What is Independent Verification & Validation (IV&V)?

Independent Verification and Validation is verification and validation performed by an organization that is technically, managerially, and financially independent. While commonly confused with the Roman numerals for four (IV) and five (V), IV&V is a systems engineering process that employs rigorous methodologies to evaluate the correctness and quality of a software product throughout its software development lifecycle.

Verification:

Confirmation by examination and provision of objective evidence that specified requirements have been fulfilled [ISO/IEC 12207, Software life cycle processes]. In other words, verification ensures that "you built it right".

Validation:

Confirmation by examination and provision of objective evidence that the particular requirements for a specific intended use are fulfilled [ISO/IEC 12207, Software life cycle processes]. In other words, validation ensures that "you built the right thing".

Benefits of IV&V

IV&V can significantly reduce the costs and development time associated with software projects, because the process of IV&V is proven to catch errors early in the software development life cycle. Having an IV&V team for your projects will drastically improve your customers' confidence of your ability and commitment to deliver quality and cost effective solutions.

How APS Can Help?

Before APS begins the process of IV&V, APS performs a criticality analysis of the software project. A criticality analysis determines the likelihood and consequences of software failure (e.g., will there be financial loss or loss of reputation as a result of software failure, etc.). Based on the criticality analysis, APS determines a set of tasks to be performed. From this task determination, APS establishes an IV&V plan that is appropriate for the software project covering the entire software development life cycle (Concept, Requirements, Design, Implementation, Test, and Operations and Maintenance).