What is the purpose of OT&E and how does it differ from DT&E (CH. 11)
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American Military University
Course Number: DEFM415
Prof: Oscar Solano
12/24/23
-What is the purpose of OT&E and how does it differ from DT&E? (CH. 11)
The Operational Test and Evaluation (OT&E) and Development Test and Evaluation (DT&E) are two type types of Tests and Evaluation (T&E). These evaluations discuss the role of qualification testing and various other developmental testing. Operational Test and Evaluation (OT&E) ensures that a weapon system, munitions, or equipment is validated by being placed in a realistic scenario. Its primary focus is operational requirements, effectiveness, suitability, and engineering specifications. This specific test is typically under realistic combat conditions to mimic the conditions for where that specific item is
going to be used. The OT&E process should include crews, user operators, or units that are placed in realistic combat-simulated environments (T&E management, 2005). According to the OT&E section in the T&E Management guide, The OT&E provides the decision authority of the following estimates: The degree of satisfaction of the user’s requirements expressed as operational effectiveness and operational suitability of the new system; The system’s desirability,
considering equipment already available, and operational benefits or burdens associated with the new system; The need for further development of the new system to correct performance deficiencies; The adequacy of doctrine, organizations, operating techniques, tactics, and training for employment of the system; of maintenance support for the system; and of the system’s performance in the countermeasures environment.
Development Test and Evaluation, on the other hand, is a process that assists the engineering design and development. It is a test to compare a system or components against requirements and specifications to reduce risk (Acqnotes, 2022). DT&E is primarily focused in
the beginning of development to create a more efficient T&E process. Doing so will help lower costs, increase performance, and shorten time restraints. There are three specific types of DT&E. The first is the Production Acceptance Test and evaluation (PAT&E), which ensures that production items meet the requirements and specifications of the procuring contract or agreements. Product Qualification Testing (PQT) is the second type, which verifies the design and manufacturing process. PQTs are formal contractual tests that confirm the integrity of the system design over the operational and environmental range in the specification. The third type is the Live-Fire Test and Evaluation (LFT&E), which is performed by government test representatives and is a tailored form of DT&E for which there is little to no RDT&E-funded development effort. LFT&E validates how a system integrates into its intended environment, how it meets specified requirements by the approved design, and how it meets performance standards.
Some miscellaneous differences between development test and evaluation and operational test and evaluation include design goals and technical specifications more specify DT&E, while OT&E focuses on effectiveness, suitability, and survivability. According to the Defense Acquisition Agency, the DT&E will assess the maturity of technology, System Design, Production Readiness, and Ownership Acceptance. OT&E can include conducting cyber security
for weapons, information, and ISR systems or providing other information to other DoD components. The main goal of Developmental Test and Evaluation is to ensure that a product, system, or technology meets the initial design specifications and requirements. This process involves verifying that the design is correct and functional. The testing is conducted in a specific environment to identify design flaws or issues. This phase usually includes rigorous testing of
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individual components and subsystems, integration, and system testing. What makes OT&E different is it evaluates the system's effectiveness and suitable in its intended operational environment. This part focuses on how well the product performs in real-world conditions and whether it meets the end-user's needs. The main difference is that OT&E involves testing the product in conditions that simulate actual operational environments. It assesses the system's performance, reliability, and usability in realistic scenarios.
-Define Operational Assessment.
Starting off with An early Operational Assessment (EOA) is typically an analysis conducted by an approved test plan of the program's progress in identifying operational design constraints, developing system capabilities, and mitigating program risks. The lead operational test agency (OTA) will prepare and report EOA results after program initiation and before the Critical Design Review (DAU, 2022).
The Operational Assessment (OA) is a record of OT&E (Operational Test and Evaluation) events that includes an audit trail of OT&E data, test results, conclusions, and recommendations. This assessment is conducted by an independent OT activity, with user support as required, on non-production systems to evaluate operational effectiveness and suitability. The OA focuses on significant trends noted in development efforts, programmatic voids, risk areas, adequacy of requirements, and the program's ability to support adequate operational testing. If the program manager (PM) wants to reduce program risk before program initiation, they can request the Operational Test Agency to conduct an Early Operational Assessment (EOA) of prototype equipment. EOAs are primarily conducted to forecast and evaluate the potential operational
effectiveness and suitability of the weapon system during development. These assessments start during Concept Refinement (CR) and/or Technology Development (TD) and may continue into system integration.
Citations
Developmental Test & Evaluation (DT&E)
. AcqNotes. (2022, April 12). https://acqnotes.com/acqnote/careerfields/development-test-and-evaluation Developmental test and evaluation (DT&E) | www.dau.edu. (n.d.-a). https://www.dau.edu/index.php/acquipedia-article/developmental-test-and-evaluation-dte Early Operational Assessment (eoas) | www.dau.edu. (n.d.-b). https://www.dau.edu/acquipedia-
article/early-operational-assessment-eoas Operational Test & Evaluation (OT&E)
. AcqNotes. (2023, April 17). https://acqnotes.com/acqnote/careerfields/operational-test-and-evaluation-ote