Department of Defense quality management systems and ISO 9000:2000

Abstract

The purpose of the research is to examine and evaluate the emergence of the International Organization for Standardization, commonly referred to as ISO, quality standard for the year 2000 as it applies (past and present) to the Department of Defense (DoD) quality management system (QMS) in procurement. In particular, the researcher will examine the new standard and its utility for DoD procurement, focusing on changes from the previous ISO 9000 series. Leading defense industry quality managers and Defense Contract Management Agency Quality Assurance Managers will provide insight to the thesis. In order to understand the present and future of DoD Quality Assurance and Management, the thesis will briefly look at past quality assurance policy from DoD and the ISO. Likewise, this research will explore issues and concerns that contracting officers and program managers in Government will now need to become familiar with as they execute ISO 9000:2000. The effort will emphasize how ISO 9000:2000 fits within the realm of DoD procurement and what organizations need to do in order to achieve excellent products in a total quality management environment.