(a) The head of the design control activity shall—

(1) Identify items that meet the criteria for designation as aviation or ship critical safety items. See additional information at PGI 209.270-4 ;

(2) Approve qualification requirements in accordance with procedures established by the design control activity; and

(3) Qualify and identify aviation and ship critical safety item suppliers and products.

(b) The contracting officer shall—

(1) Ensure that the head of the design control activity has determined that a prospective contractor or its product meets or can meet the established qualification standards before the date specified for award of the contract;

(2) Refer any offers received from an unapproved source to the head of the design control activity for approval. The head of the design control activity will determine whether the offeror or its product meets or can meet the established qualification standards before the date specified for award of the contract; and

(3) Refer any requests for qualification to the design control activity.

(c) See 246.407 (S-70) and 246.504 for quality assurance requirements.