# Contractors Seek Basis for DCMA Inspections

A contractor raised concerns about a DCMA source inspector’s demands, prompting differing advice from procurement community members on how to respond. A former DCMA quality assurance representative said inspection demands should be grounded in the contract, technical data package, or applicable standard, and recommended asking the inspector to identify that basis in writing before escalating through the local CMO supervisor or ACO. Other commenters suggested contacting SQAS/FLS or DCAA, underscoring that the advice reflects differing views rather than a single established escalation route.

- Contractors facing a shipment hold can request the specific contract line item, technical data package note, or standard cited as the basis for the inspection demand, as suggested in the signal.
- The discussion identifies the local CMO supervisor and ACO as possible escalation points; commenters also proposed SQAS/FLS and DCAA, but the signal does not establish these as official or equivalent channels.
- Procurement and quality teams may benefit from documenting inspection requests and the cited contractual or technical requirements to clarify the basis for delays and support any subsequent escalation.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Defense & Military
**Topics:** Regulatory Compliance
**Published:** November 10, 2026

### Government Entities
- Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA)
- Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA)

### Key Quotes
> They cannot invent or add inspection requirements that aren't on the drawing or in the contract clauses. If they're holding up a shipment, politely ask them to cite the exact contract line item, TDP note, or MIL-STD they are basing their hold on in writing.
> — Prior DCMA QAR

> Contact DCAA if you have concerns. Running it up the ranks of DCMA does nothing
> — Community commenter

### Sources
- [DCMA](https://www.reddit.com/r/GovernmentContracting/comments/1xspg5t/dcma) - reddit-governmentcontracting