When looking for precision machine partners to fabricate products listed on Canada’s Controlled Goods List, such as weapons, military vehicles, components, or technical data, defence contractors and government agencies must find service providers who meet specialized criteria to ensure the successful completion of their projects. Doing the necessary homework early on in the procurement process can save time, money, and headaches down the road.
However, how can the contractor efficiently sift through the long list of metalworking production facilities to create a shortlist of viable candidates? In this month’s blog, we detail what defence contractors must take into account when seeking a service provider to meet their needs.
Does The Metalworking Company Have The Required Controlled Goods Certification?
Defence projects are highly sensitive and require strict adherence to security protocols to protect data and ensure national security. Service providers should be able to present policy documentation surrounding data security, including employee training, controlled environments, and audits.
In Canada, qualified defence metalworking fabricators must hold Controlled Goods Certification, which qualifies them to securely design, build, assemble, test, and transport products for defence applications. It also ensures they have a protective infrastructure that prevents unauthorized access, transfer, or proliferation of sensitive items by people or entities who wish to do harm.
As a leading CNC machined components supplier, Arrow Off-Road is proud to provide our Controlled Goods Certification documentation upfront and back it up with proven systems and audit histories that demonstrate our ability to fulfill defence products and securely manage sensitive data and information.
Read More: AOR Quality Certifications Explained
Do They Have Proven Expertise With Defence Projects?
Having the Controlled Goods Certification in place is a good start, but it amounts to almost nothing if the metalworking company has never put it to practical use. The production facility should demonstrate a successful track record of completing projects for authorized defence contractors or government agencies.
Additionally, they must show the breadth of their proficiency in creating parts and equipment for defence applications. For example, ask if they have created complex parts such as ballistics-rated armoured vehicle frames, brackets, containers, fuel tanks, hulls, slats, and turrets with extremely tight tolerances. They should be able to supply you with inspection results, flow-down requirements, and other data that showcase their expertise.
Ask Arrow Off-Road about our proven track record with defence parts and equipment. We think you’ll like what you see.
How Secure Is Their Manufacturing Supply Chain?
The global supply chain has faced enormous challenges over the past few years, leading many suppliers and manufacturers to reconsider how they move goods between destinations. However, problems can still arise if materials become scarce or external issues, such as military actions, changes in governments, or natural disasters threaten supply movement, causing production delays.
You should partner with a company that has a secure, reliable supply chain that can weather virtually any challenge. As part of the world’s biggest metalworking network, Arrow Off-Road’s supply chain is virtually completely internal. Our unique setup helps ensure our supply chain remains dynamic and can pivot quickly should unforeseen circumstances arise.
Read More: Our Global Footprint
Does The Metalworking Service Provider Have Experience Compiling Quality Data Packages?
Although the actual processes of precision machining, such as cutting, drilling, and welding, first come to mind when vetting a metalworking facility, the company’s ability to manage the data behind the work is also critical.
Quality Data Packages play a significant role in the success of any fabrication project, as they contain the Certificates of Conformance and inspections, as well as detailed reports and documents that outline flow-down requirements, weld mapping, certifications, procedures, and a long list of other data.
These packages can be over 1,000 pages long, so experience with handling them and ensuring that every line item is correct and accurate is paramount to avoiding costly delays. Our teams have worked with thousands of QDPs and have the skills, knowledge, and experience to deliver precise documentation every time.
What Technology Does The Metalworking Facility Use For Machining And Fabrication?
Defence contracts are very deadline-driven. Furthermore, quality and accuracy are non-negotiable, even for large or complex designs with tight tolerances. CNC machined components suppliers investing in technology such as CNC machining, laser cutters, Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMM), automation, and robotics demonstrate their ability and commitment to product quality, repeatability, and timely delivery.
Our leadership understands that embracing advanced technology means supporting our customers’ success. That’s why we have invested significantly in cutting-edge technology, which allows us to prioritize on-time delivery of to-spec defence products of uncompromising quality and performance.
Do They Only Use Accredited Partners For Any Outsourced Services?
It’s not uncommon for production facilities to outsource certain services, such as coatings, to an external provider. However, the supplier must possess the necessary skills, experience, and tools to complete the work to the standards required for the product’s specific application.
For example, when applying coatings to military equipment, the supplier must pass a Chemical Agent Resistant Coatings (CARC) audit. This is a comprehensive assessment of the supplier’s ability to follow the proper procedures when applying CARC coatings correctly. This ensures the performance and reliability of CARC paint on defence equipment, as well as the health and safety of the end user.
At Arrow Off-Road, we exclusively use accredited suppliers who have passed CARC audits and meet the stringent requirements to deliver reliable, high-quality work for defence applications.
Reach out to our team anytime if you have questions about how partnering with Arrow Off-Road can help you deliver quality, to-spec parts and equipment for defence applications. We specialize in helping our customers solve their biggest design and fabrication challenges with the skills, experience, and quality they can count on.
Get A Project Quote From Arrow Off-Road For Your Next Design And Fabrication Project
Partner with Arrow Off-Road for precise machining, welding, and fabrication solutions customized to your requirements and application. Quickly request a quote for your next project to experience the Arrow difference in quality, precision, and service for yourself. Get in touch with us today!