DOWNLOAD Updated Version - June 8, 2026: Revision B

COMMON REQUIREMENTS

100 Quality Management System Requirements

Supplier is responsible for maintaining Quality Systems that are compliant to applicable Archer Quality System Requirements. Supplier must be third-party registered and receive periodic system audits, or be subject to periodic Archer compliance audits. Suppliers assume the cost of system audits. Archer’s preferred Quality Systems are as follows:

● Original Equipment Manufactures: AS9100 / EN9100 / ISO 9001 / ISO/TS16949 / FA Approved

● Special Processors: AS9003 or Nadcap (AC7004)

● Materials Laboratories and NDT Laboratories: ISO 17025, or AS9003, or satisfactory audit to Nadcap (AC7004)

● Distributors: AS9120 / EN9120

● Calibration Laboratories: ISO 17025

● Software Supplier: AS9100 / EN9100 and AS9115

Any Supplier not certified must plan for additional verification activities from Archer Quality to ensure conformance to the design, specifications, and requirements. Where possible, IAQG, OASIS, and GIDEP connections should be maintained with Archer.

101 Approved Sources for Controlled Processes

Supplier must ensure that all controlled processes (e.g., those requiring validation, special process control, or customer designation” are performed by sources approved for the applicable process family.

Certification of special processes (e.g., welding, soldering, composites, electroplating, heat treating, anodizing, etc.) must include the part number, Archer Aviation’s purchase order number, and the full list of specifications to which the product conforms. Special processes must be performed only by approved sources in accordance with applicable NADCAP requirements or documented Archer approval requirements defined within PRCD-515. Supplier should utilize Archer's chosen method for internal approval of special processes in lieu of NADCAP. Documentation must provide full traceability to the processed hardware and applicable process certification records.

Supplier must flow down the following requirements, at minimum:

a) Archer Aviation part number and description

b) Applicable Archer Aviation CAGE Code, or request for material

c) Archer Aviation applicable Supplier Quality Requirements

d) Special Processes to be completed referencing its applicable specification(s) and revision letter(s) and defining the type, class, or methods and testing that are identified within the drawing or specification

e) Instructions/notes identified on the drawing

f) Fixed/Frozen process requirements

102 Awareness and Training of Supplier Personnel

Supplier must ensure that its personnel are aware of their contribution to product or service conformity, safety, and the importance of ethical behavior. Relevant knowledge of type design requirements including drawings/models and applicable specifications should be flowed to all personnel.

103 Calibration

Supplier must maintain a calibration system, including written procedures, to ensure inspection and evaluation equipment utilized for the acceptance of Archer products are properly calibrated and maintained. If utilizing a calibration service, the service must have a system traceable to ANSI/NCSL Z540-1, ISO/IEC 17025 or equivalent. Records must be maintained and provided to show evidence of monitoring and measuring equipment calibration. Supplier must have a positive recall system for calibration. Supplier must have an out of tolerance process to determine the impact of out of tolerance conditions on products. When calibration and testing activities are outsourced, Supplier must be able to demonstrate that sub-tier suppliers are also traceable to the requirements above.

104 Notification of Changes

Supplier must notify Archer Aviation Supply Chain personnel and Supplier Quality Engineering (supplierqa@archer.com) within 15 calendar days, in writing, of any of the following intended changes:

Facilities: Notification of changes to facilities or manufacturing equipment or of any change in Supplier’s organization or method of doing business that will or may affect Supplier’s performance of any products/services provided to Archer Aviation. Products manufactured or processed at an unapproved location will be considered nonconforming.

Quality systems: Notification of changes to Supplier’s quality management system, including suspensions or disapprovals, or manufacturing and repair processes, including controlled processes.

Design authority: Regardless of design authority, Supplier must notify Archer Aviation of any design or process changes affecting conformity, fit, form, function, quality, reliability, or safety of any product, material, or component forming the basis of a Contract between the Supplier and Archer Aviation, and must obtain Archer Aviation’s written approval before proceeding with manufacture and delivery to fulfill the Contract.

Major supplier change: Supplier must notify Archer Aviation within 15 calendar days of any change to sub-tier Suppliers or sources used in the manufacture of the product, including but not limited to special process providers, material sources, or key component manufacturers.

Where such changes affect the configuration, form, fit, function, or approved source status established at the time of the First Article Inspection (FAI), the Supplier must evaluate the need for a new or partial FAI in accordance with AS9102 and flow down applicable approval requirements (e.g., Nadcap accreditation or customer approved sources).

Supplier’s notice must include at least the following information:

a) Products affected

b) Detailed description of the change

c) Reason for the change

d) Requested start date and implementation schedule for the change

e) Identification of risk(s) and proposed mitigation(s)

105 Counterfeit Prevention Program

Supplier must establish a program to prevent the risk of introducing counterfeit parts, including electronic parts, non-electronic parts, and materials. The counterfeit prevention program must include: identification, mitigation, detection, and avoidance techniques, and reporting of suspected or confirmed counterfeit parts, assemblies, and/or materials. Supplier’s Counterfeit Prevention Program must include training for the detection and prevention of counterfeit parts. Supplier must perform periodic audits to verify compliance with the requirements of their Counterfeit Prevention program.

Guidance on counterfeit prevention can also be found in the following specifications:

a) AS5553 Counterfeit Electronic Parts; Avoidance, Detection, Mitigation, and Disposition.

b) AS6081 Counterfeit Avoidance Standard

c) AS6174 Assuring Acquisition of Authentic and Conforming Material

d) IDEA-STD-1010 Acceptability of Electronic Components Distributed in the Open Market

106 Documented Information and Data Control (Record Control)

Supplier must maintain records as evidence that the Supplier’s methods, systems, and processes were performed according to its Quality Management System. Records must be maintained on file at the supplier's facility and traceable to the conformance of product or services delivered to Archer Aviation. Records must be protected from loss, damage, or deterioration and must remain legible and readily accessible. Electronic records (data) must be stored securely with back-up procedures.

Supplier must retain documented information and quality records for all deliverable products, including nonconforming material records, containment records, root cause investigations, corrective actions, and disposition documentation, for a minimum of 10 years, in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements, including those of the FAA, where from the date of shipment, unless otherwise specified by contract or purchase order. These requirements must be flowed down to all applicable Suppliers and sub-tier suppliers.

All records related to FAA conformity test articles must be retained indefinitely.

Supplier may dispose of records upon expiration of the required retention period unless otherwise directed by Archer Aviation. Notification prior to disposal is only required when records are subject to active investigation, regulatory inquiry, or specifically identified by Archer Aviation for extended retention. Records must be retained for the required minimum retention period and may be retained for longer periods at the Supplier’s discretion. When records are disposed of, the Supplier must ensure disposition is performed in a controlled manner that prevents unauthorized access or disclosure.

107 Sub-Tier Requirements

The Supplier must maintain a process for supplier control ensuring all sub-tier suppliers can meet the requirements of the Purchase Order. Archer Aviation retains the right to approve changes to sub-tier suppliers considered for use on deliverable hardware. The supplier must notify Archer of any intentions to subcontract work required to complete the Purchase Order requirements. Additionally, all requirements that are invoked or applied to the Supplier's purchasing document and its associated documents, including key characteristics where applicable, be flowed down to the appropriate level.

108 FOD Control

Supplier must establish a program in accordance with AS9146 for the prevention, detection, and removal of foreign objects. Supplier will ensure that Foreign Object Debris and subsequent Foreign Object Damage (FOD) is eliminated from all parts prior to shipment. Suppliers' FOD control program must ensure a FOD free environment at all points during machining, manufacturing, assembly, maintenance, inspection, storage, packaging and shipping.

109 Handling, Preservation, and Packaging

Supplier must ensure that the products supplied are protected from damage during production, inspection, packing, packaging, and shipping operations. Supplier must package product in accordance with applicable Archer specifications. In the absence of specified packaging requirements, the Supplier must utilize commercial packaging practices consistent with ASTM D3951. Where contractually required or where additional protection is necessary, packaging must align with recognized industry standards (e.g., MIL-STD-2073-1) to ensure preservation of product in accordance with AS9100 requirements. Products found to be damaged upon receipt are subject to rejection.

All products must be protected during manufacture, transport and storage to prevent damage, including without limitation any special packaging required for electrostatic discharge protection, moisture sensitive components, corrosion protection, special cleaning, explosive or corrosive materials.

110 Nonconforming Material Control

Supplier must notify Archer Aviation Supplier Quality Engineering of nonconforming processes, products, or services and obtain Archer Aviation’s approval. Supplier must not disposition nonconforming product affecting form, fit, function, safety, or regulatory compliance without Archer Aviation approval, unless the Supplier has been formally authorized to perform Material Review Board (MRB) activities for the applicable product. Suppliers with approved MRB authority or design authority may disposition nonconforming material within the limits of their approval. Dispositions outside of their authority, or those impacting customer requirements, must be submitted to Archer Aviation for review and disposition. All suspect material must be quarantined in a restricted access location separate from conforming material.

When Supplier is notified of a discrepancy, Supplier must take immediate action to determine if the condition exists on any other work-in-process, in storage at the Supplier’s facility, or in prior shipments. Containment action must be taken and documented prior to the next shipment of the part number(s) involved. When requested by Archer Quality, containment activities taken and/or planned must be communicated to Archer within 24 hours. Root cause and corrective action activities should be completed and reported to Archer Quality for review and approval within 30 days.

110.1 Material Review

For materials and products that are designed or design controlled by Archer Aviation and manufactured to Archer Aviation specifications, the supplier must not implement any nonconformance disposition (including use-as-is or repair) without prior written approval from Archer Aviation, unless otherwise explicitly authorized. Archer Aviation retains final authority over all such material review decisions.

Request from Supplier to Archer Aviation for Material Review authority must include:

• Material Review procedures including copies of applicable forms, tags, and other control media and a description of their usage.

• A resume of each of the Supplier’s Material Review members and alternates. Such a resume must include: background, experience, education, tenure in role, and all other pertinent information.

• Evidence of approval of the Supplier’s Material Review members and procedures by the Supplier’s quality assurance representative, if applicable.

When the Supplier is approved to effect Material Review action:

• Supplier must furnish all Material Review reports to Archer Aviation Quality Engineering.

• A copy of the Material Review action must be included with the shipment of affected material. The report must list, in detail, the salvage methods used, if applicable.

• Supplier must not make substitution of Material Review members or delegate Material Review authority to sub-tiers performing work on Archer Aviation parts without informing Archer Quality Engineering in advance and obtaining written approval.

• Supplier’s Material Review action is not allowed when interchangeability, external configuration, function, service life, safety, reliability, or point of attachment to Archer Aviation assemblies is affected.

When Archer Aviation retains material review (ie. Supplier is not authorized to make material review dispositions), Supplier must submit to the Archer Quality Engineering any nonconformances requiring material review for appropriate disposition prior to proceeding. For nonconforming material associated with an approved deviation request, part marking and identification requirements must be defined within the engineering approved disposition. Archer Aviation will coordinate communication of these requirements to the supplier, including marking method, content, and location. The supplier must ensure that all required identification is applied prior to shipment, as applicable.

The Supplier may scrap without additional approval from Archer Aviation if the scrapping action renders the article/part/material unusable via mutilation and does not affect cost and schedule. Archer Aviation may request evidence of scrapping such as a certificate of destruction or photographs of the scrapped part.

111 Obsolescence Management

Supplier is required to maintain an obsolescence management program to prevent supply chain disruption and schedule impact. Supplier must develop and implement a part obsolescence management process which includes the following requirements at a minimum:

a) Annual assessment of bills of material (BOMs) to identify any actual or potential obsolescence that might impact production or delivery of products.

b) Proactive identification and detection of part, material or manufacturing or test equipment obsolescence issues.

c) An action plan to resolve each obsolescence issue, including forecast analysis and product support decisions (i.e., lifetime buy, redesign or product sunset).

d) A lifetime buy inventory management plan to ensure long term ability to produce the products.

e) Advanced notification to Archer Aviation of any potential interruption in the ability to meet forecasted demand due to an obsolescence issue.

Supplier must notify Archer Aviation regarding part or material obsolescence as soon as the information becomes available, with an expectation to provide notification at least six months prior to the last date an order will be accepted.

112 Performance Monitoring

Archer Aviation defines minimum performance expectation criteria measured in quality and on-time delivery performance, in addition to corrective action responsiveness. When Supplier does not meet expected performance levels, Archer Aviation reserves the right to require the Supplier to initiate a performance improvement project led by the Supplier’s top management. Minimum performance expectations and required improvement actions will be defined and communicated by the designated Supplier Quality Engineer. These expectations may be adjusted as appropriate based on product criticality, performance history, and business considerations. These projects will be focused on improving Supplier’s business operating systems and quality management systems that will result in the sustainable achievement of Archer Aviation’s minimum performance expectation.

All features of the product must comply with specifications for all parts produced and shipped. If Supplier’s process does not meet all Quality and Delivery performance criteria, Archer Aviation’s expectation is for Supplier to pursue measurable continuous improvement.

Archer Aviation reserves the right to assess and evaluate the Supplier’s Quality Management System and its compliance with contractual requirements. Archer Aviation reserves the right to communicate findings, concerns, or quality related issues to the supplier’s certification body or other relevant third-party oversight organizations. Based on the results of assessments or failure to meet contractual requirements, the customer reserves the right to adjust Supplier approval status, impose corrective actions, or terminate the contractual relationship in accordance with applicable terms.

113 Configuration Management

Supplier must ensure that delivered products and services meet the requirements of the specified configuration of all models, drawings, specifications, technical data and other requirements referenced in the PO. When a specification revision is listed on an engineering definition, only that specification and revision must be used. When no specification revision is listed on an engineering drawing, Supplier is required to identify the current. Supplier is responsible for obtaining the latest applicable revision of all requirements. For Archer specification revisions where the Supplier has not requested and been granted exception, implementation must occur within 6 months of release date.

114 Right of Access

Supplier must allow the right of access by Archer Aviation, its customer, and regulatory authorities, to the applicable areas of facilities and to applicable documented information (e.g., documents, records, data) at any level of the supply chain. Archer Aviation reserves the right to access records at the Supplier/PO holder, or its sub-tier Suppliers that are involved in the manufacture of Archer Aviation products. At any time during the identified retention period, at Archer Aviation’s request, Supplier must make records available within 2 business days of the request for access and must deliver such records or any part thereof in agreed to format/media at no additional cost to Archer Aviation.

115 Traceability

Supplier must maintain records tracing the products, including without limitation, raw materials, piece parts, components, and sub-assemblies used to produce the products, to their original manufacturers, including the mill supplying raw material, by batch or lot and date code. Records must include, without limitation, a certificate of conformance from the original manufacturer of the raw materials, piece parts, components, or sub-assemblies. The system for traceability must account for any/all components that require replacement past initial installation.

Supplier must require its lower-tier suppliers to provide a certificate of conformance with each shipment of raw materials, piece parts, components, and sub-assemblies in the same form as required for Supplier’s shipments. Supplier must inspect all shipments of raw materials, piece parts, components, and sub-assemblies from its lower-tier suppliers for conformity with the applicable requirements. The inspection must include review of documentation accompanying shipments. Supplier must maintain records showing the method of inspecting the raw materials, piece parts, components, and subassemblies received by Supplier from its lower-tier suppliers.

Supplier must provide Archer Aviation, upon request, a list of all raw materials, piece parts, components, and sub-assemblies used to produce the products. Traceability must be maintained throughout the manufacturing process to shipment of product to Archer Aviation.

116 Records Correction

For updates/corrections to existing records for parts in WIP, Supplier must ensure that the individual making the change(s) is crossing out existing information, recording the updated correction, dating and signing, initialing, or stamping the correction(s) made. No erasures, covering, or "white-out" allowed. Correction of Records for all shipped items must be sent to Archer Aviation for review. Archer must be notified within 24 hours that a record correction occurred for all shipped items.

117 Certificate of Conformance

Supplier must provide a Certificate of Conformance with each shipment, which states that the product supplied meets all drawing, specification, and/or purchase order requirements, as applicable. The Certificate of Conformance must reflect the part number(s) listed on Archer Aviation’s purchase order, the production lot, batch numbers, or serial numbers as required and be signed by an authorized quality representative of the manufacturer or distributor. In cases where Archer part numbers differ from internal supplier part numbers, both may be listed.

Supplier must provide the sub-tier manufacturer’s Certificate of Conformance as described above in addition to its own Certificate of Conformance. The signed Certificate of Conformance provided with the Supplier’s shipment is acknowledgement that conformance and compliance to the drawings; these Supplier Quality Requirements and Purchase Order requirements are fully met. Purchase orders and contractual agreements take precedence.

118 Electrostatic Sensitive Devices (ESD) Certification and Electronic Components

Certification must attest to compliance with MIL-STD-1686, ANSI/ESD S20.20 or equivalent ESD requirements and must include class of ESD, the part number, Archer Aviation’s Purchase Order number, certification date, and quantity shipped. ESD must be labeled as such and be properly packaged to prevent any static damage.

Appendix B - Electronic Components Management Plan should be referenced for additional requirements applying to electronic components.

119 Certification of Date of Manufacture

Supplier must either furnish certification identifying the date of material manufacture and special storage and handling requirements or must identify each package/container of age sensitive material with that information.

120 Shelf-Life Certificate

With each delivery of materials or products that have a limited or specified shelf life, the Supplier must furnish data that shows, as applicable:

a) Manufacture date

b) Expiration date or shelf life

c) Lot and/or batch number

d) Special handling or storage requirements

e) Certificate of Analysis

Unless otherwise specified by Archer Aviation’s purchase order and/or contract, the remaining shelf life must be a minimum of 75% of the total shelf life.

121 Identification and Traceability

Supplier must ensure, as applicable to the product, adequate means for downward and upward traceability (e.g. batch, lot), manufacturing operator/operation traceability, components and materials in relation to the delivered Product (date code, batch no., serial no.). Unless otherwise specified on applicable engineering documentation (including drawings, specifications, or customer-controlled requirements), parts must be identified and traceable using an approved methodology sufficient to ensure uniqueness of serial number or batch/lot identification. Where serialization or lot traceability is required, such requirements must be defined on engineering documentation and must not be subject to Supplier interpretation of product criticality. The serial number for a finished product must not be identical to the serial number of the semi-finished product used for manufacturing. It is strictly forbidden to assign a serial number already assigned for the same part number.

For Critical Parts, traceability must link the manufacturing documented information with the material batch. Supplier must ensure the traceability of any changes and non-quality events on the different elements of the product. Documented information pertaining to identification and traceability must be maintained/archived in accordance with the required retention period related to the product being produced.

Where traceability requirements are not explicitly defined by purchase order, contract, or engineering documentation, non-critical parts may be controlled by batch or lot identification. Parts identified as critical or primary structural elements must be serialized.

122 Part Marking

Parts must be marked permanently and legibly with a part number and a serial number when required by engineering definition. MPE-00057 Process Specification for Part Marking or agreed upon supplier specification must be used for part marking allowances. The marking method defined in the design data corresponds to the maximum alteration level that a part can sustain without its operation being altered. The process used must permit easy identification after the protection and assembly steps. Any change to the method of part marking must be submitted for approval. Markings required during manufacturing (e.g. temporary marking for interoperation traceability) may not remain on finished parts.

123 Substitute Parts

Supplier must not substitute any parts without prior written approval by Archer Aviation.

124 Notice of Escapes (NOE)

When Supplier identifies or becomes aware of a suspect product/service that has escaped from the Supplier’s facility, Supplier must notify Archer Aviation Supply Chain personnel (Buyer) and Supplier Quality Engineering supplierqa@archer.com within 24 hours. The initial notification may be a verbal notification but must be followed up in writing within (5) five days, addressed to Archer Aviation, on the Supplier’s own letterhead. The notification must, at a minimum, contain the following information:

a) Supplier Name

b) Description of the defect

c) Affected part number(s)

d) P.O. number(s)

e) Quantities and Dates delivered

f) Date of Manufacture

g) Traceability information (serial number, heat lot number, batch number, etc.

h) Attachment of test/inspection data.

i) Information regarding rejection and containment

j) Root cause and corrective action or completion date for submittal.

Supplier must inform Archer Aviation of the result of any tests performed as well as Corrective Actions taken and a completion date. Supplier must update Archer Aviation on the progress of the Corrective Actions upon request.

125 FAA Form 8130-3 Authorized Release Certificate, Airworthiness Approval Tag

For all articles manufactured by an FAA approved production approval holder (PMA or TSO), an FAA Form 8130-3 must be provided for all articles. The equivalent will be accepted for other civil aviation authority (CAA) production approval holders (ex: EASA Form 1, etc.).

For parts/articles/products maintained by an FAA certificated Repair Station, an FAA Form 8130-3 must be provided with all parts/articles/products.

126 English Language Requirement

Supplier must submit all required quality data (e.g., Supplier quality procedures, certificates, reports, or other similar data required by Archer Aviation), correspondence, and corrective actions responses in the U.S. English language. Upon request, any additional documents related to furnished goods, must be translated to English and made available

127 Critical Parts

Parts defined as critical within Archer’s Certification Plan must adhere to 14 CFR § 27.602 and AM1.2713. Supplier must adhere to § 33.70-1 and Section 9 for manufacturing planning and process control. Supplier must develop and submit a manufacturing plan for review and acceptance by Archer and applicable regulatory authorities, where required by contract or regulatory requirement.

Where specified on engineering documentation, purchase order, contract requirements, or certification plan, manufacturing planning must be designated as ‘frozen.’

Frozen planning must be controlled as part of configuration management under AS9100 and must include the following controls: (a) identification of frozen status on applicable documentation (drawing, PO, or certification plan) (b) restriction of change without formal Archer approval (c) defined approval process for changes affecting key characteristics or process definition (d) required flow down of frozen status to approved Suppliers and sub-tier Suppliers (e) use of only customer approved or contractually approved sources for affected processes.

INSPECTION AND TEST REQUIREMENTS

200 First Article Inspection – NetInspect

Supplier is responsible for assuring completion of a First Article Inspection Report (FAIR) per AS9102 for all design characteristics generated by the Supplier or their sub-tiers. All Archer Aviation Part Numbers and Purchase Order line items must be approved in NetInspect prior to shipment.

First Article Inspections (FAI) must be performed in accordance with the latest revision in effect of SAE AS9102 and conducted on a sample part representative of the first production run. This requirement is applicable to final assemblies, subassemblies, and individual parts manufactured or assembled to a specific drawing. Results of the FAI must be completed and signed by Supplier’s quality representative and provided to Archer Aviation concurrent with the parts. Each FAI must include a “bubbled” drawing identifying the location of all characteristics referenced on AS9102, Form 3.

The FAI requirement applies to each bill of material or parts list item with an Archer Aviation part number that is invoked in the product design, including lower level Archer Aviation models and detailed drawings identified on top level assembly models and drawing(s), and each cavity or tool serial number for products whose dimensions are controlled by the tool. FAI’s may be required on Supplier designs if specified on the Purchase Order. Archer Aviation FAI approval does not relieve the Supplier of the responsibility and/or liability for full compliance with all contract requirements.

The following items are exempt from requirements of this quality clause:

a) Bar and sheet stock.

b) Unaltered material consigned by or purchased from Archer Aviation or its authorized distributors.

c) Archer Aviation vendor item (only requires form 1 of AS9102 for all assemblies and/or lower level FAI’s where they form part of the top-level assembly part number).

d) Discrepant hardware either returned to the manufacturing Supplier or sent to an alternate Supplier and disposition of rework or repair.

e) Nonfunctional hardware (protective covers, shipping hardware, COTS, etc.), unless otherwise specified.

f) Catalog and COTS parts, unless otherwise specified.

When the design model or drawing calls out a specific sub-tier supplier to use, as part of the first article shipment, Supplier must send proof that the specified source sub-tier supplier was used. Evidence must be submitted along with the FAI report when the product is shipped.

Archer Aviation reserves the right to exercise the requirement of additional and/or periodic/repeat/delta FAI requirements on a part number basis to ensure continued product conformity.

201 Inspection

Supplier must maintain an inspection system applicable and adequate for the product or service being supplied. Prior to each shipment, all products must be inspected for applicable workmanship standards. They should be uniform in quality and must be free from defects and all foreign substances or residue from processing or handling that could affect fit, form, function, reliability, or serviceability.

The Supplier must implement risk-based early production controls for new or revised products, including increased inspection and/or temporary containment activities, as appropriate. These controls must remain in place until process stability and product conformity are objectively demonstrated. Such practices should be consistent with recognized industry guidance (e.g., AS9145), where applicable.

Inspection results must be provided to Archer with each shipment in the format required by Archer. 100% inspection must be completed and shared with Archer for all purchase order items and detail level parts of assemblies. Supplier must ensure CMM inspection results align with ASTM-E29 requirements. Weight is to be provided with each shipment for all products.

202 Sampling Plan

Supplier is responsible for controlling and recording inspections for all design characteristics of all items delivered to Archer Aviation as well as a method of validating received components from sub-tiers. When the Supplier elects to use statistical methods for the acceptance of products or processes, such methods must be in compliance with the requirements established by: SAE ARP9013, 9013/1, 9013/2, 9013/3 and 9013/4 as applicable, except that in all cases the sample sizes must be AQL 4.0 or higher (i.e., AQL 1.0, .65, etc.) and the criteria for lot acceptance as zero (i.e., C=0). A copy of the statistical process control plan must be furnished to Archer Aviation upon request. Sampling plans must not be used for FAA conformity test articles, qualification test articles, or other items used to demonstrate design or regulatory conformity. These articles must be subject to 100% inspection and verification of applicable characteristics.

The Supplier must continuously monitor process performance and sampling effectiveness and maintain records demonstrating continued process control. If adverse trends or nonconformances are identified, Archer Aviation must be notified, sampling must be suspended, 100% inspection must be implemented until root cause is corrected, and sampling may only resume with approval and verification of effectiveness by Archer Aviation.

203 Test Data Sheet

Supplier must furnish test data sheet, the result of product tested using calibrated test equipment maintained to a pedigree equal to or higher than the product being tested.

204 Wire Harness

Supplier must comply with all criteria of IPC-A-620, Requirements and Acceptance for Cable and Wire Harness Assemblies.

Supplier must provide certification that each shipment of electrical wire or cable furnished under this contract conforms to the applicable specifications.

The test report must, at a minimum, include the physical, chemical, or electrical (and in the case of RF cable, electronic) inspections and tests conducted to satisfy the acceptance requirements and numerical results when applicable.

205 Composite Parts

Composite parts must be fabricated, trimmed, machined, and forming and drying of Core per Archer Aviation Process Specifications as defined in the design data. Associated controlled processes (i.e. controlled contamination area, tool preparation, part marking, bonding surface preparation, edge sealing) must follow the relevant Archer Aviation process specification or receive written Archer Aviation authorization to follow an approved alternative procedure.

206 Nondestructive Testing (NDT)

When nondestructive testing is required to produce a part or assembly, the Supplier must ensure all NDT personnel have been properly trained, qualified and certified to perform the NDT method and technique to be used. NDT personnel qualification and certification must be in accordance with the Supplier's NDT Written Practice. The Supplier’s NDT Written Practice must adhere to the requirements of: NAS 410 (preferred), ASNT SNT-TC-1A, EN 4179 or equivalent recognized industry standard.

If the Supplier uses a subcontractor for NDT provider, the Supplier is responsible for ensuring the subcontractor NDT provider adheres to these requirements.

207 Cosmetic Features for Interiors and Exteriors

Supplier must follow the Archer Aviation process documents relating to Cosmetic Interiors and Exteriors. All changes and repairs must only be performed after receipt of approval by Archer Aviation.

ADDITIONAL CONFORMITY REQUIREMENTS

300 Customer Authorized Manufacturers/ Approved Designated Suppliers

Suppliers and sub-tier suppliers must ensure that only Archer Aviation approved designated suppliers and/or authorized manufacturers are utilized whenever the requirement is flowed down on the Qualified Product List, Archer Aviation contract/purchase order, drawings and/or other alternative documents. In addition, Suppliers and sub-tier suppliers must validate that relevant parts or products meet the specific flowed down requirements and are traceable to the designated source prior to the release of product to Archer Aviation.

301 Source Inspection

Products or services may be subject to source inspection or test witnessing by Archer Aviation, representatives of Archer Aviation, or applicable government agencies at defined inspection points, performed by the Supplier or sub-tier sources, including in-process and final inspection stages prior to shipment. Source inspection must not require disassembly, destruction, or reopening of sealed, closed out, or non-reversible processes, unless explicitly agreed in advance through documented inspection planning or contractual requirement.

Suppliers must provide the necessary access, equipment and resources required to effectively accomplish the source inspection. Archer Aviation’s Quality department must be notified in advance of the time articles or materials are ready for source inspection or test.

302 Material Shelf Life

Suppliers must identify materials and articles having definite characteristics of quality degradation or drift with age and/or environment. This identification must indicate the date and/or cycle that the critical life was initiated and the date and/or cycle at which the useful life will be expended. If environment is a factor in determining useful life, identification must also include the storage temperature and humidity required to achieve the stated useful life.

For material where out time tracking is required, Supplier must maintain out time record throughout its life.

Supplier must obtain Archer approval for shelf-life extensions not outlined in specifications.

303 Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP)

Supplier must deploy APQP for all Build-to-Spec, Build-to-Print, and Design & Build products.

APQP must be deployed in accordance with AS9145. Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) deliverables, to the levels defined in Appendix A, must be submitted to Archer for review and approval at agreed program milestones. PPAP submissions must be provided through Net-Inspect.

APQP and PPAP deliverable requirements must be defined in the contract, purchase order, or customer flow down requirements. Supplier must comply with all deliverable requirements regardless of product classification, including whether the product is identified as a critical part or primary structural element.

Changes to required APQP/PPAP submission levels must only be implemented through formal contract modification or written authorization by Archer Aviation.

Once APQP is required, the APQP requirement must continue to apply during ongoing production.

Agreed upon PPAP deliverable requirements between Archer and Supplier must also be flowed down to sub-Suppliers. These deliverables must be made available for Archer review and comment. Part Submission Warrant (PSW) should be made available for sub-Supplier materials.

REPAIR AND OVERHAUL REQUIREMENTS

400 FAA Part 145 Repair Station

When applicable, Supplier must utilize a certified FAA Part 145 Repair Station for all repairs performed on Archer Aviation’s product. Supplier must provide all documentation related to the repair on the part in accordance with SQR Clause 119.

401 Composite Repairs

Composite repairs must follow the approved Archer Aviation process documents and must only be performed after approval of the nonconforming part disposition along with the required approval by Archer Aviation's MRB and/or FAA/DER.

DISTRIBUTORS

500 AS9120 Certification

Distributors must maintain a Quality Management System that is certified by an accredited registration body to AS9120, or an equivalent standard. Distributors must immediately notify Archer Aviation of lapse, probation, or loss of certification status and grant access to Archer Aviation in the IAQG OASIS database.

VARIATION MANAGEMENT OF KEY CHARACTERISTICS

600 Key and Critical Characteristics

Implementation of AS9103 requirements and associated requirements defined within PRCD-524 must be considered mandatory unless formally identified by the supplier as non-applicable and approved in writing by Archer Aviation prior to production acceptance. The supplier is responsible for documenting the basis for any exception or non-applicability, as well as flow down of all applicable Key Characteristics (KC) and Critical Characteristics (CC) requirements, to all subtier suppliers performing work affecting design characteristics or conformity. Approval of non-applicability does not waive Supplier responsibility for conformity to all customer defined KC and CC requirements.

RAW MATERIALS / COTS REQUIREMENTS

700 Raw Materials Control

Supplier must not mix material of any type/thickness. The containers must be clearly identified with the raw material type/thickness, quantity/weight, and heat lot.

Supplier must supply raw materials in single heat lots. Authorization to ship multiple heat lots must be granted in writing by and at the discretion of Archer Aviation. If authorized, Supplier must not combine multiple heat lots in the same container.

Additionally, Supplier must label each container with the raw material type, quantity/weight, and heat lot.

Supplier must perform 100% inspection on all received raw material and must verify the certificate of conformance against Archer Aviation requirements and applicable specifications.

701 Certificate of Analysis (Chemical and Physical Test Reports)

Supplier must provide a copy of test report/certificate and any subtler/distributor Certificate of Conformance for all received raw material that meet EN 10204 requirements.

The test reports/Certificate of Conformances must include the following, at minimum:

a) Name of the producing mill.

b) Chemical and physical characteristics.

c) Process used in manufacturing the material.

d) Material specification(s) and revision level(s).

e) Raw material heat/lot number.

f) Actual quantitative results of all lot acceptance testing as required by the raw material specification (i.e. – chemical, physical, and metallurgical).

g) Signature of the authorized mill and/or distributor representative, as applicable.

702 Validation of Test Reports

Supplier must validate the accuracy of the Certificate of Conformance(s) and/or test reports and ensure that the data complies to the applicable material specifications and/or product requirements.

Supplier must identify the frequency of tests based on the raw material operational risk level.

703 Commercial Off the Shelf (COTS) Materials

Supplier must provide Archer Aviation with a Product Change Notification when there are changes to configuration, fit, form, function or product safety of a COTS material. The Product Change Notification must contain information describing the change(s), reason for change(s), its timeline, and projected impact. The Supplier must provide Archer Aviation with the Product Change Notification 180 days before the proposed first ship date of the changed product.

3D MODELING CONTROL REQUIREMENTS

800 3-D Modeling Control

Supplier must have documented processes that control Archer Aviation’s release authority dataset and other DPD/MBD derivatives (i.e. NC programs, Inspection plans, Tooling, etc.) from the point when the Archer Aviation authority dataset is received, through derivative creation, programming, manufacturing planning (visual aids, in-process inspection, final inspection), first article inspection and any other process that is applicable.

The process must ensure the original authority datasets are secure, backed up, cannot be altered, and only the appropriate personnel have write access to part programs and inspection datasets. Supplier must have a trained system administrator(s) with sole access to retrieve and store incoming customer datasets. Supplier must have a process to check dataset integrity upon receipt. Datasets must be segregated by status (e.g., release, in-work and obsolete are minimum requirements) and must be protected (i.e., password and access protection, regular backup for disaster recovery and archive storage). CFM-00011 Interpretation of Product Definition Data outlines Archer expectations.

801 3-D Modeling Control Flow Diagram

Supplier must establish a flow diagram that documents the complete 3-D modeling control processes and identifies the applicable procedure references. The flow diagram must include reference to affected organizations such as engineering, manufacturing planning, tooling, inspection, and procurement.

802 3-D Modeling Control Changes

The supplier must have a process that notifies the customer when changes are incorporated into their Model Based Definition process and impacts the customer (simple typographic errors need not apply). The process should include notification within 15 days of any changes.

APPENDIX A PPAP DELIVERABLE LEVELS

X - required | O - optional 

APPENDIX B ECMP

ELECTRONIC COMPONENT MANAGEMENT PLAN (ECMP) REQUIREMENTS

Abstract

Suppliers are required to comply with the requirements defined in the SQR. Additional clarification and detailed guidance regarding electronic component management are provided in the Appendix. All suppliers to whom these requirements apply must ensure full compliance with the provisions outlined therein.

a) Inventory Management

Supplier must ensure that inventory records must include the reel or tube ID, component part number, manufacturer, date code, date the original packaging was opened and the date released for use.

In some cases of prototyping or long-lead, single-source items, Archer may store or co-sign certain parts on behalf of the Supplier to support program needs. Archer must maintain equivalent storage, handling, and traceability controls as those required of the Supplier.

b) Temperature Limits

Components will be selected primarily based on the operating temperature requirements specified for the end product, which are flowed down from the requirements at the Aircraft level to each of the systems and subsystems in a hierarchical progression. For more information refer to the Archer Requirements Management Plan (SSE-00002).

In addition to operating temperature, components are also evaluated for specifications to manufacturing and storage temperature ranges based on the component datasheet to ensure that they are not subject to risk of damage through manufacturing, operation, storage, or transport of the part. Humidity limits are also considered for both operating and storage conditions, in accordance with manufacturer specifications and environmental standards. Components susceptible to moisture absorption, such as Moisture Sensitive Devices (MSDs), will be handled and stored pre J-STD-033 to prevent damage from humidity-related exposure during reflow or rework.

For thermal considerations by equipment installation refer to the SRM-00083. Reliability calculations, such as failure rate or MTBF, are performed using average temperatures associated with specific equipment installation locations, in accordance with standard practices. Component reliability and degradation related to temperature and humidity exposure over time are evaluated in the context of the overall module or system-level lifetime requirements, considering the expected service environment, maintenance intervals, and mission profile.

Component effects and/or damage based on temperature variations experienced during manufacturing and/or rework will be identified and communicated by the responsible Supplier (e.g., DFM (Design for manufacturing) analysis, Pareto analysis of manufacturing or rework defect). Assurance for adhering to the required temperature and humidity limits for component storage and transport from distribution will be performed by the Supplier.

Thermal analysis performed in conjunction with the Original Component Manufacturer (OCM) specifications will be the primary means of ensuring that components are used within the manufacturer’s rating. When the analysis shows that a component will be susceptible to thermal stresses, additional mitigations should be implemented in the form of manufacturing optimization (if assembly related), component derating, improved heat dissipation, and/or cooling at the discretion of the design engineers responsible. If humidity analysis reveals sensitivity to environmental moisture, additional mitigation may include conformal coating, hermetic sealing, or environmental controls at the system level.

c) Material Shelf Life

Supplier must ensure all active electronic components delivered are within two (2) years of the original manufacturer’s date code, unless otherwise specified on the Purchase Order or approved in writing by Archer Aviation Quality.

Components identified as approaching or exceeding two (2) years from manufacturer date code must not be used or shipped without prior notification and written approval from Archer Aviation Quality.

Components approved for use beyond the two (2) year shelf life must be subject to solderability testing in accordance with IPC J-STD-002E, or latest revision, with objective evidence of test results maintained by the Supplier.

Supplier must make reasonable efforts to procure components within the required shelf life. Where manufacturer date code visibility is not available prior to receipt from distribution channels, Supplier must verify date codes upon receipt and promptly notify Archer Aviation Quality of any nonconforming shelf life condition.

d) Component Availability

Archer and the Supplier will evaluate exception paths such as pre-buys and brokerage; however, the use of independent distributors or brokers is considered a last-resort option only. If a broker buy becomes necessary, the Supplier must comply with all applicable counterfeit-mitigation requirements, including enhanced inspection, authenticity testing, traceability verification, and documentation controls in accordance with their policies/procedures. Broker-sourced material must not be used without prior written approval from Archer following a documented exception request that includes risk management, test requirements, and acceptance criteria. Archer does not generally make design changes based on short term availability risks.

e) Compatibility with Assembly/Manufacturing Processes

PCBA compatibility with the Assembly and Manufacturing process will be ensured through active design reviews held with the Supplier prior to design release and approval. DFM activities conducted during NPI will also be confirmed to remain valid for production builds to ensure continued manufacturability and yield.

All component level assembly and manufacturing logistical supporting steps will be performed by the Supplier. This includes but is not limited to component shipping, handling, and storage, as well as protection of components from ESD, temperature variations, etc. through the component storage and handling steps. In addition, components subject to moisture sensitivity will be handled in accordance with their assigned MSL requirements (e.g., J-STD-020) to prevent moisture induced assembly defects.

PCBA rework will generally be performed by the Supplier however in some circumstances may be handled directly by Archer. The PCBA rework technician, regardless of whether employed by the Supplier or by Archer, will be trained and certified in IPC-7711/7721and IPC-A-610 standards, and is authorized to carry out such reworks. Validation will be carried out by a third IPC-A-610 trained Quality Control Inspector as well as originally failing station. Rework for electronics will always be performed in accordance with Archer internal guidelines which are in accordance with IPC-A-610 and also ensure proper handling and controls such as ESD, humidity, etc. Any warranties or guarantees associated with rework quality, as opposed to material quality, must be defined and governed by the terms outlined in the applicable MSA between Archer and the Supplier.