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

CHAPTER 2:

PERFORMANCE SPECIFICATION POLICIES

GENERAL

The documents that set forth the DoD policies and procedures for the development and use of performance specifications are:

•  Federal Acquisition Regulation

•  DoD 4120.24-M, Defense Standardization Program Policies and Procedures

•  Defense Acquisition Guidebook

The document that prescribes the requirements for the content and format of performance specifications are in MIL-STD-961, Defense and Program-Unique Specifications Format and Content.

All of these documents are consistent in giving preference first to the development and use of performance specifications while acknowledging that it is acceptable to use detail specifications when necessary.  Given below are the relevant extracts from these documents on performance specifications.  In some cases, commentary is provided to clarify policy points.

FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION (FAR)

Extracted from paragraph 11.101 of the FAR:

"(a) Agencies may select from existing requirements documents, modify or combine existing requirements documents, or create new requirements documents to meet agency needs, consistent with the following order of precedence:

(1) Documents mandated for use by law. (2) Performance-oriented documents.

(3) Detailed design-oriented documents.

(4) Standards, specifications and related publications issued by the Government outside the Defense or Federal series for the non-repetitive acquisition of items.

(b) In accordance with OMB Circular A-119, Federal Participation in the Development and Use of Voluntary Consensus Standards and in Conformity Assessment Activities, and Section 12(d) of

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