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Nadcap Process
Frequently Asked Questions
Boeing has selected the Nadcap process to supplement our method of processor control. The following is a
list of frequently asked questions about the program.
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1. Why do I need to have Nadcap approval?
Boeing has concluded that the Nadcap process offers significant advantages, including improved quality by increasing overall processor
performance and fewer redundant audits resulting in lower cost to the processor and Boeing.
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2. If a processor obtains Nadcap accreditation does it follow that they will automatically have a Boeing approval?
No. Nadcap accreditation for the technologies shown in the Boeing appendix on the D1-4426 website is a pre-requisite for Boeing approval
and an essential part of the overall processor approval method used by Boeing. Boeing approval will be based on overall processor performance
and the business need for the processor.
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3. Will the D1-4426 list be maintained?
Yes. The Nadcap accreditation will be one component of a company's approval to D1-4426.
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4 What happens if a processor currently listed in D1-4426 chooses not to pursue Nadcap accreditation?
Boeing will remove the name of any processor currently listed who chooses not to pursue Nadcap accreditation in the time frame we have published.
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5. Will Boeing offer any training or assistance to their processors? This is an expensive proposition for
small organizations. It may mean the loss of some approved processors.
No, Boeing will not offer training. Assistance may be offered to the extent there is a business need to do so.
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6. Will Boeing adhere to the Nadcap standards or have requirements that exceed those of Nadcap?
Processors are expected to adhere to Boeing specifications if they exceed or are different than current Nadcap standards. Boeing is continuously working within the Nadcap task groups to align Nadcap standards with Boeing requirements.
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7. If Nadcap requirements exceed Boeing requirements, does this processor need to meet both?
Yes, Boeing contractually flows the mandate to be Nadcap accredited, and therefore Nadcap requirements are Boeing requirements. The processor must meet both the Nadcap requirements in the checklists and the Boeing specification.
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8. Why is Boeing willing to pay more for these audits, when a supplier may add these costs plus overhead
to the price of Boeing hardware?
The cost of auditing is currently included in each prime manufacturer's overhead budget. This cost already goes into the
products we make. With the supply base paying for the audits, the cost will be spread across all primes and become part of the
direct negotiated cost of the parts processed. As there are many primes using Nadcap, it is expected the total cost for the audits
will be shared and result in lower cost per prime contractor.
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9. Why use an organization that will take up more of a processor's time performing the audits than Boeing currently does?
The Nadcap audit will satisfy the requirements of several prime manufacturers resulting in less overall processor time devoted to audits.
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10. Will Boeing still be visiting approved processors?
Yes. Boeing will perform all initial approval audits. Boeing is accountable for the quality of the product it delivers, so there may
be a need for additional visits by Boeing personnel. A risk-based model will determine the need for additional visits.
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12. What is the difference between a Nadcap audit and a Boeing audit?
The Nadcap audit is performed to Nadcap standards, which include common requirements from all subscribing primes. This audit is
in general a more in-depth technical assessment of the processor's capability. The Boeing audit focuses on specifications used by
Boeing. The processor will pay Nadcap to perform the audit. Boeing audits are performed at the expense of Boeing.
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13. How does my company maintain visibility with Boeing if Nadcap is taking over?
Nadcap is a means of supplementing Boeing processor approval and oversight. Boeing is an integral part of the
Nadcap process, and has outlined an internal procedure to review audit results with Nadcap. In addition, processors will still be listed in
the Boeing Approved Processor List (D1-4426).
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14. If Nadcap audits and approves to an "industry" standard, will Boeing change special process call
outs on engineering drawings?
No. Nadcap and the primes jointly define the criteria for assessing a processor's capability and compliance to requirements.
Nadcap does not define requirements to which product is built or delivered. Boeing drawings will not be changed. Processors will
still be listed in D1-4426 for the processes to which they are approved. Suppliers using approved processors will see no change
to the current listing and method of doing business.
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15. If the processor is qualified to only BAC specifications, what standard does Nadcap use for audits?
In general, Boeing requirements are adequately covered in the Nadcap audit criteria. We are working with Nadcap task groups to
cover requirements that are not currently included. Requirements not included in the Nadcap process may drive additional Boeing activity.
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1. My company manufactures chemicals, equipment and supplies for brush electroplating, which are purchased
by several Boeing divisions. We also perform brush plating service work. I believe these activities fall under different
specifications, so what system does a company such as mine register for?
The appendix listed in D1-4426 shows the specifications that require Nadcap accreditation. If your company is listed in
D1-4426 for a particular process, the appendix will list the appropriate technology category, and whether or not the process
requires Nadcap accreditation.
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2. Can you clarify specific requirements for metallic raw material suppliers? As raw material supplier we use "special
processes" as a part of our operations (e.g., heat treating and ultrasonic inspection). We are not a supplier of these "processes"
to other suppliers or end users other than in the normal production of our products.
The scope of D1-4426 has not changed. The Nadcap accreditation requirement is for anyone currently listed in D1-4426 for
processes covered by the mandate letter. The requirement is for "in-house" processing as well as subcontracted processing.
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3. Will Boeing require all specialized operations companies such as ours (brush plating), to become Nadcap approved
no matter the size of the company or the yearly sales to a particular Boeing division?
Yes. The Nadcap accreditation requirement is for anyone currently listed in D1-4426 for processes covered by the mandate letter.
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4. A chrome and cadmium plating facility is approved in D1-4426 to various Boeing and industry plating
specifications. They also have limited heat treat approvals for stress relieving and baking. Will they need to obtain full
Nadcap heat treat accreditation to continue with these processes?
No. The requirement for accreditation for stress relief and bake ovens is included in the chemical process audit for the
affected processes.
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5. If my company is considered a distributor of raw material, will I need Nadcap accreditation?
Accreditation is required for all processes which your company is currently approved as listed in the D1-4426 and its appendix,
regardless of the form taken by the end product.
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6. My company produces a limited number of steel die forgings for which we have Boeing-approved plans and existing D1-4426
approvals for heat treat and NDT. While reviewing the Nadcap criteria for accreditation, I noticed differences in Nadcap and Boeing requirements.
Will I be able to continue with my existing processing or must I get departures from Nadcap?
Nadcap cannot give departures for criteria. The criteria have been established using all prime manufactures requirements. Boeing expects all
processors to meet the criteria established as demonstrated through the Nadcap accreditation process and to produce product that conforms to
Boeing design requirements. Prime manufacturer unique requirements will still be flowed down.
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