Low-Rate Initial Production in Major Defense Acquisition Programs

Abstract : Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP) is defined as the production of a system in limited quantity to provide articles for operational test and evaluation, to establish an initial production base, and to permit an orderly increase in the production rate sufficient to lead to full-rate production upon completion of operational testing. Planning for LRIP begins early in the acquisition process. Proposed LRIP quantities are determined during Phase I, Demonstration and Validation. Milestone decision authorities then set the LRIP quantity at the Milestone II, Development Approval. The design, testing and production preparation efforts necessary to support entry into LRIP are presently part of Phase II, Engineering and Manufacturing Development.