46.402
Government contract quality assurance at source
Source inspection is required when off-site inspection would be impractical, costly, or not in the government’s best interest, ensuring effective quality assurance at the contractor’s facility.
Overview
FAR 46.402 establishes when government contract quality assurance, including inspection, must be performed at the source (i.e., the contractor’s facility or production site) rather than at another location. The regulation outlines specific circumstances where source inspection is required to ensure product quality, prevent unnecessary costs, and protect government interests. These circumstances include situations where inspection elsewhere would require destructive testing, risk significant loss, require special equipment only available at the source, or would compromise special packaging. The section also allows for source inspection whenever it is deemed essential or in the government’s best interest.
Key Rules
- Source Inspection Required in Specific Cases
- Inspection must occur at the contractor’s site if moving the product would cause uneconomical disassembly, destructive testing, or loss due to unacceptable supplies or delays in correction.
- Special Equipment or Packaging Considerations
- If special instruments or packaging are only available at the source, or if moving the product would destroy costly packaging, inspection must be at source.
- Government Discretion
- Source inspection is also required if government inspection during performance is essential or if it is otherwise in the government’s interest.
Responsibilities
- Contracting Officers: Must determine and document when source inspection is required based on the criteria in this section.
- Contractors: Must accommodate government inspectors at their facility when source inspection is mandated.
- Agencies: Ensure proper quality assurance procedures are followed and inspections are conducted at the appropriate location.
Practical Implications
- This section ensures that quality assurance is performed in the most effective and economical manner, reducing risk of loss and ensuring compliance with contract requirements. Contractors should be prepared for on-site inspections and understand the triggers for source inspection. Failure to comply can result in delays, rework, or rejection of supplies.