Verification, Validation, and Testing of Engineered Systems

B.1 BACKGROUND

The Verification, Validation and Testing Master Plan (VVT-MP) is a proposed expansion to the Test and Evaluation Master Plan (TEMP), a U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) 5000.2-R directive⁸⁴. It is the opinion of the author that the TEMP document does not constitute a satisfying basis for strategic VVT planning of engineered systems. This is because: (1) it deals only with the Qualification phase of systems development, (2) it is quite general thus difficult to put into practical use and (3) it contains great amount of jargon unique to the US-DOD. This VVT-MP guide provides users with guidance concerning the preparation of a master plan for planning strategic VVT processes in medium to large projects. Please note the following:

1. The scope of the document is to provide a template to help VVT engineers and managers responsible for VVT to plan the VVT process as well as determine the cost and other resources associated with all VVT activities in projects.

2. It is imperative to plan the VVT activity in an evolutionary way throughout the lifecycle of the system and to update the VVT-MP accordingly.

3. The project manager or any appropriate functionary should nominate a person who will be responsible for creating and maintaining the VVT-MP based on data gathered from all relevant stakeholders of the system.