A multi-disciplined technical review, conducted at both system-level and component-level, ensures that the allocated baseline is established. The component-level PDRs should be successfully completed for each major component before conducting the system-level PDR. It completes the process of defining the technical requirements for each component, which are documented in the item performance specification of each component. A successful completion of PDR provides a sound technical basis for proceeding into critical design. At completion of the PDR, the allocated baseline is normally taken under contractor configuration control until the functional configuration audit (FCA).

During the TMRR Phase, and unless waived by the Milestone Decision Authority (MDA), a PDR will be conducted so that it occurs before Milestone B and prior to contract award for EMD.

The timing of the PDR relative to the Development RFP Release Decision Point is at the discretion of the DoD Component. If a PDR prior to Milestone B has been waived, the Program Manager will plan for a PDR as soon as feasible after program initiation.

For Major Defense Acquisition Programs (MDAPs), a system-level PDR assessment will be conducted and provided to the MDA. For Acquisition Category (ACAT) ID programs, OUSR(R&E)'s Directorate for Developmental Test, Evaluation, and Assessments (DTE&A) will conduct the PDR assessment to inform the MDA of technical risks and the program’s readiness to proceed into detailed design. The Program Manager will make the program information needed for this assessment available and provide for DTE&A representatives' participation in the program's PDR process. For all other MDAPs, the DoD Component concerned will conduct the PDR assessment.