An Air Force Guide to the System Specification.

This report addresses procedures, objectives, and typical problems associated with development and uses of the system specification. It is one of a series of guidebooks written to assist members of Air Force Systems Command program offices in managing software aspects of military system acquisitions. Widespread problems with software in systems have been found to result most often from inadequate early management planning and definition of technical requirements. Initial portions of this guidebook describe the general sequence, nature, and levels of system engineering studies that are needed during conceptual and validation phases of a system program to develop adequately-documented requirements that can provide the essential technical basis for sound management plans and decisions to initiate system full-scale development. Related topics include current problems and questions associated with recognized functions of the system specification in relation to other types of specifications software as a factor in program risks principles of specification preparation and prominent questions about handling of requirements affecting software.