File:Case study of the United States Marine Corps Advanced Amphibious Assault Vehicle (AAAV) program test and evaluation strategy (IA casestudyofunite1094513415).pdf

This thesis examined the evolution of the Direct Reporting Program Manager- Advanced Amphibious Assault's test and evaluation strategy from Milestone 0 to the present. The research effort involved reviewing the evolution of amphibious doctrine and amphibious vehicles, reviewing the DoD Acquisition Process and the role of T&E in that Acquisition Process, and analyzing three DRPM-AAA Test and Evaluation Master Plans. Interviews were conducted with personnel from the DRPM-AAA office and General Dynamics Amphibious Systems. Additionally, program documents and acquisition literature were reviewed. An analysis of test and evaluation issues facing the Program Management Office, a determination of the effects those issues had on the program's test strategy, and applicable lessons learned are documented for use by other major defense acquisition programs. Key research findings conclude: that the DRPM-AAA's T&E strategy remained stable and consistent from Milestone 0 to the present as a result of the continuity of the AAAV's Key Performance Parameters; that the DRPM's decision to develop a working relationship that \"actively engages\" both oversight and external agencies early in the test planning process serves in achieving test resource efficiencies; and that the IPT decision-making process differs significantly from the more formal \"staff planning process\" used by most military organizations.