The article is devoted to the formalization of quality assessment criteria in the framework of the development of an automated quality management system at the stage of design preparation for the production of machine-building products. The main focus of the research is in the development of the terms of reference (TK). The author suggests formal criteria for assessing the quality of TK, aimed at forming comprehensive requirements for the design of the product and the organization of work. The methodology is based on a systematic analysis of domestic and foreign literature, as well as regulatory documents, and the formation of a graduated quantitative scale for each assessment criterion based on them. The key evaluation criteria are highlighted, each of which is assigned characteristics and scoring systems for quantitative analysis and the possibility of subsequent use when creating an automated quality management system at the checkpoint stage. The work contributes to improving the quality and competitiveness of products through a systematic assessment of the initial stage of development and the formation of the correct requirements for innovative products. The research results are focused both on research in scientific peer-reviewed journals of the Russian Federation, and with attention to international experience, which allows combining existing experience in the subject area.

Keywords: design preparation of production, quality assessment, formal criteria, terms of reference