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 5 - INTERFACE, INTEROPERABILITY, AND COMPATIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Both detail and performance specifications can have interface, interoperability, and compatibility requirements. Such requirements can be expressed in different ways including physical, electronic, or electrical connections, interchangeable parts, digital interoperability, and compatibility between materials just to name a few examples. Because detail specifications require the use of specific materials, parts, and designs, there are usually inherent interface, interoperability, and compatibility requirements. One of the challenges in writing performance specifications is to identify all essential interface, interoperability, and compatibility requirements when eliminating requirements for specific materials, parts, and designs. Detail specification MIL-H-370, Hoses and Hose Assemblies, Nonmetallic: Elastomeric, Liquid Fuel, did not have any requirements identified as interface, interoperability, or compatibility, although such requirements were present in the specification's materials, parts, design, and construction requirements. When MIL-PRF-370J, Hoses and Hose Assemblies, Nonmetallic: Elastomeric, Liquid Fuel, was issued, it contained an interface requirement so that the hoses could be attached to existing equipment, and a fuel and water compatibility requirement, so that the hoses would not be degraded by liquids they were intended to transfer. Below are the interface requirements from MIL-PRF-370J. Note that several of the referenced documents are detailed military specifications. While as a rule, citing detailed specifications should be avoided in performance specifications, it is acceptable to cite detailed specifications and other documents if it is clearly for purposes of interface, interoperability, or compatibility. This performance specification can be viewed in its entirety on the ASSIST database at https://assist.daps.dla/quicksearch/.

3.4 Interface requirements.

3.4.1 Connection to existing equipment. The hose or hose assemblies defined herein are required to interface with existing equipment and hose assemblies. The interface points, end fittings, shall be controlled. Re-attachable end fittings shall be as specified herein; A-A-59326 shall be used

for cam-locking fittings; A-A-52592 shall be used for grooved end fittings; and A-A-59377 shall be used for quick disconnect sexless couplings.

3.4.2 Fuel and water compatibility. Finished hoses shall be resistant to, have no deleterious effects upon, and not be degraded by water and the following kerosene-based petroleum fuels. Meeting the hose physical and chemical properties requirements with the specified test fluid shall provide sufficient evidence that the finished hoses conform to the fuel compatibility requirement.

a. MIL-DTL-83133 (JP-8) (NATO F-34). b. MIL-DTL-5624 (JP-5) (NATO F-44).

c. A-A-52557 (Diesel-military, including NATO F-54). d. ASTM D975 (Diesel-U.S. commercial).

e. ASTM D1655 (Jet A-1).

f. MIL-F-46162 (type I and II Referee Grade Diesel).