A first piece inspection (FPI) is required as part of this purchase order. It is the supplier's responsibility to conduct a FPI on one of the first five pieces delivered under this order to verify conformance of all physical, chemical, and test requirements specified as part of this order. Upon completion of the inspection, the supplier shall notify the buyer and/or cognizant GD SQA representative. Objective evidence of this requirement shall be available and verified by GD prior to commencing shipments on this order. A five (5) day notice shall be required for scheduling verification.

If supplier-developed test software is used as a means of functional product acceptance, the test software must be approved by GDLS Quality Engrg & Test. The test software shall be submitted to GDLS Quality Engrg & Test for review to facilitate software approval prior to the scheduled FPI.

In the case of distributors, the requirement can be considered satisfied by presenting the GA SQA representative with a certificate of conformation from the manufacturer as long as it states objective evidence is on file and available. Manufacturers of QPL parts are only required to produce evidence of current qualifications for QPL parts.

First piece inspection (FPI) is considered satisfied if the purchase order has an active line item for a first article inspection or it has been completed as part of the first article test requirements.

First piece inspection approval is considered extended by GD from one purchase order to the next provided that:

1. No configuration changes have occurred.

2. The part is manufactured at the same facility.

3. The manufacturing process has remained the same.

4. There has been no more than a one (1) year break in production.

5. No formal corrective action has been required.

6. The sub-tier suppliers and special processors have not changed.

SQA must be notified if any of the above conditions cannot be met. Objective evidence must be maintained demonstrating the above.