Optional Certification Procedures 2020.docx

DOCX document 114 KB Posted May 19, 2022

Attached to: Sources Sought: US Air Force Academy Officer Dress & Mess Dress Uniforms
Solicitation number: FY22_USAFA_Officer_MessDress_Uniforms
Issued by: Department of the Air Force Headquarters Air Force Academy

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DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE

AIR FORCE UNIFORM OFFICE

AFLCMC/WNU-TAC

1901 TENTH STREET, BLDG 63

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB OH 45433-7605

937-255-4733 937-656-4318 FAX

OPTIONAL UNIFORMS

CERTIFICATION AND QUALITY

CONTROL PROGRAM

Operating Procedures

December 2020

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.0	INTRODUCTION	1
1.1	Authority	1
2.1	Certification Policies and Procedures	2
2.2	Post Certification Shade Policy and Procedure	3
3.0	GARMENT CERTIFICATION	4
3.1	Certification Policies	4
3.2	Certification Labeling	5
4.0.	REVOCATION OF CERTIFICATION	6
4.1	Fabric	6
4.2	Garments	6
APPENDIX A	8
APPENDIX B	10
APPENDIX C	11
APPENDIX D	12

UNITED STATES AIR FORCE

CERTIFICATION AND QUALITY CONTROL PROGRAM

Operating Procedures

1.0	INTRODUCTION
1.1	Authority

The department of the Air Force Instruction (AFI) 36-2914 assigns the responsibility to Air Force Material Command (AFMC) for the development, certification, and quality assurance (QA) of optional uniform clothing items. Through this medium, AF personnel, exercising their option to purchase uniform items from commercial vendors and Army/Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) stores, are assured that the items meet or exceed the specified quality level established by the procurement documents.

1.2 Mission

To fulfill the mission to AF members, the Air Force Uniform Office (AFUO):

1.2.1	Evaluates and provides guidance on samples, from current or potential manufacturers, of certified textiles and uniform items.
1.2.2	Issues certification numbers for each sample that meets or exceeds specified requirements. Certification numbers are valid for a period of three (3) years from date of issue.
1.2.3	Provides information to interested manufacturers regarding procurement documents or changes to procurement procedures.
1.2.4.	Furnishes copies of procurement documents, regulations, patterns, and/or other information pertaining to the various uniforms (as available).
1.2.5	Makes periodic visits to certified firms.

2.0	FABRIC CERTIFICATION
2.1	Certification Policies and Procedures
2.1.1	Approvals will be awarded to bona fide manufacturers, mills, or converters only. It is the responsibility of the manufacturer or converter of uniform fabrics, whichever gives commercial identity to the fabric, to obtain Air Force (AF) approval for such fabric, and supply each end item manufacturer using the fabric with a certified copy of an AF “Letter of Approval.” Approval letters may be reproduced as needed.
2.1.1.1	Approvals will be rendered in the form of a “Letter of Approval” addressed to the submitting company or prime contractor. Approval will not be granted verbally. Any submitting company acting on verbal information, regardless of source, does so at its own risk.
2.1.1.2	The approval will apply only to the specific fabric in the color, fiber content, and finish submitted and cannot be projected to any other fabric or the same fabric in any other color/finish. Additionally, the approval shall apply only to that physical location where the item was manufactured. Every production site must submit samples of each item, as specified, for evaluation and certification. Approvals are awarded for a three-year period.
2.1.2	Item will be evaluated according to the current procurement document. Approval will be based on the evaluation results and at the discretion of the AFUO.
2.1.3	Upon request, the AFUO will provide information on certified suppliers verbally. Information pertaining to subcontractors shall not be given.
2.1.4	An information copy of the “Letter of Approval” will be furnished to Headquarters (HQ) AAFES and the Air Force Academy (USAFA).
2.1.5	Certification is valid only for the prime contractor and with each applicable subcontractor. If a subcontractor wishes to bid on an AAFES or USAFA contract, certification by the AFUO, as a prime contractor, is required.
2.1.6	Notification will be furnished to all manufacturers approximately 30 days prior to date of expiration for each item. It is the responsibility of the manufacturer to submit samples to the AFUO for recertification.
2.1.7	Approval of a designated textile may be obtained by submitting two (2) linear yards of fabric, accompanied by specific commercial identification of the fabric, and a certified test report.
2.1.7.1	The sample two (2) yards accompanying the test report shall be cut from the same piece as that submitted for the test report and so identified when submitted. This sample cut will be retained by the AFUO and used for comparing future production.
2.1.7.2	The certified test report must be submitted from a qualified independent testing laboratory or manufacturer laboratory (if approved) indicating that the fabric meets applicable procurement documents for fabrics, braid, webbing, or belt buckles and their components. Its laboratory report must include test specimen.
NOTE:	To preclude unnecessary additional expense, it is suggested that sample swatches of the fabric be submitted for a courtesy shade evaluation prior to obtaining a laboratory test report.
2.1.7.3	If the shade evaluation and test report indicates complete conformance, a “Letter of Approval” will be issued to the manufacturer.
2.1.7.4	Upon request, a certified test report submitted during each production to verify conformance to the requirements of the aforementioned two-yard sample shall be provided.
2.2	Post Certification Shade Policy and Procedure
2.2.1	For specified fabrics, a 4 6 inch (approximately) swatch of fabric is required for shade evaluation and approval from each production run.
2.2.1.1	Each swatch shall have the back labeled as such with the piece number and dye lot number and submitted to the AFUO.
2.2.1.2	Each lot of swatches submitted for shade approval shall include a shade submittal log that includes (as a minimum) piece numbers, dye lot numbers, and total number of swatches. See Appendix A for sample Shade Evaluation Log.
2.2.2	The selvages of all fabrics will be comparable in color to the fabric.
2.2.3	Certified fabrics must have a decal at 16-inch intervals on the back of the fabric, staggered across its width, to identify the fabric as having been produced in accordance with the samples for which the certificate was issued. See Appendix B for fabrics requiring decal.
2.2.3.1	The appearance of the decal will be clear and in harmony with the color of the fabric. The decal may be of such design as desired by the manufacturer. It shall be applied by the manufacturer in a plant owned and operated by its firm or by a finishing plant that is under contract to the manufacturer to finish the fabric to meet applicable Government specifications. If the decal is applied by a finishing plant under contract to the manufacturer to finish the fabric, the actual yardage finished with the decal must be made a matter of record with the certified manufacturer.
2.2.3.2	No other firm will be authorized to apply the decal for the manufacturer.
2.2.3.3	Decals shall not be stamped until fabric has been approved for shade by the AFUO.
2.2.3.4	Exceptions to the decal requirement will be granted on an individual basis.

3.0	GARMENT CERTIFICATION
3.1	Certification Policies
3.1.1	Certification numbers will be issued only to prime manufacturers, such as apparel manufacturers or other entities, engaged in the fabrication of uniform garments and accessories
3.1.1.1	The prime contractor is responsible for all work performed by a subcontractor.
3.1.1.2	The definition of a subcontractor is one who takes a portion of the contract or manufacturers a portion of the contract.

For example: The prime contractor cuts the garments and contracts another supplier to sew the garments, which makes the supplier that sews the garments a subcontractor. This supplier shall be considered a subcontractor, even if it is owned by the prime contractor.

3.1.2	The prime contractor is required to furnish the AFUO an affidavit, executed on the firm's letterhead, specifying manufacturing and subcontractor information (as applicable).
3.1.3	Two (2) samples of the uniform item will be manufactured and sent to the AFUO. Upon certification approval, one (1) sample will be returned to the supplier. If certification is denied, both samples will be returned.
3.1.4	Upon request, the following information shall be provided:

· Graded patterns, in the sizes and media specified.

· Certified reproduced copies of letters of approval and/or Certificates of Compliance obtained from suppliers of the basic and component materials employed in the end item. A Certificate of Compliance consists of a letter on supplier letterhead stating that components meet all applicable physical requirements.

3.1.5	Garment manufacturers using certified accessories, such as visors, buckles, and clips, are advised that the accessories must be certified separately.
3.1.6	Garment manufacturers are fully responsible for the quality of noncertified component items. A letter of compliance shall be obtained from each supplier of noncertified items to ensure proper quality is being furnished.
3.1.6.1	Samples of component items may be submitted for courtesy evaluation.
3.1.6.2	Garment manufacturers using noncertified components on end items that incorporate their approval number place the certification in jeopardy. Such violations constitute grounds for revocation of certification.
3.1.6.3	The manufacturer is responsible for maintaining the quality of uniform items. It is strongly suggested that an adequate quality control (QC) system be maintained.
3.1.7	If the item conforms to AF requirements in all respects, a “Letter of Approval” along with a certificate number will be awarded. Garments will be evaluated using current procurement documents and standards. Approval will be based upon the results of this evaluation and at the discretion of the AFUO.
3.1.8	If the sample item is rejected, the manufacturer will be notified of discrepancies. The manufacturer may resubmit a new or reworked item using the sample item in its possession as an example.
3.2	Certification Sizes
3.2.1	Sizes that are submitted for certification shall be:

· Hat: 22 women’s; men’s 7-1/4

· Coat: 10 women’s Regular; 40 men’s Regular

· Slacks/skirt/trousers: 10 women’s Regular; 34 men’s Regular

· Physical Training Uniform: Medium Regular

· Shirts: 10 women’s Regular; 15-1/2/33 men’s

· Sweater: 34 women’s Regular; 40 men’s Medium Regular

· Maternity: women’s Medium

3.3	Certification Labeling
3.3.1	Certified manufacturers are required to identify each uniform item with a certification label permanently attached to each item. The certification labels shall be the type specified in the procurement document or contract. Incorrect, incomplete, out of date, or misleading words on the label shall not be used. The inscription on the label shall conform to the following:

USAF Certification No. ____________. A sample of this item has been inspected and meets or exceeds the quality prescribed by ________________________. The manufacturer certifies that this item meets the quality of sample approved by USAF.

3.3.2 Supplier’s labels must contain a date code to identify the date the uniform item was manufactured. The date will be on a quarterly basis and must be marked with indelible ink. The following codes will be used to identify the quarters:

01 First Quarter (January, February, March) 02 Second Quarter (April, May, June) 03 Third Quarter (July, August, September) 04 Fourth Quarter (October, November, December) Years will be identified by the last two (2) digits of that year. For example: If a garment is manufactured in May 2011, the date code would be 0211.

3.3.3	Uniform item must be labeled for size and cut as specified in the procurement document.
4.0.	REVOCATION OF CERTIFICATION
4.1	Fabric
4.1.1	Certification may be revoked any time it is determined that the certification holder has violated any of the expressed conditions under which the certification was issued:
4.1.1.1	Decal is improperly applied, lacking decals, or decal applied before receiving shade approval.
4.1.1.2	Failure to submit proper swatches for shade evaluation before shipping.
4.1.1.3	Failure of prime contractor to advise of change(s) of finish contractors and plants, subcontractors, and/or manufacturing facilities.
4.1.1.4	Failure to permit inspection personnel access to manufacturing and warehousing facilities.
4.1.1.5	Failure to submit a two-yard sample and test report when requested.
4.1.2	First infractions of the Certification Program requirements will be transmitted to the contractor, in writing, and will constitute a warning. The contractor will be required to respond, in writing, within 15 calendar days as to the action being taken to rectify the noted shortcomings and to indicate when and where corrected item can be inspected.
4.1.3	The next violation of the same infraction(s) will result in a decision by the AFUO and HQ AAFES whether to revoke the certification. The length of the revocation period will be determined at that time, but shall not be less than six (6) months.
4.1.4	Notification of revoked certification will be made to HQ AAFES and all affected AF agencies. At that time, disposition of the affected items will be at procurement office discretion.
4.1.5	Reinstatement of a contractor's certification may be made, after the revocation period by resubmitting, using the same procedures required of a new contractor. If the product is acceptable, a new certification number will be issued. Previously used certification numbers may not be used.
4.2	Garments
4.2.1	Certification may be revoked any time it is determined that the certificate holder has violated any of the expressed conditions under which the certification was issued:
4.2.1.1	Use of noncertified materials.
4.2.1.2	Workmanship is not at an acceptable quality level.
4.2.1.3	Component materials or parts not equivalent in quality to the certified sample.
4.2.1.4	Labeling requirements not as prescribed.
4.2.1.5	Failure to submit item(s) for evaluation either for recertification or interim inspection.
4.2.1.6	Failure of prime contractor to advise of change(s) of subcontractor and manufacturing facilities.
4.2.1.7	Failure to permit inspection personnel access to manufacturing and warehousing facilities by prime and/or subcontractors.
4.2.1.8	Failure to submit certificates of compliance upon request.

APPENDIX A

SAMPLE LETTERS

SAMPLE LETTER 1 MANUFACTURER REQUESTING GARMENT CERTIFICATION

(Company Letterhead*)

ASC/WNUV-TAC

ATTN: Certification Program 1901 Tenth Street, Bldg 63 Wright-Patterson AFB OH 45433-7009 This is to certify that the manufacturer listed below exercises complete control over the purchase of all components, as well as the cutting and quality of workmanship employed in the manufacture of commercially made Air Force uniform items intended for sale to the Army/Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) stores, AF ROTC Units, commercial outlets, and authorized individuals.

It is understood that all approvals, which my firm receives, will be rescinded if the above statement is found to be false. Permission is hereby granted to personnel of your office to visit the workshop listed below to perform in-process inspections in order to ascertain compliance with Air Force and manufacturing requirements.

** Item Name of Prime Contractor Address City, State and Zip Code Phone/Fax Number Name of Manufacturing Plant(s) *** Address City, State and Zip Code Phone/Fax Number Name of Individual and Signature Title

*	Company letterhead required.
**	Request for multiple items at one (1) manufacturing location is permissible. Separate request letters are required for each manufacturing location.
***	Required whether manufacturing plant name or location is not the same as the prime contractor. This includes all subcontractors and separate cutting and sewing facilities.

SAMPLE LETTER 2 MANUFACTURER REQUESTING FABRIC CERTIFICATION

(Company Letterhead *)

ASC/WNUV-TAC

ATTN: Certification Program 1901 Tenth Street, Bldg 63 Wright-Patterson AFB OH 45433-7009 In accordance with the Optional Uniform Program Operating Procedures, the enclosed yardage is submitted for certification. Lab report(s) are attached.

Fiber blend and weave, Air Force Shade Number, Procurement Document Number (**) (***) Name of Individual and Signature Title Attachment(s):

Test lab report

*	Company letterhead required.
**	Request for multiple items at one (1) manufacturing location is permissible. Separate request letters are required for each manufacturing location.
***	Required whether manufacturing plant name or location is not the same as the prime contractor. This includes all subcontractors.

APPENDIX B

SHADE EVALUATION OF FABRIC

ASC/WNUV-TAC

ATTN: Certification Program

1901 Tenth St Bldg 63

WPAFB, OHIO 45433-7605

SHADE EVALUATION REQUEST

U. S. AIR FORCE

MANUFACTURER:

DATE:

FABRIC IDENTIFICATION:

SHADE NO:

SPECIFICATION:

QUANTITY SUBMITTED:

Rolls:

FIBER CONTENT:

Yards:

LOT NO:

PC NO:

COMMENTS

LOT NO:

PC NO:

COMMENTS

FAX RESULTS TO:

FAX:

PHONE:

APPENDIX C

CERTIFIED FABRICS

Fabric Content

Shade

Number

Document

Decal

Required

100% Polyester Jersey Knit 85% Polyester / 15% Cotton Knit Gray 1634 Gray 1652

PD YAGC 04-01

—

100% Polyester Texturized Twill

Blue 1625

PD YAGC 94-1

100% Polyester with Moisture Management

Blue 1650

PD CRFD/PD 04-07

—

100% Polyester with Repellant Properties

Blue 1651

PD CRFD/PD 04-08

—

100% Polyester with Repellant Properties

Blue 1651

PD CRFD/PD 04-10

—

80% Polyester / 20% Wool Tropical 75% Polyester / 25% Wool Tropical Blue 1581 Blue 1626

PD AESC 83-9A

—

65% Polyester / 35% Cotton Poplin

White 3013

A-A-55292

—

55% Polyester / 45% Wool Gabardine, Type II, Class 12

Blue 1605

MIL-DTL-10176

55% Polyester / 45% Wool Serge

Blue 1620

MIL-DTL-823

55% Polyester / 45% Wool Tropical, Type III, Class 2

Black 1604

MIL-DTL-21115

55% Polyester / 45% Wool, Tropical

Blue 1583

PD AESC 82-2

55% Cotton / 45% Polyester Knit Fleece (11.5 oz) 55% Cotton / 45% Polyester Knit Fleece, (8 oz) Gray 1648 Gray 1647

PD TAC 07-09

—

Cotton Webbing, Type IV, Class 3

Blue 1089

MIL-W-530

—

Cotton/Rubber/Polyester Elastic Webbing

Blue 1089

UQC-S-4-4

—

Belt, Trousers, Cotton Webbing, with Clip

Blue 1616

MIL-B-833

—

Elastic Webbing, Polyester

Blue 1616

PD YAGC 90-3

—

Nylon / Cotton Satin

Blue 1160

PD AESC 82-9

—

APPENDIX D

CERTIFIED END ITEMS AND DOCUMENTS REQUIRED

Uniform Items

Shade No.

Certified Procurement Document

Component

Belt, Cotton Webbing

Cotton,

Blue 1089 MIL-B-833 Type IV MIL-W-530 Type IV Webbing Class 3

Belt, Cotton Webbing

Cotton

MIL-B-833, Type VIII

MIL-W-530, Type IV Webbing Class 2

Belt, Polyester Elastic Webbing, 1-1/4 in wide 1 in wide

Blue 1616

PD YAGC 90-3

—

Buckle and Clip End Buckle-Type I, Class B and Clip-Type III, Class 2 Buckle and End Clip

Metal Clip Mirror Finish Chrome

MIL-B-1963

Buckle and Clip

Jacket, Physical Training Uniform

Blue 1651

PD CRFD/PD 04-08

Outershell

Pants, Physical Training Uniform

Blue 1651

PD CRFD/PD 04-10D

Outershell

Sweater, Cardigan, Unisex

Blue 1627

PD YAGC 96-2

Outershell

Sweatshirt, Pullover, Air Force Lightweight Heavyweight

Gray 1647 Gray 1648

PD TAC 07-09

Outershell

T-Shirt, Physical Training Uniform (Long Sleeve) (Short Sleeve)

Gray 1634 Gray 1652

PD YAGC 04-01

Outershell

Trunks, Physical Training Uniform

Blue 1650

PD CRFD/PD 04-07

Outershell

Men’s Uniform Items

Shade No.

Certified Procurement Document

Component

Cap, Men’s, Garrison, Classes 1 and 2

Blue 1620

MIL-C-3261

Outershell

Coat, Men’s, Service Dress

Blue 1620

PD YAGC 93-3

Outershell

Coat, Men’s, Mess Dress

Blue 1583

PD AESC 82-6

Outershell

Collar/Shawl

Hat, Men’s, Service

Blue 1625

MIL-C-3095

Outershell

Hat Visor, Men’s, Embroidered, Colonel and General

Black

Drawing 58C3520

—

Necktie, Class 4

Blue 1622

A-A-55199

Outershell

Shirt, Men’s, Short and Long Sleeves

Blue 1581

PD AESC 84-l

Outershell

Sweater, Men’s, Pullover

Blue 1630

PD YACL 02-1

—

Topcoat, Men’s Double Breasted with Removable Liner

Blue 1605

PD AESC 88-1

Outershell

Trousers, Men’s, Mess Dress

Blue 1583

PD AESC 82-7

Outershell

Trousers, Men’s, Service Dress

Blue 1625

Blue 1620

PD AESC 85-1

Outershell

Women’s Uniform Items

Shade No.

Certified Procurement Document

Component

Cap, Garrison, Women’s, Classes 1 and 2

Blue 1625

MIL-C-87215

Outershell

Hat, Women’s, Service

Blue 1625

PD YAGC 96-1

Outershell

Hat Band, Embroidered Cap Device

Blue 1625

Drawing 58C3520

B-4-7 B-4-5

Jacket, Mess Dress, Women’ s

Blue 1583

PD YAPC 04-05

Outershell

Jumper, Women’s, Maternity, Service Dress

Blue 1625

PD YAGC 93-1

Outershell

Necktab, Women’s, Shirt, Mess Dress

Satin,

Blue 1160

PD AESC 83-8

Type III Outershell

Shirt, Women’s, Ceremonial

White 3013

PD AESC 85-7

Outershell

Shirt, Women’s, Long Sleeve, Overblouse, Service Dress

Blue 1626

Blue 1550

PD YACL 02-2

Outershell

Shirt, Women’s, Maternity (Long Sleeve)., Service Dress

Blue 1550

White 3013

PD AESC 82-17

Outershell

Shirt, Women’s, Maternity (Short Sleeve), Service Dress

Blue 1550

PD AESC 82-17

Outershell

Shirt, Women’s Overblouse (Short Sleeve) Service Dress

Blue 1626

Blue 1550

PD YACL 02-2

Outershell

Skirt, Women’s, Mess Dress, with Slit (Class I) without Slit (Class II)

Blue 1583

PD APC 05-06

Outershell

Skirt, Women’s, Darted, Service Dress

Blue 1620

Blue 1625

PD YAG 96-3

Outershell

Skirt, Women’s, Maternity, Service Dress

Blue 1625

PD AESC 81-5

Outershell

Slacks, Women’ s, Service Dress

Blue 1625

Blue 1620

PD YAGC 93-6

Outershell

Slacks, Women’s, Maternity, Service Dress

Blue 1625

PD AESC 81-6

Outershell

Sweater, Women’s, Pullover, Service Dress

Blue 1630

PD YACL 02-1

—

Sweater, Women’s, White Cardigan, Service Dress

White 1602

PD AESC 83-5

Outershell

Topcoat, Women’s, Double Breasted with Removable Liner

Blue 1605

PD AESC 88-2

Outershell

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