Ironclad’s methodology for implementing quality assurance and quality control for the SeaPort-e program applies proven quality practices that conform to industry standards to measure and analyze performance, implement continuous process improvements (CPI), allow innovation, and increase pro­ductivity and efficiency. Quality Assurance (QA) processes and activities are executed to prevent defects from occurring in products through review of program deliverables and internal products. They ensure adherence to the defined set of program processes through process compliance audits and day-to-day observations of process execution. Our QA activities are performed by Ironclad staff members that are outside the Task Order chain of command to maintain objectivity and dedicated to providing program oversight. The QA staff is also subject to assessment by members of Ironclad’s Management Team to ensure they are executing their role as planned and adhering to our QA processes.

Quality Control (QC) is a subset of our QA activities and focuses on finding defects in the products we deliver. QC activities are performed by the entire program team and are embedded in the processes they execute and use to produce their product or service. Verification activities, such as peer reviews and unit tests, and validation activities such as system testing and acceptance testing, assess whether our products are technically consistent with requirements. QA staff observes and monitors these QC activities to ensure they are being executed and to help identify trends and issues in the data collected from execution of the QC activity.

The organizational processes flowed down to our programs are based on best practices in industry including the ITIL framework, Information Technology Service Management (ITSM) practices, and practices of the Software Engineering Institute (SEI) Capability Maturity Model® Inte­gration (CMMI®). Ironclad’s experience shows that these standards and practices provide tangible benefits for our customers.

Our process assets, containing QC activities and QA processes, are analyzed and tailored to the needs of each individual customer and project. Additionally processes and work instructions are developed to supplement the organizational processes for the unique program characteristics and needs.

By implementing a solid QC and QA methodology for the SeaPort-e Program, we minimize risks and ensure that we continuously improve our support for the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps