Evaluating production readiness: improving returns on the research and development investment

An approach for reducing production risks is presented. Risks are identified during development so that their impact on production and operations can be eliminated or reduced to acceptable levels. This approach is based on experience gained on the TRIDENT I and II weapons system development programs, and it has been tailored for use in acquiring other systems. The approach is cost-effective and efficient because it builds on, but does not duplicate, other program evaluation techniques, and it integrates and tailors the requirements contained in several separate US Department of Defense and Department of the Navy acquisition directives and instructions