The AC/250/CPG is a CNAD Partnership Group which reports to the NADREPS and assures the coordination with other organizations, NATO groups and NATO agencies. The AC/250/CPG instructs its sub-groups and approves their work. AC/250/CPG consists of the Main Group and two subordinate bodies designated as Sub-Group A and Sub-Group B. Sub-Group A is concerned with developing NATO's policy for an integrated systems approach to quality through the whole life cycle and including those activities relating to software/hardware integration. Sub-Group B is multifunctional and deals with issues related to quality assurance, reliability and maintainability, documentation rationalization, GQA, quality planning, training and liaison.

The AC/250/CPG also supports the NATO initiative in enhancing Partnership for Peace (PfP) implementation and assisting PfP nations in the development of transparent and effective national defence procurement structures.

AC/250 - GROUP OF NATIONAL DIRECTORS FOR QUALITY ASSURANCE

SUB GROUP A SUB GROUP B POLICY AND CONCEPTS IMPLEMENTATION AND OPERATIONS SW/HW Integration Policy on through life quality & system approach Through-Life Quality Management Liaison with JTC1/SC7/WG7 Liaison with NATO Groups/Agencies/Commands QA and R&M Documentation GQA STANAG/AQAP 2000 documentation concept PfP Interface Strageties NATO QA Symposia AC/CPG/250 Website Training Liaison with NATO Groups/Agencies/Commands

Sub-Group A

Integrated System Approach to Quality

Under the direction of the AC/250/CPG, Sub-Group A is responsible for developing and recommending NATO policy for the management of all aspects of quality and its assurance, throughout the life cycle of a product, applying a systems approach.

Tasks:

• Propose to the Main group, NATO policy for an integrated systems approach to quality through the whole life cycle.
• Prepare and manage documents related to life-cycle approaches to the management of quality products and services.
• Take due cognizance of existing and developing international and national publications and standards that may relate to the development of a systems approach to quality and incorporate best practice into NATO documents being prepared or revised for submission to the Main Group.
• Establish and maintain, as directed and approved by Main Group, participation or liaison with those international, national and NATO bodies and fora that can assist with the formulation of NATO policy being addressed by the Sub-Group.
• Perform other related tasks assigned by the Main Group.

Sub-Group B

Quality Program Methodology Implementation and Documentation

Under the direction of the AC/250/CPG, Sub-Group B is responsible for the preparation and submission for approval of draft agreements, requirements, procedures and guidance documents, including any necessary supporting documents regarding the implementation of agreements and requirements, in the context of and for the conduct of mutual GQA within NATO.

The Sub-Group B is also responsible to the Main Group for reviewing and proposing improvements to the existing documentation for which AC/250/CPG is responsible. Among these documents are STANAGs, AQAPs and ARMPs.

Sub-Group B is responsible, when tasked, for liaising, on behalf of AC/250/CPG, with other organizations, including CNAD, other Cadre groups, NATO agencies and collaborative projects, to support AC/250/CPG activities and to provide guidance, advice and lessons learned regarding quality. This includes the Partnership for Peace initiative.

Tasks:

• Propose, to AC/250/CPG, NATO policy on quality, reliability and maintainability
• Prepare or revised, as directed by the AC/250/CPG, documents (Agreement, Requirements, Procedures, Guidance’s, etc.) to support the implementation of the Main Group policy and procedures. These document include, STANAGs, AQAPs and ARMPs
• Support the establishment and maintenance of a framework for mutual GQA
• Make recommendations to the AC/250/CPG on changes to documentation issued by AC/250/CPG needed to maintain the effective and harmonious implementation of AC/250/CPG policy
• Maintain liaison with other NATO Groups to ensure the effective operation of AC/250/CPG
• Develop and maintain PfP interface strategies
• Obtain and share information on state-of-the-art quality practices employed by other organizations
• Support the implementation of NATO Policy on Quality Management including developing and monitoring training benefits