Navigating First Article Testing (FAT) in DLA Contracts: Mitigating Risk and Ensuring Compliance

For many industrial suppliers, the presence of a "First Article Testing" (FAT) requirement in a DLA solicitation can be a deterrent. However, FAT is a vital quality control mechanism used by the government to ensure that a contractor can produce a product that meets all contract requirements before full-scale production begins. Understanding how to manage this process is key to successfully executing complex industrial contracts.

Why Does the DLA Require FAT?

FAT is typically required when the item is technically complex, has high reliability requirements, or when the contractor has not previously supplied the item to the government. It serves as a proof-of-concept for the manufacturing process. By approving a FAT sample, the Government minimizes the risk of receiving large quantities of non-conforming goods.

Strategic Planning for FAT

Managing a FAT requirement requires careful timeline management. The "Days After Award" (DAA) for FAT submission is a hard deadline. Missing this date can result in a delinquency. Contractors must account for:

Testing Lab Lead Times: If the government requires third-party testing, lab availability can be a bottleneck.
Documentation Requirements: The First Article Test Report (FATR) must be meticulous. Incomplete data is the most common reason for FAT rejection.
Financial Carry: FAT costs, including testing fees and the cost of the test units themselves, must be factored into your initial bid price.

Government vs. Contractor Testing

Check your solicitation carefully to see if FAT is "Government Tested" or "Contractor Tested." Government-tested items require you to ship the sample to a DLA center, whereas contractor-tested items allow you to perform the tests in-house or via a certified lab, with the results sent to the DLA for approval.

Successful FAT completion often leads to "FAT Waivers" on future contracts for the same NSN, making your business more competitive by reducing future lead times and costs.

Next Level

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