--Process Capability, Control & Improvement Requirements

A Joint Munitions & Lethality Life Cycle Management Command (JM&L LCMC) joint services team is proposing under an effort to implement a higher level system for Supplier Quality (SQ) to replace local / non standard clauses used in the procurement of c ommon munitions with a single, integrated clause to be used by all JM&L LCMC. The local / non standard clauses to be replaced are referenced in standard contractual language used by Joint Munitions Command (JMC), Rock Island Arsenal and Armaments Research Development and Engineering Center (ARDEC), Picatinny Arsenal. For the effort outlined here-in the JMC clause to be replaced is currently referenced as (ES7034) STATISTICAL PROCESS CONTROL (SPC) (MAR 2006) 52.246-4506 and the ARDEC clause to be replaced is currently referenced as ARDEC 32 - Alternatives to Lot Acceptance Sampling (Including Statistical Process Control (SPC)). There are other tailored, program unique variations of these two clauses that are intended to be replaced as well. The new clause is commonly referred to as the Process Capability, Control and Improvement Clause, or simply PCCI clause. The proposed clause will support realization of the intent of MIL-STD-1916, DOD Preferred Method for Acceptance of Product. The PCCI cl ause is adaptable to item complexity, intended use, quantity being procured, cost and industrial base capability by the selection of key characteristics, processes or operations, allowing measured improvement over time and shifting the focus of quality req uirements from detection to prevention. A significant change from prior quality requirements is that objective evidence of process control of key characteristics, processes or operations from the production of a product is a deliverable as part of that pro ducts Lot Acceptance Data Package and a requirement for acceptance of that product. PCCI also requires an in-depth review and analysis of the manufacturing process, manufacturing process risks and identification of methods to monitor and control key chara cteristics, processes and operations. This in-depth effort is to be documented in the form of a Process Control Plan (PCP) and submitted as a contract deliverable and be approved by the Government prior to First Article Acceptance Testing (FAAT) or product ion when an FAAT is not required. PCCI requirements are intended to improve product quality by increasing manufacturing process knowledge and capability and assist in supplier preparation and submission of requests for acceptance by contractor proposed pro visions. The PCCI clause is currently implemented on one (1) pilot program and it is anticipated that it will be implemented on selected additional pilot programs before replacing the previously mentioned local / non standard clauses. Suppliers are encouraged to b ecome familiar with the clause and email questions, comments and feedback on the PCCI requirement to the government POC listed below. Point of Contact Mike Berry +1 (555) 000-0000 Email your questions to: contact@example.gov Additional Information Link to PCCI Clause and Supplier Presentation online