Implementation of AQAP

CONSEJO provides consulting services for implementing the requirements of NATO AQAP standards and preparing companies in the defence industry for conformity assessment and certification.
AQAP (Allied Quality Assurance Publications) are NATO publications that specify quality assurance requirements for contracts involving the supply of defence-related products and services.
Implementing AQAP requirements helps organisations manage quality, contractual risks, suppliers, changes and product traceability. These requirements are particularly important for companies that participate or plan to participate in defence industry supply chains.

Which Organisations Is the Service Intended For?
Our AQAP implementation consulting services are intended for:

• Manufacturers of weapons, military equipment and other defence products.
• Companies manufacturing components, assemblies and systems for defence products.
• Organisations engaged in design and development for the defence industry.
• Developers of software and electronic systems for defence applications.
• Suppliers and subcontractors involved in defence contracts.
• Organisations providing repair, modernisation and maintenance services for defence products.

The service is suitable both for organisations with an existing quality management system implemented in accordance with ISO 9001 and for companies planning to establish such a system.

Applicable AQAP Standards
AQAP-2110 – NATO Quality Assurance Requirements for Design, Development and Production
AQAP-2110 incorporates the requirements of ISO 9001 and additional NATO requirements relating to quality assurance in defence contracts.
AQAP-2310 – NATO Quality Assurance Requirements for Aviation, Space and Defence Suppliers
AQAP-2310 is intended for organisations in the aviation, space and defence sectors and includes additional NATO requirements for quality management systems.
AQAP-2210 – NATO Supplementary Software Quality Assurance Requirements to AQAP-2110 or AQAP-2310
AQAP-2210 is applied alongside AQAP-2110 or AQAP-2310 in contracts involving software development or supply.
AQAP-2105 – NATO Requirements for Deliverable Quality Plans
AQAP-2105 specifies requirements for developing quality plans where these are required under the terms of a contract.
The selection of applicable AQAP publications depends on the organisation's activities, product characteristics and the requirements of specific contracts.

How Do We Implement AQAP Requirements?
1. Initial Assessment
We review the organisation's activities, existing quality management system and applicable contractual requirements.
We assess conformity with the relevant AQAP requirements and identify areas where additional measures are needed.
2. Implementation Planning
We develop an implementation plan tailored to the organisation's structure, processes, available resources and identified gaps.
We define the necessary activities, responsibilities and timelines for implementation.
3. Development and Adaptation of Documentation
We assist in developing and updating the necessary documented information, including:

• Quality management policies, procedures and work instructions.
• Contractual risk management processes.
• Configuration and change management arrangements.
• Supplier evaluation and control procedures.
• Identification and traceability arrangements.
• Product control, inspection and testing arrangements.
• Procedures for managing nonconformities and corrective actions.
• Quality plans in accordance with applicable contractual requirements.

Documentation is developed to reflect the organisation's actual processes while avoiding unnecessary duplication of existing documents.
4. Implementation of Requirements
We support the practical implementation of the developed processes and control mechanisms.
We provide guidance to responsible personnel on applicable requirements, necessary records and evidence of conformity.
5. Internal Audit
We conduct an internal audit to assess whether the implemented system conforms to the applicable AQAP requirements.
Where nonconformities are identified, we assist the organisation in determining and implementing the necessary corrective actions.
6. Preparation for Certification
We assist the organisation in preparing for the certification audit, including reviewing documentation, assessing readiness and providing guidance on identified nonconformities.
Certification is carried out by a competent certification body.
Integrating AQAP with ISO 9001
For organisations with an established quality management system in accordance with ISO 9001, AQAP-2110 can be implemented by enhancing existing processes and control mechanisms.
This approach makes it possible to build on existing documentation and established management practices while integrating the additional NATO requirements.
ISO 9001 certification alone does not demonstrate conformity with AQAP-2110. Organisations must also fulfil the applicable additional requirements of the relevant AQAP publication.

Why CONSEJO?
CONSEJO provides consulting services for the development, implementation and improvement of management systems in accordance with international standards.
When implementing AQAP requirements, we take a tailored approach that considers the organisation's activities, existing management systems and the specific requirements of defence contracts.
We aim to develop practical management systems that support quality management and provide the necessary documented evidence of conformity.

AQAP Implementation Enquiries
If your organisation is planning to implement AQAP-2110 or other applicable AQAP publications, CONSEJO can assist in identifying the necessary activities and preparing for conformity assessment.
Contact us for a consultation and a tailored proposal based on your organisation's activities and applicable requirements.