Definition General Info Policies Guides Communities Training Related
Definition
A Functional Configuration Audit (FCA) is an optional process that verifies that the actual performance of the configuration item or system meets the requirements stated in its performance specification. It certifies that the configuration item or system has met its requirements.
General/Information/Narrative
At a glance, the Functional Configuration Audit (FCA):
- Systematically compares requirements with the results of tests, analyses or inspections.
- Is required by contract.
- Is usually conducted at an Industry facility.
- Is conducted for both hardware and software.
- May be conducted in increments for complex configuration items or systems.
The Functional Configuration Audit (FCA) verifies that the actual performance of the system or item meets the requirements stated in its performance specification and certifies the system or item has met those requirements. For systems, the FCA verifies that the actual performance of the system meets the requirements stated in the system performance specification. In some cases, especially for very large, complex configuration items and systems, the audits may be accomplished in increments. Each increment may address a specific functional area of the system/CI and will document any discrepancies that are found in the performance capabilities of that increment. After all of the increments have been completed, a final (summary) FCA may be held to address the status of all of the action items that have been identified by the incremental meetings and to document the status of the FCA for the system or CI in the minutes and certifications. In this way, the audit is effectively accomplished with a minimum of complications. (MIL-HDBK-61A)
A Functional Configuration Audit is often conducted as an optional part of the system verification review (SVR). The FCA does not replace the SVR, rather they support each other.
“A successful FCA typically demonstrates that Engineering and Manufacturing Development product is sufficiently mature for entrance into Low-Rate Initial Production.” (Defense Acquisition Guidebook, 4.3.3.4.6)
Policies, Directives, Regulations, Laws
Best Practices, Lessons Learned, Stories, Guides, Handbooks, Templates, Example Tools, Communities of Practice, LEC Tools
MIL-HDBK-61A, Military Handbook Configuration Management Guide
Chapter 10 of Systems Engineering Fundamentals: Configuration Management
Defense Acquisition Guidebook, 4.3.3.4.6
ACC - Life Cycle Logistics
ACC - Production Quality & Manufacturing
ACC - Program Management
ACC - Software Acquisition Management
ACC - Systems Engineering Community of Practice (SECoP)
Training Resources
LOG204 – Configuration Management
CLE003 -- Technical Reviews
CLE017 -- Technical Planning
SYS101 -- Fundamentals of Systems Planning, Research, Development and Engineering
SYS202 – Intermediate Systems Planning, Research, Development and Engineering, Part 1
Related Articles
System Verification Review (SVR)
Required for:
The FCA is often performed in conjunction with the SVR, but the FCA is not required.
Responsible Activity:
Definition General Info Policies Guides Communities Training Related