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

First Article Inspection

While a qualification provision is most frequently used to verify compliance with performance specification requirements, it is not always appropriate.  Qualification provisions are appropriate in situations where long-term or specialized testing makes it impractical to conduct other types of testing because of high testing costs or acquisition delays.  Qualification provisions are also appropriate for critical safety items where failure would have catastrophic ramifications. Qualification, however, also requires significant Government resources to audit and evaluate the manufacturer's production facilities, inspection systems, quality and reliability assurance programs, test facilities, processes, and materials, as well as witness or conduct the qualification testing.  Qualification is a continual process that requires vigilant oversight and often, periodic requalification of manufacturers.

Because of the resources required for qualification and because most specifications do not meet the criteria specified in DoD 4120.24-M, Defense Standardization Program Policies and Procedures, to require qualification, most defense specifications in the ASSIST database rely on first article inspection to ensure that a manufacturer is capable of producing an item that meets the specification and all contract requirements before production begins.

Unlike qualification, which is conducted prior to and independent of an acquisition, first article inspection is called out in the contract, when required.  Shown below are the conditions when Part 9 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) recommends requiring first article inspection in the contract and when the FAR does not recommend first article inspection.  Note that the

FAR 9.303(c) recommends first article inspection if the product is described by a performance specification, unless there is a qualification requirement (see FAR 9.304(b)).

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