Systems Engineering in Production and Deployment
In this phase of the acquisition life cycle, formal Initial Operation Test & Evaluation (IOT&E) is performed to determine system effectiveness and suitability. Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP) systems are used as production-representative test assets for this effort. As a result, the Systems Engineering Technical Processes of Verification and Validation is vitally important since operational fielding is just around the corner.
Technical Management Processes such as Technical Assessment, Configuration Management, and Decision Analysis play key roles in the analysis and assessment of testing results, their resolution, and subsequent changes and control of the Product Baseline.
A variety of system-level tests are performed during the initial Production & Deployment phases. As components are integrated into a system, Test & Evaluation exposes any performance issues that might require necessary modifications to the system or even redesign of some components in some cases. The testing environment is intended to realistically reflect the end-user's operational conditions.
Initial manufacturing processes used for LRIP systems may also expose certain producibility issues that were not anticipated in previous phases. Other supporting processes may also drive Product Baseline changes. System engineering efforts focus on resolving these issues and ultimately help evolve the initial Product Baseline to the final baseline that is ready for Full-Rate Production (FRP). A formal Decision Review (DR) assesses readiness for Full-Rate Production.
Inputs to the Production & Deployment Systems Engineering efforts typically include:
- Results from various tests and manufacturing activities that may indicate issues that required resolution
- An updated Acquisition Program Baseline (APB)
- A Capability Production Document (CPD)
- An updated Systems Engineering Plan (SEP)
- An updated Test & Evaluation Master Plan (TEMP)
- Updated PESHE, System Safety Analysis and HSI Program Plan (HSIPP)
- A Product Support Package
- An initial Product Baseline
- Phase exit criteria expressed in the MS C Acquisition Decision Memorandum (MS C ADM)
Outputs to the Production & Deployment Systems Engineering efforts typically include:
The Outputs of Production & Deployment Systems Engineering activities are directly linked to the results of various verification and validation efforts that occur during this phase. These range from a variety of operational tests to the ‘proofing’ of the accompanying manufacturing processes. Results of these verification and validation efforts may require changes in manufacturing processes or the product itself. Key Outputs include:
- The final Product Baseline
- Various test reports
- Updated Test & Evaluation Master Plan (TEMP)
- Updated Systems Engineering Plan (SEP)
- Risk assessments
- PESHE Evaluation and NEPA Compliance Schedules
- Inputs to various cost, manpower estimates, etc.
These outputs are focused on providing key information needed for a Full-Rate Production Decision Review (FRPDR).