The primary objective of the technical assessment was to determine the percentage of nonconforming parts delivered in FY 1991 to the Defense Electronics Supply Center in each of the three electronics parts Federal supply classes (FSCs).
The percentage of material with major or minor nonconformances was 3.3 percent for resistors, 31 percent for semiconductors and 20.4 percent for connectors. These rates were higher than the Center's Stock Quality Assurance statistics. Our higher nonconformance rates were due to differences in test methodology; statistical sampling techniques used; our testing of material built to commercial specifications; and examination of complete product specification. DLA took corrective action in a timely fashion upon receipt of our test results. For example, one vendor was disqualified from further procurements. Also, another vendor agreed to perform a testing program on its components.