(90) Reliance on contractors’ quality assurance systems is preferred. However, other quality assurance practices (such as in-process, in-plant inspection for critical application or complex items) are considered consistent with customary commercial practice when market research indicates they are at least sometimes used in the industry for items that are the same as or similar to the ones being acquired (see 10.001(a)(3)(iv)(90)). When Government inspection and testing before tender for acceptance are determined necessary and cannot be considered consistent with customary commercial practices, the contracting officer may request a waiver in accordance with FAR and DLAD 12.302(c). When the Government needs to inspect before tender or deviate in any other way from FAR 52.212-4(a), Inspection/Acceptance, the contracting officer must tailor the solicitation/contract by attaching an addendum (see FAR 12.302(d)). If the tailoring invokes contract terms and conditions that are consistent with customary commercial practice, a waiver is not required in accordance with FAR 12.302(c). However, an addendum is still necessary to change the terms of the solicitation/contract. If FAR 52.212-4 is incorporated in the solicitation or contract reference with no addendum, the Government has only the rights explicitly stated in FAR 52.212-4(a) as written.
