Developmental Test and Evaluation

A key component of an effective T&E effort is Developmental Test and Evaluation (DT&E). DT&E is conducted by the system development organization. DT&E is performed throughout the acquisition and sustainment processes to verify that critical technical parameters have been achieved. DT&E supports the development and demonstration of new materiel or operational capabilities as early as possible in the acquisition life cycle. After the Full Rate Production (FRP) decision or fielding approval, DT&E supports the sustainment of systems to keep them current and extend their useful life, performance envelopes, and/or capabilities. Developmental testing must lead to and support a certification that the system is ready for dedicated operational testing.

DT&E efforts include:

• Assess the technological capabilities of systems or concepts in support of requirements activities;
• Evaluate and apply Modeling and Simulation (M&S) tools and digital system models;
• Identify and help resolve deficiencies as early as possible;
• Verify compliance with specifications, standards, and contracts;
• Characterize system performance, military utility, and verify system safety;
• Quantify contract technical performance and manufacturing quality;
• Ensure fielded systems continue to perform as required in the face of changing operational requirements and threats;
• Ensure all new developments, modifications, and upgrades address operational safety, suitability, and effectiveness;
• During sustainment upgrades, support aging and surveillance programs, value engineering projects, productivity, reliability, availability and maintainability projects, technology insertions, and other modifications.

DT&E is typically conducted to verify and validate developer requirements as for example those specified in documents such as the Software Requirements Specification (SRS), which are derived from customer top-level specifications. The reports and other products of this (i.e., component) level of verification may also serve as required inputs to the system acceptance process.

How GreenDart can help you: We are proven experts in designing and executing T&E programs for all hardware and software developmental program efforts. Please contact us.

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Written by Bedjanian