Test and Evaluation

Describe the [5] purposes of T&E

1.) Mature system designs

2.) Manage risks

3.) Identify and resolve issues early

4.) Improve system performance/reduce unintended cost increases

5.) Ensure systems are optimized for operations and sustainment

Differentiate between Developmental Test and Evaluation (DT&E) and Operational Test and Evaluation (OT&E)

1.) Developmental Test and Evaluation (DT&E)

2.) Operational Test and Evaluation (OT&E)

Developmental Test and Evaluation (DT&E)

Evaluate design approaches, validate analytical models, measure progress, minimize risk, predict operational performance, and identify problems

Operational Test and Evaluation (OT&E)

Evaluate a system’s effectiveness and suitability in operational environments

Describe the purpose of Integrated Test Teams (ITT)

A cross-functional team that develops strategies for system test and evaluation

Describe the responsibilities of key personnel and organizations involved with T&E

1.) PM

2.) Chief Developmental Tester (CDT)

3.) Lead Developmental Test and Evaluation Organization (LDTO)

4.) Participating Test Organization (PTO)

5.) Contractor

6.) MAJCOMs

7.) Air Logistics Complex (ALC)

8.) Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center (AFOTEC)

9.) Space Training and Readiness Command (STARCOM)

10.) HQ USAF, SecAF, HQ AFMC, HQ AFSPC

PM

Responsible for all T&E actions and documentation

Chief Developmental Tester (CDT)

Responsible for planning, managing, and overseeing DT&E; documenting contractor activities; and helping the PM make informed T&E decisions

Lead Developmental Test and Evaluation Organization (LDTO)

A government organization that plans, manages, conducts, and reports DT&E activities

Participating Test Organization (PTO)

Provides resources not given by the LDTO

Contractor

Heavily involved in planning and some in-house and government site DT&E

Generally, contractors are heavily restricted for OT&E

MAJCOMs

Participates in testing when AFOTEC is not involved

Plans for transition of operational testing when AFOTEC is involved

Air Logistics Complexes (ALC)

Responsible for testing the performance of depot maintenance during T&E

Provides the Air Force managed maintenance capability during sustainment

Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center (AFOTEC)

The Air Force’s independent operational test agency that conducts all OT&E

Plans, manages, conducts, and reports OT&E activities like the LDTO does for DT&E

Space Training and Readiness Command (STARCOM)

The Space Force equivalent of AFOTEC that is responsible for all OT&E

HQ USAF, SecAF, HQ AFMC, HQ AFSPC

Responsible for establishing policy and resource allocation

Describe the purpose of Test and Evaluation Master Plan (TEMP), Test Plans, Program Introduction Document (PID), and Statement of Capability (SOC)

1.) Test and Evaluation Master Plan (TEMP)

2.) Test Plans

3.) Program Introduction Document (PID)

4.) Statement of Capability (SOC)

Test and Evaluation Master Plan (TEMP)

An overarching T&E strategy that integrates requirements, acquisitions, T&E, and sustainment with T&E schedules and resources

Involves test plans and test procedures

Test Plans

The objectives, measurement of effectiveness, planned operational scenarios, resources, limitations, and data processing methods of testing

Program Introduction Document (PID)

A summary of the test programs and required testing resources sent to the LDTO

Similar to the acquisitions RFP

Statement of Capability (SOC)

The LDTO’s response to the PID, including costs, schedule, and resources that can and cannot be provided