AFMC Warranty Guide

1.1 Scope/Overview

1.1.1 This guide is for use by program managers, project officers, logistics managers, contracting officers, and others who may be responsible for warranty development and implementation. Its purpose is to supplement Air Force Manual 64-110, “Manual for Weapon System Warranties” dated 13 May 94. The following steps are the crux of the warranty process:

• Establishing a Warranty Team,
• Selecting one or more Essential Performance Requirements (EPRs),
• Selecting a warranty type to adequately cover the selected EPRs,
• Performing a Cost Benefit Analysis (CBA) to evaluate the warranty type, and
• Documenting the process in a Warranty Plan.

1.1.2 This guide uses the terminology “Weapon System Warranty (WSW)” interchangeably with “System Warranty” and “Warranty.” The intent, regardless of terminology used, is that warranty principles apply to the acquisition of all products and services.

1.2 DEFINITION

1.2.1 A warranty is a promise or affirmation given by a contractor regarding the nature, usefulness, or condition of the supplies or the performance of services furnished under a contract. The objective of a warranty is to motivate contractors to design, produce, and deliver a quality product (i.e., foster quality performance) and to give the Government recourse when the product does not perform as contractually agreed to by both parties. A well-written warranty delineates the rights and obligations of the contractor and the Government for defective supplies and services.