Pioneering Application of NQA-1 Quality Assurance Standards in the Development of Software.

摘要

One reason for systematically applying quality assurance to computer software is the extensive use of results from computer programs to characterize potential sites for nuclear waste repositories leading ultimately to important policy making decisions. Because data from these programs characterize the likely radioactivity profile for many hundreds of years, experimental validation is not feasible. The Sensitivity and Uncertainty Analysis Methods Development Project (SUAMDP) was developed to formulate and utilize efficient and comprehensive methods for determining sensitivities of calculated results with respect to changes in all input parameters. The computerized methodology was embodied in the Gradient Enhanced Software System (GRESS). Due to the fact that GRESS was to be used in the site characterization for waste storage, stringent NQA-1 requirements were imposed by the sponsor. A working relationship between the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) Quality Department and the research scientists developing GRESS was essential in achieving understanding and acceptance of the quality assurance requirements as applied to the SUAMDP. The relationship resulted in the SUAMDP becoming the first software project at ORNL to develop a comprehensive NQA-1 Quality Assurance Plan; this plan now serves as a model for software quality assurance at ORNL. This paper describes the evolution of this plan and its impact on the application of quality assurance procedures to software. 2 refs. (ERA citation 13:056244)