Developmental Test & Evaluation (DT&E) is a test that verifies that the system’s design is satisfactory and that all technical specifications and contract requirements have been met. It’s conducted throughout the acquisition process to assist in engineering design and development and to verify that technical performance specifications have been met. DT&E is planned and monitored by the developing agency and is normally conducted by the contractor. It includes the T&E of components, subsystems, Preplanned Product Improvement (P3I) changes, hardware/software integration, and production qualification testing. It encompasses the use of models, simulations, testbeds, and prototypes or full-scale engineering development models of the system.
Definition: Developmental Test & Evaluation (DT&E) is a test used to compare a system or components against requirements and specifications to reduce risk and inform developers of current performance status.
DT&E provides information to the Program Manager (PM) on the progress of the design process and on the product’s compliance with contractual requirements, effective combat capability, and the ability to achieve key performance parameters (KPPs) and key system attributes (KSAs). The DoD Component’s operational test organization will conduct independent evaluations, operational assessments, or limited user tests to provide initial assessments of operational effectiveness, suitability, survivability, and the ability to satisfy KPPs and KSAs. [3]
DT&E is focused on early involvement in the acquisition life cycle by testing and evaluating earlier and more effectively, which will help to decrease costs, enhance performance, and retain schedules for programs. (OSD DT&E Website)
The purpose of DT&E is to provide the Program Manager and decision-makers with information to measure a project’s progress, identify problems, examine how a system is going to satisfy key requirements, and manage and reduce risk. DT&E will verify that the system can meet all contractual and technical requirements and is ready to continue development and prepare for Operational Test & Evaluation (OT&E).
There are three specific types of DT&E which are: [1]
Execution: The Program Manager will develop detailed test plans for each Developmental Test event identified in the Test and Evaluation Master Plan (TEMP) and provide all required safety documentation to the testers before any test that may be impacted by safety. The PM will conduct test readiness reviews for those events identified in the TEMP.
Evaluation: For ACAT 1B/1C programs on the T&E oversight list for which USD(R&E) did not conduct a DT&E sufficiency assessment, the USD(R&E) will provide the MDA with a program assessment at the development RFP release decision point and MS B and C. This will be updated to support the operational test readiness review or as requested by the MDA or PM. The program assessment will be based on the completed DT&E and any operational T&E activities completed to date, and will address the adequacy of the program planning, the implications of testing results to date, and the risks to successfully meeting the goals of the remaining T&E events in the program
The Milestone Decision Authority (MDA) will conduct DT&E sufficiency assessments for Major Defense Acquisition Programs (MDAP) to be included in Milestone B and Milestone C summary reports provided to the congressional defense committees.
The Program Manager (PM) is responsible for the ultimate success of the overall program. The PM and the test specialists on the PM’s staff must foster an environment that provides the contractor with sufficient latitude to pursue innovative solutions to technical problems and, at the same time, provides the data needed to make rational trade-off decisions between cost, schedule, and performance as the program progresses. [1]
Where Developmental Test & Evaluation is focused on verifying that technical performance specifications have been met with a system, Operational Test & Evaluation is focused on determining the effectiveness, suitability, and survivability of the weapons, equipment, or munitions for use in combat by typical military users.