Blackhawk Quality Clauses

BMC-NJ 019

To all Blackhawk Management Corporation Suppliers:

As a supplier to Blackhawk Management Corporation, the quality and timeliness of your product deliveries is critical. Additionally, Blackhawk will work only with ethical businesses.

Blackhawk’s rating system is not intended to denounce or accuse but rather to assist our suppliers with the quality and on-time delivery of product.

Blackhawk is committed to helping our suppliers resolve any issues affecting delivery. We will help in any way we can.

Supplier ratings are as follows:

“A” Rating: No more than 3 late deliveries or 1 nonconformance in a 1-year period
“B” Rating: 4 late deliveries or 2 nonconformances in a 1-year period
“C” Rating: 5 late deliveries or 3 nonconformances in a 1-year period
“D” Rating: Failure to answer a Supplier Corrective Action Request (SCAR) or a status worse than a “C”

Notes:

  1. All suppliers are rated on a yearly basis.
  2. Failure to answer a SCAR may result in that supplier’s removal from Blackhawk’s Approved Suppliers Database.
  3. Critical suppliers will receive notification at year’s end regarding their performance.
  4. Supplier adherence to Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) requirements, proper packaging, and protection of Blackhawk product is critical.

Quality Clauses

Q1. SURVEILLANCE
The authorized Quality Representative of Blackhawk Management Corporation (hereafter referred to as “Blackhawk”) shall have the right to maintain cognizance over the Quality Assurance Inspection System imposed on the Seller. Accordingly, the Seller is expected to grant the designated representative access to his or her facility at all reasonable times and access to areas where the production of the item(s) covered by this purchase order is taking place. Where these areas infringe on the Seller’s proprietary processes of a sensitive nature, or involve security with respect to other Seller products being fabricated, mutually satisfactory arrangements shall be made with Blackhawk. The Government OR Blackhawk’s private sector customers have the right to inspect any and all of the work included in this purchase order at the Seller’s facility and any sub-tier suppliers of that seller.

Q2. RETENTION OF INSPECTION/TEST RECORDS
The Seller shall retain inspection and test records, including the Seller’s sub-tier supplier records, for all items delivered to Blackhawk for a minimum of 7 years unless otherwise specified on the purchase order.

Q3. ESD
ESD protection shall be controlled for parts during receipt and through the manufacturing and inspection cycles, storage, and shipping. ESD protection criteria, at a minimum, shall be in accordance with the latest version of ANSI/ESD S20.20 or other applicable drawing requirements.

Q4. SUPPLIER DISCREPANCIES
Suppliers shall notify and obtain prior approval from Blackhawk in the event of any of the following:
·Any change of location of suppliers and/or their sub-tier suppliers
· Any changes to processes, products, or services including sub-tier suppliers
·Any nonconforming processes, products, or services from a supplier or their sub-tier suppliers affecting Blackhawk product

During the Seller’s performance, any deviations noted from established drawings or specifications must be reported immediately to Blackhawk. No deviation will be considered approved without written confirmation from Blackhawk. Under no circumstances are repairs or changes to be undertaken without prior approval.

Q5. SELLER SUB-TIER SUPPLIERS
The Seller shall convey to sub-tier suppliers the applicable Quality requirements in the purchase order including all key characteristics, where applicable.

Q6. CORRECTIVE ACTION
Acceptance of this purchase order obligates the Seller to perform, upon request, a corrective action investigation when discrepant material is received by Blackhawk. A written report shall be furnished, within 14 days from the time of issuance, which is specific and conclusive to prevent a recurrence of the discrepancy. Failure to provide such a report will affect the supplier’s rating and may lead to removal of that supplier from Blackhawk’s Approved Suppliers Database.

Q7. SELLER-CONTROLLED PARTS
Items furnished under a purchase order for which no Blackhawk drawings exist (being proprietary with the Seller or under their design cognizance) will be accompanied on the initial shipment by a copy of the Seller’s drawings, specifications, catalog page, etc., to facilitate Blackhawk’s Receiving Inspection. It is understood that data supplied is not expected to be of a sensitive and/or proprietary type. The product design, fabrication methods, materials, or processes of proprietary products, including those procured from secondary sources and/or included as assembly components as ordered shall not be changed without Blackhawk approval prior to supplying such products on this order. In the event of Blackhawk approval, the Seller shall identify those articles on which the change is incorporated.

Q8. GOVERNMENT SOURCE INSPECTION
Government inspection is required prior to shipment from the Seller’s facility. Upon receipt of this order, the Seller promptly should notify the Government representative who normally services the Seller’s facility so that appropriate planning can be undertaken for Government inspection. If Government representatives don’t service the Seller’s facility, the Seller should contact the nearest DCAS, Army, Navy, or Air Force inspection office in the Seller’s locality. In the event a representative or office cannot be located, the Seller should contact the Blackhawk representative on the first page of the purchase order. Evidence of Government inspection must be supplied on all shipping documents.

Q9. BLACKHAWK MANAGEMENT CORPORATION SOURCE INSPECTION
The supplies on this order are subject to Blackhawk Source Inspection. The Seller shall notify the Blackhawk representative indicated on the first page of this purchase order 3 days in advance of when the material is ready for inspection. Where the Seller causes Blackhawk inspectors to make unnecessary trips to perform source inspection due to erroneous information, or if the Seller repeatedly submits requests for inspection of material that is not in accordance with purchase order specifications, Blackhawk has the right to charge the cost of such trips to the Seller. Acceptance of product at source is considered preliminary. Final acceptance will be at a Blackhawk facility. The Seller is required to provide all requisite equipment, records, reports, etc. to facilitate the source inspection task of the Blackhawk Source Inspector. The Seller is required to verify any physical or functional specifications as may be requested by the Blackhawk Source Inspector in the course of the inspection.

Q10. QUALITY CONTROL SYSTEM:
The Seller shall maintain a Quality Control System that complies with the latest revision of ISO 9001:2015, AS9100D, or a Quality Control System approved by Blackhawk. Notwithstanding the provisions of this clause, the Seller is in no way relieved of the final responsibility to furnish the items that meet the requirements of the purchase order.

The Seller shall maintain an inspection system in conformance with the approved Quality Control System. The Seller’s inspection system shall be subject to audit by Blackhawk.

The Seller shall maintain a calibration system in conformance with the latest revision of ANSI/NCSL Z540.3-2006, Requirements for the Calibration of Measuring and Test Equipment. This system shall be subject to audit by Blackhawk.

Q11. CERTIFICATION OF COMPLIANCE:
The Seller shall submit a Certification of Compliance signed by the Seller Quality Manager or his or her authorized representative with each shipment, which states that the product(s) supplied is/are in full conformance with all physical configuration and functional test specifications; that all raw materials used (if applicable) conform to applicable specifications; that any special processes employed on the product conform to applicable specifications and applicable Q-Clauses specified on the purchase order; and that inspection and test records, physical and chemical analysis, and process control data is on file and available for examination, and that Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) traceability is maintained. By furnishing this certification, the Seller represents that the Seller is the manufacturer or duly authorized distributor, or agent for the manufacturer of the product.

Q12. FINAL INSPECTION MECHANICAL DATA REQUIRED
The Seller shall furnish final inspection (sample lot per ANSI/ASQ Z1.4) data including drawing dimensions, measurement, and tolerance specs for product made against this order. Data sheets must be identified with purchase order date of data recorded, seller name, part number, and revision level.

Q13. TEST DATA REQUIRED
The Seller shall furnish test data for product supplied for all units, which must accompany shipments made against this order. Data sheets must be identified by Seller’s name, order number, part number, and revision level, and date of tests. Characteristics being tested shall be identified by name of test, applicable drawing or specification paragraph, inspection test limits, and method of testing, along with the results of the test. FAR Clause, Sub-Paragraph 4-705-3 titled “Acquisition and Supply Records” shall apply.

Q14. RAW MATERIAL DATA REQUIRED
The Seller shall submit raw material certification for raw material purchased against this order.

The Seller shall submit certification for raw materials used in the production of Blackhawk product made against this order.

Q15. DATE OF MANUFACTURE/EXPIRATION DATE
The Seller shall provide data containing the manufacture date (date code), date of expiration, lot, storage, and other critical data pertaining to product with an expected shelf life. Each item ordered per the purchase order is to be marked with the date of manufacture (date code) and shelf life. Blackhawk will not accept items in which the remaining shelf life is less than 75 percent of total shelf life on bulk orders. For minimal orders (to be consumed immediately), a shelf life of 50 percent or greater is acceptable.

Q16. MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEETS (MSDS) PAPERWORK REQUIRED
The seller shall provide MSDS paperwork for product supplied under this purchase order.

Q17. CALIBRATION OF EQUIPMENT REQUIRED
Calibration of items listed on the purchase order is required. Calibration is to be performed to a known national standard traceable to NIST (ANSI Z540.3 2006); ISO 17025 standards also apply. Certification to these standards is necessary, and calibration data to these standards is required with shipment as well as notification of nonconformances found with any equipment.

Q18. CUSTOMER FIRST ARTICLE SOURCE INSPECTION REQUIRED
First articles must be inspected and accepted by Blackhawk at the Seller facility prior to a production shipment unless otherwise specifically authorized by Blackhawk. The first article characteristics, when specified by the purchase order, must be inspected for compliance with requirements as specified in the applicable drawing/specification, and must be so identified when shipped.

Q19. SUPPLIER FIRST ARTICLE INSPECTION REPORT
The Seller must perform a complete first article inspection and provide a report with the shipment to Blackhawk.

Q20. ACCEPTANCE TEST PROCEDURE
Two copies of the proposed Acceptance Inspection/Test Procedure for the inspection/test specified in the applicable specifications shall be submitted by the Seller for Blackhawk approval 30 days prior to acceptance testing. The procedure shall include the parameters to be measured, a step-by-step method of test, test equipment required, and provisions for recording results in such a manner as to permit recording of each required performance in a clear and concise form. When any acceptance test procedures make reference to test fixture for acceptance testing, a copy of the schematic of this fixture shall be supplied.

Q21. MERCURY EXCLUSION
Each shipment made against this purchase order must contain a statement certifying that the item(s) supplied contains no metallic mercury or mercury compounds and that the Seller has taken responsible steps to ensure that the item(s) is not contaminated with mercury or mercury compounds. The certification shall reference order number, part number, description, and quantity shipped.

Q22. PROCESS APPROVAL
The Seller shall have on file and available for review all certifications of special processes performed by sub-tier suppliers such as heat treating, finishing, etc. Special processes such as soldering, welding, heat treating, electroplating, brazing, anodizing chemical films, and non-destructive testing shall require Blackhawk prior approval of processes, procedures, and personnel as applicable. This approval must be established with Blackhawk prior to fabrication under this purchase order. The Seller is responsible for and must certify to special process specification compliance by all sub-tier subcontractors, and must maintain objective evidence thereof.

Q23. CRITICAL MATERIALS
This purchase order covers the procurement of materials or parts, which have been designated as “Critical”. As a result, the following special Quality Assurance Requirements must be strictly applied:

a. Due to the critical application of this material, maximum confidence of material integrity and quality is necessary. Each shipment of material must be accompanied by two legible and reproducible copies of documentation that contain total and complete material data traceable to heat, lot, or batch number. Traceability shall be achieved by a positive means of identifying materials to its certification documentation.

b. Material certifications shall be recorded on the testing Supplier’s letterhead and signed by a duly authorized representative of the Supplier. Certifications supplied to Blackhawk shall be the original material certifications or exact copies thereof. Transcription of any data from any material certification to the letterhead of another supplier, subcontractor, etc., that did not actually perform the testing is expressly prohibited.

c. Where the mechanical properties of the material have been altered by heat treatment or metal working processes, the mill certification, if furnished as evidence of material chemical composition, shall be accompanied by a certification that contains quantitative results of the mechanical test proving that the material supplied complies with the specification to which it was procured. The sole alternative to such mill source and/or heat treatment of metal working facility certification is a testing laboratory’s quantitative chemical and mechanical test report, identifiable and traceable to the furnished deliverables.

d. The Seller shall invoke the above requirements upon all suppliers/contractors that process or supply material designated to be a critical item acquired under this contract.

Q24. SERIAL NUMBERS
The Seller shall assign permanent, individual serial numbers to all items shipped under this purchase order. If Blackhawk elects to supply these numbers, they will be listed in the purchase order. The manner of affixing the serial number also will be specified in the purchase order or on Blackhawk-furnished drawings. Material certifications, analysis, test bars, samples, etc. shall be correlated to the serial number of an item.

Q25. LOT CONTROL
The Seller shall assign a common lot control number to all items in a particular manufactured lot. A “lot” is defined for this purpose as a quantity that has been manufactured during an uninterrupted period of time by essentially the same personnel, following a standard process and using the same equipment/facility.

Q26. PRODUCTION TOOLING
Acceptance of production tooling on this purchase order shall be contingent on inspection and acceptance by Blackhawk. Representation of the applicable characteristics on each of the samples produced from this tooling must conform to the dimensions and tolerances as specified on the applicable drawings and specifications.

Q27. TEST SPECIMEN
a. Weldment Samples: With the initial shipment, the Seller shall submit two weldment samples representative of the welding performed on the items shipped and in accordance with the applicable specifications.

b. Test Bars: With each shipment, the Seller shall submit one raw disc representative of the entire heat or melt suitable for spectrographic test and two test bars from the melt, heat forging lot, etc. from which the items supplied came. Test bars shall be identified and correlated to certifications supplied with the shipment.

Q28. ULTRASONIC INSPECTION
The Seller shall perform an ultrasonic inspection on all items in each shipment in accordance with the requirements of the latest issue of MIL-STD-271 and transmit a copy of the inspection report with the shipment.

Q29. DYE PENETRANT INSPECTION
The Seller shall perform a dye penetrant inspection on all items in each shipment in accordance with the requirements of the latest revision of MIL-L-6866 or other applicable drawing requirements and transmit a copy of the inspection report with each shipment.

Q30. CERTIFICATION OF PROPERTIES
Each shipment must be accompanied by two legible and reproducible copies of actual chemical and physical test reports identifiable with the material submitted. These reports must contain the signature and title of an authorized representative of the agency performing the tests and must ensure conformance to specification requirements.

Q31. RADIOGRAPHIC INSPECTION
The Seller shall perform a radiographic inspection on all items in each shipment in accordance with the drawing requirements and transmit all radiographs and a copy of the inspection report with each shipment.

Q32. MAGNETIC PARTICLE INSPECTION
The Seller shall perform a magnetic particle inspection on all items in each shipment in accordance with the requirements of the latest revision of MIL-L-6868 or other drawing requirements and transmit a copy of the inspection report with each shipment. The report shall reference Blackhawk’s purchase order number, drawing number (and/or Seller’s drawing number), and state inspection findings by items—each of which shall be numbered on the report and correspondingly identified in the shipment by removable tags or other means of temporary identification.

Q33. COUNTERFEIT PART PREVENTION
This is a rated order certified for national defense, emergency preparedness, and energy program use, and the Contractor shall follow all the requirements of the Defense Priorities and Allocations System regulation 15 CFR 700).

Only new and authentic materials are to be supplied and/or used in products delivered to Blackhawk Management Corporation (BMC). No counterfeit or suspect counterfeit parts are to be supplied and/or contained within any delivered product. Parts shall be purchased directly from the Original Component Manufacturers (OCMs)/OEMs, or through the OCM’s/OEM’s Franchised Distributor. Documentation must be available that authenticates traceability to the applicable OCM/OEM.

Q34. BROKERS
Brokers must provide evidence that the parts supplied are from the OEM or that they were inspected and accepted as such. Inspection data must include enough of the following to prove legitimacy of the part: a Certificate of Conformance and a Part and Material Analysis Package, which includes External Visual, Internal Visual (with cross-section photos and external photos), Pin Correlation, Electrical Testing, and Device Description (electrical properties and dimensions).

Q35. PRODUCT SAFETY
Product safety is very important to Blackhawk Management. As such Blackhawk strives to ensure that the product not only performs the function for which it was designed, but that it also is as safe as possible for the manufacturing team, operators as well as the equipment in which it is utilized. Owning to this Blackhawk requires that all vendors identify any safety issues that they are aware relating to the use of any item that they are suppling.