NADCAP

NADCAP stands for National Aerospace and Defense Contractors Accreditation Program. It is a performance-based accreditation program designed to standardize the approval process for aerospace and defense suppliers performing special processes that affect product quality. It is administered by the Performance Review Institute (PRI) on behalf of SAE International and overseen by a consortium of industry stakeholders.

NADCAP covers a broad range of special processes, including non-destructive testing (NDT), heat treating, chemical processing, coatings, welding, electroplating and surface finishing, forging, and additive manufacturing, among others. The program aims to reduce duplication of audits by multiple customers and to ensure consistent process capability across the supply chain.

The accreditation process involves applying for a scope, on-site assessments conducted by NADCAP-accredited auditors with technical expertise, and closing any findings through corrective actions. Accreditation is granted for specific processes and scope and is maintained through periodic surveillance audits and re-accreditation as required.

NADCAP is widely recognized in the aerospace and defense industries; many prime manufacturers require NADCAP accreditation for suppliers performing listed processes. The program is administered by PRI, with governance and technical oversight provided by industry representatives and subject-matter experts. It originated in the 1990s to harmonize supplier approvals and improve quality across the supply chain.