Navigating First Article Testing (FAT): Compliance and Execution

In many DLA solicitations, especially for complex mechanical components or safety-critical items, the government requires a First Article Test (FAT). This is a pre-production requirement that ensures a contractor can produce a product that meets all specifications before full-scale production begins.

Contractor-Tested vs. Government-Tested

It is critical to identify early in the solicitation whether the FAT is Contractor-Testing (FAT-C) or Government-Testing (FAT-G).

• FAT-C: You are responsible for hiring an independent lab or using your own qualified lab to perform the tests. You then submit the test report for government approval.
• FAT-G: You produce the units and ship them to a government-designated facility for testing. This often takes longer and you have less control over the timeline.

Budgeting for FAT

Failure to account for the cost of FAT is a common mistake for new contractors. You must factor in:

• The cost of the test units themselves (which are often destroyed during testing).
• Laboratory fees.
• The "Holding Period" – the time between submitting the FAT report and receiving approval to start full production.

The Risk of Non-Compliance

Submitting a failed FAT report doesn't just delay the contract; it can lead to a termination for default. Understanding the technical specifications (MIL-SPECs) and ensuring your first article is perfect is paramount.