Path to RFC

The ESDS Standards Process manages production and promotion of standards specification documents called "Requests for Comments" (RFCs). RFCs may be "directed" in response to identified ESDS requirements or may arise "organically" from the community of ESE stakeholders.

• RFCs are directed in response to an identified need through a process of top-down analysis and solicitation via steps 1 through 7. (see figure below) The SPG will facilitate analysis of the requirement and solicitation of solutions. The SPG will assign a stakeholder to write and submit an RFC describing existing practice, or, if no appropriate standard exists, new development will be done via normal NASA development or procurement methods.
• The organic path is shown as step 1c in the figure. This path short-circuits up-front analysis by the SPG. Standard RFCs flow directly from ESDS data systems stakeholders who will propose working standards based on their own implementation or experience.

By either path, an RFC will be generated that defines or describes the standard and also specifies the data systems components or aspects to which the proposed standard would apply. The RFC will also list relevant implementation and operational references.