General
Contracting officers must tailor and include appropriate quality requirements in each contract, allowing for alternative inspection methods and specifying when government or contractor inspections are required.
Overview
FAR 46.201 outlines the general principles for including quality requirements in government contracts. It emphasizes that the contracting officer must specify appropriate quality requirements in both solicitations and contracts, tailored to the needs of each acquisition. These requirements can range from simple inspections at acceptance to comprehensive contractor quality control programs. The regulation also allows for alternative inspection methods to encourage competition and reduce costs, provided they are substantially equivalent and approved. While contractors are generally responsible for inspection before delivering supplies, the government may require specialized inspections in certain cases, such as when specialized equipment is needed or for first article testing. Contractor testing may be conducted at any facility acceptable to the government, unless otherwise specified in the contract.
Key Rules
- Inclusion of Quality Requirements
- Contracting officers must include suitable quality requirements in solicitations and contracts, based on the acquisition's needs.
- Alternative Inspection Methods
- Solicitations and contracts may allow alternative, equivalent inspection methods to promote competition and cost savings, subject to approval.
- Government-Performed Specialized Inspections
- The government may perform specialized inspections when necessary, such as for tests requiring unique equipment or first article testing.
- Location of Contractor Testing
- Contractor-required testing can be performed at any facility acceptable to the government, unless the contract specifies otherwise.
Responsibilities
- Contracting Officers: Must determine and include appropriate quality requirements, consider alternative inspection methods, and approve contractor-recommended alternatives when in the government's interest.
- Contractors: Must comply with specified quality requirements, perform required inspections or tests, and use approved facilities for testing.
- Agencies: Oversee technical requirements, approve alternative inspection methods, and may conduct specialized inspections when necessary.
Practical Implications
- This section ensures that contracts are tailored with the right level of quality oversight, balancing government needs with efficiency and competition. Contractors must be prepared to meet varying quality requirements and may propose alternative inspection methods. Common pitfalls include failing to meet specified quality standards or using unapproved testing facilities.