The W3C has published an Introduction and Process & Operational Guidelines for the Quality Assurance Framework.

The Introduction describes:

"a common framework for enhancing the quality practices of the W3C Working Groups in the areas of specification editing, production of test materials, and coordination efforts with internal and external groups. It presents introductory, roadmap, and orientation information for the Framework document family of the Quality Assurance (QA) Activity."

The Process and Operational Guidelines document goes deeper, exploring "operational and procedural guidelines for groups undertaking conformance materials development."

The Process information applies widely to the W3C:

"The guidelines are intended for all Working Groups as well as developers of conformance materials for W3C specifications. Not only are the Working Groups the consumer of these guidelines, they are also key contributors. The guidelines capture the experiences, good practices, activities, and lessons learned of the Working Groups and present them in a comprehensive, cohesive set of documents for all to use and benefit from. The objective is to reuse what works rather than reinvent and to foster consistency across the various Working Group quality activities and deliverables."

Related story:

• W3C/NIST workshop on Quality Assurance