Initial and Qualification Operational Test and Evaluation in the Acquisition of Non-Major Communication Systems.
Abstract
The use of operational test and evaluation (OT&E) results in the acquisition decision-making process has been increasingly emphasized in the past years and has gained even more prominence with the establishment of the Operational Test and Evaluation Office at the Department of Defense. Special emphasis has been placed on the use of OT&E in the production decision. Initial Operational Test and Evaluation (IOT&E) and Qualification Operational Test and Evaluation (QOT&E) are the types of test and evaluation that are normally conducted on systems prior to the first major production decision in the acquisition process. While IOT&E usually evaluates new systems and QOT&E usually evaluates off-the-shelf systems, they both provide program decision makers with valid estimates of operational effectiveness and operational suitability upon which they can base their decisions. This thesis has looked at how IOT&E and QOT&E reports written by the 1815th Tests and Evaluation Squadron (AFCC) are used in the acquisition of non-major communication systsms. The results of this research reveal that the OT&E conducted by the 1815th is usually QOT&E performed on off-the-shelf systems. Since these systems involve very little technical risk the OT&E are not usually the primary factor in production decisions. OT&E results are most useful in pointing out deficiencies requiring correction prior to fielding such systems.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1985
- Accession Number
- ADA161729
Entities
People
- Lorraine Y. Roemish
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology