9.302  General.

First article testing and approval (hereafter referred to as testing and approval) ensures that the contractor can furnish a product that conforms to all contract requirements for acceptance. Before requiring testing and approval, the contracting officer shall consider the-

(a)  Impact on cost or time of delivery;

(b)  Risk to the Government of foregoing such test; and

(c)  Availability of other, less costly, methods of ensuring the desired quality.