Johnson Space Center has another first to add to its accomplishments.
NASA’s lead center for human space flight, JSC has been recommended for
certification to the rigorous ISO 9001:2000 standard. This registration by
the International Organization of Standards (ISO) recognizes the center’s
commitment to the highest quality in its management as well as its technical
endeavors.
Registration of the center’s Quality Management System (QMS) to the recently
approved ISO 9001:2000 is the first for any federal installation. ISO
9001:2000 certification is highly prized by government and industry leaders
because it is the internationally recognized standard for quality management
systems. This registration follows intensive preparation at JSC and a
three-day, on-site inspection by independent auditors from National Quality
Assurance, USA (NQA). The auditors visited the center March 19-21.
“This certification is important for JSC in its continuing effort to lead
the way in management excellence which will complement the technical
excellence that is the trademark of the center,” said Roy Estess, Johnson
Space Center acting director. “This certification was accomplished through
the dedicated efforts of everyone on site. The QMS is an essential tool for
continuous improvement and process efficiency which will enable us to lead
the development of human space flight technologies in the future.”
Auditors from the NQA spent three days at JSC reviewing its implementation
of the management principles contained in the ISO 9001:2000 standard.
Following the review, the Director for Business Development at NQA, Derek
Coppinger, said, “Johnson Space Center is the pathfinder for many who will
follow its efforts to achieve ISO 9000:2000 certification.”
Johnson Space Center is the only federal site that is both ISO 9001:2000
certified and recognized as a Voluntary Protection Program “Star Site” by
the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. OSHA granted the center
VPP Star status in May 1999. JSC received its initial certification to ISO
9001 in April 1998, establishing itself as the first NASA field center to be
so registered at the time.
NASA was the first federal agency to require and achieve ISO 9001
registration for all of its facilities.