SD-15 Guide For Performance SpecificationsThis document provides guidance information on performance specifications focusing primarily on stating requirements in performance terms and ensuring that sufficient verification means are included in the specification to evaluate conformance. While the focus of this document is on defense specifications developed under DoD 4120.24-M, Defense Standardization Program DSP Policies and Procedures, the principles and techniques can also be applied to program unique performance specifications, performance-based purchase descriptions, commercial item descriptions, or any other type of procurement specification. This guide is intended to supplement the format and content requirements for writing performance specifications found in MIL-STD-961, Defense and Program-Unique Specifications Format and Content.

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Performance Specification Guide SD-15

TABLE OF CONTENTS (Continued)

PROGRAM-UNIQUE PERFORMANCE SPECIFICATIONS………………  15

CHAPTER 5:  WRITING PERFORMANCE SPECIFICATIONS…….... 17

PERFORMANCE VERSUS DETAIL SPECIFICATION COMPARISON....  17

EXAMPLE 1 - COMPARISON OF SECTION 2, APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS……………………………………………………………………. 22

EXAMPLE 2 - COMPARISON OF SECTION 2, APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS…………………………………………………………………….  25

EXAMPLE 3 - MATERIAL REQUIREMENTS………………………………  27

EXAMPLE 4 - DESIGN REQUIREMENTS…………………………………...  29

EXAMPLE 5 - INTERFACE, INTEROPERABILITY, AND

COMPATIBILITY REQUIREMENTS…………………………………………  31

EXAMPLE 6 - PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS…………………………… 32

EXAMPLE 7 - PROCESS REQUIREMENTS…………………………………  33

EXAMPLE 8 - PROCESS REQUIREMENTS…………………………………  34

EXAMPLE 9 - PROCESS REQUIREMENTS…………………………………  36

EXAMPLE 10 - CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS……………………… 37

VERIFICATION………………………………………………………………….  39

Qualification Provisions in Defense Specifications...................................  40

First Article Inspection...............................................................................  41

APPENDIX A:  DEFINITIONS…………………………………………………...   43

APPENDIX B:  EXAMPLE OF A GUIDE SPECIFICATION PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENT…………………………………………….  46

APPENDIX C:  EXAMPLE OF A PROGRAM-UNIQUE PERFORMANCE SPECIFICATION……………………………………………  51

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