9.307 Government administration procedures
Source: FAR 9.307 on acquisition.gov
FAR 9.307 ensures clear communication and formal processes for first article testing, requiring all changes to be made through official contract modifications.
Overview
FAR 9.307 outlines the administrative procedures the Government must follow for first article testing and approval. It details the responsibilities of the contract administration office, the Government laboratory or activity conducting the test, and the contracting officer in managing the notification, testing, and approval process for first articles. The section ensures that all parties are informed and coordinated, and that any required changes to contract specifications are handled through formal contract modifications rather than informal notices.
Key Rules
- Advance Notification of Shipment
- The contract administration office must notify the testing activity in advance of the first article or test report shipment, provide contractual testing requirements, highlight contractor notice obligations, and request completion dates for testing or evaluation.
- Approval Communication and Contract Changes
- The testing activity must inform the contracting office of the approval status. The contracting officer must notify the contractor and contract administration office, including shipment and line item details. Any changes to specifications must be made via the contract's Changes clause, not through approval/disapproval notices.
Responsibilities
- Contracting Officers: Notify contractors of first article approval status and ensure any changes are processed formally.
- Contractors: Await official notification of first article approval and comply with contract requirements for first article testing.
- Agencies: Provide timely notifications, coordinate testing, and ensure proper documentation and communication among all parties.
Practical Implications
- This section ensures a clear, auditable process for first article testing and approval, reducing miscommunication and unauthorized changes. Contractors must be aware that only formal contract modifications can alter requirements, and should track all notifications and approvals closely to maintain compliance.
(a) Before the contractor ships the first article, or the first article test report, to the Government laboratory or other activity responsible for approval at the address specified in the contract, the contract administration office shall provide that activity with as much advance notification as is feasible of the forthcoming shipment, and-
(1) Advise that activity of the contractual requirements for testing and approval, or evaluation, as appropriate;
(2) Call attention to the notice requirement in paragraph (b) of the clause at 52.209-3, First Article Approval-Contractor Testing, or 52.209-4, First Article Approval-Government Testing; and
(3) Request that the activity inform the contract administration office of the date when testing or evaluation will be completed.
(b) The Government laboratory or other activity responsible for first article testing or evaluation shall inform the contracting office whether to approve, conditionally approve, or disapprove the first article. The contracting officer shall then notify the contractor of the action taken and furnish a copy of the notice to the contract administration office. The notice shall include the first article shipment number, when available, and the applicable line item number. Any changes in the drawings, designs, or specifications determined by the contracting officer to be necessary shall be made under the Changes clause, and not by the notice of approval, conditional approval, or disapproval furnished the contractor.