,

..,

MILHDBK-52 :_
7 JULY 1964

MILITARY STANDARDIZATION HANDBOOK

EVALUATION OF CONTRACTOR'S
CALIBRATION SYSTEM

jFsc M1scl

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
WASHINGTON, D.C., 20301

MIL-HDBK..;2
Evaluation!<l Contractor's Calibration Ayslem
7 July 1961
ii
~

t~

1. This standardization handbook was developed by the Department of the Army for the Department of Defense.
2. This publication wafl approved on 7 July 19M for printing and inclusion in the military standardization handbook series.
3. This document provideR vaJuable infornrntinn and guidance to personnel concerned with the
evaluation of a contrartor's calibration RY~tm. primarily in connection
"Calibration System Requirements." The hamf hook is not intended to be referenced in purchase specifications. nor shall it Rupersede any s~rifi<'at ion requirements.
4. Every effort has been made to reflect the latP~t information on the evaluation of a contractor's
calibration system. It is the intent to review thi~ handbook periodically to insure its completeness
and accuracy. Users of this document are ernouraged to report any errors discovered and any
recommendations for ehanges or inclusion!'\ to the Commanding Officer, Frankford Arsenal,
ATTN: U.S. Army Metrology and Calibration Center, Philadelphia, Pennsyivania 19137.

For sale by the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office

Washington, D.C., 20402 Price 20 cents

CONTENTS
Pa gr
Paragraph 1
1.1
1.2

"~NTRODUCTION

! rPurprnw
~

Scope

------ _____ _
------- - ---_________ _

l
l
1

;\'.
~

2
2.1
2.2
2.3

3
3.1

3.2
3.2.l

3.2.2
3.2.:j
3.2.4
3.2.fi
3.2.6

3.2.7
3.2.8

IMPLEMENTATION ------- __
Intent
ControlR __
Requirement8

1
1

ELEMENTS OF GOVERNMENT EVALUATION ------------------General

_ ____ _ ______ ----------------------------- ______ _
De~cription _______________ -------------------------------- __
Adequacy of Standards
_____ ---------------------- ____ _

Environmental Controlf;;
Interval~ of Calibrntior,
Calibration Procedures _

______

Calibrntion Source_
Application and RecordR
Calibration LabelinS?" _
Control of Subcontractor

---------------------------

---------------------------------------------------------------- ______ ------------------------C~lihration _____________________ _

2
3
4

4
5
6
7
9
10
11

APPENDIX A. CheckliRt for Evaluation of Contractor's Calibration System

B. Guide for Environmental Controls

17

C. Detrimental Effects of Environment ___ _

19

Ill

EVALUATION OF CONTRACTOR'S
( ~

CALIBRATION SYSTEM
1.

INTRODUCTION

1.1 PURPOSE. Thi~ handbook outlines all

the individual parts of a theoretically complete
calibration system. It is not necessarily the
idea) system for any particular application or
contractor, but the information contained is
intended as a text for the guidance of Department of Defense personnel in the uniform
evaluation of each aApect of t!Je various co1,1tractor calibration systems. It iA h re ~nsi
bili y of th evaluator to determine ha r. rh
th
Ii r tion y tern requirflmPnt I 1at
re made appJk bl by contractual dcx-umPnl . .
Ev luation of a contract.or c libta fon ,. t Pm
is to
m d in tho
in tan
h n t )
ification
II-C-46662, " Jibratfon S tem Requirement i. preAcrib
contractu I requiremen (b) the contractor is required
to maintain gages and other measuring anrl te~t
equipment in support of contractua) requirements; (c) contractors establish and maintain
an inspection system or quality program and

2.

a calibration system as a basis for Government

evaluation of their product even though the
product is not subject to conditions (a) or (b)
above. Department of Defense personne] responsible for evaluating the effectiveness of
contractor calibration systems are referred to
collectively in the handbook as the "Government representative".
1.2 SCOPE. This handbook provides a
framework of concepts and practices to be used
in conjunction with other established procedures
of the military departments and with more
specific information available to the Government representative regarding the actual measurement parameters, the equipment, and the
contractor facilities. It is intended to provide
the basis for a more thorough understanding
by the Government representative of the requirements of each paragraph of MJL-C-45662.

IMPLEMENTATION
2.2 CONTROLS. ~!<>U~~Ol]! !he ~l).~d~~
empnasisisplacedon HCOfttro)gn in the forffi Of
reviews, documentation, audits, JabelR, and
other means. These controls permit the Gov
ernrnent representative to evaluate contractor
operations and to determine their etfectiveness.
In addition, these controls wiU serve in the collection of important data.

2.1 INTENT. It is recognized that each contractorf an~tlons indtv!<:t-u-atty anti consequenlly
the calibration system of eaeh may dift'er in the
specific methods of accomplishment. It is not
the intent of this handbook to attempt t
standardize the
IWltetM[)ll&.I

2.3 REQUIREMENTS. As noted in paragraph

1.1, it is the responsibi1ity of the evaluator to
determine in each case, those calibration syste.m1

2.

IMPLEMENTION (Continued)

requirements that are made applicable by the

contractual dogut!lent::L These requirements are
paramount an4 are not intended to be infringed
by any interpjetive or informational material
supplied in thii handbook. The evaluator must

3.

determine, in each case, "the extent necessary",

"the capabilities ... required for intended use",
etc., that will provide "adequate accuracy in the
use of measuring and test equipment" applicable to the particular contract.

ELEMENTS OF GOVERNMENT EVALUATION

of his contractual requirements. Since the accuracy of this equipment, wherever used, must
be effectively controlled, the contractor should
have an establish,~d system for its calibration.
This calibration ~ystem, whether established at
the contractor's facility, at a subcontractor
facility, or provided by some other source, must
exercise the proper controls over all applicable
measuring and test equipment and provide
measures for prevention, ready detection, and
prompt correction of discrepancies. In addition,
the sy::;tem should be coordinated with the contractor's proposed or established inspection systernor q uality pro1tram. ta contr ctor mu

This section presents a discussion of each

requirement in ection 3 of IL-C-45662.
Each pertinent paragraph is extracted from the
spedfication and is followed by a discussion of
its concept and application. The "Concept'' discusses the purpose of the requirement, while
the "Application" presents specific areas for
the evaluator's consideration.
3.1

..::

GENERAL

(a) Requirement

3.1 General. The contractor shall establish or adapt and maintain a system for
the calibration of all measuring and test
equipment used in fulfillment of his
contractual requirements. The calibration system shall be coordinate<l with his
Inspection or Quality Control Systems
and shall be designed to provide adequate accuracy in use of measuring and
test equipment. All measuring and test
equipment applicable to the contract,
whether used in the contractor's plant
or at another source, shall be subject to
such conffi.>l as is necessary fo
conformance of supplies an~_ services to
c Ji r -

provide objective evident , in the form of r curt.I , of ~onfornumc . to the

ifled accu~auy.
iv
ibed

assure

ra tion Jly

t iun111
e . tI __ I

Jue

ph , . ~tal con ta~t .

<'ertain aspects of a t.:outractor's calibration
program should be desig1ied to reflect an in-

tegral relationship with his inspection system

or quality program. F,or example, it i nece -

ry th t the ontractor' ralibration ay~ tern

make provi ion for lh<' 1J ention of equipm nt
inatl"t"Uraciea by r

(b) Concept. It is the responsibility of the

contrador to utjlize only measuring and test
equipment of required accuracy in fulfillment
2

dil _\' cletecting deficiencie

'

3.

ELEMENTS OF GOVERNMENT EVALUATION <Continued)

(d Application. The Government repreRentative ~hould a~certain that a written de~crip
tion of the contractor's caJibration ~ygtem is
prepared and .available for hi~ ~eview.~~~~iqc

3.2

~?[~.a.t.,J~>~~.~ ~~~1i!"~~ ; ~~~ ~1~~try. . .~Prrr1~n~

tl~~<i . . . l>r . . . tli~ . . ~?rt~eto~/ . iJ1 . . ~i~ ~ns}'.).~.~t~()n< Ql"

! '

DESCRlf1TION

911~!!!~. S;.> . J~\CJ~~

ns, i: ~~ i~deq;llate cov~rage
is proyicl . . . . i ll:ff-' ~ . . , . . > 1'>1!.: The description

(a) Requirement

'

must provide a complete detailed plan for con3.2 Description. The contractor sh;111
trolling the accuracy of every item of measurprovide and maintain a written rleRcriping and te~t equipment and every mea~urement
tion of his calibration system covering
standard utilized in the fulfillment of contracmeasuring and frsl Pquipment and JTIP:ls
tual requirements. A method, procedure, or
urement Rtandards. The portion df)alinp
stanrtard practice must be prescribed for the
with measuring ancl teRt equipm~nt ~hall
satisfaction of each applicable requirement of
preRcribe calibration intervals and
MI L-C-4G662. Areag for com~i<leration by the
sources and nrny be maintained on th~
Government repre8enta tive are a8 follows:
documentR normally used by the <'ontractor to define his inspection operations. The deA ript icm for l'alibration of
merumr m nt stand;\rd~ ~h~ll on!;i~t ~
ntially of a Ji. tinR" of h a lk hi
m al'urement Atandar A hoth reff'r nee
and t ram~fer, ancl ~h. 11 provicie nomPn- re</>><.
Jature, identiflcJtti n
r,
libraion interv 1 an'I Aource, and en iron.
mental t"onclit ion~ unrl r
hi<'h the
meBRur ment ~tamlardA \Viii be apnliPCI
and l'Rlibrated. ThP, deRcription of the calibration system and ~pplicable procedure~
and reportR of calibration shaJJ be available to the Gov-e rnment representative.
(b) Concept. To aR~ure uniformity of underRtanding and performance and to assure
continuity of satisfactory operations when personnel cb~nges occur, if is necessary that all
proposed or exist in~ prncefftire~cf or prac-t-1eesintended to implement. the contractor's calibration syRtem be clocnmentf'd. 8ystem documentation also provideR a hasis for evaluation and
control by both contractor and the Government
representative. Without written guides, policy
and procedural questions are bound to arise
and variations in practice that occur may result
in confusion and uncertainty. It is desirable
for the contractor to PstahliRh or adapt his calibration system suffici<'1d ly in advance <)f production requirementR that the Government
represenU,.tiv~ can complete his review prior to
the start of production.
3

~ ,

3.

ELEMENTS OF GOVERNMENT EVALUATION (Continued)

..;.

~h:

bration intervals~~ i>J.ovision sh.o uld . also be

made for timely @d .-p ositive corrective action.
~

,?

7. Review sam--es-- of .. lal>els, . decals, . reject

tags, e tc;, inten<tett to be used . for calibration
labeling. If the contractor employs a coding
system, an explanation should be included.
8. Samples of forms intend.ed to be used by
the contra r in his .record tern should be
~nclude~
__ ~w. _ i.e., inst . . ent and gage
record ca . , data s.heets, test reports or certificates, reject forms, etc.

, inclus

_of

th~

firm's

organiza . . ._
_ 1.s helpfu
the Government . rep1~esentative.
The following .pC;Lge~ will giv~ more helpful
guidance to the . Government
resentative in
his evaluation of each aspect
e contractor's
complete calibratiOn program.
3.2.1

ADEQUACY Of STANDARDS

(a) Requirement.
3.2.1 Adequacy of standards. Standards established by the contractor for

~-~-~t!\r~ .Jof' ~.~9se ~~ui.~~l{i~!l!t'

cal i bra tforu~.

calibrating the masuring and test equipment used in controlling product quality
shall have the capabilities for accuracy,
stability, and range required for the intended use.

3.2.2
(a)

ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROLS

Requirement.
3.2.2 Environmental controls. Measuring and test equipment and rneasure"'.
ment standards shall be calibrated and
utilized in an environment controlled to
the ex tent necessary to assure continued measurements of required accuracy
giving due consideration to temperature,
humidity, vibration. cleanliness, and
other controllable factors affecting precision measurement. When applicable,
compensating corrections shall be appl_ied to calibration results obtained in
an environment which departs from
8taudanJ conditions.

(b) Concept. Measurement standards prescribed in the contractor's ca1ilm~.tion system

should reflect an accuracy level, history of stability and acceptable calibration range that satisfies the requirements impoMed by measuring
and test equipment specifications as well as
product requirements.
( c) Ai)pHcaHon. i !~e (i~ve~~~~~t~~;!~~~~~n,. ~~il'J7 -wi,ll .c-ass~~~'0{,~itt "rneasl.lrif)g"" . an<J'rT~~ .t
eq~ip~ef}_ t _. us~d._.i i~ ii!~()~U.<=t il'.'s~.~~~ic.~ll .. ifii ~~I;~

br~te~ >>ag-a,if}st <.referen

~~~~~~! I"~~~..

wtiich : 1.p~roa the limits of knowledg~< f<>r .a

given haracteristk.
The evaluator should assure that calibration
of the highest order of the contractor's standards is either traceable to a national standard
or derived from accepted values of natural
phy8ical constants.
The Government representative should determine that proper coordination between scale
ranges and magnitude of measured values has
been considered by the contractor. he error
a tor in many in trurn nlM ht e pre
a
rcentage o fuJI
le r auling ; therefore.
when I
than full scaler ading. are u ed, th
rror. exprea ed in percentug of actual
I
readin rli, increa e . It is necessary that this
fact be considered in the calibration procedure.
The measurement standards selected by the
contractor should have a stability which is
proven hy Jong usage, industry acceptance, or
manufacturer's specifications. Standards selected solely on the basis of manufacturer's
specifications require close surveillance until a
hh~tory of stability is establbht-d by succeeding

sta11d<1rct~.- -. .... bJt.;~i11g

.~~-~~.~~. ~~i ~i ,~()< l 0

t~~j.;~,~~,~~~~ ~t
3Y . t~~ should

( b) Concept. Only
tho~e
environmental
conditio1ts whit'h will affect the accuracy and
stability of mea~mring and test equipment or

ley~J
i~~p.qar'4~ -< .. . -.> >. - - - - <> ~~~~~~. ~al _.- . _ .... ._..
. ~~:W times lhe ' acctiia~Y _of' ~ tll~ . ref~r~t)~~
~~a.rd .

. A alu~ .of. less than .i4<times the

.Jracy level may be acceptable to the Gov-

measurement standards require control by the

contractor. Severity of such controls 11eed only
4

3.

ELEMENTS OF GOVERNMENT EVALUATION (Continued)

be to the extent necessary to prevent measurement inaccuracies and iA determined by the

accuracy requtrements of the equipment or
measurement slandard being calibrated.

static and/or mechanical filters of the activated

rharcoal, oilcoated or ribbon type.
Other areas for consideration are:
a. Power. Recommended requirements for
ele<'lrical power within the laboratory Ahould
include voltage regulation of at least 10
(preferably 5%) ; low vaJues of harmonic di!-ltortion; minimum line transients as caused by
inh>r-action of other m~ers on main line t~
Jahoratory (separate input power if possible) ;
and a suitable grounrling system established to
assure equal potentials to ground throughout
the laboratory, (or h14o1ation transformers may
be used to operate individual equipmentR.)

(c) Application. The Government representative should ascertain that all meMurement standards and measuring and test equipment applicable to the contract are calibrated
and/or utilized in an area in which the eontractor has provided controlA for environmental
conditions to the degree necessary to assure
measurements of the specified accuracy. The
calibration area should be reasonably free of
dust, vibration, and radio frequency interfer.
ences and should not be physically close to
equipment that produces acoustical noise, or
vibration or to areas in which environmental
testing, high power radar work, etc. is carried
on.
Isolation of pressure, masR and acceleration
equipment from vibrations is particularly eAsential. Isolation mounts, seh~mic masseR, etc.
should be provided for theAe equipments.
Instruments such as infra-red standardR
must be protected from extraneous heat
sources. When infra-red calibrations are performed, precautions must be taken to protect
infra-red detectors and temperature sensitive
instruments. Standard celhl and other temperature sensitive equipment should be separated
from infra-red equipment before commencing
any infra-red calibrations.
The contractor's laboratory or calibration
area should have adequate temperature and
humidity controls.
for linear measuremenLCJ, a temperature
and a relative humidity of
(with the
permissible variations shown in Appendix B)
normaHy provide a suitable environment. Precision linear measurementR u~ually require
more severe
A filtered air supply iR a necessity in the
calibration area. Dust particles are more than
just a nuisance; they can be abrasive, conductive, damaging to instruments and injuriouR
to health. A measure of dust filtration can be
provided in the air conditioning system by the
washing action of sprays and atomizers, but
this may need to be supplemented by electro744-926 0-64-2

b. Lighting. Adequate lighting (suggested

values-80 to 100 foot candles) should be provided for work bench areas. The lighting may
be provided by overhead incandescent or fluorescent lights. Fluorescent lights should be
shielded properly to reduce electrical noise.
Appendix C is provided a8 informational
material. It describes some of the detrimental
effects of adverse environmental conditions.
3.2.3

INTERVALS OF CALIBRATION

(a) Requirement.

3.2.3 Intervals of calibration. Measuring and test equipment and mea~mre

ment standards shall be calibrated at
periodic intervals established on the
basis of stability, purpose, and degree of
usage. Intervals shall be shortened as
required to assure continued accuracy as
evidenced by the reAtilt~ of prereeding
calibrations and may be lengthened only
when the results of previom-t calibratiom"
provide definite indications that such action will not adverAely affect the accuracy of the system.
(b) Concept. Measurement standardR and
meaRuring and test equipment shall be calibra1 ed as often as necessary to maintain
prescribed accuracy. If contractor's records
indicate that equipment requires frequent adjustment or repair, the interval should be
shortened. If equipment remains within re5

3.

ELEMENTS OF GOVERNMENT EVALUATION (Continued)

quired accuracY!: for successive calibrations,

calibration interfals may be lengthened.

measurement standard, both reference and

transfer.

( c) Applicatioii. 'fhe Government representative should as~ertain that all measurement

standards and measuring and test equipment
are assigned an established interval for calibration. In the absence of an established
calibration interval (based on equipment manufacturer's recommendation, authorized Government specification, etc.) for a particular item,
an initial servicing interval should be assigned
by the contractor's standards laboratory or
calibrating service. The servicings are to be
specified in terms of time or, in the case of certain type test and measuring equipment, a
usage period.
The establishment of significant intervals
should ue upon the basis of inherent stability,
purpose or use, accuracy, and degree of usage.
The intervals may be shortened or lengthened
by evaluation of the results of the previous
and present calibrations and adjusting the
schedule to reflect the findings. 'I'hese evaluat iuns mm~t. provide positive assurance that caHbration inttrval adjm3tments will not adversely
affect the accuracy of the system.
The contractor should maintain proper usage
data and historical records for all equipment to
such an extent that the Government representative can readily ascertain whether a request
for adjustment of calibration interval is warranted. Similarly, user's surveillance records
are a principal means of detecting obvious
equipment faults, not anticipated by calibration
O\.,J:n:;;,_tu1:1ui!4. and should be
if an effective calibration system is to be maintained.
The evaluator should have assurance that all
equipment for which specific ca!ibration intervah~ are not
have :mme sort of
periodic review such as (a) examined
labper::mnnel at least once every six
months and (b) calibrated at intervals of no
longer than one year.
In summary. then, specific areas for consideration by the Government representative are
as follows:

b. How intervals are established-stability?

purpose? degree
usage? standard practices?

a. Determine that
are
for
all measuring and test equipment; and for each

c. Controls for interval adjustments; based

on results of previous calibration; changes in
kinds or amount of usage. Major
in
the frequency of equipment usage must be
promptly taken into consideration if an effective calibration system is to be maintained.
d. Adjustment or assignment of calibration
intervals should be done
such a way that a
minimum of
of equipment or standards of
the same type are within tolerance when they
are submitted for their regularly scheduled recalibration. (i.e. If more than
of a particular type of equipment is out of tolerance
at the end of its interval, the interval should
be shortened.)

e. Controls for initial calibration; calibration

before usage or after prolonged periods of inactivity.

f. RecaH system-mandatory enforcement

provisions; schedules established in advance;
provision for obtaining calibration when necessary between normaUy scheduled recall dates.
3.2.4

CALIBRATION PROCEDURES

(a) Requirement.
3.2..t. Calibration procedures. Written
procedures shaH be prepared or provided
and utilized for calibration of all measuring and test equipment and measurement standards U8ed to assure the accuracy of measurements involved in
establishing
conformance. The
procedures may be a compilation of published standard practices or manufacturers written instrudions and need not
be rewritten to sati8fy the requirements
of thiK specification. The procedure shall
ft!t1uire that calibration be performed by
t:omparison with higher accuracy level
standards.
( b) Concept. Written uniform methods or
procedures for calibrating measuring and test

3.

ELEMENTS OF GOVERNMENT EVALUATION <Continued)

equipment and meaRurement Rtandardf! mm;;;t

be provic:jed- by the contractor in order to eliminate pojsib1e measurement inaccuracie~ due
to diffejences in techniques, environmental
conditioxfs, -choice of higher level standards,
etc. The~e
may be prepared by
contractor, or he may utilize pubstandard practices or written instructions that accompany purchased equipment.
When available, publit"hed Army, Na\y or Air
Force procedures may also be used.

ment required to
an effective calibration. Manufacturer's names, model numiJers
an<l accuracies should
included aR ~ .... i.,,''"'!l<"'
e. A complete and
calibration
in a a~ ....,T"Lt-.u
clearly and
written.

.,.,

f. Calibration procedures should provide

specific instructionR for
and recording the test data and include data sheets.
3.2.5

(c) Application. The Governm('nt reprPsentative should ascertain that written procedures exist for performing testf~ and calihratiom:; on each type of measuring and tP~t
equipment or measurement standard rP'l11irir1v.
calibration. These procedures must b> rmuf
available for use by calibration personnPI and
should be located in the applicable test or f'Aiibration area. Calibration procedures must he
maintained current, with a method for initiufing revhdons. The written procedures may bP
prepared by the contractor or he may m~e
equipment manufacturers instructions or other
standard practices if they contain the necessary
information and detail. It should be recommended to the contrador that he utilize Army,
Navy or Air Force procedures when availal11e.
The evaluator should determine that aH calibration procedures offered by the contractor
in satisfaction of Ml Ir-C-45662 requirem(lnts
exhibit the following minimum basic information:

CALIBRATION SOURCE

(a) Requirement.

3.2.5.1 Domestic contract~. Measurin_s.;

and test equipment shall be calibrated
by the contractor or a commercial facility utilizing referenC'e standards (or interim standards) whose calibration is
certifierl as being traceable to the Nationa1 Bureau of Standards, has been
derived from accepted values of natural
physical const::rnts, or has heen derived
by the ratio type of self-calibration techniques. Reference standar<li=i requiring
calibration by a higher leveJ standards
Jaboratory shalJ be calibrated by a commercial facility capahJe of providing the
required service, a Government Labora- .
tory under arrangements made by the
Contracting OffiC'er. or by the National
Rureau of Standards. All refere nee
sbmdards m~ed in the calibra1 ion system
shall be supported by certificates, reports, or data sheets attesting to the
<late, accuracy. and conditions unrler
which the results furnh;;hed were obtained. All subordinate standards and
meaRuring and test equipment shall be
like dRta when such information is ei:u~ential to achieving t.he
accuracy control required by this speciIn
cases where no date
is required, a suitably annotated calibration label on the item shall be sufficient
to satisfy the support data requirements
of this paragraph. Certificates or reports from other than the National
Bureau of Standards or Government
Laboratory shall attest to the fact that

a. The specific equipment or group of equipments to which

same
b. Fundamental
information such as
points,
environmental requirements, standard calibration conditions and accuracy requirements.
e. A brief description of the scope, principle
and/or theory of the calibration method.
d. A list of all standards and accessory
1

3.

ELEMENTS OF GOVERNMENT EVALUATION (Continued>

the Standards used in obtaining the results !five been compared at planned
intervals with the National Standard
either jirectly or through a controlled
the methods outlined
above. The contractor shall be responsible for assuring that the sources providing calibration services, other than the
National Bureau of Standards or a Government Laboratory, are in fact capable
of performir1g the required service to the
satisfaction of this specification. All
certificates and reports shall be available for inspection by authorized Government representatives.

mercial laboratories must state that standards

used in performing the calibrations were periodically compared with a national standard,
either directly or by one of the methods outlined above. The producer must assure that
contract calibration services from other than
NBS or a Government laboratory are capable
of performing adequate services in compliance
with the requirements of MIL-C-45662. The
national standards laboratories of foreign
countries may be utilized for calibration services and for substitution of the requirements
pertaining to NBS, if their reference standards
are compared with international standards or
with U. S. national standards.

3.2.5.2 ...'oreign contracts. The provisions in paragraph 3.2.5.1 shall apply

with the exception that the National
Standards Laboratories of countries
whose standards are compared with
International or U. S. National Standards may be utilized in lieu of the U. S.
National Bureau of Standards.

(c) Application. The Government representative should ascertain that ail measurement~ or calibrations performed by or for the
pn>d uen in the accomplishment of his contrnctua I requirements can be traced, directly
or indirectly, through an unbroken chain of
properly conducted calibrations (supported by
reports or data sheets) to some ultimate or
national reference standard maintained by a
national organization such as NBS. The ultirr1a te reference standard:.; can also be an indeJc.:Jtdtmt reproducible standard, i.e., a standard
whkh depends upon accepted values of natural
constants. Typical examples are-the
wa vc length of Krypton 86 orange-red light
source used for dimensional calibrations or
the cesium beam type of microwave frequency
standard.
accomplishing the investigation of trace the Government
should
to
the
,;u11wrting the producers reference st1m<1a1as
must be an up-to-date report for each
excent independent reprouu1,.u.1i1c standards) used in
contractor's calibrat.ion system (and
any subordinate standardH or
and test equipment if their
i:tt.'euntcJ' is
as to require supporting data).
H the Jffoduccr's calibration services are performed
a commercial laboratory or facility
on a contract basis, copies of reports issued
by them should be available.

(b) Concept. All measuring and test equipment applicable to the contract must be calibrated by reference ~tandards whose accuracy
is:
( 1) Traceable to the National Bureau of

Standards (NBS).
(2) Obtained from independent reproducible standards (derived from accepted values
of natural physical constants)
(3) Derived from the ratio type of selfcalibration
Calibration services for these standards may
be obtained from a commercial metrology
laboratory. a
laboratory, or from
Certificates or test
must su1ouclrt
aH reference standard calibrations. These reports must state the date, accuracy, and environmental conditions under which the calibrations were performed (information of a like
nature, if necessary for accuracy control of the
calibration
may be required to support
subordinate standards and measuring and test
equipment). In addition, reports from com-

3.

ELEMENTS OF GOVERNMENT EVALUATION (Continued)

Contracts for calibration services should ipclude agreements with the commercial facilitv
for their conformance to the applicable requitiments of M
and for ~mppJy of copi~s
of records of traceability of their refere nee
standardR.

AH

and

under which the calibration

relative humid-

3.2.6

of stanrfard (expressed in iwrother snifahlr>

(a) Requirement.

3.2.6. Application and records. The application of the ahove requin~mentR will
he supported hy records deRigned to
at-lsure that estahliRhed schedules and
procedures are followed to maintain the
accuracy of aJJ meaimring and test equipment, and supporting standar<k The
records shall include a suit ahly identified individual record of calibration or
oth~r means of control for each item of
measuring and test equipment and me:rnurement standards, providing calihration interval and date of certification of
re:-:ults of last calibration. In addition,
the individual record of any ihm1 whosP
accuracy mm~t be rf'ported vi:t a calibration report or certificate wil1 quote
the report or certificate number for
ready reference. TheRe records shalJ be
available for review by authorized
Government personnel.

d.
e. Report number.
f.
for the
level standards of
sources other than NBS or a Government Jahoratory should bear a statement that comparison has been made with national standartls
at
intervals using proper procedures
personnel.
. . . . . . . . . . ,..,u

g. Corrections which must be applied if

standard conditions
temperature, gravity.
air buoyancy, etc . are not met or di ffer from
those at place of caHbr:d ion.
If calibration service8 are obtained from
foreign nations, all t l1',) above observations
must be made by the Government representative. In addition, he must determine that information is available on reports issued by
them that the
standards of that
compared with interrni 1n:nu' standards.

(b) Concept. Records provide objective evidence that calibration schedules are eomplied
with and that the accuracy of the
ment or standards is
maintained.
The records also provide a history of equipment
which may be
and
as a basis for the adjustment of calibration
intervals.
will be provided and mainfor each item
and
equipment and each measurement standard.
They must he readily available to the Government representative.

:r

is in
may
in the form of brochures in which the company submits $its
for performing
calibration
The brochures usuaJly
elude a list ot
measurement capastatements,

C!tl'>Y"'t.TH'.n

(c) Application. The Government representative should ascertain that adequate calibration records are provided and maintained to
identify and categorize each item of measuring and teRt equipment and measurement

of
services or have

APPLICATION AND RECORDS.

which employ their

performed by them, etc.
9

3.

ELEMENTS OF GOVERNMENT EVALUATION <Continued)

standard. Reeords can be in format developed

at the contrictor's discretion but should be
kept in a suitable file, readily available for use
by authorized personnel or for review by a
Government representative. An identified official of the contractor's organization should
have an assigned responsibility for maintenance of the records.
The evaluator may consider a record system
as being
when it readily reveals
the following
as
to each item of a
contractor's calibration system:
a. Its history.
b.

accuracy.

c. Its present location.

d. Calibration interval and when due.

e. Calibration procedures and controls necessary.

f. Actual values of latest calibration.

g. Inventory of maintenance and repairs

made.
When an item requires a calibration report,
that report, or copies, should be included in
the record file for ready reference. The equipment record card should quote the report number.
In order to insure that calibration schedules
are being followed, a documented recall program should be in operation as part of the
records system. The program should include
schedules for each type of equipment consistent
with its use, accuracy, and
required.
The evaluator should have
that some
provision exists for:

gether with the calibration results would

represent a complete historical record of calibration perform1n1ce.
3.2.7

CALIBRATION LABELING.

(a) Requirement.

3.2. 7 Calibration labeling. Measuring

and test equipment and measurement
standards shall be labeled to indicate the
date of last calibration, by whom it was
calibrated and when the next calibration
is due. When the size or functional char-
acteristics limit the application of labels,
an identifying code shall be applied to
the item to reflect serviceability and due
dato for next calibration. When neither
labe~ing or coding is practical the system shall provide suitable procedures
for monitoring of recall records to assure adherence to calibration schedules.
Labels, codes, or recall records for items
which are not required to be used to
their full capabilities, or items which require functional check only, shall indicate the applicable condition.
(b) Concept. Labeling provides a visual
means of indicating the calibration serviceability status of measuring and test equipment
or measurement standards. All such items appHcitble to the contract must be labeled to indicate their status. If size or function of equipment or standards prohibit the use of a label,
a code mity be employed. Eciuipment or standards used at partia1 capability must indicate
the usable scales or ranges, or portions of the
equipmtnt. Equipment or standards exceeding
the calibration expiration date must not be
u~eJ until they have been

notices according

(c) Application. "fhe Government representative should ascertain that all measuring
a ncl test equipment and measurement standants applicable to the contract and requiring
calihrntion exhibit a Jal>el or tag indicating its
calibration servkt:ability status. The
lahelt:1 in evidence must agree with the samp]es
or mu~trations provideti by the contractors
writtc:n description. The Government repre-

b.
prompt release of equipment or standards for calibration.
c. The is:Juing ofcaHbration over-due notices
and removal of equipment from service.
Records of
operations should be
maintained. They would consist of the results
of cross-checks or periodic inspections conducted between successive calibrations and to10

3.

ELEMENTS OF GOVERNMENT EVALUATION (Continued)

sentative should also deh'rmine that calihration

expiration dates have not been exceeded by any
standard or item ofequipment. The label should
be distinctive aid should be located on th~
equipment in suih a manner that it is clearly
visible at all tirftes. The
on the
label should inclid~. as a
date
of last
it was calibrated,
and the date when next eaHLration is due. An
identifying code may be m~ed in lieu of the
label or tag when the size <H' functional characteristics of the equipment prohibit such applications. The code self>ctPd much reflect the
same information supplied by the label or tag.
When neither labeling or coding is suitable, the
calibration system may provide procedures for
monitoring recaJJ reeordc; to assure adherencP
to calibration schedule:;;. The system should
further provide for label!-<,
codes. or reC'aJI records indicating the applicable condition
of all equipment or standards which are not
required to be used to their fuH capabilities or
which require functional checks
Usable
8cale8, ranges, or portionR of the equipment
mm~t be indicated on an explanation tag.
Equipment where no test data is recorded,
e.g., nu1I indication, wavp form monitoring,
etc., may be 1abeJed ""Ko Calibration Nece~
sary", or words to that effect. Independent
reproducible standardR which are derived from
accepted values of natural physical constants
in such a way.that they do not require calibration against other standards to estab1ish their
accuracy may be labeled 0 No Calibration Nece~. Typical examples are an interferometer
using a Krypton-86 orange light source for dimensional calibrations, and the cesium beam
type of microwave frequency standard. How~
ever, accessory
associated with these
standards is not precluded from periodic calibration controls or labeling.
The
must extend and apply to every item of measuring and
test equipment or measurement standard under
his jurisdiction and :which is connected with
the fulfiHment of a production or services
contract as follows:
11

a. Contractor owned or IeaRed equipment

which is calibrated by the contractor or a comnwrcial source.
h. ( 'ontractor owned or leased equipment
which iR calibrated by a Government Jaboraf ory.

('. Government owned equipment. furnished

n contractor for his use in connection with
R rP!ated contract.
ThP labeling system should include provi-<mnR for identifying equipment that has not
hPPn maintained or recalibrated in accordance
with an established schedu1e, or has been found
:o exC'eed alJowable limits. This equipment
:-;houJd be immediately removed from service.
If physical removal is impractical due to
weight, Rervice connectiom;;, or other characteristics of the equipment, it must be impounded
by the attachment of signs, tags, or other
means.
The contractor should aJRo present evidence
to the Government reprei;;entative that his ~mb
contractors have an adequate labeling system,
offering substantially the same control:;; as his
own ~wstem.
fn

3.2.8

CONTROL OF SUBCONTRACTOR
BRATION.

CALI-

(a) Requirement.
3.2.8 Control of subcontractor calibration. The contractor shall be respons~
ble for assuring that his subcontr~T ors
have a calibration system which essentiaHy meets the requirements of this
specification.
(b) Concept. The Government mm~t be aRsured that the accuracy of all measurements
and calibrations performed outside the contractor's plant which may affect the
or conformance to requirements of supplies or
sPrvkPs presented to the Government for acceptancP, ~re etfeC'tively control1ed. This need
not result in complete uniformity or standardization of calibration policies or practices between contractor and subcontractor. However,
the controls imposed by the subcontractor

;3.

ELEMENTS OF GOVERNMENT EVALUATION <Continued)

;
"
should subljtantially satisfy the requirements
and intent" )IIL-C-45662. Objective evidence
of this conformance should be available to the
contractor.

for consideration by the Government repre"!Csentative are as follows:

(1) Incorporation, by the contractor, of
MIL-C-45662 in subcontracts when practicable.

(c) Application. The Government representative should ascertain what provisions the
contractor has imposed on his subcontractors
(including vendors when necessary) to assure
himself of their conformance to the requirements and intent of MIL-C-45662. Some areas

(2) A general specification or other document provided by

contractor covering calibration requirements and which is sufficiently
comprehensive to assure a subcontractor program that will provide adequate control of the
overall calibration system.

12

APPENDIX A
CHECKLIST FOR EVALUATION OF CONTRACTOR'S
CALIBRATION SYSTEM

Indicate the 11-deQuacy level of the following functions by checking the appropriate b1ock beside
each statemelit. If the term "Unsatisfactory" is checked, furnish detailed information in the "Remarks" blockt

~%

ADEQUACY
SAT.

1. Written description of calibration Rystem covering measuring

and test equipment.
a. CaHbration intervals
b. Sources of calibration
c. Environmental eonditions under which t>quipment will be calibrated.
d. Controls for segregation of obsolete, damaged, or otherwise inaccurate equipment.
e. Controls for verification of pro<t11rtion tooling (jigR, fixtures,
etc.) when m~ed.
f. Maintenance of system description .
g. Availability of Rystem description, prot'Pdures, and records.

Remarks:

2. Written description of calibration systf'm covering mea~mrement

standards.
a. A listing of mea~mrement standards (reference and transfer).
b. Nomenclature and identification number.
c. Calibration inteival
d. Sources of calibration
e. Environmental conditions under which memmrement standards
wm be
and calibrated.
f.
accuracy to a national standard.
g. Maintenance of
description
h. Availability of system description, procedures, and calibration
reports.
Remarks

13

I UNSAT.,
I
I

I
I
l

APPENDIX A (Cont.)
CHECKLIST FOR EVALUATION OF CONTRACTOR'S
CALIBRATION SYSTEM

ADEQUACY
UNSAT.

SAT.
3. Adequacy of standards. Measurement standards established by
the contractor for calibration of test and measuring equipment
have the capabilities of:
a. Accuracy
b. Stability
e. Range
d. Sensitivity required for the intended use.

II

Remarks:

I
I
I
I!
I
i

4. Environmental Controls
a. Environmenta1 conditions controlled to the extent necessary to
assure continued measurements of the required accuracy.
b. Consideration given to:

Temperature
Humidity
Vibration
Cleanliness
5. Other controllable fac~ors affeding precise measurement.
c. Controls for the application of compemmti11g corrections to ca1i1.
2.
H.
4.

I
I
j

'~~~~b-ra_t_i_o_n_r_e_s_u_u_s~o_b_ta_i_n_e_d_i_n~e_n_v_ir_o_n_n_1~_1-1t-.s~o-tJ_1e_r__t_h_a_n_s_t_a_n_d_a_r_d_.~_.__I__~-----------
Remarks:

'!~~~~~~~~~~~~~--~----~~~~--~------~~~~~--~~--------~~!
5.
the
Calibration Intervals. Does
contractor'8 procedure j:iL ,-,v u1e
contro]for:
The calibration of m
u
and test e4uipment and measur~ment standards at periodic intervals?
b. The establishment of an interval period based upon stability
purpose. and degree of usage?
c. The adjustment of interval periods whe11 evidenced by the rt
suits of previous calibrations?
000

I
!.

,1

!~--~~~~----~~~--~--~~~~~~~~----~--~~~~~-------------~-----1
l

Remarks:

14

APPENDIX A fCont.J
CHECKLIST FOR EVALUATION OF CONTRACTORs
CALIBRATION SYSTEM

ADEQUACY

:""
6.

Calibratif~procedureH.

a. Preparation, provision, and utilization of written procedures for

the calibration of measuring and test equipment and measurement standards.
b. Requirement for calibration to be performed by comparison
with higher accun1cy level standards.
c. Utilization of puhfo;hed standard practices or manufacturers
instructions.
d. Surveillance or checks that procedures are being foHowed.
e. Availability of procedures.
Remarks:

7. Calibration SoureP~. Does the contractm"s proeedure provide control for:

a. The caiibration of test and measuring equipment by a source
whose standards are traceable to the National Bureau of
Standards?
b. The calibration of reference standards by R <apable commercial
facility, a Government Jaboratory or t hf' National Bureau of
Standards?
c. A report, certificate, or data sheet attesting to the date, accuracy, and conditions under which the eniibration results of
reference standards were obtained?
d. The provision of reports, record card!4, etc., for subordinate
standarrls, measuring and test equipment when such information is deemed essential?
e. Evidence that calibration sources other than the National Bureau of Standards or a Government laboratory have their standards compared with a national standard at planned interva1s?
f. Assuring that calibration sources other than the National Bureau of StandardR or a Government
are in
capable of performing the required service?
g.
such reports for review by the Government representative?
Remarks:

15

APPENDIX A IContJ
CHECKLIST FOR EVALUATION OF CONTRACTOR'S
CALIBRATION SYSTEM

ADEQUACY
SAT.

UNSAT.

8. Application and records. Does the contractor's procedure provide

control for:
a. Supporting records to show that established schedules and procedures are applied to maintain the accuracy of measuring and
test equipment and measurement standards?
b. An individual record of calibration for each item of measuring
and test equipment and measurement standard providing calibration interval, date of certification and result of last calibration?
c. Noting the report or certificate number on the individual record
of those items whose accuracy is reported by calibration report
or certificate?
d. Producing such records for review by the Government representative?
Remarks:

9. Calibration Labeling. Does the contractor's procedure provide

control for:
a. The labeling of measuring and test equipment and measurement standards to indicate the date of )ast calibration, by
whom, and the date when next calibration is due"!
b. An identifying code to reflect the status of serviceability for
those items whose size or functional characteriRtics prohibit
the application of a label?
c. The monitoring of recaH records to assure adherence to calibration schedules?
d. T .nN>Jg
or recall records indicating tht applicable condiof those items which are not ~<.iii~"'~ to be used to their
full capabilities or which require a functional check only?

Remarks:

10. Calibratio'l. by Subcontractors. Does the contractor have procedures for assuring that his subcont racthrs have a calibration
system which essentially meets the requirements of MIL-C-15662.
1--~~--~--------~~----~---~--~-----~----------~~----~------------------1

Remarks:

16

'

APPENDIX B
GUIDE FOR ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROLS

A mfjer factor i 11hf ining accura., i11 calihrat ion results is control of the environment
where Ute ~'Calibration 'R performed. I 11 f'f'tahli8hing the degree and type of such controls, the.
accuracyir!luiremenf of the measurement parameter must be taken into consideration. The~
conditioni pnder whit- h rPf erenre standard~ are calibrated must necessarily be more rigi!llfi
controlled than those t'onditions under which working standards for measuring and test equip::
ment are calibrated. Shown below are some suggested controls.
REFERENCl_.~

RTANDARD CONDITIONS
CONTROLS

Conditions

Di mensionaJ

Electrical-Physical

Temperature

20c o.:r>c
(68F'. 0.!;F.)

23C + 0.6C
(73.4F. + l.0F.)

Temperature rate of change

(less than)

0.3C pPr hour

(0.5F per hour)

0.6C per hour

(l.0F per hour)

Relative Humidity

35%
55%
Constant within 2 percent around a regulated point.

Dust (particle count)

Less thnn 1.0 x 10" parts per

ft:i over 1.0 micron; less than
5.0 x tot parh~ per ft 3 over 0.5
micron

Vibration

O.OOlg max
The instrument mount must provide such stability that readings
can be consistently obtained to an accuracy of at least the value
indicated for each instrument.

Electrical and Radio Frequency

Noise
Lighting (at bench level)

"'

Acoustic Noise

Less than 20 x 10 4 parts per

f P over 1.0 micron ; less than
100 x 10 4 parts per f P over 0.5
micron

60 db reduction of interference

80 ft. candles
at bench tops

100 ft. candles

50 db max (above 10-11 watt per cm 2 )

17

APPENDIX 8 CCont.)

WORKING STANDARD CONDITIONS

CONTROLS
Dimen:dunaJ
Temperature

Relative Humidity

Electrical-Physical

68F to 73F
Rate of change not more than 0.5 degree per hr.
35%
55%
Constant within 5% around regulated point.

Dust (particle count)

Less than 20.0 x 104 parts per ft. 3 over 1.0 micron; less than
100.0 x 10 4 parts per ft. 3 over 0.5 micron.
(Generally an efficient filtered air supvly wi1l product satisfactory results)

Vibration

0.002 G max
0.003 G max
or an efficient means of damping aH measurement equipment
and instrument supports.

Lighting (at bench level)

80 foot-candles at bench tops

18

APPENDIX C
DETRIMENTAL EFFECTS OF ENVIRONMENT

rn~Lt1amcy

camw

d11:-;t, humidity, and chemical contamination should be controlled to

extent
110 detrimentaJ effects. Shown below are
of the effect of environ-

Type of
Mea~mrement

Length

Environmental Variation

Possib1e inaccuracies or detrimental effect

bm~ic

will cause a change per inch of

approximate1y 6.4 miero-inches
for steel and 12.6 for aluminum.

Rr>lat ivf humidity of less than

aG F or greater than 5!l' 'F

will have corrosive effect on

instrumentation, leakage in
electrical measurements, and
static.

A dmnge of ]
68 F

from the

PreRsnre

A variation in any hour of

:rF

will cause a ('hange of 0.10 mm

Hg on a barometer.

Direct Curreut Yoltage

If the extreme values of temperature are within 70'' to

84F and rate of change is less
than W F' per hour.

In most eaPPs changes within the limits specifif'd '"'i1l

not cause errors t'!xceeding
0.01 %. (Resporn:.e of unsaturated cells to tempernturf'
changes is not uniform.)

nr> ";..

Leakage effect on high voltages nil

If Uw ext n'me values of temperattire an with 70 to 84F

and rate of change is )eRs than
3F per hour

Tn most cm~eR changeR \\'it hin

the limits Rpecified wiJl not
cause errorR in exre~R of a
+0.005
in standard ..-ncncrn'tc>
and volthoxeft.

Relative humidity 35%

Relative humidity 35%

5fi

efff'ct on
tance nil
CJeanliness

General

lf~olation or damping is required on sern;;itive instruments

to aRsure reliability of readings.

Vibration faolation

Lighting

proportioned to

100 candlepower at

Low levels induce fat

and

contribute to reading errors.

working level.
19

'tf U.S. GOVERNMENT

PRINTING OFFICE:

1973 -113-156 6 l