Downloaded from https://www.everyspec.com discussed in paragraph 4–2. Minor software changes may also require testing (see para 4–2), but test objectives, functions and responsibilities are scaled down depending on the number, magnitude, and complexity of the modifica- tion being tested. Production and deployment testing includes the following DT: PVTs, comparison tests, quality conformance inspections, tests in support of PDSS, and C4I/IT interoperability recertification tests. Production and deployment tests are defined in (1) through (6) below. (1) Production Verification Test (PVT).
Production Verification Tests are system-level tests conducted to verify that the production item meets critical technical parameters and contract specifications, to determine the adequacy and timeliness of any corrective action indicated by previous (pre-FRP) tests, and to validate manufacturer’s facilities, procedures, and processes. A PVT will also provide a baseline for the test requirements in the technical data package for post-production testing. The PVT is accomplished during the first limited production or full-scale production contract. (a) The PVT may take the form of a first article test (FAT) (see (2) below) if such testing is required in the technical data package.
(b) The PVT may also include tests that are not included in the data package or contract (for example, environmen- tal extremes and test-to-failure) when necessary to obtain engineering data for corrective action verification, to support a materiel release decision, or to meet another purpose. (c) Follow-on PVTs may be conducted as necessary if the production process or design is significantly changed or to verify the adequacy and timeliness of corrective actions indicated by the PVT. (2) First article test.
The FAT may be required for quality assurance purposes to qualify a new manufacturer or procurements from a previous source out of production for an extended period (usually 2 years) and to produce assemblies, components, or repair parts conforming to requirements of the technical data package. Requirements for first-article testing may be invoked in production contracts by citing the applicable Federal Acquisition Regulation first article inspection and approval clause. When a first-article test is specified in a contract, it may not be waived or changed without prior approval of the head of the contracting activity.
First article tests may be conducted at Government facilities or at contractor facilities when observed by the Government. (3) Comparison test. Comparison tests are tests of a randomly drawn sample from production. A comparison test is conducted as a quality assurance measure to detect any manufacturing or quality deficiencies that may have developed during volume production which may have reduced effective operation of the item or resulted in item degradation. Comparison testing is conducted or supervised by an agent independent of the producer or Government onsite quality assurance personnel.
A comparison test may be conducted at procuring agency facilities, Government testing installa- tions, or contractor facilities. (4) Quality conformance (acceptance) inspection. This inspection examines and verifies tests that are normally prescribed in the technical data package for performance by the contractor and that are subject to performance or witnessing by the onsite quality assurance representative on the items, lots of items, or services to be offered for acceptance under a contract or purchase order.
These examinations and tests include, as necessary, in-process and final measurements or comparisons with technical quality characteristics required to verify that the materiel meets all the terms of the contract and should be accepted by the Government. (5) Tests in support of PDSS. Developmental tests in support of PDSS for software intensive materiel systems parallel those described for pre-FRP, but are usually abbreviated based on the number, magnitude, and complexity of the modifications or maintenance. (6) C4I/IT interoperability recertification test.
The interoperability recertification test for C4I/IT systems is con- ducted if major hardware and software modifications to the C4I/IT system have been made that impact on previously established joint interface requirements. Recertification test schemes must be developed and must be commensurate with the level of changes involved in both the C4I/IT system and the systems it must interoperate with. The APTU will coordinate joint recertification testing requirements with the JITC. b. Planning, programming, and budgeting for testing during the production and deployment phase will begin early in the life-cycle.
In general, production items are procured with Army procurement authorization funds, while costs of procuring repair parts are OMA funded. Costs of conducting tests are similarly funded. c. Production and deployment test requirements will be incorporated in the TEMP in support of the FRP decision review. d. Criteria for production and deployment testing will be prescribed in the appropriate technical data package based on the performance demonstrated during development or on contract performance specifications for NDIs. The test, methods of analysis, and criteria will be described.
The number of items to be tested and the duration of tests will be based on engineering practices taking into account costs, schedule, item complexity, known problem areas, statistical confidence, and other factors. Prior test data and analytically derived design data will be used when the test and sampling plan are developed. e. The program manager will ensure that the total system is tested during the PVT. When individual components and subsystems are tested separately by other activities, such testing itself will not meet total system test requirements. f.
Materiel development and acquisition commands will establish procedures to ensure the timely planning, testing, 20 AR 73–1 • 1 August 2006