The Strategic Use of First Article Testing (FAT) in DLA Contracting

For many new entrants into the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) marketplace, First Article Testing (FAT) is viewed as a hurdle. However, at The Toota Group, we view FAT as a critical risk-mitigation tool that protects both the government and the contractor.

Understanding the FAT Requirement

FAT is a requirement for the contractor to provide a sample of the product for testing before the full production run begins. The DLA uses this to ensure that the manufacturer can meet all technical requirements of the contract. It is typically required when the part is critical to flight safety, when the contractor has not previously supplied the item, or when there has been a significant lapse in production.

Government Testing vs. Contractor Testing

Contractors will encounter two main types of FAT:

• Government Testing: The contractor ships the sample to a government lab for evaluation.
• Contractor Testing: The contractor performs the testing in-house or via a third-party certified lab, and the government monitors the results.

Strategic bidding requires calculating the lead-time impact of FAT. If the government lab has a 90-day queue, your delivery schedule must reflect this reality to avoid delinquency flags in your CPARS or SPRS records.

Mitigating Risks of FAT Failure

A FAT failure can lead to a "Show Cause" notice or an immediate termination for default. To mitigate this risk, the DLA Blueprint methodology suggests a thorough internal "pre-FAT" review. Compare the test results of your prototype against every line item in the Technical Data Package (TDP) before submitting the sample to the government.