Overview
FAR 9.303 outlines the specific criteria and circumstances under which a Contracting Officer should require first article testing and approval to ensure a contractor can meet the government's quality and performance requirements.
Key Rules
- New Source/Product: Testing is appropriate if the contractor is furnishing the product to the government for the first time.
- Changes to Existing Products: Even for experienced contractors, testing may be required if there have been modifications to manufacturing processes or technical specifications.
- Production Lapses: Testing is justified if a significant amount of time has passed since the product was last manufactured.
- Past Performance Issues: If previous iterations of the product encountered defects or reliability problems during their service life, new testing is warranted.
- Performance-Based Requirements: Testing is used when the product is defined by performance specifications rather than detailed design specifications.
- Manufacturing Standards: Testing is necessary when a physical, approved specimen is required to serve as the baseline standard for the entire production run.
Practical Implications
- Risk Mitigation: This section allows the government to shift the risk of production failure to the contractor by requiring proof of capability before full-scale production begins.
- Cost and Schedule Impact: Contracting Officers must balance the need for these protections against the additional time and funding required to conduct First Article Testing (FAT).