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

Although verification can take a number of forms, since performance specifications encourage ingenuity and innovation and allow for different designs and approaches, it is desirable to have a first article inspection or qualification provision to verify compliance with all of the specification requirements prior to production.  All of the defense performance specifications in the ASSIST database have either a first article inspection or qualification provision.

Qualification Provisions in Defense Specifications

Qualification is a process in advance of, and independent of, an acquisition by which a manufacturer's capabilities or a manufacturer's or distributor's products are examined, tested, and approved to be in conformance with specification requirements, and subsequent approval for inclusion of products in an electronic qualified products list (QPL) or manufacturers in an electronic qualified manufacturers list (QML), which are part of the Qualified Product Database (QPD). Criteria for retention of qualification are applied on a periodic basis to ensure continued integrity of the qualification status.

The primary benefit of a qualification provision in performance specifications that cover products with rapidly changing technologies is that qualification requires continual Government monitoring of the manufacturer's production processes.  So even though the manufacturer may be frequently changing materials, parts, and processes, the Government has confidence that the end item will meet the performance specification requirements because under qualification, the Government establishes a long-term relationship with the supplier to ensure continuous conformance to requirements and continuous product quality improvements.  Qualification improves the availability of products and shortens the procurement process by completing long or highly complex evaluations and tests of the manufacturer's processes or products prior to award of contract. Qualification improves readiness by improving the availability of products with requisite quality, reliability, performance, and safety. Qualification can also help reduce costs by eliminating repetitive surveillance audits and tests.

For details on the DoD qualification program and the criteria and approvals that must be met before qualification can be included in a defense specification, see DoD 4120.24-M, Defense Standardization Program Po/icies and Procedures, and the SD-6, Provisions Governing Qua/ification:  Qua/ified Products Lists and Qua/ified Manufacturers Lists.  For format and content requirements for including qualification in a defense specification, see MIL-STD-961, Defense and Program-Unique Specifications Format and Content.

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