Nadcap is the National Aerospace and Defense Contractors Accreditation Program. It is administered by the Performance Review Institute (PRI) as a global initiative and accreditation program for those companies that are working in the defense and aerospace industries.
The accreditation program, now recognized on a worldwide scale is relatively new. It was only established in 1990. The purpose of the accreditation was and is to create specific criteria for different processes within the aerospace and defense industry. This includes setting the particular criteria as well as audits for the certification process.
What it Means
With the use of Nadcap approved platers for aerospace and defense applications, it is possible to ensure that the plating process will be completed to exacting standards. There will be an identical process, and quality between any Nadcap approved platers around the world, which provides confidence to customers and also demonstrates a level of commitment to quality and service by the plating company.
How Companies Participate
All Nadcap approved platers will be certified in the different process they provide. There are other fields of Nadcap accreditation including testing, electronics, composites, chemical processes, sealants, welding and a range of other applications and processes. Companies may choose to opt for Nadcap accreditation or certification for one or more processes within the aerospace and defense industry.
Companies that wish to participate in the process will go through an audit by an industry approved auditor. This is a detailed and exacting process where approved auditor will review all processes and identify any areas of non-conformity with the standards.
The company is then able to address and correct any deficiencies or non-conformance issues noted in the audit. The auditor then closes out the report when the issues have been corrected. This information is provided to PRI for a full review and then approval through a vote through a membership group appointed from within other approved Nadcap member companies.
