Test and Evaluation Methods for Middle-Tier Acquisition (MTA) - Base Year
Abstract
The Department of Defense (DoD) 2022 National Defense Strategy has realized the need for advanced technology and more rapid development and fielding of that technology to sustain dominance against peer/near-peer threats. In support of these objectives, the Director, Operational Test and Evaluation (DOT and E) engaged the Acquisition Innovation Research Center (AIRC) University Affiliated Research Center (UARC) in a multi-year contract to advance test and evaluation (T and E) methods within the DoD, and the research is concluding the initial years worth of effort. The multi-university AIRC research team that has partnered with DOT and E has focused research efforts over the past year in support of the DOT and E Implementation Plan. Though established as two contracts under WRT1070 Test and Evaluation Methods for Middle Tier Acquisition (MTA) and WRT-1071 Digital Transformation (DT) in Test and Evaluation for AI/ML, Autonomous, and Continuously Evolving System, the research team has united the efforts for efficiency and for alignment to the Implementation Plan (I-Plan). The research team focused on, under advisement from DOT and E technical leadership, supporting three of the five key pillars within the Implementation Plan: Pillar 1 - Test the Way We Fight, Pillar 2 - Accelerate the Delivery of Weapons that Work, Pillar 4 - Pioneer T and E of Weapon Systems Built to Change Over Time. As the greater research team attacked this multifaceted space with focused efforts, there were commonalities in the basic approach. First, the team researched the current best practices, challenges, and strategies within industry and the government through detailed literature reviews and subject matter expert engagements. Second, the team summarized their findings and initial conclusions in a series of publications and presentations, as seen in Figure 1 below. Finally, the team explored test cases to evaluate the initial findings and recommendations.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 12, 2023
- Accession Number
- AD1222433
Entities
People
- Geoff Kerr
- Laura Freeman