Orientation on First Article Inspection (FAI) Attachment 1.pdf

This document is an orientation guide on First Article Inspection (FAI), also known as contractor testing, issued by the Aviation and Missile Research, Development and Engineering Center (AMRDEC) Quality Management Division at Redstone Arsenal, Alabama. The document provides informational guidance on FAI processes and procedures referenced in FAR 52.209-3 and 52.209-4020 and is not part of the contract terms or conditions.

The FAI process ensures contractors can manufacture products conforming to all contract requirements. Contractors must notify the Procurement Contracting Officer (PCO) and Government surveillance elements at least 30 days before the scheduled FAI, including date, time, and location. Participation is optional for AMRDEC Quality Management Division, though local Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) Quality Assurance Representatives should participate. The inspection includes examination of certifications, employee training records, materials, processes, procedures, item characteristics, manufacturing, inspection and test equipment calibration, dimensions, marking, preservation, packaging, and functional testing. The contractor is responsible for providing facilities, test equipment, and support personnel. The deliverable is the First Article Test Report (FATR), which must comply with contract specifications. Government representatives may perform inspections with contractor support. The document includes a list of common FATR rejection causes, such as missing DCMA documentation, absence of required quality programs, missing certifications, traceability issues, wrong materials, incomplete dimensional documentation, missing part marking, unverified packaging requirements, undocumented functional tests, and lack of calibration data. Upon completion, findings are discussed at a final meeting; if disapproved, the contractor must implement corrective actions before scheduling a second inspection.