NASA IV&V Management System (IMS)
The NASA IV&V Management System (IMS) is the NASA IV&V Program’s quality management system. The IMS was established according to NPD 1280.1, NASA Management System Policy. The IMS establishes process guidelines through system level procedures (SLPs), work instructions (WIs), templates, supporting documents, and forms to ensure that customers receive the highest quality products and services. The IMS also ensures that the processes conducted at NASA's IV&V Program conform to ISO 9001:2008 requirements.
The NASA IV&V Program's quality policy is to provide superior quality products and services, through continuous improvement, that meet or exceed customer requirements. This will be accomplished by developing and operating a comprehensive, coordinated quality management system that ensures the continual improvement of the effectiveness and efficiency of our processes. These quality processes ensure that quality products and services are provided by NASA's IV&V Program.
The scope of the NASA IV&V Program's ISO certification applies to:
1. Independent Software Verification and Validation
2. Systems Software Assessments
3. Systems and Software Engineering Research
4. Management of Software Support for Safety and Mission Assurance
System Level Procedures (SLPs) - An SLP is a document that provides the principles and operating procedures for a specific aspect of the IMS. An SLP defines the responsibilities of and relationships between organizations implementing procedures within the IMS. An SLP describes what actions shall be performed, as well as when, where, and by whom those actions shall be performed.
Work Instructions (WIs) - A WI is a document that provides detailed, systematic instructions on how to perform the specific tasks necessary to ensure consistent working methods and conformance to required quality standards. WIs may be presented as flow charts, assembly or inspection procedures, detailed process instructions, manuals, specifications, standards, or other methodologies.
Forms - A “Form” is a document associated with a policy, procedure, or process employed by the NASA IV&V Program - usually to collect or disseminate information.
Templates - A “Template” is used as a starting point for constructing various NASA IV&V documents. The purpose of a template is to promote consistency among documents and to prevent having to recreate the format each time a new document is developed.
Supporting Documents - A “Supporting Document” is a document that describes the structure, purpose, operation, maintenance, and/or requirements for a NASA IV&V construct, system, or process.
Master List - The “Master List” provides a list of each SLP and WI along with its latest version, effective date, owner, and approving official. It also lists each form, template, and supporting document along with its latest version, effective date, and owner or parent document.
Mapping Diagrams - A “Mapping Diagram” is a cross-reference table that indicates the relationships among IMS documents, other reference documents (such as NPR 7150), and documented standards (such as ISO 9001).
Version History - The “Version History” provides a location for maintaining the older version history of all active SLPs and WIs.