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 3 - MATERIAL REQUIREMENTS

Usually, one of the most significant differences between a detail specification and a performance specification is that a detail specification has specific and extensive material requirements. When detail specification MIL-C-11264D, Containers: Wood, Shipping, Reusable - for Tank Automotive Engines, Transmissions, Differentials, Transfers, Final Drives, Drive Axles, and Similar Assemblies was rewritten as a performance specification, MIL-PRF-11264E, all of the material requirements were removed and replaced by performance-based requirements for such desired characteristics as durability, resistance to adverse environmental factors, impact survival, and ease of assembly and disassembly.

Notice that even the title changed. The basic item described by the detailed specification was wood shipping containers. The performance specification deletes the word "wood" from the title since there may be other materials besides wood that could satisfy the performance requirements. Both the detail military and revised performance specification can be viewed in their entirety on the ASSIST database at https://assist.daps.dla/quicksearch/.

MIL-C-11264D, Containers: Wood, Shipping, Reusable - for Tank Automotive Engines, Transmissions, Differentials, Transfers, Final Drives, Drive Axles, and Similar Assemblies

MIL-PRF-11264E, Containers: Shipping, Reusable - for Tank Automotive Engines, Transmissions, Differentials, Transfers, Final Drives, Drive Axles, and Similar Assemblies

3.2 Materials. Materials shall be as specified herein and in referenced specifications and standards. Materials shall be free from defects which adversely affect performance or serviceability of the finished product (see 4.6.1).

3.2.1 Use of wood groups. Any wood groups listed in MIL-STD-731 may be used for

lumber for type I containers. Only the species in wood group II, III, and IV shall be used for lumber for type II through type V containers (see 4.6.1).

3.2.2 Lumber. Lumber shall be seasoned to a moisture content of not more than 19 percent nor less than 12 percent of its oven-dry weight. Pieces shall be free from defects that weaken them or interfere with the prescribed

fabrication or nailing. No knot shall have a diameter exceeding one-fourth of the width of the piece. Exterior boards shall be sufficiently smooth on the outside surface to permit legible stencil markings. Lumber shall be of nominal

The material requirements were totally deleted. The following are extracts of some of the performance requirements. The detail specification MIL-C-11264D did not contain performance requirements.

3.3 Characteristics.

3.3.1 Performance.

3.3.1.1 Stackability. The container shall be constructed in a manner which shall safely permit stacking of loaded containers to a height of 4900 millimeters (mm) with a safety factor

of 1.5. The containers shall exhibit top and bottom interfaces allowing a method to interlock them to increase stacking stability (see 4.6.2.1).

3.3.1.2 Rough handling. (see 4.6.2.2).

3.3.1.2.1 Cornerwise-drop. The container shall withstand a cornerwise-drop without damage

to or shifting of its contents (see 4.6.2.2.1).