What is a key output of the Engineering and Manufacturing Development Phase?

The Engineering and Manufacturing Development Phase is a critical stage in the systems acquisition process, primarily focused on transitioning a system from the design and development stage into a phase where it undergoes rigorous testing and validation. During this phase, the goal is to create a fully tested and validated system that meets all specified operational capabilities and requirements.

This includes developing detailed designs, conducting testing to ensure that the system functions as intended, and validating its performance under operational scenarios. The output is not merely a prototype or proposal; it represents a fully matured product ready for production and subsequent deployment. This phase ensures that the system meets stringent quality assurance measures and operational effectiveness, ultimately leading to reliable mission capabilities for the end users.

Thus, the emphasis on producing a fully tested and validated system distinguishes this output from others such as initial prototypes, budget proposals, or maintenance plans, which are part of different stages in the acquisition process.