Bbug
Mechanical
- Mar 11, 2015
- 1
QUESTION: Is there defined (documented) for the use of terms such as APPROVE(D)/APPROVAL vs ACCEPT(ED) when used in Buyer (customer) technical contractual criteria for supplier documentation? e.g. industry standard or regulatory authority.
BACKGROUND: I have a question regarding Contract Technical Requirements Terminology for Approval vs. Acceptance.
I work on a EPC (engineering, procurement, and construction) project. I review documents from responsible engineers that will be used as the basis for a purchase order to suppliers of SSCs (structures, systems, and components.) Within these documents we require suppliers to provide us with their internal documentation of their processes and controls as well as design drawings and specifications. These can be commercial off the shelf or design build items. With regard to these provided supplier submittals, the responsible engineer often states that we (will) "APPROVE" the use of this document to fullfill the contract requirements.
I was taught and take the position that when the supplier provides us with their document, we "ACCEPT" the document because we have no approval authority over the document. e.g. Our signature is not on the supplier's document. On the other hand, we "APPROVE" supplier requests to deviate from contract requirements and have a special form/process for doing so. Our signature IS on our form for approval.
This also leads to questions about DESIGN owner (supplier) vs DESIGN AUTHORITY (buyer) because the buyer understand the use of the SSC within the facility for which the buyer is responsible.
Discussion and opinions are welcome but I am looking for documented definitions that I can point to when challenged. (Engineers challenge each other?!? What a ridiculous thought!)
FYI: My work requires me to work within ASME NQA-1. Specifically, commercial grade dedication.
BACKGROUND: I have a question regarding Contract Technical Requirements Terminology for Approval vs. Acceptance.
I work on a EPC (engineering, procurement, and construction) project. I review documents from responsible engineers that will be used as the basis for a purchase order to suppliers of SSCs (structures, systems, and components.) Within these documents we require suppliers to provide us with their internal documentation of their processes and controls as well as design drawings and specifications. These can be commercial off the shelf or design build items. With regard to these provided supplier submittals, the responsible engineer often states that we (will) "APPROVE" the use of this document to fullfill the contract requirements.
I was taught and take the position that when the supplier provides us with their document, we "ACCEPT" the document because we have no approval authority over the document. e.g. Our signature is not on the supplier's document. On the other hand, we "APPROVE" supplier requests to deviate from contract requirements and have a special form/process for doing so. Our signature IS on our form for approval.
This also leads to questions about DESIGN owner (supplier) vs DESIGN AUTHORITY (buyer) because the buyer understand the use of the SSC within the facility for which the buyer is responsible.
Discussion and opinions are welcome but I am looking for documented definitions that I can point to when challenged. (Engineers challenge each other?!? What a ridiculous thought!)
FYI: My work requires me to work within ASME NQA-1. Specifically, commercial grade dedication.
