Certification Connection

EAGLE's Client Newsletter | January 2021

Welcome 2021!

While 2020 had so many challenges, we are so grateful for the flexibility and adaptiveness of our clients.  We know it takes a tremendous amount of effort to complete the audit process from start to finish under “normal” circumstances.  We appreciate all you have done to partner with us to ensure a successful audit amidst the extraordinary conditions COVID-19 created. 

We would also like to thank our auditors and staff for their devotion and continued commitment to EAGLE’s cultural principles of Service, Integrity and Value. 

We look forward to a new year of continued perseverance, unity and hope! 

EAGLE Auditor Family Loss 

It is with great sadness that we share that Tab Lankford, a long time EAGLE auditor, passed away over Christmas.

Tab has been part of the EAGLE team since 2004. He was a Lead Auditor for ISO 9001 and had a background in automotive, with a degree in packaging. He was a kind man and was always willing to help when needed. He will be greatly missed by his EAGLE friends, colleagues, and clients.

Of course, we are addressing his workload. If you have any audits that are impacted, we will be in touch soon to address how it will be handled.

Please keep Tab's family and loved ones in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Attention Automotive Suppliers!

Contributed by Kelly Abbott, Director of Certification

The IAOB highly recommends the use of AIAG tools as the basis for process and product quality assurance for your clients.  We highly encourage you to consider applying to the AIAG to see if they qualify for a free membership. 

Please note that AIAG Membership is free for all direct suppliers which have less than $20 million annual sales or are a diversity-owned supplier of any size.  To find out if they qualify for a free membership, all your clients need to do is complete an application at this link: Join AIAG.

IATF 16949 Standards Update 

The IATF has released updated Sanctioned Interpretations for the IATF Standard. Remember, these updates are auditable changes to the standard that you must address.  What will your auditor be looking for?  Click the button below to find out!

EAGLE Sustainability

Contributed by Jessica Osborne, Director of Business Development & Business Processes

In July 2020’s Client Newsletter, EAGLE announced its Provisional Membership to The Association of Professional Social Compliance Auditors (APSCA). Due to some timing issues, we were unable to complete the full membership application with them. As a result, EAGLE accepted a voluntary withdrawal of our membership application.

EAGLE continues to be committed to Sustainability and Social Responsibility as well as the needs of our clients. We are finalizing our strategic plan to deliver services in Sustainability and Social Responsibility in the near future and look forward to sharing some exciting announcements with you throughout 2021.

We would like to hear from you! We have prepared a quick survey about your views on Sustainability and Social Responsibility. Please click on the button below to take the survey.  

FSSC 22000 V5.1 Upgrade Process

Contributed by Ryan Cosley, Certification Manager

We would like to take a few minutes to share with you the main reasons for changes in the new version of FSSC 22000 V5.1:

• Strengthening the licensing process and the Integrity Program.
• Compliance with GFSI Benchmarking Requirements (Version 2020.1).
• Inclusion of the Board of Stakeholders list of decisions.
• Continual improvement process.
• Audits against the FSSC 22000 Scheme requirements V5 are only allowed up to latest March 31, 2021.
• Upgrade audits against FSSC 22000 Scheme requirements V5.1 shall be conducted from April 1, 2021 until March 31, 2022.

Here are a few links to help with the upgrade process:

• FSSC 22000 Scheme Version 5.1
• Main changes Version 5 and Version 5.1
• Upgrade Process Requirements: V5.1

If you have any questions, please contact Ryan Cosley.

Certification Programme Owners (CPOs) Adopting GFSI 2020 Benchmarking Requirements

Contributed by Anne Cooper, Food Technical Manager

If you are certified to one of the GFSI food standards (SQF, FSSC 22000, BRCGS, PrimusGFS) you are aware by now that the food standards are in the process of releasing major revisions in order to comply with the GFSI 2020 requirements.

Below are the deadlines for sites to comply with the implementation dates of the revised GFSI standards, and where to get more information on the revised codes.

If you have questions about any of these new food standards, please contact us at foodsafety@eaglecertificationgroup.com

CMMC – Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification

Contributed by Jessica Osborne, Director of Business Development & Business Processes

CMMC is a standard for the implementation of cybersecurity across the Defense Industrial Base (DIB). The DIB is a reference to the industrial assets used in the production of equipment for the armed forces. Therefore, the CMMC objective is to provide increased assurance to the Department of Defense that companies can adequately protect information.

In late November 2020, CMMC Assessment Guides were published and are available by clicking here. These documents provide a guide for conducting an assessment to the associate Level. Level 1 and Level 2 have published guidance where Levels 4 & 5 are expected to be published later. The certification requirement is planned to be a phased rollout, without full inclusion until the Fall of 2025. You can find additional information in the FAQs posted here.  Companies requiring this certification will need to select an Accredited C3PAO (CMMC Third Party Assessment Organization). You will be able to find a list of C3PAOs on the website once they have been approved. EAGLE is currently partnered with A-LIGN for security and compliance products, such as ISO 27001. A-LIGN is among the first firms to be named an Accredited C3PAO and will be able to provide certification to CMMC in the future. A-LIGN currently has CMMC resources available (CMMC Survival Guide ) and will continue to provide updates on CMMC. Click here to learn more about A-LIGN. 

If you have additional information or resources for CMMC or any questions regarding this article, please feel free to reach me by email or phone:  jessica.osborne@eaglecertificationgroup.com or 937.535.3451.

EAGLE Promoted Training

To better support our west coast clients, we will be sharing opportunities for Food Safety Training Classes with Superior Food Safety.  All SQF classes are taught by an SQF Licensed Trainer and all FSPCA classes are taught by FSPCA Lead Instructors.  Choose from several virtual upcoming classes:

• Internal & External GFSI Audit Workshop
• Basic HACCP Workshop for Manufacturers
• FSPCA Preventive Controls for Human Food (PCQI)
• Implementing SQF Systems: Manufacturing

Happy Birthday IQNet!

Contributed by Colin Christmas, Managing Director

With certifications issued in over 20 countries, EAGLE is steadily growing internationally. With strong foundations and solid industry experience, we are focused on serving our clients by taking the time to understand their global expectations, objectives and risks.

A strategic partnership with IQNet, The International Certification Network, enables us to resource and execute audits in every region in the world. The benefit of the EAGLE partnership with our international clients is consistency. We globally deliver our cultural values of service, integrity and value.

IQNet represents certification bodies active in virtually every country of the world, with one of the largest global market share in management system certification, representing about one fifth of all issued certificates globally. With over 35 Members, IQNet is considered present in 97 countries, through more than 400 offices worldwide.

Staff Accomplishments

Congratulations to the following staff:

• Andrew Rausch on achieving Level 1 PrimusGFS.
• Kaylor Schuttinger for obtaining an ISO 9001 Lead Auditor Certificate in modules QM1940, AU2561 and TL2003.
• Ben Lakeberg for obtaining an ISO 9001 Lead Auditor Certificate in modules QM1940, AU2561 and TL2003.