Military Aircraft Parts

ARMED SERVICES BOARD OF CONTRACT APPEALS
Appeal of -- )
)
Military Aircraft Parts ) ASBCA No. 59978
)
Under Contract No. SPM4A7-l 1-M-T291 )
APPEARANCE FOR THE APPELLANT: Mr. Robert E. Marin
President
APPEARANCES FOR THE GOVERNMENT: Daniel K. Poling, Esq.
DLA Chief Trial Attorney
Edward R. Murray, Esq.
Jason D. Morgan, Esq.
Trial Attorneys
DLA Aviation
Richmond, VA
OPINION BY ADMINISTRATIVE JUDGE CLARKE
PURSUANT TO BOARD RULE 12.2
This is a Rule 12.2 1 expedited appeal. Military Aircraft Parts (MAP) appeals the
termination for default of its contract with the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) for
certain aircraft ducts based on DLA's disapproval ofMAP's first articles. We have
jurisdiction pursuant to the Contract Disputes Act of 1978 (CDA), 41 U.S.C.
§§ 7101-7109. We sustain the appeal.
FINDINGS OF FACT
1. MAP was awarded Contract No. SPM4A7-l 1-M-T291on11August2011 in
the amount of $25,565. The contract required MAP to manufacture one first article (FA)
and seven production welded aluminum air duct assemblies part No. 16Y226-1. (R4,
tab 1at1, 3, 8, 9) The contract included FAR 52.209-4, FIRST ARTICLEAPPROVAL-
GOVERNMENT TESTING (SEP 1989); and FAR 52.249-8, DEFAULT (FIXED-PRICE SUPPLY
AND SERVICE (APR 1984) (R4, tab 1at14, 16). FAR 52.209-4(h) provides that a first
article may be approved, conditionally approved or disapproved. It also states, "Before
first article approval, the acquisition of materials or components for, or the
commencement of production of, the balance of the contract quantity is at the sole risk of
1
The Contract Disputes Act, implemented by Board Rule 12.2, provides that this
decision shall have no value as precedent, and in the absence of fraud, shall be
final and conclusive and may not be appealed or set aside.
the Contractor." FAR 52.249-8 allowed the government to terminate the contract for
default if the contractor failed to deliver the supplies within the time specified and if later
determined that the contractor was not in default or its default was excusable, the
termination is converted to one for the government's convenience.
2. The assembly drawing for this part is 16Y226, "DUCT, MANIFOLD-CABIN
AIR" (app. supp. R4, tab 102). Relevant drawing notes are:
1. WELD PER Ml05. INSPECT WELDS PER
FPS-1097, CLASS III.
2. MANUFACTURING PROCESS TEST,
PROOF TEST -1 ASSY TO 25 PSIG AT ROOM
TEMPERATURE. NOLEAKAGEORPERMANENT
DEFORMATION ALLOWED.
(Id.) Drawing l 6Y226 also specifies dimensions that the duct assembly must meet with
general tolerances of".XX +/- .03, .XXX +/- .010, .X +/- .l" (id.). These were referred
to as "default tolerances" that were to be used on dimensions shown on the drawings
(tr. 11134, 271-72, 2/69). FPS-1097, CLASS III, requires that weld inspection shall be
conducted in accordance with paragraph 3.2.3 (app. supp. R4, tab 103 at 28) that requires
visual inspection to be performed in a "well-lit area with light intensity of 75 ft-candle or
higher and at a magnification not higher than 1OX" (id. at 20).
3. Drawing l 6Y226 calls out a total of four couplings identified on the drawing as
C755 l-3-16, C755 l-3-40 (two places), and C755 l-3-48 (app. supp. R4, tab 102). The
drawing for the parts, drawing C755 l, "COUPLING, FLEXIBLE, FIXED CAVITY,"
identifies dimensions for these couplings in Table 3 as follows:
LM NOM CDIA DMIN KDIA XDIA
AERO TUBE OD MAX MAX +/- .002
SIZE (REF)
DASH
NOb
-16 1.000 .935 .684 1.273 1.263
-40 2.500 2.435 .709 2.813 2.806
-48 3.000 2.935 .709 3.313 3.306
(R4, tab 30, sheet 5) The "K DIA MAX" does not have a+/- tolerance because it is a
maximum dimension (tr. 11218).
4. MAP submitted an FA 31May2013 that was disapproved on 20 June 2013
(R4, tab 10 at 2 of3). The disapproval was based on a list of six discrepancies
2
summarized as follows: the 1.32-inch dimension on assembly drawing 16Y226 was
out-of-tolerance; three dimensions on coupling drawing C755 l were out-of-tolerance
after welding; weld penetration at Joint 23 was too thick; and there was no pressure test
certification (R4, tab 10 at 4). In forwarding the FA test results to DLA, Mr. Lewis, FA
program manager, Hill Air Force Base (AFB), Utah, wrote, "A resubmittal will be
required" (id. at 3). This FA inspection was performed by Mr. Hamblin, dimensional
technician2 (app. supp. R4, tab 110 at 6). The government did not present Mr. Hamblin
at the hearing. Mr. Schabacker, lead engineer, F-16 program office, Hill AFB, testified
that flange distortion on the C755 l coupling after welding is a known condition and
should be addressed in the Technical Data Package (TDP) (tr. 11136, 143). The 16Y226
TDP in MAP's contract did not contain any information as to the acceptable change in
C755 l flange dimensions (distortion) due to welding (tr. 11143, 2/43, 47).
Mr. Schabacker testified that they had the option of doing a "fit test" to see if an FA can
actually be installed in an F-16, but that it is rarely done (tr. 11147). The record, however,
includes an example of where Mr. Schabacker requested a fit test for the same part from
another manufacturer with out-of-round condition (app. supp. R4, tab 113 at 10). The
response was, "after looking at the install of this duct and talking with a technician the
install of this duct will require loosening of other attaching ducts where slight
adjustments can accommodate these discrepancies. Conditional approve." (Id. at 9)
5. On 14 August 2013 MAP responded to the six discrepancies (R4, tab 11). It
said it "re-measured with a CMM[31 and the 1.32" +/- .03" dimension was verified to be
1.3222" that met the specification. A copy of the result was attached and MAP offered to
repeat the measurement with the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA)
present. Mr. Valenzuela is an inspector at MAP with thirty years of experience (tr. 2/60).
He has twenty years of experience using a CMM (tr. 2/63). He performed the CMM
measurements on the disapproved first FA returned from Hill AFB (id.). He testified that
he got good dimensions (id.). He inspected the welds on both disapproved FAs and
thought they were acceptable (tr. 2/65). If it was a "little too thick" it could be repaired
(tr. 2/65-66). The three C755 l flange dimensions are required prior to welding and the
drawings have no dimension requirement for these parts after welding (tr. 2/67-68).
Mr. Marin testified that the drawings listed on pages 5 to 8of16 of the contract apply to
the duct, but that only drawings with an entry next to "TYPE NUMBER" are applicable to
final inspection (tr. 2/207; R4, tab 1 at 5-8of16). The only drawing with an entry next to
the "TYPE NUMBER" is drawing l 6Y226, all the other drawings have no entry next to
type number (R4, tab 1 at 5of16). The omission of a type number on the drawing C755 l
means that it is not applicable to the final assembly (tr. 2/207; R4, tab 1 at 6of16). The
2
The second FA was inspected by Mr. Madison, also a dimensional technician, who
testified that he was not trained to inspect welds (tr. 1116-17, 22-24 ). There is no
evidence in the record that Mr. Hamblin is a trained weld inspector.
3
Coordinate Measuring Machine (tr. 1117).
3
government did not rebut this testimony. Also, Mr. Marin testified that the government
could have included notice that the +/- .002 tolerance would be applied after welding in
the "exceptions" section of the contract, and if they had, MAP would not have bid on the
contract (tr. 2/208-09; R4, tab 1 at 3of16). Mr. Marin and Mr. Valenzuela testified that
the default tolerances on the 16Y226 drawing only apply to dimensions actually shown on
the drawing (tr. 2/69, 209). Mr. Valenzuela testified "there was no way to conceivably
stop" flange distortion during welding (tr. 2/68). MAP attached a certification and picture
of a pressure gage attached to the duct assembly reading 27 psi (R4, tab 11).
6. Mr. Nguyen was a certified welder working for MAP with 20 years of experience
(tr. 2/81-82). He welded the first FA (tr. 2/83-84). He used a copper heat sink to minimize
distortion (tr. 2/84). He was asked about the first FA test result indicating that the weld
penetration at Joint 23 exceeded .08 inches. He agreed that part of the weld was a little
thick but it could be ground down in 15 minutes to satisfy the government. (Tr. 2/84-85)
Mr. Schabacker testified that the excessive weld penetration could be ground down but was
unsure if the specification would allow it (tr. 11203). Mr. Nguyen testified that he "cannot
get" the+/- .002 tolerance on the flanges after welding but that he can hold distortion to
+/- .005 (tr. 2/92). He typically sees the post-welding tolerance on assembly drawings
(tr. 2/92-93).
7. During the hearing Mr. Marin testified about the six reasons for disapproval of
the first FA. Number 1, the 1.32 +/- .03 measured as 1.269 was "pretty close" (tr. 2/183),
but it was acceptable when re-measured at MAP after return (tr. 2/63). Number 2, the
C7551 X DIA, it appears that the flange was defective when received (tr. 2/183).
Numbers 3 and 4, the C7551 X DIA tolerance of+/- .002 is not on the assembly drawing
and cannot be held after welding (tr. 2/183-84). Number 5, the weld aberration can easily
be corrected in 15 minutes (tr. 2/184). Mr. Marin testified that in his experience with
thousands of drawings, he has never seen the pre-weld dimensions imposed after weld
(tr. 21191-92).
8. On 23 August 2013 DLA responded to MAP's 14 August 2013 rebuttal to the
discrepancies and did not change its findings. Concerning the flange dimensions, DLA
agreed that the dimensions were at the C7551 part level not the assembly level but argued
that "[h]istory shows from the many other First Articles tested that the tolerance can be
maintained after the welding process." DLA did not agree to have DCMA visit MAP to
witness its measurement of the 1.32" dimension. DLA required a submittal of another
FA. (R4, tab 13 at 9)
9. On 27 August 2013 MAP notified DLA that it agreed to submit another FA but
stated, "We are unsure ifthe C7551 flange dimensions can be held to a+/- .002 tolerance
after weld" (R4, tab 14 at 4 ). In an 18 September 2013 email to DLA requesting a
reduction in resubmittal cost, MAP wrote, "We still maintain our failed FA is worthy of
conditional approval, as we have clearly demonstrated our ability to manufacture the
4
item .... We also maintain the C7551 flange+/- .002" tolerance after weld .. .is not a
requirement of the finished part, drawing l 6Y226- l, and thus is not a contractual
requirement and an improper basis for rejection" (R4, tab 14 at 2). Bilateral Modification
No. P00002, dated 16 October 2013, authorized MAP to submit a second FA sample for
testing and provide consideration of $5,269.62 (R4, tab 3).
10. Mr. Marin testified that before he submitted the second FA, MAP had "ordered
a quantity of materials sufficient to manufacture everything if things went right" and had
welded, but not completed, approximately seven ducts (tr. 2/18-21). MAP submitted a
second FA on 23 December 2013 that was disapproved on 6 February 2014. The
disapproval was based on a list of 12 discrepancies summarized as follows: drawing
16Y226 dimensions 8.20, 1.32, 2.06, and 2.00 were out-of-tolerance (discrepancy numbers
1, 4, 6 & 7); tape applied to the part was two inches long but should have been four inches
(discrepancy number 3); welds at two joints were defective for "large gaps" and
"workmanship" (discrepancy numbers 2 & 5); drawing C7551dimensions1.263, 2.806,
3.306, 2.813, and 3.313 are out-of-tolerance (discrepancy numbers 8-12). (R4, tab 16 at 3;
app. supp. R4, tab 111 at 4) Mr. Lewis, manager, FA Inspection, Hill AFB, compiled the
discrepancy list from the inspector's information (tr. 1/77-78, 123; R4, tab 16 at 3). The
second FA inspection was conducted by Mr. Madison, dimensional technician, 4 Hill AFB
(tr. 1116-17; app. supp. R4, tab 111 at 3). He is trained and certified to use the CMM
(tr. 1117). He testified that he was a dimensional inspector, not a "weld expert," but if a
weld "didn't look right" he would note it on the inspection sheet as a "heads up" for
someone else to inspect it (tr. 1122-24, 34, 49, 58-59). Mr. Madison testified that he thinks
an "engineer" looked at the welds (tr. 1125). Mr. Schabacker testified that the engineers
were not certified weld inspectors but he believed engineers were capable of conducting
visual inspections of welds (tr. 2/26-27). DLA did not present any evidence that the welds
were actually inspected by a certified weld inspector. The descriptions of the weld
deficiencies on the discrepancy list Mr. Lewis provided to MAP (R4, tab 16 at 2, 3) were
the same as indicated on Mr. Madison's measurement worksheet (app. supp. R4, tab 111 at
4). At the hearing Mr. Schabacker discussed the weld deficiencies in some detail and
explained why he believed they were nonconforming (tr. 11143-257). He also testified that
the problem with the tape was easily fixed and would not, standing alone, justify
disapproval (tr. 2/30-31).
11. On 20 February 2014, a post-welding flatness requirement was added to the
16Y226-l drawing, "C7551 FLATNESS CALLOUT, FACE TO BE FLAT WITHIN .005
AFTER WELDING. OUT OF ROUNDNESS ON ALL DIAMETER DIMENSIONS
MUST BE WITHIN+/- .005 OF NOMINAL DIMENSION AFTER WELDING." (App.
supp. R4, tab 108) Mr. Schabacker testified that this was a new tolerance and MAP had
no way of knowing about this change and therefore it would not apply to MAP's contract
4
Mr. Madison testified he was an "engineering technician" but his signature block
says "Dimensional Tech" (tr. 1117; app. supp. R4, tab 111 at 3).
5
(tr. 11161-62, 218-19). Mr. Schabacker also testified about the coupling assembly that
clamps 16Y226 duct to connecting ducts (gov't ex. J). The relaxed+/- .005 would reduce
the ability of the duct to misalign on the aircraft, but it was acceptable (tr. 11241). He
testified that out-of-tolerance dimensions on both ofMAP's first and second FAs that
were outside the+/- .005 would interfere with the coupling assembly and potentially have
problems on the aircraft (tr. 11234-43, 265-70). Mr. Marin testified that this was a
"legitimate concern" and he didn't understand why tolerances were not on the drawing to
insure this did not happen (tr. 2/274-75).
12. On 10 March 2014 MAP responded to the second FA disapproval. The response
is summarized as follows: The four dimensions on drawing 16Y226 are to "locations in
space" and are probably not repeatable; the two weld problems were not inspected in
accordance with the applicable specification; the "4.00" True" dimension is ambiguous on
the drawing and if it is a defect it is correctable in production; and the flange dimensions are
at the C7 5 51 part level and are not required after welding. (R4, tab 17 at 1, 6-8)
13. On 18 July 2014, DLA responded to MAP's 10 March 2014 5 rebuttal to the
second FA disapproval. Concerning the four l 6Y226 dimensions, DLA agreed that the
measurements are "in space" but defended its results. Concerning the welds, DLA argued
that the weld at joint 24 required weld penetration and that the "gaps" indicated a lack of
penetration. Concerning the post-welding flange dimensions, DLA stated that it "clarified"
post-weld dimensions and now imposed a+/- .005 tolerance on flange dimensions after
welding rather than the+/- .002 tolerance on the C775 l drawing. It stated that this
dimension was required for "proper fit of mating parts in the aircraft." With this relaxation
of the post-weld dimensions, one of the disapproved flange dimensions was acceptable.
(R4, tab 20 at 1-6)
14. On 26 September 2014, MAP responded to DLA's 18 July 2014 letter.
Regarding the four dimensions on drawing l 6Y226, MAP sent the two disapproved FA
samples (returned from Hill AFB) to an independent laboratory, Dimensional Inspection
Laboratories (DIL), Newark, California, and DIL reported both samples met the
requirements for the dimensions that DLA found were out-of-tolerance. (R4, tab 21 at 1
ex. B) Regarding the two weld problems, MAP argues that DLA improperly interpreted the
weld specifications and that since the majority of welds on the part were approved by DLA
any problems are easily correctable in production. Regarding the tape discrepancy, MAP
responded that DLA did not find the discrepancy on the first FA and that the tape location
was easily correctable during production. Regarding the "clarification" increasing the
flange tolerance after welding to +/- .005, MAP responded calling the "clarification" a
cardinal change to its contract. (Id. at 2)
5
The 18 July 2014 response cites a 10 June 2014 letter, but DLA's response quotes
the attachment to the 10 March 2014 email (see R4, tabs 17, 20).
6
15. DLA responded to MAP's 26 September 2014 letter on 18 December 2014.
DLA stated that the government first article laboratory and the Engineering Support
Activity agreed that the parts are not useable, that MAP was not "the acceptance point for
this part" and recommended termination for default. (R4, tab 23 at 1) DLA did not
comment on the results from the independent measurements taken by DIL. Concerning
welding and insulation tape, DLA would not change its conclusions but did not argue that
they were not correctable. Concerning the post-welding tolerance increase (relaxation),
DLA denies there has been a change to the contract requirements. (Id. at 2-4)
16. On 9 February 2015, DLA terminated Contract No. SPM4A7-l l-M-T291 for
default (R4, tab 27). On 6 May 2015, MAP appealed the termination for default,
demanded $21,555.16 and elected expedited procedure under Board Rule 12.2 (Bd. file).
The appeal was docketed as an expedited appeal, ASBCA No. 59978, on 8 May 2015.
17. The record contains measurements from a second independent laboratory,
Dayton T. Brown, Inc. (DTB), Bohemia, New York, dated 6 March 2015, that found the
four drawing 16Y226 dimensions, 8.20, 1.32, 2.06, and 2.00, to be within tolerance on both
FA samples (R4, tabs 116, 127). Mr. Madison, the inspector who conducted the second FA
inspection, testified that he looked at the DIL and DTB inspection results and he did not
know how they performed the measurements (tr. 1/56-57). He also testified that he was not
asked to contact DIL or DTB to attempt to determine how they performed the
measurements (tr. 1/72). There is no evidence in the record that DLA made any effort to
contact DIL or DTB to inquire about their measurements. Mr. Marin produced the two FA
samples at the hearing. He marked them "Sample l" and "Sample 2" indicating the two
FAs and testified that these were the actual F As disapproved by DLA and measured by
DIL and DTB (tr. 2/251-53).
DECISION
First articles are typically 6 not production items and as such are not "accepted" or
"rejected," they are "approved, conditionally approved, or disapproved" (finding 1). The
government may not disapprove an FA if the defect upon which the disapproval is based is
proven to be easily correctable in production. AYA Technology, Inc., ASBCA No. 44374,
95-2 BCA ~ 27,845 at 138,862 ("It is well established that deficiencies in a first article that
are easily correctable in production do not constitute a valid basis for an outright
disapproval of a first article."). If disapproval is justified, FAR 52.209-4, FIRST ARTICLE
APPROVAL - GOVERNMENT TESTING (SEP 1989) provides that an FA disapproved, "shall
be deemed to have failed to make delivery within the meaning of the Default clause of this
contract." FAR 51.209-4(d). Since this is a termination for default, it is DLA's burden of
6 It is possible that a contract provides that an "approved" FA may be delivered as
an "accepted" production unit. Astra Science Corp. v. United States, 471
F.2d 624, 626 (Ct. Cl. 1973).
7
proof to establish that its disapproval ofMAP's FAs and termination for default was
justified. US. Coating Specialties & Supplies, LLC, ASBCA No. 58245, 15-1 BCA
~ 35,957 at 175,707 (A termination for default is a type of forfeiture and is strictly
construed. The government bears the initial burden of proof that a default termination was
justified. If the government satisfies its burden of proving that the termination for default
was justified, the burden shifts to the contractor to establish that its default was excusable
or caused by the government's material breach, or that the contracting officer's tennination
decision was arbitrary, capricious. or an abuse of discretion.).
DLA argues that the fact that MAP signed Modification No. P00002 agreeing to
submit a second FA (finding 9) renders the first FA irrelevant (citing James Electronics,
Inc., ASBCA No. 43505, 93-2 BCA ~ 25,677). We need not reach that issue because the
outcome is the same for both F As, and thus we focus only on the second FA.
The second FA was submitted on 23 December 2013 and disapproved on
6 February 2014 (finding 10). The disapproval itemized 12 discrepancies (id.). Having
shown 12 discrepancies, DLA met its burden of justifying the termination for default and
the burden shifts to MAP to show it was not in default.
The Drawing 16Y226 Dimensions-Discrepancies 1, 4, 6 & 7
These discrepancies deal with four dimensions on the 16Y226 assembly drawing
that DLA found out-of-tolerance (finding 10). MAP sent the first and second FA samples
to two outside laboratories, DIL and DTB, for measurement and both laboratories found
that the dimensions were acceptable (findings 14, 17; app. br. at 3). Mr. Marin testified
that the marked samples he brought to the hearing were the same ones disapproved by
DLA and sent to DIL and DTB (finding 17). We reject DLA's unsupported suggestion
that MAP sent DIL and DTB two different samples (other than the ones disapproved by
DLA) or that MAP somehow manipulated the results (gov't br. at 22-23). DLA/Hill AFB
did not contact the independent labs to assess their results before the hearing (finding 17). 7
Thus we find credible evidence that Hill AFB's measurements were suspect and under
these circumstances MAP met its burden of rebutting DLA's primafacie case that the four
drawing 16Y226 dimensions were out-of-tolerance.
Post-Welding C7551 Dimensions - Discrepancies 8-12
The next basis for disapproval were coupling dimensions taken after welding
(finding 10). MAP correctly points out that the assembly drawing 16Y226 does not place
any dimensional requirements on the couplings after welding (finding 5; app. br. at 2).
7
We reject DLA's criticism that Mr. Marin's inability to get representatives of DIL
or DTB on the phone during the hearing somehow prejudiced DLA because
it failed to contact these laboratories before the hearing (gov't br. at 23).
8
I
Mr. Marin testified that the fact that an entry of 16Y226 next to the "TYPE NUMBER"
in section B of the contract means that the drawing is applicable to the final assembly
I
inspection (finding 5). DLA did not explain the meaning of"TYPE NUMBER" or
explain why none of the lower level part drawings were entered next to "TYPE
NUMBER." DLA contends, among numerous other arguments, that drawing C7551
dimensions and tolerance of+/- .002 (where applicable) apply to the post-welding
I
assembly level because the "C7551 specification is referenced on both the item's
top-level drawing" and in the contract (gov't br. at 16). 8
We apply well known rules of contract interpretation to resolve the question of
drawing interpretation. We consider MAP's interpretation that the dimensions and
tolerances on the part level drawing, C7551, do not apply to the higher level assembly
drawing after welding to be reasonable. We also find that DLA's interpretation that
calling out C7551 on the assembly drawing, 16Y226, should be interpreted to apply
dimensions and+/- .002 tolerance after welding to be "within the zone of
reasonableness." 9 States Roofing Corp. v. Winter, 587 F.3d 1364, 1369 (Fed. Cir. 2009).
Thus, under familiar rules of contract interpretation, we find the contract was ambiguous,
the ambiguity was latent and there was no duty to inquire on MAP's part. Therefore, we
apply contra proferentem and adopt MAP's interpretation of drawings 16Y226 and
C7551. See States Roofing, 587 F.3d at 1372; Triax Pacific, Inc. v. West, 130 F.3d 1469,
1474-75 (Fed. Cir. 1997). The dimensions and+/- .002 tolerance on drawing C7551 do
not apply to the 16Y226 assembly after welding. DLA's disapproval ofMAP's first FA
based on its failure to hold the +/- .002 and K DIA MAX was not justified and we will
not sustain the disapproval on that basis.
After the second FA disapproval, DLA relaxed the post-welding tolerances
increasing them from+/- .002 to+/- .005 (finding 11). Applying the relaxed+/- .005
tolerance to DLA's measurements of the second FA still results in out-of-tolerance
conditions. However, the+/- .005 is not a requirement of MAP's contract.
Mr. Schabacker agreed that the relaxed tolerances did not apply to MAP's contract (id.).
DLA argues that the parts will not fit in the aircraft if+/- .005 is exceeded (id.).
Mr. Schabacker testified that the clamp connecting the couplings will not fit over MAP's
part (id.). MAP's contract does not define the acceptable post-weld distortion. DLA fixed
this problem with the relaxed tolerance, however, the+/- .005 does not apply to MAP's
contract. We concluded above that DLA's 16Y226 TDP was ambiguous and adopted
MAP' s interpretation. This does not mean that MAP had no limit on the post-weld
8 Although Mr. Schabacker agrees with this position, he also testified "it would be up to
the data package to describe any allowable distortion limits" (tr. 11143), and there
is no evidence that the data package identifies acceptable weld distortion limits.
9 We do not find DLA's interpretation nearly as persuasive as MAP's, but that is
not the test. DLA's interpretation is plausible.
9
l
I
distortion.IO MAP's ducts would still have to fit and work properly on the F-16. To that
end DLA had the ability to conduct a "fit test" on the aircraft or possibly with connecting
parts (finding 4). In one instance documented in the record, Mr. Schabacker requested a
fit test and conditional approval was recommended even though some loosening of other
attaching ducts would be needed to make it fit 11 (id.). We do not adopt Mr. Schabacker's
conclusion that MAP's ducts would not fit based simply on his testimony 12 when a more
conclusive method of proving this point was available - the fit test. DLA's case for
termination would be much stronger if it had conducted a fit test and conclusively proven
that MAP's first FA would not fit in the F-16.
Welds - Discrepancies 2 & 5
DLA argues that because MAP had welded seven assemblies that "if the end items
have already been manufactured, any defects discovered in the first article are not
'readily and easily correctable upon production'" (gov't br. at 10). Mr. Marin testified
that MAP had partially assembled (welded) approximately seven ducts but it is unclear
when (finding 10). DLA relies on Astro Science Corp. v. United States, 471F.2d624
(Ct. Cl. 1973), in support of its argument, but as MAP correctly points out in its reply
brief, Astro Science involved a contract that provided for acceptance of the FA as a
production unit; MAP's contract does not (gov't br. at 10; app. reply br. at 9-10, ~ 18).
We disagree with DLA's argument that the "easily correctable" standard no longer
applies ifthe production quantity is completed before the FA is submitted. The FA
clause does not prohibit a contractor from manufacturing the entire production quantity
before submitting an FA; it places the risk on the contractor if it chooses to do so
(finding 1). DLA's argument would render the option of conditional approval in
FAR 52.209-4 meaningless in situations where a contractor chooses to go at its own risk
- an option envisioned by the clause.
As to the actual weld discrepancies, they were cited as "large gaps" and
"workmanship" (finding 10). MAP contends that if these are deficiencies they are
correctable (findings 12, 14). DLA did not present any evidence that that these weld
IO Mr. Marin recognized MAP was subject to some limit on distortion. During
cross-examination Mr. Marin was asked ifhe believed he could submit a "square"
flange; he replied "No, I think that would be an obvious deformation" (tr. 2/265).
11
This notion of "loosening of other attaching ducts where slight adjustments can
accommodate these discrepancies" (finding 4), which we interpret as
"fiddling" to make it fit, casts doubt on Mr. Schabacker's strict dimensional
analysis.
12
We also note that Mr. Schabacker' s oral dimensional analysis, in the nature of
expert testimony, was not provided to MAP in writing before the hearing and
MAP did not have time to prepare a rebuttal dimensional analysis.
10
deficiencies were not correctable. We agree with MAP that these discrepancies are
correctable and should have been conditionally approved.
Insulation Tape -Discrepancy 3
The tape applied to the part was two inches long and should have been four inches
long (finding 10). Mr. Schabacker testified that it was easily correctable and not a basis
for disapproval (id.). We agree, this deficiency should have been conditionally approved.
CONCLUSION
For the reasons discussed above, the second FA should have been
conditionally approved and MAP' s appeal is sustained. The termination for default
is converted to a termination for convenience.
Dated: 1 September 2015
Administrat· e Judge
Armed Services Board
of Contract Appeals
I certify that the foregoing is a true copy of the Opinion and Decision of the
Armed Services Board of Contract Appeals in ASBCA No. 59978, Appeal of
Military Aircraft Parts, rendered in conformance with the Board's Charter.
Dated:
JEFFREY D. GARDIN
Recorder, Armed Services
Board of Contract Appeals
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