To meet the statutory requirements of 10 U.S.C. 4171, the Director, DOT&E analyzes the results of DoD Component-conducted IOT&E and other relevant T&E information for MDAPs or other designated oversight programs. At the conclusion of DoD Component-conducted IOT&E, the DOT&E uses the DoD Component IOT&E report and DOT&E staff observations to prepare a report stating the opinion of the Director as to: Whether the T&E performed were adequate; and whether the results of such T&E confirm that the items or components actually tested are effective, suitable and survivable for their designed missions, and additional information on the operational capabilities of the items or components that the Director considers appropriate based on the testing conducted. The report may also include information on the results of Live Fire Test and Evaluation (LFT&E) for applicable major systems since the DOT&E is also mandated by law to submit a LFT&E Report in accordance with 10 U.S.C. 4172 prior to applicable major systems proceeding beyond LRIP. These DOT&E reports may be submitted as a single document or submitted separately. The LFT&E Report addresses whether the LFT&E performed was adequate and whether the DoD Component LFT&E results confirm that the items or components tested are lethal or vulnerable considering planned use in combat. Specific program findings on the status of Electromagnetic Environmental Effects (E3) testing and Spectrum Supportability (SS) are also addressed by the BLRIP Report for OSD T&E oversight programs. The Director submits BLRIP Reports to the Secretary of Defense, Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Support (USD(A&S)), the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (USD(R&E)), and the congressional defense committees prior to a Full Rate Production Decision by the Milestone Decision Authority (MDA). If a decision is made to proceed to operational use (weapon system fielding or Initial Operational Capability (IOC)) before the Full Rate Production Decision Review is completed, the DOT&E shall submit as soon as practicable the BLRIP Report as prescribed in the statute, i.e.., 10 U.S.C. 4171 (b) (5). A BLRIP Report may be issued by the DOT&E for each ensuing increment of the weapon system.

The statutory authorities, i.e., 10 U.S.C. 4171 and 4172, are the current provisions of law as of Fiscal Year 2023. These are subject to revision with the passage of each annual National Defense Authorization Act. Consequently, the reader must check for the most recent statutory language each year.