34.103 Testing and qualification
Source: FAR 34.103 on acquisition.gov
Contractors must refer Title III testing requests to the contracting officer, who evaluates and coordinates testing requirements with the Defense Production Act Office before modifying contracts.
Overview
FAR 34.103 outlines the procedures for testing and qualifying industrial resources developed under Title III of the Defense Production Act. When a contractor receives a request from a Title III project contractor for testing and qualification, the request must be referred to the contracting officer. The contracting officer is responsible for evaluating the request to determine if the resource is or may be used in a major system or item of supply, and whether the cost of testing is justified based on remaining production quantities. This evaluation must be conducted in consultation with the Defense Production Act Office, Title III Program. If the evaluation is affirmative, the contract is modified to require testing, and the necessary industrial resource is provided to the contractor for testing purposes.
Key Rules
- Referral of Testing Requests
- Contractors must refer Title III testing and qualification requests to the contracting officer.
- Evaluation by Contracting Officer
- The contracting officer evaluates the request, considering use in major systems and cost justification, and consults with the Defense Production Act Office.
- Contract Modification
- If justified, the contract is modified to require testing of the Title III industrial resource.
- Provision of Resources
- The Defense Production Act Office provides the necessary industrial resource for testing.
Responsibilities
- Contracting Officers: Evaluate requests, consult with the Defense Production Act Office, and modify contracts as needed.
- Contractors: Refer all Title III testing and qualification requests to the contracting officer and comply with contract modifications.
- Agencies: Ensure oversight and coordination with the Defense Production Act Office.
Practical Implications
- Ensures proper evaluation and justification before incurring testing costs for Title III resources.
- Promotes coordination between contractors, contracting officers, and the Defense Production Act Office.
- Prevents unnecessary testing and qualification expenses for resources not justified by production needs.
(a) Contractors receiving requests from a TitleIII project contractor for testing and qualification of a TitleIII industrial resource shall refer such requests to the contracting officer. The contracting officer shall evaluate the request in accordance with agency procedures to determine whether: (1) the TitleIII industrial resource is being or potentially may be used in the development or manufacture of a major system or item of supply; and (2) for major systems in production, remaining quantities to be acquired are sufficient to justify incurring the cost of testing and qualification. In evaluating this request, the contracting officer shall consult with the Defense Production Act Office, TitleIII Program, located at:
Wright Patterson Air Force Base OH 45433-7739.
(b) If the determination at 34.103(a) is affirmative, the contracting officer shall modify the contract to require the contractor to test the TitleIII industrial resource for qualification.
(c) The Defense Production Act Office, TitleIII Program, shall provide to the contractor the industrial resource produced by the TitleIII project contractor in sufficient amounts to meet testing needs.