Independent Verification and Validation (IV&V)

Independent Verification and Validation (IV&V) is a type of technical audit, or System Under Development audit historically performed to identify errors in mission critical software such as avionics systems, nuclear power plants and the space shuttle. IV&V is done by a group that is independent from the system developers and is used on medium to large projects. IV&V helps:

• Reduce risk;
• Ensure quality; and
• Ensure that delivered systems meet requirements.

APS/ADGA recognised that the concept of IV&V can be applied to the total system rather than purely to software. IV&V techniques can be applied to the development of each stage of a system from the definition of user requirements on through specification, design, development (build or buy), test and installation. APS/ADGA has evolved the approach from its focus on software to a focus on all aspects of a project including management, technical, business, and governance issues. APS/ADGA's IV&V methodology is aligned with the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 1012, the international standard for IV&V. Our methodology is an assessment of aerospace product and of process that supports management's objectives of meeting user requirements and reducing risk to schedule, cost and technology.

Our Services include:

• Assessment of processes (management, technical, governance, business) for risk, best practices and adherence to standards;
• Assessment of products (e.g. technical architectures, designs, plans, applications, Request for Proposals - RFPs) for risk, adherence to standards, fitness for intended use, correctness and completeness;
• Independent risk assessments;
• Independent testing;
• Ongoing monitoring of processes and products; and,
• Establishing in-house IV&V programs or Centres of Excellence.

Current and Completed Projects

• Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP): established an IV&V Centre of Excellence, and conducted IV&V reviews on major RCMP projects;
• Citizenship and Immigration Canada: conducted IV&V reviews;
• Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA): assessed the need for program monitoring and risk in contracts, Explosive Detection System (EDS) deployment, training and certification; assessed airport applications for EDS design; developed framework for EDS IV&V program;
• North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO): assessed processes and products of a United States defence contractor tasked to upgrade a NATO logistics software system;
• Department of National Defence of Canada: conducted many IV&V assignments on mission critical software projects: reviewed architecture, design, code and test results, and verified traceability;
• Atomic Energy Control Board of Canada: verified software for nuclear reactor shutdown device, developed to Ontario Hydro Software Standards;
• Transport Canada Development Center: conducted an evaluation of a real-time snow precipitation gauge for aircraft de-icing operations;
• Republic Democratic of Congo and the International Air Transport Association (IATA): participated as an independent observer at factory acceptance tests of air navigation electronic equipment; and
• Transport Canada: conducted an IV&V of Microwave Landing Systems (MLS).