TB 9-4120-403-24
2. Explanation of terms.
a. Abuse. The improper use, repair, or handling of warranted items such that the warranty may become void.
b. Acceptance date. The date an item of equipment is accepted into the Army's inventory by the execution
of the acceptance block and signing of a DD Form 250 or approved acceptance document, by an authorized
representative of the government.
c. Acquiring command or activity. An activity which procures the items or materiel for a user.
d. Alterations/Modifications. Any alteration after production such as retrofit, conversion, remanufacture,
design change, engineering change and the like.
e. Contractor support. Those services that are to be performed and those responsibilities that are placed
upon the contractor by the government as specified in the warranty contract/provisions. This support, which may include
such things as labor, parts, tools, training, technical packages, etc., will be used in support of the warranted equipment
during the specified warranty period.
f. Defect. Any condition or characteristic in any supplies or services furnished by the contractor under the
contract that is not in compliance with the requirements of the contract.
g. Failed item. A part, component, or end item that fails to perform its intended use.
h. False return rate. The return of suspected defective warranty items to the manufacturer that are eventually
determined to be serviceable.
i. Manufacturer's Recall.
(1). Safety recall. A manufacturer recalls an item to repair or replace a defective part or assembly which
may affect public safety.
(2). Service recall. A manufacturer recalls an item to repair or replace a defective part or assembly which
does not affect the safe use of the item.
j. Primary damage. The damage suffered by a part, component, or end item itself upon its failure.
k. Prime contractor. A party that enters into an agreement directly with the United States to furnish part or all
of a weapon system.
l. Reimbursement. A written provision in a warranty contract whereby the user may make the necessary
repairs with or without prior approval of the contractor and the Government will be reimbursed for the repair parts and/or
labor costs.
m. Repair. To restore an item to serviceable condition without affecting the warranty.
n. Repairable. An item that may be reconditioned or economically repaired for reuse when it becomes
unserviceable.
o. Secondary damage. The damage suffered by an item because of a failure of another item within the
same configuration.
p. Serviceable. The condition of an item which may be new or used that meets all the requirements and
performs the functions for which it was originally intended.
q. Subcontractor. Any supplier, distributor, vendor or firm that furnishes supplies or service to or for a prime
contractor or another subcontractor.
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