Fiber Rope, Cordage, Twine and Tape

Qualified Suppliers List for Distributors (QSLD) 

Criteria and Provisions

PREFACE

The DLA Troop Support Construction & Equipment Supply chain, in conjunction with the DLA Troop 

Support Industrial Hardware Supply chain, has instituted a Qualified Suppliers List for Distributors 

(QSLD) of Fiber Rope, Cordage, Twine, & Tape. The purpose of this QSLD program is to establish and 

maintain a list of pre-qualified sources for certain fully competitive products which are purchased and 

managed by DLA. The Criteria for qualification are tailored along the lines of best commercial business 

practices. This document contains the Criteria and Provisions for the Program. The technical 

requirements of the program are contained in Section 3.0, Criteria, and the administrative procedures 

are contained in Section 4.0, Provisions.

All Distributors who wish to participate in this QSLD Program must have an assigned Commercial and 

Government Entity (CAGE) Code and become QSLD qualified. CAGE Codes may be requested online 

from http://www.sam.gov. To become qualified, a candidate Distributor must satisfy Section 3.0, 

Criteria, and comply with Section 4.0, Provisions. Qualification is valid for 3 years unless terminated or 

revoked. There is no fee to apply or to become qualified.

Only QSL listed Distributors and Manufacturers will receive awards solicited under this program. Items 

purchased under the QSLD program will be identified in the Purchase Order Text (POT). Once qualified, 

and listed as a source on the QSLD, the Distributor will be required to adhere to contractual clauses 

and procurement provisions with the responsible DLA buying office.

The QSLD Program application forms, criteria and provisions are published and maintained by the 

Engineering Logistics Support QSL office of the DLA Troop Support Industrial Hardware Supply chain in 

Philadelphia. Correspondence may be sent via email to trpsptqsl@dla.mil or mail addressed to:

DLA Troop Support, Industrial Hardware

ATTN: QSL Office (NASA) 

700 Robbins Ave. Bldg 6/D-139

Philadelphia, PA 19111-5096 
1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Qualification for placement on the Qualified Suppliers List for Distributors (QSLD), and the 

maintenance of QSLD status, requires the Distributor to demonstrate that it has in place, and uses on a 

routine basis, a Quality Program that meets the criteria set forth in this document. The objective of the 

QSLD Program is to ensure that the Distributor routinely controls his processes to provide consistent 

delivery of products that conform to contract and specification requirements. Three key elements are 

required of Distributors who wish to be listed on the QSLD. These are: 

a. Evidence of using a documented Quality Control Program which meets the QSL criteria.

b. Products sold to DLA must have been produced by a manufacturer who was listed on the QSLM.

If the products were procured from another distributor, that distributor must be listed on the

corresponding QSLD. Consequently, all products pursuant to DLA’s contract must be obtained

from, or flow through QSLM/QSLD providers. Drop-shipping from a location other than that 

qualified and listed under the given CAGE code, and designated on the DLA contract, is strictly 

prohibited. This closed loop flow must be supported by the provider's traceability 

documentation. No deviations are permitted under this QSLD program.

c. Product is not altered by distributors. Distributors may not arrange for subcontracted

alterations. 

2.0 SCOPE

The products that DLA procures which are included in this program are fully competitive items which 

fall into the Federal Supply Classes of 4020.

3.0 CRITERIA

3.1 MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY

3.1.1 The Distributor shall be responsible for establishing, implementing and maintaining an 

organizational Quality Control (QC) Program. The Quality Control program shall be documented by 

written policies, procedures, processes and instructions which meet the criteria for qualification, and 

which are contained in a Quality Manual. Further, the manufacturer's executive management shall 

ensure that the Quality Control program is:

a. under the control of the distributor whose Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) Code is

identified for the location specified on the Application for Qualification. Each location from

which product will be supplied must have a unique CAGE code, and must qualify under the QSLD.

b. applied consistently, on a day-to-day basis, regardless of customer. The QC program is

generally required have been in-place at least eighteen (18) months prior to applying to the QSL

program.
c. reviewed periodically, and that any substantive revisions in the policies, procedures, processes or

instructions of the Quality Control program are implemented by formal revisions to the Quality

Manual, a copy of which shall be furnished to the QSL Office.

d. implemented and applied on all levels and by all personnel throughout the distributor's business

operations.

3.1.2 Quality Control Policy Statement - The distributor's executive management shall develop and 

provide, in the QC manual, a written and signed statement of policy regarding Quality Control. This QC 

policy statement shall establish the resolve of the organization to provide quality products and to 

follow quality procedures.

3.1.3 Quality Control Functions:

a. Independent Function - The distributor's QC organization shall be established and operated

independently from the functions of processing or selling the product. Those personnel performing QC

functions shall not be subject to the supervision or control of anyone engaged in the processing or sale

of the product. The QC function shall include, but not necessarily be limited to:

1. inspecting and checking.

2. auditing.

3. review of test procedures and test results.

4. collecting and recording data.

5. identifying problems and trends.

6. verifying that corrective actions have been implemented.

7. suspending shipments when non-conformance has been revealed.

b. Delegation of QC Authority - When QC is delegated to personnel who are outside the executive

management of the organization, the delegation must empower those delegated the QC function to

implement fully the organization's quality program. This delegation must include sufficient stature,

authority, and organizational freedom to conduct the program.

c. Organizational Chart - The distributor's QSLD Application must include an organizational chart which

clearly sets out the organizational structure, functional responsibilities, and lines of communication

within the organization. The chart shall include the names of key personnel at every level. A copy of

the chart shall be resubmitted to the QSL Office whenever it is revised.
3.2 DOCUMENT CONTROL

3.2.1 The distributor shall establish and maintain a document control system which ensures that:

a. appropriate documents are available at the location where the particular function of the business

operation is performed.

b. only current or applicable drawings, electronic data, specifications, standards and work instructions

are found in operating areas.

c. review, modification, approval, revision, issuance and recall of documents occur in a practical and

timely fashion.

3.3 PURCHASING

3.3.1 The distributor shall have written procedures in-place and in-use, which describe that all 

purchased materials conform to customer's documented procurement requirements. Thus, written 

procedures shall exist to ensure that the following criteria are met:

a. The distributor's QC personnel shall review all purchase orders prior to issuance, and indicate

acceptance by initial, signature, or stamp.

b. Purchase documents flowing from Distributor to its source for materials or products shall include

express requirements for fully traceable invoices and Certificates of compliance or other original test

reports that meet the requirements of Section 3.4.

c. Distributor must meet all contract requirements. Moreover, such supplemental requirements must

be evident in traceability record documentation.

d. Distributor must assure continuous regular monitoring of the QSL qualification status for sources of

the products they supply to DLA. QSLD award recipients are ultimately responsible for providing a

QSLM product from a valid source. See section 4.10.

3.3.2 Distributor shall have in-place and in-use, a documented vendor selection methodology 

supported by its Quality Program. This written procedure shall delineate the method by which the 

distributor establishes and maintains a list of approved vendors, including review of vendor 

performance, quality audits, and corrective action requirements imposed on vendors. Only approved 

vendors, including packaging subcontractors, shall be solicited.

3.3.3 During the ordinary course of business, QSLD program participants are expected to meet the 

requirements of supply to DLA contracts through the use of their in-house owned inventory assets.
3.4 PRODUCT TRACEABILITY

3.4.1 Manufacturer Traceability - The Distributor may supply to DLA only those products that are 

identified with a manufacturer's marker tape, colored tracer filament, or other unique marking, as 

required by DLA contract or specification. The tracer filament color code shall be unique to that 

manufacturer. Product supplied under the QSL must be traceable to a Qualified source. Sources are 

qualified, under the QSL program, on the basis of verification of adequate process controls. Sources 

may be qualified by the QSL Office in conjunction with the Defense Contract Management Agency

(DCMA) through site visitations or by virtue of recent verifiable OEM or industry standard QC 

surveys/audits. Specifically, product from sources qualified as a result of QSL or DCMA site visits are 

acceptable upon QSL notification of qualification. Whereas, product from sources qualified on the basis 

of OEM surveys/audits are acceptable after the date of the OEM certification or industry standard QC 

accreditation (see 3.14.2).

3.4.2 Material and End Product Traceability

a. The Distributor must maintain a system of in-house traceability records which reflects an unbroken

chain of documentation from the original raw material producer to the Distributor's customer,

regardless of the number of entities through which the materials or end product have passed.

Documentation must include both the Manufacturer's lot number and the raw material's control

number. As a minimum, the documentation trail shall include Distributor's Purchase Order (PO) to its

immediate vendor pursuant to DLA’s contract or order with distributor, in addition to each and every

PO from distributor's immediate vendor through the actual Manufacturer or textile source, for the

material or end product.

b. The Distributor shall obtain from its source and retain on record a true copy of the original test

report or material certification for the original materials and/or end product at time of, or prior to,

material receipt. Certified test reports must be provided to the customer. Accordingly, these reports

must be record-controlled by the Distributor in accordance with the following rationale. If product was

produced by a manufacturer who:

1. purchased raw material directly from a textile producer, you must obtain and retain a

true copy of the original test report (or the original certificate of analysis). This

certification must show traceabilty to the QSL Manufacturer’s PO number. The textile

producer, here, is the entity that produces the fiber, polymer, yarns, or other raw

material.

2. purchased raw material directly from a textile processor, and the manufacturer could

not obtain the original test report, you may accept, from the Manufacturer, the textile

processor’s test report or their certificate of conformance (or compliance), provided

that this documentation unequivocally identifies the original raw material producer and

the lot number of the pre-processed material. Again, this certification must show

traceability to the Manufacturer’s PO number. An example of a textile processor is a

‘twist shop’.
3. supplied material for which a certification described in 3.4.2b(1) or 3.4.2b(2) is not

available, or which provided material from a previous revision to the material

specification, you may accept the Accredited Laboratory Test Report that the

manufacturer used to satisfy this product traceability requirement. You may use this

report only if this laboratory was approved by a nationally recognized accreditation

institution and this report is on the accredited laboratory’s letterhead stationery and the

report is the identical one on record with the manufacturer. Again, this accredited

laboratory test report must be similar to, and emulate that described in 3.4.2b.

3.4.3 Unacceptable Traceability Methods - The following items are unsatisfactory and unacceptable 

traceability methods: 

a. Handwritten - Test Reports, Material Certification Reports, certificates of analysis, certificates of

compliance/conformance, or Accredited Laboratory Test Reports.

b. Modified or revised material certifications, unless those certifications were modified, revised and

recorded by the organization which provided the original certification.

c. Verbal purchase orders and/or reports.

3.4.4 Product traceability attributes which may be used as a means to establish traceability include, but 

are not limited to the following:

a. Purchase order numbers and end product description.

b. Chemical content, where applicable.

c. Physical, dimensional, quantity, grade, and type information.

d. Where applicable, stamps, tags, labels, paint, routing cards, or other means.

3.5 LOT CONTROL AND MARKING

3.5.1 Lot identification shall be maintained. The distributor shall document and implement a system:

a. that marks, identifies, and tags all products by lot. Traceability to the manufacturer’s lot control and

marking system shall be exhibited.

b. that controls product turnover. This system shall manage product segregation within the inventory,

when technical requirements change while the product is in storage.

c. which provides to DLA and/or DLA's customer, the QSLM Manufacturer's certificate of

conformance/compliance, test reports, and material certifications for each lot of product, at the time

of product delivery.
3.6 PROCESS CONTROL

3.6.1 General - The distributor must establish, implement and maintain process controls which include:

a. procedures which will maintain the integrity and traceability of the product by providing for the

transfer of identification markings (tags, labels, filaments, etc.) or traceability documentation from

portions of a product which are cut or otherwise severed from the whole to the unmarked remnants.

b. the assignment of certified, trained or otherwise qualified personnel to each production or handling

process.

c. clear and complete written instructions regarding inspections required for any processes which are

subcontracted.

d. readily accessible, clear and current instructions, with checklists, for personnel who handle or

process materials or end products. The instructions shall be located at the work area where the task or

function is being performed. The organization's QC monitor shall be responsible for ensuring

compliance with the instructions and shall conduct periodic audits to maintain conformity.

3.7 INSPECTION OF MATERIAL

3.7.1 The distributor shall have in-place and in-use, written inspection/conformance verification 

procedures for all original materials or products from receipt of the goods through delivery of the 

product.

3.7.2 Distributor's written inspection system shall include procedures that will ensure that incoming 

products are inspected upon receipt and that conformance to contract and specification requirements 

will be verified prior to their use or processing. Inspection results shall be formally dated and recorded 

including authorizing initials or stamps. This inspection record shall be traceable to the material 

inspected and the individual who performed the inspection. 

a. Without exception, material certifications or test reports shall be checked 100% against customer

purchase order (contract) requirements.

b. Material certification reports shall be validated against specification requirements prior to material

processing or use.

c. During inspection all incoming materials or products shall be physically marked or tagged to ensure

that non-conforming materials or products are not placed into the distributor's system for processing

or distribution.
d. Receiving inspection, at a minimum, shall include and verify product conformance to requirements

through visual examination of quantity, type, size, finish, part or specification number, manufacturer's

identification, and general workmanship.

3.7.3 Distributor shall have in-place and in-use, a system of internal controls which regulates or 

maintains the security of inspection stamps, inspection tags, routing cards and other devices essential 

to the carrying out of quality control procedures.

3.7.4 Inventory obtained from buyout of a QSL company must undergo re-inspection prior to sale.

3.8 TEST & MEASUREMENT EQUIPMENT 

3.8.1 Distributor shall have in-place and in-use, a system for the control, maintenance and calibration 

of its inspection equipment, test equipment, gages, and other measuring devices, including personally 

owned devices.

3.8.2 Inspection and test equipment shall be calibrated on a routine basis in accordance with standards

traceable to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).

a. Calibration records shall be maintained for all inspection and test equipment. All measuring,

inspection, and test equipment shall be uniquely identified and labeled/tagged. Identification and

labeling shall indicate the date of last calibration and the date for the next scheduled calibration.

b. Written procedures and controls shall be formulated to ensure that inspection and test equipment

which is overdue for calibration is not used. Such equipment should be withdrawn from use until

calibration has taken place.

3.9 NON-CONFORMING MATERIAL & CORRECTIVE ACTION

3.9.1 Non-Conforming Material

a. The distributor shall establish and maintain documented procedures to ensure that non-conforming

product or material is prevented from entering or continuing in the distribution, production, or

manufacturing process. Accordingly, the distributor shall:

(1) identify, document and segregate non-conforming material.

(2) provide a readily identifiable and adequate holding area for the segregation of non-conforming

material. Non-conforming material must not be intermingled with conforming material.

(3) provide and apply effective controls to ensure that corrective action(s) are taken to preclude the

recurrence of the circumstance which caused the non-conformance.
3.9.2 Corrective Action

a. The distributor shall describe, document and implement a corrective action system.

b. Processes or procedures resulting in non-conformance shall be documented, recorded, reported to

management and promptly corrected.

c. The distributor shall have a system in place to notify all customers of any defective products.

Provisions shall be in-place for a total product recall, if necessary.

d. There shall be a system procedure which specifically delineates responsibilities for items such as

discrepancy reports, tracking logs, investigation results, follow-up actions and resolutions.

3.10 STORAGE, PACKAGING & SHIPPING

3.10.1 Storage - The distributor's system shall provide for control of the storage environment. A system 

shall be in place, and used to preclude deterioration of material or finished product. The distributor 

shall ensure that product meets shelf life specification requirements.

a. Products which have a shelf-life by contract and/or product specification requirement, shall be

stored in accordance with a documented system to control shelf time. This must include, but is not

limited to, identification which specifies the date of manufacture.

3.10.2 Packaging - Distributor's system shall provide for the control of the packaging process to ensure 

compliance with specified requirements. In-place process controls must extend to any subcontracted 

and/or off-site packaging services while remaining under the authority, responsibility and quality 

control of the distributor. Process controls must provide for continuing preservation of product, and 

must ensure the maintenance of product identity at all times. Only vendors approved and audited 

under Criteria paragraph 3.3.2 may be used. Each packaging unit (reel, hank, spool, coil, tube, etc.) 

must be labeled to identify the contents, and the labels shall be in compliance with applicable 

specifications and federal regulations.

3.10.3 Shipping - The distributor's system must provide for shipment of the finished product from the 

distributor's QSLD facility to the packager or the consignee. In exceptional circumstances, and upon 

written request, the contracting officer may grant a waiver of this requirement provided that the 

distributor continues to meet all of the Criteria requirements of this QSLD program. Moreover, the 

distributor must have written authorization from the Contracting Officer for each such waiver.
3.11 RECORDS CONTROL

3.11.1 Distributor shall have in-place and in-use, a system by which pertinent records are established, 

identified, maintained, controlled and secured to ensure their integrity. All such records shall be 

legible, identifiable, and readily available at the distributor's facility or site that is QSLD qualified under 

these Criteria and Provisions. If such records are maintained in electronic or computer media, they 

shall be retrievable and capable of being reduced to printed form at the distributor's facility or site that 

is QSLD qualified. All records shall be made available to DLA-authorized representatives for verification 

purposes consistent with the Criteria and Provisions of this document.

3.11.2 The distributor shall maintain, for at least 6 years, the following categories of records as part of 

his quality records system. The items below marked with "(***)" are required to be retained for only 3 

years. 

a. Raw Material (textile) Test reports.

b. Raw Material (textile) Processor Certified Test reports.

c. Accredited Lab Test reports.

d. Inspection results and/or reports.

e. Certificates of conformance/compliance.

f. Customer orders, contracts, delivery orders, purchase orders.

g. Invoicing and receiving documents.

h. Non-conforming material and corrective actions, including recall actions and customer

notifications and responses.

i. Calibration documents. (***)

j. Internal Audit documentation. (***)

k. Personnel qualification records. (***)

3.11.3 The distributor's records system shall include provisions and controls to ensure that the 

integrity of paper and electronic records is not compromised. Security measures are required to 

protect authenticity of material certifications and test reports, and to prevent the loss, deterioration, 

and unauthorized use, alteration, copying, counterfeiting, or distribution of such documents. 

3.12 INTERNAL AUDITS

3.12.1 The distributor shall have in-place and in-use, a documented system for planned, periodic selfaudits. This system shall be designed and executed to ensure and verify that the quality control 

program is adequate and effective to meet the criteria of this QSLD program. Audits shall be conducted 

as often as appropriate based on the nature of distributor's products. It is recommended that such 

internal audits be conducted at least annually.
3.12.2 Internal

a. Internal audits shall be performed by qualified personnel whose job responsibilities are independent

from those personnel having direct responsibility for the process being audited.

b. Audit results shall be recorded and shall be reviewed by management. The audit records shall

indicate the date and scope of the audit, together with findings and corrective action taken.

c. Corrective action pursuant to audit reports shall be fully documented.

3.13 PERSONNEL TRAINING

3.13.1 Management shall establish and maintain documented procedures for identifying training needs 

and provide for the training of all personnel. Personnel performing specific assigned tasks shall be 

qualified on the basis of relevant education, training and/or experience, as required. Appropriate 

records of training shall be maintained.

3.14 PRODUCTS

3.14.1 Altered - The distributor may not alter any products sold to DLA under the QSLD program. Only 

manufacturers may produce and/or alter products sold to DLA. 

3.14.2 Purchased

a. From the manufacturer of the product, through any and all distributors and/or suppliers, those

products sold to DLA under this QSL program must flow through valid qualified QSLM/QSLD

organizations. This product flow extends from the organization selling the product to DLA through each

and every previous organization which had ownership of the product back to the original

manufacturer. No exceptions are permitted under this QSL program. Sources are qualified, under the

QSL program, on the basis of verification of adequate process controls. Sources may be qualified by the

QSL Office in conjunction with the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) through site

visitations or by virtue of recent verifiable OEM/industry standard QC surveys/audits. Specifically,

product from sources qualified as a result of QSL or DCMA site visits are acceptable upon QSL

notification of qualification. Whereas, product from sources qualified on the basis of OEM or industry

standard QC surveys/audits are acceptable after the date of the OEM certification or industry standard

QC accreditation. Refer to distributor Obligations, paragraph 4.3.2e. An example of an accepted QC

standard is ISO 9002.

b. Products manufactured by a QSLM prior to their qualification date may not be purchased by a QSLD

for the purpose of supplying a QSL contract. Product from sources qualified on the basis of
OEM/industry QC standard surveys/audits are acceptable after the date of the OEM certification or 

industry standard QC accreditation (such as ISO 9002 approval). Refer to distributor Obligations, 

paragraph 4.3.2e.

b. Should these requirements of 3.14.2 be waived by the contracting officer, then the product granted

the waiver is considered a non-QSL procured product and must undergo traditional quality control

procedures, for example, source inspection.

3.14.3 Delivered - The distributor shall verify that products, prior to delivery, meet all contractual and 

specification requirements ordered by the customer. 

4.0 PROVISIONS 

4.1 QUALIFICATION

4.1.1 Program Objective - The objective of the QSLD Program is to establish and maintain a list of prequalified distributors whose regular use of in-place process controls is designed to ensure delivery of 

quality products which meet specified requirements. The ultimate goals are to improve quality control 

by rigid process controls and reduce product delivery lead times. Under this Program, source 

inspection of individual contracts is replaced by accepted commercial business practices including post 

award surveillance for QSLD listed concerns.

4.1.2 To obtain and maintain QSLD status, the distributor must comply with both the Criteria of Section 

3.0 and the Provisions of Section 4.0 of this document. 

4.1.3 Being listed as a QSLD distributor does not guarantee award of contracts to anyone. Contract 

award is by open competition among qualified distributors and manufacturers.

4.2 GENERAL PROVISIONS

4.2.1 The distributor must:

a. have in-place, maintain and use a Quality Program which satisfies all of the Criteria set forth in this

document. A copy of distributor's current Quality Program manual, reflecting its compliance with the

Criteria and Provisions for QSLD qualification, must be provided to the QSL Office with the completed

Application for Qualification. Any and all revisions to the Manual must be furnished to the QSL Office

within 15 days of the date of the revision.
b. maintain a single Quality Control Program; and use a single Quality Control Manual for both its

Government business and commercial business.

c. possess a Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) code.

d. submit its Application for QSLD Requalification to the QSL Office at least 120 days prior to expiration

of its current qualification.

4.3 OBLIGATIONS

4.3.1 Government – The QSL Office will serve as the single Department of Defense (DOD) focal point to 

consolidate findings and recommend corrective actions for QSLD problems. The QSL Office will:

a. process applications.

b. qualify and re-qualify distributors.

c. maintain the Qualified Suppliers List for Distributors.

d. conduct or coordinate site-surveys and audits.

e. remove distributors for non-conformance.

f. disseminate information to users about non-conforming products.

g. make awards only to QSLD listed providers.

h. provide QSLD's with access to a listing of approved distributors.

i. reserve the right to revert to the basic requirements contained in the original solicitation if the

distributor should be disqualified or removed from the QSLD.

4.3.2 Distributor - The distributor shall assume responsibility to: 

a. meet all contractual specifications and requirements. There are no exceptions or waivers unless

provided in writing by the contracting officer.

b. report any product discrepancies discovered, and corrective actions taken.

c. maintain records as indicated in the QSLD Criteria Section 3.11, and make them available for

examination by QSL agents upon survey or audit.

d. permit QSL agents to conduct site surveys and audits as written in QSLD Provisions 4.5 and 4.7,

Surveys and Audits.

e. coordinate open contract actions with the appropriate DLA Contracting Officer (C.O.), should you

become disqualified from the QSLD prior to delivery. Moreover, you must also coordinate open

contract actions with the appropriate DLA C.O., if you are about to supply to DLA or DLA’s customer,

product that was supplied to you from a Distributor or Manufacturer who was removed from the

QSLM/QSLD subsequent to your entering into your contract agreement with DLA. Product owned by
any manufacturer or distributor while disqualified, or unqualified prior to approval to the QSLM/QSLD 

is not acceptable for delivery under this QSL program. See also paragraph 3.14.2, Products Purchased.

f. provide other participating manufacturers and distributors with material which meets QSLD

requirements when notified by the QSL participant that the material being purchased is destined to fill

a QSL contract.

4.4 APPLICATION FOR QUALIFICATION

4.4.1 Application Request - Applications for qualification can be obtained by writing or calling the QSL 

Office (see Preface). Application packages sent to interested distributors will include the basic 

application form and a copy of this document. In order to participate in the QSLD Program, a 

distributor must have a CAGE code designation (see Preface for assistance).

4.4.2 Application Processing - The candidate shall submit the completed application to the QSL Office

along with a copy of his Quality Manual. The Quality Manual will be evaluated by the QSL Office for 

compliance with the QSLD Criteria. The applicant is encouraged to include references to recent 

government or industry surveys or audits of his facility where requested in the application. These 

references will be evaluated by the QSL Office and may obviate the need for a separate site-survey.

4.4.3 Application Revision - Qualified QSLD companies are responsible for notifying the QSL Office 

when their product lines or facility locations have changed. Companies shall request and submit a 

revised signed application once changes have occurred.

4.5 SITE-SURVEY

4.5.1 When a distributor applies to be qualified or re-qualified under the QSLD Program, the QSL Office

will customarily require a site-survey of the facility. Site-surveys conducted by QSL Office personnel or 

a QSL Office authorized agent, will be based on the Criteria in section 3.0. Surveys will include a review 

of the distributor's Quality Control Program and all of the systems and processes which the distributor 

is required to have in-place and in-use, under the Criteria of this document.

4.5.2 Industry surveys or audits may be considered by the QSL Office in the review of the distributor's 

Application for Qualification. Such surveys or audits may be used by the QSL Office in lieu of, or in 

addition to, QSLD site-survey requirements.
4.6 QUALIFICATION RESULTS

4.6.1 Upon completion of the evaluation process, the QSL Office shall notify the distributor as to 

whether QSLD status has been attained or has been denied.

4.6.2 If qualification status has been attained, a Letter-Notice of Qualification shall be issued to the 

distributor along with a copy to DLA’s buying office for the commodity of this QSL Program and will 

include the following: 

a. Designation of the QSLD Program under which distributor has been qualified.

b. Unless QSLD status is terminated, or the distributor is otherwise disqualified, the term of

qualification shall be three years from the date of the Letter-Notice of Qualification.

c. The CAGE code and address of the distributor's facility which has been qualified.

d. The address for receipt by the distributor of correspondence if different from that in "c" above.

4.6.3 When a distributor's Application for Qualification is denied, the QSL Office will issue a LetterNotice of Denial of Qualification to the distributor along with a copy to the DLA buying office. 

Distributor may not reapply for qualification until a minimum of ninety days has elapsed from the date 

of the Letter-Notice. The Notice shall cite the specific reasons for such denial. Examples of reasons for 

denial of qualification include, but are not limited to the following:

a. Deficiencies in the Applicant's Quality Program Manual which are numerous or which indicate that

action to correct those deficiencies will require an extended period of time.

b. Site-survey has shown that implementation of the processes and procedures contained in

distributor's Quality Control Program Manual, and required by the Criteria and Provisions of this

document, has not been accomplished.

c. When the QSL Office has provided the Applicant with specific corrective action to be taken for

qualification approval, and Applicant has not responded within the time specified in the Letter-Notice

or after 90 days, the Application for Qualification will be considered withdrawn.

d. Distributor is debarred, otherwise determined to be ineligible for awards of Government contracts,

or has been found to have engaged in practices which indicate less than acceptable integrity or

business ethics.
4.7 AUDITS

4.7.1 QSL Office personnel or other QSL-authorized agent will conduct random announced or 

unannounced post-award audits of a distributor's facility to confirm adherence to QSLD Criteria. Audits 

will be an on-going policy during the life of the QSLD Program. All audits are performed at no charge to 

the distributor. During audits, random sample collection of the distributor's product shall be allowed 

for the purpose of independent laboratory testing. Thus, QSL audit personnel may pull samples for 

later testing against specification or contract requirement. The Government will pay for the cost of 

such tests and the distributor's expense is limited only to the cost of a small quantity of samples 

selected. The distributor shall be provided with a copy of the test results when non-conformance has 

been found.

4.7.2 The purpose of a facility audit is to ensure that the distributor has in-place and in daily use, a 

Quality Program which conforms to the requirements of the Criteria and Provisions of the QSLD 

Program, as reflected in this document. An audit will involve the examination of applicable documents, 

processes and procedures, as well as the various systems required for attainment of qualification. 

4.8 QSLD REMOVAL / DISAPPROVAL

4.8.1 Reasons for Removal - The success of the QSLD Program is dependent upon the integrity of those 

distributors who participate in it. Continued participation in the program is, therefore, contingent upon 

the QSLD distributor's continuing compliance with the Criteria and Provisions upon which qualification 

was established. The distributor's failure to comply may be cause for initiation of removal. The 

following are some examples of reasons for removal from the QSLD: 

a. The product(s) furnished by the distributor under its contract(s) does not meet contract or

specification requirements.

b. Distributor no longer produces or supplies the products of the Federal Stock Class included in this

QSLD Program.

c. Distributor changes its Quality Program or its facility location without prior notification to the QSL

Office.

d. Distributor does not file a renewal application at the end of its 3-year approval term, or fails to

requalify at that time.

e. Distributor fails an audit.

f. Distributor denies access to QSL audit or survey personnel, or to other personnel authorized by the

QSL Office to conduct such audits or surveys.
g. Distributor ships products from a location other than that for which it has been qualified or

authorized.

h.Qualification Criteria and/or Provisions are revised, and distributor fails or refuses to comply with

revised Criteria and/or Provisions following opportunity to do so.

i. Distributor misrepresents its quality control process(es) or manual regarding compliance with 

QSLD.

j. Distributor is debarred, otherwise determined to be ineligible for awards of Government 

contracts, or has been found to have engaged in practices which indicate less than acceptable 

integrity or business ethics.

k. Distributor requests that it be removed from the QSLD.

l. Distributor supplies product to DLA or its customers which flowed through a non-QSL provider. 

Any and all product sold to DLA or its customers must flow through QSL providers during the entire

production/supply path of the product, under this program. No deviations are permitted under this

QSL program.

m. Distributor receives Corrective Action Request from Defense Contract Management Agency or 

other quality oversight department of the federal government. 

4.8.2 Procedures for Removal - The following provisions apply to removal of a distributor from the

QSLD:

a. When removal of a distributor from the QSLD is proposed, and after obtaining DLA buying office

concurrence, the QSL Office will notify the distributor by Certified Mail, Return Receipt Requested,

and/or FAX, citing specific reasons for the proposed removal. Distributor shall have 15 days to respond

to the notification.

b. Failure by distributor to respond to the QSL Office Notice of Contemplated Removal within the 15

day period will result in immediate removal of distributor from the QSLD.

c. If distributor responds to the QSL Office Notice of Contemplated Removal within the 15 day period,

the QSL Office will evaluate the response, including distributor's proposed corrective action, if any, and

will determine which of the following shall apply:

(1) removal from QSLD

(2) retention on QSLD

(3) further action, as appropriate

d. Removal Period. Typically, there is no specific time duration for removal from the QSLD. However,

90 days is normally imposed, as we recognize that this period of time is usually necessary to document

process control changes and implement and test corrective actions associated with the disqualification.

When the corrective action involves more than one deficiency, removal periods in excess of 90 days

may be applied at the discretion of the QSL Office.
e. When the QSL Office has removed a distributor from its QSLD, notice of such removal, and the

reasons for the removal, may be given to other interested Government Activities. Also, if a distributor

is removed from one QSL program at DLA, that distributor may be removed from all QSL programs at

DLA. The QSL Internet Page will also reflect such removals to preclude participants from buying from

an unauthorized source.

4.9 REQUALIFICATION

4.9.1 Requalification by Renewal - Requalification is required upon the lapse of three years from the 

date of last qualification. To ensure that no gap in qualification status occurs, distributor should 

request a qualification package from the QSL Office at least 120 days prior to expiration of its current 

3-year qualification period. Requirements for requalification shall be those QSLD Criteria and

Provisions in effect at the time of Application for Requalification. Note: Failure to Requalify May Result

in Removal of a distributor from the QSLD.

4.9.2 Requalification subsequent to Removal or Qualification after Disapproval - In the event that 

distributor's Application for Qualification is not approved, or if distributor's status as a QSLD concern is 

discontinued, qualification will not occur until the QSL Office has determined that satisfactory evidence 

has been submitted which establishes that all deficiencies have been adequately corrected. 

4.9.3 Reapplication subsequent to Removal

a. A new application may be submitted after all corrective actions have been implemented and

described in a letter accompanying the application. The distributor must send in a new QC manual if it

has been revised significantly.

b. The re-application and letter should be sent to the address listed in the Preface.

4.10 SOLICITATION/AWARD

4.10.1 To be eligible for award under this program, an offeror must be listed on the QSLD at the time of 

award.

4.10.2 QSL contract recipients must verify qualification status of their material sources at the time of 

award. The primary source for this verification is the QSL internet Home Page.

5.0 DEFINITIONS
CAGE - Commercial and Government Entity. This designation is a unique five digit alphanumeric 

sequence of characters; it is issued for a specific location.

DISTRIBUTOR A source or concern which owns, operates, or maintains a store, warehouse, or other 

establishment in which finished FSC 4020 products are bought, kept in stock, and sold to the public in 

the usual course of business. The Distributor basically stocks and resells only the completed product 

and may NOT alter, modify or produce that product.

DOCUMENTS Printed or written information, or electronically stored information which is retrievable 

and subject to being reduced to a printed form. These include, but are not limited to bills of material, 

calibration records, certifications, contracts, drawings, instructions, manuals, packing slips, procedures, 

purchase orders, standards, specifications, test plans and test reports, and records of all kinds. 

Modifications or revisions to any of the foregoing constitute documents.

MANUFACTURER An organization which owns, operates or maintains a factory or establishment and, 

in the ordinary course of its business, substantially produces or fabricates fiber rope, cordage, twine, or 

tape on the premises from raw materials.

MATERIAL CERTIFICATION REPORT A document generated by a material supplier or producer which 

demonstrates, for original/raw materials, conformance to contract or specification requirements. 

QUALIFIED SUPPLIERS LIST for DISTRIBUTORS (QSLD) The list of distributors who have met the

Qualified Suppliers List for Distributors Criteria, and have agreed to the Provisions therein. 

QUALIFIED SUPPLIERS LIST for MANUFACTURERS (QSLM) The list of manufacturers who have met the

Qualified Suppliers List for Manufacturers Criteria and have agreed to the Provisions therein. 

QUALITY CONTROL PROGRAM The manufacturer's entire program of procedures, process controls, 

inspections, audits and systems which ensures that the manufacturer's products conform to specified 

requirements.

TRACEABILITY The documented trail of the product covered by the DLA contract or order through all 

Manufacturers and/or intermediate processors to the Manufacturer or producer of the product or 

material.

VENDOR As used in this document, a person, organization, or entity from or through whom any 

product, service, or portion thereof, covered by the DLA contract or order was purchased by the DLA

prime contractor.

REVISION 1 - 01/10/2018