF-28800F, para. 4.5.2.3.5. NRL, the testing activity for bid sample testing, will notify the NAVICP Code 02 Contracting Officer of any failure. The Contracting Officer will in turn notify the vendor of the failure and require vendor response within 5 business days. Remedy to the failure must be accomplished within 10 business days of the notification. If remedy cannot be accomplished within 10 business days, the contractor shall request an extension from the NAVICP Code 02 Contracting Officer. Failure to remedy the condition within 10 days of notification shall result in rejection of the bid sample and elimination of the model from consideration on the solicitation.

4. For purposes of bid sample testing, the units submitted for testing are considered a ‘lot’. The equipment lot may present only two failures during the bid sample testing. A third failure to the lot shall result in elimination of the model from further consideration on the solicitation. (Elimination after the third failure is a result of extrapolation of the reliability criteria to a tangible selection criteria that facilitates conformance to a 90 day bid sample test period and timely execution of the contractual process.)

5. All equipment submitted for bid sample testing shall remain with NRL, the testing activity, until the contract is awarded and the protest period has passed. Vendors shall provide return shipping instructions.

MIL-PRF-28800F referenced paragraphs:

3.13 Reliability. Unless otherwise specified, the design of the equipment shall be such that under normal use and operation the equipment does not fail within 1500 hours of operation with a statistical certainty of 95%. The manufacturer shall provide a summary of maintenance or warranty records to establish the validity of the statistical assertion. Records of the actual equipment model shall be used, unless the government authorizes the substitution of records from a similar model, due to the lack of sufficient supporting documentation on the offered equipment. The manufacturer shall be able to reasonably establish the claim that the offered equipment shall provide reliability similar to the model used to provide substitute records.

4.3.1.6 Bid sample tests, Group F. The Group F tests shall be performed by evaluating the manufacturers data to establish that within 95% statistical certainty no equipment failures shall occur within at least 1500 hours of operation under normal conditions.

4.5.2.3.5 Failure criteria. Failure criteria shall be as specified in a and b:

a. The item shall have failed the test when any of the conditions specified in 1 through 7 occur:

1. Monitored functional parameters deviate beyond acceptable limits established in 4.5.2.3.1.

2. Catastrophic or structural failure.

3. Mechanical binding or loose parts, including screws, clamps, bolts, and nuts, that results in component failure or a hazard to personnel safety.

4. Malfunction.

5. Degradation of performance beyond limits established in the purchase description.

6. Any additional deviations from acceptable criteria established before the test.

7. Deterioration, corrosion, or change in tolerance limits of any internal or external parts which could in any manner prevent the test item from conforming to operational service or maintenance requirements.

b. Additional or different failure criteria shall be as specified in the purchase description.