Downloaded from https://www.everyspec.com STEP. In the SMART context, testing helps to validate system models, which are then immersed into synthetic environments to support the decision-making process. System models that are tested should be the same as, or traceable to, the models used for concept development, analysis of alternatives, system design, and production. Synthetic test e n v i r o n m e n t s m a y a l s o b e r e u s e d f o r t r a i n i n g , o p e r a t i o n s p l a n n i n g a n d r e h e a r s a l , a n d s u b s e q u e n t c o n c e p t developments. f.
Continuous evaluation is a process that provides a steady flow of evaluation information to the combat and materiel developers on a proposed acquisition, even as the acquisition evolves from a laboratory or experiment to an identified and recognized program or project. Continuous evaluation, conducted by USATEC, will be employed on all acquisition programs. Continuous evaluation is a strategy that ensures responsible, timely, and effective assessments of the status of a system’s performance throughout its acquisition process.
Continuous evaluation can begin as early as the battlefield functional mission area analysis for materiel systems, and as early as the Information Management Plan (IMP) for C4I/IT systems, and continue through system post-deployment activities. The continuous evaluation process includes system evaluation and system assessment. g. System evaluation focuses on issues of system technical and operational characteristics, performance, and safety as a part of system operational effectiveness, suitability, and survivability.
The system evaluation report focuses on the capability of the system to accomplish its mission in its intended environment and is provided to the Milestone Decision Authority at MS B and C and the FRP decision review. h. An integrated methodology using data from experimentation, demonstration, M&S, and T&E will be used to provide the maximum benefits from a complete, unified T&E program by efficiently using resources to minimize acquisition time. This integrated methodology will reduce the multiple and redundant products and processes that previously existed.
This process, which is in concert with DOD guidance, encompasses the development of a single integrated system evaluation plan that includes a single integrated test/simulation execution strategy, leading to a single system evaluation report for the customer. This process will also explore increased use of contractor data to support system evaluation and expand the use of M&S with the goals of reducing T&E cost, increasing T&E efficiencies, and reducing program cycle times. The following processes will apply: (1) Army T&E programs will be structured to integrate all T&E activities as an efficient continuum.
M&S will be an integral part of T&E planning and will be used to reduce time, resources, and risks involved relative to the T&E programs. The integrated test and simulation strategy can include separate DT, OT, combined DT/OT, M&S, and other events that generate credible data. (2) Verified, validated, and accredited M&S will be applied as appropriate through the system life-cycle to support efficient test planning and to supplement actual T&E. (3) A system’s TEMP will provide a roadmap for integrated simulation, T&E plans, schedules, and resource requirements necessary to accomplish the T&E program.
All relevant information will be included in parts III/IV (or III and IV if integrated T&E is not possible) and V of the TEMP. (4) System evaluators and testers will participate in warfighting experimentation and technology demonstration processes, as appropriate, to maximize the use of resulting data in system evaluations. The intent is to save the Army from procuring the same data twice, thus reducing overall data requirements. i. Planning, programming, and budgeting for T&E must begin early in the system life-cycle management process. The TEMP will show T&E costs by appropriation, amount, and budget year of the planning, programming, budgeting, and execution system. j.
The development, approval, and execution of the system TEMP provides key management controls for T&E in support of the acquisition process. Major provisions in the TEMP become key management controls once TEMP execution is begun. 3–2. Relationship of test and evaluation to the life-cycle model a. The phases, MSs, and descriptions of life-cycle activities for the acquisition life-cycle model (LCM) for all systems (materiel and C4I/IT) are contained in DODI 5000.2 and the Defense Acquisition Guidebook. Implementation of DODI 5000.2 requires the conduct of T&E as prescribed herein. System T&E will be tailored to accommodate the unique characteristics and schedule of each acquisition program.
The T&E WIPT is the instrument to tailor T&E tools and strategy to maximize effectiveness and efficiency. b. Evolutionary acquisition strategies define, develop, and produce/deploy an initial, military useful capability (Increment 1) based upon proven technology, time-phased requirements, projected threat assessments, and demon- strated manufacturing capabilities. Evolutionary acquisition provides for subsequent development and production/ deployment of increments beyond the initial capability over time (Increments 2, 3, and beyond). Each of these increments is tested and evaluated to support design and development as well as go/no-go decision making.
The TEMP will be part of program planning activities and will require update at the beginning of each increment. The T&E WIPT must determine which tests are required to support the system evaluations or assessments. Statutory T&E requirements and guidelines apply. c. Appropriate DT will be conducted to assess achievement of critical technical parameters, identify technological and design risks, and determine readiness to proceed to the IOT. 14 AR 73–1 • 1 August 2006