A major Cat A PFI service provision project was nearing completion of a competitive Assessment Phase. To provide additional confidence in the down selection process and to inform main gate approval, the IPT required an assessment of the capabilities of the competing primes and their sub contractors.  Frazer-Nash was selected to conduct an in-depth audit of the key processes of the potential prime contractors and an independent assessment of the key sub contractors in the supply chain. The results were fed back via the IPT to the prime contractors in time for them to offer improved key processes in their final proposals.

Planning the Audits

Several discussions were held with the IPT customer to determine the depth of the audit possible in the time available at both the prime and sub contractor levels. The areas to be audited were those considered by the IPT to be critical to the programme. The methodology used for Systems Definition complied with ISO 15288, the Assessment Methodology with ISO 15504 and the Audit Conduct with ISO 19011. 

 
Conducting the Audits

First and second tier sub contractors were audited, by a team of MoD specialists, lead by Frazer-Nash. A 5-man team from Frazer-Nash also audited various projects from each of two potential Prime Contractors for several days to determine the level of process maturity of the following key systems processes:

• Acquisition management
• Resource management
• Quality management
• Project Control
• Risk management
• Operations management
   

Data Validation

The audit team collected the results, reviewed the supporting evidence and agreed common assessment standards across the companies and projects being audited. Marks were awarded, weighted and subsequently analysed.

Attribute Rating

The results were then measured against criteria to determine the level of capability maturity to ISO 15504. Reports were compiled for all sub contractors and the potential prime contractors using the ISO 15288 systems processes categories.     

 
Post Audit Feedback

A report was provided to the IPT on areas where contractor processes were both adequate and inadequate. These comments were conveyed to the companies during the tendering period and where appropriate, revisions were included in their final proposals.  Frazer-Nash then supported the IPT reviewing the proposed revisions. A fully documented audit trail was then delivered to the IPT.