Qualified Suppliers List

Qualified Suppliers List for Manufacturers (QSLM) | Qualified Suppliers List for Distributors (QSLD)

This qualification program encompasses the best industry practices and incorporates these elements into the DLA Troop Support Construction & Equipment & DLA Consumable Hardware supply chains' acquisition process. Through the program, we pre-qualify manufacturers and/or distributors to supply certain items based on an assessment of the provider's applied process controls. Applicants must demonstrate that the controls which they have in-place and in-use on a daily basis comply with the established QSL criteria, providing maximum assurance that the products procured conform to specification and contractual requirements. The table below links to the criteria, provisions, and application forms for the six QSL commodities. (Note that the same forms are used for initial qualification, 3-year renewal, revision and re-qualification following removal or disapproval.)

Criteria and provisions for the QSLM/QSLD commodities and application forms

No QSLM for Bulk Metals. Mills and service shops apply as QSL

​Fastener Thread Class differentiation

The DLA Qualified Supplier's Consumable Hardware items includes programs for both Class 3 and Class 2 threaded fasteners. These classifications refer to the thread fit and tolerance required for the particular part. Class 3 threaded fasteners are generally utilized in aerospace applications, while Class 2 threaded fasteners are primarily used in land and maritime applications. To confirm the type of thread required, suppliers should consult the top-level drawing referenced in the solicitation of interest. This drawing will directly identify the thread class. Detailed descriptions of screw thread classes can be found in paragraph 4 of ASME B1.1, Unified Inch Screw Threads (UN and UNR Thread Form).

In the rare instances where BOTH classes of thread are used on a single part, e.g. on a stud, the more stringent Class 3 criteria (and source list) apply. Under the QSL, one important difference between the two programs is that Class 3 manufacturers are required to utilize real-time Statistical Process Controls as part of their fabrication processes. For Class 2 threaded parts, the manufacturer must perform statistical techniques, which may be performed post production, to determine and resolve any causes of variation in the finished product. In all cases, suppliers MUST be listed under the appropriate QSL program to be eligible to quote on the respective part(s).

Working with QSLM/QLSD


Why are we using QSLM/QSLD?

DLA Troop Support's Construction & Equipment and DLA Consumable Hardware supply chains have implemented QSLM/QSLD in select commodity areas to maintain our competitiveness. Benefits of the program include improved product quality, reduced lead times and overall life cycle costs, with increased customer satisfaction. The program is also highly compatible with Direct Vendor Delivery and Electronic Commerce / Electronic Data Interchange techniques.
 

How can I participate in the program?

In order to become qualified, you must first print out an application form (links above) and a copy of either the QSLM or QSLD Criteria and Provisions for the specific commodity area of interest; links to each Criteria are at the top of this Home Page. Thoroughly read the Criteria and make sure that your quality manual contains sufficient detail such that we can determine conformance with each Criteria element. Questions may be addressed to any individual on the QSL Team, and may be emailed using the Team email address at the bottom of this page. Applications are in Adobe Acrobat format (pdf). You must have a PDF reader and/or the browser plug-in to access the documents.

Submit the completed application, along with a copy of your quality manual, procedures, and an organizational chart with names to the appropriate DLA QSL team at the address listed below. We will evaluate your compliance with established criteria and determine whether a site-survey is necessary. Overall qualification cycle typically requires about 8 to 12 weeks to complete (assuming company is reasonably compliant); you are notified of the results. Be aware that if your manual is ISO 9000 approved, we will typically require many of the separate procedure attachments in order to complete our evaluation. You must also renew every three years; renewal is not automatic following a successful audit.

*You must have a CAGE code to participate

If you do not have a Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) Code, you may apply directly to www.sam.gov (System for Awards Management) or call the DLIS Help Desk at (888) 227-2423.
 

Instructions for the commodity interest/activity list (page 3) of the QSL application forms

Each QSL commodity has its own application form and the requirements for filling out the commodity interest/activity page are slightly different for each one.

  1. Class 2 Threaded Fasteners only requires an "X" in the appropriate block
     
  2. Class 3 Threaded Fasteners and Bulk Metals both require an "X" and an approximate percentage of each category's volume of your total business. The total of the percentages on the page should not exceed 100%, and may not necessarily add up to 100%.
     
  3. Rivets is broken down into two pages, one for MIL-HDBK-5 (a handbook for materials used on aerospace vehicle structures) and the other for non-MIL-HDBK-5. Rivet specifications are then listed for each category and the application is completed by circling the appropriate response (yes, no, type, and licensee). Percentages are not required. Note, MIL-HDBK-5, "Metallic Materials and Elements for Aerospace Vehicle Structures", has been cancelled; future acquisitions may refer to DOT/FAA/AR-MMPDS, & "Metallic Materials Properties Development & Standardization."
     
  4. Rope & Cordage is broken down into four categories, rope, cord, twine, and tape. You must list the specifications that are part of your regular product line, as well as the material, construction, and sizes available. Percentages are not required.
     
  5. Quick Release Pins are broken down by part number specifications, followed by a brief description of that specification's configuration, then followed by a yes/no response as well as the diameter and length ranges of your capabilities. The form also indicates whether Qualification Test Reports are required for each specification.
     

Note also that specifications, standards, and drawings may be:

Federal (FED), Military (MIL/MS), OEM/Proprietary, such as GE, Raytheon, Lockheed-Martin, Boeing, etc.; other Government, such as TACOM, AMCOM, Air Force-Navy Aeronautical Standard (AN); Commercial Item Description (CID), and other Government/Industry consensus standards, such as National Aerospace (NAS), American Society for Testing & Materials (ASTM), Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), American National Standards Institute (ANSI), etc. For more information about spec's and standards, visit the DoD's Defense Standardization Program website.
 

QSL team contact information:

For application status or additional information, contact the DLA Consumable Hardware team (DLA Aviation) at AviationQSL@dla.mil, and for Rope and Bulk Metals, contact the Troop Support C&E QSL Team at trpsptqsl@dla.mil. 

Notice: Navmar Applied Sciences and COIL and their agents are authorized to conduct audits for DLA Troop Support's QSLM/QSLD program. Audits may include random sampling. See letter for details.