Integrating test and evaluation into the acquisition process for Naval Aviation

Test and evaluation is incorporated throughout both the systems engineering and Department of Defense system acquisition processes. It is the mechanism for accomplishing verification in the systems engineering process and characterizing technical risk of achieving a proper final design solution. Test and evaluation is a critical and continuous activity throughout the Department of Defense systems acquisition process to ensure that cost, schedule, and performance requirements are satisfied with acceptable levels of risk. Guidance for integration of test and evaluation into the systems acquisition process for Naval Aviation flows from Federal law, to the Department of Defense, to the Department of Navy, to the Naval Air Systems Command for implementation through Naval Air Systems Command policy and guidance. This thesis analyzes this test and evaluation related guidance along with interview results from senior acquisition professionals to identify areas of weakness that exist regarding integrating test and evaluation into the systems acquisition process for Naval Aviation. This thesis makes ten specific recommendations to improve test and evaluation policy and guidance, training, and tool development.