NCIA can place an order with BetterQA without running a fresh tender. That is what a Basic Ordering Agreement does, and it is the only part of this that changes anything for a buyer: vendor registration is complete, commercial terms are already agreed, and the procurement steps that normally cost weeks are already behind us. It is a purchasing vehicle, not a certification and not a clearance.
NCAGE Code
Certified
New tenders needed to order
What a NATO NCIA Basic Ordering Agreement means for software testing
A Basic Ordering Agreement is the instrument NATO bodies use to place orders with a registered supplier without renegotiating commercial terms each time. Holding one means completing the agency’s vendor registration and agreeing those terms in advance. It is not a certification, not an approval of our testing methods, and not a security clearance: the agreement says so on its first page, that it obligates neither party to order or to supply anything.
NCAGE registration, commercial terms agreed in advance, and the documented information security controls our ISO 27001 certification requires.
ISO 27001 certification demonstrating comprehensive information security management across all testing operations and data handling.
Documented processes for test planning, execution, defect tracking, and continuous improvement aligned with defense sector requirements.
The journey to the Basic Ordering Agreement
Achieving NATO NCIA Basic Ordering Agreement holder status required comprehensive preparation across security, quality, and operational domains. The process validated BetterQA’s existing ISO certifications, security practices, and demonstrated our capacity to meet defense sector requirements.
Established comprehensive information security management system (ISMS) covering risk assessment, access controls, incident response, and continuous monitoring. This certification formed the foundation for NATO security requirements.
Documented the physical security controls and personnel screening procedures our ISO 27001 certification requires. Classified handling was never in scope: it needs a government security clearance, we hold none, and we take on no work that requires one.
Documented quality assurance methodologies, test management workflows, and defect tracking procedures. Aligned all processes with NATO quality standards and established audit trails for accountability.
Received NATO Commercial and Government Entity (NCAGE) code 1JGAL, completing registration in the NATO Support and Procurement Agency system. Final approval granted Basic Ordering Agreement holder status.
What this means for clients
| Capability | Standard projects | Defense sector projects |
|---|---|---|
| Security clearance | Standard NDA and confidentiality | Documented personnel screening under ISO 27001; no security clearance is claimed |
| Data handling | ISO 27001 information security | ISO 27001 information security controls; we do not handle classified material |
| Quality standards | Industry best practices and ISO 9001 | Defense sector quality management with full audit trails |
| Compliance | GDPR, industry regulations | NATO procurement rules, export controls, government contracts |
Organizations working on defense sector contracts, government projects, or security-sensitive systems can engage BetterQA through NATO procurement frameworks, under the information security controls our ISO 27001 certification requires.
How BetterQA delivers security-focused testing
Our engineers work within a framework designed for security-sensitive environments. We maintain strict separation between projects, implement need-to-know access controls, and use secure testing infrastructure isolated from public networks. Every engineer undergoes background screening and security awareness training aligned with defense sector requirements.
For test management and defect tracking, we deploy BugBoard in configurations with restricted access and full audit logging. Our test automation platform Flows runs within client-controlled environments, ensuring test data never leaves approved networks. Security testing capabilities include penetration testing, vulnerability assessment, and compliance validation against defense sector standards.
We maintain continuous compliance through regular security audits, process reviews, and staff training. Our ISO 27001 certification undergoes annual surveillance audits, while NATO-specific requirements receive ongoing validation. This ensures we remain current with evolving security standards and operational requirements.
Frequently asked questions
Ready to discuss your security-sensitive testing requirements?
Talk to our team about how BetterQA’s NATO procurement registration supports defense sector and government projects.
Sources
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BetterQA provides independent QA services across manual testing, automation, security audits, and performance testing. ISO 27001, 9001, 14001 and 13485 certified.
