scope:

PURPOSE. Interface Testing and Evaluation (IT & E) is an evaluation of the safety, compatibility and suitability of cutter boat resources embarked on ships in accordance with References (a) and (b). Interface safety rates the ability to safely launch and recover a resource during inport and underway employment conditions. Interface compatibility is a technical measure of at least two resources and their ability to safely interface. Interface suitability is a technical measure of maintainability and reliability of a resource, a change in a parent ship's launch and recovery system, the effort and level of training required to maintain, support, and operate the resource, or the parent ship's launch and recovery system and any unique logistical or training requirements. The IT & E process will ensure individual program offices formally endorse the complete boat launch and recovery evolution. Individual validation of each component will remain the responsibility of each respective directorate. Final IT & E approval will serve as a cross directorate validation.