Node A6 · Acronym decoder
IOT&E
Initial Operational Test and Evaluation
What it actually means
The formal operational test of production-representative systems, run by an independent test agency with real operators under realistic conditions, that informs the full-rate production decision. It answers the two statutory questions — operationally effective? operationally suitable? — and its report goes places program offices can't edit.
Where you'll meet it
The gate between low-rate and full-rate production on major programs.