DFARS Part 246: Quality Assurance

In plain English

DFARS Part 246 implements quality assurance requirements for DoD contracts, covering inspection, acceptance, warranties, and counterfeit part prevention. It matters because contractors must meet these requirements to ensure their products and services conform to contract specifications and avoid nonconformance issues.

Key rules

• Government contract quality assurance at source is not required for contracts or delivery orders valued below $400,000 unless specific conditions apply. (246.402)
• For contracts at or below the simplified acquisition threshold, do not require Government contract quality assurance at source unless the criteria at 246.402 are met. (246.404)
• Contracts for construction, installation, repair, maintenance, or operation of facilities, infrastructure, and equipment for military operations must require a pre-occupancy safety and habitability inspection. (246.270-2)
• Use the clause at 252.246-7004, Safety of Facilities, Infrastructure, and Equipment for Military Operations, in solicitations and contracts for such work. (246.270-4)
• Use the clause at 252.246-7003, Notification of Potential Safety Issues, for acquisitions of critical safety items, systems and subsystems, or related services. (246.370)
• The chief of the contracting office must approve the use of a warranty, except for certain acquisitions like commercial products or services. (246.704)
• Contractors and subcontractors must obtain electronic parts from the original manufacturer, authorized suppliers, or suppliers that obtain parts exclusively from these sources. (246.870-2)
• Use the clause at 252.246-7007, Contractor Counterfeit Electronic Part Detection and Avoidance System, when procuring electronic parts or items containing them. (246.870-3)

Who does what

In practice

• When bidding, check if the contract includes quality assurance requirements at source, which may require Government inspection at your facility.
• For contracts involving facilities for military operations, ensure you can meet pre-occupancy safety and habitability inspection requirements.
• If supplying electronic parts, verify your sources are authorized to avoid counterfeit parts and comply with 246.870-2.
• Be aware that warranties may be required and their use must be approved by the contracting office.

Common pitfalls

• Assuming Government quality assurance at source is always required; it is not for contracts below $400,000 unless specific conditions apply.
• Overlooking the need for a pre-occupancy safety and habitability inspection for military facilities contracts.
• Failing to obtain electronic parts from authorized sources, which can lead to counterfeit parts and contract noncompliance.
• Using a warranty without required approval from the chief of the contracting office.

Written by AI from this part's codified text (2026-10-04); cited sections are checked against the part. A guide, not legal advice: the regulation text, the solicitation and your contract rule.