What is a Product Quality Deficiency Report?

The Product Quality Deficiency Report (PQDR) program provides DoW users with a method of reporting deficiencies in new or as-new or repaired materiel to the item manager for preventing recurrence. DoW item managers use PQDRs to justify freezing assets, purging system assets, or returning materiel to the contractor for repair or replacement. International partners may submit the SDR in lieu of the PQDR to the ILCO to report product deficiencies at any time. The ILCO will provide information about the product deficiency to the item manager. However, submission of an SDR to report a quality issue will not automatically give the international partner any financial credit or provide a replacement item, unless the report meets the time and value rules for a Supply Discrepancy Report. DLM 4000.25, Volume 2, Chapter 17, provides further information on the submission criteria and use of the SDR to report a quality deficiency in lieu of a PQDR.

The SDR process is not a warranty. International partners may submit SDRs for discrepant materiel whether or not a warranty exists. If the international partner desires a special performance warranty, the U.S. will purchase one and exercise these rights at an additional cost. If the international partner did not request and pay for a special performance warranty, then they have no warranty (except for the clear title). If the U.S. happens to purchase a routine warranty, no special warranty actions are required by the international partner. The international partner may receive the benefit of any routine warranties through the SDR process. The presence of a warranty or lack thereof influences the potential range of remedies the DoW can pursue. The IA may accept the SDR for evaluation. However, doing so does not automatically create an obligation to compensate the international partner. If an international partner-requested written warranty exists and is documented in the LOA, an SDR submitted for warranty repairs or service is valid as long as the warranty is effective. An LOA note or other written direction will be provided to the international partner on how to exercise the warranty (SAMM C6.3.8).