DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY

HEADQUARTERS, UNITED STATES ARMY VETERINARY COMMAND

OPERATIONAL RATIONS INSPECTION PROCEDURE (OPRATS IP14)

Revision 7, 3 March 2011

Unitized Group Ration - A, Procurement/Origin/In-Plant Verification Inspection

1.0 PURPOSE: To establish standardized procedures for the food safety and quality assurance

of Unitized Group Ration – A (UGR-A) at origin.

2.0 SCOPE: This procedure applies to all Army Veterinary Inspectors (AVI) performing inplant UGR-A food safety and quality assurance functions at a contractor assembly plant prior to

OCONUS shipment. “OCONUS” also refers to Alaska and Hawaii deliveries for the purpose of

this Inspection Procedure (IP).

NOTE: With regards to UGR-A’s assembled by Wornick, Ameriqual, and/or Labatt and

shipped to Hawaii or Alaska, no origin in-plant inspections generally are required. However,

DLA-Troop Support may request inspections of these shipments in which case the AVI will

perform and document the origin in-plant inspection results.

3.0 DEFINITIONS: See applicable UGR-A Contract

4.0 REFERENCES:

4.1 Individual Assembler (Contractor) UGR-A Contracts

4.2 Solicitation Number SPO300-99-R-7001

4.3 ANSI/ASQ Z1.4-2003

4.4 United States Standards for Condition of Food Containers

4.5 DSCP Manual 4155.20

4.6 AR 25-400-2, The Army Records Information Management Systems (ARIMS)

4.7 AR 40-657, Veterinary/Medical Food Safety, Quality Assurance, and Laboratory

Services

4.8 DSCP website, https://www.dscp.dla.mil/subs/rations/programs/ugr/uaabt.asp#menu

4.9 Worldwide Directory of Sanitarily Approved Food Establishments for Armed Forces

Procurement
OPERATIONAL RATIONS INSPECTION PROCEDURE (OPRATS IP14)

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5.0 PROCEDURES:

5.1 The contractor will provide the AVI with a production schedule detailing the

quantity and menu numbers to be produced NLT 72 hours prior to the scheduled production run.

The contractor's representative must be present in the plant at all times in order for the AVI to

conduct these inspections. In the event that the contractor representative is not present, the AVI

will notify DSCP Operational Rations Quality Assurance Representative or Contracting Officer

for guidance at (215) 737-7802.

5.2 The AVI will develop a moving-lot sampling plan in accordance with Table I,

Inspection Level S-2 and Table II-A (Single Sampling Plans for Normal Inspection - Master

Table) ANSI/ASQ Z1.4-2003. The AVI will use the same sampling plan when inspecting the

perishable and semi-perishable modules unless the quantity of the perishable modules being

produced differs from the number of semi-perishable modules being produced. If the perishable

and semi-perishable lot sizes do not coincide, separate sample plans will be developed for

each. The AVI will establish for each different lot size of separate NSNs (i.e. Breakfast

menus and Lunch/Dinner menus) a separate sample plan. The Lotus Notes, UGR-A9 Origin

database calculates the sample size automatically. The AVI will apply strict random sampling in

all instances.

NOTE: When a moving-lot sampling plan cannot be accomplished then a stationary-lot

sampling plan will be accomplished. Stationary-lot sampling plan will be in accordance with

Table I, Inspection Level S-3 and Table II-A (Single Sampling Plans for Normal Inspection -

Master Table) ANSI/ASQ Z1.4-2003. Samples should be representative of the entire lot and

strict random sampling used.

NOTE: Grand-lotting of multiple like/same menus may be accomplished when necessary.

(Example of this would be when assembly facility assembles five B5 menus for five separate

orders at the same time. Rather then five separate sample sizes the five orders may be combined

and one larger sample size created to represent all five orders of B5 menu). The intent is to save

time and resources while representing multiple lots with one inspection.

5.2.1 The AVI will pull module sample cases off the assembly line for

inspection (or from completed pallets if stationary lot inspection). The AVI will not interrupt the

contractor’s assembly line operation unless a food safety issue is identified. The AVI will

immediately report non-conformances other than food safety issues to the contractor's

representative for resolution.

5.2.2 When changes to the contractors production schedule plan alters the

quantity of modules being produced, the AVI will determine if a new sampling plan will be

calculated to reflect the new lot size being produced.

5.3 The AVI’s in-plant verification inspections are limited to the following sections of

the contract:
OPERATIONAL RATIONS INSPECTION PROCEDURE (OPRATS IP14)

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5.3.1 Substitution of Menu Items or Brand Labels. The AVI will compare both

the menu sheet in “Box 1” of the semi-perishable module and the menu sheet in Attachment 1 of

the contract to the contents of the UGR-A modules. Written authorization for substitutions, as

stated in the contract, also applies to email notification received by the contractor from DSCP

and the contractor will provide the in-plant AVI DSCP’s written authorization or notification.

5.3.2 Date-of-Pack/Shelf Life/Freshness Requirements. The AVI will base

computation on the shortest shelf life component contained in the ration module. To determine

the shelf life remaining/Inspection Test Date (ITD), use Attachment 1 of the contract . For ITD

determination of condiment components, the AVI will utilize the inspection requirements listed

in the contract.

5.3.3 Packaging, Packing, Marking and Labeling of the UGR-A Modules. The

AVI will use the inspection requirements listed in the contract. Inspection will include the

sanitary condition, serviceability, and possible infestation of all pallets prior to unit load

configuration.

5.3.4 Delivery, Shipping, and Storage Requirements. The AVI will place

emphasis on the condition, wholesomeness, and temperature requirements associated with the

perishable components. For initial product temperature, the AVI will place the thermometer

between two primary units inside the case. If the initial temperature results indicate a

temperature nonconformance, the AVI will take the actual internal product temperature by

inserting the thermometer directly into the frozen product IAW DSCP Manual 4155.20. The

AVI will use the inspection requirements listed in the contract.

5.3.5 Missing Components. The AVI will count all items to ensure that the

required components in accordance with Table 1 of the contract have been included in the ration

modules. Table 1 is found in the DSCP website at:

https://www.dscp.dla.mil/subs/rations/programs/ugr/uaabt.asp#menu

5.3.6 Product Sanitarily Approved Source Requirements. All UGR-A

subsistence components must originate from establishments listed in the Worldwide Directory of

Sanitarily Approved Food Establishments for Armed Forces Procurement or be exempt from

listing in accordance with the Directory and AR 40-657.

5.3.7 Inspection of UGR-A Components. UGR-A food components are

expected to meet the requirements in Table II of the procurement contract. Table II is found in

the DSCP website at:

https://www.dscp.dla.mil/subs/rations/programs/ugr/uaabt.asp#menu

5.3.7.1 Inspectors should compare the description in Table II with the

labeling on the case/product.
OPERATIONAL RATIONS INSPECTION PROCEDURE (OPRATS IP14)

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5.3.7.2 Common deficiencies at origin and how to address them are:

5.3.7.2.1 Deficiencies that can be addressed with a

non-destructive inspection. This may include opening a box of items that are bagged but not

sealed. For example, the pork chops are loosely bagged. They can be removed, examined,

weighed and/or measured as appropriate. The inspector would take appropriate measures to

ensure that he does not contaminate the product. Then the inspector would return the item to the

container and tape it shut. He would annotate or make a stamp impression on the case that

indicates the item was vet inspected and the date of inspection.

5.3.7.2.2 Deficiencies that can best be checked at the point of

manufacture (not at the assembly plant), such as breading on chicken breast.

5.3.7.2.3 Deficiencies that can detected at origin (assembly plant)

or destination, but would require Destructive Open Package Inspection (DOPI). For these types

of inspections, the inspector should be directed to perform a DOPI or request the authority to

perform a DOPI because of some indication that there is a problem. This indication could come

from the label or condition of the case or some other reason. If the item is canned, vacuumpacked or sealed in a plastic bag, DOPI would be required to perform the inspection.

5.3.7.2.4 Deficiencies that can only be checked at the lab, such as

% fat.

5.3.7.2.5 Origin inspection will be non-destructive unless

authorized by DSCP. Inspectors will not perform grade verification, unless trained and certified

by VETCOM; alternatively the AVI may request support/supervision of a VETCOM Destination

Auditor. In the event destructive sampling is required to perform the above verification

inspection, written authorization will be provided by DSCP.

5.3.8 OCONUS Shipment Requirements: The requirements in the contract are

the responsibility of the contractor.

5.3.9 Additional Inspection Guidelines. The following guidance is provided to

supplement the current contractual inspection requirements for the UGR-A In-procurement

inspection:

5.3.9.1 The AVI will classify can defects IAW the U.S. Standards for

Condition of Food Containers/ The USDA Visual inspection Gauge (Metal Containers). The

AVI will not report “insignificant” defects.

5.3.9.2 The AVI will not physically stress the integrity of the UGR-A

component packaging in an attempt to verify suspected damage or leakage.
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5.4 At Time of Shipment.

5.4.1 The AVI will check unit load configuration for conformance just prior to

shipment of the palletized end item IAW Contract. Sample size for unit loads will be in

accordance with Table I, Inspection Level S-1 and Table II-A (Single Sampling Plans for

Normal Inspection - Master Table) ANSI/ASQ Z1.4-2003.

5.4.2 For all OCONUS shipments, the AVI will check the outside stringer of all

wood pallets for the stencil/brand/stamp indicating the pallet is Heat Treated (HT) or treated with

Methyl Bromide (MB) to meet quarantine requirements. The following are examples of the

markings required for each pallet:

5.4.3 The contractor will load all frozen components onto a conveyance with an

ambient temperature at or below 0 degrees Fahrenheit. The conveyance will be pre-cooled (prior

to loading) to 0 degrees Fahrenheit. It is the contractor’s responsibility to ensure that the

conveyances are properly cooled, cleaned, and inspected for infestation. The plant personnel will

check and record ambient temperature of the conveyance to ensure temperature compliance.

5.4.4 To the maximum extent possible, the AVI will be present during the

loading of the conveyances for shipment to OCONUS destination. The temperature

determination requirements are IAW the contract. The AVI will inspect the conveyance for

cleanliness and infestation prior to loading IAW Contract.

5.4.5 When the shipment is designated as "acceptance at origin," the

AVI will sign the DD Form 250, Material Inspection and Receiving Report (MIRR) or the

contractor’s invoice as final government acceptance. For Alaska and Hawaii deliveries, the

requirement for acceptance is at destination.

5.5 Procurement Inspection Reporting. In-plant AVI's will use the Lotus Notes, UGRA9 Origin Database for documenting all sampling and inspection results.

5.6 Nonconformance Reporting.

5.6.1 The UGR-A contract has no AQLs or accept/reject criteria. The AVI will

report all non-conformances to the contractor’s representative and to the DLA-Troop Support

Operational Rations Quality Assurance Representative or Contracting Officer for

guidance/immediate correction at (215) 737-7802.
OPERATIONAL RATIONS INSPECTION PROCEDURE (OPRATS IP14)

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NOTE: The reason to report to DLA-Troop Support is that the AVI have no authority to

accept/reject, rather only to make the recommendation to accept/reject and report this

recommendation to accountable officer and DSCP.

5.6.2 The AVI will explain all non-conformances in detail in the Lotus Notes,

UGR-A9 Origin Database.

5.7 UGR-A9 Origin Database.

5.7.1 Ensure to explain on each inspection whether the inspection was a

moving-lot or stationary-lot inspection. Also, whether grand-lotting was performed. This will

help the contracting officer when they review inspection results.

5.7.2 The sample sizes that automatically calculate on the inspection form in the

UGR-A9 Inspection database may not exactly match the actual sample size based on whether the

inspection was a moving-lot, stationary lot, and/or grand-lot. The sample sizes automatically

calculate for a stationary-lot inspection. This is okay, and why you must ensure to explain on the

form the requirement in paragraph 5.7.1.

6.0 RECORDS, REPORTS, AND FORMS:

6.1 Lotus Notes, UGR-A9 Origin Database.

6.2 If a computer is not available, the AVI can use a hard copy of DD Form 1714.

6.3 DD Form 1714 Filling Procedures (Enclosure 1).

6.4 DD Form 1714(Enclosure 2, parts 1 & 2).
OPERATIONAL RATIONS INSPECTION PROCEDURE (OPRATS IP14)

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Procedures for Completing a DD Form 1714:

Block 1: Contract number (SPO300-99-D-1111)

Block 2: Lot Number (enter See Block #25)

Block 3: Date of Verification (24 Nov 00)

Block 4: Prime Contractor (Johnson Co. San Antonio, TX)

Block 5: Lot Size (enter both quantities, 50 Perish/75 Semi-Perish)

Block 6: Verification Of (check Contractor)

Block 7: Plant Location (Dallas, TX)

Block 8: Drawn From (check either Original Lot or Other (In-Line)

Block 9: Defects Based On (check DHU)

Block 10: Item Description (D10 – Perish & Semi-Perish)

Block 11: Type of Verification (Contractor’s QAS)

Block 12: (N/A)

Block 13: Specification Number and Date (Contract/Solicitation/Origin Insp. Handbook)

Block 14: Number of Lots Verified to Date (N/A)

Block 15: Disposition (Check either block depending on outcome of inspection)

Block 16: Examination (Table II)

Block 17: Insp. Level (S-3)

Block 18 & 19: (N/A)

Block 20: (check Contr.)

20A: Sample Size (enter whatever the Table II identifies)

20B: No of Def. (enter number of total defects from both Perish & Semi-Perish

inspection)

Block 21 & 22 & 23 & 24: (N/A)

Block 25: Results

25A: Examination (Enter Box1 & Box2)

25B: Defects (Enter DOP & ITD, and list all defects)

25C: Tally (Change Major & Minor to read BX1 & BX2)

Block 26: Typed Name & Signature of Asst. QCR

Block 27: Typed Name of Senior QCR or SQCR & Office Symbol

27A: Signature of person in Block 27

Block 28: Remarks (Develop sample plan, to include lot size, sample size, list of random

numbers used to get samples for inspection, direction and number slots used

to get sample numbers, and diagram of pallet to identify how pallet was

counted to get samples identified using table of random numbers)

Special Instructions: Block 25 should be used to record all defects to include any notes, phone

calls made along with date and person spoken to. Under the Tally section

tally all defects under the BX1 or BX2 columns based on whether the

defects were taken from BX1 or BX2 of the modules. Recommend that

two back/Reverse pages be used for each module, one for Semi-Perish and

one for Perish. This gives you more room to report notes in Block 25.

The same sample plan in Block 28 should be used for both back pages

unless the quantities for Perish & Semi-Perish are different.

Enclosure 1
OPERATIONAL RATIONS INSPECTION PROCEDURE (OPRATS IP14)

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Enclosure 2, part 1
OPERATIONAL RATIONS INSPECTION PROCEDURE (OPRATS IP14)

Revision 7, 3 March 2011

Enclosure 2, part 2