You’ve got the confidence of a lion and the audacity of a squirrel… but you can’t own this. – Anonymous

This question keeps coming up, so let’s settle it.

The Software Requirements Specification defines the WHAT; the behaviors, constraints, and obligations the software must satisfy. It’s the launch point for every downstream activity: algorithms, architecture, UI, trade studies, verification strategy. It frames the problem space before software starts solving it.

The SRS needs to be owned by the group responsible for defining intent without bias, whether it’s systems engineering, product engineer, requirements engineer, or whatever your org call it.

Giving software ownership of the SRS is a textbook conflict of interest. It’s essentially saying:

• “Please define what you’re supposed to build”
• “Then decide how you’ll build it”
• “And while you’re at it, influence what gets verified”

Let’s just ask the student to write their own exam, grade it, and then declare themselves valedictorian. What could possibly go wrong?