Aerospace & Defense Insights
Expert insights on AS9100 certification, ITAR/EAR export compliance, DPAS priority ratings, and quality management for aerospace and defense manufacturers. From Boeing supplier requirements to NASA specifications — practical guidance from consultants who've worked inside these programs.
Government Contracting: Using Specialized Consultants for Maximum Impact
Federal agencies require specific certifications, NAICS codes, and compliance frameworks. The Exceleor ecosystem holds relevant NAICS codes across multiple brands.
AS9100 Certification: The Complete Guide for Aerospace Suppliers in the Southeast
Boeing, Spirit AeroSystems, and GE Aviation suppliers — everything you need to know about achieving AS9100 certification.
AS9100 + ITAR Dual Certification: Streamlining Compliance for Defense Aerospace Manufacturers
Defense aerospace manufacturers face a dual compliance burden: AS9100 for quality management and ITAR for export control. Most consultants treat these as separate projects — that's a costly mistake. With experience inside Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and NASA programs, we integrate AS9100 quality requirements with ITAR export controls into a single, cohesive management system. Every AS9100 audit in defense manufacturing should assess ITAR readiness.
DPAS Priority Ratings Explained: DO, DX, and What They Mean for Your Manufacturing Orders
The Defense Priorities and Allocations System (DPAS) assigns priority ratings to defense contracts. A DO rating means you must accept the order and prioritize it over commercial work. A DX rating — the highest priority — means the order takes precedence over everything, including other rated orders. Mismanaging DPAS obligations can result in criminal penalties. We've managed DPAS for military purchasing and help manufacturers implement compliant prioritization systems.
CMMC for Defense Contractors: Timeline, Levels, and What You Need to Know in 2026
CMMC rulemaking was finalized in late 2024 with phased implementation beginning in 2025. By 2026, CMMC requirements are appearing in new DoD solicitations. Level 1 covers 15 basic safeguarding requirements (self-assessment). Level 2 maps to 110 NIST 800-171 controls (third-party assessment for critical programs). Level 3 adds NIST 800-172 advanced threat protections. We explain what level you need, when you need it, and how to get there efficiently.
Nadcap Special Process Accreditation: Heat Treating, Welding, NDT & Coatings for Aerospace
Nadcap (National Aerospace and Defense Contractors Accreditation Program) is the gold standard for special process approval in aerospace. If you perform heat treating, welding, non-destructive testing, chemical processing, or coatings for aerospace OEMs, Nadcap accreditation is not optional — it is a prerequisite for doing business. We cover the Nadcap audit process, the most common audit findings by commodity, how to prepare your special process documentation, and how Nadcap integrates with your AS9100 certification.
Counterfeit Parts Prevention: AS9100 Requirements & Supply Chain Authentication Strategies
Counterfeit parts cost the aerospace and defense industry $3B+ annually and pose life-safety risks. AS9100 Rev D clauses 8.1.4 specifically addresses counterfeit part prevention, and DFARS 252.246-7007 mandates detection and avoidance programs. We cover the AS9100 counterfeit parts requirements, how to build a detection and avoidance program, supplier authentication strategies, receiving inspection protocols, and reporting obligations when suspect parts are identified.
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