Overview
This section mandates the inclusion of a specific clause in federal contracts when the government determines that standard inspection procedures are insufficient and a more rigorous quality management system is required.
Key Rules
- Clause Incorporation: The Contracting Officer (CO) must insert FAR clause 52.246-11, Higher-Level Contract Quality Requirement, when higher-level quality standards are necessary according to the criteria in FAR 46.202-4.
- Specification Requirements: For every standard required, the CO is strictly responsible for providing the:
- Title of the standard (e.g., ISO 9001, AS9100).
- Requirement number.
- Date of the specific version to be used.
- Tailoring: The CO must explicitly list any modifications or "tailoring" to the quality standard within the contract document.
Practical Implications
- Compliance Burden: Contractors must ensure their internal Quality Management Systems (QMS) align precisely with the specific version of the standard cited in the contract, rather than just general industry practices.
- Audit Readiness: Inclusion of this clause typically signals that the government (or a third party) will perform more intensive audits of the contractor’s processes and documentation.