CVN 21 OT&E Support
Scope and Complexity: Experience in the areas defined the PWS/SOW for evaluating the operational effectiveness and suitability of the CVN 21 program. Similarity of technical and managerial intricacy and required coordination of efforts and disciplines that exists between the PWS/SOW and the offeror's performance on other contracts.
The AVW Team provided the COMOPTEVFOR CVN(X)/CVN 21 Program Operational Test Coordinator (OTC) and OT Director (OTD) with Test and Evaluation support for over six years, and is equal in scope, magnitude and complexity to the proposed CVN 21 effort. We have been involved from early concept development through start of fabrication. Our experienced Operational Test and Evaluation (OT&E) analysts are subject matter experts with significant testing skills and carrier strike group warfare experience. They are former carrier staff with significant expertise in ship systems and sub-systems integration and suitability.
Developed the critical operational issues (COI) contained in CVN 21 Test and Evaluation Master Plan (TEMP). TEMP Rev A CH-1 and TEMP Rev B comments were, in large part, initiated by the detailed comments provided by the diverse AVW team of analysts.
Currently in the process of constructing a Mission-Based Test Design (MBTD) for the purposes of updating the COIs in the TEMP.
Developed a highly successful process for providing analytical support and data collection plans for evaluating operational effectiveness and suitability.
During OT-A (2004), OT-B1 (2006), and OT–B2 (2008) operational assessments, the ship design review techniques and Data Collection System used by AVW have provided invaluable data management for use in the development of operational assessment final reports.
Developed and continue to review and update test matrices and procedures in order to satisfy OPTEVFOR test objectives as they develop and become refined.
Conducted background research, provided analytical support, and made recommendations to the development of the Virtual Aircraft Carrier (VCVN) Model Set. AVW has provided model requirements that will enhance the Verification, Validation, and Accreditation (VV&A) efforts for the core model and its components and the higher level architecture in which the federation of models are run.
Participated in CVN 21 Warfare System Preliminary Design Review and multiple Electro Magnetic Aircraft Launching System (EMALS) and Advanced Arresting Gear (AAG) program design reviews.
Supported the CVN 21 Operational Test Director (OTD) by facilitating the Operational Test Working Group within COMOPTEVFOR, briefing operational assessment participants with primer briefs at the beginning of each formal phase of testing and numerous times through conduct of those assessments. These briefs provided the necessary background information and instructions on test objectives and the types of information sought during the design reviews.
AVW analysts have traveled to remote developmental test sites to directly observe system/subsystem development. Technical reports generated on the EMALS, Energy Storage Subsystem (ESS), and Plasma Arc Waste Disposal System (PAWDS) prototype operation have given OPTEVFOR detailed insight into the state of development of these critical technologies for the CVN 21 program.
Provided draft test plans for the EOA, and two operational assessments. These drafts were updated and modified as they were routed through the OPTEVFOR chain of command. Through a pro-active approach to staffing and liaison with DOT&E, these test plans have all been timely and supported successful test commencement goal dates.
The CVN 21 Issues Database has been a hallmark for the efficient and timely preliminary analysis and reduction of data. The database tool assists analysts in the validation of raw data gathered through the design review process. It also presents the data to the OTD and OTC in a clear, logical process and allows for the risk assessment to be recorded and, if needed, modified based upon data reduction and analysis.
After data collection, validation, reduction, and analysis, AVW has provided high quality draft final reports for the CVN 21 program OT-A and OT-B1 phases of test. These drafts were updated and modified as they were routed through the OPTEVFOR chain of command. Both reports were produced, staffed, and approved well within the 90-day timeline of the OTD Manual.
Trip reports have been provided within the five working-day timeline and always in a format easily converted into the TEPS reporting system.
Monthly progress reports that summarize tasks performed, status of work in progress, meetings attended, and future events have always been provided within five working days of the beginning of the month.
AVW analysts routinely liaise with organizations relevant to OT&E including; the CVN 21 Program office (PMS 378), Naval Research Laboratories (NRL), Office of the Secretary of Defense, Director of Operational Test and Evaluation (OSD (DOT&E)), Program Executive Office (PEO) for Integrated Warfare Systems (IWS), PEO for Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence (C4I), President of the Board for Inspection and Survey (PREINSURV), Weapons System and Explosive Safety Review Board (WSESRB), Commander, Fleet Forces Command (CFFC), Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding – Newport News (NGSB-NN0, Naval Surface Warfare Systems – Carderock Division (NSWC-CD), NSWC-Dahlgren Division (DD), and NSWC-Corona (COR).