Supplier Quality Agreement Template

By Posted on

A Supplier Quality Agreement (SQA) is a crucial legal document that outlines the quality standards, expectations, and responsibilities between a buyer and their supplier. It serves as a roadmap for both parties, ensuring that products or services meet specific quality criteria and comply with industry regulations.

Key Elements of a Supplier Quality Agreement Template

A well-crafted SQA template should encompass the following essential elements:

Template - Supplier Quality Assurance Agreement Word (v.
Template – Supplier Quality Assurance Agreement Word (v.

Image Source: i0.wp.com

1. Parties Involved

Clearly identify the parties involved in the agreement, including the full legal names of both the buyer and the supplier.

  • Specify the address, contact information, and authorized representatives for each party.

    • 2. Scope of Agreement

    Define the specific products or services covered by the agreement, including any relevant part numbers, specifications, or drawings.

  • Outline the duration of the agreement, whether it’s a fixed term or indefinite.
  • Specify any applicable industry standards or regulatory requirements that the supplier must adhere to.

    • 3. Quality Standards and Specifications

    Clearly outline the quality standards and specifications that the supplier must meet, including any relevant certifications or accreditations.

  • Detail any specific quality management systems (QMS) that the supplier must implement, such as ISO 9001.
  • Specify any testing or inspection requirements, including the frequency and methods.

    • 4. Quality Assurance and Control

    Establish the quality assurance and control procedures that the supplier must follow, including:

  • Incoming inspection and testing of materials
  • Process control and monitoring
  • Finished product inspection and testing
  • Corrective and preventive action procedures
  • Specify the documentation requirements, such as quality records and inspection reports.

    • 5. Quality Metrics and Performance Measures

    Define the key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics that will be used to measure the supplier’s quality performance.

  • Specify the target values or acceptable ranges for each KPI.
  • Outline the reporting requirements, including the frequency and format of quality performance reports.

    • 6. Corrective and Preventive Action

    Establish the procedures for identifying, investigating, and correcting quality issues.

  • Specify the timeframes for implementing corrective actions and verifying their effectiveness.
  • Outline the mechanisms for preventing the recurrence of quality problems.

    • 7. Change Control

    Define the process for managing changes to the products, services, or processes covered by the agreement.

  • Specify the approval authority and documentation requirements for change requests.

    • 8. Intellectual Property

    Clearly outline the ownership of intellectual property rights, such as patents, trademarks, and copyrights.

  • Specify any confidentiality obligations that apply to proprietary information.

    • 9. Warranty and Indemnification

    Detail the warranty provisions, including the warranty period, coverage, and remedies.

  • Outline the indemnification obligations of each party, including liability for damages, losses, or injuries.

    • 10. Dispute Resolution

    Specify the dispute resolution process, including mediation or arbitration.

  • Outline the governing law and jurisdiction for any legal disputes.

    • 11. Termination

    Define the conditions under which either party may terminate the agreement, such as breach of contract or material default.

  • Specify the notice period and any post-termination obligations.

    • Design Elements for a Professional SQA Template

    To create a professional and trustworthy SQA template, consider the following design elements:

    Clear and Concise Language: Use clear and concise language to avoid ambiguity and legal jargon.

  • Consistent Formatting: Maintain consistent formatting throughout the document, including font, font size, and line spacing.
  • Professional Layout: Use a clean and professional layout, with ample white space to improve readability.
  • Headings and Subheadings: Use headings and subheadings to organize the content and make it easy to navigate.
  • Bulleted Lists: Use bulleted lists to highlight key points and improve readability.
  • Tables: Use tables to present complex information in a clear and concise manner.
  • Professional Typography: Choose a professional and easy-to-read font, such as Times New Roman or Arial.
  • Consistent Branding: Incorporate your company’s branding elements, such as your logo and color scheme.

    • By carefully considering these design elements, you can create an SQA template that is both professional and effective.