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Supplier Quality Manual (SQM)

1.0 Purpose & Scope

1.1 Purpose

 

The purpose of this Supplier Quality Manual (SQM) is to clearly communicate the quality assurance requirements to all External Providers (Suppliers) utilized by Wire and Cable Specialties. Adherence to these requirements is mandatory and ensures the consistent quality and conformity of distributed wire, cable, and related materials, in compliance with ISO9001 and AS9120 Quality Management Systems.

 

1.2 Scope

 

This manual applies to all External Providers that supply products (including raw materials, hardware, finished goods, wire, cable, and related accessories) or services (such as testing, calibration, or special processes) directly or indirectly intended for use in the Aviation, Space, and Defense industry. The term “External Provider” or “Supplier” refers to any entity receiving a Purchase Order (PO) from Wire and Cable Specialties.

 

2.0 Reference Documents

 

This SQM is derived from and must be used in conjunction with the latest revisions of the following standards:

  • AS9120: Quality Management Systems – Requirements for Aviation, Space and Defense Distributors.
  • ISO 9001: Quality Management Systems – Requirements.
  • AS9100: Quality Management Systems – Requirements for Aviation, Space and Defense Organizations (if the supplier is a manufacturer).
  • AS9103: Configuration Management.
  • AS9131: Nonconformance Data Definition and Documentation.
  • AS6174/AS6081: Counterfeit Electronic Parts

 

3.0 Quality Management System Requirements

 

All External Providers shall operate a Quality Management System (QMS).

 

3.1 QMS Certification

 

Suppliers shall be certified or registered to AS9100, AS9120, or ISO 9001 by an accredited registrar (e.g., ANAB/IAF). Certification must be maintained, and any changes in certification status (upgrade, downgrade, withdrawal) must be immediately communicated to Wire and Cable Specialties Quality Department.

 

3.2 Key Personnel

 

The Supplier must maintain current contact information for key personnel responsible for Quality and Administration, including a dedicated point of contact for quality escapes and corrective actions.

 

4.0 Control of External Providers (AS9120 Clause 8.4)

 

All requirements specified on the Purchase Order (PO) and within this SQM shall take precedence over any conflicting documents issued by the Supplier.

 

4.1 Flow Down Requirements (Mandatory PO Clauses)

 

The Supplier shall flow down all applicable requirements to their sub-tier External Providers (AS9120, 8.4.3). This includes:

  1. Verification/Validation: Requirements for the suppliers intended verification or validation activities at the External Provider’s premises.
  2. Design and Development: Control of design and development for items where the Supplier is responsible for design authority.
  3. Special Processes: Requirements for qualification of personnel, special processes (e.g., marking, soldering, shielding), and equipment.
  4. Acceptance: Requirements for acceptance of products and services.

 

4.2 Product and Service Specific Requirements

 

The Supplier shall ensure that all products meet the following minimum criteria:

 

  • Product Definition: Products must conform exactly to the technical specifications, part numbers, standards (e.g., MIL-DTL-27500, SAE AS22759, NEMA WC), and revision levels cited on the Purchase Order.
  • Dimensional Integrity: Wire and cable must meet all dimensional, concentricity, conductor size, and insulation thickness requirements.
  • Marking: Product marking (e.g., ink jet, laser) must be permanent, legible, and conform to the applicable specification (e.g., MIL-STD-681).
  • Packaging: All products must be packaged to prevent damage during transit, handling, and storage, including protection from moisture, crushing, and environmental exposure.

 

4.3 Documentation and Certification (Traceability)

 

Traceability is non-negotiable for all materials.

  • Certificate of Conformance (C of C): A C of C, signed by an authorized representative, must accompany every shipment. It must state that the product meets all PO and specification requirements, and identify the manufacturer’s name, part number, batch/lot number, and the applicable specifications and revisions.
  • Full Traceability: All materials must be traceable to the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) or Original Component Manufacturer (OCM). For distributors, the C of C must trace back to the original manufacturer’s C of C.
  • Test Data: When specified on the PO, test reports, material specifications, and physical/chemical analysis data must be included.

 

4.4 Prevention of Counterfeit Parts

 

The Supplier shall establish, implement, and maintain a documented process to prevent the use of counterfeit parts. This process shall include:

 

  • Risk Mitigation: Mitigation planning for parts or materials from sources other than OCMs/OEMs or their authorized distributors.
  • Genuineness Verification: Rigorous inspection and test methods to confirm the authenticity and quality of purchased parts.
  • Acceptance Criteria: Strict criteria for the acceptance of items from independent distributors, if applicable.
  • Segregation: Mandatory segregation and reporting of suspected or confirmed counterfeit parts.

 

4.5 Nonconforming Product

 

The Supplier shall notify Wire and Cable Specialties immediately, in writing, of any nonconforming product or process variation discovered post-shipment.

 

  • Disposition: The Supplier shall not make any disposition decision (e.g., “Repair” or “Use as is”) without the formal, written authorization from Wire and Cable Specialties Quality Manager.
  • Corrections: When nonconforming product is returned and corrected, a new C of C must be issued clearly stating the nonconformance and detailing the corrective actions taken.

 

4.6 Corrective Action Request (CAR)

 

The Supplier shall respond promptly (typically within 10 business days, or as specified) to any Corrective Action Request (CAR) issued by Wire and Cable Specialties.

 

  • CAR Response: The response must detail the Root Cause Analysis (RCA) using established methodologies (e.g., 5 Whys, Fishbone Diagram) and outline the specific Corrective Actions taken to eliminate the recurrence of the nonconformance.

 

4.7 Right of Access and Inspection

 

The Supplier shall grant Wire and Cable Specialties, our customers, and regulatory authorities (e.g., FAA, DCMA) the right of access to all applicable areas of the Supplier’s facilities, including those of their sub-tier External Providers, at any level of the supply chain, involved in the fulfillment of the PO. This access is for verification and inspection of product, process, records, and the QMS.

 

4.8 Calibration and Monitoring

 

The Supplier shall ensure that all monitoring and measuring resources used for acceptance activities are calibrated and traceable to national or international standards. Calibration records must be available for review upon request.

 

5.0 Foreign Object Debris (FOD) Prevention

 

The Supplier shall establish and maintain an effective FOD prevention program to ensure products are free from foreign objects (e.g., dust, metal shavings, loose insulation, tools). The program shall include:

 

  • Work Area Control: Cleanliness requirements for manufacturing, packaging, and inspection areas.
  • Containment: Procedures to contain and remove foreign objects.
  • Training: Employee training on FOD awareness and prevention.

 

6.0 Record Retention

 

All quality records relating to the products supplied (including C of Cs, test data, inspection reports, and internal audit results) shall be retained for a minimum of 10 years, unless otherwise specified on the PO. Records must be legible, identifiable, and retrievable.

 

Revisions to document 01-06-001:

 

11/25/2025:

Initial release