Enhancing Defense Standardization: Specifications and Standards; Cornerstones of Quality

摘要

The report discusses the results of the examination of the problems affecting the specifications and standards used in defense acquisition. The objective was to identify the actions necessary to prepare the Department better to deal with specifications and standards that are too old, technologically obsolete, unduly restrictive, contain unnecessary requirements, or do not comply with the policies of the Defense Standardization Program. The recommendations center around six major thrusts: establishing accountability; conducting a comprehensive review of all specifications and standards; establishing closer relationships with non-Government standards bodies and industry; automating standardization data bases that serve as tools in the development, storage, retrieval, dissemination, application, and analysis of specifications and standards; establishing a budget line item for special standardization projects; and promoting expanded training for the developers and users of specifications and standards. The two points that came through clearly during the project were the need for more effective management and more cooperation.