Performance Specification Guide SD-15
When the technology development phase is completed, a Capability Development Document (CDD) is developed to identify the operational performance attributes of the proposed materiel solution. The CDD supports the Milestone B decision whether to begin the engineering and manufacturing development phase. Upon completion of the engineering and manufacturing development phase, a Capability Production Document (CPD) is developed to describe the actual performance of the system that will provide the required capability. The CPD supports the Milestone C decision whether to begin production and deployment. The key difference between the CPD and CDD is that the CPD reflects lessons learned during the development process that may result in changes to the thresholds of the key performance parameters. For both the CDD and the CPD, the user must state the needs in such a way that they do not unnecessarily prevent the materiel developer from pursuing the most cost-effective and technologically advanced solutions so that the procuring activity can translate these requirements into performance specifications.
The JCIDS process identifies the warfighter's requirements for systems acquisition, but many other processes exist to provide user feedback to program offices and procuring activities once a system or equipment has been deployed. The Government-Industry Data Exchange Program (GIDEP), Product Quality Deficiency Reports (PQDRs), Material Deficiency Reports (MDRs), Engineering Investigations (EIs), Acceptance Inspection Deficiency Reports (AIDRs), the Joint Deficiency Reporting System (JDRS), and Engineering Practice Studies (EPS) are just some of the mechanisms and tools used to collect and assess user feedback on deployed systems and equipment. Sometimes, this feedback results in the development or update of specifications. Where possible, user requirements should be stated in terms of capabilities or improvements needed so that the user's requirements can be captured by performance specifications.
MARKET RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS
In order to write effective performance requirements, it's important to understand the user's actual needs and the technical characteristics of the products that might meet those needs. The best way to achieve both of these ends is through a market research and analysis that involves the user in the process. Market research and analysis means collecting and analyzing information about the capabilities of the marketplace to satisfy identified user requirements.
Market research and analysis is necessary to gather information on and understand such issues as:
• the status and complexity of current technologies
• supplier capabilities
• product acceptability
• product cost or price ranges
• schedule availability
• normal contract terms and conditions.
Market research and analysis should be an integral part of every requirements definition effort. Updates to the draft performance specification are incorporated iteratively as new market data is
10
For Parts Inquires call Parts Hangar, Inc (727) 493-0744
© Copyright 2015 Integrated Publishing, Inc.
A Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business