Test & Evaluation

Critical Technical Parameter (CTP)

Critical Technical Parameters (CTP) are measurable critical system characteristics that, when achieved, enable the attainment of desired operational performance capabilities. They’re derived from user capabilities and are normally used in Developmental Test and Evaluation (DT&E). CTP are not the Key Performance Parameters (KPP) and/or Key System Attributes (KSA). [1]

CTP’s must have a direct or significant indirect correlation to key Capability Development Document (CDD) and Capability Production Document (CPD), required system specifications, or Concept of Operations (CONOPS). CTPs should be focused on critical design features or risk areas (e.g., technical maturity; Reliability, Availability, and Maintainability issues; cost) that if not achieved or resolved during development, will preclude delivery of required operational capabilities. CTPs are likely to evolve/change as the system matures during Engineering, Manufacturing and Development (EMD) Phase. Existing CTPs should be resolved and new ones may be identified as the system progresses during development. Any CTPs not resolved prior to entering Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP) should be identified and an action plan established to resolve them prior to the Full-Rate Production Decision Review (FRPDR). [1]

The lead government T&E engineer is responsible for the CTP process and the Chief Engineer or Technical Director is responsible for defining the CTPs. Once the CTPs are identified, the developmental evaluators identify the appropriate test methodologies (e.g., modeling and simulation, System Integration Lab (SIL), bench test) to obtain the data needed to evaluate the performance of the system and resolve the CTPs. Developmental evaluators use their evaluation of CTP maturity to inform the Program Manager (PM) that the system is on (or behind) the planned development schedule or will likely (or not likely) achieve an operational capability. CTP evaluation results should be used as entry or exit criteria for major developmental test phases. If the CTPs are satisfactorily resolved, the system continues into the next phase of development. If not, action needs to be taken by the PM to modify the system design or obtain relief from the required capability. [1]

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Updated: 6/5/2018

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