5.  Need for Qualified Suppliers (QSL) List and Qualified Manufacturers List (QML)

Comment: One respondent recommended that other protections should be put in place in conjunction with this change to the domestic source restriction on ball and roller bearings. The respondent also recommended that the annual defense appropriations acts should include a requirement for the use of QSLs and QMLs when acquiring ball and roller bearings.

Response: FAR subpart 9.2 addresses qualifications requirements. FAR 9.202 provides the policy criteria that must be met in order for the head of the agency to establish a qualification requirement. The head of the agency must address in writing why a qualification requirement is necessary, and address the likely costs for testing and evaluation that will be incurred for a potential offeror to become qualified. A DoD agency that purchases bearings and products that contain bearings was concerned about the impact a QSL would have on competition. In addition, although a QSL would address quality issues, the agency does not consider that the level of effort associated with a QSL would be an economical solution to pursue. With regard to a QML, the agency indicated that a QML would add very little value to the purchase of bearings. The manufacturers are usually approved by the drawings, a Qualified Producers List (QPL), or the Engineering Service Activities (ESA). The recommended statutory change is outside the scope of this case. The intent of this case is to comply with the existing statute.