S
ince 1996, DoD has used the methodology prescribed in MIL-STD-1916, DoD Preferred Methods for Acceptance of Prod-
uct (online at http://guidebook.dcma. mil/34/milstd1916(15).pdf),
instead
of the traditional sampling plans noted in MIL-STD-105 (attributes sam- pling plans), MIL-STD-414 (variables sampling plans), and MIL-STD-1235 (continuous sampling plans) to accept product. MIL-STD-1916 is considered to be the foundation of the four pillars of supplier quality necessary for manu- facturing good product. The four pillars consist of a robust:
1. Prevention System (Process Capability, Control, and Improvement (PCCI)).
2. Critical Characteristic Control System. 3. Quality Management System (QMS). 4. Detection System (Measurement Sys- tem Evaluation (MSE)).
MIL-STD-1916 acceptance is based upon process control or, alternatively, “0-1” plans (zero accept-one reject). Accept on Zero (AOZ) replaces Acceptable Quality Levels (AQL). The tables listed in MIL- STD-1916 are less numerous than those of the other standards, which makes the sampling plans simpler and more user-friendly.
The purpose of this article is to dispel common misconceptions
about MIL-
STD-1916 and to remind the acquisition community of its usefulness and efficacy when applied correctly to reduce defects and waste and to improve efficiencies for both the government and the contrac- tor. The U.S. Army Armament Research, Development, and Engineering Center (ARDEC) has taken the lead in deliver- ing training sessions to government and contractor personnel ness, competent use,
to improve aware- and consistent
application of MIL-STD-1916.
KEYSTONE OF QUALITY MIL-STD-1916 supports Army Regu- lation 702-11, Army Quality
Program
(
http://www.apd.army.mil/pdffiles/ r702_11.pdf),
for the four pillars of
ity, which support contractual quality assurance requirements.
In fact, complementing and improving cohesion with MIL-STD-1916 has been the foundation for the PCCI Clause
and is a keystone supplier qual-
PURPOSE OF MIL-STD-1916 A primary purpose of MIL-STD-1916, which went into effect in April 1996, is to encourage defense contractors, along with
other commercial supplying goods and services
organizations to the
government, to leverage efficient and effective acceptance
techniques total conformance based
on process control (prevention), instead of prescribed sampling requirements, to ensure
requirements. MIL-STD-1916
to contract fosters
cooperative relationships between sup- plier and customer.
The goal is to support the movement away from an AQL-based inspection (detection) strategy to implementation of an effective prevention-based strategy including a comprehensive QMS, con- tinuous improvement, and collaboration between the government and suppliers.
The objective is to create an atmosphere in which every noncompliance is recognized as a process variance and an opportunity for improvement, rather than an atmo- sphere in which acceptable quality levels are contractually sufficient.
This article does not, however, supple- ment or supersede any requirement stated within MIL-STD-1916 or any contract, nor individual guidance from any pro- curing officer for a specific contract.
to prevent defects. The PCCI Clause was recently approved for use on Single Manager for Conventional Ammunition procurements
(see
“Process Capabil-
ity, Control, and Improvement Clause Allows Enhanced Process Monitoring and Control,” Army AL&T Magazine, January-March 2011;
http://asc.army. mil/docs/pubs/alt/archives/2011/Jan- Mar_2011.pdf), and for the new effort to establish a more robust Measurement System Evaluation Clause to replace the current Acceptance
Inspection Equip-
ment Clause. PCCI and MSE encourage process control and effective prevention- based strategies.
The basis for PCCI requirements, as stated in MIL-STD-1916,
is that sampling
inspection is inefficient and by itself does not control or improve quality. Product quality comes from robust product and process design, and from process control activities. PCCI requires contractors to develop controls to manage identified processes affecting key characteristics, and encourages continuous improvement in line with ISO 9001 of
tional Organization for Standardization. The intended result is reduced inspection, in accordance with the options provided within MIL-STD-1916.
MISCONCEPTIONS MIL-STD-1916 has often been misun- derstood, resulting in misapplication of requirements and preventing the govern- ment and/or contractor from reaping its full benefits. Common misconceptions include the following:
1. The preferred method of acceptance is by attribute sampling.
MIL-STD-1916 prefers acceptance using contractor-proposed and process-focused provisions to ensure delivery of conforming product.
ASC.ARMY.MIL 89
the Interna-
CONTRACTING
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