(IEP) Audit Services
(IEP) Audit Services
Internal Evaluation Program (IEP) Auditing Services
Independent evaluation. Measurable performance. Proactive safety improvement.
Safety Management Systems Management Services (SMS-MS) provides Internal Evaluation Program (IEP) auditing services to aviation operators seeking to assess the effectiveness of their Safety Management System and strengthen their safety assurance processes.
Our IEP audit services are designed to evaluate whether an operator's SMS is appropriately designed, implemented, functioning as intended, and producing measurable safety outcomes.
Where applicable, we use FAA-recommended Data Collection Tools (DCTs) to establish a structured and repeatable evaluation process. When an appropriate DCT is unavailable, SMS-MS develops customized evaluation tools aligned with applicable regulatory requirements, the operator's Safety Management System documentation, established Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), and relevant SMS safety attributes.
Our evaluations examine documented processes, assigned responsibilities and authorities, operational controls, interfaces between departments, safety ownership, process measurements, and evidence of implementation and effectiveness.
Our IEP services include:
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SMS Design Audits: Evaluate whether the SMS is properly structured, documented, and designed to meet applicable requirements and organizational safety objectives.
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SMS Performance Audits: Determine whether the SMS is being implemented effectively and whether its processes, controls, and safety performance measures are functioning as intended.
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Risk-Based, Event-Triggered Audits: Conduct focused evaluations following significant safety events, adverse trends, reported hazards, audit findings, or other conditions that warrant additional scrutiny.
Each engagement includes a defined audit scope, appropriate DCTs, evidence-based findings, identification of deficiencies and improvement opportunities, and a written report with recommended corrective actions.
Our objective is to help aviation operators move beyond simply maintaining documentation toward demonstrating a functioning, measurable, and continuously improving Safety Management System.
SMS-MS provides independent consulting and evaluation support. The operator retains responsibility for its SMS, regulatory compliance, and implementation of corrective actions. Services do not constitute FAA approval or certification.
1. SMS Design Evaluation
$2,500–$4,000
One-time evaluation · Design DCT
Determines whether the SMS is appropriately designed and documented to meet applicable requirements and the operator's stated safety objectives.
Evaluation includes:
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Review of SMS manuals, policies, procedures, and organizational responsibilities.
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Assessment of the four SMS components and applicable safety attributes.
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Review of authorities, responsibilities, controls, processes, interfaces, and measurement methods.
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Application of an appropriate FAA DCT or a customized design evaluation DCT.
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Written findings report with gaps, recommendations, and prioritized actions.
Deliverable: SMS Design Evaluation Report
2. SMS Performance Evaluation
$3,000–$5,000
One-time evaluation · Performance DCT
Determines whether the designed SMS is actually being implemented and performing as intended.
Evaluation includes:
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Sampling of safety reports, hazard assessments, risk controls, and corrective actions.
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Interviews with management, supervisors, and employees.
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Review of KPI results, safety performance indicators, and relevant safety objectives.
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Verification that required processes and controls are functioning in practice.
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Application of an appropriate FAA DCT or a customized performance evaluation DCT.
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Written report identifying findings, effectiveness concerns, and recommended improvements.
Deliverable: SMS Performance Evaluation Report
3. Risk-Based, Event-Triggered Audit
$1,500–$3,500
Per event · Focused risk-based DCT
Provides a targeted evaluation when an event, emerging risk, adverse trend, or significant deficiency indicates the need for further investigation.
Potential triggers include:
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An aircraft incident or other significant safety occurrence.
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A recurring hazard or adverse safety trend.
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A serious or repeated internal audit finding.
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A significant operational change or emerging risk.
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Evidence that a risk control may be ineffective.
Evaluation includes:
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Definition of the event-related audit scope.
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Review of available evidence and relevant risk controls.
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Targeted interviews and process sampling as appropriate.
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Use of a relevant FAA DCT or a customized, risk-focused DCT.
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Findings report with recommended containment, corrective action, and follow-up priorities.
Deliverable: Event-Triggered Risk Evaluation Report
Pricing assumptions: These fees cover a defined, limited-scope engagement for a small-to-mid-sized operator. Travel, extensive onsite work, multiple bases, large fleets, and unusually complex investigations should be quoted separately. The event-triggered service is an audit, not a substitute for any required incident investigation or regulatory reporting.
3. Combined IEP package
Comprehensive IEP Evaluation
$5,000–$7,500
per engagement
Includes both the SMS Design Evaluation and SMS Performance Evaluation, using separate DCTs and separate findings sections, with a consolidated report and prioritized improvement plan.
Design evaluation
Measures whether the system is appropriately designed.
$2,500–$4,000
Performance evaluation
Measures implementation and effectiveness.
$3,000–$5,000
The combined package includes a modest discount compared with purchasing the two services separately. Event-triggered audits remain separately priced.
$250 Initial Consultation & Setup Fee: Your initial payment will be credited toward the total cost of your IEP audit or consulting project. The remaining balance will be based on the agreed-upon project scope and selected services.