Technical Work
Frameworks & Guidance
Voluntary structures and explanatory documents developed through defined technical review.
Frameworks & Guidance
Voluntary structures and explanations for defined technical questions.
A Framework organizes how a subject can be understood or approached. Guidance explains context, interpretation or implementation considerations. Neither is a mandatory requirement, certification condition or substitute for a competent authority.
| Document Type | Typical Purpose | Does Not Mean |
|---|---|---|
| Technical Landscape Review | Maps relevant existing systems and evidence | New AF requirement |
| Framework | Organizes a defined subject or approach | Mandatory compliance scheme |
| Guidance | Explains context or practical interpretation | Certification requirement |
| Technical Brief | Provides concise analysis | Permanent official position beyond its scope |
Each future document should state scope, audience, status, limitations, version and review information. Existing systems are considered before a new document is developed.
Understand the distinction
A framework organizes. Guidance explains.
Use the resource according to its document class—not how formal it looks.
Framework
A framework can organize concepts, responsibilities or stages so that a subject can be understood consistently. It does not create an assessment requirement unless an applicable controlling source expressly does so.
Normative publicationsGuidance
Guidance can explain application considerations, examples and limits. Read the source, version, intended users and relationship to any controlling standard before relying on it.
Recommended PracticesA practical reading test
Identify what the document is for, whether it is draft or published, the scope it addresses and the authority of its statements. A companion resource cannot silently amend the controlling publication.
Controlled resource libraryContinue exploring