Government Standards and Specifications-To Update or Not to Update?

Government contracts mandate specifications and standards of specific issues and dates; Government/industry practice involves continuing update of materials, processes, and components documents. These different approaches create hardships in major system procurements, due to long duration of the procurement cycle. Examples of inconsistencies among documents governing electronic systems are discussed and tabulated. Modification of the "Defense Standardization Manual 4120.3-M" is recommended, to provide a consistent and practicable Department of Defense policy.