AFI16-1001 VERIFICATION, VALIDATION AND ACCREDITATION (VV&A)
MilReg AFI16-1001 Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of AirForce regulation AFI16-1001 Verification, Validation and Accreditation (VV&A)?
The purpose of AFI16-1001 VV&A is to outline the policies and procedures for verifying, validating, and accrediting models, simulations, and data used within the Air Force.

Who does AirForce regulation AFI16-1001 VV&A apply to?
AFI16-1001 VV&A applies to all Air Force organizations, personnel, and contractors involved in the development, acquisition, and use of models, simulations, and data.

What is the difference between verification, validation, and accreditation?
Verification is the process of evaluating the accuracy and correctness of a model or simulation. Validation, on the other hand, involves assessing whether the model or simulation can replicate real-world behavior and achieve the intended purpose. Accreditation refers to the formal approval of a model, simulation, or data for a specific intended use.

What is the role of the VV&A team?
The VV&A team is responsible for conducting comprehensive assessments of models, simulations, and data to ensure their accuracy, validity, and appropriateness for their intended use. They provide recommendations for improvement and assist with the accreditation process.

How often should VV&A be performed?
VV&A activities should be performed throughout the entire lifecycle of a model, simulation, or data, starting from the initial development stage to regular updates and changes. The frequency of VV&A should be determined based on the criticality and complexity of the system.

Can a model or simulation be used without VV&A?
No, according to AFI16-1001 VV&A, all models, simulations, and data used within the Air Force must undergo the VV&A process. This ensures the credibility and reliability of the results and outputs derived from them.

How are VV&A findings and recommendations documented?
VV&A findings and recommendations are documented in formal reports. These reports provide an overview of the VV&A process, assessment results, areas of improvement, and recommendations for accreditation.

What is the significance of accreditation in the VV&A process?
Accreditation ensures that models, simulations, and data meet specific criteria for accuracy, reliability, and suitability for their intended use. Accreditation provides confidence in the outputs and results derived from these tools, enhancing their credibility and application within the Air Force.

How does AFI16-1001 VV&A relate to other Air Force regulations and guidance?
AFI16-1001 VV&A establishes the overarching policy and guidance for VV&A activities within the Air Force. It aligns with other regulations and guidance, such as those related to systems engineering, testing, and cybersecurity, to ensure a comprehensive and integrated approach.

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