NAP 401.1, Weapon Quality Policy (Redline)
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Section 1
NNSA POLICY LETTER
Approved: 11-24-15
WEAPON QUALITY POLICY
NATIONAL NUCLEAR SECURITY ADMINISTRATION
Office of Defense Programs
CONTROLLED DOCUMENT OFFICE OF PRIMARY INTEREST (OPI):
AVAILABLE ON-LINE AT: Weapon Quality Division
http://www.nnsa.energy.gov
printed copies are uncontrolled
NAP 401.124A
http://www.nnsa.energy.gov/
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NAP 401.124A
11-24-15
1
F
WEAPON QUALITY POLICY
1. PURPOSE. The purpose of this document, NAP 401.124A, Weapon Quality Policy,
is to identify the quality requirements applicable to weapon activities of the NNSA
Federal personnel, contractors and subcontractors.
The requirements contained herein are in addition to the scope of quality requirements
found in DOE Order 414.1, Quality Assurance. NAP 401.124A establishes specific
weapon and weapon-related product focused quality requirements for designing,
producing, and surveilling safe, secure, and reliable weapon products.
2. CANCELLATION.
a. NAP 24, Weapon Quality Policy, dated 6/20/2013
b. National Nuclear Security Administration Office of Defense Programs (NA-10)
Weapon Quality Assurance Procedures Manual (WQAPM), dated 3/30/2009
3. APPLICABILITY.
a. NNSA Applicability. This NNSA Policy (NAP) applies to NNSA Federal
personnel who perform weapon or related activities as defined in this NAP.
b. Contractors. The Contractor Requirements Document (CRD) sets forth
requirements of this directive that will apply to contractors.
The CRD must be included in contracts that manage NNSA facilities that are
involved in or interact with the management of the nuclear weapons stockpile,
develop or produce weapon product or weapon related product.
c. Equivalency. In accordance with the responsibilities and authorities assigned by
Executive Order 12344, codified at 50 USC sections 2406 and 2511 and to ensure
consistency through the joint Navy/DOE Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program, the
Deputy Administrator for Naval Reactors (Director) will implement and oversee
requirements and practices pertaining to this Directive for activities under the
Director's cognizance, as deemed appropriate.
d. Exception. In accordance with the April 11, 2011 Memorandum from Donald L.
Cook, Deputy Administrator for Defense Programs, subject: Weapon Quality
Assurance (WQA) Guidance and Clarification (G&C) Message 2011-01 –
Application of WQA Requirements and Diamond Stamp for Fissile and Type B
Transportation Containers Subject to 10 CFR 71 (Subpart H),” the requirements
of NNSA’s Weapon Quality Policy (NAP 401.124A) do not apply to Fissile and
Type B transportation containers and associated packaging material as these
containers are subject to the quality requirements specified in 10 CFR 71
(Subpart H).
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4. SUMMARY OF CHANGES. NAP 401.124A adds Attachment 3, Weapon Quality
Process Requirements, which updates and replaces the NNSA Office of Defense
Programs (NA-
10) Weapon Quality Assurance Procedures Manual (WQAPM), dated 30 March 2009.
NAP 401.124A also incorporates new NNSA Nuclear Enterprise Assurance (NEA)
policies throughout the document and devotes all of Attachment 4 to NEA.
5. REQUIREMENTS. See Attachment 1, 2, 3, and 4.
6. RESPONSIBILITIES. See Attachment 2, Section 4.0 and throughout Attachment 3 & 4.
7. REFERENCES.
a. DOE O 414.1, Quality Assurance
b. Supplemental Directive NA SD M 452.3-1, Defense Programs Business
Section 2
Requirements and Processes Manual, dated 12-10-09. NA SD M 452.3-1
combines active Development and Production Manual Chapters and Defense
Programs Business Process System (DPBiz) Level 2 and Level 3 content at a
single electronic gateway, RMI Explorer Po1tal https: //nni .sandia.gov/
c. NNSA Definition Lexicon, located at https:/lrmi.sandia.gov/pages/lexicon. aspx
8. DEFINITIONS. Definitions regarding this NAP are documented and maintained in the
NNSA Definition Lexicon.
9. CONTACT. Questions concerning this NAP should be addressed to the Weapon Quality
Division, NA-121.3 (505-845-5171).
BY ORDER OF THE ADMINISTRATOR:
Attachments:
1. Contractor Requirements Document
2. Weapon Quality Requirements
3. Weapon Quality Process Requirements (WQPR)
4. Nuclear Enterprise Assurance (NEA)
NAP 401.124A Attachment 1
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ATTACHMENT 1: CONTRACTOR REQUIREMENTS DOCUMENT
NAP 401.124A, Weapon Quality Policy
This Contractor Requirements Document (CRD) establishes the following requirements for
NNSA contractors within the Nuclear Security Enterprise for the management of NNSA
facilities that are involved in or interact with the management of the nuclear weapons stockpile,
develop or produce weapon product or weapon related product.
Regardless of the performer of the work, the contractor is responsible for complying with the
requirements of this CRD. The contractor is responsible for flowing down the requirements of
this CRD to subcontractors at any tier to the extent necessary to ensure the contractor’s
compliance with the requirements. In doing so, the contractor must not flow down requirements
to subcontractors unnecessarily or imprudently. The contractor will ensure that it and its
subcontractors comply with the requirements of this CRD.
The requirements of this CRD are in NAP 401.124A, Attachment 2, Weapon Quality
Requirements, Attachment 3, Weapon Quality Process Requirements, and Attachment 4,
Nuclear Enterprise Assurance.
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ATTACHMENT 2: WEAPON QUALITY REQUIREMENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section 3
1.0 PURPOSE ........................................................................................................................... 3
1.1 SCOPE .......................................................................................................................... 3
1.2 SUPPLEMENTAL POLICY AND CLARIFICATIONS ............................................. 3
2.0 BASIC REQUIREMENTS ................................................................................................. 3
2.1 RISK MANAGEMENT ................................................................................................ 3
2.2 WEAPON QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM .................................................... 3
2.2.1 WQAP ..................................................................................................................... 4
2.2.2 SUBMITTAL, APPROVAL, IMPLEMENTATION, AND REPORTING ........... 4
2.3 ORGANIZATION ........................................................................................................ 4
2.4 EARLY AND CONTINUOUS APPLICATION OF QUALITY PRINCIPLES ......... 5
2.4.1 PRODUCIBILITY .................................................................................................. 5
2.5 ESTABLISHING AND VALIDATING REQUIREMENTS ...................................... 6
2.6 PLANNING .................................................................................................................. 6
3.0 QUALITY REQUIREMENTS ........................................................................................... 6
3.1 QUALITY IMPROVEMENT ...................................................................................... 6
3.1.1 CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT PROCESS ...................................................... 6
3.1.2 PREVENTION VERSUS DETECTION ................................................................ 6
3.1.3 METRICS ............................................................................................................... 7
3.2 TRAINING ................................................................................................................... 7
3.3 DESIGN ........................................................................................................................ 7
3.3.1 DESIGN INPUT ..................................................................................................... 7
3.3.2 DESIGN PROCESS ................................................................................................ 7
3.3.3 DESIGN VERIFICATION ..................................................................................... 8
3.3.4 DESIGN REVIEWS ............................................................................................... 8
3.3.5 DESIGN QUALIFICATION .................................................................................. 9
3.3.6 DESIGN DOCUMENTS ........................................................................................ 9
3.3.7 DESIGN CHANGE CONTROL AND CONFIGURATION MANAGEMENT ... 9
3.3.8 INTERFACE CONTROL ..................................................................................... 10
3.3.9 DESIGN RECORDS ............................................................................................ 10
3.4 INSTRUCTIONS, PROCEDURES, AND DRAWINGS .......................................... 10
3.5 DOCUMENT CONTROL .......................................................................................... 10
3.6 PROCUREMENT ....................................................................................................... 10
3.6.1 SUPPLIER EVALUATION, SELECTION, AND MONITORING .................... 11
3.6.2 PROCUREMENT DOCUMENTATION ............................................................. 11
3.6.3 ACCEPTANCE OF PROCURED ITEMS AND MATERIALS ......................... 12
3.6.4 ACCEPTANCE OF PROCURED SERVICES .................................................... 12
3.6.5 CERTIFICATE OF CONFORMANCE ............................................................... 13
3.7 IDENTIFICATION, CONTROL, AND STATUS OF ITEMS .................................. 13
3.7.1 IDENTIFICATION OF ITEMS ........................................................................... 13
3.7.2 CONTROL OF ITEMS ......................................................................................... 14
3.7.3 STATUS OF ITEMS ............................................................................................ 14
3.7.4 TOOLING AND FIXTURES ............................................................................... 14
Section 4
3.7.5 LIMITED-LIFE MATERIALS AND COMPONENTS ....................................... 14
3.7.6 MATERIALS OR ITEMS DESIGNATED FOR DESTRUCTIVE TESTING ... 15
3.7.7 SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS AND ENVIRONMENTS ...................................... 15
3.8 CONTROL OF PROCESSES ..................................................................................... 15
3.8.1 PROCESS CONTROL METHODS ..................................................................... 15
3.8.2 SPECIAL PROCESSES ....................................................................................... 16
3.9 INSPECTION, TEST, AND ACCEPTANCE ............................................................ 16
3.9.1 INSPECTION AND TEST ................................................................................... 16
3.9.2 ACCEPTANCE .................................................................................................... 17
3.10 CONTROL OF MEASURING AND TEST EQUIPMENT ....................................... 17
3.11 HANDLING, STORAGE, PACKAGING, AND DELIVERY .................................. 18
3.11.1 GOVERNMENT-FURNISHED MATERIAL ..................................................... 18
3.11.2 NNSA-ACCEPTED MATERIAL ........................................................................ 18
3.12 NONCONFORMANCE ............................................................................................. 18
3.12.1 NONCONFORMING ITEM CONTROL ............................................................ 19
3.12.2 NONCONFORMING ITEM DISPOSITION ....................................................... 19
3.13 CORRECTIVE ACTION ........................................................................................... 20
3.14 RECORDS .................................................................................................................. 21
3.15 ASSESSMENTS ......................................................................................................... 22
3.15.1 MANAGEMENT ASSESSMENTS ..................................................................... 22
3.15.2 INDEPENDENT ASSESSMENTS ...................................................................... 22
3.15.3 ASSESSOR QUALIFICATION ........................................................................... 22
3.15.4 SCHEDULING ..................................................................................................... 22
3.15.5 PLANNING .......................................................................................................... 22
3.15.6 PERFORMANCE ................................................................................................. 23
3.15.7 REPORTING ........................................................................................................ 23
3.16 SOFTWARE QUALITY ASSURANCE .................................................................... 23
4.0 RESPONSIBILITIES ....................................................................................................... 24
4.1 NNSA ADMINISTRATOR ........................................................................................ 24
4.2 DEPUTY ADMINISTRATORS AND CONTRACTOR MANAGERS.................... 24
4.3 NA-10, OFFICE OF DEFENSE PROGRAMS, ASSISTANT DEPUTY
Section 5
ADMINISTRATORS ................................................................................................. 24
4.4 NA-121.3, WEAPON QUALITY DIVISION ............................................................ 24
4.5 CONTRACTING OFFICERS .................................................................................... 25
4.6 FIELD/PRODUCTION OFFICE MANAGERS ........................................................ 25
4.7 CONTRACTORS ....................................................................................................... 25
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Attachment 2
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1.0 PURPOSE
Attachment 2 provides the weapon quality requirements as required by NAP 401.124A,
Weapon Quality Policy.
1.1 SCOPE
This document describes minimum quality requirements for the NNSA Federal
personnel, contractors, and subcontractors responsible for weapon life-cycle phases 1-7
activities (as defined in Supplemental Directive NA SD M 452.3-1, Defense Programs
Business Requirements and Processes Manual, Chapter 3.1, Phases 1-7, located at
https://prp.sandia.gov/DPManual/d-p_chap03-1.pdf). Requirements are aimed at
ensuring customer requirements are met during all seven phases of weapon and weapon-
related product realization – from weapon conception to disposal. In addition, NAP
401.124A includes quality requirements to prevent the entry of malicious hardware and
software into the Nuclear Security Enterprise (NSE) that could affect weapon and
weapon related products or activities. NAP 401.124A Attachment 2 (Weapon Quality
Policy) and Attachment 4 (Nuclear Enterprise Assurance) provide increased assurance
and trust strategies for addressing adversarial subversion.
1.2 SUPPLEMENTAL POLICY AND CLARIFICATIONS
Occasionally, supplemental policy and/or clarification to the Weapon Quality Policy is
required. For instances where clarification of requirements is needed, a Guidance and
Clarification (G&C) message will be issued by NA-121.3, Weapons Quality Division
(HQ WQD). G&C messages will be incorporated into the NAP upon the next revision.
When supplemental policy or a change in policy is needed, a revision to that section of
the NAP will be performed.
2.0 BASIC REQUIREMENTS
2.1 RISK MANAGEMENT
When choosing to use a graded approach
a. a risk-management process shall be used to analyze, determine and document the
rigor of meeting the requirements of this NAP, provided the risk-management
process can ensure there are no adverse impacts to the quality of weapon and
weapon-related products; and
b. the risk-management process and areas of graded rigor shall be documented in the
Weapon Quality Assurance Program (WQAP).
2.2 WEAPON QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
NNSA Federal personnel, contractors, and subcontractors shall integrate quality
requirements into management and work practices so that missions are accomplished and
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NAP 401.1-24A
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customer requirements are met. Metrics shall be used to evaluate the effectiveness of the
Weapons Quality Management System (WQMS).
2.2.1 WQAP
Implementation of NAP 401.124A requirements shall be described in a WQAP.
The WQAP shall
a. describe the WQMS;
b. describe the approach to implementing NAP 401.124A requirements and
other weapon quality requirements contained in contractual documents
and their flow down to implementing procedures; and
c. describe the organizational structure.
Section 6
NOTE: The WQAP may be integrated into the DOE O 414.1 (or
equivalent) required Quality Assurance Program (QAP).
2.2.2 Submittal, Approval, Implementation, and Reporting
NNSA and contractors responsible for work in any weapon life-cycle phase shall
a. submit WQAP to the appropriate Field/Production Office Manager or
Assistant Deputy Administrator for approval;
b. implement the WQAP;
c. submit significant changes of the WQAP to the appropriate
Field/Production Office Manager or Assistant Deputy Administrator for
approval;
d. maintain WQMS metrics to provide objective evidence of performance;
e. perform and document an annual management assessment of their
WQMS; and
f. use the approved organization WQAP as the basis for assessment of the
organization’s weapon quality program.
2.3 ORGANIZATION
Senior management shall provide evidence of their commitment to the WQMS by
a. describing in the WQAP, the organizational structure, responsibilities, levels of
authority, and lines of communication for implementing the WQAP;
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b. establishing processes and policies that ensure customer requirements are
determined, documented, communicated, and met with the aim of enhancing
customer satisfaction; and
c. assigning responsibility to a senior manager with sufficient authority,
responsibility, and unrestricted access to all levels of management and staff to
ensure
i. WQMS is implemented and effective;
ii. improvement opportunities are identified, communicated and
incorporated;
iii. WQAP performance, at all organizational levels, is monitored and
communicated;
iv. that nonconformance are managed in accordance with NAP
401.124A, Attachment 2, Section 3.12;
v. that corrective actions are managed in accordance with NAP 401.124A,
Attachment 2, Section 3.13; and
vi. personnel verifying quality achievement must not be directly responsible
for the work being evaluated.
2.4 EARLY AND CONTINUOUS APPLICATION OF QUALITY PRINCIPLES
NNSA contractors responsible for weapon and weapon-related product or process design
shall
a. have a documented process to ensure that operating, production, and quality
requirements are incorporated in the design process as early as feasible;
b. provide for the timely identification and evaluation of key elements that are
critical to program success; and
c. provide an objective means to measure design, product, process, and production
readiness.
2.4.1 Producibility
Producibility shall be
a. formally addressed in the weapon design and design change processes;
and
b. evaluated by the design agency and production agency through an
established and documented process.
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NAP 401.1-24A
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2.5 ESTABLISHING AND VALIDATING REQUIREMENTS
Beginning with Phase 1, Weapon Conception, and continuing throughout the life-cycle of
the weapon or weapon-related product, documented processes shall be in place to
identify, document, validate, control, and maintain customer requirements.
2.6 PLANNING
Planning activities shall
a. be performed and documented prior to the start of work to ensure that work is
accomplished to satisfy applicable requirements; and
b. provide for special controls, processes, test equipment, tools, and skills needed to
attain and verify the required quality.
3.0 QUALITY REQUIREMENTS
3.1 QUALITY IMPROVEMENT
3.1.1 Continuous Improvement Process
A continuous improvement process shall
a. document the methodology for achieving improvement;
Section 7
b. review item characteristics, process performance, and other quality-related
information and analyze the data to identify items, services, and processes
needing improvement;
c. manage nonconformances in accordance with NAP 401.124A, Attachment 2,
Section 3.12; and
d. manage corrective action in accordance with NAP 401.124A,
Attachment 2, Section 3.13.
3.1.2 Prevention Versus Detection
The WQMS shall
a. focus on preventing nonconformance, reducing variability, and building
quality into weapon and weapon-related products and processes; and
b. utilize methods to prevent quality issues, including but not limited to the
following: process characterization, mistake-proofing, and reduction of
product and process variability.
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3.1.3 Metrics
NNSA Federal personnel, contractors, and subcontractors shall identify,
document, track, trend, and maintain WQMS metrics and utilize them for
corrective action, continuous improvement, and objective evidence of
performance.
3.2 TRAINING
Documented processes shall ensure
a. personnel are trained and/or qualified to be capable and competent prior to
performing their assigned work;
b. personnel are provided continuing training to maintain job proficiency;
c. evidence of training, qualification, and/or certification are maintained; and
d. qualification is based on a combination of factors including education, training,
skills and experience.
3.3 DESIGN
The design agency shall be responsible for the design of items and design processes
under their responsibility.
3.3.1 Design Input
Design inputs shall be identified and documented, and their selection reviewed
and approved prior to the final design implementation. Design information shall
be protected as part of the weapon trust assurance program from weapon
conception to disposal and in accordance with classification guidance and
information protection requirements.
3.3.2 Design Process
a. Items and processes shall be designed using sound engineering, scientific
principles, and appropriate standards.
b. Designs shall provide a clear link between design inputs and design
requirements, including production requirements and specifications.
c. Design work, including changes, shall incorporate applicable requirements
and design bases.
d. Designs shall also incorporate critical characteristics required for such
things as function, reliability, interchangeability, design life, safety,
dismantlement, and reuse.
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NAP 401.1-24A
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e. Design specifications shall not be more restrictive than essential for
achieving required performance with appropriate margin.
f. The design agency shall determine and set the value and tolerance for
design specifications.
g. The design agency shall produce final designs that lead to successful
manufacture, assembly, use, and operation.
h. Calculations, modeling, and testing shall establish the design parameters
and maintain the appropriate margins by taking into account uncertainties
associated with the design envelope.
i. Test equipment and instrumentation used for the development of design
parameters shall be calibrated, and the precision and accuracy shall be
established over the full range of use.
j. Design information that supports use and maintenance of the weapon and
weapon-related product, in addition to the disposition of non-conforming
materials and items, shall be developed as part of the design process and
documented.
Section 8
3.3.3 Design Verification
The adequacy of designs shall be verified and documented before approval and
implementation.
3.3.4 Design Reviews
a. At suitable stages, design reviews shall be conducted and documented by
individuals or groups not directly responsible for the work to ensure, at the
time of the review, that
i. design inputs are complete and correct;
ii. assumptions necessary to perform the design are adequately
described and valid;
iii. applicable design standards are used;
iv. computer programs, including mathematical models used in
simulation codes, are adequately verified and validated and
recorded for future retrieval;
v. suitable materials, parts, processes, and inspection and testing
criteria are specified; and
vi. design qualification methods are adequate.
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b. The design review process shall accommodate observation or subsequent
review(s) by NNSA and/or independent third parties.
3.3.5 Design Qualification
The design agency shall specify when qualification is required and the
qualification methods to be used to confirm that customer requirements are met.
Qualification test plan(s) shall
a. be developed and documented; and
b. be used to document qualification test results and ensure that performance
objectives and requirements are met.
The design agency shall
c. obtain concurrence from the using organization that specifications in
design documents are complete and the detail is understood; and
d. obtain concurrence for the product design from the applicable production
facilities or organization that the producibility of the design is mutually
acceptable.
3.3.6 Design Documents
Design information transmitted across organization interfaces shall identify the
status of information provided and incomplete items that require further
evaluation, review, or approval.
3.3.7 Design Change Control and Configuration Management
a. Changes to design inputs and final designs shall
i. be subject to control measures (including design reviews)
commensurate with the risk introduced by the change; and
ii. include evaluation of effects of the changes on the overall design
and on analyses upon which the design is based.
b. A design configuration management process shall be established and
documented and ensure that
i. configuration control is established early in the design process; and
ii. configuration control is applied to design inputs, design
calculations and analyses, design qualification, and design
documents.
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NAP 401.1-24A
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3.3.8 Interface Control
Design interfaces shall be identified and controlled.
3.3.9 Design Records
Complete and accurate records of weapon design activities shall be maintained in
accordance with NAP 401.124A, Attachment 2, Section 3.14.
3.4 INSTRUCTIONS, PROCEDURES AND DRAWINGS
a. Work shall be prescribed by and performed in accordance with approved and
controlled documented instructions, procedures, drawings, specifications, other
documents, or models that include or reference appropriate acceptance criteria for
determining that results have been satisfactorily attained.
b. Current instructions, procedures, drawings, specifications, other documents, and
models shall be available to and used by the personnel performing the work.
3.5 DOCUMENT CONTROL
A documented process shall be established and maintained to control documents,
including models and data. Documents shall be prepared, reviewed, approved, issued,
used, and revised to prescribe processes, specify requirements, or establish design. The
process shall ensure
Section 9
a. identification of controlled documents;
b. identification of individuals responsible for the preparation, review, approval, and
distribution of controlled documents;
c. review of controlled documents for adequacy, completeness, and approval prior to
distribution;
d. correct documents are available;
e. documents specify an effective date; and
f. timely release, distribution, and implementation.
3.6 PROCUREMENT
Purchasers are responsible to ensure that purchased weapon and weapon-related products
conform to specified purchase requirements. The procurement process shall be
documented and ensure that
a. procurement documents, including contracts, contain correct requirements;
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b. prospective Suppliers are evaluated and selected on the basis of specified criteria,
technical capabilities and rigor of their Quality Management System (QMS);
c. procured items and services meet established requirements and perform as
specified;
d. risks associated with supply chain management are evaluated, documented and
addressed;
e. it prevents introduction of malicious hardware and software in accordance with
Attachment 4 of NAP 401.124A, Nuclear Enterprise Assurance; and
f. it prevents introduction of suspect/counterfeit items in accordance with
Attachment 3 to DOE O 414.1, Suspect/Counterfeit Items Prevention.
3.6.1 Supplier Evaluation, Selection, and Monitoring
a. The Purchaser shall select Suppliers on the basis of assessment of ability
to supply weapon and weapon-related product in accordance with
requirements, including quality requirements and technical capabilities for
the product(s) and service(s) being procured.
b. Supplier evaluation and selection shall be documented.
c. Suppliers shall be monitored with regard to the effectiveness of their QMS
and the quality of their weapon and weapon-related product.
d. Contractor’s purchase orders or contracts shall provide for NNSA and its
contractors to perform quality surveys and inspections at Supplier
locations where materials or services are rendered.
3.6.2 Procurement Documentation
Procurement documents shall specify that the Supplier have an effective QMS
that complies with the applicable requirements of this document. Procurement
documents shall be controlled and identify
a. documentation required;
b. requirements for approval and/or qualification of weapon and weapon-
related product, processes and equipment, to include supplier requirements
to notify Purchaser of subsequent changes and when to obtain re-approval;
c. requirements for control of weapon and weapon-related product and
equipment;
d. requirements for configuration control of customer requirements and
implementing procedures;
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e. requirements to notify of nonconforming weapon and weapon-related
products or processes;
f. requirements for disposition of nonconforming weapon and weapon-
related products;
g. flow-down requirements to Supplier’s supply chain;
h. records to be submitted and/or maintained;
i. record retention and disposition requirements; and
j. requirements for purchaser’s prior approval of substitutions.
3.6.3 Acceptance of Procured Items and Materials
a. Processes and controls shall
i. be established to evaluate procured items and materials to
determine conformance to applicable specifications; and
ii. ensure malicious hardware or software are prevented from entry
into the Nuclear Security Enterprise (NSE) supply chain.
Section 10
b. When Supplier-provided reports are used as a basis of acceptance, the
reported results shall be compared with requirements. The validity of
Supplier-provided reports shall be periodically verified by the purchaser
by at least one of the following methods:
i. independent evaluation to requirements; or
ii. independent assessment (to establish the validity of the
Supplier-provided reports).
3.6.4 Acceptance of Procured Services
In cases involving procurement of services only (such as third-party
inspection/testing; engineering and consulting services; assessment; and
installation, repair, overhaul, or maintenance work), the Purchaser shall accept the
service by any or all of the following methods:
a. technical verification of data produced;
b. surveillance and/or assessment of the activity; and/or
c. review of objective evidence for conformance to the procurement
document requirements.
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3.6.5 Certificate of Conformance
a. A certificate of conformance is required for weapon and weapon-related
material and hardware destined for production activities. The certificate
shall
i. identify the purchased material or equipment and associated
procurement document(s);
ii. identify the specific procurement requirements met by the
purchased material or equipment; and
iii. be signed or otherwise authenticated by a person who is
responsible for this function as described in the Supplier’s Quality
Management System.
b. Where a certificate of conformance is not available, ensure and document
the method used for determining purchased material or equipment meets
specification requirements for procurements.
c. The Purchaser shall establish means to verify the validity of Supplier
certificates and the effectiveness of their certification process, by at least
one of the following methods:
i. independent evaluation of requirements; or
ii. independent assessment (to establish the validity of the certificate
of conformance).
3.7 IDENTIFICATION, CONTROL, AND STATUS OF ITEMS
A process shall be established and documented so that items are identified and controlled
to ensure proper use and maintained to prevent damage, loss, or deterioration.
3.7.1 Identification of Items
a. Physical identification shall be used where possible. Identification
markings shall
i. be applied using materials and methods that provide a clear and
legible identification;
ii. not degrade the function or service life of the item;
iii. be transferred to each part of an identified item when subdivided;
and
iv. not be obliterated or hidden unless other means of identification
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are substituted.
b. Where physical identification on the item is either impractical or
insufficient, physical separation, procedural control, or other appropriate
means shall be employed.
3.7.2 Control of Items
a. Markings, authorized stamps, tags, labels, routing cards, physical location,
or other suitable means shall identify the status of items from the initial
receipt and fabrication of items up to and including use.
b. Items shall be traceable to the applicable specification and grade of the
material; heat, batch, lot, part, or serial number; or specified inspection,
test, or other records.
c. The process shall provide for maintenance or replacement of markings and
identification records due to damage from handling or aging, as well as
protection of identifications on items subject to excessive deterioration
due to environmental exposure.
Section 11
3.7.3 Status of Items
a. The status of inspection and test activities shall be identified either on the
items or in documents traceable to the items where it is necessary to
ensure that required inspections and tests are performed.
b. Items which have not passed the required inspections and tests shall not be
installed, used, or operated.
3.7.4 Tooling and Fixtures
Tooling and fixtures (e.g., dies, molds, fixtures, gages, crucibles, assembly tools,
disassembly tools, handling devices) used in conjunction with weapon production,
surveillance, or dismantlement shall be identified and controlled.
3.7.5 Limited-Life Materials and Components
a. Materials and components having limited calendar, operating, or cycle life
shall be identified and controlled to preclude use of expired items.
b. Means for efficient recall and disposition of limited-life materials and
components shall be established.
NAP 401.1-24A
11-24-15
Attachment 2
A2-15
3.7.6 Materials or Items Designated for Destructive Testing
Controls shall be established for materials or items designated for destructive
testing or special evaluation to ensure testing or evaluation is performed to
specified requirements and to prevent inadvertent use or shipment.
3.7.7 Special Instructions and Environments
Instructions for marking and labeling items shall be established as necessary to
adequately identify, maintain, and preserve the items, including an indication of
the presence of special environments or the need for special controls.
3.8 CONTROL OF PROCESSES
Work shall be performed to established technical standards and administrative controls
using approved instructions, procedures, or other appropriate means and shall ensure that
a. criteria for workmanship are stipulated in written standards or by means of
representative standards;
b. processes are characterized, documented, and maintained under controlled
conditions to minimize variability and to prevent nonconformance;
c. proposed process changes are evaluated for their potential impact on quality,
producibility, and maintainability prior to incorporation;
d. when qualification is required, the design agency and production agency will
jointly qualify processes (including inspection, test, and acceptance processes)
and document the qualification prior to use for acceptance and production;
e. equipment used for process monitoring or data collection are calibrated and
maintained in accordance with NAP 401.124A, Attachment 2, Section
3.10; and
f. a process to formally suspend weapon work is developed and implemented for
conditions significantly adverse to quality, to include establishing measurable
criteria for work suspension and resumption.
3.8.1 Process Control Methods
a. When production quantities are sufficient in number, statistical methods
(such as statistical process control) shall be used to ensure continuous
control over production processes and to identify and continually reduce
variability.
b. When production quantities are not large enough to permit the use of
statistical methods, alternative control methods shall be applied, such as
100 percent test and inspection when that degree of rigor is necessary to
confirm compliance to specification.
Attachment 2
A2-16
NAP 401.1-24A
11-24-15
3.8.2 Special Processes
a. Special processes shall be identified and procedures, processes, and
controls implemented to ensure a high level of confidence in the control of
weapon and weapon-related product variability and to minimize
nonconformance.
Section 12
b. Special-process equipment and procedures shall be qualified and
controlled.
i. When the outcome of a special process is dependent upon the skill
of the person performing the process, that person shall be certified
to a written procedure.
ii. Evidence of qualification of equipment and procedures and
certification of personnel shall be maintained.
c. When available, special process codes and standards (including
acceptance criteria for the process) shall be specified or referenced in
procedures or instructions.
d. For special processes not covered by existing codes and standards or
where quality requirements specified exceed those of existing codes or
standards, the necessary requirements for qualification of personnel,
procedures, or equipment shall be specified or referenced in procedures or
instructions.
3.9 INSPECTION, TEST, AND ACCEPTANCE
3.9.1 Inspection and Test
a. Inspection and testing of specified items, services, and processes shall be
conducted under controlled conditions using established acceptance and
performance criteria.
b. Inspection and test requirements and results shall be documented.
c. Equipment used for inspections and tests shall be calibrated and
maintained.
d. Measurement uncertainty requirements and capability of inspection and
test processes shall be determined and documented.
e. Qualified persons, other than those who perform or directly supervise the
work being inspected or tested, shall perform acceptance inspections and
tests verifying weapon and weapon-related product conformance to design
criteria.
NAP 401.1-24A
11-24-15
Attachment 2
A2-17
f. Where independent inspections and tests are not feasible because of
special requirements, the responsible organization shall develop an
alternative method, document it and the basis for requesting exception,
obtain design agency approval for use, and notify HQ WQD of the
approved alternative method.
g. Records shall be maintained to establish traceability between product and
measuring and test equipment used for its test or inspection.
3.9.2 Acceptance
There shall be a documented process and procedures for contractor submittal of
completed weapon and weapon-related product and for NNSA acceptance of that
product to ensure that
a. the weapon and weapon-related product was manufactured to and
conforms to the correct design definition;
b. the quality evidence is correct and representative of that weapon and
weapon-related product;
c. when automated manufacturing processes are used as the method of
acceptance, they are designed, validated, qualified, controlled, and
monitored sufficiently to protect weapon and weapon-related product
quality such that the completion of the automated operation may be
accepted as objective evidence of conformance to requirements;
d. when fixtures, molds, and other such tooling are used as the method of
acceptance, they are certified prior to release for use and controlled and
recertified according to established criteria;
e. when material requires modification, repair, or replacement after weapon
and weapon-related product acceptance, there is a witnessing or
verification of the modification, repair, or replacement and reverification
of affected characteristics prior to reacceptance; and
f. sampling plans prescribe random sampling and afford a sound statistical
basis to ensure quality.
3.10 CONTROL OF MEASURING AND TEST EQUIPMENT
Section 13
A standards and calibration program shall be established, documented, and maintained in
accordance with Supplemental Directive NA SD M 452.3-1, Defense Programs Business
Requirements and Processes Manual, Chapter 13.2, Metrology Program, located at
https://prp.sandia.gov/DPManual/d-p_chap13-2.pdf.
https://prp.sandia.gov/DPManual/d-p_chap13-2.pdf
Attachment 2
A2-18
NAP 401.1-24A
11-24-15
3.11 HANDLING, STORAGE, PACKAGING, AND DELIVERY
a. Handling, storage, packaging, and delivery shall be controlled to prevent damage,
loss, deterioration, or substitution, and the process to control handling, storage,
packaging, and delivery shall be documented.
b. Special handling tools and equipment shall be utilized and controlled, where
necessary, to ensure safe and adequate handling.
c. Special handling tools and equipment shall be inspected and tested according to
established criteria to ensure performance.
3.11.1 Government-Furnished Material
Material shipped from one contractor's responsibility to another will be provided
as Government-Furnished Material and shall be inspected by the receiving
contractor for quantity, completeness, proper type, and shipping and handling
damage.
3.11.2 NNSA-Accepted Material
a. NNSA-accepted material shall be under NNSA management control.
b. NNSA shall be notified when accepted material is issued from stores for
purposes different from the original intent.
c. NNSA shall also be notified when accepted material is issued to perform
additional evaluation, inspection, or rework.
d. The design agency shall describe the need to perform additional
evaluation, inspection, or rework of the material and the methods that will
be used for processing.
e. Special handling, storage, processing, or evaluation of NNSA-accepted
material by work specified in a Design Agency Special Instruction
Engineering Release (SIER), shall be reviewed and formally approved by
NNSA Weapon Quality personnel with regards to the quality aspects of
the SIER prior to performing the SIER.
3.12 NONCONFORMANCE
A documented process shall be established, which prescribes the actions (identify,
investigate, correct and disposition) to address potential and actual nonconforming
conditions and shall
a. ensure that when a potential or actual nonconformance is identified, the
discrepancy is evaluated and appropriate action is taken;
NAP 401.1-
24A
11-24-15
Attachment 2
A2-19
b. define the qualification of personnel authorized to disposition nonconformance;
c. require personnel performing evaluations for determining disposition of a
nonconformance, to have demonstrated competence in the specific area they are
evaluating;
d. require personnel performing evaluations to have adequate understanding of the
requirements; and
e. require personnel performing evaluations to have access to pertinent background
information.
3.12.1 Nonconforming Item Control
a. Establish a process to ensure that weapon and weapon-related products
that do not conform to requirements are prevented from use or shipment.
b. Control of nonconforming items shall provide for the identification,
documentation, evaluation, preservation, segregation, and disposition of
the item, as well as notification to the organization(s) concerned.
c. Nonconforming items shall be identified by legible marking, tagging, or
other methods on the item or on the container or package containing the
item.
d. Marking shall be durable and not detrimental to the material.
Section 14
e. Nonconforming items shall be segregated, when practical, by placing them
in a clearly identified and designated hold area until properly
dispositioned.
f. When segregation is impractical or impossible due to physical conditions
such as size, weight, access or other limitations, other precautions shall be
employed to preclude inadvertent use of a nonconforming item.
3.12.2 Nonconforming Item Disposition
a. Promptly identify, correct and disposition any nonconforming items.
b. Responsibility for review and the authority for disposition of
nonconforming items shall be defined and documented.
c. A disposition (such as “use as is,” reject, repair, or rework) of
nonconforming items shall be made and documented.
d. NNSA shall be notified when a nonconforming condition involving
Government- Furnished Material is suspected or discovered.
Attachment 2
A2-20
NAP 401.1-24A
11-24-15
e. NNSA shall report the information regarding the suspect or
nonconforming condition to the contractor that supplied the material.
f. Disposition of nonconforming conditions involving Government-
Furnished Material shall be the responsibility of the design agency.
g. Nonconforming items may be authorized for “use as is” by the design
agency.
h. Repair, rework, or evaluation of nonconforming items shall be performed
in accordance with documented procedures approved by the design
agency.
i. The technical justification for the acceptability of a nonconforming item
dispositioned as repair or “use as is” shall be documented.
j. “Use as is” or repair dispositions shall be subject to design control
measures commensurate with those applied to the original design.
k. As-built records shall reflect the “use as is” or repair condition.
l. Repaired items shall be reexamined in accordance with applicable
procedures and with the original acceptance criteria unless the design
agency has established alternative acceptance criteria.
m. When nonconforming items are identified, an evaluation shall be
performed to determine if any other previously produced item is also
nonconforming and is properly dispositioned.
3.13 CORRECTIVE ACTION
a. A process shall be established and documented for corrective action. The process
shall
i. identify and categorize conditions adverse to quality (including criteria for
determining significant conditions adverse to quality);
ii. track, trend, and report conditions adverse to quality;
iii. apply compensatory measures, and for significant conditions adverse to
quality, compensatory measures are in place prior to continuing work;
iv. perform causal analysis of a significant condition adverse to quality to
determine if the condition is incidental or systemic;
v. develop and implement corrective action to prevent recurrence;
vi. verify that the corrective action prevents a recurrence of the condition
NAP 401.1-24A
11-24-15
Attachment 2
A2-21
adverse to quality;
vii. capture and communicate lessons learned for effective use in preventing
problems and making improvements;
viii. identify if a corrective action effectiveness review is needed; and
ix. for those identified, review the effectiveness of corrective actions taken.
b. Senior management shall take appropriate action to determine the cause(s) and
correct the systemic failures.
3.14 RECORDS
a. A process shall be established and documented for records management and shall
comply with DOE O 243.1, Records Management Program. Records may be
originals, copies, or electronic.
Section 15
b. The process shall include the identification, collection, organization, filing,
storage, maintenance, retrieval, distribution, retention, and disposition of records.
c. Records shall be
i. specified, prepared, reviewed, approved, and maintained to demonstrate
achievement of quality requirements and an effective WQMS;
ii. stored such that they are retrievable and in a suitable environment to
minimize deterioration or damage and to prevent loss;
iii. maintained to furnish objective evidence that items or activities meet
specified requirements;
iv. identifiable as a record;
v. completely and accurately reflect the work accomplished or information
required;
vi. legible;
vii. traceable to associated requirements, items, and activities; and
viii. authenticated and dated by authorized personnel.
d. Acceptable methods of authentication include statements of authenticity,
handwritten signatures, electronic signatures, or other means that ensure
traceability to a specific authenticating individual and organization and to an
authentication date.
Attachment 2
A2-22
NAP 401.1-24A
11-24-15
3.15 ASSESSMENTS
Processes for management assessments and independent assessments shall be established
and documented to
a. plan and conduct assessments;
b. evaluate item and service quality;
c. evaluate the adequacy of work performance;
d. promote improvement;
e. verify the adequacy of flow-down of NAP 401.124A requirements
to their implementing procedures; and
f. report organizational performance to WQAP requirements.
3.15.1 Management Assessments
a. Managers shall assess their management processes by performing
management assessments.
b. Management responsible for the area assessed shall ensure that corrective
actions are taken to correct and eliminate nonconformance and their
causes.
3.15.2 Independent Assessments
Personnel performing independent assessments shall have sufficient authority and
freedom from the line organization to carry out their responsibilities.
3.15.3 Assessor Qualification
Personnel conducting assessments shall be technically qualified and
knowledgeable in the areas assessed.
3.15.4 Scheduling
a. Risk shall be used as a basis for scheduling management and independent
assessments.
b. The management and independent assessment schedules and associated
risk bases shall be documented.
3.15.5 Planning
a. Management and independent assessment plans shall be established and
documented.
NAP 401.1-24A
11-24-15
Attachment 2
A2-23
b. The plans shall identify the objectives, scope, approach, and performance
criteria to be used.
3.15.6 Performance
a. Management and independent assessments shall compare actual
performance with performance criteria.
b. Objective evidence shall be examined to the depth necessary to determine
if requirements and criteria are being met.
c. Conditions requiring prompt corrective action shall be reported
immediately to management of the assessed organization.
3.15.7 Reporting
Management and independent assessment reports shall be sent to the responsible
management.
3.16 SOFTWARE QUALITY ASSURANCE
a. A Software Quality Assurance (SQA) process shall be established to provide
assurance that weapon and weapon related software will satisfy customer
requirements for software that is purchased, developed under contract, or
developed by NNSA or its contractors.
b. The SQA process shall address applicable elements of NAP 401.124A including
NEA (Attachment 4).
Section 16
c. Weapon software that is safety related shall also meet the requirements of
Attachment 4 of DOE O 414.1, Safety Software Quality Assurance Requirements
for Nuclear Facilities.
d. SQA activities shall be commensurate with the complexity and the risk associated
with failure of the software to meet established requirements.
e. A documented risk-based approach shall be used to balance cost, risk and
program flexibility.
f. The SQA process shall use a software life-cycle management methodology based
upon a consensus SQA standard or an equivalently rigorous contractor-specific
standard that addresses software development from beginning to end and the flow
of activities and iterations for the software life cycle.
g. Requirements shall be identified, testable, and controlled.
h. Software configuration management shall ensure
Attachment 2
A2-24
NAP 401.1-24A
11-24-15
i. a software baseline is established no later than the completion of the
software validation process; and
ii. changes subsequent to the baseline are traceable to software requirements,
approved, documented, and added to the baseline so that the baseline
defines the most recently approved software configuration.
i. Software verification and validation activities shall be controlled, documented,
and demonstrate that requirements are met.
4.0 RESPONSIBILITIES
4.1 ADMINISTRATOR
The Administrator (NA-1) shall promote quality principles and support resources needed
for an effective WQMS.
4.2 DEPUTY ADMINISTRATORS AND CONTRACTOR MANAGERS
Deputy Administrators and Contractor Managers shall
a. actively participate in the WQMS development, implementation and
improvement; and
b. review the organization’s WQMS at planned intervals to ensure its continuing
adequacy and effectiveness.
4.3 NA-10, DEPUTY ADMINISTRATOR FOR DEFENSE PROGRAMS
a. The Deputy Administrator for Defense Programs shall
i. identify the senior management position specifically assigned
responsibility for developing and maintaining the WQAP;
ii. review and approve their WQAPs;
iii. review and address annual management assessment results, continuous
improvement initiatives and WQMS and weapon activity metrics and
provide upon request to HQ WQD; and
iv. take appropriate action to determine the cause(s) of recurring
nonconformances and correct the systemic problem.
4.4 NA-121.3, WEAPON QUALITY DIVISION
The HQ WQD shall
a. maintain and issue NAP 401.124A, Weapon Quality Policy and revisions;
NAP 401.1-24A
11-24-15
Attachment 2
A2-25
b. resolve situations where other requirements conflict with NAP 401.124A requirements;
c. resolve requests for exemption from a NAP 401.1 24A requirement; and
d. evaluate the effectiveness of the NNSA WQMS through the conduct of
assessments, the results of management assessments performed by NSE
management organizations, NSE-wide metrics and nonconformances.
4.5 CONTRACTING OFFICERS
The NNSA Contracting Officers (CO) shall
a. include NAP 401.124A in applicable NNSA procurements and contract documents;
b. apply the provisions of NAP 401.124A to awards having applicable work scope; and
c. accept weapon product on behalf of NNSA or formally delegate to an NNSA
official.
4.6 FIELD/PRODUCTION OFFICE MANAGERS
The Field/Production Office Managers shall
a. identify the senior management position specifically assigned responsibility for
developing and maintaining the WQAP, submitting the WQAP and implementing
the WQAP;
b. review and approve Field/Production Office and Contractor WQAPs;
Section 17
c. perform independent assessments of their Contractor(s) to evaluate the adequacy
of WQAP implementation, and weapon activity work performance and submit the
assessment report to the assessed Contractor and HQ WQD; and
d. maintain annual management assessment results, continuous improvement
initiatives, and WQMS and weapon activity metrics for the Field/Production
Office and its Contractor(s) and provide on request to HQ WQD.
4.7 CONTRACTORS
Contractors shall
a. implement and convey requirements of NAP 401.124A to their various
organizations and subcontractors;
b. formally submit weapon and weapon-related products per the direction of their
Field/Production Office;
Attachment 2
A2-26
NAP 401.1-24A
11-24-15
c. be responsible for the quality of material procured or produced and for performing
corrective actions if later evaluations reveal defective material (even after NNSA
product acceptance); and
d. maintain annual management assessment results, continuous improvement
initiatives, and WQMS and weapon activity metrics and provide on request to
their Field/Production Office.
NAP 401.1-24A
11-24-15
Attachment 3
A3-1
ATTACHMENT 3: WEAPON QUALITY PROCESS REQUIREMENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0 INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................................. 4
1.1 PURPOSE ..................................................................................................................... 4
1.2 RESPONSIBILITIES ................................................................................................... 4
1.2.1 HQ WEAPON QUALITY DIVISION ................................................................... 4
1.2.2 FIELD/PRODUCTION OFFICES ......................................................................... 5
1.2.3 NNSA CONTRACTORS ....................................................................................... 5
2.0 OVERSIGHT PLANNING AND PERFORMANCE RESULTS ...................................... 6
2.1 EARLY WEAPONS QUALITY INVOLVEMENT .................................................... 6
2.1.1 PURPOSE ............................................................................................................... 6
2.1.2 POLICY .................................................................................................................. 6
2.1.3 RESPONSIBILITIES ............................................................................................. 6
2.1.4 PROJECT TEAMS AND PRODUCT REALIZATION TEAMS (PRT) ............... 7
2.1.5 OVERSIGHT .......................................................................................................... 8
2.1.6 RECORDS .............................................................................................................. 8
2.1.7 REFERENCES ....................................................................................................... 8
2.2 QUALITY ASSURANCE ACTIVITIES PLAN .......................................................... 8
2.2.1 PURPOSE ............................................................................................................... 8
2.2.2 POLICY .................................................................................................................. 9
2.2.3 RESPONSIBILITES ............................................................................................... 9
2.2.4 QAAP PROCESS REQUIREMENTS ................................................................... 9
Section 18
2.2.5 QUALITY ASSURANCE ACTIVITIES PLAN CONTENT .............................. 10
2.2.6 RECORDS ............................................................................................................ 12
2.2.7 REFERENCES ..................................................................................................... 12
2.3 PERFORMANCE MEASURES AND QUALITY REPORTS .................................. 12
2.3.1 PURPOSE ............................................................................................................. 12
2.3.2 POLICY ................................................................................................................ 12
2.3.3 RESPONSIBILITIES ........................................................................................... 12
2.3.4 PERFORMANCE MEASURES AND QUALITY REPORTS ............................ 13
2.3.5 RECORDS ............................................................................................................ 14
3.0 PRODUCT ASSURANCE AND SUPPORT ................................................................... 14
3.1 VERIFICATION INSPECTIONS .............................................................................. 14
3.1.1 PURPOSE ............................................................................................................. 14
3.1.2 POLICY ................................................................................................................ 14
3.1.3 RESPONSIBILITES ............................................................................................. 14
3.1.4 VERIFICATION INSPECTION PROCESS REQUIREMENTS ........................ 16
3.1.5 RECORDS ............................................................................................................ 22
3.1.6 REFERENCES ..................................................................................................... 22
3.1.7 APPENDICES ...................................................................................................... 22
3.1.8 FORMS ................................................................................................................. 23
3.2 CONTRACTOR ASSURANCE VERIFICATIONS (CAVS) ................................... 38
3.2.1 PURPOSE ............................................................................................................. 38
3.2.2 POLICY ................................................................................................................ 38
Attachment 3
A3-2
NAP 401.1-24A
11-24-15
Section 19
3.2.3 RESPONSIBILITES ............................................................................................. 38
3.2.4 CAV INSPECTION PROCESS ............................................................................ 39
3.2.5 REPORTING ........................................................................................................ 40
3.2.6 RECORDS ............................................................................................................ 40
3.3 PRODUCT STAMPING AND MARKING ............................................................... 40
3.3.1 PURPOSE ............................................................................................................. 40
3.3.2 POLICY ................................................................................................................ 41
3.3.3 RESPONSIBILITES ............................................................................................. 41
3.3.4 PRODUCT STAMPING AND MARKING PROCESS REQUIREMENTS ....... 42
3.3.5 RECORDS ............................................................................................................ 54
3.3.6 REFERENCES ..................................................................................................... 54
3.4 DELEGATION OF AUTHORITY ............................................................................. 54
3.4.1 PURPOSE ............................................................................................................. 54
3.4.2 POLICY ................................................................................................................ 54
3.4.3 RESPONSIBILITIES ........................................................................................... 55
3.4.4 DELEGATION PROCESS REQUIREMENTS ................................................... 56
3.4.5 RECORDS ............................................................................................................ 58
3.5 WEAPON QUALITY ASSURANCE SURVEYS ..................................................... 58
3.5.1 PURPOSE ............................................................................................................. 58
3.5.2 POLICY ................................................................................................................ 58
3.5.3 RESPONSIBILITIES ........................................................................................... 59
3.5.4 WEAPON QUALITY ASSURANCE SURVEY PROCESS REQUIREMENTS60
3.5.5 WEAPON QUALITY MANAGEMENT ASSESSMENT PROCESS REQT’S 67
3.5.6 RECORDS ............................................................................................................ 72
3.5.7 REFERENCES ..................................................................................................... 72
3.5.8 APPENDICES ...................................................................................................... 72
4.0 NONCONFORMING MATERIAL ................................................................................. 76
4.1 NONCONFORMANCE REPORTING ...................................................................... 76
4.1.1 PURPOSE ............................................................................................................. 76
4.1.2 POLICY ................................................................................................................ 76
4.1.3 RESPONSIBILITIES ........................................................................................... 76
4.1.4 NONCONFORMING MATERIAL REPORT PROCESS ................................... 77
4.1.5 RECORDS ............................................................................................................ 80
4.1.6 REFERENCES ..................................................................................................... 80
4.1.7 APPENDICES ...................................................................................................... 80
4.2 DOCUMENTING SPECIFICATION EXCEPTION RELEASE CORRECTIVE
Section 20
ACTIONS ................................................................................................................... 84
4.2.1 PURPOSE ............................................................................................................. 84
4.2.2 POLICY ................................................................................................................ 84
4.2.3 RESPONSIBILITIES ........................................................................................... 84
4.2.4 RECORDS ............................................................................................................ 85
4.2.5 REFERENCES ..................................................................................................... 85
4.3 QUALITY ALERT REPORTING .............................................................................. 85
4.3.1 PURPOSE ............................................................................................................. 85
4.3.2 POLICY ................................................................................................................ 85
4.3.3 RESPONSIBILITIES ........................................................................................... 86
NAP 401.1-24A Attachment 3
11-24-15 A3-3
4.3.4 QUALITY ALERT PROCESS ............................................................................. 86
4.3.5 RECORDS ............................................................................................................ 88
4.3.6 REFERENCES ..................................................................................................... 88
Attachment 3
A3-4
NAP 401.1-24A
11-24-15
1.0 INTRODUCTION TO WEAPON QUALITY PROCESS REQUIREMENTS
NAP 401.124A, Attachment 3 defines common processes and activities for the federal
and NNSA Contractor (both Design Agencies (DA) and Production Agencies (PA))
weapon quality organizations, employing a layered oversight approach involving
Headquarters Weapon Quality Division (HQ WQD), Field/Production Offices (F/PO),
NNSA Contractors and subcontractors.
Federal weapon quality personnel perform inherently governmental functions within their
respective organizations by making value judgments in decision making for the
Government. This Attachment provides direction on the federal interactions with NNSA
Contractors and subcontractors to perform these functions. Federal weapon quality
personnel perform oversight of Contractor weapon product design, production,
verification, and surveillance activities and approval for delegation of NNSA processes to
the Contractor.
The requirements found in Attachment 3 are necessary for driving nuclear weapon and
weapon related activities to a high level of performance assurance commensurate with
high expectations for nuclear weapon activities and products. These processes add to the
NNSA confidence that the military and NNSA requirements are met and that the Nation’s
stockpile performs as expected for the life of the weapon program. In addition, these
Weapon Quality Assurance processes establish independent oversight and verification
inspection requirements leading to NNSA acceptance to ensure products meet and are
traceable to product design and customer requirements.
1.1 PURPOSE
This NAP 401.124A, Attachment 3, Weapon Quality Process Requirements (WQPR)
specifies NNSA quality requirements and processes to be used by NNSA to ensure
consistent and integrated implementation across NNSA sites.
Section 21
1.2 RESPONSIBILITIES
NNSA product acceptance is based on a high level of assurance that the product meets all
product definition and specifications. Assurance is obtained through a combination of
verifications, evaluations, assessments, inspections, and collection and analysis of
performance metrics.
1.2.1 HQ WQD shall
1.2.1.a Establish, maintain and interpret NAP 401.124A, Attachment 3 by
ensuring the requirements remain current, clear, correct, and
complete;
1.2.1.b oversee implementation of this Attachment at each of the NNSA sites;
1.2.1.c be authorized to waive requirements in this Attachment;
1.2.1.d develop and issue Guidance and Clarification (G&C) messages to
NAP 401.1-24A
11-24-15
Attachment 3
A3-5
provide supplemental policy and/or clarification of requirements in this
Attachment;
1.2.1.e coordinate with HQ Weapon Program Managers for disposition and/or
diversion of weapon components;
1.2.1.f oversee F/PO, contractor and subcontractor weapon and weapon-
related activities in accordance with this Attachment; and
1.2.1.g manage weapon quality problems or issues with F/POs and Weapon
Program Managers to include Production Waivers and other quality
policy and technical business practice implementation decisions.
1.2.2 F/PO shall
1.2.2.a accept product on behalf of the Government through Contracting
Officers or designated delegates. This responsibility cannot be
delegated to NNSA Contractors;
1.2.2.b coordinate disposition and/or diversion of weapon components;
1.2.2.c oversee NNSA Contractor and subcontractor weapon and weapon-
related activities in accordance with this Attachment; and
1.2.2.d ensure these oversight activities are integrated with the NNSA
Contractor’s Contractor Assurance System (CAS).
1.2.3 NNSA Contractors shall
1.2.3.a provide certification that the product meets design requirements (mark
quality) prior to government acceptance of the product;
1.2.3.b conduct mission assignment activities to include but not limited to
design and/or produce weapon and/or weapon related product for
nuclear weapons in accordance with contract requirements;
1.2.3.c support investigation, resolution and closure of NSE wide corrective
actions and requests in the implementation of this Attachment;
1.2.3.d oversee itself and subcontractor weapon and weapon-related activities
in accordance with this Attachment; and
1.2.3.e implement NNSA delegated responsibilities.
Attachment 3
A3-6
NAP 401.1-24A
11-24-15
2.0 OVERSIGHT PLANNING AND PERFORMANCE RESULTS
2.1 EARLY WEAPON QUALITY INVOLVEMENT
2.1.1 Purpose
This section defines and establishes the minimum requirements for promoting and
establishing weapon quality activities as early as practical in the Product
Realization Process (PRP) as defined in the Defense Programs Business Process
System (DPBiz) documents R001, Product Realization and R006, 6.X Process.
2.1.2 Policy
NNSA HQ, F/POs and NNSA Contractors shall ensure weapon quality personnel
are involved and weapon quality activities performed as early as practical in
design and production processes to provide weapon process and product quality
assurance/oversight and to minimize product realization quality issues.
2.1.3 Responsibilities
2.1.3.a HQ WQD shall
i. provide weapon quality assurance support to weapon program
Project Teams;
ii. coordinate with the Federal Program Manager during the
formation of the Project Team on the assignment of a HQ WQD
team member;
Section 22
iii. participate with Weapon Programs in the development of
planning documents to ensure quality requirements, practices,
and principles are incorporated; and
iv. coordinate with F/POs to plan, conduct, support, and document
weapon quality oversight activities at key production or design
milestones.
2.1.3.b NNSA Federal Program Manager shall coordinate with NNSA HQ
WQD for the assignment of a HQ weapon quality engineer to the
Project Team.
2.1.3.c NNSA F/POs shall
i. conduct and document pre-production weapon quality oversight
activities;
ii. coordinate with site NNSA Contractor to plan, conduct, support,
and document weapon quality oversight activities at key
NAP 401.1-24A
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Attachment 3
A3-7
production or design milestones; and
iii. be involved with Product Realization Teams (PRTs) as necessary
through coordination with contractor PRT interactions.
2.1.3.d NNSA Contractors (DAs and PAs) shall
i. assign at the formation of the Component Level PRTs, a
Contractor weapon quality engineer to be a core PRT member for
each component level PRT (who may be assigned to multiple
PRTs) in which they have DA or PA responsibilities;
ii. apply weapon quality assurance principles and practices
throughout the weapon life-cycle; and
iii. conduct and document weapon quality oversight activities at key
production or design milestones.
2.1.4 Project Teams and Product Realization Teams (PRT)
2.1.4.a HQ WQD shall
i. participate on NNSA led Project Teams as core team members;
and
ii. use the HQ WQD Project Team member to:
1) facilitate early and effective application of quality
principles and requirements;
2) satisfy weapon quality requirements;
3) resolve quality issues; and
4) keep the HQ WQD Director apprised of Team meetings,
quality issues, and items needing further management
attention.
2.1.4.b NNSA Contractors shall
i. use the Contractor weapon quality engineer PRT team member(s)
to:
1) facilitate early and effective application of quality
principles and requirements;
2) satisfy weapon quality requirements for gate reviews;
Attachment 3
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NAP 401.1-24A
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3) resolve quality issues; and
4) keep their Quality Management apprised of quality issues
and items needing further management attention.
ii. keep local NNSA F/PO Quality Management apprised of
significant issues; and
iii. notify their F/PO Weapon Quality personnel of upcoming major
programmatic meetings and PRP Gate Reviews.
2.1.5 Oversight
2.1.5.a NNSA HQ WQD, F/POs, and NNSA Contractors shall plan, conduct,
and document pre-production weapon quality oversight activities to
minimize quality issues downstream.
2.1.5.b NNSA shall include early involvement weapon quality oversight
activities in Quality Assurance Activities Plans (QAAP).
2.1.6 Records
2.1.6.a NNSA QAAPs
2.1.6.b NNSA and contractor weapon quality assessments
2.1.6.c NNSA Weapon Program Quality Plans
2.1.6.d NNSA Project Team Charters
2.1.7 References
2.1.7.a NNSA Policy, NAP 401.124A, Weapon Quality Policy, Sections 2.4,
Early and Continuous Application of Quality Principles and 2.6,
Planning.
2.1.7.b R001, Product Realization.
2.1.7.c R006, 6.X Process.
2.1.7.d DOE STD-1025 (NNSA) or equivalent (contractor).
2.2 QUALITY ASSURANCE ACTIVITIES PLAN
2.2.1 Purpose
This section applies to NNSA HQ WQD and F/POs and defines the requirements
and process for developing, documenting and maintaining a QAAP.
NAP 401.1-24A
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Attachment 3
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2.2.2 Policy
Section 23
HQ WQD and F/POs shall ensure that weapon quality oversight activities are
prioritized, planned, coordinated, effective, and documented in a QAAP.
2.2.3 Responsibilities
2.2.3.a HQ WQD shall
i. coordinate, develop, maintain and effectively utilize a HQ WQD
QAAP;
ii. annually evaluate each F/POs initial QAAP;
iii. determine the F/PO QAAP’s adequacy in meeting weapon
quality assurance in regards to specific F/PO mission objectives;
iv. document the determination in a memorandum to the F/PO
Manager and NA-12; and
v. periodically evaluate the effectiveness of F/POs utilization of
their QAAP.
2.2.3.b F/POs shall coordinate, develop, maintain, and effectively utilize a
QAAP.
2.2.4 QAAP Process Requirements
2.2.4.a HQ WQD shall coordinate initial assessment and oversight planning
input with all F/POs and provide input by June 30th of each year.
i. The initial HQ planning input includes enterprise-wide or site-
specific focus areas and known recurring assessments for the
upcoming year.
ii. The focus areas are intended as early planning aids that are
expected to be covered by either the NNSA Contractor’s or F/PO
assessment activities.
2.2.4.b F/POs plan and coordinate weapon quality oversight of NNSA
Contractor activities for the next fiscal year and submit to HQ WQD a
draft or the approved QAAP by September 1st and if necessary, the
approved QAAP by September 15th of each year.
i. A risk-management process shall be used to develop the content
of the QAAP.
ii. The F/PO shall ensure the schedule and scope of assessments in
Attachment 3
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NAP 401.1-24A
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their QAAP aligns with their Site Integrated Assessment Plan
(SIAP) input.
2.2.4.c Based on a risk-management approach, HQ WQD shall use the
information from the F/PO QAAPs to document a coordinated and
approved HQ WQD QAAP by October 15th of each year.
i. The HQ WQD may identify additional areas that require special
Quality Assurance Surveys (see Section 3.5 of this Attachment)
and coordinate with the F/POs prior to conducting any Survey
that involves the F/POs.
ii. HQ WQD shall ensure the schedule and scope of assessments in
their QAAP aligns with their SIAP input.
2.2.4.d HQ WQD and F/POs shall document the implementation status and
significant changes to the approved QAAP in Quality Reports.
2.2.4.e HQ WQD and F/POs use their QAAP to efficiently and effectively
ensure weapon quality requirements and mission goals and objectives
are achieved.
2.2.5 Quality Assurance Activities Plan Content
2.2.5.a The title page shall contain the following information:
i. HQ WQD or the F/PO title;
ii. the FY planning period, date issued and any revisions; and
iii. approval signature of HQ WQD Director or F/PO Manager.
2.2.5.b The content of the QAAPs shall be developed using an analysis of the
previous year weapon quality accomplishments, issues, and
nonconformances as well as upcoming activities. The QAAP shall
address the following items, if applicable:
i. Continuous improvement initiatives.
ii. Early involvement weapon quality oversight activities.
iii. Quality Assurance Surveys.
1) F/POs describe plans for the number, types, and scopes of
surveys planned of NNSA Contractors and their
subcontractors.
2) F/PO planning shall be coordinated with the F/PO specific
NAP 401.1-24A
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Attachment 3
A3-11
CAS.
3) HQ WQD describes plans for Quality Assurance Surveys
of the F/POs and plans for supporting NNSA Contractor
assessments (see Section 3.5, Weapon Quality Assurance
Surveys, of NAP 401.124A, Attachment 3).
Section 24
NOTE: To avoid redundancy with SIAP requirements, HQ
WQD and F/POs may attach their weapon quality SIAP
input (in the format required by the SIAP) to their approved
QAAP to show the schedule of weapon quality assessments
for the upcoming year.
iv. Product verification inspections.
1) Use projected production schedules to estimate the total
quantity of product expected to be inspected by the NNSA.
2) The activities shall be described in a manner consistent
with keeping the document unclassified.
v. NNSA Contractor-generated information.
1) Describe the type of NNSA Contractor information used to
ensure performance.
2) Include information from such things as the CAS, quality-
related metrics, corrective action systems, etc.
vi. HQ WQD or F/PO involvement in Program and Project Efforts.
1) Product Realization Efforts
a) Specify the product(s) on which the Product
Realization Team is focused.
b) Provide a brief explanation of the scope of the
planned involvement.
2) Engineering Evaluations provide a brief explanation of the
scope of the planned involvement.
3) Quality Projects
a) Provide a brief description and goal of each of the
projects.
b) Explain the scope of the planned involvement.
Attachment 3
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NAP 401.1-24A
11-24-15
4) Provide a brief description of the involvement with various
Program Activities.
5) Other Quality Activities describe initiatives not included in
the other categories, such as Unsatisfactory Reports (URs)
and Significant Finding Investigations (SFIs), as applicable.
vii. Resources.
1) HQ WQD and the F/POs shall describe changes in staffing
and the qualification status of staff members.
2) HQ WQD and the F/POs shall provide a rough estimate of
the resources necessary to perform QAAP activities, such
as personnel, experience, time, or travel funds.
3) Where possible, F/POs should support other F/POs Quality
Assurance Surveys and plan for and document those in the
QAAP.
2.2.6 Records. QAAP
2.2.7 References
2.2.7.a NAP 401.124A, Weapon Quality Policy, Attachment 2, Sections 2.3,
Organization and 2.6, Planning.
2.2.7.b Business Operating Procedure (BOP)-10.003, Site Integrated
Assessment Plan (SIAP) Development, Updating, and Reporting.
2.3 PERFORMANCE MEASURES AND QUALITY REPORTS
2.3.1 Purpose
This section establishes requirements for reporting weapon quality assurance
performance.
2.3.2 Policy
HQ WQD and F/POs shall collect, analyze, and report weapon quality
performance.
2.3.3 Responsibilities
2.3.3.a HQ WQD shall
i. use F/PO reported results and internally maintained measures to
monitor Enterprise-related Weapon Quality performance;
NAP 401.1-24A
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Attachment 3
A3-13
ii. use monitoring results as input to survey planning and policy
improvement initiatives;
iii. report (to senior NNSA Defense Program Management and F/PO
Managers) the state of NNSA Weapon Quality Assurance; and
iv. coordinate support to propagate good weapon quality work
practices or address negative trends or issues.
2.3.3.b F/PO shall
i. prepare and submit Quality Reports (2.3.4) to HQ WQD;
ii. respond to HQ WQD requests for additional information or
explanatory details; and
iii. use the M&O input supporting Section 2.3.4 to monitor
contractor weapon quality performance, develop the QAAP, and
plan F/PO improvement initiatives.
2.3.4 Performance Measures and Quality Reports
F/POs collect and report performance measures to HQ WQD semiannually to
include the following content (Exclude data that would result in a classified
report):
Section 25
2.3.4.a Escapes.
NOTE: Escapes are nonconformances related to design,
manufacturing, acceptance, handling, etc. of a product that has been
shipped impacting (or potentially impacting) form, fit and function.
Nonconforming Material Reports (NMR) and Unsatisfactory Reports
(UR) are common systems to identify/capture product escapes.
2.3.4.b Other site specific performance measures that demonstrate the health of
weapon quality assurance implementation.
2.3.4.c All reported metrics shall include performance against pre-established
goals and include the metric trend (over time).
2.3.4.d Supporting narrative discussion on M&O and F/PO actions to:
i. Address negative trends;
ii. Improve performance;
iii. Share lessons learned;
Attachment 3
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NAP 401.1-24A
11-24-15
iv. Identify issues impacting (or being impacted by) other sites; and
v. Improve weapon quality implementation.
2.3.4.e In addition, include the following per NAP 401.124A, Attachment 3:
i. 2.2.4. d, “HQ WQD and F/PO shall document the
implementation status and significant changes to the approved
QAAP.”
ii. 3.2.5. d, “CAV inspection data shall be included.”
iii. 4.1.4. g. v, “NMR-related metrics and status information.”
2.3.4.f Year-end reports include a summary analysis of FY performance.
2.3.5 Records. Quality Reports
3.0 PRODUCT ASSURANCE AND SUPPORT
3.1 VERIFICATION INSPECTION
3.1.1 Purpose
This section describes the responsibilities, processes, methods, and sampling
plans used to perform verification inspection upon completion of contractor
certification of product in support of overall product acceptance.
3.1.2 Policy
Product verification inspection activities are formally planned, documented, and
performed according to inspection criteria.
3.1.3 Responsibilities
3.1.3.a HQ WQD shall establish and maintain the policies and procedures for
product verification inspections.
NOTE: HQ WQD also has the authority to perform verification
inspections, acceptance, and acceptance withdrawal as needed.
3.1.3.b F/POs shall
i. identify items requiring NNSA and Contractor verification
inspection on the Quality Instruction List (QIL);
ii. maintain the QIL unless delegated to the Contractor;
iii. develop and maintain NNSA Quality Assurance Inspection
Procedure’s (QAIPs) for each part type or family for verification
NAP -401.124A
11-24-15
Attachment 3
A3-15
inspections by NNSA;
iv. perform verification inspections;
NOTE: F/POs may delegate authority for the Contractor to
perform verification inspections per Section 3.4 Delegation of
Authority.
v. determine whether submitted QIL product meets inspection
criteria;
vi. ensure that personnel are authorized to inspect product, stamp
product, and sign the Certificate of Inspection (COI);
vii. ensure that F/PO personnel performing product verification
inspection meet the qualification requirements in DOE-STD-
1025 Weapon Quality Assurance Qualification Standard; and
viii. for Development Joint Test Assemblies (DJTAs), at a minimum:
1) Verify that the development components of the DJTA meet
product definition prior to shipping to a Nuclear Security
Enterprise (NSE) or Ultimate User (UU) site; and
2) Perform a non-nuclear verification at the site assigned to
perform final assembly of the DJTA and apply Tamper
Evident Seal (TES) (Pantex and Laboratories) prior to
shipping to the UU.
3.1.3.c Contractors shall
i. if delegated, perform verification inspections as outlined per this
NAP;
Section 26
ii. develop and maintain QAIPs per Appendix 3.1-B as delegated;
iii. submit weapons or weapon-related material for verification
inspection as identified on the QIL;
iv. maintain a current list of personnel authorized to sign the
Certificate of Inspection (COI) as representatives of the
production agency;
v. provide quality evidence, specifications, acceptance equipment,
and additional information requested by the F/PO in support of
the verification inspection;
vi. respond with corrective actions as directed by the F/PO for
Attachment 3
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NAP 401.1-24A
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identified defects: and
vii. notify F/PO that product is ready for verification inspection at the
vendor for those products that are identified on the QIL for
NNSA verification inspections.
3.1.4 Verification Inspection Process Requirements
3.1.4.a To assist F/PO with QIL determination, Contractors shall coordinate
with F/PO to establish a process for notification of new production
items prior to the First Production Unit (FPU)
3.1.4.b F/PO identifies items for the QIL requiring verification inspection.
This determination is based on risk, and includes, but is not limited to,
such factors as:
i. Quality history - Is it a new item with no quality history? If
previously-built item, what is the quality history? Any recent
process changes?
ii. Complexity of the item or the technology to produce the item
(e.g., digital integrated circuit versus a simple mechanical piece
part).
iii. Consequences of failure of the item to the subsystem, major
component, entire weapon, Joint Test Assemblies (JTAs) or
Pentagon “S” requirement.
iv. Availability of the item for inspection prior to being built up into
larger assemblies or subassemblies.
3.1.4.c Maintain QIL and QAIPs
i. F/PO or delegate maintains a QIL to document the items that
shall be submitted for verification inspection (see Appendix
3.1-A).
1) QILs are also used as an index with the QAIPs effective
issues.
2) QILs are updated as QAIPs are revised, added, or removed.
The QIL is issued as updates occur or at least annually
when no changes have occurred. Temporary changes to the
QIL shall be dated and initialed.
ii. For NNSA verification inspections, F/PO shall provide a copy of
the QIL and the NNSA QAIP cover sheet to the NNSA
Contractor and make them available to HQ WQD, upon request.
NAP 401.1-24A
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Attachment 3
A3-17
iii. Prepare and maintain QAIPs (See Appendix 3.1-B).
3.1.4.d NNSA Verification Inspection at the Supplier
i. When the F/PO identifies items on the QIL that is manufactured
by suppliers, the Contractor may request approval with
justification, for verification inspection to be performed at the
supplier location.
ii. Justification for “at location” supplier verification inspection
requests may include one or more of the following criteria:
1) The product is environmentally sealed or assembled at the
supplier, which precludes performing the required
verification inspection at the NNSA Contractor;
2) The time for processing a specific item is critical, and
significant time is saved by direct shipment from the
supplier to the using NNSA Contractor;
3) Verification inspection at the supplier will save substantial
shipping costs;
4) The cost of duplicating gages or test equipment required for
inspection at the NNSA contractor is prohibitive; or
5) Supplier acceptance equipment is acceptable and no NNSA
equipment is available.
3.1.4.e Verification Inspection Submittals
Section 27
i. The COI is the official document used:
1) by Contractors to identify and certify product that the
submitted material meets design requirements;
2) for Contractors to submit specified material to the NNSA;
and
3) to indicate inspection results and disposition of submitted
material.
ii. Contractors
1) Provide F/POs:
a) Names of Contractor personnel authorized to sign the
COI and furnish updates as they occur.
Attachment 3
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NAP 401.1-24A
11-24-15
b) Sufficient time to allow for normal processing,
including travel, if necessary, before the required
next assembly or ship date.
2) Submit items listed on the QIL.
3) Certify on a COI that the listed material meets the
applicable specification and quality requirements of the
contract (see Appendix 3.1-D).
a) For continuous sampling, use one COI during the
calendar month for each QAIP or QAIP stage.
b) For lot sampling, use one COI for each lot submitted.
c) If a submittal is rejected, the F/PO closes out the
COI, and the Contractor uses a new COI for the next
submittal, upon F/PO acceptance of the CAR for the
reject.
d) Ensure any changes to the COI are controlled and
authorized.
4) Provide test equipment, quality evidence, and specifications
required by the QAIP cover sheet when submitting material
designated on the QIL.
5) Once product and associated quality evidence is submitted
for QAIP it is in NNSA possession and shall not be
accessed by Contractor or modified without NNSA
approval.
iii. F/POs may combine material in a QAIP family (a group of
similar material or products) and both new and reacceptance
production for submittal and sampling purposes, provided:
1) The COI clearly associates product definition with
submitted material; and
2) The material is produced from a single manufacturer.
3.1.4.f Performing the Verification Inspection
i. Select the applicable QAIP for submitted material based on “new
production” or “reacceptance”.
ii. Select a sampling plan per Appendix 3.1-C. Maintain a summary
log per Appendix 3.1-E
NAP 401.1-24A
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Attachment 3
A3-19
iii. Ensure submitted material is not compromised during inspection.
iv. Examine quality evidence and inspect the product based on the
QAIP-prescribed inspection requirements and the design
definition.
NOTE: Failure to meet design definition requirements is cause
for rejection unless covered by a Design Agency (DA)
Specification Exception Release (SXR).
v. Perform inspection in a practical sequence if not specified in
QAIP.
vi. Use the “as measured” inspection concept (per General
Requirements 9900000) and assign a defect to inspection
characteristics that do not conform to design specifications.
3.1.4.g Verification Inspection Equipment
i. Use DA or Production Agency (PA)-specified, -approved, -
qualified, or -reviewed gages or test equipment where applicable.
ii. Use an open setup (no specified piece of equipment) when
DA/PA-approved, qualified, or -reviewed gages or test
equipment does not exist.
iii. Ensure that the measuring and test equipment is identified and
calibrated consistent with applicable requirements of NAP
401.124A, Section 3.10.
3.1.4.h Verification Inspection Criteria
i. Determine acceptability of submitted product based upon the
following criteria:
1) Product meets all applicable requirements (QAIP, drawing,
specification, and contract).
2) Product and test equipment is covered by an acceptable or
conditional Qualification Evaluation Release (QER) as
applicable.
Section 28
3) Deviations from design requirements are covered by an
approved SXR with a sound technical justification that
shall be clear to verifiers.
ii. When using lot sampling, if a sampled unit is determined not to
meet the inspection criteria, the entire submission is returned to
Attachment 3
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NAP 401.1-24A
11-24-15
the Contractor for appropriate corrective action.
iii. When using lot sampling and 100% inspections are performed
then only the affected unit shall be rejected and returned.
iv. Record the results of the submitted material in the NNSA portion
of the COI, including any defects and incidental defects.
3.1.4. i Apply diamond stamp (section 3.3.4.c.i) upon acceptable verification
inspection criteria and quality evidence.
NOTE: Dependent upon the stamping delegation and documented
agreement at each site the diamond stamp may already be present on
the components before the verification inspection.
3.1.4.j Disposition of Defective Material and Corrective Action
i. The F/PO or Contractor, as applicable
1) Originates a Quality Assurance Defect Report (QADR)
(see Appendix 3.1-F) to report defects, including incidental
defects, observed during verification inspection of
submitted material.
NOTE: Defects are defined as a noted departure from
drawing or specification on a product characteristic or
inadequate quality evidence to verify that the requirements
are met that affect form, fit, function, and traceability.
Incidental Defects are defined as a defect that does not
affect form, fit, or functions of the product submitted. This
might include cosmetic items or paperwork errors.
a) F/PO may permit the Contractor to correct incidental
and easily-remedied defects and allow the inspection
to resume without rejection of the COI.
b) A CAR for incidental defects is required only when
requested by the F/PO.
c) The incidental defect shall still be noted on the
QADR.
2) May reject material if the Quality organization determines
the number of incidental defects is excessive.
3) Forwards a QADR to the contractor to require a Corrective
Action Response (CAR) that identifies the root cause and
the appropriate corrective action(s).
NAP 401.1-24A
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Attachment 3
A3-21
4) Retain records of COIs and QADRs for any submitted
material.
ii. Contractors
1) Receive QADR, suspend further submittals for that
material and initiate the corrective action process.
2) Investigate defect to determine root cause and extent of the
issue.
3) Initiate specific corrective action(s) and develop preventive
corrective action(s).
4) Prepare and submit CAR to the F/PO.
5) Upon F/PO acceptance of the CAR, the material
submittal(s) should resume.
6) Identify previously rejected and resubmitted material as a
resubmittal in the Remarks section of the COI, specifying
the item(s) that was rejected.
7) Ensure any changes made to the COI are authorized,
controlled, and explained in the Remarks section.
8) Retain records of COIs and QADRs for any submitted
material.
iii. The QADR is closed out after Contractor corrective action
response(s) are reviewed, verified, and accepted by the F/PO.
iv. If a resubmitted item is not selected as a sample that item still
requires inspection to ensure correction of the defects found
during the initial verification inspection has been corrected and
confirmation that any rework has not affected other
characteristics.
Section 29
NOTE: A defective item may indicate problems with Contractor
inspection processes. It may be necessary to use a more
conservative sampling plan until there is confidence that the
problems have been resolved (See Appendix 3.1-C).
3.1.4.k Summary Log: The F/PO shall
i. maintain a summary log that records submittals for each QAIP
configuration (Ref. Appendix 3.1-E); and
Attachment 3
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NAP 401.1-24A
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3.1.5 Records
i. separate logs for QAIP material produced by different
manufacturers.
3.1.5.a F/POs
i. NNSA Quality Assurance Inspection Procedure (QAIP)
ii. Quality Instruction List (QIL)
iii. Certificate of Inspection (COI)
iv. Quality Assurance Defect Report (QADR)
v. Summary Log
3.1.5.b Contractors
i. Quality Assurance Inspection Procedure (QAIP)
ii. Quality Instruction List (QIL)
iii. Certificate of Inspection (COI)
iv. Quality Assurance Defect Report (QADR)
v. Corrective Action Response (CAR)
vi. Evidence of closure of Corrective Actions
3.1.6 References
3.1.6.a General Requirements 9900000.
3.1.7 Appendices
3.1.7.a Appendix 3.1-A: Instructions for Quality Instruction List (QIL)
3.1.7.b Appendix 3.1-B: Instructions for Quality Assurance Inspection
Procedures
3.1.7.c Appendix 3.1-C: Instructions for Sampling Plans
3.1.7.d Appendix 3.1-D: Instructions for Certificate of Inspection (COI)
3.1.7.e Appendix 3.1-E: Instructions for Summary Log
3.1.7.f Appendix 3.1-F: Instructions for Quality Assurance Defect Reports
NAP 401.1-24A
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Attachment 3
A3-23
(QADRs)
3.1.7.g Appendix 3.1-G: F/PO/Contractor Prefix Designators
3.1.8 Forms
3.1.8.a Certificate of Inspection Form, Appendix 3.1-D
3.1.8.b Summary Log Form, Appendix 3.1-E
3.1.8.c Quality Assurance Defect Report Form, Appendix 3.1-F
Attachment 3
A3-24
NAP 401.1-24A
11-24-15
APPENDIX 3.1-A
INSTRUCTIONS FOR QUALITY INSTRUCTION LIST
A Quality Instruction List (QIL) specifies the products required to be submitted for verification
inspection and the index of effective QAIP issue of active QAIPs. The QIL is updated as QAIPs
are revised, added, or removed. F/POs may make temporary changes to the QIL; these shall be
dated and initialed or otherwise controlled to ensure there are no unauthorized changes.
The QIL is also made available to HQ WQD upon request.
The QIL shall include the following information:
• Part Number: The NNSA Part Number without suffix.
• Item Description: The major component number, part title, and/or other appropriate
material identification.
• QAIP Identifier: The NNSA part number (without suffix) is the QAIP identifying
number, except in the case of a General QAIP.
• QAIP Issue: The QAIP issue is identified by a letter designation.
• Stage QAIP Identifier: For Stage QAIPs a suffix number is added to the QAIP
Identifier.
• General QAIP (Family QAIP): General QAIPs for similar products or special-test
QAIPs are identified by an alphanumeric symbol (e.g., GEN212 or QUO212). An
individual line item is used to enter each part number covered in a General QAIP.
NAP 401.1-24A
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Attachment 3
A3-25
APPENDIX 3.1-B
INSTRUCTIONS FOR QUALITY ASSURANCE INSPECTION PROCEDURES
F/POs and Contractors develop, revise, and maintain Quality Assurance Inspection Procedures
(QAIPs).
QAIPs prescribe the minimum inspection requirements necessary to determine product
acceptability and are developed using a Design Agency (DA)-specified, -reviewed, -approved, -
configuration managed, and authorized product definition. Draft QAIPs are coordinated through
the responsible DA when there is a potential degradation of product due to performance of the
QAIP, as applicable.
Section 30
QAIP-prescribed inspection characteristics usually require hands-on inspection of the product.
The QAIP may also require observing the contractor product inspection and/or an examination of
contractor-performed inspection data in lieu of the F/PO inspection.
QAIPs may be prepared for:
• A single part type or for a family of similar part types (General QAIPs), and
• Stage QAIPs used to inspect critical characteristics that cannot be inspected at the
final configuration.
A QAIP may be written to address new production, reacceptance, or both. Unless conditions
warrant a separate QAIP, reacceptance requirements should be included with new production
requirements in a single QAIP.
Changes are made by reissuing the entire QAIP. The cover sheet issue letter is considered the
QAIP issue and appears on each sheet. QAIPs typically consist of a cover sheet followed by
inspection instructions.
Cover Sheet: The cover sheet lists the information necessary to identify the product
configuration and inspection characteristics of the product, and includes special handling and/or
safety requirements. The cover sheet is provided to the Contractor for guidance in submitting the
product and supporting quality evidence, and includes the following:
1. QAIP number
2. Date of issue
3. Effective date
4. QAIP issue is identified by a letter designation. The first issue is Issue A. Each sheet
of the QAIP should have the same issue letter.
5. List of item descriptions and part-identifying numbers. The item description is the
major component number and/or a descriptive title.
Attachment 3
A3-26
NAP 401.1-24A
11-24-15
6. List of material configuration that is to be inspected, using the Part Number (P/N) or
other unique part identifier. Major Component (MC) numbers and/or other
descriptive titles may also be included. Use suffixes only when the QAIP applies to a
specific suffix part number. If it is a stage QAIP, provide sufficient information to
identify the appropriate configuration.
7. List of quality evidence required to perform the inspections, for example,
radiographs, DA-specified or DA-approved records, or certifications. Terminology
should be specific to ensure the needed evidence is accurately described.
8. List of required acceptance equipment and associated procedures and/or software
required to perform inspections. Do not include issue dates or revision number.
Number the items in this list to use as a reference in the inspection section.
9. List of applicable specifications and drawings for the submitted product and
contractor procedures for using testers and gauges, as needed, to perform the QAIP.
10. Indicate whether the QAIP provision applies to new production, reacceptance
material, or both.
11. Identify the QAIP owner (F/PO or Contractor). The QAIP owner reviews original
and revised QAIPs for adequacy and accuracy and certifies this review by signing the
cover sheet.
12. The reason for change, if applicable. Describe the revision purpose and identify
which item numbers were revised. If it requires a reassignment of inspection item
numbers or an extensive revision to the QAIP, indicate the changes on the revised
QAIP and record a general reason for the change.
13. Any special handling requirements
Inspection Instructions: QAIP inspection characteristics are numbered and grouped in the
following categories:
1. Records examination,
2. Marking,
3. Surface condition and foreign material,
4. Assembly,
5. Functional,
Section 31
6. Dimensional, and
7. Electrical.
NAP 401.1-24A
11-24-15
Attachment 3
A3-27
Select inspection characteristics that ensure the component or assembly functions as intended.
These are selected from DA-specified requirements for visual, dimensional, and/or physical
properties. Inspection characteristics should (to the maximum extent possible) requires actual
inspection of the product, be significant attributes, and be capable of being inspected
nondestructively. The F/PO or Contractor may consult with the DA for assistance in
determining significant attributes.
Write clear and concise inspection instructions with action verbs (e.g., inspect, observe,
examine). Inspection instructions that apply to a subset of parts within a family should be
correlated to specific drawing, specification, or part references.
Include DA-required records and/or certifications in the cover sheet section, “Required Quality
Evidence” and in the “Record Examination” section of the QAIP body.
Attachment 3
A3-28
NAP 401.1-24A
11-24-15
APPENDIX 3.1-C
INSTRUCTIONS FOR SAMPLING PLANS
Sampling Plans establish the basis and reflect the level of assurance for verification inspections.
Sampling is performed to verify the original inspection measurements and the original inspection
procedures are valid. Sampling requires only a moderate level of assurance (e.g., 80%) of
identifying a moderate level of nonconformance (e.g., 20%) to ensure against generic inspection
problems. A random sample shall be used. The appropriate sampling plan is selected for both
lot and continuous production based on the practical formation of submitted material and the use
of the most effective acceptance method.
Table A defines a sample rate for a moderate level of assurance and is used unless an excessive
number of defects (impact to form, fit, or function) have been observed and/or other quality
indicators warrant a higher sampling rate. Table B defines the higher sample rate and may also
be used for new products or production processes.
Table A.
Sampling Rate for 80% Assurance of Detecting a 20% or Higher Nonconformance Rate
Submittal Size Sample Size Submittal Size Sample Size
1-3 All 10-19 6
4-7 4 20-119 7
8-9 5 120 and higher 8
Table B.
Sampling Rate for 90% Assurance of Detecting a 10% or Higher Nonconformance Rate
Submittal Size Sample Size Submittal Size Sample Size
1-8 All 30-38 16
9-13 9 39-48 17
14-15 10 49-59 18
16 11 60-79 19
17-18 12 80-129 20
19 13 130-279 21
20-26 14 280 and higher 22
27-29 15
NAP 401.1-24A
11-24-15
Attachment 3
A3-29
APPENDIX 3.1-D
INSTRUCTIONS FOR CERTIFICATE OF INSPECTION
Contractor Instructions for Completing Certificates of Inspection (COI):
1. Item Description: Enter Design Agency (DA) descriptive title or nomenclature of
material.
2. Part Number: Enter the NNSA part number or other part-identifying number.
3. RA (Reacceptance): Complete if reprocessed (not reworked after rejection) material is
returned from the field and submitted for reacceptance.
4. Product Definition: Record information to identify the DA Product Design Definition, by
issue, which defines the material, including engineering authorizations (i.e. Specification
Exception Release (SXR), Special Instructions Engineering Release (SIER), Advance
Change Order (ACO)). If material has been reprocessed and reaccepted to specific DA
requirements, identify the applicable reprocessing definition. Record the Quality
Evaluation Report (QER) on First Production Units (FPUs) and continue to list all
conditional QERs until the product is acceptable. Identify the subcontractor when the
material has been purchased.
Section 32
5. Remarks: Explain changes made to original information on the COI and any other
information needed for clarity. Identify previously-rejected units being resubmitted for
acceptance.
6. Manufacturer’s Lot Number: If the material was manufactured and controlled as a lot,
record the manufacturing lot number. Otherwise state Not Applicable (N/A).
7. Serial or Control Number: Record serial or control numbers of items. Use a COI
continuation sheet if additional space is needed. The PA may refer to existing
manufacturing material lists attached to the COI in lieu of part numbers. The alternate
list should provide adequate space for recording all required information.
8. Part Number (P/N) Suffix: For new production a single COI normally will list only
products with the same two-digit P/N suffix, which shall be recorded beside the first unit
of that product. For material with mixed suffixes, the product definition and units shall
be clearly associated, and the suffix shall be recorded in this block whenever it changes.
9. Qty/Init/Date: Record the quantity and initial and date after each separate group certified.
At the end of all entries, total the quantity submitted. (This may be N/A if submitting one
product per COI.)
10. Signature and Date: The authorized PA representative shall sign and date the COI.
Attachment 3
A3-30
NAP 401.1-24A
11-24-15
F/PO Instructions for Completing COI:
11. COI Number: Enter the COI number composed of the following:
a. Prefix: This prefix has five-characters: the first two indicate the F/PO; the next
two indicate the Contractor; and the last is either a plant submittal (“P”) or a
supplier (vendor) submittal (“V”) (see Appendix 3.1-G). F/PO/Contractor Prefix
Designator: The F/PO and/or NNSA Contractor concerned with product
manufacture (See Appendix 3.1 G of this Attachment).
b. Sequence Number: Each F/PO shall use the same series of numbers (1 - 9999).
Each group of numbers may be separated into blocks if inspection is being
performed in several areas. In the example KC-KC-P-0001, the Kansas City
F/PO received an in-plant submittal from the Kansas City contractor, and the
submittal is the first in the Kansas City F/PO sequence.
12. QAIP: Enter the Quality Assurance Inspection Procedure (QAIP) number and issue.
(This may be entered by either the F/PO or the contractor, as agreed.)
13. Disp (Disposition): Record an "A" to identify all units that are accepted. Record an "R"
to identify the unit that is rejected. If the COI is to be closed with a single acceptable lot
submission, each non sample unit disposition need not be identified.
14. N: Enter an "X" to indicate sample units.
15. Total Quantities: When the COI is closed, enter the total number of units submitted or
resubmitted, sampled, accepted, and returned. The inspector enters the number of defects
and/or incidental defects.
16. Signature and Date: The authorized representative signs and dates the COI when it is
closed.
NOTE: Certificate of Inspection Form is included below for reference and example.
NAP -401.124A
11-24-15
Attachment 3
A3-31
National Nuclear Security Administration
CERTIFICATE of INSPECTION
COI #: (11)
QAIP (12)
Item Description: (1) NNSA Part Number: (2) RA (3)
Product Definition: (4) Remarks: (5)
Manufacturer’s Lot Number: (6)
DISP
(13)
N
(14)
SERIAL or
CONTROL
No
(7).
P/N
SUF
(8)
QTY.
(9)
INIT.
(9)
DATE
(9)
DISP N SERIAL or
CONTROL No.
P/N
SUF
QTY. INIT. DATE
Total Quantities (15)
Section 33
The listed material meets the applicable specifications and
the quality requirements of the contract.
Authorized Production Agency Representative Date
(10)
Submitted Resubmitted Accepted Returned
Sampled Defects Incidental Defects
Authorized NNSA Representative Date
(16)
Attachment 3
A3-32
NAP 401.1-24A
11-24-15
CERTIFICATE of INSPECTION
(Continuation Sheet)
Item Description: (1) COI #: (11)
DISP
(13)
N
(14)
SERIAL or CONTROL
No
(7).
P/N
SUF
(8)
QTY.
(9)
INIT.
(9)
DATE
(9)
DISP N SERIAL or CONTROL
No.
P/N
SUF
QTY. INIT. DATE
NAP 401.1-24A
11-24-15
Attachment 3
A3-33
APPENDIX 3.1-E
INSTRUCTIONS FOR SUMMARY LOG
Summary logs record submittals for each QAIP configuration and include the following
information linked to COI information in parentheses ( ):
1. QAIP used (12),
2. Identify 100% inspection or sampling plan requirement.
3. Date sampled,
4. COI number (11),
5. Total quantity of units in the current submittal (If this data makes the document
classified, then identify only the COI number) (15),
6. Number of units resubmitted as applicable (15) ,
7. Number of units sampled from this submittal (15),
8. Number of observed defects and incidental defects (15) ,
9. Disposition of the Submittal (“A” if accepted or “R” if rejected) (15), and
10. Any remarks deemed necessary.
NOTE: Summary Log Form is included below for reference and example.
Attachment 3
A3-34
NAP 401.1-24A
11-24-15
National Nuclear Security Administration
SUMMARY LOG
Sampling Plan:
QAIP Identification: (12)
Date
Sampled
COI Number (11)
Submitted
Quantity
(15)
Number
Sampled
(15)
Resubmitted
Quantity (15)
# Defects (15)
#
Incidental
Defects
(15)
Sub. Disposition
(15)
Remarks
NAP 401.1-
24A
11-24-15
Attachment 3
A3-35
APPENDIX 3.1-F
INSTRUCTIONS FOR QUALITY ASSURANCE DEFECT REPORTS
NOTE: If Quality Assurance Defect Report (QADR) activities have been delegated to the
contractor, the following information shall be documented and submitted to the F/PO.
1. Item Identification: Record the item identification and NNSA part number or other part-
identifying number as shown on the COI.
2. COI No.: Record the COI number that was assigned to the product submitted.
3. Defect Information and Defect Description: Use a separate block for each defect
observed. Record the serial or control number, QAIP item, and complete defect
description and initial the appropriate block. If the defect is immediately corrected, add a
note to indicate the correction was made and verified. If a defect is noted on a unit that is
not selected as a sample, record the serial number (S/N) and defect description and
identify it as a "non-sample." That defect is not used in the criteria for lot acceptance or
rejection nor should it be included in the number of defects observed; however, the
defective unit shall be rejected and the contractor shall screen the lot for that
characteristic.
4. Remarks: Enter any pertinent information.
NOTE: Quality Assurance Defect Report Form is included below for reference and example.
Attachment 3
A3-36
NAP 401.1-24A
11-24-15
National Nuclear Security Administration
QUALITY ASSURANCE DEFECT REPORT
ITEM IDENTIFICATION: COI NO.
DEFECT DESCRIPTION:
Serial
Number:
QAIP
Item:
# Defective
Units
Inspector
Initials:
DEFECT DESCRIPTION:
Serial
Number:
QAIP
Item:
# Defective
Units
Inspector
Initials:
DEFECT DESCRIPTION:
Serial
Number:
QAIP
Item:
# Defective
Units
Inspector
Initials:
DEFECT DESCRIPTION:
Section 34
Serial
Number:
QAIP
Item:
# Defective
Units
Inspector
Initials:
DEFECT DESCRIPTION:
Serial
Number:
QAIP
Item:
# Defective
Units
Inspector
Initials:
DEFECT DESCRIPTION:
Serial
Number:
QAIP
Item:
# Defective
Units
Inspector
Initials:
DEFECT DESCRIPTION:
Serial
Number:
QAIP
Item:
# Defective
Units
Inspector
Initials:
DEFECT DESCRIPTION:
Serial
Number:
QAIP
Item:
# Defective
Units
Inspector
Initials:
DEFECT DESCRIPTION:
Serial
Number:
QAIP
Item:
# Defective
Units
Inspector
Initials:
DEFECT DESCRIPTION:
Serial
Number:
QAIP
Item:
# Defective
Units
Inspector
Initials:
Corrective Action Response Due Date:
REMARKS:
NAP 401.1-24A
11-24-15
Attachment 3
A3-37
APPENDIX 3.1-G
INSTRUCTIONS FOR F/PO/CONTRACTOR PREFIX DESIGNATORS
The following are the current F/PO and Contractor prefix designators:
F/POs Plants
HQ - NA-121.3 PX - Pantex Plant
NP - NNSA Production Office KC - National Security Complex
KC - Kansas City LA - Los Alamos National Laboratory
SS - Sandia LL - Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
SV - Savannah River OR - Y-12 Plant
LS - Livermore SN - Sandia National Laboratories
LA - Los Alamos SR - Savannah River Plant
NS - Nevada NT - Nevada National Security Site
Attachment 3
A3-38
NAP 401.1-24A
11-24-15
3.2 CONTRACTOR ACCEPTANCE VERIFICATION (CAV)
3.2.1 Purpose
This section describes the responsibilities, processes, methods, and sampling for
performance of Contractor Acceptance Verification (CAV). The CAV serves as
an additional NNSA Weapon Quality Assurance tool for verification of an
effective Contractor Quality Assurance Program.
3.2.2 Policy
The CAV process is an NNSA inspection that is not delegated to the Contractor.
The CAV process applies to items that are not inspected by NNSA verification
inspections. The F/POs perform CAVs of randomly selected samples of product
that has been accepted through the Contractor’s Quality Assurance Program (i.e.
completion of Contractor final inspection/acceptance for an item, subassembly or
assembly).
3.2.3 Responsibilities
3.2.3.a HQ WQA
i. Establish and maintain the policies and procedures for CAVs.
ii. Ensure consistent implementation of this section across the
NNSA sites.
3.2.3.b F/POs
i. Develop site specific process with Contractor to coordinate,
process and control NNSA randomly selected CAV product for
NNSA inspection.
ii. Identify, plan, schedule and perform CAVs as identified in the
Quality Assurance Activities Plan (ref. Section 2.2).
Unscheduled CAVs may also be performed.
iii. Coordinate with the Contractor to identify and address any
special requirements associated with performing inspection on
the CAV product (e.g. degradation issues, handling, humidity,
electrical testing etc.).
iv. Perform CAV inspection. Notify contractor of any identified
product nonconformance.
v. Notify Contractor when CAV product is to be returned to
Contractor control.
NAP 401.1-24A
11-24-15
Attachment 3
A3-39
vi. Document inspection results as specified by site in their CAV
process.
vii. Require CAR for nonconformance identified during CAV
inspections as determined by F/PO.
3.2.3.c Contractors
i. Develop site specific process with F/PO to coordinate, process
and control NNSA randomly selected CAV product for NNSA
inspection.
ii. Deliver CAV product to pre-determined location for NNSA
control and inspection.
iii. Coordinate with the F/PO inspector to identify and address any
special requirements associated with performing inspection on
the CAV product (e.g. degradation issues, handling, humidity,
electrical tests, etc.).
Section 35
iv. Retrieve CAV product upon F/PO notification that CAV is
complete.
v. For a nonconformance discovered during the CAV process, the
Contractor shall control the item until disposition of the
nonconformance is completed.
vi. The contractor shall investigate any nonconformance(s) to
determine the extent of condition.
vii. Implement corrective action and provide corrective action
responses to F/PO for CAV findings/defects identified and
documented in CAV report as applicable.
3.2.4 CAV Inspection Process
3.2.4.a For the CAV Inspection Product Selection, the F/PO randomly selects
item (including lot(s), serial number(s) as applicable) for NNSA
inspection.
NOTE: Inspection is generally limited to a sample of the available
parts except when the F/PO determines 100% inspection of available
parts is warranted.
3.2.4.b F/PO notifies Contractor of item(s) selected for CAV inspection.
3.2.4.c Contractor delivers selected item(s) to F/PO control for inspection.
Attachment 3 NAP 401.1-24A
A3-40 11-24-15
3.2.4.d F/PO inspector performs inspection of item(s) for conformance to
Design Agency drawing requirements.
NOTE: Inspection may include records examination, marking and
visual examination, dimensional and assembly inspection, and
functional and electrical testing as determined by the F/PO inspector.
3.2.4.e Inspector notifies Contractor of any suspect/actual nonconformance
identified.
3.2.4.f The Contractor shall control any nonconforming item(s) until
disposition of the nonconformance is completed.
3.2.4.g Contractor shall implement corrective actions to address any identified
nonconformance and determine the extent of nonconformance
conditions.
3.2.4.h F/PO inspector notifies Contractor upon completion of inspection and
returns control of item(s) back to Contractor.
3.2.5 Reporting
3.2.5.a F/PO inspectors shall document results of the CAV inspection in a
CAV report. The QAS 4 reporting format (ref. Section 3.5) may be
used for CAV reports.
3.2.5.b CAV reports shall include documentation of the selected inspection
item(s), inspection activities performed, description of any
nonconformance(s) identified (including the requirement not met) and
corrective action responses required.
3.2.5.c Report distribution shall include the Contractor and posting to the DOE
iPortal.
3.2.5.d CAV inspection data shall be included in F/PO semiannual Quality
Reports (ref. Section 2.3).
3.2.6 Records
3.2.6.a F/PO: CAV Reports
3.2.6.b Contractors: Corrective action response(s)
3.3 PRODUCT STAMPING AND MARKING
3.3.1 Purpose
This section defines the responsibilities and requirements for NNSA stamping and
NAP 401.1-24A Attachment 3
11-24-15 A3-41
marking of weapon and weapon-related products and packaging. Product
stamping and marking is to provide a visual indicator of a quality status and the
intended use of weapon and weapon-related material(s).
3.3.2 Policy
All weapon and weapon-related material shall display the appropriate NNSA
stamp and/or restricted use marking. Each NNSA F/PO shall determine the major
assembly level (i.e. MC, SA or CF designations) of the product that shall receive
the stamping. When shipping weapon and weapon-related material to another
NNSA geographic location or to the Ultimate User (UU), the material and the
package shall display the appropriate NNSA stamp and restricted use marking.
The contractor applies all markings, such as the restricted use markings (Ref.
Section 3.3.4.d. Table 2).
Section 36
3.3.3 Responsibilities
3.3.3.a HQ WQD
i. Establish and maintain the policies and procedures for product
and packaging stamping and marking.
ii. Oversee F/PO implementation of the requirements in this section.
iii. In collaboration with F/POs and Contractors review, concur, and
authorize the use of the Circle T stamp for conditional acceptance
of materials.
iv. Interface with NNSA HQ Program organizations regarding
stamping and marking activities.
3.3.3.b F/POs
i. Apply the appropriate stamps in accordance with this section
unless authority has been delegated to the Contractor (see Section
3.4, Delegation of Authority in this Attachment).
ii. Circle T and the UK stamp shall not be delegated.
iii. Ensure that federal personnel performing product stamping meet
the qualification requirements in DOE-STD-1025, Weapon
Quality Assurance Qualification Standard.
iv. For Contractor personnel delegated NNSA stamping authority,
ensure qualification requirements are documented in the
Contractor Delegation Implementation Plan (Section 3.4).
v. Coordinate with HQ WQD to obtain authorization for the use of
Attachment 3
A3-42
NAP 401.1-24A
11-24-15
conditional accepted material with the Circle T Stamp.
3.3.3.c Contractors
i. Apply the appropriate stamps in accordance with this section and
stamping authority received from F/PO.
ii. If stamping authority delegation is received, ensure that
personnel performing product stamping meet the requirements of
this section and implementation plan identified in Section 3.4,
Delegation of Authority in this Attachment.
iii. Coordinate with the F/PO for conditional acceptance of material
(i.e. Circle T stamp application).
iv. Shall apply the Restricted-Use markings.
3.3.4 Product Stamping and Marking Process Requirements
3.3.4.a F/POs and Contractors shall Obtain and Control Stamps
i. Procure supplies and stamps (per size allowances specified in
Section 3.3.4.c Table 1).
ii. Destroy stamps when they are visibly worn or damaged.
iii. F/PO and Contractor are to document individuals authorized to
utilize NNSA-stamps.
iv. Establish a control system (i.e. inventory system) to show stamp
assignments and to safeguard the stamps against loss, theft, and
use by unauthorized persons.
3.3.4.b General Stamping and Marking Application
i. Stamping and Marking shall be applied directly to product(s) and
use appropriate-sized stamps compatible with space limitations of
the product.
1) Place stamps adjacent to the part number (P/N), weapon
nomenclature, major component (MC) number, or serial
number (S/N), or lot number if no serial number as
applicable.
2) If stamping is impractical because of a small size, or
material incompatibility, or environmentally packaged
place the stamp on a tag or label, after ensuring that the
label has the same product information.
NAP 401.1-24A
11-24-15
Attachment 3
A3-43
ii. For stamping and marking, ink shall meet requirements specified
in drawing 9919103, “Identification by Ink and Transfer
Marking” and in accordance with drawing 9919100, “Marking,
General Methods” unless as specifically called out in the product
design definition.
iii. Use contrasting ink color for product stamping and over-
stamping.
NOTE: If travel is necessary for the sole purpose of stamping a
product and package at a supplier, the responsible shipping F/PO
may request that the receiving F/PO apply the required stamp
upon receipt and obtain their agreement to apply the required
stamp.
Section 37
iv. Confirmation of the stamping shall be documented (email or
memo).
v. The shipping site is responsible for ensuring all stamping and
markings are accurate prior to shipping.
1) Products that are to be environmentally protected such as
vapor barrier, static sensitive, shall have a product
identification label affixed on the exterior of the
environmental packaging.
2) The identification label shall contain the same information
as what is on the product such as nomenclature, part
number, serial number or lot number if no serial number,
date code etc. as applicable, and the appropriate stamp shall
be applied to this identification label.
3.3.4.c Stamp Description and Usage (see Table 1 below)
Attachment 3
A3-44
NAP 401.1-24A
11-24-15
Table 1: NNSA Stamps
Stamp Purpose / Usage Product
Stamp
Package
Stamp
Authorized
User
Diamond
SIZES:
¼” x ¼”
3/8”x3/8”
½”x½”
1”x5/8”
1¼”x1”
Diamond Stamp indicates material is Mark Quality.
(1) Each NNSA F/PO shall determine the assembly level of the
product(s) that shall have the Diamond Stamp applied.
(2) All Mark Quality products shall be controlled and traceable.
(3) Mark Quality products that need to be environmentally controlled
shall also have the Diamond Stamp applied to the identification
label on the environmental packaging (reference 3.3.4.b.iii.) above).
(4) The Diamond Stamp is applied to the product at the pre-determined
level, but not the packaging see IP stamp section of table.
NOTE: A Diamond Stamp is not applied to testers or special
tooling.
Yes
No
NNSA or as
Delegated
Circle T
SIZES:
1½”, 1”
Circle T Stamp indicates conditional acceptance of material intended for
War Reserve application.
(1) This stamp is used when it is necessary to conditionally accept
material to ship to next assembly only.
(2) It is applied to both the material and packages being shipped to
another NNSA site.
(3) Conditionally accepted material shall not be shipped to an Ultimate
User.
(4) Use of the Circle T Stamp should only be considered as a last
resort, and only when there is potential impact to the delivery
schedule.
(5) The Circle T Stamp shall not be delegated to the Contractor.
(6) Prior to application of the Circle T Stamp, the HQ Weapon Quality
Division Director shall provide approval based on evidence that:
(a) A strong programmatic case is made that this is necessary,
(b) There is high confidence that the material will ultimately be
fully acceptable,
Yes
Yes
NNSA Only
NAP 401.1-24A
11-24-15
Attachment 3
A3-45
Stamp Purpose / Usage Product
Stamp
Package
Stamp
Authorized
User
(c) The shipping F/PO has communicated the conditions for
acceptance and the actions required to satisfy final acceptance
requirements to the receiving F/PO,
(d) There is concurrence from F/PO personnel for both the
shipping and receiving sites, and
(e) There are sufficient controls in place to ensure the Circle T
material and its subsequent assemblies will not be shipped to
the Ultimate User until the material meets all requirements.
(f) If material was approved as conditionally accepted and needs
to ship to another NNSA site for next assembly then the Circle
T Stamp shall be applied near part number label on the outside
of packaging.
(g) Once the conditions have been satisfied for the product, the
Circle T Stamp can be removed and the Diamond Stamp
applied.
Interproject
(IP)
Interproject (IP) Stamp is applied to all packages containing Mark Quality
Diamond Stamped material that are to be shipped to another NNSA site.
Section 38
(1) The IP Stamp shall not be applied to empty Type B containers.
No
Yes
NNSA or as
Delegated
SIZES:
2”, 1”
Attachment 3
A3-46
NAP 401.1-24A
11-24-15
Stamp Purpose / Usage Product
Stamp
Package
Stamp
Authorized
User
Star
SIZES:
2½”, 1½”
Star Stamp is applied to all weapon assemblies including TYPEs, Base and
Military Spares, Limited Life Component (LLC) exchanges and JTAs for
shipment to the UU/Department of Defense (DoD)
Yes
Yes
NNSA or as
Delegated
Acceptance
Required
(AR)
AR
AR
SIZES:
1”, ½”, 3/8”,
¼”
Acceptance Required (AR) Stamp is applied to formerly mark quality
material (may or may not have a diamond) that needs rework,
reprocessing, or repair for reacceptance and reuse. The AR stamped
material shall be controlled as Mark Quality material.
(1) The AR Stamp shall be used to over-stamp the Diamond Stamp
where present and near the part number where no diamond stamp is
present on material that has had the acceptance withdrawn, but
where there is intent to reaccept and reuse the material.
Note: There may be some legacy materials that have a contractor
stamp instead of a diamond.
(2) This includes items returned from other NNSA sites or DoD.
(3) The AR Stamp is applied to the material prior to any rework,
reprocessing, or repair and removed prior to reacceptance.
(4) Packaging containing AR stamped product shall also have the AR
Stamp applied when items are shipped between NNSA facilities.
(5) Whenever possible and practical, remove the “AR” over-stamp and
any previously applied stamps prior to reaccepting the product.
(6) In those cases where it is detrimental to the product to attempt
removal, or when a residual image of the “AR” over-stamp and/or
previously applied stamps remain after attempting removal, cancel
stamps per Section 3.3.4.e below, NNSA Stamp Cancellation.
(7) Once the product has been accepted, apply a new NNSA Diamond
Yes
Yes
NNSA or as
Delegated
NAP -401.124A
11-24-15
Attachment 3
A3-47
Stamp Purpose / Usage Product
Stamp
Package
Stamp
Authorized
User
Stamp adjacent to the cancelled stamps.
NOTE: There may be product in the stockpile that has undergone rework,
reprocessing, repair and reacceptance activities. In some cases, this
process did not remove the previously applied stamps prior to reacceptance
and the product was reaccepted with the residual stamp images left in
place.
(8) Material falling in this category shall be updated in accordance with
these requirements when and if the material is identified for rework,
reprocessing, repair and/or reacceptance.
X
The X is used to cancel, by over-stamping the acceptance stamp on the
product or material when the material has been dispositioned or designated
as scrap or excessed and is no longer useful or needed.
If an NNSA Stamp is not present on the material/package then an “X” shall
be marked on the material/package being scrapped near the part number.
Yes
Yes
NNSA or as
Delegated
United
Kingdom
(UK)
UK
United Kingdom (UK) Stamp is for Mark Quality material that has been
accepted for an Ultimate User shipment to the United Kingdom and is
diamond stamped.
(1) The Mark Quality product has a diamond stamp and the packaging
has no stamp, Only the Certification Form shall display the
diamond and over-stamped with the UK Stamp in contrasting ink.
NOTE: US/UK CMD 01 (UK Trident Reentry System Joint US/UK
Configuration Management Document) agreement is for the Mark
Quality material for the UK.
Section 39
(2) UK Stamps shall not be delegated to the contractor.
(3) The Diamond or UK Stamps shall not be applied to QP-100
Research, Design & Development (R,D&D) materials, certification
documents or packaging for the UK. However the Certification
No
No
(Cert
form
only)
NNSA Only
Attachment 3
A3-48
NAP 401.1-24A
11-24-15
Stamp Purpose / Usage Product
Stamp
Package
Stamp
Authorized
User
Form is found within QP-100.
NOTE: Diamond Stamped material diverted for UK RD&D does not
need to have the Diamond Stamp removed.
(4) UK materials returned for rework, repair or reprocessing shall
follow the Acceptance Required (AR) process.
(5) Reprocessed UK materials shall be controlled and segregated to
prevent reaccepted material from entering the US WR stockpile.
NNSA Stamp
Cancellation
and Cancelling
Residual
Images
(1) NNSA stamp cancellation requires NNSA authorization (by
delegation or on a case by case basis).
(2) When NNSA stamp cancellation is required, such as needing repair,
rework or reprocessed after initial acceptance and an AR was
applied (e.g. quality status change) and a residual image is still
present at re-inspection and prior to acceptance a legible line shall
be struck through the stamp.
(3) NNSA Stamps may also be physically removed when applicable
and possible without damage to the product.
(4) Any residual image remaining after stamp removal attempt shall be
lined through using an approved method for marking the product.
N/A
N/A
NNSA or as
Delegated
NAP 401.1
24A
11-24-15
Attachment 3
A3-49
3.3.4.d Contractor Markings for Restricted-Use Material (see Table 2 below)
i. All restricted-use materials, except development and PPI
material, upon Contractor Certification and/or NNSA verification
that the material meets design definition shall have a Diamond
Stamp applied at the ship level to another site.
ii. For those materials that are needed for a restricted use application
and shipped to another NNSA site and are environmentally
controlled and not feasible to open the environmental packaging
to apply the restricted use marking on the material (Reference
3.3.4.b.iii above) then the P/N label on the environmental
packaging shall be marked.
iii. The receiving site shall transfer the marking to the material once
the environmental packaging is opened.
iv. When Parent Unit Parts (PUP) are selected for restricted use
application, the respective restricted use markings shall be
applied.
NOTE: PUP is a part that is removed by a Disassemble and
Inspection process of Field Returned Units.
3.3.4.e Restricted-Use Material may be considered for reuse and the material
shall be controlled in a Mark Quality manner.
i. Only Restricted-Use Material that maybe considered for reuse is
Test Bed, JTA and EUO restricted-use material.
ii. The material cannot have been degraded in the previous
restricted-use application.
iii. There shall be a justification from the DA with documentation to
reuse the materials.
iv. The justification shall be specified in a Special Instruction
Engineering Release (SIER) and reacceptance criteria shall be
specified in a Reprocessing Specification or SIER.
Attachment 3
A3-50
NAP 401.1-24A
11-24-15
Table 2: Restricted Use Marking
Restricted-Use
Marking
Purpose / Usage
Marking/
Package
Stamp
Authorized
User
Joint Test
Assembly
JTA
Joint Test Assembly (JTA): Material that is Mark Quality and has a war reserve part
number that is diverted for JTA restricted-use shall be specifically marked JTA.
Section 40
(1) All Packages containing this Mark Quality material shall display the “JTA”
restricted-use designation near the part number and shall have a legible “IP”
Stamp applied to the exterior of the shipping container when shipped between
NNSA sites.
(2) JTA materials have specific JTA part numbers. No additional markings are
required.
(3) The full up JTA shall display the JTA restricted-use marking and shall display a
Star Stamp going to the Ultimate User.
“IP”
Stamp
applied to
the exterior
of the
shipping
container
when
shipped
between
NNSA
sites
M&O
Development
Joint Test
Assembly
DJTA
Development Joint Test Assembly (DJTA): DJTAs contain material that is
Development and are not fully qualified.
(1) The Development materials have existing restricted-use marking requirements
(ref. TBP-402 and RMI Tool T039 has requirements for the “D” designation
within the part number).
a. If development material is to be selected and utilized for a DJTA, the DJTA
restricted-use marking shall be applied on the material near the part number.
b. Product definition for development material for use in DJTA shall be
released through a Development Engineering Release (DER), Advanced
Engineering Release (AER), or Complete Engineering Release (CER) and
records of the product definition for the DJTA components maintained.
c. Packaging containing Development Material(s) for DJTAs that are shipped
between NNSA sites shall display the restricted-use DJTA marking near the
part number on the exterior of the shipping container and shall not have any
quality stamp on the exterior of the shipping container.
d. Packages containing development material for other than DJTA needed at
“D” with
the part
number
DJTA
marking
near the
part
number
M&O
NAP 401.1-24A
11-24-15
Attachment 3
A3-51
Restricted-Use
Marking
Purpose / Usage
Marking/
Package
Stamp
Authorized
User
another NNSA site shall display Contractor marking DEV near the part
number and on the exterior of the shipping container. No NNSA F/PO
Quality Stamp (e.g. EUO, IP) is required only a "DEV" Contractor marking.
(2) JTA materials destined for DJTA or JTA use that are fully qualified, mark
quality, and are identified by a JTA unique part number require no additional
restricted-use markings.
a. Packages containing this mark quality material shall have the “DJTA” or
“JTA” restricted-use marking near the part number and shall have a legible
“IP” Stamp applied to the exterior of the shipping container when shipped
between NNSA sites.
b. War Reserve (WR) Mark Quality components diverted/selected for DJTA
or JTA use shall be designated for this Restricted-Use with “DJTA” or
“JTA” marking near the part number.
(3) The full up DJTA shall display the DJTA restricted-use marking and shall not
display a Star Stamp going to the UU.
(4) The restricted-use marking application may be devised by the individual
contractor.
Process Prove-
In
PPI
Process Prove-in Material (PPI): Process Prove-In (PPI) parts are not fully qualified.
(1) The PPI materials have existing restricted-use marking requirements (ref. TBP-
201 requirements for “PPI” designation near part number).
(2) If this material is to be selected and utilized for a DJTA, the restricted-use
DJTA marking shall be applied near the PPI marking to show intended use.
(3) Packaging containing PPI Material(s) for DJTAs that are shipped between
Section 41
NNSA sites shall display the restricted-use DJTA marking near the part number
and PPI marking on the exterior of the shipping container and shall not have
any quality stamp on the exterior of the shipping container.
PPI on
product
DJTA
marking
near the
part
number
M&O
Attachment 3
A3-52
NAP 401.1-24A
11-24-15
Restricted-Use
Marking
Purpose / Usage
Marking/
Package
Stamp
Authorized
User
Test Bed
Material
TBO
Test Bed Material: Test Bed Material is Mark Quality WR material diverted/selected
for Test Bed evaluations.
(1) Test Bed Material shall have Test Bed Only (or TBO where space is limited)
marked on the product(s) near the part number.
(2) Packages containing this material shall display the “Test Bed Only” (or “TBO”)
restricted-use designation near the part number and shall have a legible “IP”
Stamp applied to the exterior of the shipping container.
Test Bed
Only
Or
TBO
“IP” Stamp
applied to
the exterior
of the
shipping
container.
M&O
Training
Material
TUO
Training Material: Mark Quality WR material diverted for training purposes.
(1) Training Material shall have Training Use Only (or TUO where space is
limited) marked on the product(s) near the part number and the part number
suffix lined through.
(2) Packages containing this material that are shipped to another NNSA site shall
display the restricted-use designation Training Use Only near the part number
and shall have a legible “IP” Stamp applied to the exterior of the shipping
container.
(3) A Trainer with a unique part number (not a WR part number) needs no further
restricted-use designation and product definition specifies the necessary
marking designations.
(4) A trainer component or full up trainer shipped to the UU/DoD shall display a
Star stamp on the package.
“IP”
Stamp
applied to
the exterior
of the
shipping
container.
M&O
Evaluation Use
Only
EUO
Evaluation Use Only (EUO): Material that is Mark Quality WR weapon and weapon-
related material that is selected or diverted for engineering evaluation purposes such as
surveillance cycles, shelf life study, or future LEP surveillance activities.
(1) Evaluation Use Only (or EUO where space is limited) shall be marked on the
product(s) near the part number.
(2) Packages containing this material that are shipped to another NNSA site shall
display the restricted-use designation Evaluation Use Only (EUO) near the part
“IP”
Stamp
applied to
the exterior
of the
shipping
container.
M&O
NAP 401.1-
24A
11-24-15
Attachment 3
A3-53
Restricted-Use
Marking
Purpose / Usage
Marking/
Package
Stamp
Authorized
User
number
Development
DEV
Development Material: Follow the requirements of new products for development part
numbering as outlined in the RMI T039, Product Definition Numbering and Control
System. However for Mark Quality materials diverted for development activities for
life extension programs or other development activities shall have DEV marking
applied as an extension of the existing part number with the suffix lined through.
Development materials shipped to another NNSA site shall also have DEV marked
near the part number on the exterior of the package.
DEV
M&O
Attachment 3
A3-54
NAP 401.1-24A
11-24-15
3.3.5 Records
3.3.5.a List of personnel authorized to use stamps
3.3.5.b UK Certification Form
3.3.5.c Stamping Assignment Inventory
3.3.5.d Program Management Diversion Authorizations
3.3.6 References
3.3.6.a Supplemental Directive NA SD M 452.3-1, Defense Programs
Business Requirements and Process Manual
Section 42
3.3.6.b General Specifications 9919100, 9919103
3.3.6.c QP-100, Research, Design & Development (R,D&D)
3.4 DELEGATION OF AUTHORITY
3.4.1 Purpose
This section provides the approved method for delegation of NNSA authority to
contractors for NNSA stamping and inspections.
3.4.2 Policy
3.4.2.a NNSA Contracting Officers are responsible for accepting weapons and
weapon-related material on behalf of the Government. The CO may
delegate this responsibility to an NNSA official through a formal Letter
of Delegation. The CO shall ensure that the official has the appropriate
training and experience to perform the delegated activities. This
responsibility for accepting weapon and weapon-related material
cannot be delegated to contractors.
3.4.2.b While final acceptance authority cannot be delegated to contractors, the
CO or delegated NNSA official may delegate to the contractor
activities (stamping and verification inspections) that support product
acceptance. Contractors shall provide assurance that delegated
activities are carried out correctly and according to all applicable
requirements. This assurance is verified through NNSA verifications
and assessments of Contractor products and processes. The delegation
of NNSA authority is accomplished through a Letter of Delegation
from the CO or delegated NNSA official to the contactor with
concurrence from NNSA HQ WQD.
NAP 401.1-24A
11-24-15
Attachment 3
A3-55
3.4.2.c Letters of Delegation shall specify what authority is being delegated,
what products are being delegated, to whom the delegation applies,
listing of processes to be used by the Contractor, and the time frame the
delegation shall be in effect. Letters of Delegation may be rescinded by
the issuer at any time.
3.4.3 Responsibilities
3.4.3.a NNSA Contracting Officer or delegated NNSA Official shall
i. accept weapons and weapon-related material on behalf of the
NNSA; and
ii. approve Letters of Delegation.
3.4.3.b HQ WQD shall
i. oversee F/POs implementation of this process;
ii. comment and concur on F/POs recommendation to CO or
delegated NNSA official on delegation of NNSA authority to
contractors for NNSA stamping and/or inspections; and
iii. participate on assessments of contractor processes for delegated
activities leading to product acceptance.
3.4.3.c F/PO shall
i. determine verification inspection and stamping activities to be
delegated and request that a contractor Delegation Plan is
developed and submitted for those activities;
ii. review and approve contractor Delegation Plan for interim
delegation;
iii. prepare or update the NNSA Delegation Verification Plan;
iv. execute this Plan to determine that the contractor’s performance
is meeting delegation activities during interim period;
v. recommend approval to the CO or delegated NNSA official for
delegation of NNSA authority, only if concurred with by HQ
WQD; and
vi. determine with HQ WQD input what QAS scope should be
needed to make the final decision to re-authorize, suspend, or
revoke delegation authority for previously delegated authority by
the F/PO. For re-authorizations
Attachment 3
A3-56
NAP 401.1P-24A
11-24-15
1) conduct assessment, if needed; and
2) if re-authorization is concurred with by F/PO and HQ
WQD, recommend approval to the CO or delegated NNSA
official for delegation of NNSA authority.
Section 43
NOTE: NA-121.3 concurrence happens when the QAS 2
Diamond and Star Stamping Delegation (SD) survey report
of the contractor is complete and approved and any issues
from the NA-121.3 team member are resolved. The final
QAS 2 SD report identifies the NA-121.3 survey team
member and provides a statement of his/her concurrence.
For re-authorization where a QAS 2 SD is not applicable,
HQ WQD concurrence is sent to F/PO through a memo.
3.4.3.d NNSA Contractors shall
i. prepare a contractor Delegation Plan and this implement Plan
once approved by the F/PO;
ii. support periodic assessments of the delegated tasks and respond
promptly to requests for information or corrective action; and
iii. maintain Delegation Plan with updated contractor procedures.
3.4.4 Delegation Process Requirements
3.4.4.a Contractor Delegation Plan includes:
i. The scope of authority, responsibilities, and activities delegated;
ii. The person (or position) with authority to ensure the activities
shall be performed appropriately;
iii. Identification of organizations participating in the inspection and
stamping processes who are independent of manufacturing;
iv. The contractor procedures necessary to ensure the delegated
activities shall be performed in accordance with all applicable
requirements in this attachment;
v. The schedule for implementation of these contractor procedures;
vi. Qualification of personnel performing delegated activities; and
vii. The records that result from the tasks.
NAP 401.1-24A
11-24-15
Attachment 3
A3-57
3.4.4.b NNSA Delegation Verification Plan includes:
i. A review of the contractor implementing procedures;
ii. Performance of contractor during implementation of the
delegated responsibility for the interim delegation period (interim
period can be waived if reauthorized); and
iii. A QAS 2 SD of the NNSA contractor delegated processes. HQ
WQD shall be invited to participate.
3.4.4.c Interim Delegation
i. The responsible contractor notifies the F/PO when they are
prepared to begin the delegated tasks.
ii. The CO or delegated NNSA official issues a letter to the
contractor that provides interim authority to begin performing the
delegated tasks according to the contractor Delegation Plan.
iii. The F/PO and, as applicable, HQ WQD perform the verification
activities identified in the NNSA Delegation Verification Plan.
iv. Significant findings or deficiencies identified during the
verification and/or assessment shall be closed out before final
contractor delegation is authorized.
3.4.4.d Delegation
i. Upon successful completion of the NNSA Delegation
Verification Plan and at the recommendation of the F/PO and
concurrence from HQ WQD, the CO or delegated NNSA official
issues a Letter of Delegation to the responsible contractor.
ii. The letter specifically defines the scope and duration (up to two
years) of the delegation.
iii. When re-authorization is required:
1) Contractor updates the delegation plan;
2) NNSA conduct assessments, as necessary (the F/PO shall
determine with HQ WQD input what QAS scope should be
needed to make final decision to re-authorize, suspend, or
revoke delegation authority); and
3) F/PO, with concurrence from HQ WQD, provides the re-
authorization recommendation to the CO or delegated
Attachment 3
A3-58
NAP 401.1-24A
11-24-15
NNSA official.
3.4.4.e F/PO Delegation Oversight (post authorization to delegation)
Section 44
i. F/PO Verifies the effectiveness of the responsible contractor
delegated activities by performing periodic verification
inspections and assessments.
ii. F/PO validates the compliance of the delegated stamping
authority through assessments, either annually or every other
year, depending on risk, quality history, results from previous
validation inspections and assessments, and any other factors that
the F/PO deems relevant.
iii. F/PO may recommend to the CO or delegated NNSA official to
suspend or revoke delegation of NNSA authority at any other
time if there is evidence the contractor is not fulfilling the agreed
to responsibilities.
3.4.5 Records
3.4.5.a F/PO
i. Delegation Verification Plan
ii. Letters of Delegation
iii. Letters of re-authorization, suspension, or revocation
3.4.5.b Contractors: Delegation Plan
3.5 WEAPON QUALITY ASSURANCE SURVEYS
3.5.1 Purpose
This section establishes the NNSA Weapon Quality Assurance Survey (QAS) and
Management Assessments processes and reporting requirements.
3.5.2 Policy
QASs and Management Assessments provide assurance of compliance,
effectiveness, adequacy, and improvement of the HQ, F/POs and NNSA
Contractor weapon quality assurance programs and lifecycle processes. The
objectives of surveys and assessments are to: (1) assess HQ, F/POs, NNSA
Contractors and subcontractors of quality assurance program performance
throughout the product lifecycle; (2) effect improvements where needed; and (3)
obtain quality evidence upon which to base government acceptance of weapons
and weapon-related material and processes.
NAP 401.1-24A
11-24-15
Attachment 3
A3-59
NOTE: Supplemental Directive NA SD M 452.3-1, Defense Programs Business
Requirements and Processes Manual, Chapter 13.2, describes assessments
performed by the Primary Standards Laboratory (PSL) on behalf of the NNSA to
ensure the adequacy of NNSA Contractor standards and calibration programs.
3.5.3 Responsibilities
3.5.3.a HQ WQD shall
i. Maintain the policy and provide direction for QAS and
Management Assessment processes.
ii. Coordinate survey plans and resources, as needed.
iii. Direct the planning for and lead (unless delegated by HQ WQD)
QAS 1s and some QAS 2s.
iv. Participate or support in F/PO QASs and NNSA Contractor
Supplier Surveys, as needed.
v. Analyze survey and Management Assessment results to identify
NSE cross-cutting issues for process improvement, corrective
action and/or additional oversight.
vi. Identify specific issues and priorities for future survey focus and
document these in the HQ WQD QAAP.
vii. Conduct an annual Weapon Quality Management System
(WQMS) Management Assessment.
3.5.3.b F/PO shall
i. Plan, perform and lead
1) QAS 2, 3, and 4s of NNSA Contractors;
2) Supplier Surveys; and
3) Management Assessments.
ii. As agreed to with HQ WQD, provide a qualified auditor to
participate on each HQ WQD led QAS 1 conducted at another
F/PO.
iii. Support QAS 2s led by HQ WQD, as agreed to with HQ WQD.
iv. Support QAS 2 and 3s led by other F/POs, as agreed to with HQ
WQD.
Attachment 3
A3-60
NAP 401.1-24A
11-24-15
v. Track and trend site-specific survey and Management
Assessment results and corrective action responses.
vi. Coordinate and cooperate with HQ WQD led surveys of their
F/PO.
vii. Identify specific issues and priorities for future survey focus and
document these in the QAAP.
viii. Conduct an annual WQMS Management Assessment.
3.5.3.c NNSA Contractors shall
Section 45
i. Participate on QAS 1s as agreed to with HQ WQD and F/PO.
ii. Cooperate with all QASs.
iii. Provide documents, data, corrective action responses and
evidence of corrective action completion in response to HQ
WQD and F/PO requests.
iv. Analyze survey and Management Assessment results to identify
issues for process improvement, corrective action and/or
additional oversight.
v. Identify specific issues and priorities for future NNSA Contractor
assessment focus and document these in planning documents.
vi. Plan and perform Management Assessments.
vii. Conduct an annual WQMS Management Assessment.
3.5.4 Weapon Quality Assurance Survey Process Requirements
3.5.4.a Determine the survey schedule per NAP-24, Attachment 3, Section 2.2,
Quality Assurance Activities Plan.
3.5.4.b Survey planning process requirements include
i. Scope (see NAP 401.1-24A, Attachment 3, Appendix 3.5-A)
1) QASs assess compliance and performance of the WQMS.
a) QASs cover relevant contractual weapon quality
requirements and implementing policies, programs,
procedures, and/or processes, as well as product
quality.
NAP 401.1-24A
11-24-15
Attachment 3
A3-61
b) The scope may be defined as programs, systems,
process, or product, or any combination, depending
on the purpose and type of survey.
2) Scope shall include the effectiveness of relevant corrective
actions from similar scoped past weapon quality surveys.
ii. Team
1) The team leader determines the size and composition of the
team based on the scope of the survey.
2) Team members shall have the appropriate education,
experience, authority, and clearance levels and shall not be
directly responsible for the work being evaluated.
3) The team leader shall be qualified according to DOE-STD-
1025, Weapon Quality Assurance Area Qualification
Standard.
NOTE: Team members should be qualified according to
DOE-STD-1025 or equivalent.
iii. The team leader is responsible for team member assignments,
including:
1) The specific areas of survey focus, based on skills and
experience;
2) Defining the report development process and assigning
team member responsibilities for the report.
iv. Survey Plan for QAS 1 and 2s
1) Plans shall describe
a) the scope and purpose of the survey;
b) the criteria to be evaluated;
c) a description of the methods to be used;
d) the names of the team members; and
e) the survey dates.
2) Specific dates should be negotiated in advance to ensure
there are operations to be observed.
Attachment 3 NAP 401.1-24A
A3-62 11-24-15
3) HQ WQD shall be invited to participate on all Diamond
and Star stamping delegation surveys.
NOTE: It is NA-121.3s intent to participate on Diamond
and Star stamping delegation surveys. The NA-121.3
Director assigns a staff member who is DOE STD-1025
qualified, to participate as a team member on the Field
Office led Diamond and Star stamping delegation surveys,
however, if travel funding is not available to participate in
person, then NA-121.3 shall participate from our office as a
desktop reviewer.
v. Notification
1) The team leader drafts the survey notifications.
2) The notifications should request relevant documents and
briefings, logistical and administrative support, and site
access, etc. as determined by the team lead.
3) Notification approval and transmittal requirements are as
follows:
Section 46
a) QAS 1 notifications are approved and transmitted by
HQ WQD, or designee, 30 days in advance to NA-
12, the F/PO Manager (FOM), survey team members
and to the NNSA Contractor via the FOM.
b) QAS 2 notification of F/PO led QAS 2s of the NNSA
Contractor shall be transmitted in accordance with
F/PO processes.
c) QAS 2 notification of HQ WQD led QAS 2s, shall be
sent to the NNSA Contractor via the FOM not less
than 30 days in advance.
d) QAS 3s, the team leader has the discretion to provide
sufficient notification to ensure the availability of key
NNSA Contractor staff, as necessary.
e) QAS 3s may also be performed unannounced.
f) QAS 4s are often unannounced and the scheduling
shall be flexible since these surveys often coincide
with production operations or inspection.
g) For Supplier Surveys performed by NNSA,
notifications are coordinated by F/POs through their
NAP 401.1-24A
11-24-15
Attachment 3
A3-63
NNSA Contractors and shall include notifying HQ
WQD.
vi. Logistics
For HQ WQD led surveys, the F/PO is responsible for
coordinating the logistics necessary to meet team needs, such as
arranging for site access, and providing appropriate workspace
and computer support, as well as access to a Derivative
Classifier, if necessary.
vii. Read-ahead Materials
The surveyed organization shall respond in a timely manner to
reasonable requests for read-ahead materials.
3.5.4.c Performing the survey
i. Opening Meeting
1) A graded approach shall be taken for holding the opening
meeting. An opening meeting may range from a formal
presentation down to an informal conversation with
individuals being assessed.
NOTE: Supervisors should generally be made aware of
assessments in areas under their authority.
2) The team shall provide time for introductions and for
clarifying survey objectives.
ii. Collecting Evidence
The team shall schedule times, as needed, to conduct interviews,
observe work, and request additional documentation and data to
review.
1) If the team cannot cover the scope during the time allotted,
the final report should indicate which areas of the survey
plan were not observed.
2) A follow-up visit may need to be scheduled to address
critical scope that was not reviewed.
iii. Classified Material
Use of classified material is sometimes essential to the survey
and team members shall understand and follow all local
Attachment 3
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NAP 401.1-
24A
11-24-15
processes and requirements.
iv. Team Coordination
The team should collaborate during the survey to review
progress, identify cross-cutting concerns, and plan the integrated
activities.
v. Briefings
The team, or team leader, should brief appropriate representatives
of the surveyed organization on the progress and status of the
survey.
1) This is the time to identify additional data needs, and
review survey progress, issues and factual accuracy
validation.
2) These also provide the surveyed organization an
opportunity to identify additional interviewees or other
evidence that may address open issues.
vi. Issues Outside of Scope
During a survey, the team may identify issues that are outside the
authority of the surveyed organization to resolve. These may be
potential findings against other organizations, issues that impact
the performance of the surveyed organization, or issues more
appropriately resolved at a higher level (e.g., potentially
conflicting NNSA requirements). In these cases, the team leader
shall:
1) Ensure the issue is documented as a remark; and
Section 47
2) Notify HQ WQD and, if necessary, the appropriate
F/PO(s).
3.5.4.d Survey close-out and reports
i. Close-out Meeting
1) On the last day of the survey, the team reviews the survey
results and conclusions with appropriate representatives of
the surveyed organization.
NOTE: Team members should strive for consensus on
survey conclusions; however, the team leader has final
decision-making authority.
NAP 401.1-
24A
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Attachment 3
A3-65
2) Barring last-minute identification of key information, the
results presented should represent the final conclusions of
the team.
NOTE: Regular communication throughout the survey
should preclude any surprises at this point.
3) The team provides enough detail to enable the surveyed
organization to begin corrective actions as soon as possible.
4) A copy of the close-out presentation, as applicable, shall be left
with the surveyed organization so that identified issues can
begin being addressed.
5) The team leader determines if a factual accuracy review is
needed, and if so, it should not exceed two weeks.
ii. Survey Report Content (see NAP 401.1-24A, Attachment 3,
Appendix 3.5-C)
1) The team leader is responsible for the content and
preparation of the final reports.
2) The team leader coordinates team inputs, team reviews, and
factual accuracy validation.
3) The team leader delivers the final report to the surveyed
organization within 30 calendar days of the close-out
meeting.
iii. Survey Report Distribution
1) At a minimum, all final NNSA survey reports (and their
associated transmittal letters) are sent to
WQA@NNSA.DOE.GOV, to the appropriate FOM (or
delegate) and all survey team members.
2) The FOM (or delegate) is responsible for formally
transmitting the final survey report to the NNSA
Contractor, including any corrective action response due
dates.
3
.
5
.
4
.
e
Survey Response
mailto:WQA@NNSA.DOE.GOV
mailto:WQA@NNSA.DOE.GOV
i. When NAP 401.1-24A non-compliances are identified during
the survey, the surveyed organization shall initiate corrective
action as early as practical (see Appendix 3.5-B).
Attachment 3 NAP 401.1-24A
A3-66 11-24-15
ii. The surveyed organization has up to 30 calendar days to respond
to findings in the final report.
iii. The response shall include the results of initial applicable causal
analyses and resulting corrective actions for approval by F/PO or
HQ WQD as applicable.
NOTE: A causal analysis is required, however a root cause
analysis is more time consuming and extensive and is not
expected to be part of the 30 day response.
iv. A causal analysis is required for Level 1 and 2 findings (see
Appendix 3.5-B).
NOTE: The F/PO or HQ WQD may require a causal analysis for
Level 3 findings, at their discretion.
v. For Level 1 findings, compensatory measures shall be applied to
mitigate the condition adverse to quality and shall be in place
prior to continuing work.
vi. For Level 2 and 3 findings, compensatory measures shall be
applied to mitigate the condition adverse to quality based on a
risk-based approach.
vii. Corrective Action Response (CAR)
1) For Level 1 and 2 findings, the CAR shall provide
assurance that the surveyed organization has determined
the extent and severity of the problem if it exists elsewhere.
2) For Level 1 and 2 findings, the CAR shall list both
Section 48
corrective and preventive actions that shall be performed,
including the identification of who is responsible for the
actions and the date(s) the actions shall be completed.
viii. CAR Review and Approval
1) For HQ WQD led QAS 1 and QAS 2s, HQ WQD shall
determine the adequacy of corrective actions and approve
the CAR.
2) For F/PO led surveys, the F/PO determines the adequacy of
corrective actions and approves the CAR.
3) If the CARs are not adequate or timely, one or more of the
following actions shall be taken by NNSA:
NAP 401.1P-24A Attachment 3
11-24-15 A3-67
a) Direct the surveyed organizations to re-evaluate the
corrective action and/or provide additional
information,
b) Grant an extension of time,
c) Place affected products on Product Hold, and/or
d) Suspend production and acceptance of the affected
material until satisfactory corrective action has been
accomplished.
3.5.4.f Closure
i. The team leader is responsible for closing the survey.
ii. The team leader shall issue the report within 30 days of the close-
out meeting.
iii. Surveyed organization notifies the team leader of completed
corrective actions, with referenced evidence.
iv. The team leader shall close the assessment when all completed
actions are verified by the team leader or designated
representative.
3.5.5 Weapon Quality Management Assessment Process Requirements
3.5.5.a Determine Management Assessment schedules based on a risk-based
approach. NNSA personnel shall follow the planning process
described in NAP 401.1-24A, Attachment 3, Section 2.2, Quality
Assurance Activities Plan.
3.5.5.b Management Assessment Planning Process Requirements
i. Scope
1) Management Assessments shall be conducted
independently on an annual basis by the HQ WQD
Division Manager, F/PO Managers, and Contractor
Managers to assess compliance, performance, and
effectiveness of the WQMS that’s applicable to their
management scope and authority.
a) Management Assessments cover relevant federal and
contractual quality requirements and implementing
policies, programs, systems, procedures, and/or
processes as well as product quality.
Attachment 3
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NAP 401.1-24A
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b) The scope should be defined by management.
2) NNSA Contractors shall perform Management
Assessments per the requirements of this section or an
equivalent process.
3) Scope shall address the effectiveness of relevant corrective
actions from past quality surveys and assessments.
ii. Team
1) Management determines the Team Lead, size and
composition of the team based on the scope of the
assessment. The Team shall consist of one or more
individuals.
2) Team members shall have the appropriate education,
experience and clearance level to carry out their assessment
responsibilities.
iii. Team Assignments
The team leader is responsible for team member assignments,
including:
1) The specific areas of assessment focus, based on skills and
experience;
2) Defining the report development process and assigning
team member responsibilities for the report.
iv. Assessment Plan
1) Plans shall describe the scope and purpose of the
Management Assessment, the criteria that shall be
evaluated, a description of the methods that shall be used,
the names of the team members, and the assessment dates.
2) A graded approach should be taken on the level of detail in
the plan.
3.5.5.c Performing the Management Assessment
i. Opening Meeting
The team shall provide time for introductions and for clarifying
assessment objectives.
Section 49
NAP 401.1-24A
11-24-15
Attachment 3
A3-69
ii. Collecting Evidence
1) The team shall schedule times to conduct interviews,
observe work, and request additional documentation and
data to review.
2) If the team cannot cover the scope during the time allotted,
the final report should indicate which areas of the
assessment plan were not observed.
iii. Classified Material
Use of classified material is sometimes essential to the
assessment. Team members shall understand and follow all local
processes and requirements.
iv. Team Coordination
The team should collaborate during the assessment to review
progress, identify cross-cutting concerns, and plan the integrated
activities.
v. Briefings
The team should brief appropriate management on the progress
and status of the assessment. Regular communication throughout
the assessment should preclude any surprises.
vi. Issues Outside of Scope
Occasionally, during an assessment, the team may identify issues
that are outside the scope of the assessment. These issues should
be presented to the appropriate management for evaluation and
disposition.
3.5.5.d Assessment Close-out and Reports
i. Close-out Meeting
1) On the last day of the assessment, the team reviews the
assessment results and conclusions with appropriate
management.
NOTE: Team members should strive for consensus on
assessment conclusions; however, the team leader has final
decision-making authority.
2) The team provides enough detail to enable the assessed
Attachment 3
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NAP 401.1-24A
11-24-15
organization to begin corrective actions and improvement
as soon as possible.
ii. Assessment Report Content (see NAP 401.1-24A,
Attachment 3, Appendix 3.5-C)
1) The team leader is responsible for the content and
preparation of the final reports.
2) The team leader coordinates team inputs, team reviews and
factual accuracy reviews.
3) Team leader delivers the final report to management within
30 calendar days of the close-out meeting.
3.5.5.e Management Assessment Report Distribution
i. At a minimum, all final NNSA Management Assessment reports
are sent to WQA@NNSA.DOE.GOV, the senior manager of the
assessed organization, the FOM (or delegate) and all
Management Assessment team members.
ii. F/POs shall notify HQ WQD if no weapon or weapon-related
work occurred during an FY and that a Management Assessment
is not required for that FY.
3.5.5.f Management Assessment Response
i. When NAP 401.1-24A non-compliances are identified during
the assessment, the management organization shall initiate
formal corrective action determination with the NAP 401.1-
24A non- compliances as early as practical.
ii. The assessed organization has 30 calendar days to respond to the
findings in the final report.
iii. The response shall include the results of initial applicable causal
analyses and resulting corrective actions.
NOTE: A causal analysis is required, however a root cause
analysis is more time consuming and extensive and is not
expected to be part of the 30 day response.
iv. A causal analysis is required for Level 1 and 2 findings.
Management may require a causal analysis for Level 3 Findings,
at their discretion.
v. For Level 1 findings, compensatory measures shall be applied to
mailto:WQA@NNSA.DOE.GOV
NAP 401.1-24A
11-24-15
Attachment 3
A3-71
mitigate the condition adverse to quality and shall be in place
prior to continuing work.
vi. For Level 2 and 3 findings, compensatory measures shall be
Section 50
applied to mitigate the condition adverse to quality based on a
risk-based approach.
vii. Corrective Action Responses:
1) For Level 1 and 2 findings, the CAR shall provide
assurance that the assessed organization has determined the
extent and severity of the problem if it exists elsewhere.
2) For Level 1 and 2 findings, the CAR shall list the actions
(both corrective and preventive) that shall be performed,
including the identification of who is responsible for the
actions and the date(s) the actions shall be completed.
viii. CAR Review and Approval
Management shall determine the adequacy of corrective actions.
3.5.5.g Closure
i. The team leader is responsible for closing the Management
Assessment.
ii. Management notifies the team leader of completed corrective
actions, with referenced evidence.
iii. The team leader shall close the assessment when all completed
actions are verified by the team leader or designated
representative.
3.5.6 Records
3.5.6.a Assessment Plans, Reports, Correspondence
3.5.6.b Corrective Action Response
3.5.6.c Evidence of assessment closure.
3.5.7 References
3.5.7.a NAP 401.1-24A, Weapon Quality Policy, Attachment 2, Section 2.2.2
3.5.7.b DOE-STD-1025, Weapon Quality Assurance Area Qualification
Standard
Attachment 3
A3-72
NAP 401.1-24A
11-24-15
3.5.8 Appendices
3.5.8.a Appendix 3.5-A, Description of Survey Types
3.5.8.b Appendix 3.5-B, Definitions of Conclusions
3.5.8.c Appendix 3.5-C, Format and Content for Quality Assurance Survey
and Management Assessment Reports
NAP 401.1-24A
11-24-15
Attachment 3
A3-73
APPENDIX 3.5-A
DESCRIPTION OF SURVEY TYPES
There are several types of surveys/assessments for evaluating the adequacy and effectiveness of
weapon quality assurance implementation.
• QAS 1 (Quality Management System): HQ WQD (or delegate) examines how
effectively the F/PO and/or NNSA Contractor implements, monitors, and improves the
WQMS and its implementing policies, processes, and procedures, as well as the level of
compliance with NNSA Weapon Quality requirements. These are performed on a risk
based frequency as described in NAP 401.1-24A, Attachment 3.0, Section 2.2, QAAP.
• QAS 2 (Weapon Program): Where as a QAS 1 assesses the overall WQMS, a QAS 2 is
generally focused on a specific system, weapon program or major assembly (and various
subassemblies). QAS 2s generally include multiple team members.
F/POs should schedule QAS 2s on programs or products that are of high consequence or
at greater risk. HQ WQD may plan and coordinate a multi-site QAS 2 on a weapon
program.
• QAS 3 (Process): A QAS 3 scope is generally focused on an assembly or component,
department, process or product and is not as broad as a QAS 2. The size of the team
depends on the scope of the survey and may include one or more auditors.
• QAS 4 (Operations): A QAS 4 scope is generally focused on a specific part, production
or inspection operation or a procedure.
QAS 4s may include hands-on inspections, examinations, or tests that determine the
conformance of material to applicable drawings and specifications. They are usually
unannounced, unless prior notification is necessary for personnel scheduling; and are
often conducted when a product reaches acceptance rather than on a prescribed date.
If the focus is to monitor delegated NNSA Contractor product inspection, stamping, or
marking activities, the survey should include examination of records and/or inspections
of specified products.
Section 51
• Supplier Surveys: NNSA shall evaluate weapon program suppliers. These surveys are
performed similarly to QASs described above and are coordinated with NNSA
Contractors to survey their sub-contracted weapon program suppliers.
• Management Assessments: NNSA HQ, F/PO, and NNSA Contractors shall perform
routine and annual self-assessments to assess their effectiveness in implementing,
monitoring and improving the WQMS and its implementing policies, processes, and
procedures, as well as the level of compliance with NNSA Weapon Quality requirements.
Attachment 3
A3-74
NAP 401.1-24A
11-24-15
APPENDIX 3.5-B
DEFINITIONS OF CONCLUSIONS
Survey conclusions are positive, negative or neutral. The survey team leader should strive for
team concurrence on conclusions, but if not, the team leader has the authority to make the final
determination.
F/POs are required to use graded findings. The following list provides definitions of the
different types of conclusions:
1. Findings are statements of fact (supported by objective evidence) where the surveyed
organization is not meeting requirements of NAP 401.1-24A. A graded approach shall
be used in the identification of Findings. The three grades of Findings are:
a. Level 1: Instance of noncompliance with NAP 401.1-24A requirements that
shall directly impact performance, cost, or schedule if left uncorrected, and/or
is indicative of serious, systemic deficiency in the assessed organization’s
weapon quality systems.
b. Level 2: Instance of noncompliance with NAP 401.1-24A requirements and
potentially indicative of either a systemic issue or of potential impact to
performance or production. A number of related or repeat Level 3 Findings may
“roll up” to become a Level 2 Finding.
c. Level 3: Isolated instance of noncompliance with NAP 401.1-24A requirements
that are easily corrected and shall not immediately impact performance or
production. If corrected before the end of the survey, a Level 3 Finding shall still
be noted in the close-out and in the report with a note that no further corrective
action is required.
2. Noteworthy Practices are used to recognize either effective processes or programs that
should be considered best practices, or areas where the surveyed organization has made
significant progress.
3. Remarks are used in the following two ways:
a. to document effectiveness issues and non-compliances that are outside the scope
of NAP 401.1.-24A. These remarks are shared with the process owners for
disposition independent of the Weapon Quality Survey process. The weapon
quality survey report should be closed regardless of the resolution status of the
remark.
b. to document issues that do not violate NAP 401.1-24A requirements, but are
identified as areas for weapon quality improvement.
NOTE: Several sites may use corrective action tracking systems (e.g., Pegasus) that use
different terminology than what is described here. In these cases, the site should describe the
equivalencies. For example: Deficiency = Level 2 Finding, Weakness = Remark, Strength =
Noteworthy Practice.
NAP 401.1-24A
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Attachment 3
A3-75
APPENDIX 3.5-C
FORMAT AND CONTENT FOR QUALITY ASSURANCE SURVEY AND
MANAGEMENT ASSESSMENT REPORTS
UNIQUE NUMBER: A unique number shall be assigned to each survey or assessment report.
An Introduction which includes:
1. The Survey or Assessment Title and Unique Number for the survey.
2. Survey or Assessment locations.
3. The Survey or Assessment dates.
Section 52
4. The names of the Survey or Assessment Team members, identifying the team leader.
5. The date of the report.
6. Report Approvals.
SUMMARY: Describes the scope and purpose of the survey or assessment. Also identifies and
discusses the strengths, findings, weaknesses and the supporting evidence observed by the team.
It also includes the names of the team members, a brief summary of recent quality history and
trends, and a timeframe that a corrective action response is due.
This section should also include a discussion of issues that were identified that may be outside
the authority of the assessed organization to correct. Examples include configuration control
issues at another site, or perhaps noting that HQ requirements are ambiguous or contradictory.
These shall be brought to the attention of HQ WQD to determine appropriate action.
RESULTS: Group results using the elements of NAP 401.1-24A. If the assessment also
addresses other contractual weapon quality requirements, this should be listed under separate
headings.
Results should be written for every element addressed during the survey. Results shall always
include a factual description of what was looked at, reviewed, observed, or learned through
interviews. The results should support an overall conclusion.
Findings shall quote the specific requirement in that section. Findings should be concise but
shall provide sufficient detail to ensure the surveyed organization can analyze the finding and
take appropriate corrective and preventive actions. The report shall identify areas where a
response is necessary. When adequate corrective action is taken during the survey, the report
still includes the finding, with a note that the issue is satisfactorily resolved and that no further
response is required. Teams should identify areas that represent opportunities for improvement,
but should avoid explicit recommendations. Survey teams shall remain in a position to
objectively evaluate the adequacy of actions taken.
APPROVAL: Survey and Assessment reports shall be approved by the team leader.
Attachment 3
A3-76
NAP -401.124A
11-24-15
4.0 NONCONFORMING MATERIAL
4.1 NONCONFORMANCE MATERIAL REPORT
4.1.1 Purpose
The Nonconforming Material Report (NMR) documents the identification,
notification, and disposition of suspect or nonconforming material that is shipped
between NNSA sites.
4.1.2 Policy
Suspect or nonconforming material shipped between NNSA sites, or material
incorrectly shipped, shall be reported and investigated to applicable requirements.
Disposition of affected material shall be documented. The process should be
completed expeditiously to support mission requirements.
4.1.3 Responsibilities
4.1.3.a HQ WQD shall
i. oversee implementation of the NMR process;
ii. resolve issues presented by the F/PO;
iii. analyze nonconforming report information from all sites to
identify systemic issues and programmatic impact; and
iv. communicate NMR-related trends and issues to F/PO and NNSA
Federal Program Managers.
4.1.3.b F/POs shall
i. communicate suspect or nonconforming conditions to the
affected F/PO(s) and provide input and updates, as necessary, to
HQ WQD;
ii. issue NMRs to the affected F/PO (s) and provide a copy to HQ
WQD;
iii. assist NNSA Contractor investigation into extent of condition and
disposition of material;
iv. coordinate with the responsible Federal Program Manager (FPM)
and HQ WQD regarding any recommended product hold or
production stop;
Section 53
v. issue product holds or production stops to the NNSA Contractor,
NAP 401.1-24A
11-24-15
Attachment 3
A3-77
upon written notification from FPM;
vi. ensure NNSA Contractors respond to the conditions and follow
applicable quality requirements;
vii. consider directing the NNSA Contractor to provide corrective
action responses (CARs); and
viii. review and approve the corrective action response submitted by
the appropriate NNSA Contractor.
4.1.3.c NNSA Contractors shall
i. report to the F/PO when it is discovered that suspect or
nonconforming material was shipped or received between
geographic located NNSA sites;
ii. through responsible Design Agency and Production Agency
coordination and based on associated risks of nonconformance,
provide recommendation to F/PO, responsible FPM and HQ
WQD regarding product hold or production stop;
iii. control nonconforming (suspect) material through traceability,
segregation, identification, product hold or production stop;
iv. perform the following in a timely manner:
1) As necessary, provide additional information;
2) Investigate the extent of condition;
3) Evaluate and determine disposition of nonconforming
material;
4) Perform causal analysis and develop CARs. Provide
corrective action responses as directed by F/PO; and
5) Perform appropriate disposition.
v. maintain and report metrics to the F/PO (including Grade 3 non-
conformances that are not reported as part of the NMR process).
4.1.4 Nonconforming Material Report Process
4.1.4.a See Appendix 4.1-A for NMR numbering scheme and category
descriptions, Appendix 4.1-B for NMR grading criteria, and Appendix
4.1-C for an example NMR form.
Attachment 3
A3-78
NAP 401.1-24A
11-24-15
4.1.4.b Initial notification
i. The discovering NNSA Contractor promptly notifies their F/PO
when suspect or nonconforming material has been shipped or
received and provides identification information (e.g.,
nomenclature, part number (P/N), manufacturer’s code, serial
number (S/N), date code, lot number, shipper number,
nonconformance description).
ii. The notified F/PO communicates the material condition to the
affected F/POs.
iii. Exclude any data that would cause the report to be classified.
4.1.4.c Material in Hold Status
i. A hold status is used to temporarily restrict use of NNSA-
accepted product that has been shipped to another contractor
when the quality is questionable, but there is no specific reason to
withdraw acceptance (see Section 4.0 of this Attachment,
Nonconforming Material).
ii. Stamping is altered as applicable based on product disposition
determination.
4.1.4.d Investigation and NMR Issuance
i. Until disposition is determined, affected sites control
nonconforming (suspect) material through traceability,
segregation, identification, product hold or production stop as
applicable.
ii. F/POs coordinate with NNSA Contractors to investigate
conditions and determine initial disposition. Information is
documented on an NMR (see Appendix 4.1-C).
1) An Incoming Material Report (IMR) is generated when the
receiving NNSA Contractor discovers the suspect or
nonconformance.
2) A Shipped Material Report (SMR) is generated when the
shipping NNSA Contractor discovers the suspect or
nonconformance.
NOTE: SMRs should include brief description of how the
issue was identified in the “Pertinent Circumstances of
NAP 401.1-
24A
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Attachment 3
A3-79
Discovery” field.
Section 54
iii. If the nonconformance is Grade 3 (see Appendix 4.1-B for
definition), the F/POs may agree to allow the respective NNSA
Contractors to resolve the issues between themselves and not
issue an NMR.
iv. Action(s) shall be taken to ensure systemic issues are addressed.
v. The notified F/PO issues the NMR to the affected F/PO(s) and
provides a copy to HQ WQD.
vi. Through responsible Design Agency and Production Agency
coordination and based on associated risks of nonconformance,
affected sites provide recommendation to F/PO, responsible FPM
and HQ WQD regarding product hold or production stop as
applicable.
vii. Upon written notification from FPM, issue product hold or
production stop.
4.1.4.e Disposition
i. F/POs ensure NNSA Contractors coordinate to perform
disposition (e.g., correcting shipment paperwork, changing the
quality acceptance status, stamp modification, product return or
scrap) following applicable quality process requirements.
ii. Material that needs to be returned to the originating NNSA
Contractor for investigation shall be shipped in a timely manner.
4.1.4.f Corrective Action
i. The responsible NNSA Contractors identify corrective actions.
ii. If during the investigation or causal analysis phase it is
determined that issues extend beyond the shipping and receiving
sites (for example PA identifies issues with design),
communicate the concerns with HQ WQD and the respective
F/PO(s).
iii. NOTE: This means that a DA may be required to jointly or
individually respond to an NMR for situations where the design
is a contributing cause of the suspect or nonconforming
condition.
iv. CARs for Grade 2 and 3 NMRs are at the discretion of the
responsible F/PO.
Attachment 3
A3-80
NAP 401.1-24A
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4.1.4.g Updates and Close Out:
i. If necessary, NMRs can be revised.
ii. If an NMR is issued before the material disposition is known
(SXR, scrap, return, etc), the NMR shall be revised to reflect the
final disposition details.
iii. Revised NMRs are distributed following the original NMR
issuance circulation.
iv. Responsible F/POs track and close NMR following local
requirements.
v. Applicable NMR-related metrics and status information are
reported in the F/PO Quality Reports.
4.1.5 Records. Nonconforming Material Report (IMR or SMR)
4.1.6 References. NAP 401.1-24A, Weapon Quality Policy, Section 3.12,
NONCONFORMANCE
4.1.7 Appendices
4.1.7.a Appendix 4.1-A: Nonconforming Material Reports
4.1.7.b Appendix 4.1-B: Nonconforming Material Reports-Grade Levels
4.1.7.c Appendix 4.1-C: Nonconforming Material Report Form
NAP 401.1-24A
11-24-15
Attachment 3
A3-81
APPENDIX 4.1-A
NONCONFORMING MATERIAL REPORTS
NMR Number: The NMR number is comprised of the following elements in sequence
• Whether the report is an IMR or SMR
• The plant (See Appendix 3.1-G) for which the F/PO is issuing the report
• The fiscal year (4-digit) in which the suspect or nonconformance was discovered
• The plant (See Appendix 3.1-G) for which the F/PO is receiving the report
• The next IMR/SMR number in the issuing F/POs sequence
For example, IMR LA-2014-SS-01 means this is the first nonconforming item reported by NA-
LA to SFO for products received from Sandia in FY14 or SMR KC-2014-PX-01 which means
this is the first suspect or nonconforming item identified by KCP and reported by KCFO to
NPO/PX for material shipped by KCP in FY14.
NMR Categories:
1. Records: Any accompanying quality records with missing or incorrect entries (e.g.,
Section 55
incorrect Record of Assembly (ROA), wrong part number or serial/lot number, or
incorrect testing data).
2. Marking: Manufacturing identification does not comply with specification requirements
or incorrect or missing Quality Stamp (e.g., wrong suffix on part/package, missing IP
stamp).
3. Surface condition and foreign material: Physical damage or contamination not allowed
per specification requirements (e.g., dents/scratches in critical sealing surfaces, coatings
outside of allowed boundaries, surface discoloration).
4. Assembly: Part does not assemble, has incorrect components installed, incorrect material
or process used, missing components or mis-packaged for shipment (e.g., missing
washer, wrong suffix of component, missing packaging material, packaged upside down).
5. Functional: The part/assembly fails to mechanically operate as intended or incorrect
mechanical test performed (e.g., rotating part does not rotate, leak test not performed).
6. Dimensional: Part does not meet dimensional drawing requirements (e.g., radius too
small, stem height wrong).
7. Electrical: Failure to meet electrical tests (e.g., resistance test failed).
8. Other: Describe the nonconformance that does not fit the other categories.
Attachment 3
A3-82
NAP 401.1-24A
11-24-15
APPENDIX 4.1-B
NONCONFORMING MATERIAL REPORTS – GRADE LEVELS
NMR grade levels:
1. Grade 1 – Failure to meet design definition requirement(s). Material does not meet form,
fit or function. A corrective action is required. Categories typically include: 3 (Surface
condition and foreign material); 4 (Assembly); 5 (Functional); 6 (Dimensional); or 7
(Electrical).
2. Grade 2 – Failure to meet design definition requirement(s) but material meets (or is likely
to meet) form, fit and function, may require further investigation and corrective action.
Corrective action requirements are at the discretion of the responsible F/PO. Categories
typically include: 1 (Records examination); 2 (Marking); or 3 (Surface condition and
foreign material).
3. Grade 3 – Design definition requirements are met but there are issues with other quality
requirements (for example shipping documents are incorrect). Responsible F/POs
determine if Grade 3 NMRs may be handled between Contracting sites and if corrective
actions ar