The Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP) is conducted during the Production and Deployment (PD) Phase. LRIP is the point in time where manufacturing development is completed and the ability to produce a small-quantity set of articles to provide for representation at Initial Operational Test and Evaluation (IOT&E). It also establishes an initial production base and sets the stage for a gradual increase in production rate to allow for Full-Rate Production (FRP) upon completion of Operational Test and Evaluation (OT&E). [1]
Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP) Quantity
The Milestone Decision Authority (MDA) determines the LRIP quantity at Milestone B. The LRIP quantity shall be documented in the Acquisition Strategy and the Selected Acquisition Report (SAR) with rationale for quantities exceeding 10 percent of the total production quantity. An updated Acquisition Strategy must be approved prior to LRIP and FRP Request for Proposal (RFP) release, but no later than the Milestone C or Full-Rate Production (FRP) decision by the MDA. The DOT&E or the Operational Test Agency (OTA) determines the number of production or production-representative test articles required for Live-Fire Test and Evaluation (LFT&E) and Initial Operational Test and Evaluation (IOT&E). [1]
Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP) Independent Technical Risk Assessments
Independent Technical Risk Assessments (ITRAs) will be conducted on all Major Defense Acquisition Programs (MDAP) prior to Milestone A, Milestone B approval, and any decision to enter into low-rate initial production or full-rate production.
AcqLinks and References:
- [1] Defense Acquisition Guidebook
- DoD Instruction 5000.02 “Operation of the Defense Acquisition System”
Updated: 6/30/2021
Rank: G2.7