Which statement about the Initial Capabilities Document (ICD) is incorrect?

Which statement about the Initial Capabilities Document (ICD) is incorrect?

• A. It defines initial capability needs.
• B. It evaluates alternative concepts in terms of cost, suitability and performance.
• C. It describes the initial operational concept.
• D. It outlines the criteria for system testing.

Answer: (B)

The thing being tested is what the ICD is actually used for. The Initial Capabilities Document outlines the capability gap and the initial way the system will be used, setting the stage for how the capability will be achieved. It defines the initial capability needs and describes the initial operational concept, giving stakeholders a clear picture of the user’s needs and how the system will perform in the first pass. It does not evaluate alternative concepts in terms of cost, suitability, and performance; that kind of evaluation belongs to the Analysis of Alternatives that follows the ICD. In short, the ICD provides the need and the initial concept, while the comparison of options and their costs and performance is handled later.

The thing being tested is what the ICD is actually used for. The Initial Capabilities Document outlines the capability gap and the initial way the system will be used, setting the stage for how the capability will be achieved. It defines the initial capability needs and describes the initial operational concept, giving stakeholders a clear picture of the user’s needs and how the system will perform in the first pass. It does not evaluate alternative concepts in terms of cost, suitability, and performance; that kind of evaluation belongs to the Analysis of Alternatives that follows the ICD. In short, the ICD provides the need and the initial concept, while the comparison of options and their costs and performance is handled later.