Agricultural Marketing Service, Specialty Crops Program, Specialty Crops Inspection Division

This PATCH represents official guidance. This PATCH is scheduled to be incorporated into the 

document listed above. After incorporation into the document listed above this PATCH will 

become obsolete. USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender. 

PATCH # 098 Submitting Individual Periodic Reviews (January 17, 2024) 

SCI Division Inspection Series

Page 1 of 3 

PATCH # 098

DOCUMENT: Operational Rations Inspection Manual, October 2017. 

REMARKS: This patch provides updated instructions for Section 3- Production Standards and 

Product Reviews. Updated information will be incorporated into the next revision of the 

Operational Inspections Manual.

Periodic Reviews-Selection of Periodic Review Samples

 

A. When individual periodic review rations are selected for submittal to the Development 

Command - Soldier Center (DEVCOM-SC) at Natick, MA, they must be from 

conforming lots. If there is any doubt that the product compares to the currently 

approved production standard, samples will be submitted to the USDA review locations 

as a special review for feedback on acceptability before the lot is certified and submitted 

to DEVCOM-SC.

B. All food components inspected by USDA will be subject to periodic review sampling 

during the contract production period/timeframe. Refer to the DLA Letter of Instruction 

(LOI) for Periodic Review Submittals- Individual Rations for instructions.

C. The IIC should follow the instructions in the LOI and utilize the ledger provided by 

NPMS to create a schedule for selecting periodic review, using the tracking log as a 

template located on the Operational Rations SharePoint Natick Review Sample Submittal 

Calendars for all locations. 

D. NPMS will update the Periodic Review Submittal Worksheets whenever there are 

changes. Refer to “DLA Letter of Instruction for Periodic Review Submittals for 

Individual Rations ”, for details of this submittal process. This document is posted on the 

NPMS SharePoint site under “OR Resource Documents.”
This PATCH represents official guidance. This PATCH is scheduled to be incorporated into the 

document listed on the first page. After incorporation into the document listed above this 

PATCH will become obsolete.

PATCH #098 Submitting Individual Periodic Reviews (January 17, 2024)

SCI Division Inspection Series

Page 2 of 3

Time Period of Periodic Reviews

E. If a PDM replenishment is required to be submitted during a periodic review

submittal time-period, submit only the PDM replenishment sample. Resume 

periodic review sample submission during the food component’s next scheduled 

time-period.

F. For each product, review the End-Item Skip Lot Ledger for each month and select a lot 

that has passed the USDA verification end-item product exam and has met all the

contract requirements. Note that lots that have been skipped for USDA end-item 

verification examination should not be selected for periodic review. If all lots of an 

item produced during a submittal period are skipped, based upon USDA end-item 

exam skip lot procedures, a periodic review sample should not be submitted for that 

particular submittal period, for that item.

G. Periodic review samples will be selected at three different sample points A, B, and C in

a lot. These sample points should be spread out over the production lot so that they 

represent a cross section of production. At each sample point, four containers will be 

selected which, to the extent possible, share common batching, time code, retort cook, 

etc. If the review samples are only marked with the day code, mark the samples from 

each sample point using the source case or source pallet information. This will assist 

in follow-up in the event that issues are identified with a particular sample.

1. Note: That it is allowable to select lots, for submittal for periodic reviews that 

have been skipped under Optional Contractor Testing for analytical testing.

The submittal period timeframe is based upon the Julian code date of

production, not when the lots are offered or certified.

H. See diagram below for Individual Rations with three sampling points:

1. Sample Point A - 4 Like Containers

a. 1 container to DEVCOM-SC

b. 1 container plus the current PDM to NPMS (see OR Sample Submittal 

Worksheet for current shipping location & DLA Letter of Instructions for 

Periodic Reviews)

c. 1 container as In-Plant Standby

d. 1 container plus the current PDM to USDA- Specialty Crops Inspection 

Area Office
This PATCH represents official guidance. This PATCH is scheduled to be incorporated into the 

document listed on the first page. After incorporation into the document listed above this 

PATCH will become obsolete.

PATCH #098 Submitting Individual Periodic Reviews (January 17, 2024)

SCI Division Inspection Series

Page 3 of 3

2. Sample Point B - 4 Like Containers

a. 1 container to DEVCOM-SC

b. 1 container plus the current PDM to NPMS (see OR Sample Submittal 

Worksheet for current shipping location & DLA Letter of Instructions for 

Periodic Reviews)

c. 1 container as In-Plant Standby

d. 1 container plus the current PDM to USDA-Specialty Crops Inspection 

Area Office

3. Sample Point C- 4 Like Containers

a. 1 container to DEVCOM-SC

b. 1 container plus the current PDM to NPMS (see OR Sample Submittal 

Worksheet for Current shipping location & DLA Letter of Instructions 

for Periodic Reviews)

c. 1 container as In-Plant Standby

d. 1 container plus the current PDM to USDA-Specialty Crops Inspection 

Area Office
Agricultural Marketing Service, Specialty Crops Program, Specialty Crops Inspection Division

This PATCH represents official guidance. This PATCH is scheduled to be incorporated into the 

document listed above. After incorporation into the document listed above this PATCH will 

become obsolete. USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

PATCH # 097 Completing a SC-500 for QSP Audit (January 11, 2024)

SCI Division Inspection Series

Page 1 of 2

PATCH # 097

DOCUMENT: Operational Rations Inspection Manual, October 2017

REMARKS: This patch provides updated instructions for Section 13- Quality System Plan 

Procedures. Updated information will be incorporated into the next revision of the Operational 

Inspections Manual.

Steps for Completing a SC-550 Corrective Action Request

If, while conducting a Compliance Audit, the USDA inspector observes a quality assurance 

procedure that does not conform to the contractor’s written QSP or to the contract requirements, 

the inspector must investigate further. If it is determined that a non-conformance has been 

identified, the Inspector will report it as a “finding” and notify the contractor using the 

Corrective Action Request (CAR), commonly referred to as a “CAR.” The CAR tells the 

contractor what non-conformance the inspector found and includes the requirement in the QSP 

or contract that was not being followed. The CAR also requires the contractor to provide a 

description of their corrective action to address the non-conformance.

Note: That there may be instances when a minor non-conformance may not be significant 

enough to require a CAR.

In completing the CAR, the inspector must establish a due date for the contractor’s corrective 

action. The timeframe for the contractor’s corrective action and response is determined by the 

severity of the finding. A USDA inspector can establish the timeframe based on their experience 

and judgment. If a finding involves a situation that allows, or has the potential to allow, 

nonconforming product to be produced, immediate notification to the contractor would be 

required. If a finding involves a departure from the QSP that would likely have little bearing on 

the effective production of a conforming product, timely notification to the contractor is 

required. In all cases, the time frame designated by USDA for the contractor’s corrective action 

and written response should be appropriate for the severity of the finding. The process for 

completing a CAR is as follows:

A. The USDA inspector will document the finding using the appropriate blocks of the CAR. 

The CARs generated during a calendar year will be sequentially numbered, beginning 
This PATCH represents official guidance. This PATCH is scheduled to be incorporated into the 

document listed on the first page. After incorporation into the document listed above this 

PATCH will become obsolete.

PATCH #097 Completing a SC-500 for QSP Audit (January 11, 2024)

SCI Division Inspection Series

Page 2 of 2

with “CAR” followed by the 3-letter contractor’s name code, the year, and then

sequentially numbered, e.g., CAR ABC 2012-01, CAR ABC 2012-02, CAR ABC 2012-

03 etc.

B. The contractor will receive a digital copy of the CAR from the USDA inspector.

C. The contractor must complete the portion of the CAR describing the cause of the 

deficiency and contractor’s planned corrective action (Section II-CAR Response). The 

contractor must then return the CAR to the inspector within the time specified.

D. The USDA inspector will evaluate the contractor’s written response to the finding,

provide any necessary comments, and then forward it to ORS for evaluation. The 

inspector should refrain from marking the corrective action plan as “Acceptable” until it 

receives approval from ORS. Additionally, the inspector will coordinate with ORS to

determine whether and when a follow-up audit is required. 

E. If a follow-up audit is required, the USDA inspector will use the CAR to document the 

audit and submit to ORS to determine whether the corrective action plan is acceptable.

F. If an inadequate or untimely corrective action response occurs, the inspector will make 

immediate distribution of the partially completed CAR using the same distribution list as 

above.

G. Once a CAR is completed with the corrective action found to be acceptable, the inspector 

will make full distribution of the form.
Agricultural Marketing Service, Specialty Crops Program, Specialty Crops Inspection Division

This PATCH represents official guidance. This PATCH is scheduled to be incorporated into the 

document listed above. After incorporation into the document listed above this PATCH will 

become obsolete. USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender. 

PATCH # 089 Operational Rations Fees (September 27, 2022) 

SCI Division Inspection Series

Page 1 of 2 

PATCH # 089

DOCUMENT: Operational Rations Inspection Manual, October 2017 

REMARKS: The information below related to fees and charges for Operational Rations (OR) 

will be incorporated into the next revision of the Operational Rations Inspection Manual

Fees and Charges

The fee for USDA/Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) inspection of operational rations food 

components will be determined according to the Fee Setting: Operational Rations Program

policy. This policy defines the responsibility, goals, authority, and steps for regularly reviewing 

and revising fees accessed to the inspection of Operational Rations (OR) food component 

applicants to assure fees are adequate to recover the cost of providing Specialty Crops Inspection 

(SCI) Division services. 

The OR fee will be an hourly rate of service and applies to Department of Defense (DoD), 

Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Troop Support contracts that require contractor-paid 

USDA/AMS inspection of operational rations food components. This includes all types of 

services provided under in-plant, year-round inspection service contracts; in-plant, less-thanyear-round inspection service contracts; and lot inspection or similar services for formulated and 

processed food components in DoD operational rations. 

Operational rations include, but are not limited to: 

• Meal, Ready-to-Eat (MRE) rations

• Unitized Group rations (including Polymeric Tray and Institutional Size Pouch

containers)

• First Strike rations

• Long Range Patrol (LRP) rations

• Meal, Cold Weather (MCW) rations

• Tailored Operational Training Meal (TOTM)

• Modular Operational Ration Enhancement (MORE)

• MRE Wet Pack Fruits

• Wet Pack Fruits

• Spreads/ Condiments RNC
This PATCH represents official guidance. This PATCH is scheduled to be incorporated into the 

document listed on the first page. After incorporation into the document listed above this 

PATCH will become obsolete.

PATCH #089 Operational Rations Fees (September 27, 2022)

SCI Division Inspection Series

Page 2 of 2

• Beverage RNC

• Water, Drinking, Emergency

The OR fee does not apply to:

• USDA grading and certification of ingredients requiring grading prior to operational 

rations component formulation and processing. 

• USDA/AMS laboratory testing and analyses. See National Science Laboratories for 

additional information related to these services.

Questions relating to the operational rations fees and charges should be directed to the National 

Program Mission Support Operational Rations Team via scscioperationalrations@usda.gov.

As of October 1, 2022, Operational Rations fees for service are as follows:

Operational Rations 

Activity

Regular per hour Overtime per hour Holiday per hour

Lot Inspections $73.00 $110.00 $146.00

In-plant Inspections 

Under Annual Contract 

(year-round)

$73.00 $110.00 $146.00

Additional Graders (inplant) or Less Than 

Year-Round

$73.00 $110.00 $146.00

Processed Plant Survey $132 per hour

Charging Premium Time

Premium time such as overtime, Sunday and night differential, and holiday work shall be 

charged according to current SCI billing policy for processed products. See the Contracts and 

Agreements with Industry policy for additional guidance on premium time for Operational 

Rations services under a service contract.

Charging Travel Expenses

For guidance on charging travel expenses for Operational Rations services under a service 

contract see the Contracts and Agreements with Industry policy.

Charge travel expenses for Operational Rations services not under a service contract follow the 

guidance within the Processed Products Travel Charge Policy. Charge for travel expenses 

incurred for temporary inspectors performing operational rations inspections outside of 

established year-round contracts. This may include travel time, tolls, and parking as applicable.
Agricultural Marketing Service, Specialty Crops Program, Specialty Crops Inspection Division

This PATCH represents official guidance. This PATCH is scheduled to be incorporated into the 

document listed above. After incorporation into the document listed above this PATCH will 

become obsolete. USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender. 

PATCH # 086 In-plant Inspection Review (August 24, 2022) 

SCI Division Inspection Series

Page 1 of 4 

PATCH # 086

DOCUMENT: Operational Rations Inspection Manual, October 2017. 

REMARKS: This patch provides updated instructions for Section 8 - Operational Rations InPlant Inspection Review. Updated information will be incorporated into the next revision of the 

Operational Inspections Manual.

OPERATIONAL RATIONS IN-PLANT REVIEWS 

The delivery of uniform and accurate inspection service is essential for maintaining the integrity 

of the Operational Rations (OR) inspection program. OR In-plant Reviews are one of the tools 

SCI Division uses to verify specific OR policies and procedures are followed properly. OR InPlant Reviews are in addition to SCI Supervisory Reviews of Agricultural Commodity Graders

that are also performed at OR in-plant locations. 

To ensure a balanced level of oversight, OR in-plant reviews are conducted at the headquarters 

level by National Programs Mission Support Specialists (Team) and at the local level by Area 

Office Officers-in-Charge.

National Programs Mission Support (NPMS) In-Plant Reviews

 

These reviews are performed by NPMS Agricultural Marketing Specialists or designees 

approved by the Associate Director of National Programs Mission support. 

A. NPMS In-Plant Internal Reviews are conducted annually each calendar year at 

Operational Rations plant locations. The frequency of the review process may be 

modified in concurrence with the Associate Director of NPMS depending on the extent of 

controls necessary to ensure operational procedures and processes are working as 

intended. 

B. The NMPS reviewer will notify the plant Inspector-in-Charge (IIC) and the Officer-inCharge (OIC) of the scheduled date of the review. During the review, the NPMS

reviewer will work closely with the IIC and other inspectors to observe and evaluate 

procedures, review documentation, interview personnel, and assess facility operations. 
This PATCH represents official guidance. This PATCH is scheduled to be incorporated into the 

document listed on the first page. After incorporation into the document listed above this 

PATCH will become obsolete.

PATCH # 086 In-plant Inspection Review (August 24, 2022) 

SCI Division Inspection Series

Page 2 of 4 

SCI Division supervisors responsible for the facility are also encouraged to participate. 

At the conclusion of the review, the NMPS reviewer will conduct an exit briefing with 

the IIC and, if possible, the supervisor to discuss any findings, observations, and 

corrective actions as needed. 

C. The Operational Rations In-Plant Inspection Review (Appendix VIII) report will

document findings, observations, products, and compliance with OR related inspection 

procedures. 

D. The SC-550 Operational Rations (OR) In-Plant Inspection Survey Corrective Action 

Request (CAR) will be used in conjunction with the Operational Rations In-Plant 

Inspection Review report to document non-conformances discovered during the review. 

Instructions for completing the CAR are found within the form. 

• Reviewer will track, follow-up and verify effectiveness of corrective actions 

taken. 

• Non-conformances of a serious nature will be immediately elevated to the 

attention of the Regional Branch Chief or Associate Director of Field Operations.

E. The Operational Rations In-Plant Inspection Review report and SC-550 OR In-Plant 

Inspection Survey CAR will be distributed within 20 working days of the conclusion of 

the review to: 

• NPMS Operational Rations Support via scscioperationalrations@usda.gov

• OR Plant IIC

• Area Office OIC

• Regional Operations Branch Chief and Assistant Branch Chief 

F. The Area Office OIC will coordinate with the NPMS reviewer regarding nonconformances listed on the SC-550 OR In-Plant Inspection Survey CAR within 15 days 

of receipt of the report. Responses, if needed, will use the CAR and should be distributed 

to the recipients listed above. The OIC may be utilized to conduct a follow-up site visit 

to confirm corrective actions are complete and will report observations to the reviewer to 

close out the CAR.

Area Office In-Plant Reviews

These reviews are performed by the Area Office Officer-in-Charge or designee supervisor. 

A. The reviewer will conduct a review of inspection activities for each OR in-plant location 

within their jurisdiction at a minimum of one per calendar year. These reviews may
This PATCH represents official guidance. This PATCH is scheduled to be incorporated into the 

document listed on the first page. After incorporation into the document listed above this 

PATCH will become obsolete.

PATCH # 086 In-plant Inspection Review (August 24, 2022) 

SCI Division Inspection Series

Page 3 of 4 

coincide with periodic supervisory reviews of ACGs assigned to the facility. These 

reviews are in addition to the NPMS In-Plant reviews. 

B. The SC-398 Field Office Review Report will be used to document the Area Office inplant review findings, observations, and compliance related to OR related inspection 

procedures. 

C. The distribution of the SC-398 will be as stated within the Federal Field Office and 

Federal-State Cooperative Market Field Office Review policy, and in addition, a copy to 

NPMS Operational Rations Support via scscioperationalrations@usda.gov

Inspector-In-Charge (IIC) Internal Reviews

The Operational Rations IIC will conduct periodic internal reviews of the USDA OR inspection 

procedures at their location. The IIC will review different portions of the ongoing USDA 

inspection procedures at different times over the course of the year. The Operational Rations 

In-Plant Inspection Review (Appendix VIII) can be used as a guide for the areas reviewed 

during the year. Observations as needed may be noted on the report. Operational Rations InPlant Inspection Review reports completed for the purposes of internal reviews will be 

designated as “Internal Review Only” on the summary page and be kept on file within the office

for review during the annual NPMS Operational Rations In-Plant Inspection Review.
This PATCH represents official guidance. This PATCH is scheduled to be incorporated into the 

document listed on the first page. After incorporation into the document listed above this 

PATCH will become obsolete.

PATCH # 086 In-plant Inspection Review (August 24, 2022) 

SCI Division Inspection Series

Page 4 of 4 

APPENDIX VIII – OPERATIONAL RATIONS IN-PLANT INSPECTION REVIEW

Electronic version of Operational Rations In-Plant Inspection Review
Agricultural Marketing Service, Specialty Crops Program, Specialty Crops Inspection Division

This PATCH represents official guidance. This PATCH is scheduled to be incorporated into the 

document listed above. After incorporation into the document listed above this PATCH will 

become obsolete. USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

PATCH # 080 Procedures for Shipment of Samples (February 10, 2022)

SCI Division Inspection Series

Page 1 of 3

PATCH # 080

DOCUMENT: Operational Rations Inspection Manual, October 2017

REMARKS: This patch provides updated instructions for shipping samples to the USDA 

laboratory for testing, and contractor requests for early inspection. Updated information will be 

incorporated into the next revision of the Operational Inspections Manual.

SECTION 7 – LABORATORY TESTING

Procedures for Shipment of Samples

A. USDA Inspectors are not allowed to ship samples until the contractor has submitted the 

lot submittal package documentation to the inspector. The exception is with the written 

authorization of the contracting officer.

NOTE: The contractor’s lot submittal package must include the documentation of all 

inspections results required by the contractor. The results must show conformance to all 

applicable contractual requirements.

B. All samples to be submitted to the USDA National Science Laboratory for testing will be 

drawn by USDA personnel. USDA personnel will package the samples in boxes and 

always maintain them under USDA control.

C. The USDA Inspector will personally transfer the boxes to the shipping company 

representative. The use of security strips for sample integrity is required and the serial 

numbers of the tapes should be listed on the DD Form 1222.

D. Inspectors should send samples by overnight delivery using the USDA SCI Division 

shipping account. Inspectors should notify the USDA National Science Laboratory in 

advance, if it is necessary to submit a large number of samples, or if arrivals at the 

laboratory need to be scheduled for a weekend.

E. Contractors can request early Government inspection on a product-by-product basis. 

 When authorized by the contracting officer, the contractor will communicate to the 
This PATCH represents official guidance. This PATCH is scheduled to be incorporated into the 

document listed on the first page. After incorporation into the document listed above this 

PATCH will become obsolete.

PATCH #080 Procedures for Shipment of Samples (February 10, 2022)

SCI Division Inspection Series

Page 2 of 3

Government Quality Assurance Representative (GQAR) (i.e., USDA inspector) in writing when 

the early government inspection lot is available to the GQAR for sampling, and shipping to the

USDA National Science Laboratory.

Refer to Appendix VII – DLA MRE SOLITATION ATTACHMENT 6-REQUEST FOR 

EARLY GOVERNMENT INSPECTION for complete details on DLA contractor requirements 

regarding early Government inspection.
This PATCH represents official guidance. This PATCH is scheduled to be incorporated into the 

document listed on the first page. After incorporation into the document listed above this 

PATCH will become obsolete.

PATCH #080 Procedures for Shipment of Samples (February 10, 2022) 

SCI Division Inspection Series

Page 3 of 3 

APPENDIX VII- DLA MRE SOLITATION ATTACHMENT 6- REQUEST FOR EARLY 

GOVERNMENT INSPECTION

Electronic version of Attachment 6- Request for Early Government Inspection 
Agricultural Marketing Service, Specialty Crops Program, Specialty Crops Inspection Division

This PATCH represents official guidance. This PATCH is scheduled to be incorporated into the 

document listed above. After incorporation into the document listed above this PATCH will 

become obsolete. USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

PATCH #078 Operational Rations Inspection Levels (January 12, 2022)

SCI Division Inspection Series

Page 1 of 1

PATCH # 078

DOCUMENT: Operational Rations Inspection Manual, October 2017

REMARKS: This patch provides updated section reference due to updates in the DLA Troop 

Support MRE 42-46 Solicitation. Updated information will be incorporated into the next revision 

of the Operational Rations Inspection Manual. 

SECTION 4 – INSPECTION LEVELS

Switching Procedures

MRE Pouch Integrity Examinations

A. See Section E-3-B, “Quality Assurance Provisions to be used with product packaged and/or 

processed in accordance with MIL-PRF-44073, Packaging of Food in Flexible Pouches”, of 

the MRE contract for instructions on the application of switching to the inspection of MRE 

retorted pouches.

B. When lots that have been inspected at the tightened inspection level are entered into the 

ORDB, the “Level of Inspection” will be changed to indicate tightened inspection.

C. DLA Troop Support has requested notification when an individual product line goes on 

tightened inspection. This notification will come in the form of an email message to DLA 

Troop Support and National Programs Mission Support, via scscioperationalrations@usda.gov

Product offered after this lot will be inspected at the tightened inspection level for the pouch 

filled and sealed exam, until the product requalifies for inspection at the normal level.

Inspectors will make a statement on the SC-10 Notice of Hold in the section titled “Reason(s) 

the Above Product Fails Contract Requirements”. This is issued on the lot failure prior to the 

start of tightened inspection.

• For example, “Critical 2 Defect, Punctured Pouch”. 

Distribute per instructions in Notice of Hold Form (SC-10) Procedure section of the manual.
Agricultural Marketing Service, Specialty Crops Program, Specialty Crops Inspection Division

This PATCH represents official guidance. This PATCH is scheduled to be incorporated into the 

document listed above. After incorporation into the document listed above this PATCH will 

become obsolete. USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

PATCH # 076 OR Skip Lot Procedures (January 5, 2022)

SCI Division Inspection Series

Page 1 of 5

PATCH # 076

DOCUMENT: Operational Rations Inspection Manual, October 2017

REMARKS: This patch provides updated instructions for implementing end-item skip lot 

procedures due to updates in the DLA Troop Support skip lot requirements. Updated information 

will be incorporated into the next revision of the Operational Rations Inspection Manual. 

SECTION 12 – SKIP LOT 

This section provides instructions for inspectors implementing end-item skip lot procedures for 

inspection of operational ration items. These instructions provide means for uniform 

implementation of end-item skip lot procedures in accordance with the Department of DefenseDefense Logistics Agency (DLA Troop Support) skip lot requirements. The DLA Troop 

Support skip lot requirements are referenced by the operational rations contracts and consist of 

two sub-programs, one addressing examinations and one addressing tests. The skip lot end-item 

inspection requirements for Government end-item verification inspections pertaining to 

examinations are found in Appendix V - Procedures for Alternative Skip-Lot End-Item 

Inspection Requirements for Government End-Item Verification Inspections for Operational 

Rations. The skip-lot end-item inspection requirements for Government end-item verification 

inspections pertaining to tests are found in Appendix VI – 9024 Alternative Inspection 

Requirements for Selected Items (OCT 2020). These DLA Troop Support skip lot requirements 

establish the basic requirements and protocols for implementing a Government end-item skip lot. 

The following SCI Operational Rations procedures are to be applied in support of the DLA 

Troop Support skip lot requirements. 

Implementing USDA End-Item Skip Lot Procedures 

A. SCI Division in-plant inspectors will follow the steps below to implement USDA EndItem Skip Lot: 

1. Using the requirements contained in Appendix V - Procedures for Alternative 

Skip-Lot End-Item Inspection Requirements for Government End-Item 

Verification Inspections for Operational Rations. To identify products (if any) 

which qualify for application of end-item skip lot procedures. 
This PATCH represents official guidance. This PATCH is scheduled to be incorporated into the 

document listed on the first page. After incorporation into the document listed above this 

PATCH will become obsolete.

PATCH #076 OR Skip Lot Procedures (January 5, 2022)

SCI Division Inspection Series

Page 2 of 5

2. Products packaged in flexible pouches subject to pouch integrity examinations 

that include critical category defects DO NOT qualify for skip-lot inspection for 

filled and sealed examination. 

NOTE: Internal pressure testing is a test, ineligible for this skip-lot program if (1) 

unequivocally designated as a critical test or (2) the component subject to internal 

pressure testing is also a component that is packaged in a flexible pouch and that 

has defect descriptions categorized as critical as a part of the product’s end-item 

pouch integrity examination (ex. filled and sealed exam).

3. DLA has determined to classify internal pressure, residual gas, pH, brix, seal 

strength, etc. as tests, and therefore subject to the requirements of Appendix VI –

9024 Alternative Inspection Requirements for Selected Items (OCT 2020). To 

qualify for skip lot, requires testing three consecutive lots. If the three lots 

conform to requirements, then initiate skip lot of 1 in 6. To requalify if there is a 

failure, test and accept 3 consecutive lots.

4. Because internal pressure is categorized as a test, the skip lot program containing 

the cited Part I, D of Appendix V - Procedures for Alternative Skip-Lot End-Item 

Inspection Requirements for Government End-Item Verification Inspections for 

Operational Rations, is not applicable for use with internal pressure testing. 
This PATCH represents official guidance. This PATCH is scheduled to be incorporated into the 

document listed on the first page. After incorporation into the document listed above this 

PATCH will become obsolete.

PATCH #076 OR Skip Lot Procedures (January 5, 2022) 

SCI Division Inspection Series

Page 3 of 5 

For example, products that are packaged in flexible pouches that have critical 

defects listed in MIL-PRF-44073 (PERFORMANCE SPECIFICATIONPACKAGING OF FOOD IN FLEXIBLE POUCHES) Table II – Filled, sealed 

and thermal processed pouch defects, do not qualify for skip lot inspection - see 

below 

TABLE II. Filled, sealed and thermally processed pouch defects

Category Defect

Critical Major A Major B Minor

1 Swollen pouch.

2 Tear, cut, hole, or if a multi-layered 

laminate is used, abrasion through one

or more layers in thepouch material or

leakage through any seal.

3 Foldover wrinkle extending into the 

seal such that the closure seal is

reduced to less than 1/16inch for heat 

seals or less than 1.0 mm for

ultrasonic seals. 

4 Presence of entrapped matter (for 

example, product, moisture, grease, 

etc.) that reduces the closure seal to 

less than 1/16 inch for heat seals or 

less than 1.0 mm for ultrasonic seals. 

When products do not have critical defects listed on Table II – Filled, sealed and 

thermal processed pouch defects and or other product specifications (ex. CIDs, 

MIL-PRF- 44073, PKG&QAPs, MIL-DTL-32347) internal pressure testing is a 

test eligible to qualify for skip lot inspection in accordance with DLA Provision 

9024. 

Note: Because Table I product examination and its constituent sub-exams (ex. 

drained weights, net weights, composition) is not a test; the skip-lot eligibility 

requirements cited in DLA Provision 9024, such as 3 consecutive lots, do not 

apply. 
This PATCH represents official guidance. This PATCH is scheduled to be incorporated into the 

document listed on the first page. After incorporation into the document listed above this 

PATCH will become obsolete.

PATCH #076 OR Skip Lot Procedures (January 5, 2022) 

SCI Division Inspection Series

Page 4 of 5 

APPENDIX V - PROCEDURES FOR ALTERNATIVE SKIP-LOT END-ITEM 

INSPECTION REQUIREMENTS FOR GOVERNMENT END-ITEM VERIFICATION 

INSPECTIONS FOR OPERATIONAL RATIONS

Electronic version of Procedures for Alternative Skip-Lot End-Item Inspection Requirements for 

Government End-Item Verification Inspections for Operational Rations. 
This PATCH represents official guidance. This PATCH is scheduled to be incorporated into the 

document listed on the first page. After incorporation into the document listed above this 

PATCH will become obsolete.

PATCH #076 OR Skip Lot Procedures (January 5, 2022) 

SCI Division Inspection Series

Page 5 of 5 

Appendix VI – 9024 ALTERNATIVE INSPECTION REQUIREMENTS FOR 

SELECTED ITEMS (OCT 2020) 

Electronic Version of 9024 Alternative Inspection Requirements for Selected Items (OCT 2020)
Agricultural Marketing Service, Specialty Crops Program, Specialty Crops Inspection Division

This PATCH represents official guidance. This PATCH is scheduled to be incorporated into the 

document listed above. After incorporation into the document listed above this PATCH will 

become obsolete. USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

PATCH # 075 OR Document Email Distribution (December 20, 2021)

SCI Division Inspection Series

Page 1 of 2

PATCH # 075

DOCUMENT: Operational Rations Inspection Manual, October 2017

REMARKS: This PATCH provides the email addresses for distributing Operational Rations 

(OR) service documents to parties outside of Specialty Crops Inspection (SCI) Division and will 

be incorporated into the next revision of the Operational Rations Inspection Manual as Appendix 

IV. The Operational Rations Document Email Distribution document that is linked within 

Appendix IV is only accessible to internal SCI personnel.

Specific Requirements for the First Article

L. The First Article submittal form should be emailed to Natick and National Programs 

Mission Support. Refer to the list of contacts within Appendix IV – Operational Rations 

Document Email Distribution. 

Replenishment Procedures for PDMs and First Articles

F. If the samples are PDM Replenishment samples for the Group Ration Program, email a 

copy of the submittal worksheet to the list of contacts within Appendix IV – Operational 

Rations Document Email Distribution. 

Submittal Process - Labeling and Shipment of Samples

I. Notify Natick, DLA Troop Support, and National Programs Mission Support when 

samples are being shipped by e-mailing the submittal worksheets (as Excel spreadsheet 

files) to the list of contacts within Appendix IV – Operational Rations Document Email 

Distribution. 

Procedures for Submitting Samples to the USDA Laboratories

M. When microbiological tests are requested on a DD Form 1222 submittal form, e-mail the

DD Form 1222 (as Excel spreadsheet files) to the list of contacts within Appendix IV –

Operational Rations Document Email Distribution. 
This PATCH represents official guidance. This PATCH is scheduled to be incorporated into the 

document listed on the first page. After incorporation into the document listed above this 

PATCH will become obsolete.

PATCH #075 OR Document Email Distribution (December 20, 2021) 

SCI Division Inspection Series

Page 2 of 2 

Notice of Hold Form (SC-10) Procedure

Electronic distribution (e-mail or fax) is the preferred method for distribution of the Notice of 

Hold form and the additional associated documents. The contractor representative(s) should be 

the primary contact and the additional contacts should be included as Ccs when distributing the 

documents in an electronic format.

Distribution of Notice of Hold and copies of the worksheet(s) documenting the lot failure should 

be as follows: 

• Original signed paper copy to plant management. (This can be provided electronically if

the plant prefers an electronic copy.)

• The distribution list can be found within Appendix IV – Operational Rations Document

Email Distribution.

USDA Compliance Audit Documents

The USDA in-plant inspector has five main documents that are used to plan, document and 

follow-up on the USDA auditing activities. See Appendix I – Glossary for a definition of the 

documents described below. These five documents are located on the National Programs 

Mission Support SharePoint site under OR Worksheets/QSP Forms/Worksheets. The current list 

of contacts associated with the distribution of these documents can be found within Appendix IV 

– Operational Rations Document Email Distribution.

APPENDIX IV – OPERATIONAL RATIONS DOCUMENT EMAIL DISTRIBUTION 

Electronic version of Operational Rations Document Email Distribution (Intranet Link)

The current document email distribution can be found via the internet link above. These email 

addresses are for distributing Operational Rations (OR) service documents to the Defense 

Logistics Agency (DLA), Natick Combat Feeding Division, National Science Laboratory (NSL), 

and the United States Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine (USARIEM). In 

addition, check with the Officer-in-Charge if a copy to Area Office management is also required. 
U Marketing and

Regulatory

Programs

Agricultural

Marketing

Service

Specialty

Crops

Program

Specialty 

Crops 

Inspection

Division

AIM 

Inspection

Series

Operational Rations 

Inspection Manual

October 2017
“SCI moving forward in the 21st Century using technology, innovation, and old fashioned hard work”

Non-Discrimination Policy: In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department 

of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and 

employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited 

from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including 

gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, 

income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for 

prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases 

apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program 

information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact 

the responsible Agency or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or 

contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program 

information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination 

Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at How to File a Program Discrimination Complaint

and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the 

information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-

9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: (1) mail: U.S. Department of 

Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, 

Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; (2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3) email: program.intake@usda.gov.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
i

Operational Rations Inspection Manual

Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................................... 1

GUIDE FOR ELECTRONIC USAGE........................................................................................... 1

COMMONLY USED ABBREVIATIONS .................................................................................... 2

SECTION 1 – OVERVIEW OF OPERATIONAL RATIONS INSPECTION.............................. 3

Introduction..................................................................................................................................... 3

USDA In-Plant Inspector-in-Charge Responsibilities.................................................................... 3

USDA Inspection Staff Responsibilities......................................................................................... 4

Sanitation Inspections................................................................................................................. 4

In-Process Monitoring of Production ......................................................................................... 4

USDA End-Item Verification Examinations.............................................................................. 5

Quality System Plan Activities for USDA Inspectors.................................................................... 6

Analytical and Microbiological Testing Procedures....................................................................... 6

Periodic Review and Production Standards Procedures................................................................. 7

Electronic Resources for Operational Rations................................................................................ 7

Contractor Responsibilities............................................................................................................. 7

Contract Services Branch Responsibilities..................................................................................... 8

USDA Supervisor Responsibilities................................................................................................. 9

DLA Troop Support, Quality Audits & Food Defense Branch Role.............................................. 9

SECTION 2 – USDA IN-PLANT INSPECTION PROCEDURES............................................. 10

General Inspection Duties............................................................................................................. 10

SECTION 3 – PRODUCTION STANDARDS AND PRODUCT REVIEWS............................ 15

Description of Standards Used for Product Comparison.............................................................. 15

First Article ............................................................................................................................... 15

Conditional First Article ........................................................................................................... 15

Local USDA First Article Replenishment................................................................................ 15

Limited Production First Articles............................................................................................. 16

Natick First Article Replenishment .......................................................................................... 16

Product Demonstration Model.................................................................................................. 16

Local USDA PDM Replenishment........................................................................................... 17

Natick PDM Replenishment ..................................................................................................... 17

Natick PDM Replacement ........................................................................................................ 17

General Requirements for All Production Standards.................................................................... 17

Specific Requirements for the First Article .................................................................................. 18

Specific Requirements for the PDM............................................................................................. 19

Replenishment Procedures for PDMs and First Articles.............................................................. 20

Periodic Reviews – Selection of Periodic Review Samples......................................................... 21

Periodic Review and Replenishment Standby Samples................................................................ 25

USDA Inspector Follow-up Actions Based on Natick Evaluation Results.................................. 25

USDA Inspector Follow-up Actions Based on USDA Evaluation Results.................................. 26

Resolution Lot Status for Products Rejected by Natick................................................................ 26

Special Evaluation Samples.......................................................................................................... 27
ii

Distribution of Results from USDA Review Locations ............................................................... 27

Submittal Process - Labeling and Shipment of Samples.............................................................. 28

Timely Submittal Process............................................................................................................. 29

SECTION 4 – INSPECTION LEVELS ....................................................................................... 29

Switching Procedures.................................................................................................................... 29

Responsible Authority .............................................................................................................. 29

Application................................................................................................................................ 29

MRE Pouch Integrity Examinations......................................................................................... 30

Reduced Sample Size.................................................................................................................... 30

Thermostabilized Polymeric Tray Package Integrity Examinations ........................................ 30

SECTION 5 – CONTRACTOR SUPPLIED DOCUMENTATION............................................ 30

Responsibilities............................................................................................................................. 30

Contractor ................................................................................................................................. 30

Government Quality Assurance Representative ....................................................................... 31

Types of Documentation............................................................................................................... 31

Certificate of Conformance ...................................................................................................... 31

Certificate of Analysis.............................................................................................................. 32

U.S. Grade Certificate............................................................................................................... 32

Other Documentation and Ingredient Requirements.................................................................... 33

Foreign Sourced Ingredients..................................................................................................... 33

Latest Season’s Crop or Other Age-related Requirements....................................................... 33

SECTION 6 – OPERATIONAL RATIONS DATABASE.......................................................... 33

Background Information............................................................................................................... 33

Establishing an ORDB User Account........................................................................................... 34

Opening the ORDB Program........................................................................................................ 34

ORDB Training for New Users .................................................................................................... 35

Timeframe for Entering a Lot into the ORDB.............................................................................. 35

Timeframe for Completing or Closing-out Lot Information in the ORDB .................................. 35

Generating Worksheets and Reports from the ORDB.................................................................. 36

Updating Information Lists in the ORDB..................................................................................... 36

Classification of “Lot Acceptance” Status in the ORDB.............................................................. 37

SECTION 7 – LABORATORY TESTING.................................................................................. 39

USDA/AMS Laboratory Testing - General Information.............................................................. 39

Optional Contractor Testing of Food Components....................................................................... 41

Procedures for Submitting Samples to the USDA Laboratories................................................... 43

Procedures for Shipment of Samples............................................................................................ 44

Laboratory Stand-by Samples....................................................................................................... 45

Procedures to Follow for Contractor Laboratory Analytical Test Failures .................................. 46

Procedures to Follow for USDA Laboratory Analytical Test Failures......................................... 46

Procedures to Follow for Microbiological Test Failures (i.e., Positive Test Results), including 

Presumptive Positives................................................................................................................... 47

Shipment of Lots........................................................................................................................... 48

Determining Sample Size for Tests Specified in a Commercial Item Description....................... 49

SECTION 8 – OPERATIONAL RATIONS IN-PLANT INSPECTION REVIEW.................... 50

Internal Review Procedures and Responsibilities......................................................................... 50
iii

Contract Services Branch.......................................................................................................... 50

Supervisory ............................................................................................................................... 51

Self-Inspection .......................................................................................................................... 51

Report Worksheets........................................................................................................................ 52

Operational Rations In-Plant Review Report ........................................................................... 52

Operational Rations Supervisory Report .................................................................................. 52

SECTION 9 – CERTIFICATION ................................................................................................ 52

General.......................................................................................................................................... 52

Certification of Government Furnished Material Lots ................................................................. 53

Invoicing, Receipt, Acceptance and Property Transfer ................................................................ 53

Instructions for USDA Inspectors Completing Information in iRAPT ........................................ 54

Contractor Responsibilities with Respect to iRAPT..................................................................... 55

USDA Responsibilities with Respect to iRAPT........................................................................... 55

Instructions for Completing DD Form 250................................................................................... 56

Certification of Contractor Furnished Material or Rations National Contract Lots..................... 58

General...................................................................................................................................... 58

Distribution of Certificates ....................................................................................................... 59

Tracking Contractors Completion of Delivery Orders and Line Items ........................................ 59

SECTION 10 – LOT FAILURE AND HOLD PROCEDURES .................................................. 59

General Guidance for Lot Failures ............................................................................................... 59

Process for Lots which Fail Initial Contractor’s Exams............................................................... 60

Process for Lots which Fail USDA Verification Inspection and/or Need DLA Troop Support 

Approval for Rework .................................................................................................................... 61

General Guidance for Lot Rework and USDA Inspection ........................................................... 62

General Guidance for Placing Lots on Hold................................................................................. 63

Notice of Hold Form (SC-10) Procedure...................................................................................... 63

Hold Tag (SC-11) Procedure ........................................................................................................ 64

Reinspection Guidance - Next Higher Sample Size ..................................................................... 65

SECTION 11 – SAMPLING ........................................................................................................ 66

Representative Samples................................................................................................................ 66

Selection of Random Samples...................................................................................................... 66

Sampling Point.............................................................................................................................. 66

On-line Sampling...................................................................................................................... 67

Stationary Lot Sampling ........................................................................................................... 67

Maximum Sample Units per Case ............................................................................................ 67

Identity of Sample Units........................................................................................................... 67

Sampling Guidelines..................................................................................................................... 68

Sample Integrity and Security....................................................................................................... 69

Priority of Inspection .................................................................................................................... 70

SECTION 12 – SKIP-LOT........................................................................................................... 70

Background................................................................................................................................... 70

Scope............................................................................................................................................. 71

Preparing for USDA End-Item Skip Lot Procedures.................................................................... 71

Implementing USDA End-Item Skip Lot Procedures .................................................................. 72

Selecting Lots for USDA End-Item Verification Inspection........................................................ 73
iv

Documentation Requirements for USDA End-Item Skip Lot ...................................................... 74

Contractor Responsibilities....................................................................................................... 74

USDA Responsibilities............................................................................................................. 74

Certification of Lots...................................................................................................................... 74

Operational Rations Database....................................................................................................... 74

SECTION 13 – QUALITY SYSTEM PLAN PROCEDURES.................................................... 75

Background................................................................................................................................... 75

Responsibilities............................................................................................................................. 75

Contractor Responsibilities....................................................................................................... 75

DLA Troop Support Responsibilities....................................................................................... 76

USDA Responsibilities............................................................................................................. 76

Review of the Contractor’s Written QSP...................................................................................... 77

Quality System Compliance Audits by DLA Troop Support ....................................................... 77

USDA Evaluation of the Contractor’s Performance of QSP Procedures..................................... 77

USDA Compliance Audit Documents.......................................................................................... 78

Steps for Completing a Compliance Audit Worksheet – QSP-1 .................................................. 78

Steps for Completing a Monthly Report – QSP-2 ........................................................................ 79

Steps for Completing a Corrective Action Report – QSP-3 ......................................................... 79

Steps for Completing an Annual Audit Frequency Plan – QSP-4................................................ 80

Continuous Production Audit Plan ........................................................................................... 80

Intermittent Production Audit Plan........................................................................................... 80

Steps for Completing an Observation Report – QSP-5 ................................................................ 80

Minor Non-conformance .......................................................................................................... 81

Food Defense Issue................................................................................................................... 81

Positive Feedback ..................................................................................................................... 82

SECTION 14 – PLANT SANITATION AND INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT .......... 82

General Information...................................................................................................................... 82

Documentation of Sanitation Inspections..................................................................................... 83

Inspection and Safety Guidelines.................................................................................................. 84

Pre-Operational Sanitation Inspection .......................................................................................... 84

Routine Sanitation Inspections ..................................................................................................... 85

Integrated Pest Management......................................................................................................... 86

Plant Survey.................................................................................................................................. 86

Quality System Plan Audits of Sanitation and IPM Procedures................................................... 87

APPENDIX I – GLOSSARY ....................................................................................................... 88

APPENDIX II – REFERENCE MATERIAL/TOOLS................................................................. 91

APPENDIX III – CHANGE LOG................................................................................................ 92
SCI Division Inspection Series Operational Rations Inspection Manual

Effective Date: October 2017 Page 1 of 94

INTRODUCTION

This document is designed to give guidance to Specialty Crops Inspection (SCI) Division 

personnel of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Compliance with the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) guidelines does not excuse failure 

to comply with the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act or any other applicable Federal or State laws 

or regulations. SCI Division of the Specialty Crops Programs (SCP), AMS is responsible for 

grading/inspecting, audits and standardization programs of fresh and/or processed fruits and 

vegetables and related products. The legal authority for grading, auditing and standardization 

activities are the Agricultural Marketing Acts of 1936 and 1946, as amended.

Applicants may obtain inspections of any fresh and/or processed fruit and vegetable and related 

products for which they have a financial interest. The inspection service is voluntary and selfsupporting, and is offered on a fee-for-service basis.

GUIDE FOR ELECTRONIC USAGE 

The AIM system of instructional manuals is available electronically in Adobe Acrobat Portable 

Document Format (PDF) at the following intranet address:

https://ems-team.usda.gov/sites/AMS/AMS-SCI/AIM/SitePages/Home.aspx. 

When accessed electronically, AIM materials have hyperlinks and hypertext (visible as 

underlined blue text) available to the PDF user. Clicking on a hyperlink takes the reader to a 

web site with information relating to the subject. Hypertext links the reader to a different page 

within the current manual, or a different manual, with information relating to the subject. For 

example, the hypertext in the Table of Contents allows a reader to go directly to the section of 

interest in the manual by clicking on the section title. 

PDF offers a variety of tools depending on the Adobe version the reader has. The newer the 

version, the more tools available. PDF documents are easily searchable for content within a 

document or within multiple documents. To learn about the variety of PDF search options: 

• Click on the “Help” tab on the top of any page in Adobe Acrobat, 

• Then click on the “Adobe Acrobat Help” bar, 

• Type the word “Search” in the “Search” box, and click on the “Search” button, 

• A series of options will become available, 

• Click on the “Access Search Features” link and follow the instructions for the type of 

search you are interested in.
SCI Division Inspection Series Operational Rations Inspection Manual

Effective Date: October 2017 Page 2 of 94

COMMONLY USED ABBREVIATIONS

Acronym Meaning

AMS Agricultural Marketing Service

CID Commercial Item Description

COA Certificates of Analysis 

COC Certificates of Conformance

CAR Corrective Action Reports

CSB Contract Services Branch

DLA Defense Logistics Agency

DOD U.S. Department of Defense

FSIS Food Safety Inspection Service

FTSB Quality Audits & Food Defense Branch

GQAR Government Quality Assurance Representative

IIC Inspector-in-Charge

iRAPT Invoicing, Receipt, Acceptance, and Property Transfer

MRE Meal, Ready-to-Eat

OIC Officer-in-Charge

OR Operational Rations

ORDB Operational Rations Database

PDM Production Demonstration Model

QSP Quality System Plan

SCI Specialty Crops Inspection Division

UGR Unitized Group Ration

USDA United States Department of Agriculture

WAWF Wide Area Work Flow
SCI Division Inspection Series Operational Rations Inspection Manual

Effective Date: October 2017 Page 3 of 94

SECTION 1 – OVERVIEW OF OPERATIONAL RATIONS INSPECTION

Introduction

USDA, AMS performs in-plant inspection and lot inspection of food components used in 

Operational (i.e., combat) Rations for the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD), in a capacity 

referred to as the Government Quality Assurance Representative (GQAR). Our role is to verify 

that the contractor is in compliance with all contract requirements developed by DOD for the 

Operational Rations (OR) program. The food items are purchased by the Defense Logistics 

Agency (DLA) Troop Support (formerly Defense Supply Center Philadelphia).

Background information on the Operational Rations program can be found in the AIM 

Inspection Series, Inspection for Operational Rations Purchased by the Department of Defense.

The contract requirements and associated documents used in the procurement of Operational 

Rations are developed by DOD and designate USDA, AMS as the “origin” GQAR in the 

processing plants where the OR component items are produced and/or packaged. These 

locations, where the food items are put into the primary container, are designated as “origin”

locations.

An OR food component item may be procured by DOD directly from a processing plant as 

Government Furnished Material. On the other hand, if a producer supplies components to an 

assembly contractor before DOD takes ownership of the components, the production is referred 

to as Contractor Furnished Material or Rations National Contract. USDA, AMS provides 

inspection under all three methods of procurement and certifies the product in different ways 

depending on the contract requirements.

USDA In-Plant Inspector-in-Charge Responsibilities

Inspector-in-Charge (IIC) duties include, but are not limited to, the following:

A. Obtain the contractor’s production schedule and develop a schedule for inspection 

activity.

B. Assign shifts for other USDA Inspectors making sure that USDA staff are present to 

perform pre-operational sanitation checks and present during production to verify 

formulation, filling, and sealing of the products, and processing of the products in 

accordance with the current contract requirements. 

C. Set up daily sampling sheets to determine correct sampling rates for the OR products 

being produced.

D. Update skip-lot ledgers for both end-item skip-lot (as applicable) and analytical skip-lot 

(as applicable), with current day’s production information and establish which lots will 

need to have verification inspection and/or testing performed at a later time.

• See Section 10 – Skip-Lot and Section 7 – Laboratory Testing.
SCI Division Inspection Series Operational Rations Inspection Manual

Effective Date: October 2017 Page 4 of 94

E. Coordinate the pre-operational sanitation inspection with plant management and keep a 

list of plant personal responsible for addressing sanitation issues for all production shifts.

F. Keep the USDA Area Office informed of scheduling changes and other issues that affect 

the daily inspection activities.

• See Section 2 – USDA In-Plant Inspection Procedures.

USDA Inspection Staff Responsibilities

Inspector duties include, but are not limited to, the following:

Sanitation Inspections

A. Perform daily sanitation inspections and distribute the final versions of daily sanitation 

reports to plant management, per AIM Inspection Series, Sanitation Manual procedures. 

See Section 14 – Plant Sanitation and Integrated Pest Management.

B. When needed, coordinate sanitation issues with other regulatory agencies present in the 

facility, such as USDA, Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS); and USDC, National

Marine Fisheries Service.

In-Process Monitoring of Production

A. Obtain product batch sheet or use USDA in-process worksheets to document ingredient 

labels and code marks observed during the daily production.

B. Review the product specification and verify that the ingredients meet the requirements, 

such as a required certificate of analysis, a specific quality level requiring a U.S. Grade 

certificate, ingredients that need to be obtained from a current crop season, or the age of 

meat ingredients, etc.

C. Observe if the ingredients are from a domestic supplier or from a foreign source. If 

ingredients are from a foreign source, verify that they are on their “Master List of 

Ingredients from Foreign Sources”. For each ingredient, the Master List will list the 

ingredient, the country of origin, and the product(s) in which the ingredient is used. The 

Master List will be updated as necessary. The Master List will be provided to the inplant GQAR and, upon request, to DLA Troop Support Contracting Officer.1

D. Observe the age of ingredients and if it appears the serviceability limitations have been 

reached, review the contractor’s list of ingredients (generic name, brand name, producer 

name, or supplier name in case of bulk packed plant or animal ingredients, country of 

origin) and the time and temperature serviceability limitations the contractor has imposed 

on that ingredient. Contact Contract Services Branch (CSB) if there is an issue with an 

ingredient that has passed the timeframe established by the contractor.1

 1 Source: Solicitation SPE3S1-16-R-0008 Technical Data Package, Section C, Tab 3, page 12 of 84.
SCI Division Inspection Series Operational Rations Inspection Manual

Effective Date: October 2017 Page 5 of 94

E. Perform in-process records review and record daily observations as the batching, 

cooking, processing, and packaging operations are taking place. Verify that the labels 

and markings are in accordance with the contract and specification requirements.

F. Monitor the processing records that document the time, temperature and pressure of the 

complete processing and cooling cycles for Class 1 through Class 5 thermostabilized 

products. Observe post-retort color change of ink on pouches and polymeric trays, and 

other indicators of appropriate processing.

G. Verify that the retort operation is supervised by a qualified person who has successfully 

completed the approved training in retort operations.

H. For thermostabilized products, monitor the incubation samples in order to verify that they 

are handled per current instructions.

• See Section 2 – USDA In-Plant Inspection Procedures.

USDA End-Item Verification Examinations

A. Create a folder for each lot, with applicable worksheets, to document USDA verification 

inspection.

B. Sample the lot during the entire production day, per USDA sampling procedures.

• See Section 11 – Sampling.

C. Review the contractor’s lot submittal paperwork closely, before verification inspection 

begins, and verify that all required exams and tests have been performed by the 

contractor with conforming results, and that the product meets all specification 

requirements. In addition, the documentation should include disposition of all portions of 

the lot, including those portions which may not be offered to USDA. This is necessary 

for product tracking purposes to ensure that only conforming product is certified and only 

certified product is shipped for DOD contracts.

D. See Section 5 – Contractor Supplied Documentation. Perform the examination of the 

finished product in accordance with the contract and applicable specifications. A 

comparison of the finished product with the approved pre-production standard (First 

Article, PDM, etc...) is part of the product exam process. This step is to determine if 

samples from the lot being inspected are equal to or better than the approved standard.

E. Certify all production that passes USDA verification exams.

• See Section 9 – Certification.

F. If a lot fails a USDA verification examination, the USDA inspector should place the lot 

on hold and notify the contractor, CSB, and DLA Troop Support.
SCI Division Inspection Series Operational Rations Inspection Manual 

Effective Date: October 2017 Page 6 of 94 

• See Section 10 – Lot Failure and Hold Procedures.

Quality System Plan Activities for USDA Inspectors

USDA inspection personnel duties include, but are not limited to, the following: 

A. Obtain a copy of the contractor’s Quality System Plan (QSP), when applicable, and

become familiar with the plan.

B. Review the contractors proposed updates to their QSP and provide feedback to DLA

Troop Support on the updates, when needed. This communication can be coordinated

with SCI, CSB staff.

C. Develop a yearly QSP audit schedule (QSP-4).

D. Perform QSP audits using the frequency established in the QSP-4. QSP audits are

performed during all production shifts, by the shift inspectors. This results in all

inspectors participating in the QSP audits.

E. The IIC should review the QSP audits and any Corrective Action Reports (CAR) and

Observation Reports before they are distributed.

F. E-mail the applicable Monthly QSP reports, CARs and Observation Reports dealing with

Food Defense or Food Safety issues to individuals on the distribution list.

• See CSB SharePoint site/OR Resource Documents/Memo on DLA Troop Support

contacts for QSP reports for the current distribution list.

• See Section 13 – Quality System Plan Procedures for the correct distribution

process.

• See CSB SharePoint site/OR Worksheets/QSP Forms and Worksheets for the

current versions of the worksheets.

Analytical and Microbiological Testing Procedures 

USDA inspection personnel duties include, but are not limited to, the following: 

A. Review individual specifications to determine test requirements.

B. Submit lots for analytical testing to the USDA, AMS Laboratories with DD Form 1222.

The DD Form 1222, for all products, is found in CSB SharePoint Site/OR

Worksheets/DD1222.
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Effective Date: October 2017 Page 7 of 94

C. The alternate method for some tests is to have the USDA inspectors perform in-house 

testing at the contractor’s facility. Certain conditions must be met for this to take place 

and the IIC should discuss these with the Officer-in-Charge (OIC) and CSB.

D. See Section 7 – Laboratory Testing for details on procedures.

Periodic Review and Production Standards Procedures

USDA inspection personnel duties include, but are not limited to, the following:

A. Select and submit samples for monthly reviews.

B. Select and submit samples for First Article/PDM replenishments.

• See Section 3 – Production Standards and Product Reviews.

Electronic Resources for Operational Rations

A. The Operational Rations Database (ORDB) program stores lot production information on 

a dedicated server. The ORDB can be accessed and updated by inspectors when their 

desktop USDA computer is connected to the VPN (Virtual Private Network) and AMS 

Network.

• See Section 6 – Operational Rations Database for details on procedures.

B. The CSB SharePoint site stores contract information and is a source for electronic 

documents and links to other resources, such as the attendance calendar.

C. DLA Troop Support maintains a website that provides a valuable resource for a multitude 

of documents associated with the Operational Rations program. The web address is: 

http://www.dla.mil/TroopSupport/Subsistence/Operational-rations/frozen/.

D. Inspectors should access the CSB SharePoint site at least once a week.

Contractor Responsibilities

Contractor responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

A. Furnish USDA with a copy of the solicitation and the amendments to the solicitation, 

applicable contracts and modifications to the contract and other related documents, such 

as relevant Performance-based Contract Requirements, Packaging Requirement and 

Quality Assurance Provisions and/or Commercial Item Descriptions (CID), for the 

products referenced in the contract. This requirement is contained in the DLA Troop 

Support contract/solicitation under DLA Clause 52.246-9023, “General Inspection 

Requirements.”
SCI Division Inspection Series Operational Rations Inspection Manual

Effective Date: October 2017 Page 8 of 94

B. When required, the contractor will develop and maintain a QSP and provide the USDA 

Inspector with any updates to the QSP plan in a timely manner. This will allow the 

USDA Inspector to review the updates and provide feedback to DLA Troop Support.

C. The contractor will respond to Corrective Action Requests that are the result of findings 

found during USDA reviews of the Contractor’s QSP.

D. The Contractor will provide to the USDA Inspector copies of invoices, USDA Grade 

Certificates, Certificates of Conformance (COC), Certificates of Analysis (COA) etc., 

covering ingredients and non-food components, when required.

• See Section 5 – Contractor Supplied Documentation.

E. The contractor will distribute the DD Form 250 (applicable to the paper version only) 

and/or USDA Certificate of Quality and may assist in preparation of the documents, 

under USDA oversight. In the case of WAWF (Wide Area Work Flow), used to certify 

Government Furnished Material, the contractor is responsible for making the 

arrangements for the establishment of the inspector’s electronic connection to the webbased system.

• See Section 9 – Certification.

Contract Services Branch Responsibilities

CSB responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

A. Coordinate communications between DLA Troop Support, Natick, the contractors, and 

USDA inspection personnel and supervisors to assist in resolving issues.

B. Assist, as needed, in coordinating the appropriate staffing levels of inspection personnel 

for OR facilities. This coordination by CSB includes communicating with the IIC, SCI 

Division’s National Office, Regional Offices, and Area Offices. In some instances, this 

can also include coordinating with DLA Troop Support.

C. Provide training, through Operational Rations Inspector Workshop and other means, as 

needed, to update and train current and new USDA inspectors on current inspection 

procedures.

D. Establish uniform inspection procedures and coordinate document control for Operational 

Rations program activities.

E. Evaluate periodic review samples submitted by USDA Inspectors and provide feedback 

to inspectors on packaging/container integrity and product acceptability. CSB uploads 

the Periodic Review Submittal Worksheets sent by USDA Inspectors to the CSB 

SharePoint site and each USDA review location adds their comments to the file posted on 

SharePoint where inspectors can view the review results.
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F. Participate in DLA Troop Support/USDA joint audits, as necessary.

G. Perform the internal reviews of the USDA OR inspection activities. See Section 8 –

Operational Rations In-Plant Inspection Review.

H. Manage the ORDB

I. Provides instructions to the USDA inspectors on use of the ORDB. CSB should be 

contacted when new USDA Inspectors need the program installed on their computer or 

need to be added as users at their location. See Section 6 – Operational Rations 

Database.

J. Reviews results in the ORDB, for inspection trends, and periodically reports overall 

results to DLA Troop Support and the OR Industry.

K. Provides registration instructions for iRAPT/WAWF. See Section 9 – Certification.

USDA Supervisor Responsibilities

USDA supervisor responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

A. Apply SCI Division procedures for the supervision/guidance of inspectors under their 

supervision.

B. Participate in DLA Troop Support/USDA joint audits, as necessary.

C. Visit and review activities at Operational Rations inspection locations and document 

these visits.

D. See Section 8 – Operational Rations In-Plant Inspection Review.

E. Review and initial the inspector’s Self Inspection Audit on a regular basis through the 

year and provide feedback/guidance as needed.

F. Contact CSB personnel when questions arise or clarifications are needed for inspection 

procedures involving OR inspections.

DLA Troop Support, Quality Audits & Food Defense Branch Role

Quality Audits & Food Defense Branch (FTSB) activities include, but are not limited to, the 

following:

A. Monitor contractor’s Integrated Pest Management and Sanitation programs, and Food 

Defense programs.

B. Perform Operational Rations Quality systems audits of contractor’s performance under 

contractor’s QSP
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C. Manage higher level quality programs. 

D. Review and determine acceptability of contractor QSP and contractor’s modifications to 

QSP.

E. Assist in interpretation and updating of the end-item skip-lot procedures developed by 

DLA Troop Support.

F. Review Corrective Action Reports generated by the USDA audit of the contractor’s QSP 

and provide guidance on any issues that may arise.

G. Review USDA QSP Monthly Reports and provide feedback to USDA on QSP audits.

H. Provide clarification and guidance to USDA when questions arise during the performance 

of inspection activities.

SECTION 2 – USDA IN-PLANT INSPECTION PROCEDURES

General Inspection Duties

A. It is the USDA Inspector’s responsibility to verify that the contractor is in compliance 

with all contract requirements, including applicable specifications. Inspectors should 

report production issues and USDA verification exam failures to the contractor, DLA 

Troop Support, and SCI Division chain of command on a timely basis, and as appropriate 

following established procedures. See Section 10 – Lot Failure and Hold Procedures for 

detailed instructions.

B. The role of the USDA Inspector is to serve as the in-plant GQAR and to verify that the 

contractor’s system and finished products meet contract requirements. To perform this 

verification function, the Inspector, and the Inspector’s duties, must remain distinct from, 

and outside of, the contractor’s quality assurance process. As such, the USDA Inspector 

should not act in a quality control/assurance function for the contractor. An Inspector’s 

expertise and knowledge regarding contract requirements may be shared, but under no 

circumstances should any USDA personnel assume a role as, or be used as, a quality 

control/assurance representative for the contractor. The USDA Inspector monitors the 

contractor’s system to verify that it is meeting contract requirements. To perform this

function, the USDA Inspector and their involvement must remain outside of the system 

they are evaluating.

C. The USDA Inspector should be present during production to verify formulation of the 

product, monitor the production process, and confirm Good Manufacturing Practices 

(GMPs) are followed. The contract requires that the USDA Inspector monitor production 

of First Articles (production standard), even if normal production is not taking place. In 

contrast, initial PDM (Production Demonstration Model) production, which is produced 

by a firm in order to be submitted as part of a bid for a DLA contract, does not require 

USDA in-plant presence.
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• See Section 3 – Production Standards and Product Reviews for detailed 

instructions for production standards.

D. The Inspector should perform sanitation inspections on a daily basis, first as a preoperational inspection during which all equipment/utensils/facilities are inspected prior to 

start-up of processing operations, and afterwards on each production shift during 

production. Inspectors should document results and findings according to the USDA 

procedures found in AIM Inspection Series, Sanitation Manual. During the preoperational inspection, areas should be inspected in a logical sequence to allow plant 

operations to begin, to the extent possible, as soon as each area is approved. The 

Inspector should maintain open lines of communication with plant personnel in order to 

avoid unnecessary production delays once conditions have been corrected. This 

sanitation inspection should include monitoring of the contractor’s Integrated Pest 

Management (IPM) program. (Note: The presence of the USDA, Food Safety and 

Inspection Service inspector does not release the AMS inspector from performing 

sanitation inspections.)

E. Inspectors should monitor the product preparation and production areas throughout the 

day. This should include monitoring the ingredients used for the processing of each 

product. The Inspector should examine the labels, markings, U.S. Grade certificates, 

invoices, certificates of analysis, or other valid documents associated with the ingredients 

used in the formulation of the final product. If necessary, the Inspector can examine the 

ingredients to verify conformance to contract requirements. For example, if a contractor 

provides a COC indicating that an ingredient has certain characteristics required by the 

contract or specification, such as dice size, the Inspector may examine the ingredient to 

verify the COC.

F. During each production shift, the Inspector should observe, and document as needed, 

batching, filling, retorting, packaging, packing, and marking activities. A daily log of all 

areas monitored (or “inspector’s rounds note sheet”) can serve as a useful tool in tracking 

production activities and should be kept in the Inspector’s file. Regarding batching, the 

Inspector should verify that the person(s) doing the batching are following the “batch 

sheet” for the day (e.g., using the correct amounts of the correct ingredients). In addition, 

the Inspector should verify that the day’s batch sheet is the same as for the approved 

PDM or First Article. As in all in-plant monitoring, the Inspector should assess whether 

sanitary conditions and practices are in place when batching is taking place.

G. Each shift, the Inspector should verify that the retort operation is supervised by a 

qualified person who has successfully completed the approved training in retort 

operations as defined in applicable FDA and USDA/FSIS regulations. The retort 

supervisor does not have to be present during all retort operations; however, someone 

who has completed an approved retort training course must be present during all retort 

operations. The name(s), official position, and a copy of the approved retort training 

certificate of the qualified person(s) should be kept in the USDA Inspector’s file.

H. The Inspector should monitor the retort records for each retort cook for completion of the 

specified process schedule. The Inspector must have a copy of the process schedule for 
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each product and container size. Typical critical factors in the process schedule include,

but are not limited to processing time, temperature, and pressures, net weight, headspace, 

etc. Inspectors should spot check retorted pouches and trays for ink color change or other 

heat process indicators used by the contractor to verify that the container has undergone a 

heat process. The retort record review performed by the USDA Inspector does not take 

the place of the reviews the contractor is required to perform in accordance with FDA 

and USDA regulation. These contractor reviews are mandatory. If the retort records are 

not initialed or signed and dated by the contractor’s reviewer, the Inspector should 

withhold certification of the involved lot. Review of retort records by the USDA/AMS 

Inspector is for verifying contractor compliance with DLA contract requirements. 

Inspectors are not to sign, initial, or in any way add information to the contractor’s retort 

records.

I. Each day, the USDA Inspector should monitor incubation of production lot samples and 

check the temperature of the incubation chamber(s) to verify that the temperature falls 

within the proper temperature ranges. The Inspector performs these steps to confirm that 

the contractor is executing the incubation process properly. It is the contractor’s 

responsibility to evaluate incubation samples and determine whether incubation criteria 

have been met. The USDA/AMS Inspector should periodically review incubation 

records for ongoing incubation activities during their in-plant “rounds.” In addition, the 

contractor should provide their documentation of successfully completed incubation for 

each lot the contractor offers to USDA/AMS for verification inspection. The Inspector 

should review records to verify that at least one sample container from each retort cook 

has successfully completed incubation.

J. Part of the Inspector’s daily activity is the sampling and verification inspection of 

production lots that have passed the contractor’s inspection exams. The Inspector should 

be familiar with all the requirements of the applicable contracts, specifications, and 

purchase documents.

K. The Inspector is responsible for selecting and submitting samples for analysis (salt, fat, 

etc.) to the USDA/AMS laboratories for verification testing or for use by USDA 

Inspectors performing verification testing on-site. Detailed instructions for this process 

can be found in the Section 7 – Laboratory Testing.

L. The IIC takes the primary role in the review and evaluation of the contractor’s QSP when 

a QSP is required by the DLA contract. USDA inspectors should use contract 

requirements, guidance in Section 13 – Quality Systems Plan Procedures, and DLA 

Troop Support’s Quality Systems Audit Workbooks I and II, as applicable, in their 

review of contractor’s QSP plans and actual procedures.

M. All Inspectors should be familiar with the specifications, contracts, solicitations, and 

related documents that are applicable to the production at their assigned facility.

N. The following is a listing of commonly required verification examinations for finished 

product. Generally, the contractor is required to perform the exams on all lots offered to 

the Government. The USDA/AMS Inspector must either (1) perform all exams to verify 
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the compliance of the lot, or, (2) when certain criteria are met, accept the contractor’s 

conforming results, and “skip” verification inspection. See Section 12 – Skip-Lot for 

detailed instructions for end-item skip-lot procedures. As indicated above, the following 

are commonly required end-item examinations:

1. Product exam for net weight and drained weight (when applicable), and product 

characteristics, using the production standard (PDM or first article) as identified 

by the contract for comparison. For each production lot examined, a PDM or 

First Article is used for comparing the overall appearance and organoleptic 

characteristic to the current production.

2. Filled and sealed exam of pouches and polymeric trays for container integrity, in 

accordance with the quality assurance provisions of the applicable military 

performance specification, i.e., MIL-PRF-44073 for retort pouches, and MILPRF-32004 for polymeric trays (some non-retort pouched items have the 

packaging requirements in the individual product specification). See 

SharePoint/Specifications to access all specifications used in the Operational 

Rations Program.

3. Tray/protective sleeve assembly exam, for defects listed in the military 

performance specification MIL-PRF-32004.

4. Filled and closed shipping container exam, for requirements in accordance with 

the individual product specifications. Note that this examination is not performed 

for all products and depends on contract and specification requirements.

a. Under the following conditions, the USDA inspector can select samples 

for the Shipping Container and Marking Examination “on-line” and 

examine them while the lot is being produced:

(1) Select samples from the pallet after cases have been taped and 

stacked on the pallet for final staging.

(2) Do not disclose results of the USDA exam until the contractor has 

offered the lot to the USDA for verification examination.

(3) Discard the results of the USDA end-item exam if the contractor 

fails the lot for end-item shipping container exam, reworks the lot, 

and reinspects it before offering it to USDA.

(4) The contractor is aware of and in agreement with this USDA 

practice.

b. The contractor may also perform this exam as the lot is being produced, if 

the process is documented in the contractor’s accepted QSP.
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5. Unit load examination, for requirements in accordance with DLA Form 3507, as 

applicable. Note that this examination is not performed for all products and 

depends on contract requirements. This examination is eligible for end-item skiplot procedures. See Section 12 – Skip-Lot for guidance on implementing USDA 

end-item skip-lot procedures for unit loads.

6. Examinations for shipping container and unit load markings in accordance with 

DLA Form 3556, as applicable, and usually performed in conjunction with the 

filled and closed shipping container exam and the unit load exam (5., above). 

Note that this examination is not performed for all products and depends on 

contract and specification requirements.

O. The USDA/AMS Inspector must issue documentation for each lot they determine to be in 

compliance with contract requirements. This documentation is either a USDA Certificate 

or a DD Form 250 (which can be an electronic version under DLA’s Wide Area Work 

Flow (WAWF), or a paper version). The contract will indicate which form of

certification is correct. Certification using a USDA Certificate should be in accordance 

with SCI Division instructions.

P. The USDA inspector can release results of a non-conforming end-item test (exam) result 

to the contractor before all USDA verification exams are finalized. Notifying the 

contractor on a timely basis (within one day) will give the contractor an opportunity to 

take corrective action when subsequent lots are produced. For example, if a lot fails the 

filled and sealed packaging exam, the contractor could be notified of the failure even if 

the USDA laboratory test or incubation results are still pending.

• In some instances, DLA Troop Support has given the GQAR approval to perform 

specific exams prior to the lot being offered to USDA. In that scenario, the 

results should not be released to the contractor until the lot has been offered for 

USDA verification inspection. In addition, the contractor should be aware and in 

agreement that USDA will perform that exam prior to the lot being offered and 

that USDA will withhold exam results (conforming or non-conforming) until the 

lot is formally offered. Additionally, in these instances, if the contractor finds a 

need to rework the lot prior to formal offering, due to a contractor end-item exam 

failure, USDA will return samples and disregard the USDA results obtained from 

them.

Q. The USDA should provide the contractor a signed copy of the Lot Summary Worksheet 

after the USDA verification inspection activity is completed and a final lot status has 

been established.

R. For each product produced at the facility, the Inspector should sample and submit 

periodic review samples (monthly or quarterly) and replenishment production standards, 

as needed. Details of this process can be found in Section 3 – Production Standards and 

Product Reviews.
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S. Each time a new product is produced at a contractor’s facility, the USDA Inspector will 

complete a “New Item Checklist” worksheet. Inspectors should use this checklist to 

review all aspects of inspection for the product, and prepare for any new procedures or 

equipment that may be needed for inspection. Ideally, the Inspector will complete the 

checklist before the contractor actually begins producing the item. The USDA Inspector 

will forward the completed checklist to their Supervisor. After review, the Supervisor 

will forward the completed document to CSB. A blank copy of the New Item Checklist 

is available on SharePoint.

T. The IIC should perform self-audits of the USDA inspection activities performed at their

location, as outlined in Section 8 – Operational Rations In-Plant Inspection Review.

SECTION 3 – PRODUCTION STANDARDS AND PRODUCT REVIEWS 

Description of Standards Used for Product Comparison

First Article

A First Article is a pre-production standard produced by a contractor on the equipment and in the 

facility that will be used during production for the contract. The First Article is produced after a 

contract has been awarded. The USDA Inspector is required to be on-site and monitor this 

production while the lot is being produced. The First Article is first reviewed and approved by 

the USDA Inspector and USDA area office and then sent by the USDA Inspector to the U.S. 

Army Natick laboratory (Natick) for evaluation. The First Article submittal form SC-431 is used 

for this submittal. Natick makes a recommendation to DLA Troop Support to accept or reject 

the proposed standard. If/when DLA Troop Support formally approves the First Article 

submittal that lot becomes the production standard, or the Approved First Article. Each time a 

lot is produced for regular production, the contractor and the USDA Inspector use sample(s) 

from this Approved First Article to compare with the current production. Natick also uses 

samples from its supply of this lot when evaluating periodic review samples. Ship samples to the 

USDA review locations after DLA Troop Support approves the production standard.

Conditional First Article

A First Article approved by DLA Troop Support, that must be replenished with the next 

conforming lot to establish an Approved First Article. The First Article submittal is first 

reviewed and approved by the USDA Inspector and USDA area office and then sent by the 

USDA Inspector to Natick for evaluation. The First Article Submittal form (SC-431) is also 

used for this submittal. Ship samples to the USDA review locations after DLA Troop Support

approves the production standard.

Local USDA First Article Replenishment

A Local USDA First Article replenishment lot is submitted by the USDA Inspector to Natick 

only if the remaining First Article samples needed to cover the entire 12 month period are about 

to be depleted. This occurs when the USDA in-plant inspectors have an insufficient quantity of 

samples to cover planned production or if storage conditions contribute to product degradation 
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and the samples no longer represent the initial production standard. The SC-431 First Article 

Submittal form should not be used when submitting this sample. Submit this sample on the 

sample submittal worksheet used to submit periodic review samples. This replenishment does 

not need to be approved by the USDA area office before submittal to Natick. Ship samples to 

Natick and the USDA review locations at the same time.

Limited Production First Articles

DLA Troop Support uses this terminology to refer to an approved First Article that might not 

have enough retained samples to cover the entire 12 month period. The Limited Production First 

Articles would need to be replenished when the samples are almost depleted. The SC-431 First 

Article Submittal form should not be used when submitting these replenishment samples. 

Submit these samples to Natick on the sample submittal worksheet used to submit periodic 

review samples. List the sample type as “Natick First Article Replenishment”. This sample does 

not need to be approved by the USDA area office before submittal to Natick. Ship samples to 

Natick and the USDA review locations at the same time.

Natick First Article Replenishment

A Natick First Article Replenishment is a lot that replaces the original Approved First Article

after twelve months of production. The samples are sent by the USDA Inspector to Natick from 

current production that USDA has inspected and passed (including USDA testing for analytical 

requirements). When submitting the replenishment samples, it is not necessary to use the SC431 First Article Submittal, and the submittal does not need to be reviewed by the area office 

before submittal to Natick and the USDA review locations. The worksheet used to submit 

periodic review samples is acceptable for this purpose. Natick evaluates the samples and 

provides their results to DLA Troop Support. DLA Troop Support provides official results on 

the samples to USDA and the contractor. If a lot is approved by DLA Troop Support, based on 

acceptance by Natick, it replaces the original approved First Article or “AFA” to establish the 

new production standard. Ship samples to Natick and the USDA review locations at the same 

time.

Product Demonstration Model

The Product Demonstration Model (PDM) is a production standard produced and submitted by 

the contractor to Natick, along with their bid on a solicitation. The USDA Inspector is not 

required to be on-site during PDM production and is usually not involved in this initial 

production standard activity. Prior to submitting this lot to Natick, the contractor will provide 

USDA with samples from the PDM lot for USDA to retain for possible future use. If the PDM is 

evaluated and approved by Natick, DLA Troop Support may award a contract and specify the lot 

submitted as the approved PDM. The PDM becomes the approved production standard for that 

contract cycle. The inspector will receive copies of DLA Troop Support correspondence from 

the contractor to establish the identity of the PDM lot and the contract document will list the 

approved PDM lot number. A copy of this correspondence should be kept in the USDA file. 

Ship samples to the USDA review locations after DLA Troop Support approves the production 

standard.
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Local USDA PDM Replenishment

A Local USDA PDM replenishment lot is submitted by the USDA Inspector only if the 

Inspector’s remaining PDM samples needed to cover the entire 12 month period are about to be 

depleted. This can occur if the USDA in-plant inspectors have an insufficient quantity of 

samples to cover planned production of the product or if storage conditions contribute to product 

degradation and the samples no longer represent the initial production standard. If/when Natick 

evaluates the product and finds the sample acceptable, the Contractor and USDA can begin using 

that product immediately as the new standard. Notification of acceptance can be in the form of 

email from Natick and forwarded by the SCI National Office. Ship samples to Natick and the 

USDA review locations at the same time.

Natick PDM Replenishment

The Natick PDM Replenishment lot replaces the original approved PDM lot after twelve months 

of production. The samples are sent by the USDA Inspector to Natick from current production 

and are evaluated by Natick. If the lot is accepted by Natick and approved by DLA Troop 

Support, it replaces the original PDM to establish the new production standard. For the MRE 

products, this process does not require a written approval letter from DLA Troop Support. 

Notification of acceptance can be in the form of email from Natick and forwarded by CSB. Ship 

samples to Natick and the USDA review locations at the same time.

Natick PDM Replacement

A Natick PDM Replacement is a lot that is produced by the contractor when the current PDM 

does not reflect the product that will be produced in the future. This could be due to significant 

changes in ingredients or formulations or as a result of Natick rejects of recent periodic or 

replenishment submittals that cannot be corrected without establishing a new PDM. The PDM 

does not need to be evaluated by the USDA. The Contractor will submit the PDM Replacement 

to Natick without USDA being involved in the submittal process. DLA Troop Support will 

distribute the results to CSB for distribution to the USDA IIC after the Contracting Officer 

approves the use of the PDM replacement.

General Requirements for All Production Standards

A. The USDA Inspector and the contractor should use the current production standard until 

Natick evaluates and DLA Troop Support approves the new production standard. Once 

the Natick Replenishment is found to be acceptable, the contractor and USDA Inspector 

should both begin using the new production standard from the same approved lot.

B. When the USDA Inspector selects a lot to be used as a replenishment for a production 

standard, it should be selected from a conforming lot that has passed all USDA end-item 

verification exams, including laboratory tests. The new replenishment production lot 

should be comparable to the current production standard. The replenishment lot should 

not have been selected for end-item skip-lot. In addition, it should be tested for all 

analytical requirements by the contractor and government. Note: Do not submit samples 

of a product for periodic review if the same product is being sent as a replenishment 
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sample. For example, if Chicken Fajita lot 8234 is selected as a replenishment sample, 

no periodic reviews of this product are to be sent for that particular period. See the 

section on Replenishment Procedures for PDMs and First Articles, for details on this 

process.

C. The USDA Inspector will draw the samples from the chosen lot at the same time, from 

the same case (side by side), the same batch, the same cook, the same sub-code, etc. 

D. Generally, replenishment samples are given priority over periodic review samples and are 

evaluated first, so it is important to label the exterior of the shipping container to identify 

these samples as replenishment samples.

E. See contract and solicitation for instructions when a new PDM or First Article is 

required.

Specific Requirements for the First Article

A. First Article (preproduction sample) is required in accordance with the solicitation, 

contract, and the product specifications.

B. Coordinate with DLA Troop Support on the timing and selection of the First Article for 

Unitized Group Ration (UGR) contracts. The USDA Inspector should contact CSB, who 

will then alert DLA Troop Support of the plan to select and submit a First Article to 

Natick.

C. The USDA Inspector will be present during production and will evaluate First Article lots 

in strict accordance with the contract and specification requirements.

D. The officer-in-charge will also evaluate the First Article sample in accordance with the 

applicable specifications. This can be done on site (at the plant) or parallel samples can 

be sent and evaluated at the area office.

E. The officer-in-charge must agree that the First Article is acceptable and sign the SC-431 

First Article submittal.

F. The inspection and evaluation described in items C, D, and E above, are to be 

accomplished in ten days or less. Every effort should be made to expedite this process 

since an approved First Article is necessary before regular production can be certified.

G. After approval by the officer-in-charge, the USDA Inspector will complete the First 

Article submittal form and attach a copy of the USDA finished product examination 

worksheets. These documents will be placed in the shipping container with the First

Article samples to be shipped to Natick. When filling out the submittal form, it is 

important to enter the lot number and “USDA, FSIS establishment number” (for meat and 

poultry items) of the First Article in the block entitled “code and establishment number”.
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H. When analytical testing is required for the product, a copy of the USDA results should be 

included with the First Article submittal; however, do not delay submittal of samples if 

the USDA laboratory results are pending. Make the following notation in the remarks 

section of the First Article submittal form: “Samples submitted prior to receipt of USDA 

analytical test results. Results will be faxed or emailed as soon as available.” Be sure to 

forward to Natick the analytical results when they are available.

I. In the event that the officer-in-charge and inspector-in-charge are not in agreement on the 

acceptability of the First Article, the Regional Office and/or CSB will evaluate samples 

and provide guidance.

J. If the sample units fail product examination and/or testing requirements, samples should 

not be submitted to Natick unless DLA Troop Support has granted approval. If such 

approval is provided, the inspector should keep a copy of this documentation and submit 

a copy with the First Article submittal form. In addition, a reference to the DLA Troop 

Support approval should be noted by the inspector in the remarks section of the First 

Article submittal form.

K. If the contractor wants a technical opinion from Natick concerning their product, the 

contractor may independently submit a sample for this purpose.

L. The First Article submittal form should be emailed to Natick and CSB. Refer to the list 

of contacts posted on SharePoint/OR Resource Documents/Operational Rations Email 

Distribution Contacts and Guidance on Distribution Process.

M. Samples of an approved First Article should be sent to the USDA review locations when 

the first periodic review samples for that product are sent. These samples will not be 

used at the USDA locations unless the “standard” is needed to evaluate current 

production issues. The OR Sample Submittal Sheet has a selection for submitting 

approved First Articles to the USDA review locations.

N. Twelve First Article samples that should be retained by the USDA Inspector, in a secure 

location, for use in USDA End-item product evaluation exams.

Specific Requirements for the PDM

A. For MRE and some Group Rations food components, a PDM is typically required by the 

solicitation instead of a First Article. Refer to the contract/solicitation for the description 

of the specific requirements for the PDM.

B. USDA is not required to be on site during production of initial PDMs.

C. A contractor (or sub-contractor) should not have more than one approved PDM for an 

item being produced for their military contract. A second approved PDM that has 

different characteristics from the original PDM is not acceptable. Any deviation from 

this requirement must be approved by the DLA Troop Support Contracting Officer.
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D. If a new PDM is approved, the previous PDM samples should be removed from the area 

where PDM samples are stored. The contractor and USDA should be using samples from 

the same approved lot.

E. The PDM samples should not be used until production begins for the new contract cycle 

and confirmation is received that Natick/DLA Troop Support has approved the lot as an 

acceptable PDM. This documentation, such as a contract with the accepted PDM lot 

number listed in it, should be filed in the USDA files for the duration of the contract.

F. After each PDM lot is approved by DLA Troop Support, the inspector will also distribute 

samples to the appropriate USDA review locations when the first periodic review 

samples for that product are sent. The OR Sample Submittal Sheet has a selection for 

submitting approved PDM samples to the USDA review locations. These samples will 

not be reviewed by the USDA locations when they are received; they will be kept for use, 

as needed, in future periodic review evaluations and comparisons.

G. Thirty-two PDM samples that should be retained by the USDA Inspector, in a secure 

location, for use in USDA End-item product evaluation exams.

Replenishment Procedures for PDMs and First Articles

A. Refer to contract/solicitation for specific procedures. When replenishment is needed, the 

USDA Inspector should select a production lot that has passed all exams and analytical 

tests. A lot selected for end-item skip lot verification should not be selected as PDM 

replenishment or First Article replenishment. The new lot should be comparable to the 

current PDM or First Article. For individual ration items (i.e., for MRE; First Strike 

Rations; Meal, Cold Weather; Long Range Patrol; etc.) the 12-month period referenced in 

the contract/solicitation for PDM replenishment should begin once the contract is 

awarded.

• For example: Suppose a PDM is produced on January 10, 2012 (with a lot number 

of 2010), and the contract is awarded on July 10, 2012. A replenishment PDM 

would be needed 12 months after the contract was awarded. This would be from 

production in July 2013. It would not be necessary to select a PDM 

replenishment lot any sooner, since the 12-month period should begin when the 

contract started, in this case July 10, 2012.

B. The Inspector should continue to use the existing production standard until Natick 

evaluates the replenishment samples and determines that the new lot is acceptable. Once 

the new lot is approved, the Inspector should coordinate with the contractor to ensure that 

the contractor is using the same approved replenishment lot.

C. The Natick Replenishment or Local USDA Replenishment lot should also serve as the 

Periodic Review Sample for that particular period. Do not submit replenishment and 

periodic review samples for the same product, during the same period. This helps 

minimize the expenses involved when Natick evaluates products for DLA Troop Support. 

Mark the samples and indicate on the OR Sample Submittal Sheet “Periodic Review and 
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Local USDA PDM Replenishment” or “Periodic Review and Natick PDM 

Replenishment.” This procedure will allow the reviewers to evaluate one lot for both 

purposes. Natick will only distribute only one result for that particular lot. 

D. If Natick does not accept the replenishment lot (i.e., rates the lot as “reject” or 

“marginally acceptable”), the USDA Inspector should select another lot of the item to 

submit as a replenishment lot. When selecting a new lot, the Inspector should take into 

consideration the feedback from Natick regarding the lot that was not accepted.

E. For Group Rations only, if a Replenishment PDM is rejected by Natick, the next 

conforming production lot will be submitted by USDA as a Resubmittal PDM 

Replenishment. This follow-up Resubmittal PDM Replenishment and any subsequent 

Resubmittal lots cannot be shipped by the vendor without an acceptable evaluation result 

from Natick. The cut-off date for PDM Replenishments will be 18 months. After 18 

months, USDA will submit a PDM sample to Natick as a Replacement PDM, following 

the PDM submittal process. The production lot that is used for the Replacement PDM 

submittal cannot be shipped by the manufacturer without an acceptable evaluation result 

from Natick.

F. If the samples are PDM Replenishment samples for the Group Ration Program, email a 

copy of the submittal worksheet to the list of contacts posted on SharePoint/OR Resource 

Documents/Operational Rations Email Distribution Contacts and Guidance on 

Distribution Process. There is no requirement to submit paperwork for MRE First Article 

Replenishment samples to the Contracting Officer.

Periodic Reviews – Selection of Periodic Review Samples

A. When Periodic Review or PDM/First Article Replenishment samples are selected for 

submittal to Natick, they must be from conforming lots. As is always the case, if there is 

any doubt that the product compares to the currently approved Production Standard, 

samples should be submitted to the USDA review locations for feedback on acceptability 

before the lot is certified and submitted to Natick. 

B. All Government Furnished Material, Contractor Furnished Material, and Rations 

National Contract food components inspected by USDA will be subject to periodic 

review sampling during contact production. Refer to the contract/solicitation and the 

instructions below for applicable information.

C. Each month, DLA Troop Support will provide USDA-CSB with a list of food 

components that are eligible for periodic review. This list will include a submittal 

schedule for the listed food components. The submittal schedule for each type of food 

component will be “Schedule 1” or “Schedule 2.” The designation for each item (i.e., 

either Schedule 1 or Schedule 2) is included in the OR Sample Submittal Sheet. These 

updated submittal sheets have a tab in each of the Excel spreadsheets, called “Submittal 

Schedule,” which lists the items produced at the facility and the submittal rate (i.e., 

Schedule 1 or Schedule 2) for each item. Inspectors should use this tab to determine 
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which items to submit monthly, and which items to submit every three months. This tab 

also includes a table for inspectors to keep track of the items they have selected and 

submitted. It is important to note that the three-month periods are specifically defined as 

January through March; April through June; July through September; and October 

through December.

D. CSB will update these sheets whenever the designation for a component changes. Refer 

to DLA Troop Support Letter of Instruction, Periodic Review Submittals dated January 

26, 2012 for details of this submittal process. This document is posted on the CSB 

SharePoint site under “OR Resource Documents.”

• The “Schedule 1” submittal time-period is each calendar month.

• The “Schedule 2” submittal time-periods are the following 3-month intervals: 

January through March, April through June, July through September, and October 

through December.

E. If a PDM replenishment is required to be submitted during a periodic review submittal 

time-period, submit only the PDM replenishment sample. Resume periodic review 

sample submission during the food component’s next scheduled time-period.

F. For each product, review the End-Item Skip Lot Ledger for each month and select a lot 

that has passed the USDA verification end-item product exam and has met all the 

contract requirements. Note that lots that have been skipped for USDA end-item 

verification examination should not be selected for periodic review. If all lots of an item 

produced during a submittal period are skipped, based upon USDA end-item exam skip 

lot procedures, a periodic review sample should not be submitted for that particular 

submittal period, for that item. Note that it is allowable to select lots, for submittal for 

periodic reviews that have been skipped under Optional Contractor Testing for analytical 

testing. The submittal period timeframe is based upon the Julian code date of production, 

not when the lots are offered or certified.

G. Periodic review samples will be selected at three different sample points A, B, and C in a 

lot. These sample points should be spread out over the production lot so that they 

represent a cross section of production. At each sample point, four containers will be 

selected which, to the extent possible, share common batching, time code, retort cook, 

etc. Send one container from each of the sample points (i.e., three containers) to Natick; 

send one container from each of the sample points (i.e., three containers) to CSB in 

Washington, DC; retain one container from each of the sample points (i.e., three 

containers) as standby review samples; and select from the remaining three containers 

individual containers to send to the Area office, CSB Winter Haven and CSB Oshkosh. 

If the review samples are only marked with the day code, please mark the samples from 

each sample point using the source case or source pallet information. This will assist in 

follow-up in the event that issues are identified with a particular sample.
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1. See diagram below for Individual Rations with three sampling points:

a. Sample Point A - 4 Like Containers

(1) 1 container to Natick

(2) 1 container to CSB in Washington, DC

(3) 1 container as In-Plant Standby

(4) 1 container to Area Office

b. Sample Point B – 4 Like Containers

(1) 1 container to Natick

(2) 1 container to CSB in Washington, DC

(3) 1 container as In-Plant Standby

(4) 1 container to CSB Winter Haven

c. Sample Point C – 4 Like Containers

(1) 1 container to Natick

(2) 1 container to CSB in Washington, DC

(3) 1 container as In-Plant Standby

(4) 1 container to CSB Oshkosh

2. See diagram below for Group Rations with four sampling points:

a. Sample Point A – 3 Like Containers 

(1) 1 container to Natick

(2) 1 container to CSB in Washington, DC

(3) 1 container as In-Plant Standby

b. Sample Point B – 3 Like Containers

(1) 1 container to Natick

(2) 1 container to USDA Area Office

(3) 1 container as In-Plant Standby

c. Sample Point C – 3 Like Containers

(1) 1 container to Natick

(2) 1 container to Winter Haven, Florida Office

(3) 1 container as In-Plant Standby 

d. Sample Point D – 3 Like Containers

(1) 1 container to Natick

(2) 1 container to CSB Oshkosh Wisconsin Office
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(3) 1 container as In-Plant Standby 

H. The samples selected for submission should also be from the portion of the lot selected 

for end-item examination.

I. Periodic review samples should be sent to Natick and USDA offices as indicated in the 

OR Sample Submittal Worksheet. 

J. Group Rations and Individual Rations need to be submitted on separate submittal sheets 

each month. Items produced for UGR-B, Heat and Serve, and UGR-E contracts are 

Group Ration items. All other submittals are for Individual Ration contracts (e.g., MRE; 

First Strike Ration; Meal, Cold Weather; etc.). Note that Periodic Review Samples for 

Group Rations and Individual Rations can be sent in the same shipping package. It is 

only the submittal sheets which must be prepared separately for Group Rations and 

Individual Rations. If sending samples of Individual Rations and Group Rations in one 

shipping box, place both submittal sheets in the shipping box.

K. For items requiring incubation, samples should be sent no later than 15 days after the end 

of the previous month for Schedule 1 items and no later than 15 days after the end of the 

3-month period for Schedule 2 items. For example, if review samples were submitted for 

August production, the samples should be shipped by the 15th of September. Schedule 2 

samples should be collected and shipped together at the end of the 3-month period.

L. When inspectors are sending samples to Natick, they must include in the shipment box a 

printed copy of the USDA laboratory results for any food safety-related test(s) required 

for the lot(s). This will provide confirmation to reviewers that any applicable food 

safety-related test(s) have been completed and are conforming. Reviews will not be 

performed prior to receipt of these results.

M. This applies to all food samples inspectors submit to the review locations, including, but 

not limited to: periodic reviews, First Articles, First Article replenishments, PDMs, PDM 

replenishments, special review samples, etc.

N. It is not necessary to include test results for other tests, such as salt, fat, calcium, etc.; 

however, if the results for these tests are included on the same laboratory report, they can 

be included.

O. For items that are tested as bulk ingredients, inspectors should include the test results for 

the bulk lot from which the submitted lot was produced.

P. The list of products which have food safety-related tests and the specific tests that are 

needed can be found on the CSB SharePoint site/OR Resource Documents/posted 

06/17/2015.
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Periodic Review and Replenishment Standby Samples

A. Four additional sample (for thermostabilized tray pack containers) or three additional 

samples (for food components other than tray pack containers) should also be selected 

and retained in-plant by the Inspector as “Standby Samples.” (See paragraph “G” in

preceding section.)

B. These samples will be used to allow for further review of a lot in the event that Natick 

“rejects” or otherwise takes exception to the product during their review or if the product 

review by USDA results in a request for a follow-up action.

C. The “Standby Samples” should be retained until the Inspector receives Natick and USDA 

results indicating acceptance. Once the conforming results are received, the samples can 

be returned to the contractor.

USDA Inspector Follow-up Actions Based on Natick Evaluation Results

A. The Natick results of evaluations are forwarded to CSB for distribution to the USDA 

Inspectors and the USDA locations involved in the review process.

B. If Natick “rejects” or otherwise takes exception to a Periodic Review, PDM 

Replenishment of First Article Replenishment, CSB will create a “Documentation of 

Corrective Action Request - Samples rejected by Natick” worksheet and post the

worksheet on the CSB SharePoint site in the Calendar “file” that is used for that location, 

to track the submittal process.

C. The worksheet will be added as an additional “tab” in the file and the tab will be labeled 

with the lot number. The worksheet can be printed out and scanned and emailed when 

finalized. Another option (preferred) is to complete the worksheet “on-line” by checking 

out the “calendar” file in “edit mode”. Inspectors should complete the document, 

including filling in the two areas in the document that indicate when the document was 

completed and the person closing out the document.

D. When PDM or First Article Replenishment samples are rejected by Natick, the next 

conforming lot that is submitted to USDA should be selected as a “Replenishment Lot” if 

it is equal to or better than the currently approved Standard. If there is any doubt, submit 

samples to the USDA review locations before the lot is certified and submitted as a 

replenishment lot.

E. In completing the worksheet, the Inspector-in-Charge should take the following steps:

1. Review Natick results with USDA personnel, as appropriate (and consider 

possible adjustment of future USDA organoleptic/comparability evaluations).

2. Discuss Natick’s results with the contractor. Become familiar with any actions 

the contractor may take to address the situation with respect to future production.
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3. Review USDA standby samples with contractor personnel.

4. Perform QSP Compliance Audits on the contractor’s end-item product evaluation 

for the next two lots produced of the item.

USDA Inspector Follow-up Actions Based on USDA Evaluation Results

A. USDA review locations will perform evaluations on periodic review samples but will no 

longer routinely review PDM or First Article Replenishment samples unless directed by 

DLA Troop Support. CSB will defer to Natick for feedback on Replenishment 

submittals, effective November 2014. The Replenishment samples should still be sent to 

USDA review locations and will be set aside to be used during subsequent product 

reviews.

B. The Inspector-in-Charge should review these results from the USDA review locations 

with USDA personnel (and consider possible adjustment of future USDA 

organoleptic/comparability evaluations, as appropriate) when issues are identified.

C. The Inspector-in-Charge may be asked to implement additional follow-up and/or 

corrective action, as needed, based on the nature of the specific finding. These USDA 

review results can also be used by the Inspector to inform the contractor about 

changes/deviations from the First Article or PDM, so adjustments can be made to ensure 

comparability with the production standard.

D. When USDA review locations reject a periodic review, CSB will identify the code of the 

sample unit and request that the USDA IIC complete a “Documentation of Corrective 

Action -Samples rejected by USDA”. In the past, the “Documentation of Corrective 

Action” requests were only completed when Natick rejected a periodic review.

E. This worksheet will be added as an additional “tab” in the Calendar “file” that is used for 

that location, to track the submittal process.

Resolution Lot Status for Products Rejected by Natick

A. In addition to the procedures described above, some additional steps may be needed for 

products that have been identified as problematic.

B. DLA Troop Support contacts CSB and informs them when a particular product should be 

submitted to Natick as a “resolution lot.”

C. USDA should request that the contractor identify the next lot the contractor will be 

producing of the product. This lot should be produced using the contractor’s corrective 

steps (if any). This lot should be identified on the submittal sheet as a “resolution lot.”

D. If the “resolution lot” passes USDA inspection, USDA should select samples from this 

resolution lot and submit them to Natick and USDA locations as periodic review samples. 
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If possible, the samples USDA selects from the resolution lot should come from the same 

production shift and equipment as the original samples which Natick rejected.

E. The product will remain in a “resolution lot” status even if Natick accepts the submittal 

until DLA Troop Support notifies CSB that the lot can return to a normal submittal 

frequency. This change will be communicated to the IIC by CSB.

Special Evaluation Samples

A. An Inspector-in-Charge can request that the Area Office and CSB staff provide feedback 

on product quality and/or packaging.

B. The Inspector-in-Charge should first notify their OIC of the purpose of the request. The 

OIC, and/or IIC, will then work with CSB to make the appropriate arrangements before 

the special evaluation samples are submitted for review.

C. Samples should be sent to the Area Office and CSB staff, with a memo explaining the 

reason for the evaluation.

D. On the outside of the shipping container, label the package “Special Evaluation.”

E. Place a copy of the descriptive correspondence (e.g., speed memo or email) inside the 

container along with any other pertinent information.

F. DLA Troop Support has requested that special evaluation samples been sent to CSB 

contacts and the Area Office if there is any doubt that a lot is acceptable. This is 

especially important when Natick has rejected the product in a recent periodic review or 

replenishment submittal. Submit the samples to the USDA review locations before the 

lot is certified and notify the contractor that a special evaluation will be performed before 

certification can be completed.

Distribution of Results from USDA Review Locations

A. All parties receiving periodic review samples will evaluate the samples to provide 

feedback to the In-plant Inspectors.

B. The submittal sheets sent from each OR location are uploaded to the CSB SharePoint site 

in a Document folder called: Periodic Reviews – Active Worksheets for all Locations. 

Each OR location has an excel file and within the file are multiple tabs identified with the 

date of each submittal. Inspectors should check this site frequently to review comments 

made on the various submittals. If a product is rejected at a USDA review location, a 

Corrective Action Response will also be added to the Submittal Calendar and CSB will 

notify the Inspectors of the reject, and when possible, provide supporting photos.

C. The CSB locations, Area Offices, and Regional Offices can all add their comments to the 

SharePoint site files or can provide the comments to CSB, who can enter the comments 

into the excel file, for the respective locations.
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Submittal Process - Labeling and Shipment of Samples

A. Refer to CSB SharePoint site/OR Worksheets/Review Submittals to download the 

associated file to use when submitting samples for each location. These electronic 

worksheets are contained in Microsoft Excel spreadsheet files for each plant. For 

instructions on using the files, open the file and print out a copy of the instruction page 

found in one of the sheets. The Excel file automatically creates a list of the quantities to 

be sent to each location based upon the category of the submittal. The locations and 

addresses are built into the submittal worksheet Excel file.

B. The worksheet will populate those numbers once the submittal type is selected.

C. Individually label all First Article samples, Natick First Article Replenishment samples, 

Local USDA First Article Replenishment samples, PDM samples, Natick PDM 

Replenishment samples, and Local USDA PDM Replenishment samples that are 

submitted. This may be accomplished by simply writing “PDM” or “First Article” on 

each sample with a permanent marker. Some locations use computer generated labels, 

which are affixed to each pouch/box before they are submitted.

D. It is not necessary to individually label periodic review samples.

E. When sampling the lot, make sure that permanent coding of lot information is present on 

all containers. Natick will not evaluate a product received with the lot/retort coding 

missing.

F. Enclose a copy of the submittal worksheet in the individual shipping container.

G. Package review samples and replenishment samples in separate boxes. It is acceptable to 

then place the separate boxes in a larger box for shipping. Limit the boxes to 40 pounds 

total, so the boxes can be handled easily.

H. Describe the contents of each shipping container on the exterior of the box. If two 

categories of review samples are in the same shipping container, label the outside of the 

box, indicating each type of sample contained in the box. Example: “Periodic review 

samples and Natick PDM replenishment samples enclosed.”

I. Notify Natick, DLA Troop Support, and CSB when samples are being shipped by emailing the submittal worksheets (as Excel spreadsheet files) to the list of contacts posted

on SharePoint/OR Resource Documents/Operational Rations Email Distribution Contacts 

and Guidance on Distribution Process.

J. Use a sturdy, clean shipping container that is the right size for the shipment and include 

enough durable packing material to protect the samples. Bulky boxes are difficult for 

Natick to handle. Avoid shredded paper that leaves a fine powder residue.

K. Keep all correspondence associated with the samples in the appropriate USDA file.
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Timely Submittal Process

A. Inspectors should submit review samples around the 15th of the month and send the 

remaining samples on the 30th of the month, if needed.

B. For each product that requires a sample for a monthly (Schedule 1) or quarterly (Schedule 

2) timeframe, select the first lot that is available for submittal and set those samples aside, 

to be submitted within 15 days of that “set aside” time.

C. If the USDA IIC sees a predictable sampling pattern developing, USDA should set aside 

the first suitable production lot and wait for subsequent available lots and submit one of 

those lots. USDA should return the samples from the first (and any other) “set aside”

lot(s) back to the contractor. (Note: USDA can use discretion as to how long to wait for 

the subsequent available lots to be produced and when to submit samples. This can be as 

long as on the 30th of the 1-month or 3-month period.)

D. When submitting samples for a “resolution” lot, note the submittal reason 

(i.e., “resolution lot”) in the Submittal Frequency column on the submittal worksheet.

SECTION 4 – INSPECTION LEVELS

Switching Procedures

The switching procedures described in paragraph 8, “Normal, Tightened and Reduced 

Inspection,” of ANSI/ASQC Z1.4 are applied to USDA inspection of operational rations at 

origin under specified conditions. See CSB SharePoint site/OR Resource Documents for a copy 

of that document. The following guidelines should be applied.

Responsible Authority

DLA Troop Support is designated as the “responsible authority” for determining whether 

switching procedures will be applied at an operational rations plant in accordance with paragraph 

8 of ANSI/ASQC Z1.4.

Application

The application of switching procedures to USDA operational rations verification inspection is 

limited to the MRE pouch integrity examination (filled and sealed pouch exam) for retorted 

MRE products. The options of “tightened” and “normal” inspection are authorized; the option of 

“reduced” inspection is not authorized.

Note: A contractor may incorporate switching procedures into their QSP and use them as 

described by ANSI/ASQC Z1.4, subject to acceptance by DLA Troop Support of the QSP.
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MRE Pouch Integrity Examinations

A. See Section E-3-A-2, “Additional Quality Assurance Provisions for MIL-PRF-44073, 

Packaging of Food in Flexible Pouches”, of the MRE contract for instructions on the 

application of switching to the inspection of MRE retorted pouches.

B. When lots that have been inspected at the tightened inspection level are entered into the 

ORDB, the “Level of Inspection” should be changed to indicate tightened inspection.

C. DLA Troop Support has requested notification when an individual product line goes on 

tightened inspection. This notification should come in the form of a faxed or emailed 

message to DLA Troop Support and CSB. To do this, inspectors should make the 

following statement on the SC-10 Notice of Hold, that is issued on the lot failure prior to 

the start of tightened inspection:

1. Product offered after this lot will be inspected at the tightened inspection level for 

the pouch filled and sealed exam, until the product requalifies for inspection at the 

normal level.

2. Place this statement in the section titled “Reason(s) the Above Product Fails 

Contract Requirements”, after your remarks concerning the reason for the failure. 

Distribute per instructions in Notice of Hold Form (SC-10) Procedure section.

Reduced Sample Size

Thermostabilized Polymeric Tray Package Integrity Examinations

After 10 consecutive lots pass the filled and sealed exam, all lots offered after that time can be 

inspected at the 80 tray sample rate. One failing lot moves the inspection rate back to 200 trays 

until 10 consecutive lots pass and then the inspection rate moves back to 80 trays. A significant 

break in production for all retorted polymeric tray products will require starting over and 

inspecting 10 consecutive lots at 200 trays. The timeframe that defines a significant break in 

production will be a break greater than 60 days unless the DLA Troop Support Contracting

Officer provides a different timeframe when that scenario occurs.

SECTION 5 – CONTRACTOR SUPPLIED DOCUMENTATION

This instruction outlines the procedures, as they apply to the USDA operational rations 

inspection program, for the review and audit of contractor inspection records and ingredient 

documentation that may be needed to complete certification.

Responsibilities

Contractor

The contractor is required to provide various COCs for each production lot offered to the USDA 

for verification inspection, as well as COCs that might cover all production for a contract. The 

contractor may be required to provide additional documents, such as COAs (Certificates of 
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Analysis), U.S. Grade Certificates, and specific statements from ingredient suppliers. The 

contract inspection clauses found in the solicitation/contracts/specifications define these 

requirements for each product, and are the references used by the contractor to determine what 

records are required.

Government Quality Assurance Representative

When a lot is offered for USDA verification inspection, the documents provided by the 

contractor should be reviewed by the GQAR for completeness and accuracy. Copies of some of 

the documents should be retained in the Government file, after the review. The GQAR should be 

familiar with all the documents and in-process reviews required for each product being produced 

at their location. When a new product is going to be produced, the GQAR should fill out the 

“New Item Checklist” which is used to identify the specific requirements for the product. The 

“New Item Checklist” is reviewed by the supervisor and CSB, so that the involved staff is 

knowledgeable about the specific requirements. As part of the daily inspection activities, the

GQAR should also verify that the contractor is meeting the requirements for the item(s) being 

produced by reviewing ingredient labels, performing in-process formulation reviews, and 

periodically auditing receipt inspection records. See Section 2 – USDA In-Plant Inspection 

Procedures.

Types of Documentation

Certificate of Conformance

A. A COC is defined as a document submitted by the contractor to the GQAR stating that 

items, used in production for a contract, meet contract requirements. A COC should 

include, as appropriate:

• The contract number

• The applicable specification number

• References to any relevant modification or amendment

• The requirement that is being addressed by the COC

• The identity of the ingredient, material, and/or products covered by the COC

B. See Clause 52.246-15 Certificate of Conformance, for further guidance on the format and 

statement requirements.

C. Various COCs may be required for any particular contract and/or product. Some of the

COCs include:

• A “Blanket” COC – this document typically addresses the requirement in a 

solicitation or contract for a statement from the contractor that all packaging, 
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packing, labeling, marking, and unitization materials, used in the contract 

production, meet contract specifications. See Clause 52.246-9P20 Certificate of 

Conformance, often found in Section E of a solicitation, for a statement of this 

requirement.

• A specific COC for certain components, ingredients, or end item characteristics –

the requirement for this type of COC will be specified in a product specification 

or the contract documentation.

D. In some cases, the contractor can furnish a “Blanket” COC to cover the production for an 

entire contract, or for each lot offered to the GQAR. If a contractor provides a single 

“Blanket” COC per lot, it may also address each of the specific COC statements that the 

product may require (see item C., above).

E. COC statements can vary between contractors, even for the same product, but all COC 

statements should state that the item or characteristic(s) covered meets all contract 

requirements. These statements may include information furnished by the supplier of the

ingredients and, in such cases, this information should be included in the statement 

prepared by the contractor.

F. Note that a COC may be provided by a supplier. For example, the supplier of preformed 

pouches may provide a COC covering the performance characteristics of the pouches 

they supply.

G. Each lot folder should have a copy of the COCs that have been provided to the GQAR 

when a lot is offered for inspection.

Certificate of Analysis

A COA provides test results which show that a product or ingredient meets a particular analytical 

requirement. COA requirements, when they apply, are normally found in the product 

specification. The statement that a COA is required is usually found in the footnotes section of 

the product exam table in the specification. The details of the required analytical value are 

normally stated in Section C of the product specification.

An ingredient COA may cover more than one production lot and may be kept in a separate folder 

that is used to file all such documents for a particular product.

U.S. Grade Certificate

The requirement for a U.S. Grade Certificate for an ingredient with a specific quality level is 

usually found in the footnotes section of the product exam table. It will specify that a U.S. Grade 

Certificate is required to demonstrate that the ingredients meet those requirements. The actual 

requirement will usually be found in Section C of the specification.

Products that have ingredients that require a U.S. Grade Certificate should not be certified if a 

copy of the U.S. Grade Certificate for the applicable ingredient used in the production lot is not 
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available for review by the GQAR. The certificate must clearly state that the ingredient lot 

meets the grade requirement, as stated in the product specification.

When grades for some fresh fruits and vegetables and some grain items are specified in the 

contract, the GQAR should verify with their supervisor what type of certification document is 

acceptable. This discussion could occur when the New Item Checklist is completed.

Other Documentation and Ingredient Requirements

Foreign Sourced Ingredients

If the facility uses foreign sourced ingredient(s) in any OR product, the contractor will provide 

the IIC with a “Master List of Ingredients from Foreign Sources”. For each ingredient, the 

Master List will list the ingredient, the country of origin, and the product(s) in which the 

ingredient is used. The Master List will be updated as necessary. The Master List will be 

provided to the in-plant GQAR and, upon request, to DLA Troop Support Contracting Officer.

Source: Solicitation SPE3S1-16-R-0008, Technical Data Package, Section C, Tab 3, page 12 of 

84. If, during normal day to day review of incoming ingredients, batching, and formulation, the 

GQAR determines that a foreign sourced ingredient is being used that the Contracting Officer is 

not aware of, the GQAR should contact their supervisor and CSB, following current procedures.

Latest Season’s Crop or Other Age-related Requirements

Some contracts or products have a requirement that the ingredients be from the latest season’s 

crop year. This should be verified when reviewing the contractor’s paperwork and during the 

daily formulation checks. If the GQAR determines that an ingredient is being used that does not 

meet the latest season’s crop year requirement, the GQAR should contact their supervisor and 

CSB, following current procedures.

Similarly, some ingredients can only be used if they are not older than a certain length of time. 

The contractor should provide adequate documentation that these age requirements, when 

present, are met.

SECTION 6 – OPERATIONAL RATIONS DATABASE

Background Information

The ORDB is a computer based software application used to document production activity in the 

Operational Rations program. Inspectors enter information and USDA inspection results for 

each production lot into the database. This data is used to generate numerous reports and 

provide information used by the USDA Inspectors, contractors, CSB, and DLA Troop Support

for obtaining lot information, identifying production issues, and reviewing the quality history of 

each contractor.
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This section provides guidance on the use of the ORDB program. The main topics are outlined 

below:

• Establishing an ORDB user account

• Opening the ORDB program

• ORDB training for new users

• Timeframe for entering a lot into the ORDB

• Timeframe for completing or closing-out lot information in the ORDB

• Generating worksheets and reports from the ORDB

• Updating list information in the ORDB

• Classification of “Lot Acceptance” status in the ORDB

• ORDB Version 2.2 released in July 2013

• New reports added that generate list of products/lots with full Inspection status

• Final Lot Certification information no longer needed to be added

Establishing an ORDB User Account

In order to use the ORDB, the USDA inspector must establish an account. The user or user’s 

supervisor must initiate the request by contacting the CSB. CSB will notify the appropriate 

personnel to establish the new user account in the ORDB.

The Specialty Crops Program, Information Management Services (IMS) staff will need to install 

the ORDB software program on each computer that will be used to access the program (if it is 

not already installed).

Opening the ORDB Program

After CSB has established an account for the OR inspector, the user can launch the program by 

going to the Start menu, selecting Fruit and Vegetable Program and clicking once on the ORDB 

icon. The user may also choose to create an ORDB icon on their desktop. The login is process 

is detailed below:

• Enter your login name and password. These will be provided to a new user by CSB or 

IMS staff.

• Click “login” button and select the plant name.
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• Choices will consist of the list of OR plants associated with the user profile and also a 

“Test Plant” selection. The “Test Plant” selection is used as a practice area. New users 

can enter data into the “test plant” without concern about changing or adversely affecting 

data in the ORDB for their assigned plant.

• The ORDB maintains unique records for each OR plant. The only inspectors who can 

access the records for a specific plant are those inspectors with ORDB logins who are 

assigned to the plant. This measure assists in maintaining the integrity, confidentiality, 

and security of ORDB records.

ORDB Training for New Users

Instructions for using the ORDB are located on the CSB SharePoint site/OR Resource 

Documents. The instructions are posted at this location as an MS Word file called “ORDB 

Training Instructions” (Note that the “Help” tab in the ORDB program opens up an MS Word 

format document that is no longer up-to-date, and should not be used.)

The instructions at the CSB SharePoint site provide detailed guidance on the use of the ORDB 

program. The user can save the file and make changes to the document so that the instructions 

can be tailored with hints and suggestions for other users at the plant. If a revision of the 

instructions might be beneficial to other inspectors, please forward the suggestions to CSB so 

that it can be considered when the instructions are updated.

New users should use the “Test Plant” to practice ORDB data entry and the creation of the 

automated reports generated in the ORDB program.

Timeframe for Entering a Lot into the ORDB

Inspectors should enter the initial lot information into the ORDB within two weeks of the date of 

production.

Inspectors can update the information for a lot when all lot information is available or at different 

stages in the lot inspection and certification process.

Timeframe for Completing or Closing-out Lot Information in the ORDB

Inspectors should have the final lot information entered into the program for each lot within 90 

days of production.

The above timeframe for closing-out lot information takes into account that shipment of the 

product may take several months from the date the lot was produced. DLA Troop Support

contracts for OR items generally require that lots be shipped within 90 days of the production 

date. This is the basis for the 90-day closeout requirement.

Inspectors can generate a report to review lot history and identify lots that have exceeded the 90-

day timeframe. To create the report, access the “reports” menu and select “Lot Information by 

Product”. Follow the steps outlined below to identify and update lots which are complete but 

which are over 90 days old and have not yet been closed-out.
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• Enter “start date” and enter “end date” to cover the time interval desired, and press 

submit button.

• Review the report for lots produced more than 90 days ago which are marked “active” in 

the “status” column

• Completed lots still indicated as “active” should be closed out. To do this, use the “Edit”

mode, and change the status from “active” to “inspection complete.”

• Click “finish” to save the change.

Generating Worksheets and Reports from the ORDB

There are numerous worksheets and reports that can be generated from the information entered 

into the ORDB. These reports can be used by inspectors to inform contractors of their 

production status. They are also used by CSB to track trends, identify issues, and in preparation 

for 2700 reviews.

CSB generates reports from the ORDB for DLA Troop Support throughout the year. These are 

reviewed by DLA Troop Support to gain information about contractors’ performance. In 

addition, CSB presents a summary of USDA/AMS inspection results based on data in the ORDB 

during conferences attended by DLA Troop Support and the OR Contractors.

Inspectors should run reports on a monthly basis and review them for accuracy to ensure that the 

information generated is accurate.

When reviewing reports, Inspectors should cross check the reports with the lot summary 

worksheets, production ledgers, and hold ledgers to verify accuracy and help identify any 

inconsistencies.

In July 2013, ORDB Version 2.2 was released. The ORDB has some new reports that list all 

products/lots that were fully inspected by USDA (not acceptance based on end-item skip-lot). 

This report can be used to select which lots can be submitted to Natick as periodic reviews. CSB 

also uses this report to track Natick periodic review submittals and determine if the review 

submittal processes is being followed.

Updating Information Lists in the ORDB

The ORDB contains lists of product names, analytical tests, and product exams. These are stored 

in computer files within the ORDB program and appear in the drop-down lists with “grayed”

fields. They cannot be changed or altered except by the ORDB Administrator.

Contact the ORDB administrator when changes or updates are needed to these lists. The current 

ORDB Administrator is Louis Obot in CSB.
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Classification of “Lot Acceptance” Status in the ORDB

A. If a lot has passed all applicable USDA examinations, the lot should be closed out once 

all the additional information has been entered (such as Certificate information and 

shipment dates). In the main view, verify that the three choices have been completed 

correctly in the “acceptance” box.

1. Choice 1- select “Yes” if lot meets USDA/AMS Exams or “No” if the lot did not 

meet all contract requirements.

2. Choice 2- select “Yes” if lot acceptance is based upon Contractor’s Results EndItem Skip-Lot or N/A if lot was examined by USDA for the applicable End-Item 

exams.

3. Choice 3- select “Yes” if lot acceptance is based upon Contractor’s Results 

Analytical Skip-Lot or N/A if lot was tested for all the applicable 

analytical/microbiological exams.

4. To complete or close-out the lot, click the “Inspection Complete” button in the 

“status” box of the main view.

B. If a lot has failed to meet USDA examinations (such as product exam, packaging exam, 

analytical, packing, unit loads, etc.) and is accepted “as is” by DLA Troop Support with a 

waiver, (i.e., no change to the lot and no rework and re-inspection), Inspectors should 

take the following steps:

1. Enter the defect(s) into the ORDB;

2. Indicate “Waiver” as disposition (under the defect info); and

3. For Acceptance, enter “No” for Meets USDA/AMS Exams.

4. The lot does not need to be entered again into the ORDB again as a “2”

submission.

C. If a lot has failed to meet the USDA examinations (such as product exam, packaging 

exam, analytical, packing, unit loads, etc.) and DLA Troop Support allows a retest (no 

change to the lot) and the lot passes the retest and DLA Troop Support accepts this result 

(for example, a lot is retested by the USDA laboratory for salt, and the results meet 

specification requirements), Inspectors should take the following steps:

1. Enter the defect into the ORDB;

2. Indicate “Reinspection” as the disposition (under the defect info);

3. If this applies to an analytical exam, mark the exam as passing (under 

Analytical/Micro Information); and
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4. For Acceptance, enter: “Yes” for Meets USDA/AMS exams.

5. The lot does not need to be entered again into the ORDB again as a “2”

submission.

D. If a lot has failed to meet USDA examinations (such as product exam, packaging exam, 

analytical, packing, unit loads, etc.) and, as a result of a special review, DLA Troop 

Support gives USDA/AMS guidance that “resets our sights” on what is acceptable, and 

the lot now meets (for example, DLA Troop Support/Natick finds broken Ravioli to be 

intact as long as it contains filling), Inspectors should take the following steps:

1. Do not enter the defect into the ORDB;

2. In the “Comment” field (General Lot Information) make a note that the lot was 

submitted for special review and found acceptable; and

3. For Acceptance, enter “Yes” for Meets USDA/Exams.

4. The lot does not need to be entered again into the ORDB again as a “2”

submission.

E. If a lot has failed to meet USDA examinations (such as product exam, packaging exam, 

analytical, packing, unit loads, etc.) and DLA Troop Support allows a rework of the lot, 

which the contractor performs and then re-inspects with conforming results, Inspectors 

should take the following steps:

1. Enter the defect(s) into the ORDB;

2. Indicate “Reworked/reoffer” as the disposition (under the defect info);

3. For Acceptance, enter “No” for Meets USDA/AMS Exams; and

a. Enter a new lot (second submission) for the reworked lot, when it is 

reoffered to you for a new inspection.

b. To do this, enter the number “2” in the “submission box. This creates a 

unique lot identity in the ORDB and is used track lot failure rates.

c. In the “2” submission, enter in the changes that occurred since the first lot 

was entered and enter in the final lot disposition information.

d. Close out the number “1” and “2” submissions at the same time.

F. If a lot has failed to meet the Contractor’s examinations (such as product exam, 

packaging exam, analytical, packing, unit loads, etc.) and DLA Troop Support has 

approved that the lot be offered for USDA inspection (i.e., DLA Troop Support waives 
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the requirement that the contractor only offer conforming products), the lot can be 

inspected by USDA.

1. If the lot passes USDA inspections/tests, it can only be certified if DLA Troop 

Support has approved certification.

2. If the lot fails USDA inspection, it cannot be certified unless DLA Troop Support

has waived compliance with USDA end-item inspection.

3. In the ORDB, for Acceptance, enter “No” for Meets USDA/AMS Exams.

4. The comments section may be used to add clarifying details for future reference.

The following is an example of this scenario: The contractor has a laboratory test result 

that does not meet the specification requirements and DLA Troop Support waives that 

test requirement and states that USDA does not need to test for the requirement. The lot 

is entered in the ORDB for acceptance as “No” for meeting USDA/AMS exams.

G. Final Lot Certification information no longer needs to be entered in the ORDB. This 

information should still be recorded in the “Lot Summary” worksheet in the event that 

this information is needed.

H. Passing Lots with defects should have a “meets” status in the Acceptance area of the 

ORDB. A verification report in the ORDB, called “lots with defects meets USDA status”

will retrieve the lots that were entered into the ORDB.

SECTION 7 – LABORATORY TESTING

USDA/AMS Laboratory Testing - General Information

A. Analytical (i.e., chemical or nutrient) and microbiological requirements for items are 

contained in the product specifications. Testing for analytical requirements may include, 

but is not limited to, testing for: salt content, fat content, moisture content, protein, 

vitamins, water activity, Brix, pH, etc. Testing for microbiological requirements may 

include, but is not limited to, testing for Salmonella, E. coli, Aflatoxin, Standard Plate 

Count, etc.

B. All lots must meet analytical and microbiological requirements in the specification and 

contract.

C. There are two procedures applicable to laboratory testing: (1) Optional Contractor 

Testing and (2) USDA acceptance testing. One or the other will apply.

1. Under optional contractor testing, the contractor tests every lot, and USDA 

“verifies” the reliability of the contractor’s results by testing a portion of the lots 

using a skip-lot procedure. This procedure is specified in DLA Troop Support

Contract Clause 52.246-9024, “Alternative Inspection Requirements for Selected 
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Items (Nov 2011) DLAD.” This document is posted on the CSB SharePoint 

site/OR Resource Documents. When this clause is referenced in the contract, this 

procedure is applicable and required for analytical testing. A contractor must 

obtain approval from the contracting officer to use another procedure for 

analytical testing.

2. Under USDA acceptance testing, USDA tests every lot. The contractor may test 

each lot for their quality assurance purposes; however, this testing by the 

contractor is not required. USDA acceptance testing is required for pathogen 

testing (e.g., Salmonella), and is in place for all microbiological testing. Any 

exceptions to this must be approved by DLA Troop Support and verified through 

the OIC and CSB.

D. When submitting samples to the USDA laboratory for testing, Inspectors should include a 

completed DD Form 1222 “Request for and Results of Test” with the samples.

E. When the contractor and USDA are both testing for the same analytical requirements, the 

test methods may vary between the two parties. The USDA laboratory must perform all 

Government testing using one of the test methods listed in the product specification. 

These method(s) should be detailed on the laboratory submittal document (DD Form 

1222). Under Optional Contractor Testing, the contractor may use a test method not 

listed in the specification; however, the method the contractor uses should provide 

reliable results.

F. When more than one specification is referenced for a product, such as when a 

Commercial Item Description (CID) and Quality Assurance Provision are both referenced 

for a product, the Quality Assurance Provision normally takes precedence over the CID 

when determining what tests to perform and what quantitative limits to apply for the item 

being tested. The USDA Inspector should ask for guidance from the OIC when the test 

method is not clear for a new product, a change in the specification has occurred, or at 

any time clarifications are needed.

G. Under certain conditions, the contractor may wish to have USDA perform all or part of 

the testing or analysis of end items and/or component material. As indicated in C 1.

(above), if DLA Troop Support clause 52.246-9024 is applicable, the contractor must 

seek approval to use USDA acceptance testing in place of optional contractor testing for 

analytical requirements.

H. USDA acceptance testing is mandatory for each production lot when microbiological 

testing is required by the specification. Optional contractor testing procedures can be 

used for all other tests except in a few instances (which are generally food safety-related) 

as indicated in the specification or contract. For example, USDA tests each lot of pouch 

tuna for mercury and histamine. Similarly, USDA tests each lot of shelf stable 

sandwiches for water activity, pH, and oxygen.
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I. Inspectors should review the specifications and complete a “New Item Checklist” when a 

new product is added to the Operational Rations program. This will help identify any 

new or unique testing requirements the item may have.

J. Contact information for the USDA, AMS laboratories can be found on the internet at 

www.ams.usda.gov/FLSNationalScienceLaboratory.

Optional Contractor Testing of Food Components

A. Optional Contractor Testing allows for reduced rates of government verification testing 

based on skip-lot procedures. The contractor will test every lot.

B. The Optional Contractor Testing procedures can be found in the Technical Data Package 

(TDP) section of each solicitation, currently DLA Troop Support clause 52.246-9024. It 

is the intent of the government to exercise Optional Contractor Testing whenever 

possible.

C. Initially, under Optional Contractor Testing, lot by lot testing will be performed by 

USDA on products produced by a new contractor. For established contractors, if USDA 

has not inspected the item produced by the contractor within the previous 120 days, the 

same skip-lot procedures need to be followed as for a new contractor until the 

contractor’s reliability has been re-established for that product and test.

D. Once the contractor has tested and passed 3 consecutive lots, and USDA has also tested 

and passed the same 3 consecutive lots, the contractor’s testing system is considered 

reliable for the product and test. Note that the USDA Inspector may begin skip-lot 

procedures after submitting the third consecutive lot to the USDA laboratory even though 

conforming contractor and USDA results for all three consecutive lots may not have been 

received yet. It is necessary, however, that the Inspector receive conforming results from 

the USDA laboratory for the first three lots before he or she can certify a lot based on the 

contractor’s test results.

E. Skip-lot verification will be done by randomly selecting one lot in six consecutive lots 

presented for inspection of a specific item. The sampling procedure under skip-lot places 

the succeeding lots not chosen for inspection back into the universe available for 

subsequent inspection. For instance, starting with a group of six lots (i.e., 1-6), the 

Inspector will randomly select one of them for inspection. If lot 4 were selected, the next 

lot would be selected from lots 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10. If lot 8 were chosen at random, the 

next selection would be from lots 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14, and so on. See SharePoint/

OR Resource Documents/Analytical Skip Lot- Examples on interrupting skip-lot when 

test failure occurs, dated 07/21/2010.

F. Normally, product will be accepted or rejected on the basis of contractor’s results when 

the contractor’s testing system is in a reliable status. However, Inspectors should 

postpone certification until they receive conforming USDA results for lots submitted to 

the USDA laboratory.
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G. For each production lot, the Inspector will obtain from the contractor a report showing 

the results of test(s) performed by the contractor. The report will have the typed name 

and title of the laboratory official and the signature of that person.

H. In addition, a certification statement as described in DLA Troop Support Clause 52.246-

9024, will also be affixed to the test report and distributed to the USDA Inspector. This 

statement can be incorporated into a blanket certification statement offered with each 

conforming lot.

I. When the contractor’s test results and USDA laboratory test results (if tested by USDA) 

indicate compliance and all other requirements of the contract are met, the USDA 

Inspector can sign and issue the applicable inspection documents (DD Form 250 or 

government certificate). The USDA Inspector can certify a lot based on conforming 

contractor test results if the contractor is reliable and the lot has been skipped for USDA 

verification testing.

J. The Inspector should draw a full set of laboratory samples on all lots produced that are 

intended for Operational Rations use, even when lots are not submitted for verification 

testing. This provides the opportunity for any lot to undergo verification testing and 

avoids any indication in advance as which lots will be skipped and which will be tested 

by the USDA laboratory.

K. Samples from skipped lots can be returned to the contractor once the contractor provides 

their test results to the USDA Inspector.

L. A USDA skip-lot ledger for analytical testing is required to track all products and 

production lots at the facility. This ledger should be kept confidential so that the 

contractor is not informed in advance which lots will be skipped. Examples of skip-lot 

ledgers for analytical testing can be found on the CSB SharePoint site/

OR Worksheets/Skip Lot Ledger Examples.

M. The USDA laboratory will furnish the results of its analysis to the USDA inspectors 

specified on the DD Form 1222. These laboratory results sometimes arrive before the 

contractor provides their test results to the USDA Inspector. The USDA laboratory and 

the USDA Inspector should not release the USDA test results to the contractor until the 

contractor provides their test results. Any exception to this requires advance approval 

from the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DLA Troop Support) Contracting Officer. 

(Note that the contractor will receive by mail a hard copy of the USDA/AMS test results 

along with a bill from the USDA/AMS laboratory; however, this information generally 

arrives after the contractor results are available and timing is generally not an issue.)

N. No statement is required in the remarks area of DD Form 250 or the USDA Certificate if 

the testing is performed by the USDA laboratory as well as the contractor. Otherwise, 

the following statement should be included on the USDA Certificate. “Acceptance based 

in part on Contractor Test Results in accordance with analytical skip-lot procedures.” No 

statement is required on the DD Form 250.
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Procedures for Submitting Samples to the USDA Laboratories

A. An electronic version of DD Form 1222, in the form of an Excel spreadsheet, has been 

developed for most products to assist in preparing the submittal form. These 

spreadsheets can be found in on the CSB SharePoint site/OR Worksheets/DD1222.

B. Inspectors should check with their OIC and CSB if any questions exist as to which 

USDA laboratory samples should be sent.

C. For each submittal of samples, the Inspectors should assign a sample number to the set of 

samples represented on the DD Form 1222. The sample number should be entered in 

block 6 of the DD Form 1222. The sample number format should be the three-letter 

product code, followed by a number. The number would start with “1” at the beginning 

of the calendar year and run consecutively, for the specific product, for a one-year period. 

For example, “MPP1” could be used for the first lot of MRE Mashed Potatoes submitted 

for a calendar year and “MPP12” could be used for the 12th lot of MRE Mashed Potatoes 

submitted for the same calendar year.

D. When a change to the DD Form 1222 is necessary, due to a change in test methods, or a 

change in the allowable range for results, etc., the Inspector will include, with the 

submitted DD Form 1222, a copy of the solicitation, amendment, contract, or 

modification that contains the changes to the requirements for the analysis, and highlight 

the changed areas on the DD Form 1222. This will assist the USDA laboratory personnel 

in ensuring that the specified procedures and tolerances are applied.

E. The USDA Inspector should confirm that the current specification is listed in the DD 

Form 1222. If the specification has been updated and the DD Form 1222 has been 

modified accordingly since the last submittal for a specific product, it is recommended 

that the Inspector highlight the updated information on the DD Form 1222 submittal 

form. This is a courtesy to the laboratory, and helps ensure that the change is 

acknowledged.

F. Products with specifications that require individual testing of each sample unit should 

have some marking on each individual sample unit to establish the timeframe the sample 

was packaged or cased. In the event of a test failure, this code/marking can be used to 

assist the contractor in establishing when the failing sample was produced. If the sample 

already has a time code printed on the pouch, no further identification is necessary. If the 

markings on the individual samples do not identify the production time, the USDA 

Inspector should mark the pouch with a case code or pallet code or other designation that 

can assist in establishing the location from which the sample was selected from within the 

lot.

G. For those products for which each sample is tested individually, the DD Form 1222

should have the following statement in Section B of the DD Form 1222: “The USDA 

laboratory should document the individual pouch code identification and corresponding 

test results for samples that are individually tested.” Inspectors should record the time 

codes (or other identifiers used to identify each individual sample unit) in Section B of 
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the DD Form 1222. A copy of the completed DD Form 1222 should be kept with the 

USDA Inspector’s files for those products that have samples that are individually tested.

H. It is not necessary to include the individual sample coding information for samples which 

will be combined and tested as a composite; however, Inspectors may do so if they 

choose.

I. If the Inspector has a question about the test method being used by the USDA laboratory, 

he or she should contact their OIC and CSB for guidance. This contact will be used to 

initiate discussion to ensure that the appropriate test methods are used.

J. Inspectors should refer to the product specification for information on sampling rates for 

test samples. If sampling rates are not specified, Inspectors should refer to USDA 

sampling procedures; however, Inspectors should verify sampling rates with their OIC 

and CSB if sampling rates for test samples are not clearly stated in the specification.

K. Some specifications list tests that USDA and the contractor are only required to perform 

on the first production lot of a contract cycle. In such cases, once conforming results are 

obtained, the USDA will simply verify that the formulation has not changed from the 

formulation that resulted in conforming results. If the formula is changed or a new 

contract starts, the Inspector should submit another set of samples to the USDA 

laboratory for analysis. In addition, the contractor should provide the USDA Inspector 

with a Certificate of Analysis providing test results from the new formula. The 

contractor should also provide a copy of the new formulation. The USDA Inspector will 

monitor subsequent production to verify compliance with the new formulation. A unique 

DD Form 1222 has been developed when requesting these initial “first lot only” tests.

L. Lots selected as Replenishment Production Standards (i.e., First Articles or Product 

Demonstration Models (PDM)) will always be contractor and Government tested for 

compliance with all analytical requirements.

M. When microbiological tests are requested on a DD Form 1222 submittal form, the DD 

Form 1222 should indicate that the USDA laboratory email a copy of any 

microbiological test failure to the attention of the Inspector, the OIC, and CSB staff.

Procedures for Shipment of Samples

A. All samples to be submitted to the USDA laboratory for testing will be drawn by USDA 

personnel. USDA personnel will package the samples in boxes and maintain them under 

USDA control at all times.

B. The USDA Inspector will personally transfer the boxes to the shipping company 

representative. The use of security strips for sample integrity is required and the serial 

numbers of the tapes should be listed on the DD Form 1222.

C. Inspectors should send samples by overnight delivery using the USDA SCI Division 

shipping account. Inspectors should notify the USDA laboratory in advance, if it is 
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necessary to submit a large number of samples, or if arrivals at the laboratory need to be 

scheduled for a weekend.

D. If results of testing are not received within ten days from time of submittal, the Inspector 

should contact the USDA/AMS laboratory, preferably by phone. Under certain 

situations, it may be necessary for the Inspector to contact the USDA/AMS laboratory 

sooner, as needed.

E. The USDA in-plant inspector may ship samples for analytical testing prior to receiving 

the contractor’s test results. Normally, the samples are sampled and submitted as the lots 

are produced. This shortens the time required to obtain results from the USDA 

laboratories.

F. When the procedure in Paragraph E. (above) is used, the contractor must agree to the 

process in advance. This is because there is a possibility that testing could be done (and 

fees charged) on a lot which the contractor decides not to offer. If a contractor does not 

offer a lot for which samples have been submitted for testing, the Inspector should notify 

the USDA laboratory as soon as possible to try to prevent testing. This may not always 

be possible, though, and in such cases, the contractor will be billed for the testing.

Laboratory Stand-by Samples

A. For all lots of products that require laboratory testing, Inspectors should either draw 

stand-by samples when selecting samples for laboratory testing, or ensure that they have 

access to the lot for later sampling, if needed. Such samples could be needed in the event 

of loss or damage to samples, or if retesting is required.

B. Stand-by samples for laboratory testing should be drawn at the next higher sample size.

C. Selection of stand-by samples (or access to the source lot for sampling) is required for 

lots which are tested by USDA and also for lots which may ultimately be skipped.

D. Draw the stand-by samples at the same time and/or from the same location (e.g., the same 

case) as the test samples to be sent to the laboratory.

E. Return the stand-by samples to the contractor after testing is completed and conforming 

results are received.

F. Stand-by samples of failing lots should be retained until it is determined that they will not 

be needed.

G. Stand-by samples will be submitted for testing for the following reasons:

1. Original samples lost in mail.

2. Original samples received at laboratory in poor condition.
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3. Possible error in analysis and USDA determines that retesting should be 

performed.

4. Contractor/subcontractor requests a waiver on a failing lot and the DLA Troop 

Support Contracting Officer requests testing of stand-by samples for additional 

information regarding the waiver request. (Coordinated through CSB.)

H. Inspectors should not submit stand-by samples at the contractor/subcontractor’s request. 

Any request to submit stand-by samples must be pre-approved by DLA Troop Support. 

Inspectors should notify their OIC and CSB before proceeding.

Procedures to Follow for Contractor Laboratory Analytical Test Failures

A. If a lot fails the contractor’s end-item testing for an analytical requirement and the 

contractor reworks the lot to remove the portion of the lot that does not meet 

requirements, the lot must be completely re-sampled and re-tested by the contractor at the 

next higher sample rate. The contractor will only need to re-test for the analytical exam 

that had the failed value(s).

B. When the contractor goes to the next higher sample size for analytical testing (due to a 

contractor test failure), the USDA sample size for testing should similarly increase. This 

may require additional sampling. Also, if the USDA Inspector has submitted a lot to the 

USDA laboratory for testing, and the contractor has a test failure for that lot, the 

Inspector should notify the lab to try to prevent the lab from performing the test for which 

the contractor had a failure. The USDA Inspector will need to select and submit new 

samples to the laboratory for the test that the contractor failed. This will occur after the 

contractor has reworked, re-sampled, and re-tested the lot, and has provided the inspector 

with conforming results from the re-test.

C. Note that, under Optional Contractor Testing, the USDA Inspector can certify a lot as 

conforming if (1) the lot fails a contractor’s test; (2) the contractor’s test results after 

rework are conforming, and (3) the lot was not selected for analytical verification by 

USDA.

Procedures to Follow for USDA Laboratory Analytical Test Failures

A. When the USDA laboratory determines that a test result does not meet requirements, the 

failing value is normally preceded by an asterisk on the laboratory report. The USDA 

inspector should review all results carefully to check the conformance of each test result. 

Inspectors should issue a Notice of Hold for lots which fail USDA laboratory testing.

B. Inspectors should notify their OIC and CSB if a failing test result on a USDA laboratory 

report is not marked with an asterisk. CSB will advise the laboratory and discuss 

laboratory procedures. CSB will assist in confirming the test failure with the USDA 

laboratory. Once confirmed, the Inspector should issue a Notice of Hold for the failing 

lot.
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C. The following steps are procedures for handling analytical failures when an item is on 

skip-lot testing under Optional Contractor Testing (DLA Troop Support Clause 52.246-

9024).

D. When a product passes the contractor’s test(s) and the USDA laboratory has failing 

results, the Inspector will place the lot on hold. Refer to the instructions in 

Section 10 – Lot Failure and Hold Procedures for placing lots on hold.

E. The Inspector will submit samples for verification testing on the next three consecutive 

lots produced of the item, for the specific test that was found to be nonconforming.

F. If multiple tests are performed on the product, those which did not fail can remain on 

skip-lot testing.

G. Testing of consecutive lots by the government will continue until such time as the 

contractor’s reliability is again established for the specific test(s). Reliability can be 

established after three consecutive lots have conforming USDA results for the test in 

question.

H. If a lot fails USDA testing, Inspectors should withhold certification of subsequent lots of 

the item offered until conforming USDA test results are received for the lots. This 

procedure should remain in place until conforming USDA results are received for three 

consecutive lots. Once these are received, the inspector can begin certifying lots based 

on the contractor’s test results for the test and product in question.

I. A contractor qualifies for resuming skip-lot for a test which failed USDA testing once 

three subsequent and consecutive lots are tested by USDA and found to be conforming 

for the test that failed the USDA laboratory.

Procedures to Follow for Microbiological Test Failures (i.e., Positive Test Results), 

including Presumptive Positives

A. Retesting/reinspection/rework of product that tested positive for food borne pathogens 

(salmonella, etc.) is not authorized.

B. If a product tests positive (or above allowable limits) for a microbiological criterion, the 

contractor is responsible for taking steps to identify the source of the contamination. (If 

the source can be identified, it simplifies the next steps of identifying any potentially 

affected product(s) and appropriate corrective actions.)

C. Inspectors should take the following steps upon receipt of a positive test result for a 

microbiological criterion. Items C.1, C.3, and D. below are also the applicable steps for a 

“Presumptive Positive” result for a food borne pathogen, such as salmonella. (A 

Presumptive Positive result means that an organism has been found in the test sample 

which may be the pathogen being tested for, or it may be another organism which causes 

a positive response in the test media. The lab must take additional steps to determine 

whether the sample contains the pathogenic organism or another organism. Once these 
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additional steps are taken, and the lab provides its final report, CSB staff can advise the 

OIC and inspection personnel as to appropriate next steps. CSB will base this guidance 

on discussions with DLA Troop Support and other sources, which may include FDA or 

FSIS.

1. Notify the contractor, OIC, CSB, and DLA Troop Support.

2. Issue a Notice of Hold for the lot.

3. Coordinate with the OIC and CSB for specific instructions before certifying or 

performing organoleptic examinations for any additional lots or products.

D. CSB and the OIC will coordinate with DLA Troop Support to determine appropriate 

steps, which may include suspension of organoleptic examination of products and 

suspension of certification of products until adequate assurances are in place that 

products are not affected by possible contamination.

E. DLA Troop Support may request that the contractor provide information regarding plant, 

equipment, and production conditions; personnel; ingredients; sanitation; and other 

associated conditions in order to assess the potential extent of possible contamination.

F. Inspectors should be aware that positive microbiological results may have an impact on a 

wide range of plant activities, products, and production. The specifics of what may be 

affected will be assessed on a case-by-case basis by DLA Troop Support, USDA, the 

contractor, and regulatory agencies, as necessary, to determine appropriate actions.

G. Inspectors may be asked to assist DLA Troop Support in gathering necessary information 

to help determine, to the extent possible, the source of contamination and potential 

impact on products.

H. Areas of concern, which could affect other lots and products, include, but are not limited 

to, common ingredients, common equipment, or common personnel; proximity during 

production; storage; and shipment.

I. Inspectors should resume inspection and certification activities only when so advised by 

the OIC and CSB.

J. Under the Memorandum of Understanding between AMS and FDA, when SCI Division 

provides in-plant inspection, SCI Division is required to report to FDA any adulterated 

product that is found in the course of inspection that is not under SCI Division control. 

SCI Division will also report to FDA any positive results for a food borne pathogen.

Shipment of Lots

A. Contractors should ship product from the processing facility to the assembly facility only 

after USDA certification has been completed. This applies to Rations National Contract, 

and Contractor Furnished Material, and Government Furnished Material. Any exception 
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to this requires advance approval from DLA Troop Support’s Contracting Officer. In 

addition, the in-plant USDA Inspector should be notified of any such approved 

exceptions. See SharePoint/OR Resource Documents/Guidance for Testing, Certification 

of Shipments of Operational Rations Components.

B. If a contractor is given approval by DLA Troop Support to ship a product at their own 

risk prior to receiving USDA test results, USDA/AMS certification for the product will 

only occur after all required contractor inspections and documentation have been 

received and determined to be acceptable by the USDA/AMS in-plant Inspector and after 

all required Government verification inspections and/or testing have been completed and 

are conforming.

C. If a contractor is given approval by DLA Troop Support to ship a product at their own 

risk prior to receiving Government test results, and the results are later found to be 

nonconforming, the USDA Inspector needs to report the failure to the contractor, DLA 

Troop Support, CSB, and the OIC.

Determining Sample Size for Tests Specified in a Commercial Item Description

A. The following procedures should be used for determining sample size for those rations 

covered by CIDs that do not contain a sampling rate for analytical and/or microbiological 

testing. Note that, in certain instances, the sample rate for testing may be in a Quality 

Assurance Provision associated with the CID.

B. When a sampling rate is not provided in a CID nor in a Quality Assurance Provision for 

the CID, Inspectors should use the following table to determine the number of samples to 

select and submit for laboratory testing.

Sample Size for Salient Characteristics Sample Size for Laboratory Testing

3 1

6 2

13 3

21 4

29 5

38 6

C. All samples tested must conform with contract requirements. If one or more samples fail 

testing, the lot will be rejected.

D. The sample size for salient characteristics will be the sample size for the performance of 

the product examination as specified by the military contract. If this sample size (i.e., the 

sample size called for by the military contract) falls between two of the established values 

listed under “Sample Size for Salient Characteristics” in the table above, go to the next 
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higher established value in the table and use the corresponding sample size for the 

number of sample units to select for testing.

For example, if the sample size from the military contract for the performance of the 

product examination is 20, use the established sample size of 21 in the table, resulting in 

a sample size of 4 for analytical or microbiological testing.

E. Test results will be reported in the same units as are used for the requirements. For 

example, if the requirements in the specification state that a percentage must be greater 

than 0.05%, the test results will be reported to the nearest 0.01%.

F. In the event of conflicting procedures, the contract requirements (specification, technical 

data package, etc.) will take precedence over these guidelines. The above guidelines in 

Part A above are intended to give inspection guidance in the absence of any other 

instructions.

SECTION 8 – OPERATIONAL RATIONS IN-PLANT INSPECTION REVIEW

The delivery of uniform and accurate inspection service is essential for the Operational Rations 

Inspection program. Internal reviews are one of the tools SCI Division uses to ensure this and 

program integrity. Internal reviews of inspection procedures are conducted at the following three 

levels: CSB, Supervisory, and Self-Inspection. Each of these levels of review are described 

below.

Internal Review Procedures and Responsibilities

Contract Services Branch

A. The Chief, CSB (or a designated representative) will conduct periodic reviews of USDA, 

AMS, inspection activities at designated OR plants.

B. The CSB reviewer will notify the plant IIC and the OIC of the date of the review. During 

the review, the CSB representative(s) will work closely with the IIC and other inspectors 

to observe and evaluate procedures, review documentation, interview personnel, and 

assess facility operations. The SCI Division Supervisor responsible for the facility is also 

encouraged to participate. At the conclusion of the review, the CSB representative(s) 

will hold an out briefing with the IIC and the Supervisor. During this briefing, findings 

and observations from the review will be discussed, and areas of the review may be 

addressed, and decisions may be made with respect to corrective action.

C. The Operational Rations In-Plant Inspection Review report and a cover letter to the 

Regional Operations Branch Chief will be prepared and distributed within 30 working 

days of the conclusion of the review.

D. The distribution of the Operational Rations In-Plant Review Report will be as follows:

1. The original to the Regional Operations Branch Chief
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2. One copy filed in the CSB files

3. One copy to the Area Officer-in-Charge

4. One copy to the Inspector-in-Charge

E. The Area Officer-in-Charge will respond to CSB regarding any items in the report 

requiring follow-up within 30 days of receipt of the report. Responses, if needed, will 

use the CAR format provided with the report, and should be distributed to the recipients 

listed above by e-mail.

Supervisory

A. The OR supervisor will conduct periodic reviews of USDA, AMS inspection activities at 

the OR plants within their jurisdiction. These periodic reviews will take place during 

supervisory visits to the OR plants.

B. The Operational Rations Supervisory Report or another Supervisory Report format will

be completed for all supervisory visits. The report provides information on the status of 

the inspection activity and personnel at the plant and provides documentation of the 

supervisory visit.

C. The distribution of the Operational Rations Supervisory Report will be as follows:

1. The original to be filed in the area office

2. Copies to CSB staff (Branch Chief and Marketing Specialists)

3. One copy to the Regional Office

4. One copy to the Inspector-in-Charge

D. The distribution of the supervisory report should may be made using e-mail.

Self-Inspection

A. The Operational Rations Inspector-in-Charge will conduct internal reviews of the USDA 

inspection procedures at their location on a regular basis. The reviews will be 

documented using the Operational Rations In-Plant Review Report.

B. The IIC should review different portions of the ongoing USDA inspection procedures at 

different times over the course of the year, and record the results on the applicable 

portions of the report. The end result should be that, over the course of a calendar year, 

all relevant areas of the report will be covered at least once.

C. Documentation of the self-inspection reviews will be maintained in the local USDA file 

and will not require distribution. However, distribution may be established through the 
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Area Office and/or Regional Operations Branch Office if those offices wish to maintain a 

copy. The self-inspection documentation (Operational Rations In-Plant Review Report) 

will be subject to review during a CSB reviews audit and a supervisory visits.

Report Worksheets

Operational Rations In-Plant Review Report

See CSB SharePoint site/OR Worksheets/2700 Review Worksheets.

Operational Rations Supervisory Report

See CSB SharePoint site/OR Worksheets/ Supervisory Report for Operational Rations 

SECTION 9 – CERTIFICATION

General

This instruction outlines certification requirements and procedures that should be followed to 

certify Operational Rations production. Inspectors should follow the general procedures found

in the AIM Inspection Series, Certification Manual and in addition, follow the specific 

requirements that are found within the Operational Rations Program.

The USDA Inspector who signs the certification document is directly responsible for ensuring 

that the document is accurate, complete, and adequate. The inspector entering the data or signing 

the certificate or form is not necessarily the one who has inspected the material for quality, 

packaging, unit load, etc. It must be emphasized that everyone from the person who prints or 

types the report to the Officer-in-Charge and supervisors who are responsible for reviewing the 

work of inspectors shares in the responsibility for the accuracy and adequacy of all inspection 

certificates.

USDA/AMS certification should not take place until all required contractor inspections and 

documentation have been completed and reviewed for acceptability. The contractor is required 

to perform or have an acceptable outside testing service perform all examinations and tests 

required by the contract.

USDA will normally perform the same examinations and tests to verify contract compliance 

before certification can be completed. As the contractor builds a quality history, some of the 

USDA examinations may be skipped under end-item and/or analytical skip-lot procedures, 

resulting in certification based, in part, on the contractor’s examination and/or test results.

If a lot fails to meet contract requirements, in some instances certification can still proceed 

if/when DLA Troop Support provides guidance to USDA allowing for the certification. In those 

instances, the lots are accepted based upon DLA Troop Support waivers, with the applicable 

comments associated with the waiver included in the certification document.
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A certificate ledger must be maintained by the USDA Inspector, showing the dates the 

certificates are issued along with other pertinent information. See the AIM Inspection Series,

General Procedures Manual, In-Plant Inspection, for the procedures to follow when certificates 

are issued under an in-plant assignment.

Certification of Government Furnished Material Lots

Government Furnished Material items are certified by USDA using a web-based DOD electronic 

invoicing system called Invoicing, Receipt, Acceptance and Property Transfer (iRAPT) 

(formerly known as WAWF). This system has replaced the printed DD Form 250. The printed 

DD Form 250 can still be used for certifying Government Furnished Material in situations when 

the electronic system is not available and DLA Troop Support has approved the use. This form 

is found on the CSB SharePoint site under Documents/iRAPT Instructions. (The DLA Troop 

Support Subsistence Inspection Manual 4155.6 is also posted at this SharePoint location and 

provides detailed information for completing a DD Form 250.)

Invoicing, Receipt, Acceptance and Property Transfer

A. In order to use iRAPT, the user must establish an iRAPT account.

B. To begin the process of establishing an account, the user or user’s supervisor must initiate 

the request by contacting SCI Division’s CSB. The registration process is performed online in collaboration with CSB and DLA iRAPT team guidance. Before the process 

begins, the user must create and provide CSB the following information: Full name, User 

ID (must be 8-letter word), email address (official email address) and phone number.

C. This information will be sent to DLA iRAPT team by CSB. DLA iRAPT team will use 

this information to initiate and allow the registration process by adding the user to the 

DLA iRAPT security profile (PKI exemption table).

D. CSB will receive an email alert that DLA iRAPT team has completed the user’s profile 

registration with some additional instructions for the user to proceed with registration. 

CSB will forward the information with additional instructions to the user to begin the 

registration. 

E. CSB will provide the additional support necessary to complete the registration process.

F. Once registration in iRAPT has been completed, the user can access the “online”

Software User’s Manual (SUM) found on the iRAPT website.

G. Once registration in iRAPT has been completed, the user can access the “online” SUM 

found on the iRAPT website.

H. The iRAPT website address is: https://wawf.eb.mil/. The same website can be accessed 

by going to the Contract Services Branch SharePoint homepage site, and on the right 

hand side of screen, under “CSB Links”, click on WAWF 5.01 site.
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I. To become familiar with WAWF iRAPT, it is recommended that the user also access the 

web based training site and mirror image test site.

Instructions for USDA Inspectors Completing Information in iRAPT

A. Verify the lot/product meets all contract requirements and then perform the following 

steps in iRAPT.

1. Access the iRAPT website login page, enter User ID and Password and press 

login button on login page, and then click on “Government.”

2. Click on Inspection Folder.

B. The next screen is the Search Criteria Inspection Folder entry form. Enter the following 

information:

1. DODAAC: Click drop down window and highlight the correct code (example: 

S0507A). (Note: the acronym DODAAC stands for “Department of Defense 

Activity Address Code.”) This code uniquely identifies a DOD unit, activity, or 

organization that has the authority to requisition and/or receive material.)

2. Contract Number: Type in contract number provided by contractor

(Example: SPM3S106DZ11 (Do not use dashes)) 

3. Delivery Order: Type in the delivery order provided by the contractor 

(Example: 0005).

4. Shipment Number: Type in shipment number provided by contractor 

(Example: CVT0016Z). Click the Submit button.

C. The next screen will be the Inspection folder for S0507A. This screen will list the 

matching report requested in the previous step.

1. Click on the shipment number (Example: CVT0016Z). This will load the 

matching Receiving Report in the right pane of the screen.

2. Verify that the product description, National Stock Number (NSN), and quantity 

match the inspected quantity.

3. Print information from the Receiving Report. To do this, click the print button at 

the bottom of the screen, click OK, and then click the print icon on the title bar. 

D. If the USDA inspected ration components failed to meet contract requirements, and the 

USDA inspector gets written documentation from the DLA Contracting Officer (KO) 

indicating acceptance of the product for shipment, a comment to that effect for the lot 

should be added in the iRAPT entry by using the Comments section. 
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1. Check the box next to CQA (Contract Quality Assurance)

2. Click on the date field and select the ship date from the calendar icon. This will 

enter the date in the required format. 

3. Click the signature button. A dialog box (iRAPT Password Confirmation) will 

appear. Enter your password and click continue.

4. Click OK. The next window will indicate if the Receiving Report was 

successfully entered. 

E. “Send more e-mail Notifications” will appear on the screen. The names you add will 

appear in table form when you complete this and all future iRAPT certifications. These email notifications may include the IIC and in-plant USDA inspectors (for verification that

iRAPT transactions have been entered and sent) as well as receiving personnel at the 

assembly contractor’s location.

1. After adding addresses for additional e-mails, click return.

2. You have the option of logging out or accessing another shipping order by 

clicking on the appropriate box.

3. A confirmation of Receiving Report e-mail (sent from cscassing@csd.disa.mil) 

will be sent to the inspector who completed the Receiving Report as well as to all 

e-mail addresses added by the inspector.

F. File all Receiving Reports with other shipping paperwork as required.

Contractor Responsibilities with Respect to iRAPT 

Include (but are not limited to):

• Entering shipment information correctly with all lot numbers, product names and 

quantities with the associated Contract Number, the Department of Defense Activity 

Address Code (DODAAC), Delivery Order and shipment number.

• Furnishing USDA personnel with associated documentation (e.g., bills of lading, 

shipping roster, etc.)

USDA Responsibilities with Respect to iRAPT 

Include (but are not limited to):

• Verifying the lot/product meets all contract requirements.
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• Verifying that the information entered by the contractor in iRAPT is correct, and then 

performing the steps in iRAPT to complete certification.

• Advising the contractor if iRAPT information is incorrect. The contractor should revise 

WAWF and return to USDA for verification.

Instructions for Completing DD Form 250 

A. Note: If iRAPT is not accessible, the contractor may complete a paper copy of DD Form 

250, as long as DLA Troop Support concurs with this change. The form can be found on 

the CSB SharePoint site at OR Worksheets/iRAPT.

B. Review for accuracy the contract number, line item number(s), NSN, and description of 

the product.

C. Check the container codes against the inspection records. The codes on the DD Form 

250 must be those codes inspected and must meet the contract requirements. If there are 

too many codes for the space, the list can be continued in Block 23 or on a DD Form 250 

Continuation Sheet. 

D. Verify that the number of cases per code is on the DD Form 250 (usually in Block 17, 

Quantity Shipped/Received). The USDA inspector will verify by means of a running 

tally in the USDA inspection records that the number of cases certified on all DD Form 

250’s do not exceed the total number of cases inspected and accepted for those codes. 

The inspector will not sign a DD Form 250 if the total case count exceeds the amount 

inspected. 

E. USDA inspectors should complete the following area to indicate that the certified 

materials meet contract requirements. (Most contracts require Government inspection at 

origin and acceptance at destination.)

F. Under “A. Origin” in Block 21: make an “X” in the CQA square;

1. Sign and date the DD Form 250 in the space provided;

2. Under the signature, write “USDA” and the name and code of the USDA Area 

Office; and sign the continuation sheet, if included.

G. The date of the DD Form 250 will be the date of the last USDA examination or 

inspection of the certified product.

1. Check the “ACCEPTANCE of listed items” square under “A. ORIGIN” but do 

not sign in block 21 under “B. DESTINATION.”

2. Present the signed DD Form 250 to the contractor and retain one copy in the 

USDA file.
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H. If the USDA inspected ration components fail to meet contract requirements, the 

contractor may contact the DLA Troop Support’s Contracting Office (KO) to request 

acceptance. If the USDA inspector gets written documentation from the KO indicating 

acceptance of the product, the DD Form 250 can be signed by USDA with a written 

statement in Block 23 documenting the situation. The following provides an example of 

a format that can be used for a written statement:

“Chicken with Feta Cheese and Tomato, lot 2321A fails contract requirements account 

low drained weight. Waiver granted and shipment authorized by (name-title), DLA 

Troop Support, per letter dated (date).”

I. If one or more lot(s) being certified has had one or more USDA end-item examinations 

skipped, a statement worded substantially as follows should be added to block 23 of the 

DD Form 250:

“Acceptance of Lot (product name and lot number), is based in part on contractor’s 

inspection results in accordance with end-item skip-lot procedures.”

Please note that a similar statement should not be used on the DD Form 250 when one or 

more analytical tests have been skipped under Optional Contractor Testing.

J. See the DLA Troop Support Subsistence Inspection Manual 4155.6 (posted at the 

Contract Services Branch SharePoint site location under “Documents/WAWF 

Instructions”) for detailed information for completing a DD Form 250 and for correcting 

DD Form 250s.

K. The contractor is responsible for preparing a corrected DD Form 250 if, because of errors 

or omissions, it is necessary to correct it after distribution has been made. A revised or 

new DD Form 250 will be generated by correcting the original master or preparing a new 

DD Form 250 containing identical data as the original DD Form 250 (plus corrections) 

and distributing the corrected form. The words “CORRECTED DD Form 250” will be 

typed in the upper left hand corner of the form.

L. Corrections of entries in Blocks 19 or 20 will be made as follows:

1. Circle the error and place the corrected information in the same block. If space is 

limited, enter the corrected information in Block 16, referencing the error page 

and block. Enter omissions in Block 16, referencing omission page and block. 

Examples of errors may include incorrect line item descriptions or quantities.

2. The words, “CORRECTIONS HAVE BEEN VERIFIED,” will be entered on 

page 1, Block 23. After reviewing and verifying the corrections, the authorized 

Government representative will date and sign immediately below the statement.
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Certification of Contractor Furnished Material or Rations National Contract Lots

General

A. Certification of Contractor Furnished Material or Rations National Contract items are 

normally certified on the SC-66 or SC-146 Certificate forms (including electronic 

versions when implemented), as appropriate. 

B. See the AMS Forms Catalog for examples of blank SC-66 and SC-146 forms. 

C. Examples of completed OR Certificates can be found on the Contract Services 

SharePoint site/OR Worksheets/USDA Grade Certificate Examples SC-66 and SC-146.

D. The following are examples of the applicable statement(s) that may be included in SC-66 

USDA Certificates, depending on the inspection results and whether any examination or 

inspection has been skipped.

1. When USDA performs all examinations (analytical, microbiological, and enditem) and the lot was found to meet all contract requirements, the following 

statement should appear in the “Remarks” section.

“Product meets requirements of contract number (contract no.).” Place a footnote 

indicator such as “1/” in the “U.S. Grade” column to reference this statement in 

the Remarks section as it applies to a lot(s).

2. When USDA does not perform some analytical, microbiological or end-item 

verification exams due to applicable skip-lot procedures and the lot was found to 

meet all contract requirements, one of the following statements should appear in 

the “Remarks” section, with a footnote indicator such as “2/” in the “U.S. Grade”

column, to reference this statement as it applies to a lot(s).

“Lot meets requirements of contract number (contract no.).” Acceptance of lot 

based in part on contractor’s inspection results in accordance with End-Item SkipLot procedures.

“Product meets requirements of contract number (contract no.).” Acceptance of 

lot based in part on contractor’s inspection results in accordance with Analytical 

Skip-Lot procedures.

“Product meets requirements of contract number (contract no.).” Acceptance of 

lots based in part on contractor’s inspection results in accordance with End-Item 

Skip-Lot procedures and Analytical Skip-Lot procedures.

3. If a lot fails a contract requirement but was accepted via a waiver granted by DLA 

Troop Support, a statement similar to the one below should appear in the 

“Remarks” section with a footnote indicator such as “3/” in the “U.S. Grade”

column, to reference this statement as it applies to a lot.
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“Product fails requirements of contract number (contract no.) account (reason of 

failure). Acceptance and shipment authorized by (name of person signing 

waiver), with a letter, email, etc., from DLA Troop Support on (date of waiver).”

E. The SC-146 should have similar statements, depending on the inspection results and 

whether any examinations or inspections have been skipped. The statements are placed 

in the “Grade” section of the document, since only one lot is certified on each certificate.

F. If all testing and end-item exams are performed by USDA, do not issue a certificate until 

all USDA results are completed and found to be conforming.

Distribution of Certificates

Original Signed Copy – Contractor

Copy of Original - Local USDA file

Tracking Contractors Completion of Delivery Orders and Line Items

A. USDA is not required to keep a “shipment tracking log” to verify completion of delivery 

orders and individual line items for Government Furnished Material product. Shipment 

tracking is the contractor’s responsibility and USDA is not responsible for notifying the 

contractor if/when issues arise.

B. The USDA inspector’s responsibility is to review contractor-supplied information in 

WAWF for accuracy with respect to the lot identity, quantities, inspection status, and 

related content. If/when information is incorrect, the inspector should inform the 

contractor and approve the corrected version.

C. The USDA inspector should record shipments in the lot summary worksheet created for 

each lot and enter that data into the ORDB.

D. When the USDA inspector performs the unit load exam, the inspector should verify case 

count when the product is staged for shipment.

E. If the inspector observes that a production lot is being shipped to more than two assembly 

locations, the inspector should notify the contractor to determine whether there has been 

approval from the contracting officer for these shipments. (Contract requirements 

generally restrict shipments of single lots to no more than two assembly locations.)

SECTION 10 – LOT FAILURE AND HOLD PROCEDURES

General Guidance for Lot Failures 

A. In the course of the inspection of operational rations, a lot may fail to meet contract 

requirements for one or more reasons. In these cases, it is mandatory that the lot identity 

and integrity be clearly maintained and that established procedures be followed. Various 
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scenarios are outlined below to describe the correct procedures to follow when lots fail to 

meet contract requirements. In all cases, the contractor should provide documentation, 

with details of rework activity, to the GQAR when a lot is offered for USDA inspection 

which has failed either the contractor’s end-item inspection or an earlier USDA end-item 

inspection. The GQAR must evaluate any previously selected official samples, to ensure 

that they continue to represent the lot that is offered. (Note that in this section, the terms 

“GQAR” and “USDA inspector” are generally used interchangeably.)

B. If a contractor identifies production issues with a lot, or fails a lot during their end-item 

inspection, they can rework the lot before offering it to USDA unless certain conditions 

are found in the lot that require advance DLA Troop Support notification and approval. 

The contractor should inform the GQAR of any such rework plans. See Part C below for 

further instructions.

C. Section E of the contract provides information detailing the circumstances when DLA 

Troop Support’s permission is required for rework approval. It currently states that 

reworks due to the following conditions must be approved by the Contracting Officer:

1. Insect or rodent infestation/contamination

2. Food safety or foreign material

3. Critical pouch defects - thermostabilized pouches (unless the lot is 100% 

reworked)

4. Second time rework

5. Nonconformance’s noted during the Government end item verification inspection 

6. Swollen pouches, when a possible food safety issue is involved

7. Failure to meet the two hour maximum time between pouch sealing and start of 

retort process (for retort pouches)

In addition, the USDA Area Office and CSB Chief and Marketing Specialists must also 

be informed of the condition and can assist in coordination and review of the rework 

plan. Note that rework approval from the Contracting Officer is required in these cases, 

regardless of whether the condition was identified during the contractor’s inspections or 

by the USDA verification inspection. See Part C below for further instructions.

Process for Lots which Fail Initial Contractor’s Exams

A. The contractor may take any of the following steps when a lot fails their initial end item 

exam:

1. Rework the lot (unless the failure reason is identified in C 1-7 above)
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2. Withdraw the lot (dispose of it or sell it on the commercial market)

3. Request a waiver from DLA Troop Support for acceptance of the failing lot

B. If the contractor chooses to rework the lot, the contractor is required to reinspect the 

reworked lot for the examination which failed initially, at the next higher sample size. If 

the lot passes the contractor’s exam, they can then offer the lot to the GQAR with all 

associated documentation (including details of rework activity). The GQAR is required 

to also inspect the lot at the next higher sample size. Whenever a contractor reworks a 

lot, the USDA inspector must determine whether the USDA samples represent the 

reworked lot. Inspectors should take the necessary steps to return previously-selected 

samples and obtain new samples to ensure that the samples to be examined represent the 

reworked lot.

C. If the contractor withdraws the lot, the USDA inspector will return all samples from this 

lot to the contractor and indicate on paperwork and in the ORDB that the lot was 

withdrawn.

D. If DLA Troop Support grants a waiver and accepts the failing lot, the contractor can offer 

the lot to the GQAR with all associated documentation (including details of DLA Troop 

Support waiver).

E. The procedure for USDA verification inspection of contractor-failed lots is as follows:

1. The GQAR will review the contractor’s associated documentation presented with 

the offered lot. This documentation must include records of end-item 

examinations, as well as any reworks and DLA Troop Support waivers.

2. The GQAR will perform the Government verification examinations, moving to 

the next higher sample size as appropriate, for any contractor-failed examination

3. If a lot fails a contractor’s initial analytical examination, and the contractor 

reworks the lot, resamples the lot at the next higher sample size, and obtains 

conforming results, the lot can offered to USDA for verification testing. If the 

product is under analytical skip-lot testing, the GQAR can skip the lot if it is 

designated as a skipped lot, or it can be selected as a lot for verification testing. 

This will depend on the GQAR’s random skip-lot selection process. If the 

contractor does not follow all the steps indicated above, they will need to obtain 

approval for acceptance of lot from DLA Troop Support.

Process for Lots which Fail USDA Verification Inspection and/or Need DLA Troop 

Support Approval for Rework

A. When a lot fails a USDA inspection for any reason, or if a lot fails the contractor’s or 

USDA’s inspection for any of the reasons listed in General Guidelines for Lot Failures, 

Part C, above, the entire lot is placed on hold. The contractor has the following options 

when notified of a failing lot:
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1. Withdraw the lot (dispose of it or, if it is commercially acceptable, divert it to 

commercial channels);

2. Request a waiver from DLA Troop Support for acceptance of the failing lot;

3. Request permission from DLA Troop Support to rework the failing lot. This 

request for rework should follow the requirements in the Inspection and 

Acceptance Requirements, Section E, of the contract (it should address the 

mandatory elements listed there, as well as have a reasonable chance of 

eliminating the defect); or

4. Perform a 100% rework of the failed lot, for the specific cases specified in 

Section E of the contract that allow for this. Some current examples include:

a. Lots that fail either the contractor’s or USDA’s initial filled and sealed, 

internal pressure, or seal strength exams for critical packaging defects. 

This applies for both MRE thermostabilized pouch products and 

thermostabilized polymeric tray products.

b. Lots that fail the USDA’s initial filled and sealed, internal pressure, or seal 

strength exams for major pouch defects. This applies to some nonthermostabilized MRE Contractor Furnished Material items, if stated in 

Section E of the contract document.

B. DLA Troop Support may provide guidance to USDA for procedures to follow when 

reinspecting a reworked or failed lot. This guidance may be included in DLA Troop 

Support’s response to a contractor’s request for a waiver or acceptance of a failing lot. 

General Guidance for Lot Rework and USDA Inspection

A. The contractor should not rework the lot until the rework plan has been approved by 

DLA Troop Support, as appropriate.

B. The contractor’s rework activities must be done at a time and location that allow 

monitoring by the GQAR.

C. Rework of a lot must be done in a timely manner, as established by the contract. For 

example, MRE contracts require contractors to perform reworks within 30 days of the 

date of initial rejection.

D. After the rework, the contractor is required to reinspect the lot for the failed exam at the 

next higher sample size.

E. If the reworked lot passes the contractor’s examinations, it may be offered to USDA for 

verification inspection. The contractor will provide USDA with their rework and 

reinspection results.
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F. When the lot is re-offered, the USDA should perform the specific exam which initially 

failed the original USDA verification examination. USDA should also consider 

additional exams that might need to be performed due to the possible effect of the rework 

activity on the lot. For example, if the lot was reworked for residual gas by floating all 

pouches in a water bath, it would be necessary to also perform the filled and sealed 

examination on the lot since the integrity of the pouches could have been affected by the 

rework. The USDA examination, performed to verify that the lot no longer fails, should 

utilize the next higher sample size.

G. The USDA inspector should document the results of the 2nd USDA inspection on a new 

worksheet and summarize the results on the USDA Lot Summary Worksheet. The 

documents resulting from a rework inspection should be attached to the original USDA 

worksheets. In addition, there should be cross-references between the worksheets 

documenting the initial failure results and second inspection results. The final 

documentation should be self-explanatory and allow an individual unfamiliar with the lot 

history to be able to determine what took place. Pages should be numbered 1 of 2, 2 of 2, 

etc. Also, see instructions for ORDB lot entry for submittals 1, 2, etc. See Section 6 –

Operational Rations Database.

General Guidance for Placing Lots on Hold

A. USDA SC-10 Notice of Hold and SC-11 Hold Tags are used to identify and monitor the 

movement and disposition of lots which have failed USDA inspection, or that have been 

identified with defects listed in Section A, No. 3. These forms can be found on the AMS 

Forms Catalog.

B. See Notice of Hold Form (SC-10) Procedure for specific instructions for completing and 

distributing the Notice of Hold, SC-10. See Hold Tag (SC-11) Procedure for specific 

instructions for completing and using Hold Tags, SC-11.

C. A “Hold” ledger should be maintained to document all product placed on hold.

D. Refer to Section 7 – Laboratory Testing for additional specific procedures to follow for 

Microbiological Test Failures (i.e., positive findings).

Notice of Hold Form (SC-10) Procedure

A. When a product is placed on hold, the USDA inspector will fill out the top portion 

(Section I) of the SC-10 Notice of Hold and distribute it with a copy of the worksheets or 

laboratory results which document the lot failure (for example, the applicable exam 

worksheet).

B. In the “Defect Summary” area in Section I of the SC-10, only list the defect(s) that 

directly contributed to the lot failure. It is not necessary to list all defects observed 

during the examinations.
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C. Inspector names on the electronic version should be followed by /s/ to indicate that the 

original paper copy was signed by the inspector.

D. When individual product lines go on tightened inspection for the retort pouch filled and 

seal examination, special notation is required on the SC-10. See Inspectors Handbook 

Section 6, Inspection Levels, Section I, Part C, line 3 for more information. See also the 

reference in Section E, Part E-3-A-2 in the TDP for the current MRE contract.

Electronic distribution (e-mail or fax) is the preferred method for distribution of the Notice of 

Hold form and the additional associated documents. The contractor representative(s) should be 

the primary contact and the additional contacts should be included as Ccs when distributing the 

documents in an electronic format.

Distribution of Notice of Hold and copies of the worksheet(s) documenting the lot failure should 

be as follows:

• Original signed paper copy to plant management. (This can be provided electronically if 

the plant prefers an electronic copy.)

• The distribution list can be found in CSB SharePoint site/OR Resource 

Documents/Operational Rations Email Distribution Contacts and Guidance on 

Distribution Process.

The contractor will complete Section II of the SC-10 and return a copy to the inspector. This 

will show that the contractor is aware of the failure and will describe the action the contractor 

plans to take to deal with the situation. The USDA Inspector should not enter information in 

Section II - PLANT ACTION, since this area is reserved for the contractor’s response.

When the final disposition of the lot on hold has been determined, the USDA inspector will

complete Section III “DISPOSITION” of the SC-10. The final, completed hold form will be 

distributed following the original distribution.

Inspectors should annotate the DD 250 or USDA Certificate when acceptance of a lot is based on 

a waiver granted by the DLA Troop Support contracting officer. The annotation should identify 

the waiver and contracting officer. Contact the USDA Area Office for guidance to determine the 

correct procedure.

Hold Tag (SC-11) Procedure

A. USDA Hold Tags (SC-11) are used to identify and monitor the movement of lots which 

have failed USDA inspection, or that have been identified with defects listed in Section 

A, No. 3.

B. The Area Office will furnish Hold Tags, which are sequentially numbered. Only 

officially issued USDA Hold Tags (Form SC-11) should be used to identify product 

placed on hold by the GQAR.
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C. The inspector will advise plant management each time USDA Hold Tags are used. This 

will prevent any misunderstanding between management and inspection personnel.

D. Lots that do not meet contract requirements should be tagged with a minimum of one 

Hold Tag per lot. In some circumstances, numerous tags will be needed to properly 

identify and control a production lot. The USDA inspector will determine the number of 

Hold Tags needed to ensure effective identification of the lot on hold.

E. Hold Tags will be affixed directly to shipping case(s). They will not be attached to 

shrink wrap or other material used to wrap cases on a pallet.

F. The properly completed Hold Tags will remain attached to the product on hold until final 

disposition is made on the lot. The tags should not be removed by unauthorized 

individuals. Plant management is responsible for assuring that Hold Tags are not lost or 

thrown away while attached to the lot.

G. Once a lot has been released, the Hold Tags are to be removed by the USDA Inspector, 

attached to the SC-10, and filed with the USDA records.

Reinspection Guidance - Next Higher Sample Size

A. DLA Troop Support will often indicate the sample size to be applied to a reinspected lot 

in the DLA Troop Support rework approval. The default instructions, in the absence of 

any other stated instruction, is to move to the next higher sample size, using ANSI/ASQC 

Z1.4 “Sampling Procedures and Tables for Inspection by Attributes”.

B. Examples:

1. A reworked lot of a retorted pouch product, initially examined at a 200 sample 

size for the filled and sealed examination, would be re-inspected at a 315 sample 

size by both the contractor and USDA.

2. A reworked lot of a bakery component item, initially examined at a sample size of 

8 pouches for internal pressure, would be re-inspected at a sample size of 13 

pouches by both the contractor and USDA.

C. Polymeric tray products are handled differently, based on specific instructions from DLA 

Troop Support. 

1. If a lot of polymeric tray products is initially inspected at a sample size of 200 

trays, for the filled and sealed exam, any re-inspections will also be at the 200 tray 

sample size.

2. If the polymeric tray production lot is normally inspected at the reduced sample 

size, for example 80 trays, the re-inspection sample size would return to the 

sample rate of 200 trays for both the Contractor’s and the USDA’s filled and 

sealed examinations.
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3. The thermostabilized polymeric tray program also has unique inspection 

procedures that allow for use of a non-destructive burst test (NDBT) exam to test 

trays with visual defects that would normally result in a lot failure. In this 

application, the NDBT is used to verify whether a visual defect is scoreable. 

MIL-PRF-32004B provides guidance on use of the NDBT, and DLA Troop 

Support has allowed for contractor testing of visually defective trays using the 

NDBT. If no test failures result, the lot can be offered to USDA for verification 

inspection without DLA Troop Support approval. Documentation of this NDBT 

testing should be included with the contractor’s lot submittal paperwork. The 

contractor should have their procedures for using the NDBT stated in their QSP 

(Quality System Plan).

SECTION 11 – SAMPLING

Representative Samples

The accuracy of an inspection depends upon how well the samples represent the lot. An 

examination of the contents of every container in a lot is one way to ascertain the quality of a lot. 

This, however, is not feasible in the inspection of processed food for quality due to the large 

number of containers in most lots and the destructive nature of most examinations. For 

efficiency and practicality, sampling must be confined to a manageable and comparatively small 

number of samples which, when drawn at random, will usually reflect a sufficient and reliable 

estimate of the quality of the lot.

The inspector will determine the number of containers to be drawn from each sampled case (and 

the containers’ relative positions in the cases) before beginning to sample. Sampling will not be 

restricted to the top or bottom layers or to the corners of the cases. The best samples are those 

which have been randomly selected and which represent all of the various positions in the 

shipping cases.

Selection of Random Samples

The following may be used in the selection of random samples:

• AIM Inspection Series, Sampling Manual

• AIM Inspection Series, Condition of Food Container Manual

• Any random sampling procedure accepted by the SCI Division

Sampling Point

On-line sampling or stationary lot sampling may be used depending upon the production process 

and the availability of product for representative sampling.
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On-line Sampling

Samples for end-item examinations will be selected after the pouch has been placed in the carton 

(when applicable) or the tray has been placed in the protective sleeve. All samples will be 

selected from sealed cases. It is important that samples are selected after the contractor has 

completed all in-process quality assurance measures. 

Stationary Lot Sampling

The USDA inspector selects samples from the palletized lot after production is completed. The 

entire lot must be made available for sampling.

Maximum Sample Units per Case

Inspectors should use as guidance the following excerpt from the U.S. Standards for Condition of 

Foods Containers, Title 7, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 42.105(e):

Maximum sample units per case. If the lot is cased, predetermine the number of containers to 

draw from each sampled case as well as the position within the case. Do not restrict the 

sampling to the top or bottom layers or to the corners. The best sample is one selected from all 

the various positions in the shipping case. It is desirable but not mandatory to limit the number 

of sample units to a single container from any one case. Multiple sample units may be taken 

from a single case but not in excess of the following plan:

A. When containers are packed 12 or less to a case, draw a maximum of 6 sample units from 

any one case; and

B. When containers are packed more than 12 to a case but not more than 60, draw a 

maximum of 12 sample units from any one case; and

C. When containers are packed more than 60 to a case but not more than 250, draw a 

maximum of 16 sample units from any one case; and

D. When containers are packed more than 250 in a case, draw a maximum of 24 sample 

units from any one case.”

Identity of Sample Units

Under some circumstances, such as sampling for certain analytical tests, the time stamp (or 

subcode) on a sample, or the time or location when/where a sample unit was drawn can have 

significance and should be identified by the inspector when obtaining samples. The time stamp 

(or subcode) on a sample or the sampling time, the case marking, or pallet number are sometimes 

used to identify samples within a lot. For example, if samples are to be sent to the USDA 

laboratory for testing, the sample identity should be recorded on the DD1222 form when 

individual sample testing is required. (On the other hand, if the samples are combined by the 

USDA laboratory into a composite and tested as a composite, it is generally not necessary to 
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record individual sample information about each individual sample unit on the DD1222.) See 

Section 7 – Laboratory Testing.

• If individual samples do not have a time stamp (or subcode) to identify the sampling 

point, group the samples taken at each sampling time by placing them in individual 

plastic bags or use some other method to maintain the identity of the sampling timeframe. 

Record the sampling time or other reference on the plastic bag but not on individual 

samples that will be returned to the contractor for inclusion in the final lot.

• Note that DLA Troop Support and contractors may use sample unit identification 

information to assist in the rework approval process and possible segregation of a lot, in 

the event that a lot fails a laboratory test. For other USDA end-item verification exams, 

the sample unit time stamp (or subcode) or the time or location that a sample unit was 

drawn from a lot can be useful information for the contractor in the event of a lot failure. 

When available, the identity of sample units (such as a sample unit’s time stamp or 

subcode) should be recorded on the USDA worksheet used to document the USDA enditem examination. 

Sampling Guidelines

A. USDA samples will be selected by USDA inspectors. 

B. USDA on-line sampling will be performed in such a manner that it is not “predictable” to 

contractor personnel. This eliminates opportunities for manipulation of product quality 

on the production line such that samples drawn are not representative of the lot.

C. Sampling may be “proportional,” also called “representative” or “stratified” or 

“segmented.” Under this approach, a lot is broken into parts (e.g., subcodes or time 

periods) and a proportionate number of samples are randomly selected from each part 

(i.e., from each subcode or time period). This approach ensures that samples are drawn 

from each segment or “strata” of production. For example, if 200 retort pouch samples 

are to be drawn from a lot of 20,000 pouches which was processed in 5 retort “cooks,”

the inspector could choose to select 40 pouches randomly from each of the five retort 

cooks, for a total of 200 pouches.

D. Contract documents and specifications specify the sampling plan for each exam.

E. Virtually all exams required under military contracts in the Operational Rations program 

use sampling plans in ANSI/ASQC Z1.4-2003: “American National Standard - Sampling 

Procedures and Tables for Inspection by Attributes.” This is the 2003 version of this 

document. Note that some inspection documents may refer to “ANSI/ASQC Z1.4-1993.” 

This is the 1993 version of this document. There are some limited changes between these 

two versions; however, there are no changes to the values in the tables in the documents 

which are the primary references for inspectors for sampling and inspection purposes.

F. The Performance-based Contract Requirement document or other specification will 

provide requirements for the end-item exam including Sampling Plan (Single or Double), 
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Inspection Level, and Acceptable Quality Level (AQL). If the document does not specify 

a single or double sampling plan, the default selection is a single sampling plan. For 

more information on these topics, see the following sections in ANSI/ASQC Z1.4-2003:

• Section 4 “Acceptable Quality Level (AQL),”

• Section 9 “Sampling Plans,” and

• Section 10 “Determination of Acceptability.”

G. The Inspector should “plug” requirements and lot size into tables in ANSI/ASQC Z1.4 to 

obtain the sample sizes and accept and reject numbers for the particular sample size.

H. End-item exams cannot be performed before the entire lot has been produced and all 

samples have been selected. Additionally, USDA end-item exams are performed after 

the contractor has offered the lot for USDA verification inspection. (Note there are two 

exceptions: under some circumstances, USDA may perform end-item shipping case exam 

prior to the lot being offered to USDA for verification. This should be coordinated with 

the Officer-in-Charge. In addition, USDA generally submits samples for USDA 

analytical testing prior to the lot being offered to USDA for verification inspection. In 

each of these instances, USDA results for the exam or test are not released to the 

contractor until after the contractor has offered the lot to USDA and provided the 

contractor’s conforming results for the exam or test.)

I. Samples must be representative of the lot being offered for verification inspection. If 

USDA selects samples for a lot on-line, and the contractor reworks the lot such that 

portions are removed or the lot otherwise changes, the USDA samples must be evaluated 

to determine whether they continue to accurately represent the reworked lot. Generally, 

samples must be returned to the contractor so they can be included in the rework process. 

USDA then selects a new set of samples from the new lot, once the contractor has 

completed all of their quality assurance measures.

Sample Integrity and Security

It is necessary to preserve the integrity of the samples selected for inspection. Adequate steps 

should be taken in order to prevent the samples from being tampered with by non-USDA 

personnel.

A. The inspector can arrange with the plant to have a secure place to store samples that are 

under their control. If the storage area for “officially sampled” samples does not provide 

adequate security, the inspector should place the samples in shipping cases, seal the 

cases, and attach USDA tamper-proof tape to the top and bottom closure areas. See AIM

Inspection Series, Sampling Manual.

B. Alternatively, the in-plant inspector at an Operational Rations plant can write their name 

or initials with permanent marker across the closure tape on the top and bottom of the 
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case in such a manner that tampering with the closure would be evident. This procedure 

is limited to sample storage at Operational Rations plants under in-plant inspection.

C. In addition, inspectors should only use this option when it is necessary due to limited 

storage resources and after the IIC has determined that it provides adequate sample 

security. IICs should contact their OIC and CSB if they have any concerns regarding this 

procedure or for additional review and guidance.

Priority of Inspection

Under in-plant inspection conditions, the USDA inspector may draw USDA samples for residual 

gas, internal pressure, pouch/tray filled and sealed examination, product evaluation, analytical 

testing, and other examinations during production.

Samples drawn by USDA can be used for multiple end-item examinations if the initial and 

preceding examinations do not affect the samples with respect to subsequent examinations. 

Example: Samples which have been used for one-item examination for net weight may 

subsequently be used for end-item examination for internal pressure.

SECTION 12 – SKIP-LOT

This section provides instructions for inspectors implementing end-item skip lot procedures for 

inspection of operational ration items. These instructions provide a means for uniform 

implementation of end-item skip lot procedures in accordance with the guidelines for skip lot 

inspection provided by the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia (DLA Troop Support). The 

DLA Troop Support guidelines, entitled “Procedures for Alternative Skip Lot End-Item 

Inspection, Requirements for Government End-Item Verification Inspections for Operational 

Rations” are referenced by the operational rations contracts and are available as on the DLA 

Troop Support website or CSB SharePoint site/OR Resource Documents. The DLA Troop 

Support document establishes the basic requirements and protocols for implementing of 

Government end-item skip lot. The following procedures are to be applied in conjunction with 

the DLA Troop Support requirements.

Background

DLA Troop Support introduced “higher level quality” requirements in operational rations 

contracts in 1989 during Meal, Ready-to-Eat (MRE) procurement cycle number 9 (MRE 9). 

These requirements called for contractors to develop and adhere to a written plan for ensuring 

that they produced and offered conforming product to the Government. These plans were 

originally called “Contractor Inspection System” (CIS) plans. In most cases, contractors were 

also required to develop and adhere to a Statistical Process Control plan. Requirements for these 

two documents were later combined in what DLA Troop Support has termed the QSP. In 

addition, starting with MRE 9 for MRE items (and later for tray pack cans), contractors were 

required to perform all end-item exams indicated in the applicable military specification(s). 

Under the higher level quality requirements, items produced under an acceptable plan and which 

pass the contractor’s end-item inspection are then offered to SCI Division for end-item 

inspection. This SCI Division inspection is seen by DLA Troop Support as a “verification”
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inspection. As such, SCI Division end-item inspection is a way of verifying that the contractor’s 

system (including the contractor’s end-item inspection) is performing properly and the contractor 

is offering conforming product to the Government.

End-item skip lot inspection by SCI Division allows a decrease in the amount of “verification”

inspection performed by the Government. End-item skip lot allows the Government to rely on a 

contractor’s end-item inspection in lieu of SCI Division end-item inspection as long as certain 

conditions are met and the Government has adequate assurances that the contractor’s results are 

reliable. By implementing end-item skip lot inspection, DLA Troop Support is (1) 

acknowledging good contractor performance by allowing decreased verification inspection; and 

(2) allowing Government inspection resources (i.e., SCI Division inspection) to focus on and 

monitor the effectiveness of a contractor’s implementation of their QSP. This increase in 

monitoring of the QSP is intended to promote improvements during production, which could 

reduce production of nonconforming product and result in both improved quality and savings for 

the Government.

Scope

USDA end-item skip lot procedures contained in this section are applicable to all operational 

rations items inspected by SCI Division for DLA Troop Support when the following conditions 

are met:

• Contractor has an accepted quality system plan;

• Contractor is performing in a satisfactory manner under the QSP; and

• Quality history for item(s) meet all criteria in DLA Troop Support skip-lot guidelines

Note that implementation of end-item skip lot verification procedures may not be approved or 

may be discontinued after implementation if it is determined that use of end-item skip lot is not 

in the best interest of the Government.

Preparing for USDA End-Item Skip Lot Procedures

SCI Division in-plant inspectors should follow the steps below in preparation for implementing 

USDA End-Item Skip Lot:

A. Read, become familiar with, and apply the DLA Troop Support guidelines for end-item 

skip lot procedures. The DLA Troop Support skip lot guidelines describe the 

responsibilities of USDA, DLA Troop Support, and contractors with respect to end-item 

skip lot verification inspection.

B. Verify that the appropriate contractor personnel are familiar with the protocol and 

requirements established in the DLA Troop Support skip lot guidelines. There are 

several specific actions the contractor must take under end-item skip lot.
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C. Determine whether the contractor’s QSP is acceptable (per DLA Troop Support) and 

whether the contractor is following it in a satisfactory manner (per DLA Troop Support

compliance audits, and USDA/AMS in-plant compliance audits). If the QSP is 

acceptable and the contractor is following it in a satisfactory manner, the USDA/AMS 

inspector should follow the steps, below, to implement end-item skip lot procedures.

Implementing USDA End-Item Skip Lot Procedures

A. SCI Division in-plant inspectors should follow the steps below to implement USDA EndItem Skip Lot:

1. Using the requirements contained in the DLA Troop Support skip lot guidelines, 

identify products (if any) which qualify for application of end-item skip lot 

procedures.

2. Identify the individual end-item examinations for each product for which skip lot 

is applicable. Skip lot procedures are not applicable to end-item examinations 

which determine the integrity of the retort pouch, polymeric tray, shelf stable 

sandwiches in flexible pouches, flexible pouches of thermostabilized cheese 

spread, or other examinations for container integrity for which there are critical 

defects. (Note that for retort pouches, the 200 pouch visual examination and the 

internal pressure examination are not eligible for skip lot procedures.)

B. When determining whether an exam qualifies for end-item skip lot, the SCI Division 

inspector should consider the following factors:

1. The contractor’s end-item inspection must be comparable to USDA end-item 

inspection in sampling, procedures, and execution.

2. The SCI Division inspector may determine that a lot or particular examination 

does not qualify for end-item skip lot if he or she detects irregularities in the 

contractor’s in-process or end-item procedures relating to the lot.

C. Notify the contractor of the products selected for end-item skip lot procedures.

D. Apply end-item skip lot procedures independently from analytical skip lot procedures. 

Skip lot status for end-item inspections will have no effect on a product’s skip lot status 

for analytical testing, and vice versa.

E. Prepare a separate end-item skip lot tracking log for each product selected for end-item 

skip lot procedures. See examples of the end-item skip lot tracking log posted on 

SharePoint/Contract Services Branch/OR Worksheets/Skip-lot Ledger Examples.

F. Make a list showing the lot numbers and dates of initial USDA inspection for the 10 

consecutively offered conforming lots which qualify the product for end-item skip lot 

procedures. File this list with the initial end-item skip lot tracking log. (Note that the 

skip lot tracking log may be used for recording the 10 consecutively offered lots.)
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Selecting Lots for USDA End-Item Verification Inspection

For each item selected for end-item skip lot, use the following procedures:

A. Use the random number generating device (e.g., six-sided die) to select which of the next 

four/six lots offered by the contractor will be selected for USDA end-item examination. 

(If a six-sided die is used, re-roll the die if “5” or “6” come up.)

B. Note in the end-item skip lot tracking log which lot will be subjected to USDA end-item 

inspection.

C. As an example, assume that lot number 0100 is selected for USDA end-item inspection. 

Beginning with the next lot offered after 0100, use the random number generator to select 

which lot, of the next four/six lots offered, to subject to USDA end-item inspection. 

Continue with this procedure as long as the product qualifies for end-item skip lot 

inspection.

D. Notify DLA Troop Support of USDA end-item failures.

E. The contractor should not have advance knowledge of the lot(s) selected for USDA enditem inspection. As a result, the skip lot tracking log should be maintained in an area that 

is not accessed by contractor personnel.

F. As long as all qualifying exams for an item remain under end-item skip lot, all exams can 

be skipped at the same interval. However, if one or more exams fail USDA end-item 

inspection, they must be treated independently from the exams which passed. Consider 

the following scenarios:

• Scenario 1: Assume Mexican Rice is in skip lot State 2. (See the DLA Troop 

Support guidelines for discussion of State 2.) If Mexican Rice lot 0100 is selected 

for USDA end-item verification, and all qualifying exams are under skip lot, the 

USDA inspector should perform all of the required end-item exams on lot 0100 

and then use the random lot section device to determine which of the next 4/6 lots 

offered to inspect.

• Scenario 2: If one or more end-items exams performed by USDA on lot 0100 are 

nonconforming, each of these exams must be performed by USDA on every 

subsequent lot offered of Mexican Rice until each exam requalifies for end-item 

skip lot. (See the DLA Troop Support guidelines for requalification 

requirements) For the conforming exams performed on lot 0100, skip lot 

selection procedures should remain in place. It is important to note that under this 

scenario, some exams for Mexican Rice will be on skip lot and others will be 

under 100% inspection until they requalify for skip lot. When an exam requalifies 

for skip lot, the inspector may place it into the same “skip” pattern being used for 

other exams on skip lot.
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Documentation Requirements for USDA End-Item Skip Lot

Contractor Responsibilities

The contractor must provide USDA with documentation (e.g., completed scoresheets) indicating 

that the contractor has performed all end-item examinations, and the lot has passed these 

examinations.

The following records must be provided by the contractor for USDA review:

• The contractor’s records for applicable in-process examinations for the lot offered;

• The retort records for the lot offered;

• The formula for the current production standard (First Article or PDM); and

• Formulation/batching records for the individual lot offered.

USDA Responsibilities

For those lots skipped by USDA, the contractor’s complete documentation for each end-item 

examination (including those examinations skipped by USDA) must be included in the USDA 

records for the lot.

USDA Lot Summary Worksheet:

• For each lot of production offered for USDA inspection, the USDA inspector should 

maintain a Lot Summary Worksheet. See OR Worksheets/Lot Summary Worksheets. 

This cover page will list each of the required end-item examinations and will indicate the 

status of each exam (passed/failed/skipped).

• The USDA Lot Summary Worksheet for lots which meet contract requirements and for 

which one or more USDA end-item examination(s) have been skipped should include a 

statement worded substantially as follows: 

Acceptance of Lot 0112 Vegetable Crackers is based in part on contractor’s inspection 

results in accordance with end-item skip lot procedures.

Certification of Lots

See Section 9 – Certification for certification guidelines.

Operational Rations Database

The instructions for the required documentation of USDA end-item skip lot status in the ORDB 

are posted on CSB SharePoint site. See Section 6 – Operational Rations Database.
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SECTION 13 – QUALITY SYSTEM PLAN PROCEDURES

This section outlines the responsibilities of the contractor, DLA Troop Support and USDA that 

are associated with the QSP, as described in Section E of the OR solicitations. Additional 

information in this section details the process of reviewing the contractor’s QSP documents, the 

DLA Troop Support compliance audit process, and the procedures for the USDA evaluation of 

the contractor’s QSP and the associated documents used by USDA Inspectors in the compliance 

audit process.

Background

Operational Rations contractors are required to have a QSP if Higher Level Quality 

Requirements are specified in their solicitation/contract. Each contractor’s QSP has a general 

layout that addresses the thirteen elements outlined in Section E of the Technical Data Package 

of the Solicitation. The initial QSP document is evaluated by the Quality System Audit Team 

(composed of DLA Troop Support-FTSB staff) and rated as acceptable if/when the document 

meets the requirements outlined in the solicitation.

Responsibilities

Contractor Responsibilities

Contractor responsibilities with respect to the Higher Level Quality Requirements include, but 

are not limited to:

A. Design, document, distribute, and implement a QSP which meets the requirements 

outlined in Section E of the applicable solicitation.

B. Submit the initial QSP to DLA Troop Support-FTSB, through the Contracting Officer, 

for review no later than the time of bid submittal, to determine if the QSP meets the 

requirements.

C. Prior to the initiation of production, provide one copy of the QSP to CSB, the USDA 

Area Office and hand deliver a copy to the USDA IIC at the contractor’s location.

D. Keep the QSP up to date; ensuring that it accurately reflects the firm’s actual practices.

E. Produce the products covered by the QSP in accordance with the procedures stated in the 

QSP.

F. Notify DLA Troop Support with cc to USDA in writing of changes or updates to the 

plan. (See the Technical Data Package in the applicable Solicitation/Contract for 

additional details on notification steps.)

G. If/when a CAR is issued by DLA Troop Support or the USDA IIC, respond to the CAR 

in a timely manner.
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DLA Troop Support Responsibilities

DLA Troop Support Responsibilities include:

A. Prepare solicitations/contracts that include all applicable requirements.

B. Review the contractor’s QSP and revised QSP submittals and notify both the contractor 

and USDA of the acceptance or non-acceptance of the plan. Provide current copies of 

DLA Quality Systems Audit Workbook I (Documented Quality Systems Plan Evaluation 

Guideline) and Workbook II (Compliance Audit Guidelines) to USDA.

C. Conduct Joint DLA Troop Support/USDA audits of the contractor’s quality system and 

distribute reports of these audits to the contractor and to USDA.

D. Review monthly QSP Reports submitted by USDA which summarize USDA 

evaluations/internal audit activity.

E. Review CARs submitted by USDA, provide guidance if/when needed on the associated 

issue, and review the close-out of each CAR.

F. Review Observation Reports submitted by USDA in response to Food Defense 

observations, contact the contractor, when needed, and determine actions that may be 

required to address observations.

USDA Responsibilities

Specific responsibilities of USDA personnel with respect to the Higher Level Quality 

Requirements of the solicitation/contract include, but are not limited to:

A. Review the contractor’s written QSP and/or QSP revisions and provide comments and 

recommendations regarding the plan to DLA Troop Support-FTSB within 20 days of 

receipt of the QSP/revision. Copies of any comments should be provided to the OIC and 

CSB.

B. Conduct evaluations (called “QSP audits”) of the contractor’s execution of their QSP 

throughout the life of the contract.

C. Document the QSP audits performed by USDA and distribute the documentation as 

described in this section.

D. When requested by DLA Troop Support, USDA will also:

1. Provide support for DSCP/USDA Joint Audits, which may include active 

participation.

2. Verify adequacy of contractor’s corrective action activities initiated in response to 

Joint Audit findings.
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3. When requested by DLA Troop Support, verify that a contractor has taken 

corrective action to address an observed Food Defense issue.

Review of the Contractor’s Written QSP

Contractors are required to revise their QSP when necessary to keep the documented plan up to 

date and to ensure the document reflects the actual procedures in place in the processing facility. 

The contractor must submit the changes and associated documents to DLA Troop Support for 

review and acceptance and also provide a copy to the USDA Inspector-in-Charge at the same 

time. The in-plant USDA inspector reviews the changes and provides feedback to DLA Troop 

Support. The in-plant USDA inspector may accept implementation of changes to the QSP and 

consider them sufficient for production, unless specifically rejected by DLA Troop Support after 

submittal. Final acceptance or non-acceptance of QSP revisions is decided by DLA Troop 

Support. (See the Technical Data Package in the applicable Solicitation/Contract for additional 

details on QSP notification, implementation, and acceptance steps.)

Quality System Compliance Audits by DLA Troop Support

The purpose of the DLA Troop Support compliance audit is to verify implementation and 

compliance to the documented QSP and to other requirements of the contract, and to assess the 

effectiveness of the contractor’s quality system. The evaluation process includes review and 

verification of historical records, procedures, instructions, and practices used by company 

personnel. DLA Troop Support notifies the contractor of a pending compliance quality system 

audit at the production facility. The audit is based on the QSP on file at DLA Troop Support. If 

a company has made QSP updates that have not been submitted to the GQAR and DLA Troop 

Support-FTSB, and these updates have been implemented as QSP changes/revisions without 

government review and approval, they will be classified as a finding during the audit. The 

primary documents used by DLA Troop Support during a compliance audit are DLA Quality 

Systems Audit Workbooks I and II (see definitions in index).

USDA Evaluation of the Contractor’s Performance of QSP Procedures

USDA is responsible for conducting evaluations of the contractor’s QSP throughout the life of 

the contract. This is accomplished by evaluating the contractor’s actual quality assurance 

procedures for compliance with their written QSP and documenting the results on a USDA 

compliance audit worksheet. The audits should include direct observation of the quality 

assurance procedures contractor personnel are performing and the corresponding documentation 

used by the contractor. This may also include activities performed by contractor’s administrative 

personnel involved in purchasing, contract review, etc. Before auditing a contractor’s QSP, the 

USDA Inspectors should become familiar with the contractor’s QSP and the DLA Troop Support

Workbooks used to perform the DLA Troop Support Compliance Audits. At the beginning of 

each calendar year, the USDA Inspector should develop a plan for performing QSP audits by 

completing an Annual Audit Frequency Plan (USDA worksheet QSP-4). The completed QSP-4 

maps out a proposed audit schedule for each of the audit areas. All periods of production and 

contractor operations are subject to audits. In addition, USDA inspectors may choose to perform 

an audit at a time not included in the schedule. The following are some examples of possible 

reasons to perform an unscheduled audit:
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• An observance of questionable practices in the contractor’s quality system, prompting a 

special audit of that area.

• The receipt of marginal or non-acceptable review results from Natick for a specific 

product, prompting an audit of the contractor’s end item comparability exam for the next 

two lots offered of that product.

• Upon auditing one process, the auditor observes a deficiency that may stem from a 

related issue and determines that an additional audit may be required to fully evaluate the 

issue.

• A lot fails to pass a USDA end-item exam which has passed the contractor’s end-item 

exam.

USDA Compliance Audit Documents

The USDA in-plant inspector has five main documents that are used to plan, document and 

follow-up on the USDA auditing activities. See Appendix I – Glossary for a definition of the 

documents described below. These five documents are located on the CSB SharePoint site under 

OR Worksheets/QSP Forms/Worksheets. The current list of contacts associated with the 

distribution of these documents can be found on the CSB SharePoint/OR Resource 

Documents/Operational Rations Email Distribution Contacts and Guidance on Distribution 

Process. Below is the list of the worksheets:

• QSP-1 Compliance Audit Worksheet

• QSP-2 Monthly QSP Report (Continuous or non-continuous production)

• QSP-3 Corrective Action Report

• QSP-4 Annual Audit Frequency Plan (Continuous or intermittent production)

• QSP-5 Observation Report

Steps for Completing a Compliance Audit Worksheet – QSP-1

The USDA in-plant inspector will use the QSP-1 to document their compliance audit activity. In 

the top portion of the QSP-1 document, the reviewer should pay close attention to the area where 

the “specific procedure or process audited” is described. Provide enough detail so that another 

inspector, who did not perform the audit can tell precisely what area was audited. This helps 

establish the specific scope of the audit activity. For example, a specific description such as 

“Observed product exam and use of production standard” is preferable to a general statement, 

such as “Audited End-Item Inspection.”
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Steps for Completing a Monthly Report – QSP-2

At the end of each month, the USDA IIC will complete a QSP-2 to summarize the audits USDA 

has performed that month. The QSP-2 lists the minimum audit frequency for each of the 

required areas of the QSP and is based upon the QSP-4 schedule. The IIC will document the 

date of each audit, the specific procedures or processes evaluated and if the audit found the 

contractor’s activity to be compliant. A proposed date for the next planned audit for the specific 

QSP area should also be documented. In the remarks section, include information about any 

CAR or Observation Reports issued during that month. It is not necessary to include lot 

production information on the report.

Steps for Completing a Corrective Action Report – QSP-3

If, while conducting a Compliance Audit, the USDA inspector observes a quality assurance 

procedure that does not conform to the contractor’s written QSP or to the contract requirements, 

the inspector must investigate further. If it is determined that a non-conformance has been 

identified, the Inspector will report it as a “finding” and notify the contractor using the 

Corrective Action Report (CAR) QSP-3, commonly referred to as a “CAR.” The CAR tells the 

contractor what non-conformance the inspector found, and also includes the requirement in the 

QSP or contract that was not being followed. The CAR also requires the contractor to provide a 

description of their corrective action to address the non-conformance. (Note that there may be 

instances when a minor non-conformance may not be significant enough to require a CAR.)

In completing the CAR, the inspector must establish a due date for the contractor’s corrective 

action. The timeframe for the contractor’s corrective action and response is determined by the 

severity of the finding. A USDA inspector can establish the timeframe based on their experience 

and judgment. If a finding involves a situation that allows, or has the potential to allow, nonconforming product to be produced, immediate notification to the contractor would be required. 

If a finding involves a departure from the QSP that would likely have little bearing on the 

effective production of a conforming product, timely notification to the contractor is required. In 

all cases, the time frame designated by USDA for the contractor’s corrective action and written 

response should be appropriate for the severity of the finding. The process for completing a 

CAR is as follows:

A. The USDA inspector will document the finding using the appropriate blocks of the CAR. 

The CARs generated during a calendar year will be sequentially numbered, beginning 

with the year, and then sequentially numbered, e.g., 2012-01, 2012-2, 2012-3 etc.

B. The USDA inspector will give the contractor the CAR as part of the notification of audit 

results.

C. The contractor must complete the portion of the CAR describing the cause of the 

deficiency and contractor’s planned corrective action (blocks 1-6). The contractor must 

then return the CAR to the inspector within the time specified.

D. The USDA inspector will evaluate the contractor’s written response to the finding, 

documented on the CAR by the contractor. The inspector will note on the CAR whether 
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the corrective action is acceptable or unacceptable, and state if and when a follow-up 

audit is required (QSP-3, page 2).

E. If a follow-up audit is required, the USDA inspector will use the CAR to document the 

audit, and will note whether the corrective action is acceptable or unacceptable (QSP-3, 

page 1).

F. If an inadequate or untimely corrective action response occurs, the inspector will make 

immediate distribution of the partially completed CAR using the same distribution list as 

above.

G. Once a CAR is completed with the corrective action found to be acceptable, the inspector 

will make full distribution of the QSP-3.

Steps for Completing an Annual Audit Frequency Plan – QSP-4

The “Evaluation Frequency” for USDA audits established in the QSP-4 provides a baseline for 

audit frequencies; however, it does not prevent inspectors from being able to audit areas more 

often, depending on the circumstances. Audit frequencies are split into the following two groups 

depending on whether the production operation is “continuous” or “intermittent” as described 

below.

Continuous Production Audit Plan

For those facilities where production occurs on a continuous basis (usually producing more than 

five days per month), the audits are performed at the “normal frequency” rate, as indicated in the 

QSP-4.

Inspectors should complete the QSP-4 and distribute it in January to cover the January to 

December calendar year. 

Intermittent Production Audit Plan

Facilities designated by CSB as intermittent production locations (usually producing five days or 

less per month), are audited at the “intermittent” rate indicated in the QSP-4. OICs and IICs 

should coordinate with CSB to determine when a facility is considered “intermittent.”

Inspectors at these locations should distribute the completed QSP-4 within 30 days of the first 

production cycle of the calendar year.

Steps for Completing an Observation Report – QSP-5

During a compliance audit, the USDA inspector may observe a system weakness which is not 

necessarily a deviation from a requirement but which may impede the effectiveness of the 

contractor’s QSP. This system weakness would be classified as an observation and can be 

documented using a QSP-5. Additionally, an inspector may observe what he or she determines 

to be a minor non-conformance, and use the QSP-5 to document it. An observation does not 

require a documented response from the contractor but a contractor can choose to provide a 
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response. A second use of the QSP-5 Observation Report is to document a Food Defense issue. 

Finally, a third use for an Observation Report is as a means for an auditor to communicate 

recognition of noteworthy contractor practices. The process for completing a QSP-5 is described 

as follows:

Minor Non-conformance

A. The USDA inspector will document the observation using the appropriate blocks of the 

QSP-5. The report generated during a calendar year will be sequentially numbered in the 

same format as the CAR.

B. The USDA inspector will give the contractor a copy of the QSP-5 as part of the 

notification of the observation.

C. It is important to note that if a “minor non-conformance” (which prompts a QSP-5) is 

found to be recurring, it may be appropriate to elevate the USDA response to the level of 

a CAR which requires documented contractor corrective action and includes notification 

to DLA Troop Support.

D. Inspectors should consider the nature and severity of a non-conformance, and 

contractor’s past performance (e.g., has the non-conformance occurred before?) when 

determining whether to issue an Observation Report or a CAR. In general, if a nonconformance is a failure to follow direct QSP or contractual requirements, it should be 

documented using a QSP-3 CAR.

Food Defense Issue

A. The QSP-5 is also used to document an observed Food Defense issue in an OR facility. 

The purpose is to bring the issue to the attention of the contractor, DLA Troop Support, 

USDA Supervisors, and CSB, without divulging sensitive information.

B. The following steps must be followed when a Food Defense issue is identified:

1. At the time of the Food Defense-related observation, the inspector will notify the 

appropriate plant representative responsible for the Food Defense measure not 

being followed, so appropriate corrective action can be taken.

2. The inspector will verbally notify their supervisor of the Food Defense 

observation within one working day. The supervisor will then verbally notify 

CSB of the observation.

3. The USDA IIC will complete and distribute the QSP-5 within one working day. 

The written description of the observation should only identify the area in which 

the Food Defense issue was found (see DLA Troop Support Food Defense 

Checklist for definitions of area terms – found on CSB SharePoint site/OR 

Resource Documents). The areas are:
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a. Personnel

b. Security of Perimeter, Buildings, Docks, & Receiving/Shipping Areas

c. Receipt Inspection

d. Warehousing and Storage

e. Production Areas

f. Emergency Procedures

g. Subcontractors/suppliers

No further details should be documented in writing (e-mails or reports). For 

example, a description of a Food Defense issue could be: “Food Defense issue 

identified in production area.”

4. CSB will contact DLA Troop Support -FTSB and bring the observation to their 

attention.

5. DLA Troop Support -FTSB will take appropriate action as deemed necessary. 

This may include an immediate request for the contractor to take corrective 

action, a follow up on the Food Defense issue during their next audit, or other 

steps.

6. DLA Troop Support -FTSB may request that the IIC provide assistance in the 

verification of corrective actions.

Positive Feedback

A. The QSP-5 can be used to provide the contractor a document that identifies employees 

performing QSP activities in an exceptional manner.

B. The QSP-5 can also be used to identify an improvement in the contractor’s QSP that as 

has resulted in improved product quality or direct/indirect savings to DLA Troop 

Support.

SECTION 14 – PLANT SANITATION AND INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT

General Information

The Contractor is responsible for maintaining and addressing sanitary conditions in the plant. 

Two DLA Troop Support documents, Contractor Sanitation Program – Operational Rations, 

Applicable to All Operational Rations, March 1996; and IPM Program Requirements for 

Operational Rations, Applicable to All Operational Rations Facilities, March 2009, establish the 

requirements for most OR contracts. See CSB SharePoint/OR Resource Documents to view 
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these documents. These documents, in addition to the Good Manufacturing Practices (21 CFR 

110); provide the basis for the sanitary conditions that are expected at the OR production 

facilities.

In addition, if the Contractor is producing a dairy, meat, poultry, or seafood commodity, other 

sanitation requirements may apply. For example, a facility that produces a dairy product must be 

an AMS, Dairy Programs approved facility, which necessitates an AMS, Dairy Programs plant 

survey and, possibly, participation in the Salmonella Surveillance Program. For those facilities 

producing seafood products, the Good Manufacturing Practices, as stated in 21 CFR 123, apply; 

and for those which produce meat or poultry products, applicable USDA, FSIS regulations, 

including 9 CFR 416, apply.

If the plant produces items that contain meat and/or poultry, the FSIS Inspector(s) assigned to the 

facility may also perform sanitation inspections, as well as periodic audits of plant conditions, 

procedures, and documentation. The USDA/AMS Inspector will perform sanitation inspections 

in addition to inspections/audits which may be performed by the USDA/FSIS Inspector. In a 

seafood facility, during the timeframe an Operational Rations product is being produced and 

USDC National Marine Fisheries Inspectors are also present, both agencies combine sanitation 

inspection results in a shared document that is distributed to the contractor.

The USDA/AMS Inspector will perform pre-operational (pre-op) and routine sanitation 

inspections in accordance with AIM Inspection Series, Sanitation Manual when the plant is 

scheduled to produce items under OR contract(s). These sanitation inspections will include 

review of the current conditions in the facility to determine if they meet the requirements as 

stated above.

Most OR contracts require a contractor to have an approved QSP, which will include reference to 

the contractor’s sanitation and pest management control procedures. The USDA Inspector 

should be familiar with these procedures. Inspectors should report any deficiencies noted during 

the daily sanitation pre-op or routine sanitation inspections, using the instructions in this section 

and AIM Inspection Series, Sanitation Manual. In addition, if the Inspector observes that the 

facility has failed to adhere to a sanitation-related QSP procedure or documentation requirement, 

the Inspector should report it as part of a QSP audit.

Documentation of Sanitation Inspections

Inspectors will follow the procedures in AIM Inspection Series, Sanitation Manual for 

documenting and reporting the results of sanitation inspections. Inspectors will use the 

Sanitation Score Sheet for Operational Rations Processing Plants (SC-416-9) to generate a report 

that will document inspection results and any deficiencies, as they are observed.

Inspectors should ensure that the final sanitation score sheet for a day is accurate and clearly 

written. The score sheet should reflect the current status of sanitation deficiencies, with 

documentation of close outs, as they occur. If a deficiency is not resolved on the initial day that 

it is noted, the deficiency should be carried over to the next day’s sanitation score sheet, with 

final closure indicated on the latest applicable score sheet.
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Distribution of the sanitation score sheet is according to AIM Inspection Series, Sanitation 

Manual. Inspectors will distribute the final copy of the sanitation score sheet to plant 

management. This may be done electronically as long as a signed copy is placed in the USDA 

file and the Contractor finds this form of distribution acceptable. Inspectors should coordinate 

with appropriate plant management to ensure that the distribution of the report allows for 

effective communication and timely corrective action, if/when needed.

At facilities producing meat and/or poultry items, the USDA/AMS IIC should coordinate with 

the USDA/FSIS Inspector to determine when to provide a copy of a sanitation score sheet to the 

USDA/FSIS Inspector. The IIC should discuss significant sanitation issues with the USDA/FSIS 

Inspector. This coordination will help keep all parties aware and informed of what was found 

and the time-frame(s) established for correction.

If the Inspector notifies their supervisor of unsatisfactory sanitation conditions, the supervisor 

should notify a member of the CSB staff. CSB will communicate the information to DLA Troop

Support, as appropriate.

Inspection and Safety Guidelines

When performing a sanitation inspection, Inspectors should use a flashlight with a plastic (nonbreakable) lens cover that provides a strong beam of light for illuminating low light areas. This 

will facilitate the inspection of areas that have poor visibility or certain interior or enclosed areas. 

Using the added light source can be especially helpful when observing the interior of kettles, 

pipes, pumps, and filler hoppers; underneath filling equipment; behind pallets; and in cooler and 

freezer areas.

Inspectors must follow all lock-out and tag-out procedures in place at a facility. If, in the course 

of a sanitation inspection, the Inspector determines that disassembly of equipment is necessary, 

the Inspector must have this disassembly performed by the appropriate plant personnel. 

Similarly, any re-assembly must be performed by the appropriate plant personnel. Inspectors 

should not place hands or any body part within the confines of operating equipment.

During the sanitation tour, Inspectors may need to wash and sanitize their hands before 

performing different portions of the inspection, in order to avoid contamination of clean 

equipment and surface areas. Inspectors should wear proper head covering (e.g., approved hair 

net and beard net), a USDA bump cap, and appropriate clothing. At some locations, Inspectors

are also required to wear a lab coat over existing clothing. Hairnets and lab coats are usually 

furnished by the Contractor. The lab coat should be removed before entering a restroom area, to 

avoid cross-contamination. Inspectors should take appropriate steps to ensure that clothing and 

lab coats are kept clean and well maintained.

Pre-Operational Sanitation Inspection

On each day of production, before production starts, the Inspector will perform a pre-operational 

sanitation inspection that includes all applicable areas of the production facility. Any sanitation 

deficiencies observed should be brought to the attention of responsible plant personnel, at the 

time of the inspection tour, so that corrections can be made. A plant representative may 
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accompany the Inspector during the pre-operational sanitation inspection. This can facilitate 

timely correction of deficiencies and attention to potential problems.

The USDA/AMS Inspector should plan the pre-op inspection tour to allow sufficient time to 

complete the sanitation inspection before production start-up. Once a specific area is inspected, 

and found to be in acceptable condition for production, that area can used for processing 

activities as long as additional clean-up in adjacent areas does not contaminate the approved 

area. If requested by the plant, Inspectors can give priority to areas deemed critical for the startup of operations. Such areas could include ingredient preparation rooms, batching rooms, 

cooking areas, and container filling areas. Two of the last areas to be inspected might be the 

restrooms and the warehouse. These areas can be checked once all production areas have been 

inspected. This sequence can help minimize delays in production start-up.

Inspectors should not begin the pre-operational inspection tour until the plant indicates which 

areas are ready to be inspected. In this way, the Inspector will avoid the possibility of checking 

equipment that is not ready for inspection or that has not been cleaned.

Inspectors should be familiar with the plant’s equipment and operations and should perform a 

thorough pre-operational sanitation check of all appropriate areas, which include, but are not 

limited to, the following:

• Blending areas and equipment

• Cooking areas and equipment

• Filling and sealing areas and equipment

• Processing areas and equipment

• Packaging and packing areas and equipment

• Pipe connections and clamps

• Drains and filler nozzles

• Pipes and other equipment suspended high above floor-level

• Ceiling surfaces in the kitchen and processing areas

Pieces of equipment that are pre-assembled (such as pipes, filler nozzles, and pumps) are to be 

disassembled by plant personnel to allow the Inspector the access he or she needs for appropriate 

inspection.

Routine Sanitation Inspections

During production, the Inspector will perform at least one routine sanitation inspection per shift, 

and record the information on the sanitation score sheet for that day. This inspection should 
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include of a tour of the processing areas to monitor the plant sanitation and housekeeping 

activities. Inspectors should include close attention to areas where exposed product is stored 

temporarily during the production day. Floors, walls, and ceiling areas should be monitored for 

debris build-up, standing water, and condensation. Inspectors should inform plant management 

of any deficiencies in a timely manner and document when the deficiency was observed, who 

was notified, and when corrections occurred, on the current day’s sanitation score sheet.

Integrated Pest Management

Inspectors will observe and document issues/deficiencies relating to the Integrated Pest 

Management program (IPM) as part of the USDA sanitation inspection. In addition, Inspectors 

should monitor a facility’s compliance to their IPM procedures, as part their audits of the plant’s 

QSP.

The Contractor is responsible for complying with all IPM requirements, as stated in the 

contract/solicitation. Most contractors will obtain the services of an outside pest control 

company, who will perform many of the necessary maintenance duties called for by the IPM. 

Some of the types of controls that an inspector might see in an OR facility are insect pheromone 

traps, insect electrocution devices, and various bird and rodent control measures. The locations 

of all traps and devices will be plotted on a facility map by the Contractor – a copy of this map 

should be made available to the Inspector.

The Contractor and/or pest control personnel will monitor the traps and devices and document 

findings, in accordance with their IPM. If the Contractor is unable to identify an insect, they

may ask the USDA/AMS Inspector to submit it to DLA Troop Support for identification (the 

Contractor is responsible for providing necessary packaging and sampling supplies, and covering 

shipment costs for these submittals). Prior approval from DLA Troop Support is needed before 

any specimens are sent. A DD Form 1222 (Request for and Results of Tests) is used to submit 

specimens to DLA Troop Support.

The Inspector will note any IPM-related deficiencies observed during sanitation inspections, 

especially those that affect adherence to GMPs or other sanitation/food safety requirements. 

These deficiencies should be documented on the sanitation score sheet and communicated to 

plant personnel, in the same manner as any sanitation issue. The Inspector must notify the 

Contractor and the USDA/AMS Supervisor if insects are found in product, on packaging, or 

within the facility (exclusive of the pheromone traps or electrocution devices - see previous 

paragraph for guidance on these). The Supervisor must communicate this occurrence to CSB, so 

that the information can be provided to DLA Troop Support (Contracting Officer and Quality 

Audit & Food Defense Branch), as required by the IPM requirements of the contract. The 

Inspector may be asked to send the insect sample(s) to DLA Troop Support.

Plant Survey

An annual Plant Survey is required for Operational Rations facilities under USDA/AMS in-plant 

inspection. This includes facilities producing meat, poultry, or dairy items. Supervisors should 

apply the instruction in Section 3 of AIM Inspection Series, Sanitation Manual. The Plant 

Survey can be accessed by Supervisors on Lotus Notes.
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Quality System Plan Audits of Sanitation and IPM Procedures

Sanitation procedures and IPM fall under QSP Section IX. (Regulatory Controls). Planned 

audits of this section of the QSP are conducted by USDA/AMS at least 3 to 6 times per year. An 

inspector may review compliance with any particular procedure, including correct 

documentation and completion of procedures by appropriate personnel. The Inspector should 

document a nonconformance noted during a QSP audit on a Corrective Action Report, as 

instructed in Section – Quality System Plan Procedures unless immediate correction is needed 

because of a GMP concern. If the observed nonconformance has created a GMP sanitation 

deficiency, the Inspector must document the issue following the sanitation procedures in this 

section. A future QSP audit may be planned to verify compliance with associated QSP 

procedures.
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APPENDIX I – GLOSSARY

The following definitions apply to SCI Division procedures relating to operational rations 

inspection. 

Contractor Furnished Materials (CFM): Material purchased by assemblers for integration 

into final, assembled rations, such as Meal, Ready-to-Eat (MRE) or First Strike Ration. 

Compliance: An indication or judgment that a product or service meets the requirements of the 

relevant specification or regulation.

Compliance Audit: A systematic, independent, and documented process by which USDA 

personnel obtain audit evidence and evaluate it objectively to determine adherence to the 

contractor’s written QSP.

Conformance: The fulfillment of a requirement.

Continual Improvement: Recurring activity to increase the ability to fulfill requirements.

Corrective Action Report (CAR): A report format used by government auditors to document 

(1) audit findings; (2) contractor’s response to findings; (3) auditor’s assessment of response; and 

(4) auditor’s follow-up assessment (if required). This report has been designated as the QSP3.

Deficiency: See Finding.

DLA Troop Support-FTSB: Acronym for the Quality Audits & Food Defense Branch

DODAAC: The Department of Defense Activity Address Code (DODAAC) is a six position 

code that uniquely identifies a unit, activity, or organization that has the authority to requisition 

and/or receive material. The first position designates the particular Service/Agency element of 

ownership.

Finding: A determination made by an auditor that a requirement is not being met; also known 

as a non-conformance or a deficiency. A finding is substantiated by objective evidence such as, 

but not limited to, observations, documents, etc. The severity of a finding is determined by the 

degree to which it affects the process or end-item. A finding is documented using a Corrective 

Action Report (QSP3) and requires contractor corrective action.

Food Defense: The protection of food products from intentional adulteration by biological, 

chemical, physical, or radiological agents.

Government Furnished Material (GFM): Material purchased from contractors by DLA Troop 

Support for delivery to assembly plants or receiving depots.

Higher Level Quality Requirements: Criteria developed by DLA Troop Support and included 

in most operational rations contracts requiring contractors to develop and adhere to an accepted, 

written QSP in order to ensure production of conforming product.
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ISO: The official title for the International Organization for Standardization.

Manufacturing Process Controls and In-Process Inspections (MPC): An outline of 

contractor responsibilities designed to ensure that all manufacturing operations are carried out 

under controlled conditions. MPC is contained in Defense Logistics Agency Regulation 

(DLAR) clause 52.246-9001, which is included in Section E of certain solicitations.

Non-conformance: See Finding.

Objective Evidence: The data supporting the existence of something. It may be obtained 

through observation, measurement, test, or other means.

Observation: A statement of fact made as part of the audit process and substantiated by 

objective evidence. Generally a comment made by an auditor when he or she detects a system 

weakness which is not necessarily a deviation from a requirement but which may impede the 

effectiveness of the contractor’s QSP. An observation may also be made by an auditor to 

communicate recognition of noteworthy contractor practices. An observation is documented 

using an Observation Report (QSP5) and does not require contractor corrective action.

Operational Ration: Food specifically produced to feed military personnel when supply lines 

are contested. Examples: Meal, Ready-to-Eat (MRE); Polymeric Tray; Meal, Cold Weather 

(MCW); UGR; etc.

Plan Review: A procedure to analyze and evaluate a written QSP, to determine compliance with 

the Higher Level Quality Requirements.

Quality Systems Plan (QSP): A contractor’s documentation and implementation of a quality 

system meant to ensure that product conforms to specified requirements. The written plan will 

include the quality system procedures, will outline the documentation used, and will meet, or 

exceed, the requirements of ISO 9001.

Rations National Contract (RNC): DLA Troop Support contract under which ration food 

components are purchased by assemblers for integration into final, assembled rations, such as 

Meal, Ready-to-Eat (MRE) or First Strike Ration (FSR). The contracts for producers of RNC 

materials are awarded by DLA Troop Support for a fixed cost amount and certified by USDA on 

the SC-66 or SC-146 Certificate forms.

Statistical Process Controls (SPC): A system of statistical audit procedures which, when 

performed properly, will identify control parameters to effect desired production performance.

Workbook I: Quality Systems Audit Workbook I, developed by the DLA Troop Support-FTSB 

Systems Audit Team to assist in the review and assessment of a contractor’s written QSP. This 

document in posted on the CSB SharePoint site/OR Worksheets/QSP Worksheets and Reference 

Documents.
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Workbook II: Quality Systems Audit Workbook II, developed by the DLA Troop SupportFTSB Systems Audit Team to assist in the audit and documentation of a contractor’s QSP 

compliance through direct observation of the contractor’s quality assurance procedures. The 

workbook is primarily used by the DLA Troop Support /USDA Joint Audit Team, when 

performing an annual audit of a contractor’s system. The workbook and is not available for 

widespread distribution. Contract a CSB staff member to request a copy.
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APPENDIX II – REFERENCE MATERIAL/TOOLS

ANSI/ASQC M1-1987, American National Standard for Calibration Systems

ANSI/ASQC Z1.4, Sampling Procedures and Tables for Inspection by Attributes

DLAR clause 52.246-9001, Manufacturing Process Controls and In-Process Inspections (MPC)

DLA Troop Support Quality Systems Audit Workbook I, Documented Quality Systems Plans 

(QSP) Evaluation Guideline 

DLA Troop Support Quality Systems Audit Workbook II, Compliance Audit Guideline 

ISO 9001, Quality Management Systems - Requirements 

ISO 19011, Guidelines for Quality and/or Environmental Management Systems Auditing

ISO 10012, Measurement Management Systems -- Requirements for Measurement Processes 

and Measuring Equipment

Military Solicitations, Section E-1-A-1, Higher Level Quality Requirements - Documented 

Quality Systems Plan (QSP)

Military Solicitations, Section E-1-A-3, Quality Assurance Provision, Statistical Process 

Controls, DSCP-H-94-001
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APPENDIX III – CHANGE LOG

06/08/12 Added the following information in Section 2, page 13: The USDA should 

provide the contractor a signed copy of the Lot Summary Worksheet after the 

USDA verification inspection activity is completed and a final lot status has been 

established. 

06/08/12 Added the Definitions and Reference Materials/Tools to the Index and updated 

the Table of Contents to reflect those additions.

06/22/12 Incorporated some text from memo called “Natick PDM Replenishment 

Samples” found on CSB SharePoint site, dated 03/02/2012. The text was added 

in Section 3, page 19 and provides an example on how to determine the correct 

date to submit a Natick PDM Replenishment Sample when a new contract cycle 

begins.

08/09/12 Added Section 17- Quality System Plan Procedures

01/07/13 Added Section 08- Operational Rations Database. Updated Section 14- Notice 

of Hold Distribution list- Removed Don Anthony.

07/02/13 Removed references to DCIS and updated with CSB (Contract Services Section). 

Removed references to Lotus Notes. In the Operational Rations Database 

section, added text to describe process when a second submittal (2) for a lot is 

needed based upon lots that failed to meet contract requirements and were 

offered for a second inspection. Added Ramona Hemphill as contact for DLA 

Troop Support Group Rations activities (submitting review samples and issuing 

Notices of Hold). Added Louis Obot as a CSB contact. References throughout 

the OR Inspection Handbook are now underlined.

07/10/13 Added Section 13 Certification.

07/23/13 Posted each Section individually on SharePoint with a “Current Edition Date”

listed on the first page of each section. The “Current Edition Date” will use the 

date 07/23/13 as the starting date for tracking versions changes. The complete 

OR Inspection Handbook will also list the Current Edition Date on the first page 

of each section. 

Added additional text in Section 17 Quality System Plan Procedures, on 

Paragraph G. Text is as follows: “These five documents are located on the CSB 

SharePoint site under OR Worksheets/QSP Forms/Worksheets.”

10/03/13 Added the following information in Section 2, page 13: The USDA inspector 

can release results of a non-conforming end-item test (exam) result to the 

contractor before all USDA verification exams are finalized. Notifying the 

contractor on a timely basis (within one day) will give the contractor an 

opportunity to take corrective action when subsequent lots are produced. For 

example, if a lot fails the filled and sealed packaging exam, the contractor could 

be notified of the failure even if the USDA laboratory test or incubation results 

are still pending.

In some instances, DLA Troop Support has given the GQAR approval to 

perform specific exams prior to the lot being offered to USDA. In that scenario, 

the results should not be released to the contractor until the lot has been offered 
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Effective Date: October 2017 Page 93 of 94 

for USDA verification inspection. In addition, the contractor should be aware 

and in agreement that USDA will perform that exam prior to the lot being 

offered and that USDA will withhold exam results (conforming or nonconforming) until the lot is formally offered. Additionally, in these instances, if 

the contractor finds a need to rework the lot prior to formal offering, due to a 

contractor end-item exam failure, USDA will return samples and disregard the 

USDA results obtained from them. 

Added “Edition Date” to Reference Materials/Tools at end of OR Inspection 

Handbook. 

07/17/14 Section 14. Lot Failure and Hold Procedures- For Group Rations, removed 

David Brown and added Ramona.Hemphill@dla.mil and John.King@dla.mil for 

DLA Troop Support contacts. For CSB, removed Michael Naito as contact and 

added Louis Obot. 

11/12/14 Section 08. Operational Rations Database

1. ORDB Version 2.2 released in July 2013 

2. New reports added that generate list of products/lots with full Inspection 

status

3. Final Lot Certification information no longer needs to be added 

4. Add comments to ORDB when bone fragments or fruit pits are found in 

samples

11/19/14 Section 03- Production Standards and Products 

A (9) - Define “Natick Replacement” 

F (7) - Introduce new sampling rates/sampling pattern for thermostabilized group 

rations products 

H (1-5) - Expanded “Documentation of Corrective Action” to include instances 

when Natick rejects Replenishment Production Standards. Previously limited to 

Natick rejects of Periodic Reviews.

I (1-6) - Expanded the use of “Documentation of Corrective Action” to include 

rejected products paneled at USDA review locations. 

J (1-5) - Defined “Resolution Lot” status. Term used by DLA Troop Support 

when they request increased frequency of Natick reviews for problematic 

products. 

K (6) - Special Evaluation Samples- Emphasized that samples should be sent to 

USDA review locations when there is doubt a lot is acceptable.

M (9) - Updated Email address for Jill Bates.

N (1-4) – Timeframe for submitting samples described in detail to ensure 

samples are submitted on a timely basis.

12/24/14 Section 03- Production Standards and Products 

M (9) Added John King and Clement Galligan to the email Cc list for Individual 

and Group Rations when notifying Natick of sample shipments. Added Debra 

Goffman to the email list for Group Rations Products. 

02/02/16 Replaced CSS (contract services section) with CSB (contract services branch).

Updated instructions on posting periodic review comments on SharePoint. 
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Replaced PPB with Specialty Crops Inspection Division

01/13/17 Major revisions of all OR Handbook Sections. Areas updated are highlighted in 

green.

10/2017 Updated to be consistent with other AIM documents. Hyperlinks to SharePoint 

site were added.