What is the Capabilities Development Document (CDD) primarily used to specify?

• A. Specify operational requirements and desired performance for a system.
• B. Evaluate cost efficiency of suppliers.
• C. Detail test procedures for software.
• D. Describe cost projections for maintenance.

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is that the Capabilities Development Document is used to spell out what a system must be able to do in real operations, specifying the operational requirements and the performance the system must achieve. It translates capability needs into measurable targets that guide design, engineering, and later testing. This focus on how the system will perform in the field, under defined conditions, is what sets the CDD apart. It isn’t concerned with costs, supplier evaluations, or specific test procedures—that kind of detail comes from other documents and analyses. For example, a CDD would state the required operating environment, mission tasks, and performance thresholds (like range, speed, survivability, or accuracy) that the system must meet to satisfy the capability need.