Are the need, constraints, requirements, success criteria, and initial design problem sufficiently defined?
Begin structured concept development.
New Programs or major scope changes.
Has a preferred concept been selected from credible alternatives, with acceptable feasibility and risk?
Adopt the baseline concept and begin preliminary design.
Where meaningful configuration alternatives exist.
Is the preliminary design complete enough to demonstrate that requirements can be met and interfaces can be controlled?
Begin detailed design and long-lead procurement as authorized.
Every Program.
Is the detailed design complete, internally consistent, verifiable, and releasable for manufacture or implementation?
Release the design baseline for build or implementation.
Before release of the integrated design baseline.
Are the design, materials, tooling, procedures, work orders, personnel, and inspection controls ready to produce conforming hardware?
Begin controlled manufacturing or assembly.
Before integration.
Are the test article, facility, instrumentation, procedure, hazards, personnel, and data system ready to execute the test safely and usefully?
Begin the approved test activity.
Before an integrated test campaign.
Are the integrated vehicle or component, crew, site, procedures, weather limits, contingency plans, and open risks acceptable for flight?
Conduct the authorized flight operation.
Before flight.