Supplier Quality Clause & Flowdown

Section 1 – QMS (Quality Management System):

Suppliers to Valpaks Engineering (VPE) must maintain a QMS (ISO-9001, AS9100 or equivalent) that ensures products sold to VPE are in accordance with the approved design, drawing(s) and technical data provided to them via the VPE purchase order. This same expectation is required if the supplier uses other sources to assist in the creation of VPE’s products such as “Special Processing”.


Section 2 – C of C (Certificate of Conformance):

Suppliers are required to submit Certificate of Conformance on all shipments of products to VPE that proves conformance to applicable drawing and technical requirements including but not limited to:


  • Unique Identifier / Number for traceability
  • Lot traceability on raw materials, special processing and final product releases
  • The Valpaks Engineering Purchase Order reference
  • Drawing and / or Part Number reference
  • Shelf-Life dates / data (if applicable)
  • Quantity of parts


Section 3 - FAI (First Article Inspection):

When specified on our PO, the Supplier must provide an FAI report along with the actual part used for inspection. If product is an assembly, FAI’s may be required of each individual piece (again if specified). The reports shall follow the basic format used in AS9102. 


Section 4 - Final Inspection Data:

The Supplier shall provide an inspection report of all stated Critical, Major and Minor characteristics listed on the VPE Control Plan and/or drawing. The report shall follow the basic format used in AS9102. 


Section 5 - Test Samples:

When specified on the PO, the Supplier shall provide the required number of test samples / pieces clearly identified as such including related traceability data. 


Section 6 - Quality Records:

The Supplier must retain any records related to product quality supplied to VPE for a minimum of 5 years (7 years for distribution and 10 years for Critical Parts). 


Section 7 - Surveillance Requirements:

The supplier’s QMS, Manufacturing area and records are subject to review by VPE, VPE’s Customer, the FAA and/or any regulatory agency. Right of access is required with proper


notification. If Source Inspection is stated on the VPE PO, the supplier must make availability for the inspection to take place in a timely manner upon completion of the order.


Section 8 - Non-Conformance:

Any non-conformance shall be submitted to VPE’s Quality Department prior to release of the balance of the order unless otherwise arranged. The non-conforming areas shall be documented on the FAI or Inspection Report highlighting the area(s) in question. There shall also be a Corrective / Preventive Action report indicating the cause(s) / condition(s) related to the non-conformance and actions taken to prevent it in the future. If the potential for previous shipment to contain the same issue, immediate notification to the VPE’s Quality Department is required. This product / package must be clearly identified as non-conforming work so it will not be confused to acceptable product when received. VPE will have its MRB team review the non-conformance and give the supplier written instructions on how to proceed with the order. 


Section 9 - Packaging:

Product must always be packaged to prevent damage and be clearly identified with Part Number, Lot / Batch / SN Traceability, Purchase Order number and Company Name as a minimum. 


Section 10 - Part Marking:

Part Marking must match the drawing requirements in terms of location, font, size and type (ink, laser, tag, etc.).

 

Section 11 - F.O.D. Prevention:

All efforts and training must be made to prevent any unwanted or unexpected foreign debris that can become hidden in parts or assemblies and can have negative effects on the fit, form or function of the product. 


Section 12 - Counterfeit / Suspect Parts:

All efforts and training must be made to educate employees of the dangers of counterfeit or suspect parts and ways in which early detection can be made. Counterfeit materials must be reported to the appropriate authorities if found immediately. 


Section 13 – Frozen Process:

Special requirements (such as plating, heat treatment, NDT, etc.) must not be changed once the purchase order is accepted without permission from VPE. This includes changes to the location where the original special requirement was being performed.