Overview
FAR 9.207 outlines the procedures and criteria for changing or revoking the status of a source or product on a Qualified Products List (QPL), Qualified Manufacturers List (QML), or Qualified Bidders List (QBL). It mandates that contracting officers report performance failures or organizational changes that may disqualify a source from maintaining its standing.
Key Rules
- Reporting Mandatory: The contracting officer (CO) must promptly report any conditions to the qualifying agency activity that merit the removal of a source or product from an approved list.
- Disqualifying Conditions: Specific grounds for removal include:
- Submitting products that fail inspection or contain uncorrected defects.
- Failure to request reevaluation after a change in manufacturing location or plant ownership.
- Discontinuance of the product or a voluntary request for removal by the source.
- Violations of qualification conditions, such as unauthorized advertising or publicity.
- Changes in manufacturing/design or the imposition of new specifications.
- Listing in the System for Award Management (SAM) Exclusions or generally unsatisfactory contract performance.
- Action Without Notice: Agencies may take action to remove a source without providing advance notification.
- Notification Requirements: If a source is removed, the agency must promptly notify the affected party and provide specific reasons why the qualification requirements are no longer met.
Practical Implications
- Continuous Compliance: Contractors must maintain rigorous quality control and strictly adhere to the terms of their qualification, as a single failed inspection or an unauthorized design change can lead to immediate removal from a qualified list.
- Administrative Diligence: To avoid administrative disqualification, sources must proactively notify the government of any "back-office" changes, such as corporate restructuring or moving production facilities, as required by FAR 52.209-1.