C-Cat

Terms And Conditions

Revised On 05/04/2023

C) DC) 7.8 A Collaborated on by: Sarah Pace & Robert Wilson

Carbon-Carbon Advanced Technologies, Inc.

4704 Eden Road

Arlington, TX 76001

Table of Contents
Section	Description	Page
1.0	Introduction/Scope	3
2.0	Definitions	3
3.0	Applicable Documents	5
4.0	External Provider Quality Policy	5
5.0	Quality System Requirements	6-7
6.0	C-CAT Website	8
7.0	General Requirements	9-10
8.0	Supplier Approval	11
9.0	Sub-Tier External Provider Management	12
10.0	Process Review	13
11.0	Nonconforming Material	13-16
12.0	Design and Product Changes	17
13.0	Testing and Validation of Results	17
14.0	Calibration System	17
15.0	Product Obsolescence	18
16.0	Record Retention	18
17.0	Shelf-Life Material	18
18.0	Material Traceability	19
19.0	Measurement and Inspection	19
20.0	Cleaning and Packaging	20
21.0	Certificate of Conformance (CoC)	21
22.0	Other (Additional Requirements)	21-22

1.0 Introduction

At C-CAT, our success depends on developing and maintaining the strongest possible supply base. Our intent, through the Supplier/External Provider (SEP) Process, is to develop long term and mutually beneficial relationships with our External Provider(s) to enable us to be successful in achieving our goals.

1.1 Scope

Requirements in this document are applicable to all purchased parts. By accepting our Purchase Order, you agree to these terms and condition requirements on behalf of yourself, your organization and any entity that you represent.

All SEP(s) and their sub-tier SEP(s) will be held responsible to these terms and conditions. It is the External Provider’s responsibility to flow the requirements of this document as they apply to sub-tier External Provider(s) who are considered a part of the C-CAT Supply Chain.

2.0 Definitions

2.1 Terms

Term	Definition
Buyer	C-CAT, the procurement entity.
External Provider(s)	The legal entity that is the contracting party with the Buyer with respect to the procurement document.
Buy parts/items	Components, assemblies, and raw materials purchased from external providers using POs to support C-CAT programs.
Bill of Materials	A list of components defined by the as designed final product.
Process Flow Diagram	Document that graphically depicts all steps of the manufacturing process.
Procurement document	The PO (P.O.) or subcontract between the parties.
Request for Quote (RFQ)	A request for quote (RFQ) is a solicitation for goods or services in which the customer requests the External Provider(s) to submit a price quote and bid on the opportunity to fulfill certain goods or services.

2.2 Acronyms

Acronym	Definition
BOM	Bill of Materials
CAR	Corrective Action Request
C-CAT	Carbon-Carbon Advanced Technologies Inc.
CoC	Certificate of Conformance
CoA	Certificate of Analysis
CMM	Coordinate Measuring Machine
DR	Deviation Request
FAI	First Article Inspection
FAIR	First Article Inspection Report
FOD	Foreign Object Debris
FRACUS	Failure Reporting, Analysis, and Corrective Action System
GIDEP	Government-Industry Data Exchange Program
KPI	Key Performance Indicators
MRB	Material Review Board
M&TE	Monitoring and Test Equipment
NIST	National Institute of Standards and Technology
PQCP	Process Quality Control Plan
RTV	Return to Vendor
RCCA	Root Cause Corrective Action
SCAR	External Provider(s) Corrective Action Request
SMI	Standard Measurement Instrument
SEP	Supplier/External Provider
T&C	Terms and Conditions
MDR	Material Deficiency Report (C-CAT Nonconformance)
PO	Purchase Order

3.0 Applicable Documents

3.1 Internal

C-CAT Quality Manual 3.2 External
AS9100/ ISO 9001- Aerospace Standard – Quality Management Systems – Requirements for Aviation, Space and Defense Organizations
AS9102- Aerospace First Article Inspection Requirement
ISO 17025- General Requirements for the Competence of Testing and Calibration Laboratories
GIDEP – Counterfeit Electronic Parts; Avoidance, Detection, Mitigation, and Disposition
4.0 External Provider Quality Policy

Our External Provider Quality Policy is a combination of the following significant factors:

A Drive to Safety and Zero Defects
C-CAT along with our External Provider(s) will commit to maintaining the highest standards of Product and Work Place Safety.
Commitment to ship defect-free products.
Quality System Based on Prevention of Defects
Emphasis will be on the prevention of defects throughout the Supply Chain as our primary method of ensuring quality.
Open and Honest Communication
Our External Provider(s) will share all contributing factors that impact Product Quality and Reliability.
Accountability
We expect our External Provider(s) to be accountable for all factors that impact our products.
Continuous Improvement
C-CAT and its External Provider(s) will share a desire to learn and have a commitment to continuous improvement in all aspects of the business.

In turn, C-CAT will deal honestly, strive to listen to concerns, & communicate our requirements to our External Provider(s). We look forward to a mutually beneficial, long-term relationship with our External Provider(s)

5.0 Quality System Requirements

The Terms and Conditions (T&C) provide guidance, including External Provider restrictions and quality system requirements applicable when goods and services are procured by C-CAT. The name Carbon-Carbon Advanced Technologies Inc, C-CAT, and Buyer could be used interchangeably but implies the same thing throughout this document.

We recognize that there are multiple relevant worldwide business system standards and certifications such as AS9100, ISO 9001, and ISO 17025 to name a few. C-CAT may request the External Provider to provide evidence of their Quality Certification or compliance with QMS requirements in the form of the External Provider Quality Manual. If the External Provider is not certified by an International Organization, then C-CAT expects the External Provider and any sub-tier External Provider(s) to maintain compliance to a quality management system (QMS) which complies with International Organization for Standardization in the following areas, at minimum:

5.1 Process to Identify and Review Product Requirements

Perform a thorough review of this document and the manufacture and/or delivery of the materials or services requirements called out on the PO and Drawing(s).
Understand special requirements such as C-CAT manufacturing process requirements stated on the PO or Drawing(s) and how the product will be used.
Maintain records of reviews and appropriate documentation.

5.2 Control Changes in Product Requirements

All work performed for Purchase Orders must be in accordance with the documents approved by C-CAT. Any changes to the approved documents that may affect the quality of materials, products and/or services for POs must be submitted to C-CAT for review and approval prior to shipment.
An established engineering change management (including hardware and software).
Process and Product Monitoring and Measurement
When required, the use of a Process Quality Control Plan (PQCP) to monitor the characteristics of the process and product to ensure that all requirements will be met.
Records that prove conformity, or appropriate steps to address non-conforming processes or product have been addressed.

5.4 Operator Training

The supplier shall ensure that its employees or representatives involved in the performance of the Purchase Order are appropriately qualified, skilled (including technical knowledge and language) and experienced in their respective trades or occupations.
Maintain documentation that proves operators are trained to do the jobs that they perform, and can identify non-conforming product(s).
Production Control
Have a document scheduling process to ensure product will be delivered on time. (As Required)
Protection of Property and Product
Due care with regard to storage and processes, and appropriate packaging that prevents: Contamination, Foreign Object Debris, (FOD), spoiling, shelf-life expiration, and or damage to the product (including consigned material).
First Article Inspection (FAI)
First Article Inspection shall be performed on parts in accordance with AS9102 when an FAI requirement is flowed down to a r External Provider(s) via C-CAT PO.
Calibration of Measuring Devices
Calibration of all Monitoring and Test Equipment (M&TE) measuring devices shall be performed in compliance with ISO 17025 and traceable to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Standards.
Control of Non-Conforming Product
Notification of all failure and test anomaly incidents shall be required within 24 hours of their occurrence.
Once a deviation or non-conforming condition is identified, continuing to add value to the item(s) without Buyer approval is at Seller risk. The External Provider(s) and/or any of their External Provider(s) do not have authority to process use-as-is, repair, or standard repair procedures via their Material Review Board (MRB).
These dispositions, including Request for Deviations and Request for Waivers, require Buyer MRB disposition and shall be submitted to the Buyer for approval. (This does not include rework or scrap)
Have a procedure that defines the process, personnel, and responsibilities for dealing with non-conforming product.
Ensures that non-conforming product is identified and contained to prevent further use.
Any corrective action requested by C-CAT, C-CAT’s Customers and/or any said authority following any such inspection, test, audit or investigation shall be implemented by External Provider at External Provider’s cost.
Will include records of non-conformances and steps to address them.
Root Cause and Corrective Action (RCCA) Process
Review of all non-conforming processes or product, including disposition and responses to External Provider submitted Deviation Requests.
Root cause analysis, implementation and verification of corrective action.
Tracking and Improvement of Critical Dimensions and Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s)
Identification, tracking, inspection and improvement plans for critical dimensions and KPI’s.
Willingness to share data and plans.

6.0 C-CAT Website

C-CAT maintains a website for Supply Chain that contains valuable information including Terms and Conditions for External Provider quality requirements. It is the External Provider’s responsibility that they adhere to the Terms and Conditions that are available on the website. External Provider can use their own procedures and forms if they prefer, but the External Provider internal procedure and forms at a minimum need to adhere to the requirements stated on the C-CAT Purchase Order/SOW/Contract.

The C-CAT Web address is: https://c-cat.net/

7.0 General Requirements

7.1 These general requirements shall apply to existing and potential External Provider(s) whenever this is incorporated into the requirements of a PO. All External Provider(s) and their sub-tier External Provider(s) will be held responsible to the requirements stated in this procedure as they would apply to the commodity or service which is being provided to C-CAT by the External Provider. It is the External Provider’s responsibility to flow the requirements of this document as they apply to sub-tier External Provider(s) who are considered a part of the C-CAT supply Chain.

7.2 Revision status of procured/deliverable items shall always be as specified in the PO. If the PO conflicts with the requirements of this document, the PO requirement will supersede this document. Applicable revision status of specifications shall be the revision in effect on the date of the PO unless specified in the PO or related documents. If a change to a specification happens when a PO is executed by the External Provider, then the External Provider will be contacted by a C-CAT Representative to discuss impact of specification change and establish next steps.

7.3 C-CAT encourages External Provider(s) providing a RFQ response to review all requirements (Design, specification, clauses, etc.) provided with the RFQ and clearly indicate during submission of quotes if an exception is being taken to any aspect of the RFQ package. This will allow C-CAT and External Provider(s) to engage in exception discussion during the quoting process which in turn will help streamline product manufacturing and receipt by minimizing delays due to processing of deviation requests and disposition during the time of shipment.

7.4 The drawing and referenced documents will contain the requirements for parts shipped by External Provider(s)

7.5 The requirements of a C-CAT PO, including applicable drawings (specific drawing notes and annotations), specifications and statements of work (SOW) supersede workmanship specifications and standards of the External Provider including those specifications and standards represented as “Industry Standards.” If the External Provider believes a drawing contradiction exists, the External Provider is obligated to procure a clarification/deviation via written correspondence to C-CAT. The clarification shall be issued by C-CAT in writing through a drawing revision, PO amendment, Material Review Board (MRB) disposition, and/or Deviation Request. The information on the PO is binding. If External Provider accepts any direction that is not explicitly stated in the PO or other contractually binding document, they do so at External Provider’s own risk and may impact acceptance of the parts or services against the PO.

7.6 The use of any method that causes the original data on documents to be redacted and unreadable (i.e., the use of correction fluids, correction tape, write-over, or other methods) to correct, modify or otherwise alter the data and/or entries on any certifications, test reports or other documents required by the PO, is strictly prohibited. Corrections may be made on inspection reports providing it is clearly obvious that a correction was made and it is signed, initialed, or stamped by an authorized individual. Products or services represented by documents that show evidence that they have been corrected or altered in an unauthorized manner will be subjected to Return to Vendor (RTV).

7.7 While communicating/sharing design, quality and process critical information/documents with C-CAT, the External Provider will safeguard and keep confidential the proprietary information of C-CAT, C-CAT customers, vendors, and other parties with which C-CAT does business to the same extent as if it were confidential Information.

7.8 External Provider shall ensure work is accomplished in a manner preventing Foreign Object Debris (FOD) or material in deliverable items. Delivered material must be clean and free from any material/debris, such as machined chips, burrs, dust of any kind, forming materials, corrosion, oil and other foreign material on surfaces to prevent FOD entrapment. External Provider shall document and investigate each FOD incident and ensure elimination of the root cause of each such incident.

8.0 Supplier Approval

To ensure all External Providers can meet C-CAT requirements, C-CAT may perform an assessment of the External Provider manufacturing capabilities. The assessment may be conducted at the External Provider’s facility by a representative of C-CAT or it may be conducted remotely by C-CAT requesting specific information from the External Provider. The External Provider may be asked to conduct the assessment themselves and communicate the results with the Buyer. The areas of the External Provider(s) business to be assessed will include the following:

1) Quality System

Organizational chart, roles and responsibilities, demonstrated quality system, evaluation of quality system effectiveness, etc.
2) Manufacturing Capabilities
6S, FOD prevention, standard work, quality processes, M&TE, maintenance, materials management, sub-supplier management, etc.
3) Engineering Capabilities
Engineering resources, CAD capabilities, configuration management, engineering change procedure, test capabilities, etc.
4) Manufacturing Processes
Machining, extrusion, composites, tools, assembly, etc.
5) Performance Survey Metrix for the following:
Meets P.O. Requirements
Quality of Product
On Time Delivery
Competitive Pricing

The External Provider, as the recipient of the PO, is responsible for meeting all specified technical and quality requirements, whether the External Provider performs the work or the work is performed by the External Provider’s sub-tier sources. This will be documented on C-CAT forms:

Form 1032-1 Supplier Audit Checklist

Form 1075 Supplier Approval for Use Form
Supplier forms are currently in work to be moved into Epicor

9.0 Sub-Tier External Provider Management
9.1 Procedure

External Provider is expected to have a procedure for managing their External Provider(s). This procedure should ensure that the following quality system procedures in place at the sub-tier External Provider, at a minimum: Control of design changes, material traceability, documented system of inspections, and control of non-conforming material. It is also expected of our External Provider(s) to evaluate and assist in the improvement of their sub-tier External Provider(s) quality, delivery performance, and cost management. Buyer reserves the right to evaluate its External Provider(s) and their sub-tiers. If the Buyer elects to do this, it may require access to applicable manufacturing records.

9.2 Flow Down of Requirements

When the External Provider uses sub-tier sources for components or to perform work on products and/or services scheduled for delivery to C-CAT, the External Provider shall flow-down process and quality requirements (called out on the print, in technical specifications, and on the PO), to sub-tier External Provider(s) to ensure that all the Buyer requirements are met throughout the supply base.

Note: It is the External Provider’s responsibility to maintain 3-way NDAs with Sub-Tier External Providers prior to sharing C-CAT proprietary information.

9.3 Sub-Tier Supplier Paperwork

Sub-tier External Provider shall provide evidence of compliance to C-CAT requirements in form of document certificates showing that the requirement has been met. External Provider will ensure that they include these documents as a part of their shipping paperwork.

Process Review 10.0 C-CAT may perform periodic process reviews at External Provider(s) and Sub-Tier External Provider(s) facility based on risk, which External Provider agrees to support. Such reviews shall be scheduled in advance on a non-interference basis. The purpose of a process review is to determine the suitability, adequacy, effectiveness and consistency of the External Provider’s processes to meet contractual requirements, mitigate risks and to provide a basis of confidence for product/service acceptance. Process reviews may include the following:
1. Manpower (training, skills, personnel changes, certifications)
2. Material (correct materials, shelf life, nonconformance control)
3. Methods (appropriate inspection points, work instructions, routings, records, corrective actions)
4. Machinery (tools, fixtures, calibration)
5. Environment (temperature, lighting, safety, security)

If a review is conducted, the External Provider and their sub-tier External Provider (as applicable) shall have available, and will present upon request, manufacturing and quality records relevant to items on the order.

11.0 Nonconforming Material
11.1 Definition and Requirement

Nonconforming product is defined as any product that fails to meet the requirements of the C-CAT engineering drawing, specification, PO or other approved product description, including products (such as products under the External Provider’s proprietary design control) which fail to meet requirements established and controlled by the External Provider or the External Provider’s sub-tier sources.

C-CAT is under no obligation to accept nonconforming product from External Provider. Approval to ship product that deviates from requirements will be granted (or denied) by C-CAT and its Customer (if applicable) through a C-CAT internal review.

If the External Provider becomes aware of a shipment of nonconforming product, or discovers nonconforming consigned material, they shall contact the Buyer’s Procurement Representative and External Provider Quality Representative immediately.

11.2 Handling

At External Provider: Nonconforming material shall be identified, documented, evaluated, segregated and dispositioned to prevent its unintended use. External Provider may request disposition of nonconforming product identified at External Provider or Sub-Tier External Provider location in the form of Deviation Request.

At C-CAT: Nonconforming material shall be identified, documented, evaluated, segregated and dispositioned to prevent its unintended use. Nonconforming product will be documented on a MDR and will be placed in a Quality Hold location for further review and disposition.

11.13 Disposition

Unless otherwise stated in the PO, the External Provider is authorized to conduct limited Material Review and disposition of nonconforming products identified by the External Provider using the following disposition alternatives:

End Condition	Disposition Type	Description	Requires C-CAT Deviation?
Meets Print	REWORK TO PRINT	The disposition will provide the necessary modifications to bring the hardware to a state where it fully satisfies all drawing, and/or specification requirements	NO
Meets Print	RETURN TO VENDOR	Hardware does not meet requirements and will be returned to the sub-tier External Provider to be reworked or replaced	NO
Deviates from Print	REPAIR	The disposition will provide the necessary modifications to bring the hardware to a state where it will be acceptable for use, but does NOT satisfy all drawing and/or specification requirements	Yes
Deviates from Print	USE AS IS	Hardware does not satisfy all drawing, work order and specification requirements, but is acceptable for use	Yes

The External Provider’s Material Review and nonconforming product disposition records, as well as the Material Review records at the External Provider’s sub-tier sources are subject to on-site verification by C-CAT to ensure that the External Provider follows these requirements.

The External Provider shall propose and formally request a USE AS IS or REPAIR disposition by submitting a Deviation request to C-CAT. The External Provider shall not repair or ship to C-CAT any nonconforming products prior to C-CAT Deviation Request approval. If non-conforming product is received at C-CAT prior to disposition by C-CAT authorized representatives, then the non-conforming product may be subject to RTV.

When C-CAT dispositioned products are delivered to C-CAT, the External Provider shall reference on the packing list/shipper and Certificate of Conformance the C-CAT disposition document number (MDR #). If dispositioned product is packaged in the same box as conforming product, then dispositioned product shall be segregated and marked or tagged so as to permit easy identification upon receipt at C-CAT.

When a nonconformance on an External Provider manufactured product is identified at C-CAT and it is dispositioned as RTV, then a designated C-CAT Representative will request a Return Material Authorization (RMA) number from the External Provider prior to conducting non-conforming hardware RTV.

When an External Provider returns to C-CAT conforming hardware after performing rework then they will state the MDR number on the CoC.

11.14 Certificate of Destruction

If an External Provider needs to scrap any finished product manufactured at the External Provider or the sub-tier External Provider site, then it is the responsibility of External Provider to destroy and scrap the product (in order to avoid future use of scrap product) and submit a Certificate of Destruction to C-CAT, along with objective evidence (i.e. pictures, etc.) of the destruction.

The Certificate of Destruction shall include critical information about the part being scrapped (depending on the drawing requirements) such as MDR number (if applicable), serial / lot number, part number, part name, purchase order number and date of scrap.

11.15 Supplier Corrective Action (CA)

C-CAT uses the Failure Reporting, Analysis, and Corrective Action System (FRACAS) to address MDR’s and SCARS. This process consists of determining what the failure is, identifying the root cause of the failure, implementing a corrective action, and verifying that the action is keeping the process free from future re-occurrence.

Notification of non-conformance will be sent to External Providers through Supplier Correction Action (CA) response.

A CA is issued to a External Provider when a non-conformance is found on an External Provider’s provided product at C-CAT. Upon notification, the External Provider shall perform internal Root Cause Corrective Action (RCCA) investigation to resolve issue related to the non-conformance prior to making subsequent shipments to C-CAT.

A CA will be generated in the form of a MDR which will contain information about the observed non-conformance and MDR number. The External Provider will reference this MDR number on the RCCA form.

NOTE: External Provider and Sub-Tier External Provider may be requested by a C-CAT representative to provide details and copy of documentation associated with their RCCA investigation of a non-conformance.

11.16 Root Cause and Corrective Action Management

The External Provider shall have a functioning system for closed loop corrective action. It is the External Provider’s responsibility to execute Root Cause Corrective Action at their manufacturing site or sub-tier External Provider (as applicable). The External Provider can choose to use their internal corrective action form.

In order to complete initial response and corrective actions, the External Provider shall:

1) Within one (1) business day, respond to the following:

A) Acknowledgement of the issue, and comment on the problem description.

B) Provide a MDR number, Shipper Name, and any other shipping information required to return the material to the External Provider (if Buyer requests that the material is to be returned).

C) External Provider is responsible for paying for the shipment.

D) Provide immediate action and response that identify and quarantine any affected WIP that is in production associated with the non-conformance notification.

Within ten (10) business days, the External Provider shall provide a corrective action plan that is acceptable to the Buyer. All steps taken from root cause to corrective action verification shall be documented on the MDR, including the following, at a minimum:
1. Identification and Verification of the root cause of the problem
2. Identification and Implementation Plan for the Corrective Action(s)
3. Validation Plan for the Corrective Action(s)

If reworking or replacing discrepant material, the External Provider shall provide the MDR, CA, and/or Non-Conformance ticket numbers on the Certificate of Conformance when shipping the material to the Buyer.

Regardless of the disposition of non-conforming material, the External Provider will be responsible for a complete response to the corrective action request.

Design and Product Changes

Under no circumstance is the External Provider allowed to change the design, Bill of Materials (BOM) of a product, material, component, or assembly without prior written approval from C-CAT (after a PO has been placed). If the External Provider finds a change necessary, the External Provider shall request the change by notifying C-CATs Procurement Representative. If approved, the External Provider may proceed with the change after receiving written authorization from C-CAT.

The External Provider’s change control system shall assure that current revision of applicable drawings, specifications (C-CAT or Industry), technical requirements, order information and changes will be put in place prior to execution of work order at the External Provider (s) manufacturing site. Documents will be available at the time and place of acceptance of material and/or services.

External Provider or C-CAT owned tooling shall assure that current revision of applicable drawings, specifications (C-CAT or Industry), technical requirements, order information and changes will be put in place prior to execution of work order at the External Provider(s) manufacturing site, thereto will be available at the time and place of acceptance of material and/or services.

Testing and Validation of Results

External Provider will conduct validation testing as called out in the PO/Drawing; and any referenced Industry and C-CAT specification (Specification stated in Section 6 above) on the drawing and/or PO. External Provider will provide a copy of the validation test results with every shipment to C-CAT which shall meet minimum requirements, as appropriate.

Calibration System

External Provider shall determine the Monitoring and Test Equipment (M&TE) needed to provide evidence of conformity of product to determined requirements.

A register of M&TE will be kept, and define the process for their calibration including details of equipment type, unique identification, location, frequency of checks, check method and acceptance criteria.

Calibration shall be documented with a Calibration Certificate. The certificate must attest that equipment was calibrated utilizing calibration devices traceable to National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).

Product Obsolescence

If the External Provider decides to obsolete a product, the Buyer shall be provided advanced notification of at least 120 days to allow adequate time for configuration changes and testing, as required. In addition, the External Provider shall provide a plan to ensure seamless continuity with the new version:

Projected date of last shipment, along with the quantity.
Plan to satisfy Buyer requirements until new version is ready.
Provide adequate quantities of the new version to the Buyer for evaluation and testing.
Conduct specification revision/FAI for the new version.

Note: Alternate materials/parts shall require C-CAT approval.

When end-of-life buys are being considered, the External Provider shall formally notify C-CAT of its intent and the lifetime buy requirement shall be negotiated and approved by C-CAT. The External Provider shall provide a written notification to C-CAT of end-of-life product at least 120 days in advance so that proper analysis can be done to identify alternate materials/part or to make a decision for life time buy.

Record Retention

The External Provider shall retain quality records for ten (10) years after the last delivery of products, unless otherwise specified on the purchase agreement or order. Prior to discarding, transferring to another organization, or destruction, the External Provider shall notify Buyer purchasing in writing (at least 30 days’ notice) and give the Buyer the opportunity to gain possession. Upon request, the External Provider shall deliver any requested records to the Buyer.

Shelf-Life Material

When the External Provider deals with limited shelf-life materials subject to degradation or deterioration over time, the External Provider shall establish a shelf life and storage control program to ensure that materials have a minimum remaining shelf life of 80% at the time of delivery to C-CAT, unless otherwise authorized by the buyer or designee.

Material Traceability
Responsibilities

The External Provider shall be responsible for creating and maintaining controlled documentation of product material traceability throughout all stages of receipt, production, and delivery. Traceability records shall be maintained throughout the life of the product, and shall be made available to the Buyer upon request.

The External Provider shall maintain manufacturing records that indicate traceability of any material/part shipped against the PO including, but not limited to, serial/lot number, manufacturing date, raw material, processing certifications, etc.

Raw Materials

Raw materials shall be traceable to the original material manufacturing lot. All raw material shipped to C-CAT shall have a Lot/Batch number stated on the CoC/CoA provided with the shipment.

Measurement and Inspection
Dimensional Inspection

External Provider shall perform inspection of critical dimensions associated with the drawing and provide dimensional inspection results as required by PO.

First Article Inspection (FAI)
- FAI is required when stated on the C-CAT Purchase Order.
- External Provider shall perform First Article Inspection in accordance with AS9102.
- In addition to the top assembly, subassemblies that are part of the top assembly shall be included in the FAI Report (FAIR).
- Inspection reports and shippers shall reference all part numbers included on the reports or shippers by part number, work order number, serial number (if applicable), and applicable specifications used for performing the processing.
- External Provider shall provide a copy of the FAI package with the shipping paperwork.
Source Inspection

C-CAT may flow down to External Provider via Purchase Order to perform source inspection at the External Provider or Sub-Tier location. Source inspection could be either gated or final source inspection. Requirements for source inspections will be confirmed and frozen at the time of RFQ and/or PO.

Gated source inspection: Inspection that may be requested at various stages of the manufacturing process at the External Provider or sub-tier.

Final source inspection: Inspection that may be requested prior to shipment of product by External Provider or Sub-Tier. Source inspection may be conducted by C-CAT or a C-CAT customer representative. If required it will be the External Provider’s responsibility to notify C-CAT at least 5 days prior to date of inspection, to allow adequate time for making travel arrangements.

Cleaning and Packaging
Clean

Components shall be clean and free of oil, grease, and loose particles (FOD).

Packaging

Finished products are packaged to protect them from contamination and damage during shipping and storage. When shipping products best practices and safety regulations for shipping shall apply. Products shall be packed as follows:

Cardboard Box Shipping

Select your box
Use packing materials that will help products reach their destination safely.
Add items, putting the heaviest on the bottom.
Pack the box as tightly as possible and use air pillows or other materials to fill any voids.
Close the box’s flaps.
Make sure both the top and the bottom of the box are taped in a manner to ensure maximum strength.
Attach a Label with the part number, quantity, and traceability information to the shipment.

Pallet Shipping

Choose the Right Pallet Size. Select a pallet large enough to fit everything without anything hanging over the edges.
Arrange product on Pallet by Size.
Secure the Load on the Pallet.
Attach a Label with the part number, quantity, and traceability information to the shipment.

Wood Crate Shipping

Pack crates as full as possible to prevent additional movement during transport.
Individually wrap items before crating.
Pack heavier items on the bottom of the crate and place lighter items at the top.
Use packing material to fill excess space inside of the crate.
Attach a Label with the part number, quantity, and traceability information to the shipment.

NOTE: If an External Provider fails to adhere to the requirements stated, C-CAT may choose to return product back to External Provider for replacement or rework at the External Provider’s cost.

Certificate of Conformance (CoC)

The seller shall provide a Certificate of Conformance (CoC) with the delivery of the product stating that the requirements of the Purchase Order and Statement of Work (SOW –when specified) has been fully met. The CoC shall be signed by the Quality Manager or a designee.

The Data Package shall include the following as applicable and/or required;

C-CAT Purchase Order Number
External Provider Invoice
C-CAT Tracking Number and Quantity
A Certificate of Conformance from External Provider
Quality Test Reports
Shipping Documentation (Bill of lading, Pack list, & Certificate of Origin)

Other (Additional Requirements)
Prevention of Use of Counterfeit Material

The External Provider shall establish, document and maintain a Counterfeit Part Prevention and Control Program using industry standards for counterfeit parts, avoidance, detection, mitigation, and disposition.

The Counterfeit Prevention Plan shall be documented to prevent the delivery of counterfeit parts and control parts identified as counterfeit. By reporting counterfeit parts to the Government-Industry Data Exchange Program (GIDEP) External Provider are able to share knowledge of counterfeit and critical nonconforming items.

To minimize the risk of using counterfeit material, the External Provider should procure directly from original manufactures, and manufacturer-authorized distributors/resellers with evidence that parts were procured by the original manufacturer and have not been altered or misrepresented.

All of the above counterfeit parts avoidance requirements shall be flowed down to sub-tier External Providers.

Part Marking

The External Provider shall mark the product in accordance with drawings and technical specifications referenced by the PO. If External Provider is not able to meet the part marking requirement, then they will notify a C-CAT representative stating details of the exception needed and also provide recommendations of alternate part marking technique before performing the part marking step.

Foreign Object Debris/ Damage (FOD) Prevention Program

External Provider will maintain an internal FOD prevention program.

External Provider shall maintain cleanliness of manufacturing areas in compliance to this standard and will ensure through periodic inspection or other validation techniques that C-CAT product is not exposed to any form of FOD.

In the event that C-CAT identifies FOD in received product, then the product may be shipped back to the External Provider for rework, investigation and corrective action.

External Provider Audits

Periodic onsite External Provider and Sub-Tier audits maybe conducted by C-CAT personnel. C-CAT will notify External Provider prior to conducting the audit and also share the audit scope. It is the External Provider’s responsibility to ensure that all relevant documents and personnel are available at the time of audit.

Audits may include (but are not limited to) process reviews, QMS audits, and/ or External Provider capability assessments, etc.

Right of Entry

The External Provider shall reserve the right of entry for C-CAT, C-CAT customers and regulatory agency personnel, for access to any and all facilities where work is being performed or is scheduled to be performed, including those facilities of External Provider’s sub-tier External Provider, in order to perform inspections, inspection and access to applicable records, surveys or system surveillance as part of verification of conformance to the requirements.

External Provider’s denial of access may result in disqualification of future procurement with C-CAT. The External Provider shall include the provisions of these facility access requirements in its POs with sub-tier External Provider. This access shall provide, at no increase in price, cost or fee to C-CAT.

Special Processes

Special process requirements of the drawing are to be performed by approved sources and as specified in Purchase Order, contract, drawing, or specifications. Any process changes implemented by the supplier shall be approved through C-CAT Buyer before used on materials under this purchase order. Certification is required for all processing.

Customer Designated Sources

Supplier shall only use customer-designated or approved external providers, including process sources. (e.g., special processes)

Ensuring Persons Are Aware of:

SEP shall ensure that all persons associated to the purchase order requirements will be aware of their contribution to product or service conformity and product safety as well as the importance of ethical behavior.

Order Cancelation

Buyer reserves the right to cancel this order, or any portion of this order, without liability, if: (1) delivery is not made when and as specified; (2) Seller fails to meet commitments as to price, quality or delivery quantities; (3) requirement revisions outside of Buyers control; (4) if outside quoted lead time.

Defense Priorities and Allocation System (DPAS) Rating

Orders having a government priority rating shall be identified and scheduled in accordance with the Defense Priorities and Allocation System (DPAS).

CMM Inspection Reports

At buyer’s request, Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM) inspection reports shall be prepared in accordance with the PO and submitted with each part/tool as required.

External Provider Contacts

It is the SEP’s responsibility to ensure that C-CAT has the most current contacts for PO acceptance, Quality, and Delivery issues. If seller is unsure, please get with your buyer for clarification.