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

•  The Navy's specification, MIL-DTL-24631, for submarine camouflage paint.

•  The Air Force's specification, MIL-DTL-83406, for anti-g force garments worn by fighter pilots to counteract extreme gravity forces, which is a critical safety item.

There are also situations where the nature of the requirement makes it essential to mandate a specific solution in a detail specification.  For example:

•  The Army Medal of Honor Decoration specification, MIL-DTL-3943/1, must provide details in terms of appearance, size, and materials so that each medal is identical.

•  The National Geospatial Intelligence Agency specification for digital display of geospatial symbols, MIL-DTL-89045, must specifically define the content and format for geospatial symbols so that they have a consistent appearance of digital displays across all weapon systems and equipment.

DOCUMENTS APPLICABLE TO THIS GUIDE

The following is not intended to be a list of all of the cited documents.  This guide cites many documents for illustrative purposes and as examples, which are not listed.  The majority of these documents are available from the Acquisition Streamlining and Standardization Information System (ASSIST) database at https://assist.daps.dla/quicksearch/.  The documents listed below are only those documents pertinent to understanding specific aspects of this guide more fully.

CJCSI 3170.01, Joint Capabilities Integration and Development System]

Defense Acquisition Guidebook2

DoD 4120.24-M, Defense Standardization Program (DSP) Policies and Procedures3

DoD Directive 5000.01, The Defense Acquisition System4

DoD Instruction 5000.02, Operation of the Defense Acquisition System4

Federal Acquisition Regulation5

Federal Standardization Manual3

MIL-STD-961, Defense and Program-Unique Specifications Format and Content6

OMB Circular A-119, Federal Participation in the Development and Use of Voluntary

Consensus Standards and in Conformity Assessment Activities3

1  Available from https://www.dtic.mil/cjcs_directives/cdata/unlimit/3170_01.pdf

2  Available from https://akss.dau.mil/dag/DoD5000.asp?view=document

3  Available from Library at www.dsp.dla.mil

4  Available from https://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/

5  Available from https://farsite.hill.af.mil/

6  Available from www.assistdocs.com or https://assist.daps.dla.mil

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