DCMA QAR Request Supplier Data

[Roberts2600]

Our local DCMA QAR is requesting supplier data for our organization. They initially thought it was optional but now state it’s a requirement of AS9100 8.4 (c) to provide them with it. I am not sure if it is a requirement to provide this or not but would like some insight as to what they are actually looking for with the data. Suggestion?

Thanks in advance!

 

[howste]

Is this a written request? Can you provide the text of the request so we know more about what they are asking for?

 

[normzone]

I have found the DCMA likes to rotate their staff through a variety of environments to give them more experience with different product lines and methodologies.

While I approve of it from a technical point of view, the reality is that we are used as a training ground for a succession of green inspectors. When I get one up to speed they are replaced by another newbie.

Oh well, such is life. Anyway, the requirement they reference may be real or simply somebody looking for data to fill a report with. Your mileage may vary ....

 

[Roberts2600]

First message: "...I needing supplier data to conduct our data analysis. Information such as scrap rate percentages, process defects, deficiency etc... I was thinking it was an optional requirement to provide it to DCMA, but it is actually required according to AS9100 8.4 (c). We will need the process data by COB 10/18/17. "

Second message: "
We are unsure on what data is collects, but would like to have
Scrap rate percentage.
First Pass yield data (broken down to each process: painting, framing, bending and tempering, etc.)
Internal Audits.
Internal Non-Conformances.
Internal Corrective Actions. "

It seems to me that he is asking for 2 different types of data.

 

[Roberts2600]

The second message was after we asked them what they wanted.

 

[Roberts2600]

Yes, normzone we have had several QAR roll through here always asking for different stuff each time.

I have found the DCMA likes to rotate their staff through a variety of environments to give them more experience with different product lines and methodologies.

While I approve of it from a technical point of view, the reality is that we are used as a training ground for a succession of green inspectors. When I get one up to speed they are replaced by another newbie.

Oh well, such is life. Anyway, the requirement they reference may be real or simply somebody looking for data to fill a report with. Your mileage may vary ....

 

[Coury Ferguson]

Yes, normzone we have had several QAR roll through here always asking for different stuff each time.

I have worked as a DCMA QAR and I currently work with the DCMA QARs. You may want to look at FAR 52.246-2 (Standard Inspection) and FAR 52.246-11 (Higher Quality Requirements). It requires you to have an quality system, gives the Government the right to review any information pertaining to Government products. I would specifically ask the SQAR (Supervisor Quality Assurance Representative) what it is that they want exactly. Ask for a QAR Correspondence (I believe it is a 1232 Form) to specifically explain to you what they want to review.

Remember that the Government has the right to review anything that pertains to the products you are furnishing for/to the Government.

I would present to them any documents that your organization maintains records of the Suppliers, scorecards and such, and like Cost of Quality.

This is just my opinion.

 

[howste]

Assuming there are government contracts imposing AS9100 as a requirement they should be allowed to look at any data required for AS9100 conformity as it relates to those contracts. The QAR references 8.4c, but I'm sure that he really means 8.4.1.1c, which requires you to "periodically review external provider performance including process, product and service conformity, and on-time delivery performance." Based on that I would expect to show him three things:
- what your system requirements are for supplier monitoring (per 8.4.1 "The organization shall determine and apply criteria for the... monitoring of performance... of external providers...")
- aggregate supplier quality performance data or supplier quality performance data specific to a contract
- aggregate (or contract specific) supplier on-time delivery performance data

In his second message it does seem like he's asking for two things: supplier management and internal audits. If he's really only looking at supplier management, then maybe he wants to see the internal audits of supplier management activities along with any problems found and corrective actions.

I would identify the records you think he wants to see and ask for clarification to find out if they have the correct information for him.

 

[Eredhel]

It really feels like the DCMA rep is overreaching here. I could be wrong but I would push back, especially when he/she says outright they don't know what they want. Does your contract even require AS9100? Most are just "higher levels of quality" "similar to ISO 9001" and such.

 

[Eredhel]

Forgot to ask, did you already provide DCMA with your organization's AVL requirements, criteria, review, et cetera on this supplier?