Government Quality Representative (GQAR)

A Government Quality Representative (GQAR) is a government or government-designated quality representative who performs defined oversight activities for contracted manufacturing work. In aerospace and defense manufacturing, the role commonly involves witnessing inspections or tests, reviewing quality evidence, or performing source inspection when required by contract, purchase order, or customer flowdown.

During activities such as First Article Inspection (FAI), a GQAR may verify that required records, configuration references, and inspection results are available for review. The role does not create the supplier’s AS9102 evidence, manage configuration control, disposition nonconformances for the supplier, or replace formal customer acceptance unless the governing contract assigns that authority.

The abbreviation GQAR is also commonly expanded as Government Quality Assurance Representative in some organizations. It should not be confused with an internal quality inspector, a supplier quality engineer, or the customer’s final acceptance authority. The exact scope depends on contractual requirements and delegated authority.