DAF Form 116A: Safety Design Deviation Request Guide

DAF Form 116A: Safety Design Deviation Request Guide – The Department of the Air Force (DAF) Form 116A, officially titled Safety Design Deviation Request, is a critical document used within the U.S. Air Force and broader Department of the Air Force nuclear weapons surety program. It allows authorized personnel to formally request deviations from established nuclear safety design criteria when strict compliance is not feasible, while maintaining the highest standards of safety, security, and reliability.

This form supports operational needs in nuclear weapon systems without compromising the DoD Nuclear Weapon Surety Standards. It is essential for program managers, engineers, safety officers, and commanders involved in nuclear-certified equipment, facilities, or modifications.

What Is DAF Form 116A Used For?

DAF Form 116A is the primary tool for requesting deviations from safety design criteria outlined in key publications such as:

  • DAFI 91-101, Air Force Nuclear Weapons Surety Program (current as of July 2025)
  • DAFMAN 91-118, Safety Design Criteria for Nuclear Weapon Systems
  • DAFMAN 91-119, Safety Design Criteria for Nuclear Weapon Systems Software

Common scenarios requiring this form include:

  • Design modifications to aircraft, equipment, or facilities interfacing with nuclear weapons
  • Temporary or permanent deviations due to technical limitations, upgrades, or unique operational requirements
  • Initial requests, extensions, or cancellations of prior deviations
  • Cases where a system does not fully meet nuclear safety design certification standards but includes robust compensatory measures and risk mitigation

The form ensures all deviations are documented, justified, coordinated, risk-assessed, and approved at the appropriate level (often involving AFSEC/SEW – Air Force Safety Center, Weapons Safety Division).

Note: This is distinct from AF Form 116 (Request for Deviation from Security Criteria), which focuses on security/surety rather than safety design.

Key Sections of DAF Form 116A

The fillable PDF form includes structured blocks for clear documentation:

  • Originator Information: Start/Expiration Dates, Type of Request (Aircraft, Equipment, etc.)
  • Deviation Category and Type: Initial, Temporary, Permanent, Cancellation, etc.
  • Affected System/Function and References (specific directive paragraphs)
  • Description of Deficiency, Justification, Compensatory Measures, and Proposed Remediation Plan
  • Estimated Cost and Correction Date
  • Multi-level Coordination, Review, and Approval sections with signatures
  • Risk acceptance statement for the appropriate authority

The form emphasizes risk assessment, mitigations, and a remediation path. It must reference DAFI 91-101, DAFMAN 91-118, and DAFMAN 91-119.

Step-by-Step Process for Submitting DAF Form 116A

  1. Identify the Need — Confirm the deviation is necessary after reviewing design criteria in DAFMAN 91-118/91-119.
  2. Prepare the Form — Provide detailed justification, compensatory measures, and risk data. Include cost/schedule impacts.
  3. Route Through Chain of Command — Submit via MAJCOM/Field Command safety offices or designated channels to AFSEC for evaluation.
  4. Coordination and Review — Multiple levels review (reviewing official, coordinating authority, approval authority).
  5. Approval and Tracking — Approved deviations receive an expiration date and require periodic review. Document in the Nuclear Safety Design Certification process.
  6. Implementation — Follow all compensatory measures and work toward remediation.

Important: Deviations do not waive the need for thorough risk documentation. Emergency deviations follow separate rules under nuclear surety instructions.

Why Compliance and Proper Use Matter?

Nuclear surety is foundational to the U.S. nuclear enterprise. Proper use of DAF Form 116A:

  • Maintains compliance with DoD and DAF standards
  • Minimizes risks to personnel, assets, and national security
  • Supports mission effectiveness while prioritizing safety
  • Ensures deviations are temporary where possible and fully remediated

U.S.-based DAF personnel (Active Duty, Reserve, Guard, civilians, and contractors) must follow these processes for any nuclear-related systems.

Download the Official DAF Form 116A

Access the latest fillable PDF directly from the official source:
Download DAF Form 116A Here

All DAF forms and publications are available at e-Publishing.af.mil. Always verify you have the most current version.

Additional Resources

  • DAFI 91-101 (Air Force Nuclear Weapons Surety Program)
  • DAFMAN 91-118 (Safety Design Criteria for Nuclear Weapon Systems)
  • Contact your local Weapons Safety Office or HQ AFSEC/SEW for guidance: [email protected]

This guide is for informational purposes based on official DAF publications (as of 2025-2026). Always consult your chain of command, safety office, or the publications themselves for mission-specific application. Proper handling of nuclear surety documentation upholds the highest standards of the United States Air Force and Department of the Air Force.