Aerospace and Defense Sourcing Glossary

Updated October 12, 2026

How to use this glossary

Look up the term, read the first sentence, and you have the working answer. Each definition below opens with what the term means in plain words, then adds the spec number, the clause, or the detail that changes what a buyer or supplier has to do. Where we have a deeper page on the subject, the term links to it.

The glossary covers the words that show up on aerospace and defense purchase orders, drawings and cert packages: quality system standards such as AS9100 and AS9102, counterfeit prevention standards, FAR and DFARS clauses that get flowed down, export control terms under the ITAR and EAR, the paperwork that travels with a part, special processes and NDT methods, GD&T and inspection terms, space hardware testing and cleanliness terms, and packaging rules for shipping.

Three cautions. First, standards are revised; the revision on your drawing or purchase order governs, not the newest one. Second, these definitions summarize public regulations and published standard scopes; they are not legal advice, and export classification questions belong with your empowered official or counsel. Third, a term on a PO is a requirement, so if you cannot meet one, say so before you quote. For how these requirements fit together on an order, see the RFQ checklist and our certs and traceability guide.

A

AMS 2750 pyrometry, TUS, SAT

AMS 2750 is the SAE specification for pyrometry: the sensors, instruments, calibration and furnace checks behind thermal processing. It sets System Accuracy Tests, which compare the whole measuring chain to a reference, and Temperature Uniformity Surveys, which prove the work zone stays within its tolerance. Heat treaters audited by Nadcap are assessed against it, and AMS heat treat specs invoke it. More

Anodize types MIL-PRF-8625, Type II anodize, hard anodize, Type III

Anodize is an electrolytic oxide coating on aluminum, called out under MIL-PRF-8625 by type and class. Type I is chromic acid and thin, Type II is sulfuric acid for general corrosion protection and paint base, and Type III is hard anodic coating for wear. Class 1 is undyed and Class 2 is dyed. Thickness changes part dimensions, so mask and allowance notes matter. More

Approved supplier list ASL, approved vendor list, AVL

An approved supplier list is a buyer's register of suppliers cleared to receive purchase orders, usually with the scope each is approved for, such as machining or a specific special process. AS9100 requires organizations to evaluate, select and monitor external providers, and the list is how that control shows up in practice. Primes often require customer approval of any sub-tier special process source. More

APQP advanced product quality planning, AS9145 APQP

APQP, advanced product quality planning, is a phased method for planning a new or changed product so production is capable before parts ship. In aerospace it is defined by AS9145, which runs from planning through design, process development and validation, then production. Typical outputs are a process flow, a PFMEA, a control plan and a measurement plan. PPAP is the evidence package at the end.

AS13100 AESQ, aero engine quality

AS13100 is the SAE standard from the Aero Engine Supplier Quality group setting quality requirements for aero engine design and production organizations. It supplements AS9100 and AS9145 and applies when an engine customer invokes it on a purchase order. It turns many recommendations in those standards into firm requirements, with reference manuals covering topics such as PFMEA, measurement systems and process control.

AS5553 counterfeit electronic parts standard

AS5553 is the SAE standard for avoiding, detecting, mitigating and disposing of counterfeit electrical, electronic and electromechanical parts. It applies to organizations that buy, integrate or repair EEE parts and assemblies, including MRO shops. It covers buying from reliable sources, verification of purchased parts, control and reporting of suspect parts, and risk-based testing scaled to how critical the application is. More

AS6081 distributor counterfeit standard

AS6081 is the SAE counterfeit electronic parts standard written for independent distributors and brokers. It requires lot traceability records, risk-based incoming inspection and testing, proper storage and handling, and quarantine and reporting of suspect parts. Buyers reach for it when a part must come from outside the authorized channel. Authorized distributors fall under a separate standard, AS6496. More

AS6171 counterfeit test methods, suspect counterfeit testing

AS6171 is the SAE family of test methods for detecting suspect counterfeit EEE parts. A master document sets general requirements and risk-based test selection, and slash sheets define individual methods such as X-ray fluorescence, delid and decapsulation, and acoustic microscopy. It is applied when parts have an unknown chain of custody or come from a broker or independent distributor. More

AS6174 counterfeit materiel, non-electronic counterfeit

AS6174 is the SAE standard for assuring authentic and conforming materiel other than electronic parts, such as fasteners, metals, bearings and fluids. It was built from a rewrite of AS5553 to cover all materiel. It asks for reliable sources, verification through certification, traceability, inspection and testing suited to the item, control of suspect items, and reporting. More

AS9100 AS9100D, aerospace QMS

AS9100 is the aviation, space and defense quality management system standard published by SAE and the IAQG. It contains all of ISO 9001 plus aerospace requirements such as configuration management, product safety, counterfeit parts prevention, first article inspection and control of special processes. Revision D is the edition most purchase orders cite. Certification is issued by accredited registrars and listed in the IAQG OASIS database. More

AS9102 FAI, first article inspection

AS9102 is the aerospace standard for first article inspection: a complete, documented verification that the first production part made by the planned process meets every drawing and specification requirement. Every characteristic is ballooned and measured, and materials, special processes and functional tests are recorded. A new FAI is required after changes to design, process, location, tooling or a lapse in production. More

AS9110 MRO quality standard, maintenance QMS

AS9110 is the IAQG quality management system standard for organizations that maintain aircraft or manage continuing airworthiness, including repair stations, MRO shops and OEMs with separate maintenance operations. Like AS9100 it builds on ISO 9001, with added requirements for maintenance records, human factors and airworthiness release. A repair source quoting overhaul work would normally hold it. More

AS9120 distributor QMS, stockist distributor standard

AS9120 is the quality management system standard for aviation, space and defense distributors that buy, store, split and resell parts and material without changing them. It adds traceability, record retention, split lot control and counterfeit prevention requirements to ISO 9001. It is not meant for organizations that manufacture or repair; those use AS9100 or AS9110. More

AS9145 APQP and PPAP standard

AS9145 is the IAQG standard that defines APQP and PPAP requirements for aviation, space and defense. It sets the phases of product and process development and lists the evidence a supplier must submit to show its production process can make conforming parts at rate. Customers invoke it by contract, and AS13100 adds engine-specific requirements on top.

ASME Y14.5 Y14.5-2018, dimensioning and tolerancing standard

ASME Y14.5 is the American standard that defines GD&T symbols, rules and interpretation for engineering drawings. The current edition is Y14.5-2018, though many legacy drawings cite 2009 or 1994, and the edition on the drawing governs how it is read. It sets datum rules, the default for form control, and the meaning of each tolerance symbol. More

ASTM E595 outgassing test, TML, CVCM

ASTM E595 is the vacuum outgassing screening test for spacecraft materials. A sample is held at 125 C under vacuum for 24 hours, and the lab reports total mass loss (TML) and collected volatile condensable materials (CVCM) on a 25 C collector. NASA's common screening limits are TML of 1.0 percent and CVCM of 0.10 percent maximum, published in its outgassing database. More

C

CAGE code Commercial and Government Entity code, NCAGE

A CAGE code is the five-character Commercial and Government Entity identifier assigned by the Defense Logistics Agency to companies and facilities. US businesses usually get one automatically during SAM.gov registration. It appears on contracts, drawings, part markings and cert packages to identify the source of a part, and foreign entities receive an NCAGE code instead. More

CAR corrective action request, SCAR, supplier corrective action

A CAR, or SCAR when sent to a supplier, is a formal request to find and fix the root cause of a nonconformance so it does not recur. The response normally covers containment, root cause analysis, corrective action, and verification that the fix worked. AS9100 requires corrective action for nonconformities, and repeated or late CARs feed supplier ratings.

CC1246 IEST-STD-CC1246, product cleanliness levels, particle level, NVR

IEST-STD-CC1246 defines product cleanliness levels for contamination-critical hardware. Particle cleanliness is given as a number tied to the largest particle in a defined size distribution per area, and nonvolatile residue (NVR) is given as a separate level by mass per area or volume. A callout combines both, so the drawing states particles and film. Revision E is current. More

CCL Commerce Control List

The Commerce Control List is the list of dual-use and less sensitive military items controlled under the EAR, found in Supplement No. 1 to 15 CFR Part 774. It is organized into ten categories and five product groups, and each entry carries an ECCN with its reasons for control. Items subject to the EAR but not on the list are EAR99. More

CDRL Contract Data Requirements List, DD Form 1423

A CDRL is the Contract Data Requirements List on a DoD contract: each data deliverable, such as test reports, FAI reports, drawings or certifications, is listed on a DD Form 1423 with its format and due date. DFARS requires a CDRL in solicitations when data delivery is required. Subcontracts often flow specific CDRL items down to the supplier who generates that data.

Certificate of Conformance CoC, C of C, cert of compliance

A Certificate of Conformance is a signed statement from the supplier that the shipped items meet the purchase order, drawing and specification requirements. A useful CoC names the part number and revision, quantity, PO, lot or serial numbers, material and process certs it relies on, and any approved deviations. It supports, but does not replace, the underlying material and process certificates. More

Chem film MIL-DTL-5541, chromate conversion coating, conversion coating

Chem film is a thin chemical conversion coating on aluminum, called out under MIL-DTL-5541. Type I uses hexavalent chromium and Type II uses none. Class 1A gives maximum corrosion protection and is used alone or under paint, while Class 3 is chosen where low electrical resistance matters, such as grounding and bonding surfaces. It adds negligible thickness, unlike anodize. More

CMM coordinate measuring machine

A CMM, or coordinate measuring machine, measures points on a part with a touch or optical probe and evaluates them against the CAD model or drawing tolerances. It is the standard tool for GD&T callouts such as position, profile and flatness, and for FAI on complex parts. Results depend on fixturing, datum setup, probing strategy and the machine's stated uncertainty. More

CMMC Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification

CMMC is the DoD program, codified at 32 CFR Part 170, that verifies contractors protect Federal Contract Information and CUI. Level 1 covers FCI with annual self-assessment, Level 2 covers CUI against the 110 requirements of NIST SP 800-171, and Level 3 adds selected NIST SP 800-172 requirements assessed by DCMA. The DFARS contract clause took effect November 10, 2025, with phased rollout. More

Counterfeit electronic part suspect counterfeit, counterfeit part

Under DFARS 252.246-7007, a counterfeit electronic part is an unlawful or unauthorized reproduction, substitution or alteration knowingly mismarked, misidentified or otherwise misrepresented as an authentic, unmodified part from the original manufacturer or an authorized source. Used parts represented as new also count. A suspect counterfeit is a part with credible evidence of this that has not yet been confirmed. More

Cpk process capability index, Ppk

Cpk is a process capability index that compares process spread and centering to the tolerance. It is the smaller of the upper limit minus the mean, or the mean minus the lower limit, divided by three standard deviations. A Cpk of 1.33 means the nearest limit sits four standard deviations from the mean. Customers set the minimum, often for key characteristics.

CUI Controlled Unclassified Information, CDI, covered defense information

CUI is Controlled Unclassified Information: government-created or government-owned information that law, regulation or policy requires to be safeguarded, but that is not classified. The program is governed by 32 CFR Part 2002. On defense contracts, controlled technical data such as drawings often carries CUI markings, which triggers DFARS 252.204-7012 and NIST SP 800-171 handling. More

D

Datum datum feature, datum reference frame

A datum is a theoretically exact point, axis or plane derived from a real feature on the part, called the datum feature, and used as the origin for measuring other features. Under ASME Y14.5, datums are referenced in order in each feature control frame to build a datum reference frame that locks the part's degrees of freedom. Inspection fixturing should simulate them. More

DDTC Directorate of Defense Trade Controls

DDTC is the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls in the US Department of State, the office that administers the ITAR. It registers manufacturers, exporters and brokers of defense articles under 22 CFR Part 122, issues export licenses, approves agreements such as TAAs, rules on commodity jurisdiction, and handles voluntary disclosures. Manufacturers of USML items generally must register even if they do not export. More

Deemed export release of technology, foreign person release

A deemed export is a release of controlled technology or source code to a foreign person inside the United States. Under 15 CFR 734.13(b), it is treated as an export to that person's most recent country of citizenship or permanent residency. Showing a controlled drawing to a foreign national employee can therefore require a license. The ITAR treats releases of technical data similarly. More

DFARS Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement

DFARS is the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement, the DoD rules that add to the FAR, found in 48 CFR Chapter 2. Its clauses, numbered 252.xxx, cover specialty metals, counterfeit electronic parts, cybersecurity and many other topics. Clauses in a prime contract often must be flowed down to subcontractors, sometimes only when specific conditions or dollar thresholds apply. More

DFARS 252.204-7012 safeguarding covered defense information, 7012

DFARS 252.204-7012 requires contractors to protect covered defense information on their systems using NIST SP 800-171, and to rapidly report cyber incidents, defined as within 72 hours of discovery, to DoD through the DIBNet portal. Cloud services holding the data must meet FedRAMP Moderate equivalent. The clause flows to subcontracts involving covered defense information or operationally critical support. More

DFARS 252.225-7009 specialty metals clause, domestic specialty metals

DFARS 252.225-7009 restricts DoD purchases of items containing specialty metals unless the metal was melted or produced in the United States or a qualifying country. Specialty metals include certain steels, nickel and iron-nickel alloys, cobalt alloys, titanium and zirconium. Exceptions exist, but buyers usually want mill certs showing the melt country before material is cut. More

DFARS 252.246-7007 counterfeit detection system clause

DFARS 252.246-7007 requires covered contractors to maintain a counterfeit electronic part detection and avoidance system with risk-based policies in 12 areas, including training, inspection and testing, traceability, supplier selection, reporting, and flow-down to subcontractors. Suspect and confirmed counterfeits must be reported to the contracting officer and to GIDEP, and kept out of the supply chain. More

DFARS 252.246-7008 sources of electronic parts

DFARS 252.246-7008 sets the order for sourcing electronic parts: first the original manufacturer, authorized aftermarket manufacturer or their authorized suppliers; next contractor-approved suppliers, for whom the contractor takes responsibility for authenticity; and only then other sources. Buying from other sources requires prompt written notice to the contracting officer plus inspection, testing and authentication to industry standards. More

DMSMS diminishing manufacturing sources, obsolescence

DMSMS stands for Diminishing Manufacturing Sources and Material Shortages: the loss, or pending loss, of manufacturers or suppliers of parts and materials needed to build or sustain a system. Typical triggers are discontinuance notices, plant closures and material changes. Programs respond with lifetime buys, alternate parts, redesign or reverse engineering, and GIDEP circulates discontinuance notices. More

DPAS DO rating, DX rating, rated order

DPAS, the Defense Priorities and Allocations System at 15 CFR Part 700, lets DoD and other agencies place rated orders that take priority over unrated work. DX ratings outrank DO ratings, and both outrank unrated orders. Suppliers must generally accept rated orders, answering within 15 working days for DO and 10 for DX, and must flow the rating to their own suppliers. More

E

EAR Export Administration Regulations

The EAR, the Export Administration Regulations at 15 CFR Parts 730 to 774, control exports of commercial, dual-use and less sensitive military items, software and technology. They are administered by the Commerce Department's Bureau of Industry and Security. Whether a license is needed depends on the item's classification, destination, end user and end use. Many satellite and aircraft parts fall here. More

EAR99

EAR99 is the designation for items subject to the EAR that are not listed under any ECCN on the Commerce Control List. Most commercial items are EAR99 and ship to most destinations without a license. A license can still be required for embargoed countries, prohibited end users or end uses, so EAR99 does not mean uncontrolled. More

ECCN Export Control Classification Number

An ECCN is the five-character Export Control Classification Number that identifies an item on the Commerce Control List, for example 9A610 or 3A001. The first digit is the category, the letter is the product group, and the remaining digits set the entry and its reasons for control. The ECCN plus the destination tells you whether an export license is needed. More

Eddy current testing ET, eddy current inspection

Eddy current testing is an electromagnetic NDT method that induces currents in a conductive part with a probe coil and reads changes caused by cracks, conductivity or coating thickness. It finds surface and near-surface cracks around holes and fasteners quickly, sorts alloys and tempers by conductivity, and needs little surface prep. It only works on conductive materials. More

EN 10204 3.1 3.1 certificate, inspection certificate 3.1, type 3.1 cert

EN 10204 defines types of metal inspection documents. A 3.1 inspection certificate reports actual test results from the specific heat or lot delivered, and is validated by an inspection representative independent of manufacturing. A 2.2 test report gives non-specific results, and 3.2 adds a purchaser's or third-party inspector. Aerospace buyers usually ask for 3.1 or equivalent. More

ESD control ANSI/ESD S20.20, electrostatic discharge

ESD control is the set of practices that protect static-sensitive electronics from electrostatic discharge damage during handling, assembly and shipping. ANSI/ESD S20.20 is the common program standard, covering grounding, protected areas, packaging, training and compliance checks. On purchase orders it shows up as required shielding bags, labels and handling for boards, harnesses with electronics, and loose components. More

F

FAA Form 8130-3 8130-3, authorized release certificate, airworthiness approval tag

FAA Form 8130-3 is the Authorized Release Certificate, also called the airworthiness approval tag. It documents that a new or maintained aircraft part or article conforms to approved data and is in a condition for safe operation. FAA Order 8130.21 governs how it is completed. Parts without proper release documentation are a classic counterfeit and unapproved parts risk. More

FAI forms AS9102 Form 1, Form 2, Form 3, FAIR

The AS9102 first article inspection report uses three forms. Form 1, part number accountability, identifies the part, revision and any sub-assemblies. Form 2, product accountability, lists raw materials, special processes and functional tests with their sources and certs. Form 3, characteristic accountability, records the measured result for every ballooned drawing characteristic and any nonconformances. More

FAR Federal Acquisition Regulation

The FAR is the Federal Acquisition Regulation at 48 CFR Chapter 1, the primary rule set for how federal agencies buy goods and services. It defines contract types, competition rules, quality and inspection clauses in Part 46, and standard clauses in Part 52. Agencies add supplements such as DFARS for DoD and NFS for NASA. More

Flow-down flowdown, flow down clauses

A flow-down is a requirement passed from a prime contract or purchase order to lower-tier suppliers. It can be a FAR or DFARS clause, a quality requirement such as FAI or source inspection, a specification, an export control marking or a cybersecurity obligation. Missing flow-downs are a frequent audit finding, because the buyer stays responsible for sub-tier compliance. More

FOD foreign object debris, foreign object damage, AS9146

FOD is foreign object debris, any material that does not belong in a product, and the damage it causes. Aerospace FOD prevention programs control tools, hardware, chips, consumables and personal items at the work area, and inspect closed cavities before close-out. AS9146 sets FOD prevention program requirements, and customers flow it down by contract.

G

GD&T geometric dimensioning and tolerancing

GD&T, geometric dimensioning and tolerancing, is the symbolic language on drawings that controls the form, orientation, location, profile and runout of features relative to datums. It states function more precisely than plus or minus coordinate tolerances and often allows more usable tolerance. In the US it is defined by ASME Y14.5; elsewhere ISO GPS standards apply. More

GEVS GSFC-STD-7000, General Environmental Verification Standard

GEVS is NASA Goddard's General Environmental Verification Standard, GSFC-STD-7000. It sets the test program for flight hardware at the payload, subsystem and component level, including structural loads, random vibration, acoustics, shock, EMC and thermal vacuum, with qualification and acceptance levels and durations. Many spacecraft programs invoke it directly or tailor their test plans from it. More

GIDEP Government-Industry Data Exchange Program

GIDEP, the Government-Industry Data Exchange Program, is a government and industry network for sharing alerts on nonconforming and suspect counterfeit parts, safety issues, product change and discontinuance notices, and engineering data. Participants include DoD, NASA and contractors. DFARS 252.246-7007 requires reporting suspect and confirmed counterfeit electronic parts to it, and DoD uses it for discontinuance notices. More

GSE ground support equipment

GSE, ground support equipment, is the non-flight hardware used to handle, transport, test, service and launch flight hardware: lifting fixtures, transport dollies, work stands, fluid and gas service carts, and test equipment. NASA-STD-5005 covers GSE design and fabrication for NASA programs, and lifting devices carry proof load and inspection requirements of their own. More

GSI government source inspection, source inspection by government

Government source inspection is inspection of product at the supplier's facility by a government quality assurance representative, usually DCMA for DoD contracts, before the items ship. When the PO says GSI is required, the supplier must notify the representative in time and may not ship until the inspection is performed or waived. FAR Part 46 covers contract quality assurance at source. More

H

HIP hot isostatic pressing

HIP, hot isostatic pressing, holds parts at high temperature under high-pressure inert gas, usually argon, so internal pores and voids collapse and bond. It is used on castings and on metal additive parts to raise density and fatigue performance. HIP does not close pores connected to the surface, and it acts as a thermal cycle that must fit the heat treat plan. More

I

ISO 14644-1 cleanroom class, ISO class 7, ISO class 8

ISO 14644-1 classifies cleanroom air by airborne particle concentration, from ISO Class 1 to Class 9. At 0.5 micrometer and larger, the limits are 3,520 particles per cubic meter for ISO 5, 352,000 for ISO 7 and 3,520,000 for ISO 8. Spacecraft integration often happens at ISO 7 or 8. Air class does not define part surface cleanliness. More

ISO 9001

ISO 9001 is the international quality management system standard for any industry, covering context, leadership, planning, support, operation, performance evaluation and improvement. The current edition is ISO 9001:2015. It is the base of AS9100, AS9110 and AS9120, but on its own it lacks aerospace controls such as FAI, key characteristics, configuration management and counterfeit parts prevention. More

ISPM 15 wood packaging heat treatment, HT stamp, IPPC mark

ISPM 15 is the international phytosanitary standard for wood packaging used in trade, such as crates, pallets and dunnage. Heat treated wood must reach at least 56 C for 30 continuous minutes through the core, and treated wood carries the IPPC mark with country code, producer number and treatment code such as HT. Crates for export shipments need it. More

ITAR International Traffic in Arms Regulations

The ITAR, the International Traffic in Arms Regulations at 22 CFR Parts 120 to 130, control the export and temporary import of defense articles and defense services on the USML, including related technical data. DDTC administers them. ITAR drawings may only go to US persons or authorized foreign persons, and exporting without authorization carries civil and criminal penalties. More

K

Key characteristic KC, critical characteristic

A key characteristic is a feature of a material or part whose variation significantly affects fit, performance, service life or manufacturability. KCs are flagged on the drawing or specification by the design authority, or identified by the producer, and AS9103 sets how their variation is managed, typically with SPC and capability targets. They also appear in FAI and control plans.

M

Magnetic particle testing MT, mag particle, MPI

Magnetic particle testing is an NDT method for ferromagnetic materials. The part is magnetized and coated with fine iron particles, often fluorescent, which gather at leakage fields caused by surface and near-surface cracks. ASTM E1444 is a common governing practice. It suits steels such as 4340 and 17-4PH but cannot be used on aluminum, titanium or austenitic stainless. More

MIL-STD-2073-1 military packaging, method of preservation

MIL-STD-2073-1 is the DoD standard practice for military packaging. It defines preservation methods, cushioning, unit and intermediate containers, and packing levels, using codes that a contract or packaging data sheet calls out for each item. Suppliers must match the specified method and marking, which often differs from good commercial packaging. More

Mill test report MTR, mill cert, material cert

A mill test report is the certificate a metal producer issues for a heat or lot, listing chemistry, mechanical test results, heat treat condition and the specifications the material meets, and often the melt country. Traceability from the MTR heat number to the finished part is the core of material certification, and the MTR should match the drawing's material callout exactly. More

MMPDS Metallic Materials Properties Development and Standardization, MIL-HDBK-5 successor

MMPDS is the Metallic Materials Properties Development and Standardization handbook, the successor to MIL-HDBK-5. It publishes statistically based design allowables for aerospace metals by alloy, temper, product form and thickness, which certification authorities recognize for structural analysis. Stress engineers use MMPDS values, not typical datasheet values, to size flight structure. More

MRB material review board, disposition

An MRB, or material review board, is the authorized group that decides what happens to nonconforming product. Common dispositions are rework to drawing, repair, use as is, scrap and return to supplier. Use as is and repair change the accepted product, so contracts usually require design authority or customer approval for them. MRB authority is often withheld from suppliers. More

MSFC-STD-3029 stress corrosion cracking ratings, SCC table

MSFC-STD-3029 is the NASA Marshall standard for selecting metals with resistance to stress corrosion cracking in sodium chloride environments. It rates alloys and tempers in Table I for high resistance, Table II for moderate and Table III for low. Table II and III materials on NASA hardware need justification and approval, often through a materials usage agreement. More

N

Nadcap National Aerospace and Defense Contractors Accreditation Program

Nadcap is the industry-managed accreditation program for special processes and products such as heat treating, chemical processing, NDT, welding and coatings, administered by the Performance Review Institute. Task groups of primes, suppliers and government set the audit checklists, and accreditation is granted after all findings close. Many primes require it for any sub-tier special process. More

NCR nonconformance report, nonconforming material report

An NCR, or nonconformance report, documents product that does not meet a requirement: which part and lot, the requirement, what was found, and the containment taken. It routes the item to disposition, often through an MRB, and can trigger a corrective action request. Suppliers usually must notify the customer of nonconforming product that may already have shipped. More

NDT nondestructive testing, NDI, NDE

NDT, nondestructive testing, finds flaws without damaging the part. The main methods are penetrant, magnetic particle, ultrasonic, radiographic and eddy current testing, with computed tomography growing for additive parts. Each method has a governing practice and acceptance criteria from the drawing or spec. In aerospace, inspectors are typically qualified to NAS 410, and NDT is a Nadcap special process. More

NIST SP 800-171 800-171, Rev 2, Rev 3

NIST SP 800-171 is the NIST publication setting security requirements for protecting CUI in nonfederal systems. Revision 2 has 110 requirements in 14 families, and Revision 3, published in 2024, has 97 in 17 families. DoD still assesses contractors against Revision 2 under a class deviation to DFARS 252.204-7012 and CMMC Level 2. More

O

Oxygen cleaning LOX cleaning, oxygen service cleaning, ASTM G93

Oxygen cleaning removes hydrocarbons, particles and other contaminants from components that will see oxygen, because contamination can ignite under pressure and flow. ASTM G93 is a common practice for cleaning methods and cleanliness levels, with NASA and program specs adding limits. Parts are verified, then bagged and sealed in clean packaging that keeps them certified until installation. More

P

Passivation AMS 2700, ASTM A967, citric passivation

Passivation is a chemical treatment, using nitric or citric acid, that removes free iron and other surface contamination from stainless steel and promotes its protective chromium oxide film. AMS 2700 and ASTM A967 are the common callouts, and AMS 2700 replaced the cancelled QQ-P-35. The spec defines the method, the alloy group and the verification tests required. More

Penetrant testing PT, FPI, dye penetrant, LPI

Penetrant testing finds surface-breaking flaws by drawing a liquid penetrant, usually fluorescent, into cracks or porosity and bringing it back out with a developer under UV light. It works on nonporous metals, including aluminum and titanium, and ASTM E1417 is a common governing practice. Machining can smear metal over cracks, so etching before penetrant is often required. More

PMI positive material identification, XRF, OES

PMI, positive material identification, verifies an alloy's chemistry on the actual part or bar, typically with handheld X-ray fluorescence or optical emission spectroscopy. It confirms that material matches its cert and catches mix-ups between similar-looking alloys. Handheld XRF cannot measure light elements such as carbon, so it cannot separate every grade. More

PPAP production part approval process, AS9145 PPAP

PPAP, production part approval process, is the evidence package proving a supplier's production process makes conforming parts at the quoted rate. In aerospace AS9145 defines it, and it typically includes design and process records, PFMEA, control plan, measurement system analysis, capability studies and the FAI report. APQP is the planning that produces it; PPAP is the proof.

Q

QPL qualified products list, QPD

A QPL, qualified products list, names products that have passed qualification testing against a military specification, along with their approved manufacturers. DLA maintains QPLs in the Qualified Products Database. When a spec requires QPL products, as with many coatings, sealants, connectors and fasteners, only listed sources and products may be used, regardless of price or availability. More

R

Radiographic testing RT, X-ray inspection, radiography

Radiographic testing passes X-rays or gamma rays through a part and records the image on film or a digital detector, showing internal voids, porosity, inclusions and lack of fusion. It is standard for castings and welds, and ASTM E1742 is a common governing practice for aerospace radiography. It detects volumetric flaws well but can miss tight cracks perpendicular to the beam. More

S

Source inspection customer source inspection, SI

Source inspection is inspection of product, records or a process by the customer, or its delegate, at the supplier's facility before shipment. It is invoked on the PO and may be performed by the buyer's quality staff, a delegated supplier representative, or the government. Plan for notice lead time, because parts cannot ship until it is performed or waived. More

Special process special processes, validated process

A special process is one whose result cannot be fully verified by later inspection, so the process itself must be qualified and controlled. Common examples are heat treating, welding and brazing, plating, anodizing and other chemical processing, shot peening, and NDT. Aerospace customers require approved sources and certs for each, and many require Nadcap accreditation for them. More

SPRS Supplier Performance Risk System, SPRS score

SPRS, the Supplier Performance Risk System, is the DoD application where contractors post their NIST SP 800-171 assessment scores under DFARS 252.204-7019. The DoD scoring method starts at 110 and subtracts 1, 3 or 5 points for each unmet requirement. A Basic Assessment is a self-assessment and must be no more than three years old for award. More

T

TAA Technical Assistance Agreement

A TAA, Technical Assistance Agreement, is a DDTC-approved agreement under 22 CFR Part 124 for furnishing defense services, and usually related technical data, to foreign persons. It is needed when US companies help a foreign partner design, build, test or integrate defense articles. The TAA limits scope, parties and duration, and any work outside it needs an amendment. More

TDP technical data package, MIL-STD-31000

A TDP, technical data package, is the full set of technical information needed to build and accept an item: drawings or models, specifications, parts lists, process and inspection requirements, and packaging data. MIL-STD-31000 sets DoD TDP requirements. A complete TDP lets a new supplier quote and build to print, and missing pieces are the usual cause of RFQ questions. More

Traveler router, shop traveler, job traveler

A traveler, or router, is the controlled document that accompanies a job through the shop, listing each operation in sequence with stamp or sign-off, quantities, inspection points and outside processing. It is the backbone of build records: it ties the part to its material heat, operators, inspection results and process certs. Customers often require a copy in the data package.

TVAC thermal vacuum, thermal vacuum testing

TVAC, thermal vacuum testing, cycles flight hardware between hot and cold limits inside a vacuum chamber to verify operation and workmanship in space-like conditions. It is a core environmental test in standards such as GEVS, with dwells at each extreme and functional checks. Bakeouts in the same chamber reduce outgassing before integration with sensitive optics or instruments. More

U

Ultrasonic testing UT, ultrasonic inspection, phased array

Ultrasonic testing sends high-frequency sound into a part and reads reflections from internal flaws or the back wall. It finds subsurface defects in plate, forgings, bar and composites, and also measures thickness. Phased array probes steer the beam electronically and build images. Results depend on calibration standards, coupling and inspector qualification, and acceptance classes come from the spec. More

US person U.S. person, ITAR US person

Under the ITAR, 22 CFR 120.62, a US person is a US citizen, a lawful permanent resident, a protected individual under 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), a business or other entity incorporated to do business in the United States, or a US government entity. Foreign persons need authorization before receiving ITAR technical data, even inside a US company. More

USML United States Munitions List, USML category

The USML, the United States Munitions List at 22 CFR 121.1, defines the defense articles, technical data and defense services controlled under the ITAR. It has 21 categories, including Category IV for launch vehicles and missiles, VIII for aircraft and XV for spacecraft. Items specially designed for listed articles can also be controlled, so classification needs care. More

Questions

Related

• Material Certs, Specialty Metals and Lot Traceability
• Inspection and Metrology for Aerospace Parts
• Sourcing Parts by Industry: Launch, Space, Defense, Aviation, UAS and Research
• Sourcing Parts for Defense Programs: The Clauses and Standards That Matter

Sources

• 22 CFR 120.62, U.S. person (Cornell LII)
• 22 CFR 121.1, The United States Munitions List (Cornell LII)
• 15 CFR 734.13, Export (deemed export at paragraph (b)) (Cornell LII)
• 15 CFR 700.11 and 700.13, DPAS priority ratings and acceptance of rated orders (Cornell LII)
• DFARS 252.204-7012, Safeguarding Covered Defense Information and Cyber Incident Reporting
• DFARS 252.204-7019, Notice of NIST SP 800-171 DoD Assessment Requirements
• DFARS 252.225-7009, Restriction on Acquisition of Certain Articles Containing Specialty Metals
• DFARS 252.246-7007, Contractor Counterfeit Electronic Part Detection and Avoidance System
• DFARS 252.246-7008, Sources of Electronic Parts
• DoD CIO, About CMMC
• NIST SP 800-171 Rev. 3 (NIST CSRC)
• NASA Outgassing Data for Selecting Spacecraft Materials
• ISO 14644-1:2015, Classification of air cleanliness by particle concentration
• IPPC, ISPM 15 Regulation of wood packaging material in international trade
• SAE AS5553, Counterfeit Electronic Parts; Avoidance, Detection, Mitigation, and Disposition
• SAE AS6174, Counterfeit Materiel; Assuring Acquisition of Authentic and Conforming Materiel
• SAE AS13100, AESQ Quality Management System Requirements for Aero Engine Design and Production Organizations
• IAQG, AS9103 Variation Management of Key Characteristics overview
• Lockheed Martin RMS, First Article Inspection supplier guidance (AS9102 forms)
• NASA Safety and Mission Assurance, GIDEP overview