Independent Engineering Assessments

Abstract

Independent Engineering Assessments project provides resources to support Major Defense Acquisition Program (MDAP) Program Managers and Chief Engineers/Systems Engineers in the development of comprehensive, efficient, and innovative engineering strategies/plans to support key acquisition milestones and engineering decisions. For Acquisition Category (ACAT) ID programs, this project also conducts independent engineering assessments, including Independent Technical Risk Assessments (ITRAs), and assessments at the Preliminary and Critical Design Reviews. On behalf of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (USD(R&E)) this project executes the following activities: - Support acquisition programs in the development of comprehensive, efficient, and innovative systems engineering strategies. Provide Systems Engineering support to ACAT ID programs. For ACAT ID programs, review and approve/disapprove the System Engineering Plans (SEPs) to ensure engineering activities, strategies, and plans are comprehensive and consistent with best practices. - Monitor and advise USD(R&E) and Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment (USD(A&S)) on technical and engineering aspects of MDAPs and select alternate acquisition pathway programs to ensure they are adequate to support fielding and the achievement of cost, schedule and performance goals to include readiness, i.e., producibility, reliability, maintainability, sustainment, and other considerations. - For ACAT ID programs, provide ITRAs to the Defense Acquisition Executive (DAE) at the Milestone (MS) A, B, and C decisions with the goal of identifying technical risk and outlining potential mitigation measures that should be considered during program execution. For select high priority ACAT IB and IC programs, review and approve service conducted ITRAs prior to the applicable milestone decision point. - For ACAT ID programs, conduct Preliminary and Critical Design Review assessments to inform the Defense Acquisition Executive of technical risks, maturity of the technical baseline, and the program’s readiness to proceed in accordance with statute. - For ACAT ID programs, the ITRA and Preliminary Design Review (PDR) assessments support the DAE decision to approve MS B in accordance with statute. They also establish the basis for the DAE to provide a brief summary report at MS A and B that summarizes ITRA results including identification of any critical technologies or manufacturing processes that have not been successfully demonstrated in a relevant environment in accordance with statute. - Support acceleration of USD(R&E) modernization initiatives in accordance with the National Defense Strategy (NDS). - Conduct other technical reviews as requested, such as Nunn-McCurdy certification reviews, Non-Advocate Reviews, focused technical assessments, and software readiness reviews to identify and mitigate program risk. - Coordinate with the Services to improve engineering practices for Major Defense Acquisition Programs (MDAPs) and rapid prototyping/fielding programs. Identify, document, and share lessons learned to improve Systems Engineering across the DoD. - Guide Service and other component organizations in the development planning process to ensure proposed MDAP programs are executable within acceptable levels of risk.

Document Details

• Document Type: Project
• Publication Date: Oct 01, 2025
• Source ID: 149_0605804D8Z_6_0400_PB_2025

Tags

Fields of Study

• Engineering

Readers

• Defense Acquisition Program Management