The Aviation Source Approval and Management Handbook outlines procedures to ensure the procurement of Aviation Critical Safety Items (CSIs) from approved sources within the Department of Defense. It establishes guidelines based on the Competition in Contracting Act and various federal regulations to promote competition while safeguarding quality. The handbook details the source approval process, including identifying types of approved sources, responsibilities of procuring activities, and managing Source Approval Requests (SARs). Key points include procedures for assessing suppliers' qualifications, validating technical data, and ensuring compliance with quality assurance standards. It discusses local purchases, service facility manufacturing, surplus materials procurement, and reverse engineering protocols. The need for proper documentation and review processes is emphasized to maintain airworthiness and mitigate risks associated with unapproved suppliers. Source reciprocity among military services is encouraged to streamline procurement. This handbook serves as a vital resource for government agencies involved in aviation acquisitions, ensuring rigorous standards are met for sourcing critical aviation components while enabling an efficient and competitive marketplace. It lays the foundation for accountability and safety in aviation parts procurement, fostering inter-agency collaboration.