subpart 209.3--first article testing and approval

 

 

 209.303 Use.
 209.305 Risk.
 209.306 Solicitation requirements.
 209.308 Contract clauses.


209.303  Use.

 

      (d)  The contracting officer may require that first articles be manufactured using the same facilities, production processes, methods, and materials to be used for production units under the contract.

 

209.305  Risk.

The contracting officer may give this authorization to a contractor only after approval by a level higher than the contracting officer.

 

209.306  Solicitation requirements.

 

      (a)(1)  To be sure that the contractor and the Government clearly understand and interpret contract terms and conditions in the same manner, avoid describing first article requirements exclusively in general terms such as “visual,” “dimensional,” “workmanship,” or “specification compliance.”

 

209.308  Contract clauses.

Alternate I of the clauses at FAR 52.209-3, First Article Approval--Contractor Testing, or 52.209-4, First Article Approval--Government Testing, as appropriate, may be used when—

 

      (1)  The form, fit, or function of the product would be adversely affected by contractor changes in the production facilities, processes, methods, or materials subsequent to first article approval; and

 

      (2)  The Government has relied upon first article testing in the absence of complete design specifications to supplement a performance specification; or

 

      (3)  It is essential to have an approved first article to serve as a manufacturing standard.