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I would like to discuss the definition of OEM or Original Equipment Manufacturer. Marc, you have stated that as far as QS 9000 that you feel that it pertains only to Ford,GM and DC. I disagree, read the (note) in section 4.11.2.b.1. " Where a qualified laboratory does not exist for a given piece of equipment, calibration services may be performed by the original equipment manufacturer" Now are you saying that the big three wants us to send our special piece of equipment to them for calibration. I don't think so. I think that they are talking about the company that designed, built, and produced this piece of equipment. If my company produces hubcaps, and we have a patent, we are the OEM. If the big three buys them from us, and puts them on their cars, then we are the 1st tier supplier but also the OEM, which gives us the freedom to audit our own subcontracters and qualify them. If however we are contracted by the big three to paint hubcaps,that they have already bought from some other OEM, then the supplier of the paint, to us must be 3rd party registered. What do you think???