Abstract

In 1995 the U.S. Air Force Program Management Squadron adopted ISO 9001 compliance as a sourcing criterion in its supplier selection process.Two years later, it added a new specification calling for each supplier’s quality management representative to become an ASQ Certified Quality Auditor. These supplier contract specifications have saved the Air Force millions of dollars and have resulted in a near elimination of critical defects in supplier products and services. One of the major benefits realized is improved communication between the Air Force and its key suppliers, resulting in greater mission effectiveness.