The AHNTECH Quality Management System is based on our corporate quality policy. The AQMS is the quality management system currently used by all AHNTECH business units to manage the quality of their processes and products. AHNTECH follows procedures from top-down; documents all processes that affect quality; retains records and data that describe the quality of our products and services; and we ensure that our processes produce consistent quality. We are confident our quality approach will provide assurances of reliable and cost-effective mission completion for all the Product Areas as well as each Functional Area.

Comprehensive, planned, and documented internal quality audit procedures will verify that AHNTECH processes are followed and that they are meeting customer standards. Our Performance Measurement approach includes analysis of process activities and measurements of process performance, effectiveness, and efficiency.

Specifically Quality Control will:

• Do the appropriate resource allocation, implementation, training, and documentation
• Check to see if we are implementing as planned and to see if we are meeting our objectives for quality
• Act to improve the system as needed

AHNTECH’s Quality Control Plans (QCP) will ensure a cost-effective, customer focused operation that meets the needs and mission requirements. These plans include an overview of the AHNTECH QMS and describes our approach for successful management of the performance standards. The AQMS includes a performance management process that will monitor, track and manage our team’s performance and provide a means for management to respond to performance against expected outcomes. The QCP is a valuable management resource that will optimize and control quality in relation to benefit, cost, and risk considerations. Our QCP will establish:

• Control and audit procedures that will identify areas adversely affecting contract performance
• A methodology for application and monitoring of corrective action to ensure successful and timely problem resolution, process and outcome performance measurement, to include methods that identify and prevent deficiencies in the quality of services, subcontractors, and teaming partners
• A system for recording, computing, and accessing performance measurement data that AHNTECH and the Government can use for analysis and decision making
• An approach for continuous improvement and innovation in terms of quality, cost, and timeliness

AHNTECH determines process measurement requirements by getting input from both external and internal customers about their detailed requirements at each process interface. In creating process measures, we consider our customers’ most frequently asked questions:

• Did I receive what I asked for and expected?
• Was it complete and accurate?
• Did I receive it on time?
• Am I satisfied with the way I was treated during interactions with the contractor?

AHNTECH will utilize a variety of elements to measure overall process performance. The following elements are used as the basis of the performance measurement data system:

• Metrics
• Process analysis
• Inspections/Evaluations
• Performance Management Meetings

AHNTECH has developed and will utilize an on-line records management system for recording, computing, and accessing quality records and performance measurement data. When quality surveillance is performed on required services, the results will be available to authorized users via this website. Surveillance data will contain the performance objective, SOW paragraph number, performance threshold, Office of Primary Responsibility (OPR), findings, corrective action, and remarks. This one-stop source of performance information gives the Government and AHNTECH Program Management immediate access to data necessary for effective performance management.

Corrective actions may be requested when nonconformities are identified. Corrective actions are requested by the TOQCI via a Quality Control Discrepancy Report (QCDR). A QCDR may be generated due to:

• Accumulation of minor nonconformities
• A recurring problem with a process or work operation
• Nonconforming deliveries from suppliers and/or subcontractors
• Identification of any conditions that may adversely affect quality, safety, or the health of the company in general
• A recurring customer complaint

Corrective actions will be requested through the TOQCI who will initiate the process by generating a QCDR. The TOQCI will assign a sequential control number for tracking and forward the QCDR to the responsible TO Manager for investigation and corrective action.

Upon receiving a request for corrective action (QCDR), the TO Manager will investigate the root cause of the discrepancy, propose corrective and preventive actions to be taken, and indicate the date corrective actions will be fully implemented. On or immediately after the time of implementation, the TOQCI will conduct a follow-up review to determine if:

• The root cause of the problem was addressed
• Methods for preventive action controls are established and documented
• The corrective action was effective

Completed QCDR’s will be returned to the TOQCI for final review and closeout. Completed QCDR’s will be maintained electronically as quality records.