CAGE Code Updates – Revision to 2023-ADM-01

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Smiths Interconnect is a leading provider of technically differentiated electronic components, subsystems, microwave, optical and radio frequency products that connect, protect and control critical applications in the commercial aviation, defense, space, medical, rail, semiconductor test, and industrial market segments.  

Particularly, its Connectors Business Unit has manufacturing locations in at least 6 countries, including US, Mexico, France, Germany, Italy, and Tunisia.  A list of the Cage Codes and their respective physical locations associated to the sites are included in Appendix A.

As a leader in the specialized connectors business for the Space, Aerospace and Defense markets, Smiths Interconnect has developed and maintains a global Quality Management System certified to the multiple international standards, as it can be shown in Appendix B. Copy of the certificates are available in our website https://www.smithsinterconnect.com.

Starting August 2023, the organization is closing our offices in California and Massachusetts, which implies the associated CAGE codes for those offices are expiring soon.  While no manufacturing is occurring on the mentioned offices, the respective CAGE codes have been used in products assembled in Tijuana, Mexico, that were transferred between 10 to 15 years ago, with the purpose of maintaining reference to the original design authority location. 

With the closure of our Santa Ana, CA and Hudson, MA sites, the CAGE code marking / labeling of these products will be modified to reflect the Smiths Interconnect site that will carry forward with responsibility for design activity of the corresponding products , per Appendix A. For the majority of products, this will result in CAGE code 4RV60, associated with our Kansas City site, replacing the cage codes associated with the Santa Ana, CA and Hudson, MA sites. Please note that this guidance replaces that of our prior communication in 2023-ADM-01, which indicated that NCAGE code associated with our Tijuana, Mexico facility, where the majority of affected products are manufactured, would be utilized.

The transition will be done progressively within the next 12 months, in adherence to DLA (Defense Logistics Agency) regulations. Specific PCNs (Product Change Notification) will be issued at our discretion, with the pertinent customers, as we address the engineering changes to the affected part numbers and families. Additionally, as defined in the applicable flow down requirements, we will be activating any customer-specific mechanism to formal notification.

As this is a significant effort which involves cross-functional collaboration within our organization, and with external stakeholders, the communication and clear determination of the impact for current and future business has been identified as an important topic during and after the transition period. Therefore, our Sales and Customer Service teams will be attentive to any specific question in this regard. Also, a FAQ (frequently asked questions) is included in the Appendix.

Appendix A

Smiths Interconnect – Connectors Business Unit - Sites a-+nd associated CAGE codes

Appendix B

Smiths Interconnect – Connectors Business Unit – Sites and associated Certifications

X:      Certified - Certificates are available at the website www.smithsinterconnect.com

Appendix C – FAQ

•  When does this go into effect?
• August 1, 2023
•  With these changes, is/has any Design Authority also transitioned to Tijuana, MX?
• No, Design authority and all appropriately classified Customer Specification always have and will continue to be managed by US Persons only.
•  What immediate actions should I (customer) take if buying to Smiths designated part numbers
• Nothing, merely a notification         
• What immediate actions should I (customer) take if buying to a Customer Specification designated part number?
• Contact your designated Smiths Interconnect-Connectors Business Unit Sales Engineer or Customer Service point-of-contact for coordinating supplying updated customer documentation to align with the new designations on a case-by-case basis.
• When did the change in manufacturing locations occur?
• Manufacturing in the CA and MA was transferred over several years between the 2008-2015 timeframe
• What does this mean for my current open orders?
• Regulations allow us approximately 12 months transition cage codes. For existing open orders, parts will still be shipped using the CA or MA Cage Codes until inventory is exhausted. However, per the question above regarding Customer Specification designated part number, please contact your designated Smiths Interconnect-Connectors Business Unit Sales Engineer or Customer Service point-of-contact as soon as possible to ensure your customer documentation aligns with the new designations as neede
• Does this affect pricing/delivery for future orders?
• No, as mentioned, this is not a change in current manufacturing locations/procedures but merely updating appropriate documentation to align with reality.
• Do we need to change all Source Control Drawings (SCDs) for all part numbers?
• SCDs that require cage code change will only be completed for new orders.
• A HOLD will be placed on new orders for cage code updates starting November 1, 2023.