1. Conditions Requiring Outside Fabrication Services
 
 

Fabrication services may be contracted to outside vendors to relieve a backlog, to obtain services not provided by FTD, or when it is otherwise advantageous to the customer.
 
 

a. Backlog - A backlog is considered to exist if the instrument(s) and/or staff required for a particular job is not available for a period of at least three weeks after receipt of final IDWO authorization and of any materials required for the job.
 
 

b. Services Not Provided by FTD - Certain services, such as black anodizing, are not cost effective when maintained at NIST. FTD is authorized to contract such services to outside vendors without explicit approval of the customer.
 
 

c. Advantageous to the Customer - FTD informs a customer if a backlog (see above) exists at the time Form NIST-461, Interdivision Work Order (IDWO), is submitted. The customer may request an estimated completion time on the same form as the request for a cost estimate (see Subchapter 14.04.06b). If the customer believes that the cost and/or completion time estimates are excessive or incompatible with a required research timetable, they may request FTD to obtain time-schedule and price estimates from at least two outside vendors, or the customer may provide these estimates.
 
 

d. Unusually Large Fabrication Project - When an unusually large project, i.e., a major initiative, involves a significant fabrication component, the customer may, after discussions with FTD management, arrange for a contract directly with outside vendors. If the Chief, FTD and the division chief responsible for meeting deadlines and project goals cannot agree on this course of action, the issue is resolved at the next higher level of management.
 
 

2. Initiation and Approval of Outside Fabrication Services
 
 

a. Initiation by FTD - The FTD is authorized to utilize outside services providing the specifications, schedule requirements, and cost authorization of Form NIST-461, Interdivision Work Order (IDWO), can be met by the outside vendor.
 
 

b. Initiation by the Customer - If a customer determines that the use of an outside vendor is to the advantage of a project (see 1.c. above), the customer may specify that the job be contracted out through FTD. When direct procurement of outside fabrication services is authorized (see 1.d. above), no further approval by FTD is required.
 
 

3. Oversight and Acceptance Authority of FTD
 
 

a. Purchase Order Clearances - All requisitions for fabrication services are subject to clearance through the FTD (see Subchapter 2.03, Appendix C).
 
 

b. Finished Work Inspection and Acceptance - The FTD is charged with the inspection and acceptance of all finished work completed by outside vendors (see Subchapter 2.03, Appendix C). The costs associated with inspection of finished work are separately identified and charged to the requesting technical organizational unit. This charge may not exceed five percent of the cost of the contract with a minimum charge of one hour. Any charges above that amount must be authorized by the requesting technical organizational unit.
 
 

c. Waiver of Oversight - At the option of the division procuring outside fabrication services directly (see 1.d. above), FTD oversight and acceptance authority may be waived.