What does “Developmental Test and Evaluation” (DTandE) assess in systems acquisition?

Developmental Test and Evaluation (DTandE) is a crucial phase in the systems acquisition process primarily aimed at assessing the system's design and operational capabilities before it enters full-scale production. This phase involves rigorous testing to evaluate whether the system meets the specified requirements and functions as intended in a variety of scenarios.

By conducting DTandE, project managers and stakeholders can identify any deficiencies or areas for improvement in the design or functionality of the system. This proactive approach helps ensure that any necessary adjustments are made prior to full production, ultimately reducing the risk of costly changes later in the process and enhancing the likelihood of success once the system is deployed.

While considerations about marketability, user satisfaction, and cost projections are indeed important in the broader context of project management and systems acquisition, they are not the primary focus of DTandE. Instead, DTandE hones in specifically on the technical capabilities and performance of the system, making option B the correct choice.