Counterfeiters continue to become more sophisticated as discontinued parts grow, which makes it more important for government and industry to share information about nonconforming parts. This makes the NASA “Know Your Part” outreach campaign to promote the use of the Government-Industry Data Exchange Program (GIDEP) more value-added. GIDEP provides a tool which allows data sharing by government and industry about problem and nonconforming parts, materials, and software. It tracks reports of counterfeit, substandard or discontinued parts and materials or whether there have been claims against the suppliers.

The use of problem or nonconforming parts in spacecraft, aircraft, facilities and equipment can compromise NASA’s mission, result in unanticipated replacement, repair or maintenance costs, and jeopardize safety. By checking GIDEP data, advisories and alerts, members can ensure that parts and materials are genuine, safe and reliable, thereby saving NASA considerable time and money.

To grow knowledge throughout the Agency, the Center Coordinators exhibit at the Safety & Health Days at the Centers. Below are some pictures from one of those Safety Day exhibits.