Certifications — Full Detail¶
Mirrors and expands company/certifications with operational detail.
See company/certifications for the master certification table and change-of-control risk analysis.
Certification Stack (Why It Matters)¶
The NQA-1 + ISO 9001 + ITAR + IESL combination is the core moat. Here's why each matters:
NQA-1:2008 (+ 1a Addenda:2009)¶
- What: Nuclear quality assurance standard
- Required for: Any LANL work involving nuclear components (gloveboxes, vacuum chambers, containment systems)
- Barrier to entry: Takes 2-3+ years to obtain. Requires documented QA system, trained personnel, successful audits.
- Audit schedule: Triennial. Next audit: April 2026 🔴
- Levels: ML-1 and ML-2 (JMS is qualified for both — highest criticality)
ISO 9001¶
- What: International quality management standard
- Required for: General manufacturing credibility. Many LANL contracts reference ISO compliance.
- Recent audit: December 2025 (weapons-related). Corrective actions in place.
ITAR¶
- What: International Traffic in Arms Regulations
- Required for: Defense-related machining. Export-controlled designs and specifications.
- Implications: Must control access to ITAR data, employee screening, physical security of controlled documents.
IESL (Institutional Evaluated Supplier List)¶
- What: LANL's approved supplier list
- Required for: Receiving purchase orders from LANL
- Barrier to entry: Must demonstrate NQA-1 compliance, pass LANL evaluation
- Transfer risk: 🔴 Key question — does IESL listing transfer with entity sale?
DOE 414.1D + 10 CFR 830.120 + NAP 401.1¶
- What: Department of Energy quality and nuclear safety management standards
- Required for: DOE facility work
- Relationship: These overlay NQA-1 with DOE-specific requirements
AWS QC-1¶
- What: AWS welding quality control standard
- Required for: Qualified welding on nuclear/DOE work
- Personnel: Welders certified to AWS and ASME standards