Objectively evaluate designated performed processes against applicable process descriptions, standards, and procedures.

Objectivity in quality assurance evaluations is critical to the success of the project. A description of the quality assurance reporting chain and how it ensures objectivity should be defined.

The description of the quality assurance reporting chain is extended to include the relationship between the acquirer and suppliers. It is important to ensure that acquirer and supplier processes comply with applicable statutory and regulatory requirements.

The acquirer evaluates the project’s execution of acquirer processes, including interactions with suppliers, and reviews evaluation reports provided by suppliers to determine if they follow their processes. There should be sufficient process quality assurance to detect noncompliance issues as early as possible that may affect the acquirer’s or supplier’s ability to successfully deliver products to the customer.

Through the supplier agreement, the acquirer should retain the right to audit supplier processes if there is an indication that suppliers are not following acceptable processes.

Typical Work Products

1.    Evaluation reports

2.    Noncompliance reports

3.    Corrective actions

Typical Supplier Deliverables

1.    Reports resulting from evaluations carried out by the supplier

2.    Noncompliance reports

3.    Corrective actions

Subpractices

1.    Promote an environment (created as part of project management) that encourages employee participation in identifying and reporting quality issues.

2.    Establish and maintain clearly stated criteria for evaluations.

3.    Use the stated criteria to evaluate performed processes for adherence to process descriptions, standards, and procedures.

The supplier regularly provides process evaluation reports as defined in the supplier agreement.

4.    Identify each noncompliance found during the evaluation.

Analyze results of monitoring selected acquirer processes to detect issues as early as possible that may affect the supplier’s ability to satisfy requirements of its agreement.

5.    Identify lessons learned that could improve processes for future products and services.