What document guides activities in the Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) phase?

The Capability Development Document (CDD) plays a crucial role in guiding activities during the Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) phase. The CDD articulates the necessary capabilities, performance criteria, and the operational context within which the system is expected to function. By clearly defining requirements, including operational suitability and effectiveness, the CDD ensures that development teams understand the essential features and functionalities that need to be incorporated into the system.

During the EMD phase, having a clear and detailed set of requirements allows engineers and developers to design systems that meet specific criteria and user needs, facilitating focused and effective development efforts. The CDD serves as a reference point throughout the EMD phase to ensure that the engineering solutions are aligned with the overall program objectives and stakeholder expectations.

This focus on clear requirements set by the CDD is paramount, as it drives the engineering processes and helps mitigate risks associated with scope creep or misaligned development efforts. In contrast, other documents like the Program Management Plan (PMP), System Engineering Management Plan (SEMP), and Acquisition Strategy Document (ASD) serve different purposes and do not specifically provide the detailed capability-focused guidance necessary for the EMD phase.