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 9 - PROCESS REQUIREMENTS

As a general rule, performance specifications should not require specific processes, but in situations where (a) the process is truly unique to the military and the DoD developed the process for those unique applications; (b) application of the process is essential to the operational performance of the item; and (c) the manufacturer of the item would not have any expertise in the process and it is unlikely that the manufacturer could develop or propose an alternative to the process, then it is acceptable to specify an exact process in a performance specification. A good example of where a specific process can be required in a performance specification is the application of Chemical Agent Resistant Coating (CARC), which ensures that item surfaces can be easily and effectively decontaminated after exposure to chemical agents. Extracts from some of the performance specifications that require the use of CARC are as follows:

• MIL-PRF-32137, Filter, Gas - Particulate: NBC, 100 CFM, M48A1, paragraph 3.4.5, requires any exterior metallic surfaces of the filter's housing or canister to have CARC topcoats that meet MIL-DTL-64159, Coating, Water Dispersible Aliphatic Polyurethane, Chemical Agent Resistant, or MIL-C-53039, Coating, Aliphatic Polyurethane, Single Component, Chemical Agent Resistant.

• MIL-PRF-49080C, Power Supplies, PP-2953D/U and PP-6224C/U, paragraph 3.13.1 requires that exterior surface of the power supply be painted with Lusterless Green 383

CARC in accordance with MIL-DTL-64159, Coating, Water Dispersible Aliphatic Polyurethane, Chemical Agent Resistant, or MIL-C-53039, Coating, Aliphatic Polyurethane, Single Component, Chemical Agent Resistant.

• The system performance specification for the Light Weight 155MM cannon system in Appendix C, paragraph 3.2.2.6.1, requires the system to be painted in accordance with MIL-DTL-53039, Coating, Aliphatic Polyurethane, Single Component, Chemical Agent Resistant.