military handbook - barringer1.com · mil- hdbk-52a 17 august 1984 superseding mil-hdbk-52 7 july...

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MI L- HDBK-52A17 AUGUST 1984

SUPERSEDINGMIL-HDBK-52

7 JULY 1964

MILITARY HANDBOOK

EVALUATION OF CONTRACTOR’SCALIBRATION SYSTEM

NO DELIVERABLE DATAREQUIRED BY THIS DOCUMENT AREA QCIC

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSEWashingl

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MIL-HDBK-52AEvaluation of Contractor’s Cal.17 August 1984

on, DC 20301

bration System

1. This standardization handbook was developed by the Departmentof Deferisewith the”assistance of the Department of the Army inaccordance with established procedure.

2. This publication was approved on 17 August 1984 for printingand inclusion in the military standardization handbook series.

3. This document provides information and guidance to personnelconcerned with the evaluation of a contractor’s”calibrationsystem, primarily in connection with MIL-sTD-45662, ‘CalibrationSystem Requirements.m The handbook is not.intended to bereferenced in purchase specifications, nor shall it supersede anyspecification requirements.

4. Every effort has been made to reflect the latest information.on the evaluation of a contractor’s calibration system. It is theintent to review this handbook periodically to insure its

:. completeness and accuracy. Beneficial comments (recommendations,additions, deletions) and any pertinent data which may be of usein improving this document should be addressed to: Commander,US Army Missile Command, ATTN: DRSMI-EDS, Redstone Arsenal, AL35898-5270 by using the self-addressed Standardization DocumentImprovement Proposal (DD Form 1426) at the end of this document orby letter.

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paragraph

Appendix

11.11.2

2

3

55.15.25.3

2:5.65.6.15.6.2

5.7S.1.l5.7.25.85.95.10

MIL-HDBK-52A17 August 1984

CONTENTS

Page

INTRODUCTION ------------------------------ 1Purpose--------------------------------- 1Scope----------------------------------- 2

REFERENCED DOCUMENTS ---------------------- 2

DEFINITIONS ------------------------------- 2 .

GENERAL STATEMENT OF REQUIREMENTS --------- 2General--------------------------------- 2Quality Assurance Provisions ------------ 3

DETAILED STATEMENTS OF REQUIREMENTS ------- 5Description ----------------------------- 5Adequacy of Standards ------------------- 6 .Environmental Controls ------------------ 7Intervals of Calibration ---------------- 8Calibration Procedures ------------------ 10 {-

Out of Tolerance Evaluators ------------- 11Adequacy of the Calibration System------ 11Notification of Out of ToleranceConditions ------------------------------ 12Calibration Sources --------------------- 13Domestic Contracts ---------------------- 13Foreign Contracts ----------------------- 16Application and Records ----------------- 17Calibration Status---------------------- 18Control of subcontractor Calibration---- 20

5.11 Storage and Handling-------------------= 215.12 Amendments and Revisions ---------------- 22

Checklist for Evaluation of Contractor’sCalibration System---------------------- 23

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MIL-ED3K-52A17 August 1984

EVALUATION OF .CONTRACTOR’SCALIBRATION SYSTEM

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 EuBQs12. This handbook outlines the individual parts of atheoretically complete calibration system. It is not .necessarilythe ideal system for any particular application or contractor, butthe information contained herein is intended as a text for theguidance of Department of Defense personnel in the uniformevaluation of each aspect of the various contractor calibrationsystems. The following amplifications of the purpose is provided:

a. It is recognized that each contractor functionsindividually and consequently the calibration system ofeach may differ in the specific methods of accomplishment.It is not the intent of this handbook to attemptto standardize these systems, but to present the basic,functional concepts that, when conscientiouslyimplemented, will provide assurance that the.contractor~smeasuring and test equipment ‘(M&TE) is sufficientlyaccurate.to assure conformance of supplies and services tocontractual requirements. Evaluation of a contractorscalibration system is to be made when military standardMIL-STD-45662, “Calibration System Requirements,” isprescribed as a contractual requirement.

b. Throughout the handbook emphasis is placed on “controls’in the form of reviews, documentation, audi$s, labels, andother means. These controls permit the Governmentrepresentative to evaluate contractor operations and todetermine their effectiveness. In addition, thesecontrols will serve in the collection of important data.It is the responsibility of the evaluator to determine,in each case, those calibration system requirements thatare made applicable by contractual documents. Theserequirements are paramount and are not intended to beinfringed by any interpretive or informational materialsupplied in this handbook. The evaluator must determine,to the extent necessary, the accuracy in the use of M6TEapplicable to the particular contract. Any determinationby the .eValU.5tOr that an Ku3peCt pertaining to the

Icalibration system.is not satisfactory must be supportedby objective evidence, and followed by a request to thecontractor for corrective action.

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c. Department of Defense personnel responsible forevaluating the effectiveness of contractor calibrationsystems are referred to collectively in the,handbook as the“Government representative”.

1.2 SJX2pe. This handbook is intended to provide the basis for amore thorough understanding by the Government representative of therequirements of each paragraph of MIL-STD-45662.

2. REFERENCED DOCUMENTS

2.1 ~. The following document of the issue ineffect on the date of invitation for bids or request for proposal,form a part of this handbook to the extent specified herein.

STANDARDS

MILITARY

MIL-sTD-45662 - Calibration System Requirements

(Copies of specifications, standards,required by contractors in connectionfunctions should be procured from thedirected by the contracting officer).

3. DEFINITIONS.

drawings, and publications .with specific procurementprocuring activity or as

3.1 ~. The terms used herein are definedMIL-STD-45662.

4“. GENERAL STATEMENT OF REQUIREMENTS

4.1 GeneKal. This section presents a discussion of

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eachrequirement in sections 4 an~ 5 of MIL-STD-45’662. Each DertinentPa;agraph is extracted from the standard, and is followe~ by a .discussion of its concept and application. The ‘Concept” discussesthe purpose of the requirement, while the “Application” presentsspecific areas for the evaluators consideration.

(a) Requirement.

“4.1 GeneLsl. The contractor shall establish or adapt andmaintain a system for the calibration of all measuring andtest equipment used in fulfillment of his contractualrequirements. The calibration system shall be coordinatedwith his Inspection or Quality Control Systems and shall bedesigned to provide adequate” accuracy in use of measuring andtest equipment. All measuring and test equipment applicable

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to the contract, whether used.in the contractor’s plant or atanother source, shall be subject to such control as isnecessary to assure’conformance of supplies and services tocontractual requirements. The calibration system shallprovide for the prevention of inaccuracy by ready detectionof deficiencies and timely positive action for theircorrection. The contractor shall make objective evidence ofaccuracy conformance readily available to the Governmentrepresentative. ❑

(b) Concept. .

“It ia the responsibility of the contractor to utilize onlyMSTE of required accuracy in fulfillment of his contractualrequirements. Since the accuracy of this equipment,wherever used, must be effectively controlled, the contractormust have an established system for its calibration. Thiscalibration system, whether established at the contractor’sfacility, at a subcontractor facility, or provided by someother source, must exercise the proper controls overallapplicable M&TE and provide measures for prevention, readydetection, and prompt correction “of discrepancies. Inaddition, the system must be coordinated with thecontractor’s proposed or established inspection system orquality program. The contractor must provide objectiveevidence, in the form of records, of conformance to therequired accuracy. The records shall be available forGovernment review.

(c) Application.

The Government representative must assure that an adequatelydescribed system for calibration support of tbe contractor’sM&TE exists and is implemented. The contractors calibrationsystem shall be coordinated with his inspection or qualitycontrol system, and shall be designed to provide adequateaccuracy in use of 14.%TE.For example, it is necessarY thatthe contractor’s calibration system make provision for theprevention of equipment inaccuracies by readily detectingdeficiencies and providing positive action for theircorrection. Therefore, the Government evaluator shouldverify the existence of a quality program, or inspection”system, that provides notification to the calibration agencyof damaged or inoperative instruments, “erratic readings, orother observed factors which could degrade instrumentperformance.

4.2 ‘Quality Assurance Provisions.

(a) Requirement.

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“4.2 ~. .

. All operations performedby the contractor in compliance with this standard will besubject to the Government verification at unscheduledintervals. Verification will include but not be limited tothe following:

I a. Surveillance of calibration operation for conformanceto the established system.

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b. Review of calibration results as necessary to assureI accuracy of the system. The contractor’s gages, measuring

and testing devices shall be made available for use by theGovernment when required to determine conformance withcontract requireme~ts. If conditions warrant, contractor’s . .personnel shall be made available for operation of suchdevices and fo,rverification of their accuracy andcondition.”

(b) Concept.

The surveillance portion of the requirement provides theevaluator with an indication that the contractor isperforming as required. When surveillance indicates that the;ontracto; may n;t be performing as required, the evaluator””must conduct a more in-depth review. The first step inextracting more information concerning the adequacy of thecontractor’s performance is a review of calibration results.This .!uaybe a sample of a day’s output,’a sample of aspecific instrument type, or other sources of data. When areview of calibration-;esults further confirms that thecontractor may not be performing as required, the evaluatormsY require a recalibration of suspect items alreadycalibrated. The contractor’s equipment shall be madeavailable for use by the Government representative inperforming the recalibration, or contractor’s personnel willbe made available for this purpose. The scope of the .contractors support shall be defined and agreed to beforestarting the verification.

(c) Application.

I The Government representative must assure that thecontractors calibration oDeration conforms to the written.established system. The unscheduled reviews must verify thateach element of the contractors operation is in conformancewith his written, established system. These elements aredescribed in paragraph 5.l(c)l-7 and outlined in the appendixof this handbook.

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MIL-HRBK-52A11 Au@jt 1984

When surveillance indicates that the contractor may notbe performing as required, the Government representative.shall review the results of a representative sample of M&TEand standards calibrated by the contractor. If warranted byunsatisfactory ~esults of the review, the Governmentrepresentative may request recalibration of suspect items andrequest that the contractor implement appropriate correctiveaction.

5. DETAILED STATEMENTS OF REQUIREMENTS

5.1 .

(a) “ Requirement.

“5.1 . The contractor shallprovide and maintain a written description of hiscalibration system covering measuring and test equipment andmeasurement standards to satisfy each requirement of thisstandard. The portion dealing with measuring and testequipment shall prescribe calibration intervals and sourcesand may be maintained on the docuhents normally used by thecontractor to define his inspection operations. Thedescription for calibration of measurement standards shall

[ include a listing of the applicable measurement standards,both reference and transfer, and shall provide nomenclature,identification number, calibration interval and source, andenvironmental conditions under which-the measurementstandards will be applied and calibrated. The descriptionof the calibration system and applicable procedures andreports of calibration shall be available to the Governmentrepresentative. “

(b) Concept.

To assure uniformity of understanding and performance, and toassure continuity of satisfactory operations when personnelchanges occur, it is necessary that all proposed or existingprocedures or practices intended to implement thecontractor’s calibration system be documented. Systemdocumentation also provides a basis for evaluation andcontrol by both contractor and the Government representative.Without written guides, policy and procedural questions ‘arebound to arise, and variations in practice that occur mayresult in confusion and uncertainty. It is desirable for thecontractor to establish or adapt his calibration system inadvance of production requirements, thus allowing theGovernment representative to complete his review prior to thestart of production.

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(c) Application.

The Government representative shall ascertain that a writtendescription of the contractor’s calibration system isprepared and available for his review., A SpeCifiC format isnot required. Documents normally used by the contractor inhis inspection or quality control operation, if adequatecoverage is provided, are acceptable. The description mustprovide a complete detailed plan for controlling theaccuracy of M&TE and measurement standards utilized indetermining conformance with contractual requirements. Amethod, procedure, or etandard practice must be prescribed.for the satisfaction of each applicable requirement ofMIL-STD-45662 . Areas for consideration by the Government ‘representative are to:

1. Determine that calibration intervals are establishedand assigned for M6TE and for each measurement standardand that satisfactory calibration sources are designatedfor these items.

2. Verify the maintenance of a listing of allmeasurement standards, with proper nomenclature andidentification numbers assigned.

3. Ensure that the.environmental conditions to beprovided by the contractor or commercial calibration“source under which the standards will be utilized andcalibrated are adequate, or appropriate compensatingcorrections are made to the degree necessary.

4. Ensure the use of calibration procedures for allequipment and standards; including calibration reports,if required.

5. Determine that the calibration system is properlycoordinated with the necessary areas of the contractorsinspection system or quality control program.

6. Review samples of labels, decals, reject tags, etc.,intended to be used for calibration control.

7. Review samples of forms intended to be used by thecontractor in his record system, i.e., instrument andgage record cards, data sheets, test reports orcertificates, reject forms, etc.

(a) Requirement.

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MIL-HDBK-52A17 Aug6st 1984

95.2 ~. Standards established by thecontractor for calibrating the.measuring and testequipment used in controlling product quality shall have thecapabilities for accuracy, stability”, range, and resolutionrequired”for the imtended use.’

(b) Concept.

Measurement standards prescribed in the contractor’scalibration” system.must reflect an accuracy level, history of

I stability and acceptable calibration range that satisfies therequirements imposed by H6TE specification or use.

(c) “Application.

The standards used”for calibrating M6TE shall havecapabilities for accuracy, stability, range and resolution

I required for the intended use. Accuracy ratios may be usedfor determining adequacy. The accuracy ratio may be high

I (4:1, 10:1, or higher) or low (3:1, or 2:1). The exact ratiodepends on state-of-the-art limitations, and the con~ractor’s

I measurement requirements. The Government representative mustverify that standarde used by the contractor are capable of

1.calibrating the 14&TEfor the intended use. The accuracy of

;. the standards must at least be equal to the tolerancerequired (i.e., 1:1) but”in most cases should be greater. A

I 1:1 comparison is permitted only when state-of-the-artlimitations preclude a higher accuracy ratio. Normally, when

I only a 1:1 accuracy ratio can be achieved, any out oftolerance condition of the M&TE.will be significant. The

I measurement at.andards selected by the contractor must have astability which is proven by long usage, industry acceptance,or manufacturers specifications. Standards selected solely

I on.the basis of manufacturer’s specifications require closesurveillance until a history of stability is,established by

Isucceeding calibrations.

I (a) Requirement.

m5.3 . Heasuring and test equipmentand measurement standards shall be calibrated and utilized inan environment controlled to the extent necessary to assurecontinued measurements of required accuracy, giving dueconsideration to temperature, humidity, vibration,cleanliness, and other controllable factors affectingprecision measurement. When applicable, compensatingcorrections shall be applied to calibration results obtainedin an environment which departs from standard conditions.”

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MIL-HDBK-52A17 August1984

(b)

(c)

5.4

(a)

(b)

Concept.

Only those env.accuracy and Strequire control

ron!nentalconditions which will affect theability of M&TE or measurement etandarda .by the contractor. Controls need onlv be to

th~ extent necess~ry to prevent measurement inaccuracies, andage determined by the environmental susceptibility of theaccuracy of the M6TE or measurement standard beingcalibrated.

Application.

The Government representative shall ascertain that allmeasurement standards and M&TE applicable to the contract are .calibrated and/or utilized in an area in which the contractorhaa provided controls for environmental conditions to thedegree necessary to assure measurements of the requiredaccuracy. Environmental conditions in the calibration areamust be controlled to the degree necessary to maintaindetrimental factors within acceptable limits for thecalibration being performed, or adequate compensatingcorrections must be made. Examples of environmentalconditions which may affect some measurements aretemperature, radio frequency interference, vibration, dust,noise and humidity.

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Requirement.

●5.4 s of . Measuring and test equipmentand measurement standards shall be calibrated at periodicintervals established on the basis of stability, purpose, and.degree of usage. Intervals shall be shortened as required-toassure continued accuracy as ’evidenced by the results ofpreceding calibrations and may be lengthened only when theresults of previous calibrations provide definite indicationsthat such action will not adversely affect the accuracy ofthe system. The contractor shall establish a recall systemfor the mandatory recall of standards and measuring and testequipment within established time limits or intervalfrequencies.”

Concept.

Measurement standards and M&TE shall be calibrated as often asnecessary to maintain prescribed accuracy. If thecontractor’s ‘records indicat’ethe equipment requires frequentadjustment, the interval should be shortened. Intervals maybe lengthened if the results of p!evious calibrations can be.shown to provide definite indications that the accuracy ofthe sysitemwil~ not be adversely affected. Some contractors

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(c)

MIL-ED8K-52A17 August 1984

employ a floating interval system in which the interval foreach item of M6TE is adjusted based onits- individualcalibration history. To ensure calibration within thespecified interval, the contractor must have a mandatoryrecall system.

Application.

The Government representative will ascertain that allmeasurement standards and M&TE requiring calibration areassigned an interval for calibration. In the absence of anestablished calibration interval (based on equipmentmanufacture’r’s recoiunendation, authorized Government.specification, etc.) for a particular item, an initialinterval shall be assigned by the contractor’s standardslaboratory or ’calibrating service. The”intervals are to bespecified in terms of time or usage.

The establishment of intervals shall be upon the”basis ofinherent stability, purpose or use, accuracy, and.degree ofusage. If intervals are established on a usage basis, thecontractor must positively define what constitutes a usage.The intervals may be shortened or.lengthenedby evaluation ofthe results of the previous and present calibrations andadjusting the schedule to reflect the findings. Theseevaluations must provide positive assurance that calibrationinterval adjustments will not adversely affect the accuracyof the system.

Theeontractor must maintain historical ~eco~ds for allequipment to such an extent that the Governmentrepresentative can ascertain that an adjustment ofcalibration interval is in accordance with the contractor’swritten description.

In order to insure that calibration schedules are beingfollowed, a documented recall program must be in operation.The program must include schedules for each type of equipmentconsistent with its use, accuracy, and precision required.The evaluator must have evidence that some provision existsfor:

1. Recall of equipment for calibration according topredetermined schedules.

2. The prompt release of equipment or standards forcalibration.

3. The issuing of calibration overdue notices andprevention of use of overdue items. “

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MIL-HDBK-52A17 August 19a4 .,

14. Assignment of intervals for all calibrated M&TE, andfor each measurement standard.

5. Controls for interval adjustments, based on resultsof previous and present calibrations, and changes in <stability, purpose, and degree of usage. Major changesin any factor must be promptly taken into consideration,if an effective calibration system is to be maintained.

Some contractors’ calibration systems may include provisionsfor approval of temporary extension of an interval orcalibration due date for a limited period of time, undercertain specified conditions, such as completion of a test inprogress. If such provisions are included, the temporaryextension must be adequately determined and controlled. The -aPProval for the extension must be based on favorable (intolerance) results of past calibrations. In addition, theitem of M&TE involved must be found to be in tolerance uponcalibration, ‘after the authorized extension.

5.5 ~ Proc~ .

(a) Requirement.

“5.5 ~ Written procedures shall beprepared or provided and utiiized for calibration of all t

measuring and test equipment and measurement standards usedto assure the accuracy of measurements. involved inestablishing product conformance. The procedures may be acompilation of published standard practices or manufacturer~swritten instructions and need not be rewritten to satisfy therequirements of this standard. As a minimum, the proceduresshall specify either the measurement standard to be used orthe required accuracy of the standard and the accuracy of theinstrument being calibrated. The procedure. shall requirethat calibration be performed by comparison with higher .accuracy level standards.”

(b) Concept.

Written methods or procedures for calibrating M6TE andmeasurement standards must be provided by the contractor inorder to.eliminate possible measurement inaccuracies due todifferences in techniques, environmental conditions, choiceof higher level standards, etc. These calibration proceduresmaY be prepared by the contractor, or he may utilizepublished standard practices or written instructions ’thataccompany purchased equipment. When available, publishedArmy, Navyr or Air Force procedures may also be used. TheGovernment and Industry Data Exchange Program (GIDEP)maintains a file of calibration procedures which the

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(c)

“5.6

MIL-HQBK-52A17 August 1984

contractor may desire to utilize. The calibration procedurescontained in the file may not be adequate for the intendeduse and should be reviewed by”the contractor before use. Thecontractor can obtain information about GIDEP from the F.1.eetAnalysis Center, GIDEP Operations Center, Naval WeaponsStation, Seal Beach, Corona Annex, Corona, CA 91720.

Application.

The Government representative must ascertain that writtenprocedures exist for performing tests and calibrations oneach type of N&TE or measurement standard “requiringcalibration. These procedures must be readily available andused by calibration personnel. Calibration procedures mustbe maintained current, with a.method for initiating revisionsas applicable”. The written procedures may be prepared by thecontractor, or he may use equipment manufacturers’instructions or other standard practices if they contain thenecessary information and detail. Essential to allcalibration procedures is the required accuracy for eachinstrument characteristic to be calibrated. The calibrationprocedures must specify either the measurement standard to beused or the required accuracy ~f the measurement standard.

~.

(a) Requirement.

‘5.6.1 acv of the . The contractorshall establish a procedure to evaluate the.adequacy of thecalibration system, based on out of tolerance data generatedfrom calibrating test and measuring equipment. Theprocedure shall include, but not be limited to, adjustment ofcalibration frequency, adequacy of the measuring or testequipment, calibration procedures and measuring or testprocedures: The procedures shall specifically provide forthe identification and prevention of use of any equipmentwhich does not perform satisfactorily.”

(b) Concept.

To assure the adequacy of the contractor’s calibrationsystem, it is necessary for the contractor to have aprocedure to record and evaluate out of tolerance conditionson M&TE, as determined during calibration. The procedureshall provide for the identification and prevention of use ofany equipment found to be out of tolerance, until thedeficiency is corrected. The procedure shall also specify

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methods of using the out of tolerance data to evaluate theadequacy of the M&TE, adjust calibration intervals andevaluate the adequacy of calibration and test procedures.The procedures shall also provide for the identification andprevention of use of M&TE which does not performsatisfactorily.

(c) Application.

The government representative will determine that thecontractor’s procedure includes a requirement to record allout of tolerance conditions, (not necessarily variablesdata) and that this data is used to:

1. Justify changes in calibration frequency, either byfamily or individual items of N&TE.

2. Evaluate the adequacy of the M&TE for t~e intendeduse.

3. Evaluate the effectiveness of the calibrationprocedures and.the measuring or test procedures.

‘Theprocedure shall provide for the identification an~prevention of use of any equipment not performingsatisfactorily, or found to be out of tolerance, until thedeficiency is corrected. The intent is to prevent the useof unsatisfactory equipment and does not apply to items inprocess of being corrected by repair or adjustment.Prevention of use may be by physical removal, labeling or’tagging, or by other effective means. The procedure shallalso provide for the identification and prevention of useof equipment which is repetitively found to be out oftolerance at recalibration.

5.6.2 ~of out of .

(a) Requirement.

“5.6.2 ~ t~e . .of out of co~ . Thecontractor’s procedure shall include the requirement for thecalibration activity “tonotify the measurement and testequipment user, or appropriate contractor element, ofsignificant out of tolerance conditions so that appropriateaction can be taken by the contractor, or test and measuringequipment user to correct possible nonconforming products.The procedure shall define what constitutes a significant outof tolerance condition.”

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MIL-ljDBK-52A17 August 1984

(b) Concept.

The contractor musk have a procedure which requires that thecalibration agency notify the user of the M&TE (or otherappropriate designated contractor element) of MSTE found tobe significantly out of tolerance during calibration. Theprocedure must also clearly.define what constitutes asignificant out of tolerance condition. Based.upon thenotification, appropriate action can be taken by thecontractor to correct possible nonconforming products. Suchappropriate action maY include shortening of calibrationintervals, as well as determining M&TE reliability.

(c) Application.

The government representative will determine that thecontractor’s procedure includes the requirement forrecording and reporting significant out of toleranceconditions and clearly identifies ch-,r.i~elsfor the reporting.This may be directly to the M&TE user, to the qualityassurance department or other organizations within thecontractors organizational structure, that will take actionto correct possible nonconforming products. The scope ofMIL-STD-45662 extends only to notification of thesignificantly out of tolerance conditions. Such notificationmay require that corrective action be taken by the contractr-zunder the quality provision of the contract. The reportingchannels may vary for different items of M&TE, depending uponthe contractor’s organizational structure and type of productor business involved. The procedure must define whatconstitutes a significant out of tolerance condition. An outof tolerance condition should be considered significant whenit will result .in acceptance of a nonconforming product. Thedefinition of significantly out of tolerance may vary fromcontractor to contractor. Some contractors may have acalibration program which is closely related to product test,enabling the out of tolerance definition to be closelyrelated to product test. Other contractor’s calibrationmay not be as directly related to product; therefore adifferent definition may be required.

5.7 .

5.7.1 .

(a) Requirement.

“5.7.l . Measuring and test equipmentshall be calibrated by the contractor, or a commercialfacility utilizing standards whose calibration is certifiedas being traceable to the National Standards, has been

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MIL-HDBK-52A17 August 1984 -.

(b)

decived from accepted values of natural physical constants,or has been derived by the ratio type of self-calibrationtechniques. Standards requiring calibration by a higherlevel standards laboratory shall be calibrated by acommercial facility capable of providing the requiredservicer a Government Laboratory, under arrangements made bythe Contracting Officer, or by the National Bureau ofStandards. All standards used in the calibration systemshall be supported by certificates, reports, or data sheetsattesting to the date, accuracy, and environmental or otherconditions under which the results furnished were obtained.Statements of certification shall contain as a.minimum, therequirements prescribed in paragraph 5.8. All subordinatestandards and measuring and test equipment shall be supported -by like data when such information is essential to achievingthe accuracy control required by this standard. In thosecases where no data is required, a suitably annotatedcalibration label on the item shall be sufficient to satisfythe support data requirements of this paragraph.Certificates or reports from other than the National Bureauof Standards or Government laboratory shall attest to thefact that the standards used in obtaining the results havebeen compared at planned intervals with the NationalStandard, either directly or through a controlled system,utilizing the methods outlined above. The contractor shallbe responsible for assuring that the sources providingcalibration services, other than the National Bureau ofStandards or a Government laboratory. are, in fact. capableof performing the required service to the”satisfaction-ofthis standard. All certificates and reports shall beavailable for inspection by authorized Governmentrepresentatives.”

Concept. ,.

All M&TE used to assure compliance with the contract must “be calibrated by use of standards whose calibration is:

1. Traceable to National Standards; or

2. Obtained from .independent reproducible standards(derived from accepted values of natural physicalconstants); or

3. Derived from the ratio type of self-calibrationtechniques; or

4. Traceable to National Standardswhich are compared to InternationalStandards; or

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of a foreign country,or US National

MIL-13DBK-52A17 August 1984

. ,..J

(c)

5. Industry consensus standards, where no suitablestandard exists.

If calibration services are required for these standards, thecontractor may obtain the same from a commercial metrologylaboratory, a Government laboratory, from NBS, or a fOK~ignnational laboratory (if their standards are compared toInternational or US National Standards). Certificates, testreports or data sheets must state tbe date, accuracy, andenvironmental conditions under which the reference standardwas calibrated. Information of a like nature, if necessaryfor accuracy control of the calibration system, is requiredto support subordinate standards and measuring and testequipment. In addition, reports from commerciallaboratories ”must.state the standards used in performing thecalibrations were periodically compared, directly orindirectly, with a National Standard, or where calibrated byone of the methods outlined in 2 or 3 above. The contractormust assure that contract calibration services from otherthan NBS or a Government laboratory are capable of performingservices in compliance with the requirements ofMIL-sTD-45662.

Application.

The Government representative shall ascertain that allmeasurements or calibrations performed by or for thecontractor in determining compliance with his contractualrequirements can be traced, directly or indirectly, throughan unbroken chain of properly conducted calibration(supported by reports or data sheets) to an,appropriatereference standard, maintained by a national organizationsuch as NBS, or some ultimate reference standard, such as anindependently reproducible standard, i.e., a standardwhich depends upon accepted values of natural physicalconstants. Typical examples are--the specific gravity of agiven element, such as mercury-in-glass manometers, or thefreezing point of distilled water, such as ice bathrecertification of ASTM theromometers.

In accomplishing the investigation of traceability, theGovernment representative should request to examine the,reports or data sheets supporting the contractor’s standards.There must be a report for each reference standard (exceptindependent reproducible standards such as atomic frequencystandards, metala freezing points, ratio type ofself-calibration, or parameters for which NBS does notmaintain standards) used in the contractorga calibrationsystem. RepOrtS are also required for transfer standards orM&TE, if their accuracy is such as to require supporting

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MIL-HDBK-52A.17 August 1984

data. If the contractor’s calibration services are performedby a commercial laboratory or facilitv on a contract basis,c~pies of reports issued by them must-be

All reports should be kept in a suitablecontain the following information:

1. Identification or serial number

available.

file and shall

of the standard ortest equipment to which the report pertains.

2. Relevant condition under which the calibration wasperformed (temperature, relative humidity; etc.) asrequired.

3. Accuracy of the standard under test (expressed inpercentage or other suitable terms).

4. Relevant deviation or corrections.

5. Report number.

6. Reports for the highest level standards of sources “other than NBS or a Government laboratory must bear astatement that comparison has been made and is traceableto National Standards at planned intervals. An NBS testnumber is one means of substantiating comparison.

7. Corrections which must be applied if standardconditions of temperature, gravity, air buoyancy, etc.,are not met or differ from those at place of calibration.

If calibration services are obtained from foreign nations,the contractor must determine that the above information isavailable on the reports and,that the standards of thatnation are periodically compared with International or USNational St;ndards. - -

,. -

Since the contractor is responsible for assuring that sourcesproviding his calibration services are capable of performingthese services, other than NBS or Government laboratories, tothe satisfaction of the.requirements of MIL-sTD-45662, theGovernment representative may request, from the contractor,any factual evidence upon which he based his assurance ordetermination that the company providing service is, in fact,capable. Contracts for calibration services shall includeagreements with a commercial facility that the laboratory isoperated in conformance with the applicable requirements ofMIL-STD-45662 .

5.7.2 ~ .

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MIL-HDSK-52A17 August 1984

(b)

,. (c)

I 5.8

I (a)

(b)

Requirement.

‘5.7.2 ExLreian con*KEu2h3. The provisions in paragraph 5.7.1shall apply, with the exception that the National StandardsLaboratories of countries whose standards are compared withInternational or-US National Standards may be utilized.”

Concept.

The same concept applies to foreign contracts as for domesticcontracts :(see 5.7..1.above) except as stated in therequirement of this paragraph.

Application.

Guidelines for the Government representative are the same asfor domestic contracts (see 5.7.1. above) except as stated inthe requirement of this paragraph.

.

Requirement.

“5.8 ~ . The application of the aboverequirements will be supported by records designed to assurethat established schedules and procedures are followed tomaintain the accuracy of all measuring and test equipment,and supporting standards. The records ,shall include anindividual record of calibration, or other means of control,for each item of measuring and test equipment and measurementstandards, providing description or identification of theitem, calibration interval, date of last calibration andcalibration results of out of tolerance condition. Inaddition, the individual record of any item whose accuracymust be reported via a calibration report or certificate willquote the report or certificate number for ready reference.These records shall be available for review by authorizedGovernment personnel.”

Concept.

Records provide objective evidence that calibration schedulesare complied with and that the accuracy of the equipment orstandards is being maintained. The records also provide ahistory of equipment stability, which may be evaluated andutilized as a basis for the adjustment of calibrationintervals. Records will be provided and maintained for eachitem of measuring and test equipment and each measurementstandard. They must be readily available to the Governmentrepresentative.

17


(c)

5.9

(a)

(b)

Application.

The Government representative shall ascertain that adequatecalibration records are provided and maintained to identify.and categorize each item of measuring and test equipmentand measurement standard. Records can be in format developedat the contractor’s discretion, but mukt be kept in a -suitable file, readily available for use by authorizedpersonnel, or for review by a Government representative. Thefile may also be in electronic media, such

The Government representative may considerbeing satisfactory when it readily revealsdata:

1. Identification of each item.

2. The item’s history.

as computer discs.

the’a record system

following

calibration3. Calibration interval and date of last

as

. .

4. Reference to calibration procedure(s)of calibration.

used or source

5. Calibration report or certificate number, ifrequired.

6. Calibration results of out of tolerance conditionsfound in previous calibrations.

.

Requirement.

“5.9 ~ . Measuring and test equipmentstandards shall be labeled or some other suitable meansbe established for monitoring the equipment to assureadherence to calibration schedules. The system”shallindicate date of last calibration, by whom calibrated andwhen the next calibration is due. The system may beautomated or manual. Items which are not calibrated to theirfull capability, or which require functional check only,shall be labeled to indicate the applicable condition.”

andshall

Concept.

Labeling provides a visual means of indicating thecalibration serviceability status of measuring and testequipment or measurement standards. Access to calibrationadjustments, or the adjustments themselves should be made

18

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

I~

I

,.

tamper-proof.is broken, the


If the tamper-proof mechanism, such as a seal,calibration is void. All such items used to

assure compliance with the contract must be labeled orotherwise controlled to indicte their status. Equipment Orstandards used at partial capability must indicatethe usable scales or ranges, or portions of the equipment.Equipment or standards exceeding the calibration expirationdate must not be used until they have been recalibrated.

(c) Application.

The Government representative shall ascertain that thecurrent calibration status of all measuring and testequipment and standards used to assure compliance with thecontract, and requiring calibration, is readily identifiable.Status may be identified by tags, labels, codes, or recallrecords. The Government representative shall also determinethat calibration expiration dates have not been exceeded byany standard or item of equipment. If labels are used as thesole means of monitoring equipment status, such labels shouldbe distinctive, and must be located on the equipment in sucha manner that they are clearly visible at all times. When itis impractical to apply labels to the equipment, (such asgage blocks) the label may be applied to the container. Theinformation on such labels shall include, as a minimum, thedate of last calibration, by whom it was calibrated, and thedate when next calibration is due. If a means of controlother than labeling is used, it must reflect the sameinformation supplied by the label or tag, and must be readilyaccessible for monitoring this information. . When other means’of monitoring equipment status are used in addition tolabeling, the label should include as a minimum, the nextcalibration due date. The system must further provide forlabels or tags, indicating the applicable condition of allequipment or standards which are not required to be used totheir full capabilities, or which require functional checksonly. Usable scales, ranges, or portions of the equipmentmust be indicated on the label or ta9.

Equipment where no test data is recorded, e.g., nullindication, wave form monitoring, etc., may be labeled“No Calibration Necessary, “ or words to that effect.Independent reproducible standards which are derived fromaccepted values of natural physical constants in such a waythat they do not require calibration against other standardsto establish their accuracy, may be labeled ‘No CalibrationNecessary,” or words to that effect. Typical examplea are aninterferometer using a Krypton-86 orange light source fordimensional calibrations, and the cesium type of microwave

19


5.10

(a)

(b)

frequency standard.with these standardscalibration controls

However, accessory equipment associatedis not precluded from periodicor labeling.

The contractor’s system of controlling calibration statusmust extend and apply to every item of,measuring and testequipment or measurement standard, under his jurisdiction,which is used in determining compliance with a productionor services contract as follows:

1. Contractor owned or leased equipment which iscalibrated by the contractor or a commercial source.

2. Contractor owned or leased equipment which iscalibrated by a Govenment laboratory.

3. Government owned equipment, furnished to a contractorfor his use in connection with a related contract.

4. Equipment personally owned by contractor employees,if used for product acceptance.

The system must include provisions for identifying equipmentthat has not been recalibrated in accordance with anestablished schedule, or has been found to exceed allowablelimits. This equipment must be immediately removed fromservice. If physical removal is impractical due to weight,service connections, or other characteristics of theequipment, it must be impounded by the attachment of signs,tags, labels or other means.

tor .

Requirement.

“5.1O of . The contractoris responsible for assuring that the subcontractor’scalibration system conforms to this standard to’the degreenecessary to assure compliance with contractualrequirements.”

Concept.

The government must be assured that the accuracy of allmeasurements and calibrations performed outside thecontractor’s plant, which may affect the quality orconformance to requirements of supplies or services presentedto the Government for acceptance, is effectively controlled.This need not result in complete uniformity orstandardization of calibration policies or practiCeS between.

20

MIL-EDBK-52A17 August 1984

contractor and subcontractor. However,by the subcontractor should satisfy theMIL-STD-45662 to the degree necessary.of this conformance should be available

(c) Application.

5.11

(a)

(b)

(c)

the controls imposedrequirements ofObjective evidenceto the contractor.

The government representative shall ascertain what provisionsthe contractor has imposed on his subcontractor (includingvendors when necessary) to assure himself of theirconformance to the requirements and intent of MIL-STD-45662to the degree necessary. Some areas for consideration by theGovernment representative are as follows:

1. Incorporation, by the contractor, of MIL-STD-45662 insubcontracts when practicable.

2. A general specification or other document, providedby the contractor covering calibration requirements,which is sufficiently comprehensive to assure asubcontractor program that will provide adequate controlof the overall calibration system.

3. Review of objective evidence substantiatingsubcontractor compliance with the applicable requirementsof MIL-sTD-45662.

.

Requirement.

“5.11 . All measuring’and testequipment shall be handled, stored and transported in amanner which shall not adversely affect the calibration orcondition of the equipment.”

Concept.

Proper storage, handling and transportation of measuring andtest equipment is essential to assure that it maintains therequired levels of accuracy. The contractor must offerobjective evidence that procedures are developed and followedwhich assure that ,measuring and test equipment is properlyhandled, stored and transported in a manner which does notadversely affect its calibration or condition.

Application.

21


I

I

5.12

(a)

,..,

iJ

The Government representative shall review the contractor’sprocedure for handling, storing and transporting measuringand test equipment. He will also evaluatei if possible, theactual handling, storage and transporting of this equipment.”Factors the Government representative should base his reviewon are as follows:

1. Equipment is handled during movement usingmanufacturers recommendations or good handling practices.

2. Equipment is properly packaged prior to and duringtransportation, as required.

3. Storage areas and stored equipment are monitored for -good warehousing practices to preclude deterioration ofthe equipment.

4. Contractor verification of calibration status priorto issue of measuring and test equipment and standardsfor use.

5. Contractor’s procedures require that instances of “improper handling, storage, or transportation bereported, and that the affected equipment be removed fromservice until recalibration is performed.

.

Requirement.

“5.12 . Whenever this standard isamended or revised subsequent to a contractually effectivedate, the contractor may follow or authorize hissubcontractor to follow the,amended or revised militarystandard provided no increase in price or fee is involved.

I The contractor shall not be required to follow the amended”orrevised standard except as a chanqe in.the contract. If the

(b)

contractor elects to ~ollow the a~ended or revised militarystandard, he shall notify the contracting officer in writingof this election.”

NO explanation required.

.,

... 22

CHECKLIST

This checklist provides


APPENDIX

FOR EVALUATION OF CONTIUiCTOR’S

CALIBRATION SYSTEM

the evaluator with a reference to therequirements of-MIL-STD-45662 (and to the background materialprovided by this Handbook). When completed, the checklist servesas a record of.the evaluation, includina the adequacy of thecontractor’s written procedures and his-complian~e w~th those

I procedures. Hence, it serves also,as a record of the contractor’sI compliance with MIL-sTD-45662.

I

23

MIL-HDBK-52A17August 1984

;)

24

G

MIL-HOBK-52Ai7Auaust 1984

25


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. .

26

.

I

1 ‘MIL-HDBK-52A :17 AOgust 1984

27


28

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29


Custodians:Army-MINavy-OSAir Force-05DLA-DH

Review Activities:Army-AR, AVNavy-As , EC, SHAF-15, 23, 85DLA-ES

User Activities:Army-MEDLA-SS

Preparing Activity:Arrny-UI

Project No. QCIC-0008

. .

AREA : QCIC

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30

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f.- =lOn# m -,

I DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY

ConsnanderUS Army Missile ConsnandAlTN: DRSMI-EDSRedstone Arsenal , AL 35898-527D

OFFICIAL WSINEM?EIJALTVFORPRIVATEu9E S300 BUSINESS REPLY MAIL ~.FIRSTCLAS PERMIT NO. faml wASMINOTON 0, c.

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PO-AGE WILL BE PAID BVTHE DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMV

ConnnanderUS Army Missile ComnandATTN: DRSMI-EDSRedstone Arsenal , AL 35898-5270

\ :,

SiANDARDIZATION 00CUMh$W’JIPROVEMEfIJT PROPOSAL(seeImflucliolu +“’Rfwrs?Side)

00CUMENT NUMBER z DOCUMENT TITLE

MIL-HDBK-52A EVALUATION OF CONTW”CTOR ‘S CALIBRATION SYSTEM. NAME Of SUBMITTING OROANI?ATION 4. Tvrs of 01WTANIZ4T10N (M* w)

❑ yErmOR

❑ user!

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kAILIN.3 AOORESS (Stm.c CM7, atih. ZIP C&) -- S. DA7e OF SU8M1SS1ON (YYMMDD1

—— ..-

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. .

IJllat!%1426: Pl+Evt6u3 EOIT,ON IS o$SOI.EW.

NOTICE OF MIL-HDBK-52B CANCELLATION NOTICE 1

20 September 1995

MILITARY HANDBOOK

EVALUATION OF CONTRACTOR’SCALIBRATION SYSTEM

MIL-HDBK-52B, dated 16 August 1989, is hereby canceled without replacement.

Custodians: Preparing activity: Army - MI Army - MI Navy - OS Air Force - 05 Agent:

OSD - SO

(Project QCIC-0133)

AMSC N/A AREA QCIC

DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT A. Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.