Node A6 · Acronym decoder
DT&E
Developmental Test and Evaluation
What it actually means
Testing run during development to verify the system meets its technical requirements and to find problems while they're still cheap — instrumented, engineer-driven, and usually contractor-executed with government oversight. Distinct from operational test, which asks whether the system works for real users in realistic conditions.
Where you'll meet it
Test planning documents and the verification half of the program schedule.