Dear Editor,
It happens sometimes. We work hard at CECOM to make sure it doesn’t but sometimes, we send out equipment that just doesn’t work as it should. If your readers have ever received such equipment, they may already be familiar with submitting a Product Quality Deficiency Report (PQDR).
Whenever a PQDR is submitted, it’s sent to the appropriate Army Life Cycle Management Command (LCMC), such as CECOM, for resolution. While each LCMC manages different commodities and equipment for the Army, there are some common things we need to know for every PQDR that is submitted. Would you pass on the following guidance to your readers?
PQDR Guidance
When you initially submit a PQDR, providing detailed information on the SF-368 can help expedite the investigation. When preparing the SF-368, it’s crucial to complete all the fields marked as mandatory.
The criteria for submitting a PQDR is that the equipment does not meet its intended form, fit or function. These terms are a bit broad; that’s why we need a full description of how the piece of equipment or item failed to perform as expected. You’re making a judgment call. The investigation that follows your PQDR submission will validate whether your assessment merits further analysis and possible changes or enhancements. If you tried to troubleshoot the issue, tell us that too. This “Description of Deficiency” field is also a good place to advise us if you’re unable to provide the mandatory information in other fields.
In addition to describing what’s wrong with the equipment, there’s documentation we need that is critical to the investigation process. The government contracts with many different suppliers and the documentation you provide helps us identify the company that made the equipment so we can work with them to get it repaired, replaced or issue credit. A lot of the information we need comes with the equipment when it’s received.
Pictures are vital. Sometimes they tell a better story than words. Take multiple pictures, especially if the deficiency can be shown in pictures. We need pictures of various parts or components involved and all the labels, plates and markings on the part(s), as well as the packaging. We recommend keeping all the original packaging each part comes in and the paperwork that comes with it until you know the part works. If you can’t keep the packaging, take pictures of all packaging and paperwork.
We also need a valid contract number and document number. In order to receive credit, we must have the document number that was used to order the part. That information is usually found on DD Form 1348-1A, while the contract number can often be found on the packaging or part itself.
Submitting a PQDR doesn’t help just you; it also helps the LCMCs identify parts of the equipment that may need to be reviewed for improvement to avoid future issues. The PQDR form can also be submitted if you have an equipment improvement recommendation, a warranty claim action or if you’re reporting equipment that you suspect may be counterfeit. Your input is invaluable to all of these activities.
PQDRs are submitted through the Product Data Reporting and Evaluation Program (PDREP) website at:
Users with valid user IDs can log on directly to the PDREP website to submit PQDRs and upload pictures. In order to get a user ID, an access request must be submitted through the PDREP website. There are also helpful manuals on the website that will help guide you through the process of submitting a PQDR.
If you have questions about submitting a PQDR for CECOM-managed equipment, feel free to email us:
Leticia Williams
CECOM PQDR Program Administrator
APG, MD
Editor’s note: We’re glad to share this guidance. Thank you, Ms. Williams.