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

Specification Requirements	Performance Specification	Detail Specification
13. Maintainability	Specifies quantitative maintainability requirements such as mean and maximum downtime, mean and maximum repair time, mean time between maintenance actions, the ratio of maintenance hours to hours of operation, limits on the number of people and level of skill required for maintenance actions, or maintenance cost per hour of operation. Additionally, existing Government and commercial diagnostic equipment used in conjunction with the item must be identified. Compatibility between the item and the diagnostic equipment must be specified.	Specifies how preventive maintainability requirements shall be met; e.g., specific lubrication procedures to follow in addition to those stated under Performance. Also, often specifies exact designs to accomplish maintenance efforts.
14. Environmental Operating Requirements	Both performance and detail specifications can have requirements for humidity, temperature, shock, vibration, and other environmental operating requirements to obtain evidence of failure or mechanical damage.
Section 4 - Verification	Both performance and detail specifications must provide a means for assuring compliance with the specification requirements.
1. General	Similar for both performance and detailed specifications. More emphasis on functional. Comparatively more testing for performance in some cases.	Similar for both performance and detailed specifications. Additional emphasis on visual inspection for design in some cases.
2. First Article	Similar for both performance and detail. However, often greater need for first article inspection because of greater likelihood of "innovative" approaches.	Similar for both performance and detail.
3. Inspection Conditions	Same for both.