CAAP Releases New Authorized Distributors Checklist, Schedules First Audit

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The Counterfeit Avoidance Accreditation Program (CAAP) has released a new checklist as part of the ongoing aerospace industry activity to address and disrupt the presence of counterfeit parts. AC7403 – Audit Criteria for Accreditation to AS6496 is focused on authorized distributors of electronic, electrical and electromechanical parts.

Based on AS6496, the AC7403 checklist was developed by the CAAP Distributors Task Group, a group of experts from industry including representatives from The Boeing Company, DCMA, GE, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman and UTC. Aerospace distributors/suppliers TTI Inc. and Mouser Electronics are also represented on the CAAP Distributors Task Group and participated in the development of the new checklist.

AC7403 was created in response to aerospace industry demand and joins AC7402 – Audit Criteria for Accreditation to AS6081 in the potential audit scope available to distributors seeking CAAP accreditation.

CAAP also conducts audits to AC7401 (for AS5553) and AC7401/1 (for DFARS 252.246-7007 and 7008). While AC7402 and AC7403 are both for distributors, the AC7401 series is for people purchasing parts and/or assemblies for use, not for distribution. Together, the checklists represent a robust defence against counterfeit parts in the aerospace industry.

The first audit to AC7403 has already been scheduled and will take place at Mouser Electronics of Mansfield, Texas in August 2018.

About CAAP

The Counterfeit Avoidance Accreditation Program is a cooperative industry effort to mitigate the risk of introducing counterfeit parts into the supply chain and the cost for compliance throughout the aviation, space, and defense industries. The program has been established to enable organizations that purchase components and assemblies to demonstrate that they have systems in place to identify counterfeit products, and to minimize the risks associated with them. CAAP accreditation will reassure their customers of their vigilance and ability to act appropriately. The Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement issued by the US Department of Defense has made this activity even more important. CAAP is administered by the not-for-profit Performance Review Institute (PRI).

About PRI

PRI is a global provider of customer-focused solutions designed to improve process and product quality by adding value, reducing total cost and promoting collaboration among stakeholders in industries where safety and quality are shared goals. PRI works closely with industry to understand their emerging needs and offers customized solutions in response. Learn more here.