Cost-Effective Live-Fire Test and Evaluation Strategies: The Missions and Means Framework

摘要

A methodology is presented for constructing cost-effective live-fire test and evaluation (LFT&E) programs within the Missions and Means Framework environment. Issues addressed include: the need for changes to the processes for conducting LFT&E considering system of systems combat doctrines and the design and execution of LFT&E programs to ensure (1) the collection of data relevant to vulnerability/lethality assessment decisions, (2) the generation of optimal combinations of component-, subsystem-, and system-level test data, considering cost, availability of hardware, and production schedule, and (3) the evaluation of live-fire test results in a format useful to decision-makers concerned with accomplishing system of systems collective tasks and achieving mission success in the joint environment. A Missions and Means Framework-based system of systems task-focused LFT&E strategy is proposed to replace the traditional platform-centric strategy. The proposed strategy focuses on the extent to which the platform retains those capabilities needed for completion of system of systems tasks and the ability of the system of systems to complete current and future mission tasks in the joint environment, given the available capabilities of the platform following ballistic damage. Activity-based costing is proposed as the methodology for costing LFT&E program elements.