BecTech® Quality Assurance Policy

“BecTech® is committed to total Customer satisfaction through compliance with requirements and the continual improvement of quality processes that translate customer requirements into high-quality, cost-effective products and services.”

Our Quality Principles are an integral part of our Quality Policy.

BecTech® Quality Principles

Empowered people make the difference
Customer successes and documented satisfaction are the key measures of our performance
Defined processes turn customer requirements into high-quality cost-effective products and services
Communications and teamwork are the cornerstones for improvement
Constant improvement of our processes is integral to certain quality.

Introduction to Quality

BecTech®’s Quality Management System (QMS) is a proactive and state-of-the art process designed to ensure that all products and services are delivered on time, at the specified cost, and in accordance with our customers requirements. The QMS is modeled after, and fully compliant with the ISO 9000 international quality standard. Individual tailoring of the QMS at the project level ensures compliance with all contract requirements. Through establishment of the corporate quality policy and support for the implementation of this policy, the Quality Office performs verification of compliance. Quality control activities are performed and maintained by the individual projects. This sharing of responsibilities ensures that the QMS is supportive of quality goals and objectives while being responsive to the needs and requirements of our customers.

QMS System Documentation

The QMS is described in a comprehensive set of documentation encompassing all aspects of the quality system from corporate policy to objective evidence of compliance. This documentation hierarchy is organized into three levels:

Level 1 - Corporate Quality Assurance Policy Manual
Level 2 - Operational quality instructions and procedures
Level 3 - Objective evidence of quality performance
Level 1 - Corporate Quality Assurance Policy Manual

The Corporate Quality Assurance Manual describes the BecTech® methods of establishing, implementing, and maintaining a quality program. This quality document describes the specific quality activities in accordance with ISO 9000 and any additional customer requirements.

Level 2 - Operational Quality Instructions and Procedures

Quality assurance instructions and procedures provide the specific details for implementing the quality activities referenced in Level 1 documents. These documents are developed, where appropriate, by the individual organizations responsible for implementation of the required activity. Examples are Quality System Procedures, Software Development Guidebooks, Incoming Inspection Instructions, Documentation Flowcharts, and QA Plans. The range and detail of these procedures is dependent upon the complexity of the work, the methods used and the skills and training of the personnel performing the activity.

Level 3 - Objective Evidence of Quality Performance

The product of the Level 2 quality instructions and procedures is evidenced by such documents as inspection and test reports, auditor certification records, qualified vendors lists, vendor certificates of compliance, meeting minutes, and corrective action requests. These documents, when completed, are part of the quality performance record.

Quality Planning

To meet specified requirements for products and/or services, program-specific quality plans are developed by the applicable project organization. Additional documents are developed, as needed, through consideration of the following activities:
Identification and acquisition of any controls, processes, equipment, skills, or other resources required to achieve the desired quality level
Assurance that the design, production process, installation, servicing, inspection, and test procedures are compatible with the applicable documentation
Updating, as necessary, of quality control (QC), inspection, and testing techniques
Identification of any measurement requirement exceeding current capability and known state of the art, including the development of any new instrumentation
Identification of suitable verification methodology at appropriate stages in the production or service process
Clarification of acceptability standards, including any of a subjective nature
Identification, preparation, and retention of quality records.

Quality Control

In support of the Quality Management System, the Program Manager will prepare a quality assurance plan detailing how that system will be implemented. At a minimum, for those processes affecting quality, the quality plan will identify how the following activities will be accomplished:

Quality Management System – issuance of quality manual, document procedures, control of documents and records
Management Responsibility – establish and oversee accomplishment of quality policy and objectives, quality responsibilities, conduct management review and ensure continual communications
Resource Management - resource provisioning, competence/training, infrastructure and work environment assessment
Product Realization - planning (processes, equipment, verifications), product requirements, design/development, customer communication, purchasing, process control, product ID/traceability, customer property, and monitoring and measuring devices
Measurement, Analysis and Improvement - customer satisfaction, internal audits, process and product measurements, control of nonconforming product, analysis of data, continual improvement, corrective and preventive action.

The quality plan also identifies how any customer contract specific requirements, not included above, will be accomplished. This tailoring of the Quality Management System ensures that the system is efficient and cost effective for our customers.

Quality Audits

In order to measure compliance to the Quality Management System, the Corporate Quality Office maintains an active internal quality audit program. Quality audits are scheduled, based on program needs. Any noncompliance issues identified during the audit are documented and issued as part of an audit report. Corrective action requests are issued and follow up activities include the verification of proper implementation and effectiveness of corrective action activities. Data provided by the audit process serves as valuable input to the process improvement function.

Quality Improvement

The cornerstone of the Quality Management System is the Process Improvement (PI) philosophy that focuses on customer requirements and building quality in, rather than inspecting defects out, of our products and services. Every employee is empowered and encouraged to constantly seek both product quality and process improvement. These policies are supported by our training program; with courses available for all managers and employees. Quality related messages and information are disseminated through standard communications channels (e.g., bulletins, corporate intranet sites, memoranda, and small group meetings) to enhance the knowledge and skills that directly benefit our customers, and recognize noteworthy quality-related achievements.

Approach to guarantee responsiveness and cooperation to customers

The BecTech® Team delivers responsiveness and cooperation to all our customers. Our commitment is implemented in our five-sided foundation of:

Commitment to customer satisfaction
Financial strength
Strong, proven effective management
Centers of Excellence
Conflict resolution

Our commitment to customer satisfaction is absolute. The BecTech® Team fully supports the government’s move to performance-based service contracts. We have demonstrated our pledge and dedication to customer satisfaction through compliance with DO requirements, integration of services, team management, controlling risk, phased start-up, control of assigned GFP, and quality assurance.