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Navigating SAE J2129-2015: A Guide for Outside Source Requests to the CONAG Council
For engineers and technical committees seeking to propose new SAE Technical Reports or revisions through the CONAG Council, understanding the submission requirements is critical. SAE J2129-2015 outlines the specific process that outside sources must follow, ensuring proposals are complete, properly formatted, and aligned with SAE standards. This guide breaks down the key requirements, common pitfalls, and best practices to streamline your submission.
1. Essential Components of a Request
Every request must include two core elements: a clear Statement of Reason and a well-structured proposal, if accompanying the request. The Statement of Reason (Rationale) must answer three questions: Why is an SAE Technical Report desired, what is expected to be gained from its availability, and what existing documents cover the subject? This rationale helps the CONAG Council understand the necessity and scope of the proposed work.
If the request includes a proposal, it must follow the organization detailed in TSB002, Preparation of SAE Technical Reports. The table below lists the mandatory sections.
| Section | Description |
|---|---|
| Title | Concise and descriptive. |
| Scope | Briefly states the extent and applicability of the document. |
| Purpose | Explains the objectives to be achieved by using the report. |
| References | Lists referenced documents; if none, use “Not Applicable” or specified phrase. |
| Test Procedures | Applicable if testing is defined. |
| Dimensional Data | Includes tables and charts. |
| Performance Requirements | Where applicable. |
| Component Materials | Mechanical and physical properties. |
| Appendices | Supplementary material that clarifies or enhances the proposal. |
| Numbering System | Decimal system for new reports; revised reports must show changes with lined-out text (/) and underlining. |
🛠️ Engineering Design Insight: The most critical part of any proposal is the Statement of Reason. A well-crafted rationale not only justifies the need but also speeds up the review process. Additionally, ensure all dimensional data use S.I. units (System International – Metric) as required by SAE J916.
2. Formatting and Terminology Standards
Proper formatting enhances readability and ensures consistency. Key formatting rules include:
- Numbering: Use the decimal system for paragraphs. Indentation and left margins should make the text readily readable. Double spacing is recommended where it improves clarity.
- Revised Reports: Identify sections revised. Use lined-out text (
example) for deletions and underline for new portions. Double spacing should be applied where readability improves. - Tables, Charts, and Illustrations: Must be titled, numbered consecutively, and referenced in the text.
- Units: Always use S.I. units. Reference SAE J916 for guidance.
Terminology is also standardized to avoid confusion. Use ‘surface vehicle’ or ‘machine’ instead of ‘automotive’ for reports not applicable to the aerospace industry. Specifically:
- Vehicle: Self-propelled devices for carrying passengers, goods, or equipment (e.g., car, bus, truck).
- Machine: Self-propelled or mobile devices designed to alter or transmit energy and force for useful work (e.g., tractor, grader).
⚠️ Common Mistakes: Many submissions fail because the requester forgets to include a Statement of Reason or omits the list of existing relevant documents. Others misuse terminology by writing ‘automotive’ instead of ‘surface vehicle’, or neglect to format revisions correctly. Pay special attention to using S.I. units for all dimensions.
3. Processing and Frequently Asked Questions
Once your request is complete, submit it to the SAE Staff Engineer for the CONAG Council at SAE International, 400 Commonwealth Drive, Warrendale, PA 15096-0001. The Staff Engineer will forward the request to the Vice-Chairperson of the CONAG Council while notifying the Chairperson and members. The Vice-Chairperson reviews the material and may forward it to the Council and appropriate Technical Committees for action. If the material is deemed inappropriate, the Vice-Chairperson seeks advice from the CONAG Council Executive Committee.
FAQs
Q1: What mandatory sections must an outside source include in a proposal?
A1: Per TSB002, the proposal must include Title, Scope, Purpose, References, Test Procedures (if applicable), Dimensional Data, Performance Requirements, Component Materials, Appendices, and adhere to the decimal numbering system. The request must also contain a Statement of Reason.
Q2: How should the Statement of Reason be structured?
A2: The Statement of Reason must answer three questions: Why is the SAE Technical Report desired? What is anticipated to be gained from its availability? And list all documents that cover the subject of prime interest that would be useful in developing the SAE document.
Q3: What are the formatting requirements for revised reports?
A3: Revised reports must clearly identify changed sections. Deleted portions should be lined out (/) and new portions underlined. Sections should be double spaced where it improves readability. Tables and figures must be titled and numbered consecutively.
Q4: When should the term ‘surface vehicle’ be used instead of ‘automotive’?
A4: Use ‘surface vehicle’ or ‘machine’ for technical reports that do not apply to the aerospace industry. ‘Automotive’ is no longer preferred in this context. ‘Vehicle’ refers to self-propelled carriers, while ‘machine’ refers to self-propelled energy-transforming devices.
By following these guidelines, outside sources can submit complete, well-formatted proposals that streamline the CONAG Council’s review process and help advance technical knowledge in the surface vehicle industry.
