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

EXAMPLE 1 - COMPARISON OF SECTION 2, APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS

One characteristic that often distinguishes a detail specification from a performance specification is the number of referenced documents.  Listed below are the references that were cited in detail military specification MIL-H-49078, Handset H-250( )/U, and after it was rewritten as a performance specification.  The detail specification had 35 referenced documents that provided specific instructions to the contractor on the selection of parts, materials, and processes, how to package the handset, and how to set up the test equipment, which test equipment, and how to calibrate the test equipment.  In rewriting the specification as performance, detailed "how to" requirements were replaced by functional and operational requirements, which eliminated nearly all referenced documents.  The revised performance specification, MIL-PRF-49078A, cited only one referenced document for the connector plug, which is necessary for the handset and transceiver interface and interoperability.  Both the detail military and revised performance specification can be viewed in their entirety on the ASSIST database at https://assist.daps.dla/quicksearch/.

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