Re: What are the criteria for an Ada waiver?

Re: What are the criteria for an Ada waiver?

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In article <1991Oct30.214012.23744@Rapnet.Sanders.Lockheed.Com>,
millar@Rapnet.Sanders.Lockheed.Com (Jeffrey R. Millar x7047) writes:

> We are designing a system with a central processor to support Ada
> programming.  In fact we have working hard to eliminate peripheral
> microprocessors to avoid hetrogeneous processors and Ada on small
> I/O processors.  However, there is one 8 bit microprocessor that 
> is planned to execute a 2-4 KByte program...the prototype is pro-
> grammed in assembly language.
> 
> I am looking for some guidance on how to do one of the following...

[Text Deleted]

Your information is sketchy but you may have a special "Ada
Implementation" here.

I cannot address the requirements for other services, but if your end
customer is the Air Force, their policy is spelled out in in a
memorandum and attached policy dated, 07 Aug 1990, issued SAF/AQK
(signed by Lloyd K. Mosemann II, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the
Air Force).

In that policy letter, it defines "Ada Implementation" as follows
(para. 2.a):

	"A software system in which Ada is used to meet all or most of
	the language requirements.  Use of other languages in an Ada
	implementation will be limited to those needed for special
	functions and requires an 'exception request'."

Note that it is an exception request (less stringent rules), not a
waiver.

The policy for use of other languages in an Ada implementation are
(para. 5.e):

	"Other languages (e.g., Assembly, C, C/ATLAS, 4GL, another HOL)
	may be mixed with the Ada code in an Ada implementation for a
	special function or routine.  (Exception Request Required).

Per the policy letter (para 7.a):

	"An exception request, instead of a waiver request, will be
	submitted through appropriate levels to HQ USAF/SC for
	approval, and must be approved before implementing the solution.
	The exception request must include a description of the project
	and the rationale/justification for the exception.

It is my understanding, where insignificant amounts of non-Ada code are
involved (less than 2% in your case), and where there is a special
implementation limitation (schedule, life-cycle maintenance, hardware
limitations, etc.), exceptions are normally granted.

Hope this helps.

Val Tarbox
TRW Space & Defense
(801) 625-8024