Site problems Milestone “C” Link to Video on Milestone “C” Purpose The second phase within the Systems Acquisition Activity is Production & Deployment (P&D). Its purpose is to achieve an operational capability that satisfies mission needs.  Milestone C can be reached directly from Technology opportunity and user needs or pre-systems acquisition for products that already exist, or from the Engineering Manufacturing and Development (EMD) phase. Regardless of the entry point, approval at Milestone C is dependent on meeting all Milestone B  criteria plus the following: • Mature software capability • Successful test and evaluation and operational assessment • Approved requirements (the CPD) • No significant manufacturing risk • Acceptable interoperability and supportability • Demonstration of Life cycle affordability • Optimal funding and proper phasing for rapid acquisition • Acceptable Information Assurance (IA) and anti-tamper provisions Milestone C The purpose of Milestone C is to authorize entry into Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP) for Major Defense Acquisition Programs (MDAPs). For non-major systems that do not require LRIP, Milestone C leads to the production or procurement. For Major Automated Information Systems (MAIS) or software-intensive systems with no production, it results in limited deployment. A favorable Milestone C decision authorizes the commencement of LRIP or limited deployment. The LRIP work effort includes: • Completing development of the manufacturing process • Producing a small quantity of production representative units to conduct Initial Operational Test & Evaluation (IOT&E) • Demonstrate system effectiveness and suitability in an operational environment preparing to ramp up to Full-Fate Production (FRP) Deficiencies encountered in testing prior to Milestone C must be resolved before exiting LRIP, and any fixes verified in IOT&E. LRIP does not apply to Automated Information Systems (AIS) or software intensive systems with no developmental hardware. However, a limited deployment phase may be applicable. FRP & Deployment Following IOT&E and the completion of a Full-Rate Production Decision (FRPD) review by the Milestone Decision Authority (MDA), the program enters FRPD. This is the final work effort of the systems acquisition activity. Once deployed, the system moves into sustainment.