AS 9100 D is here!

AS 9100, “Quality Management Systems – Requirements for Aviation, Space and Defense Organizations,” has been updated!  The new Revision D is available from Document Center in both paper format and for pdf download.  This is one of three highly anticipated new Quality Standards for the Aerospace Industry.  If this is your field of interest, you’ll want to get your new copy right away.

Of course, the new AS 9100 has been issued to bring the QMS (Quality Management System) requirements for the aerospace industry in line with the requirements of the newly issued ISO 9001:2015.  Apparently one issue that you will have is the transition to the new Revision D should be made in conjunction with the transition to the ISO 9001:2015.  So there will be less time for you to comply with the AS update.  Your “drop dead” date for registration will be September 14, 2018.  Those in the know suggest that your process be complete by mid-June to avoid any issues.

Also, if you are certified to both documents, you’ll want to be careful about the order in which you handle your audits, etc.  You may need to have your registrations for both editions of the ISO 9001 active during the period that you complete the requirements for AS 9100D.  Once you’ve made the upgrade to both, you can let the earlier certificates lapse.  What if you don’t complete your process in time?  Your certificate will expire and you will no longer be able to reference it in your contractual obligations.

There are a lot of training programs in the works for this new AS 9100.  Both auditors and users will need to familiarize themselves with all the nuances of the update.  We suggest that you get your copy of the new Revision D as soon as possible, review, and then chart your course.  You can purchase it online at www.document-center.com in either paper format or for pdf download.  Here is a direct link to the order page for AS 9100 for your convenience.

There is a lot of activity going on right now in the aviation space.  New updates for both the AS 9110 and the AS 9120 are expected to also be released soon.  Document Center’s notification service will keep our customers on top of any changes.  Do consider using our “best in class” updating for your critical compliance documentation.  Our staff can assist you with this and any other standards-related issues you may have.  Contact us by phone (650-591-7600) or email (info@document-center.com).  Remember, we’re your Standards Experts!

What ever happened to MIL-Q-9858?

One of our all-time best selling military specifications was MIL-Q-9858, “Quality Program Requirements.”  From 1958 to 1996, the document was a staple of the defense contracting system.  It provided guidance for a quality management system for thousands of companies, large and small, involved in defense work both as a prime contractors and subcontractors.

What happened to MIL-Q-9858?  The document was cancelled with the issuance of cancellation notice 2 on 10/1/1996 and left many companies in a quandary over what to do, since it was withdrawn without replacement.   This means that there is no guidance given regarding what document can be used instead.

In the main, the move has been to use the ISO 9000 series of quality standards in lieu of the old MIL-Q-9858.  ISO 9001 was adopted by the DoD in April 2001, as was the AS9100 in 2002 (for aerospace applications).  This resulted in a sharp uptick in ISO 9000 registrations in the U.S.

What’s the main impact of the cancellation of MIL-Q-9858?  This shift to industry quality standards has allowed the U.S. Department of Defense to move out of the business of certifying quality in it’s supply chain, leaving this work to third party auditors.

Military specifications and standards (both current and obsolete) and industry standards are all available from Document Center Inc.   Use our website, www.document-center.com, or contact us by phone (650-591-7600), fax (650-591-7617) or email (info@document-center.com).  We can assist you with all your standards questions and requirements.