Fiber Rope, Cordage, Twine and Tape

Qualified Suppliers List for Manufacturers

(QSLM) 

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 

Manufacturers (QSLM) of Fiber Rope, Cordage, Twine, & Tape. The purpose of this QSLM 

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 Manufacturers who wish to participate in this QSLM Program must have an assigned 

Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) Code and become QSLM qualified. CAGE Codes may 

be requested online from http://www.sam.gov. To become qualified, a candidate Manufacturer 

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 QSLM program will be identified in the Purchase Order 

Text (POT). Once qualified, and listed as a source on the QSLM, the Manufacturer will be 

required to adhere to contractual clauses and procurement provisions with the responsible DLA

buying office.

The QSLM 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 here in Philadelphia. QSL 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 6D-139

Philadelphia, PA 19111-5096 
1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Qualification for placement on the Qualified Suppliers List for Manufacturers (QSLM), and 

the maintenance of QSLM status, requires the Manufacturer 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 QSLM Program is to ensure that the Manufacturer routinely 

controls his processes to provide consistent delivery of products that conform to contract and 

specification requirements. Three key elements are required of Manufacturers who wish to be 

listed on the QSLM. These are: 

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

criteria.

b. Evidence that product is fully traceable; raw material must also be traceable.

c. Products manufactured by a QSLM prior to their qualification date may not be

sold to another QSL participant for the purpose of supplying a QSL contract, nor

may the QSLM use such product themselves to supply a QSL contract.

2.0 SCOPE

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

which fall into the Federal Supply Class of 4020.

3.0 CRITERIA

3.1 MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY

3.1.1 The Manufacturer 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 QSLM 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 manufacturer 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 QSLM.

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 manufacturer's

business operations.

3.1.2 Quality Control Policy Statement - The manufacturer'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 manufacturer's QC organization shall be established and

operated independently from the functions of producing, processing or selling the product.

Those personnel performing QC functions shall not be subject to the supervision or control of

anyone engaged in the production, 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 manufacturer's QSLM 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 manufacturer 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 manufacturer 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 manufacturer's QC personnel shall review all purchase orders prior to issuance, and 

indicate acceptance by initial, signature, or stamp.

b. Purchase documents flowing from Manufacturer 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. Manufacturer must meet all contract requirements, e.g. 100% NDT testing. Moreover, such 

supplemental requirements must be evident in traceability record documentation.

3.3.2 Manufacturer 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 manufacturer establishes and maintains a list of approved vendors, 

including review of vendor performance, quality audits, and corrective action requirements 

imposed on vendors.

3.4 PRODUCT TRACEABILITY

3.4.1 Manufacturer Traceability - The Manufacturer shall identify its product by inserting a 

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 Command 

(DCMC) through site visitations or by virtue of recent verifiable OEM surveys/audits. 
Specifically, products from sources qualified as a result of QSL Office/DCMA site visits are 

acceptable upon QSL Office 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 accreditation.

3.4.2 Material and End Product Traceability

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

unbroken chain of documentation from the original raw material producer to the 

manufacturer's customer, regardless of the number of entities through which the materials or 

end product have passed. As a minimum, the documentation trail should include 

manufacturer's Purchase Order (PO) to its immediate vendor pursuant to DLA’s contract or 

order with manufacturer, in addition to each and every PO from manufacturer's immediate 

vendor through the actual Manufacturer or raw material source, for the material or end 

product. There shall be a control number which connects and identifies the raw material 

through all processes to the end product. This traceability may be identifiable by lot number, 

batch number, or purchase order number, and may be combined with the date of manufacture. 

Neither the date of manufacture nor the raw material merge number alone is acceptable for 

traceability.

b. Raw material traceability and test documentation must be secured and kept on file. 

Accordingly, these reports must be record-controlled in accordance with the following 

rationale. If you are a Manufacturer who: 

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

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

certification must show traceability to your (the Manufacturer's) purchase order 

number. The textile producer, here, is the entity that produces the fiber, 

polymer, yarns, or other raw material. 

2. buys raw material directly from a textile processor, and if you cannot obtain the 

original test report, you may accept the textile supplier/processor's test report 

or their certificate of conformance (or compliance), which documents the 

material's specifications, provided that this documentation unequivocally 

identifies the original raw material producer and the lot number of the preprocessed material. Again, this certification must show traceability to your (the 

Manufacturer's) purchase order number, and emulate that described in 3.4.2b. 

An example of a textile processor is a 'twist shop'. 

3. supplies material for which a certification described in 3.4.2b(1) or 3.4.2b(2) is 

not available, or when you provide material from a previous revision to the 

material specification, you may provide an "Accredited Laboratory Test Report" 

to satisfy this product traceability requirement. This laboratory may be an "in" or 

"out" of house laboratory. This laboratory must have been approved by a 

nationally recognized accreditation institution; and the test report must be on 
the laboratory's company letterhead stationery. Again, this accredited laboratory 

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

4. buys product from a distributor on the QSLD, or from a manufacturer on the

QSLM, you must fulfill the "Material and End Product Traceability" requirements 

as well as meeting all criteria elements. Procurement of products from another 

QSL source, such as a distributor or another manufacturer, does not provide you 

relief from fulfilling the responsibilities of the QSLM criteria and provision 

requirements. 

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 manufacturer shall document and implement a 

system:

a. that marks, identifies, and tags all products by lot. There must be a documented connection 

between raw material control numbers and the lot numbers of end products that come from a 

particular lot of raw material. Tags shall indicate the documented connection.

b. which provides to DLA and/or DLA's customer, the QSL 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 manufacturer 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. 

3.6.2 In-Process Control - Current work instructions shall exist per section 3.2 (Document 

Control).

a. Controls shall be instituted and implemented in accordance with documented production 

plans applicable to the operation(s) being conducted. Product shall be checked at specific 

processing stations to ensure that the specification requirements are in fact being 

accomplished.

b. Process control records shall include, at a minimum, inspector and/or data record 

information, lot identification, observation results, acceptability of product and corrective 

action taken.

3.7 INSPECTION OF MATERIAL

3.7.1 The manufacturer 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 Manufacturer's written inspection system shall include procedures that will ensure that 

incoming materials or 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, certificates of compliance/conformance or original test reports shall be

checked 100% against customer purchase order (contract) requirements.

b. Verification testing of raw material and of end product samples shall be performed, with the

results recorded and maintained.

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 manufacturer'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, logo, and general workmanship.

3.7.3 Manufacturer 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 CONTROL

3.8.1 Manufacturer shall have in-place and in-use, written instructions and procedures related 

to any testing required by contract or relevant specifications, when applicable.

a. Tests shall be performed by qualified/certified QC personnel, who shall use relevant

specifications or other appropriate test methods and instrumentation under prescribed or

otherwise appropriate environmental conditions.

b. Test results shall be evaluated, clearly documented, and traceable to the material and

product lot tested.

c. Tests performed outside of the manufacturer's facility shall be performed by qualified test

laboratories with the above criteria being applicable. Test laboratories shall be selected,

approved, and monitored in accordance with paragraph 3.3.2 relating to the vendor selection

system.
3.9 TEST & MEASUREMENT EQUIPMENT 

3.9.1 Manufacturer 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 personal equipment.

3.9.2 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.

3.10 NON-CONFORMING MATERIAL & CORRECTIVE ACTION

3.10.1 Non-Conforming Material

a. The manufacturer shall establish and maintain documented procedures to ensure that nonconforming product or material is prevented from entering or continuing in the distribution,

production, or manufacturing process. Accordingly, the manufacturer shall:

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

(2) provide a readily identifiable and adequate holding area for the segregation of nonconforming 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.

3.10.2 Corrective Action

a. The manufacturer 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 manufacturer 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.

3.11 STORAGE, PACKAGING & SHIPPING

3.11.1 Storage - The manufacturer'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 Manufacturer 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.

3.11.2 Packaging - Manufacturer'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 Manufacturer. 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 paragraphs 3.3.2 and 3.13.3 may be 

used. 

3.11.3 Shipping - The manufacturer's system must provide for shipment of the finished product 

from the manufacturer's QSLM facility to the packager or the consignee. 

a. Manufacturer shall select carriers for transportation of products in accordance with the

criteria pertaining to its approved vendor selection system.

3.12 RECORDS CONTROL

3.12.1 Manufacturer 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 manufacturer's facility or site 

that is QSLM 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 manufacturer's facility or site that is QSLM qualified. All records shall be made 

available to DLA-authorized Government representatives for verification purposes consistent 

with the Criteria and Provisions of this document.
3.12.2 The manufacturer 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. Manufacturing and Production Records including lot identification.

j. Calibration documents. (***)

k. Internal & external Audit documentation. (***)

l. Personnel qualification records. (***)

3.12.3 The manufacturer'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. 

3.13 AUDITS

3.13.1 The manufacturer shall have in-place and in-use, a documented system for planned, 

periodic self-audits and auditing of manufacturer’s vendors. 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 QSLM program. Audits shall be conducted as often as appropriate 

based on the nature of manufacturer's products. It is recommended that such internal audits be 

conducted at least annually.

3.13.2 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.
3.13.3 External

a. External audits shall be conducted on all of the manufacturer's vendors and processors in

accordance with a documented Quality Control procedure. Also:

(1) Audits shall be conducted on subcontractors and an approved subcontractor list shall be

maintained. On-site audits of subcontractor facilities shall be conducted at appropriate

intervals.

(2) A documented vendor selection system shall be in place which ensures that only approved

subcontractors are solicited and that products or processes, which are subcontracted, conform

to specification requirements. Vendor selection methodology must be in accordance with

paragraph 3.3.2.

3.14 PERSONNEL TRAINING

3.14.1 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.

3.15 PRODUCTS

3.15.1 Manufacturing Capability - In order to be classified as a Manufacturer under this QSLM 

Program, participants should perform a majority of the fabrication process in-house. 

3.15.2 Purchased

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

those products sold to DLA under this QSLM 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

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 surveys/audits.

Specifically, product from sources qualified as a result of QSL Office/DCMA site visits are

acceptable upon QSL Office 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 accreditation. Refer to manufacturer Obligations, paragraph 4.3.2e.
b. Products manufactured by a QSLM prior to their qualification date may not be sold to a QSLD

for the purpose of supplying a QSL contract, nor may the QSLM use such product themselves to

supply a QSL contract. Product from sources qualified on the basis of OEM surveys/audits are

acceptable after the date of the OEM certification or accreditation (such as ISO 9002 approval).

Refer to manufacturer Obligations, paragraph 4.3.2e.

b. Should these requirements of 3.15.2 be waived by the DLA contracting officer, then the

product granted the waiver is considered a non-QSLM procured product and must undergo

traditional quality control procedures, for example, source inspection.

3.15.3 Delivered - The manufacturer 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 QSLM Program is to establish and maintain a list 

of pre-qualified manufacturers 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 QSLM listed concerns.

4.1.2 To obtain and maintain QSLM status, the manufacturer 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 QSLM manufacturer 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 manufacturer 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 manufacturer's current Quality Program manual, reflecting its

compliance with the Criteria and Provisions for QSLM 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 QSLM 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 QSLM problems. The QSL 

Office will:

a. process applications.

b. qualify and requalify Manufacturers.

c. maintain the Qualified Suppliers List for Manufacturers.

d. conduct or coordinate site-surveys and audits.

e. remove Manufacturers for non-conformance.

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

g. make awards only to QSLM listed providers.

h. provide QSLM'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 manufacturer should be disqualified or removed from the QSLM.

4.3.2 Manufacturer - The manufacturer 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 QSLM Criteria section 3.12, and make them available for

examination by DLA, or DLA’s agent upon survey or audit.

d. permit DLA, or DLA's agent, to conduct site surveys and audits as discussed in QSLM

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 QSLM 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 3.15.3, Products Purchased.

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

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 manufacturers will include 

the basic application form and a copy of this document. In order to participate in the QSLM 

Program, a manufacturer 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 QSLM 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 QSLM 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 manufacturer applies to be qualified or re-qualified under the QSLM Program, the

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

other DLA agent, will be based on the Criteria in section 3.0. Surveys will include a review of the 

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

manufacturer 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 

manufacturer's Application for Qualification. Such surveys or audits may be used by the QSL 

Office in lieu of, or in addition to, QSLM site-survey requirements.

4.6 QUALIFICATION RESULTS

4.6.1 Upon completion of the evaluation process, the QSL Office shall notify the manufacturer 

as to whether QSLM 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 manufacturer along with a copy to the DLA buying office for the commodity of this QSL 

Program and will include the following: 

a. Designation of the QSLM Program under which manufacturer has been qualified.

b. Unless QSLM status is terminated, or the manufacturer 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 manufacturer's facility which has been qualified.

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

above.

4.6.3 When a manufacturer's Application for Qualification is denied, the QSL Office will issue a 

Letter-Notice of Denial of Qualification to the manufacturer along with a copy to the DLA 

buying office. Manufacturer 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 processes and procedures contained in

manufacturer'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. Manufacturer 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 The QSL Office or other DLA agent will conduct random announced or unannounced postaward audits of a manufacturer's facility to confirm adherence to QSLM Criteria. Audits will be 

an on-going policy during the life of the QSLM Program. All audits are performed at no charge 

to the manufacturer. During audits, random sample collection of the manufacturer's product 

shall be allowed for the purpose of independent laboratory testing. Thus, QSL Auditors may pull 

samples for later testing against specification or contract requirement. The Government will 

pay for the cost of such tests and the manufacturer's expense is limited only to the cost of a 

small quantity of samples selected. The manufacturer 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 manufacturer has in-place and in daily 

use, a Quality Program which conforms to the requirements of the Criteria and Provisions of 

the QSLM 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 QSLM REMOVAL / DISAPPROVAL

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

of those manufacturers who participate in it. Continued participation in the program is, 

therefore, contingent upon the QSLM manufacturer's continuing compliance with the Criteria 

and Provisions upon which qualification was established. The manufacturer's failure to comply 

may be cause for initiation of removal. The following are some examples of reasons for removal 

from the QSLM: 

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

specification requirements.

b. Manufacturer no longer produces or supplies the products of the Federal Stock Class

included in the QSLM Program.

c. Manufacturer changes its Quality Program or its facility location without prior notification to

the QSL Office.
d. Manufacturer does not file a renewal application at the end of its 3-year approval term, or

fails to requalify at that time.

e. Manufacturer fails an audit.

f. Manufacturer denies access to QSL audit or survey personnel, or to other personnel

authorized by the QSL Office to conduct such audits or surveys.

g. Manufacturer 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 manufacturer fails or refuses to

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

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

with QSLM.

j. Manufacturer 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. Manufacturer requests that it be removed from the QSLM.

l. Manufacturer 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. No deviations are permitted under

this QSL program.

m. Manufacturer 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 manufacturer 

from the QSLM:

a. When removal of a manufacturer from the QSLM is proposed, and after obtaining DLA buying

office concurrence, the QSL Office will notify the manufacturer by Certified Mail, Return Receipt

Requested, and/or FAX, citing specific reasons for the proposed removal. Manufacturer shall

have 15 days to respond to the notification.

b. Failure by manufacturer to respond to the Notice of Contemplated Removal within the 15

day period will result in immediate removal of manufacturer from the QSLM.

c. If manufacturer responds to the Notice of Contemplated Removal within the 15 day period,

the QSL Office will evaluate the response, including manufacturer's proposed corrective action,

if any, and will determine which of the following shall apply:
(1) removal from QSLM

(2) retention on QSLM

(3) further action, as appropriate

d. Removal Period. Typically, there is not a specific time duration for removal from the QSLM.

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 manufacturer from its QSLM, notice of such removal,

and the reasons for the removal, may be given to other interested Government Activities. Also,

if a manufacturer is removed from one QSL program at DLA, that manufacturer 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, 

manufacturer 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 QSLM Criteria and Provisions in effect at the time of Application for Requalification. Note: 

Failure to Re-qualify May Result in Removal of a manufacturer from the QSLM. 

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

that manufacturer's Application for Qualification is not approved, or if manufacturer's status as 

a QSLM 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 manufacturer 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 QSLM at 

the time of award.

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