Which document would you refer to for guidance during the production phase of a project?

During the production phase of a project, the most relevant document to refer to is the Capability Development Document (CDD). The CDD outlines the operational requirements and capabilities that a system should achieve. It serves as a foundational reference throughout the lifecycle of the project, ensuring that the development and production processes align with the intended operational outcomes. This document helps to ensure that the end product meets the specified capabilities and fulfills the mission needs.

While the System Design Document (SDD) contains detailed designs and technical specifications for the system, it primarily focuses on the design phase. The Product Support Strategy Document provides guidelines for maintaining and supporting the product after production but is less about the production itself. The Quality Assurance Plan (QAP) outlines the processes and standards for ensuring quality throughout the development cycle but does not directly govern the overall production capabilities and requirements like the CDD does. Hence, in the context of making sure the production aligns with expected operational capabilities, the CDD is the most critical document to consult.