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DSCR

DSCR E8: MANUFACTURING PROCESS CONTROLS AND IN-PROCESS INSPECTIONS

E8   52.246-9001   MANUFACTURING PROCESS CONTROLS   DLAD (AUG 1997)
                   AND IN PROCESS INSPECTIONS

    This clause supplements Paragraph 4.9 (Process Controls)of 
ANSI/ASQC Q9002, or equivalent standards with process controls, and 
is applicable when the contract requires a higher-level quality 
system in accordance with FAR 46.202-4.The contractor shall:

    (a)  Ensure that all manufacturing operations are carried out 
under controlled conditions which will adequately assure that product 
characteristics and criteria specified by contract are achieved and 
maintained in the produced item.  Controlled conditions include 
documented process control and in-process inspection procedures, 
adequate methods for identifying and handling material, adequate 
production equipment and working environments.

    (b)  As a minimum, perform inspections (examinations and/or tests)
during manufacturing on those product characteristics which cannot be 
inspected at a later stage, and ensure that process controls are 
implemented and effective.

         (1)  Manufacturing processes shall be evaluated to determine 
which process characteristics have an effect on the quality of the 
produced item.  These manufacturing processes shall be identified and 
requirements for their control shall be specified in written process 
control procedures. 

         (2)  When in-process inspection of  material is not practical, 
control by monitoring processing methods, equipment, and personnel 
shall be provided.  Both in-process inspection and process monitoring 
shall be provided when control is inadequate without both.

         (3)  Prompt corrective action shall be taken when noncompliance 
or out of control conditions occur.

    (c)  Clearly identify each in-process inspection and process 
control point at appropriate locations in the manufacturing operation.

    (d)  Prepare clear, complete, and current written procedures for:

         (1)  Each in process inspection.  Identify:  the type, 
frequency, and amount (sampling plan/100 percent) of inspection; 
product characteristics to be inspected; criteria for approving and 
rejecting product; the record for ocumenting inspection results; and 
the method for identifying the inspection status of approved and 
rejected product.

         (2)  Each process control.  Identify:  the criteria, 
frequency, and records used for verifying control of the process.

         (3)  Assessing the adequacy of in-process inspections and 
process controls.  The contractor's quality organization shall 
assure by periodic surveillance that procedures are followed and 
are effective.  Records of this surveillance will be maintained.

    (e)  Make the documented inspection system available for review by 
the Government Quality Assurance Representative prior to the initiation 
of production and throughout the life of the contract.  The Government is 
under no legal obligation to perform verification inspection or to accept
product produced under the contract until the Government has received 
acceptable written procedures, and has been afforded an opportunity to 
evaluate the inspection system.  Acceptance of the Contractor's inspection 
system by the Government does not bind the Government to accept any non-
conforming supplies that may be produced by the contractor.  Periodic 
evaluations of the system may be made by the Government throughout the 
life of the contract.