Suspect/Counterfeit Items (S/CI's)

Quality Management Office

Suspect/Counterfeit Items (S/CI's) have been a problem to industry and the government since the early 1980's. This concern initially focused on fasteners and over time has included many items, both electrical and mechanical. Counterfeit items are parts that do not meet requirements and has been intentionally misrepresented by a vendor, supplier, distributor or manufacturer (ie. fraud). Suspect items are parts that may not meet requirements and requires further investigation to determine if it is indeed counterfeit. A number of initiatives, across the DOE complex, have focused on searching for, identifying and removing S/CI's.

The Inspector General has brought legal action against parties that have intentionally defrauded DOE. However, these items continue to be a problem. This is due to the many channels through which these items can enter a facility. These channels include the purchase of individual items, purchase of large assemblies (containing S/CI's), equipment installed by subcontractors and equipment acquisitions through the DOE surplus equipment process.

The Quality Management Office and BNL staff have developed the following documents to help scientists, engineers, technicians and maintenance personnel identify and disposition S/CI's discovered at BNL. When S/CI's are found installed in BNL facilities or systems they should be brought to the attention of the SCI coordinator.

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Last Modified: June 27, 2008
Please forward all questions about this site to: Ray Roberts