What is CAGE code, is there ECP contract format?

[thien2002]

I hear about the code

http://www.dlis.dla.mil/cage_welcome.asp

and I still don't understand what is the cage code since I just started with this defense contractor building hush houses for the Air Force and Navy. Now, my boss want me to design an ECP (Engineering Change Proposal) use to submit to the Air Force. I wonder is there a standard format used our there?

 

[swertel]

The CAGE Code stands for Commercial and Government Entity Code. Basically, it is a 5 digit code that represents your company. That way, when another government contractor wants to purchase your product, they can specify the part number of your product preceeded by the CAGE code. Otherwise, there is this part number floating around on some document and another reference has to made as to whose part number that is. That reference would include your company name, phone number, address, etc. and would have to be updated on every document that calls out your part number. By using the CAGE code, if you move or you change your phone number, all the referring documents are still correct because your CAGE code never changes and a buyer would be able to find your company in order to purchase more of that product.

 

[thien2002]

Thanks for your information on the CAGE Code, that is a helpful explanation. You are always helpful SWERTEL. Can I know more about Engineering Change Proposal, is there a FORMAT out there for us to use?

 

[swertel]

I can look up the one we use and see how it was developed. I don't think that there is a standard form for it. The best advice would be to get in touch with your contact person in the government and ask what they require.

A place to start though is

http://assist.daps.dla.mil

Click on the quick search link at the left and type in ENGINEERING CHANGE PROPOSAL in the title field. You should come up with 5 results. I read two of them and they are informative, but only give a partial answer to what you are looking for. One of them also refers to MIL-HDBK-61, which you can also get for free from the above sight.

 

[swertel]

I went back through our history. Originally, the ECP was per MIL-STD-481. That has been cancelled and superseded by MIL-STD-973. 973 has been cancelled with no superseding document. You can review these standards from the link I posted above.

Hopefully that search for Engineering Change Proposal and MIL-HDBK-61 will give you up-to-date information on the required ECP standard.

 

[thien2002]

Thank you SWERTEL for your assistance. I will have a meeting this FRIDAY about ECP and PIN (Part Identification Number). I already prepare a package for them if you give me your email, I can send it to you to take a look at both. How do u know so much about government regulation/standards, and what specific industry are you involved?

 

[swertel]

I work in the defense/aerospace industry. I get to deal a lot with standards and government contracts.

I don't give out my email address publicly, in order to avoid spam. If you want to display yours publicly, I'll email you first and then you'll have my email address. I don't know if I'd be able to review your package by tomorrow, though, so it's probably not worth it.

 

[thien2002]

SWERTEL, here is my contact asmehost@yahoo.com. Thank you for all your help.