Does the Department of Defense test every commercial item it purchases as newly acquired item before use?

Answer 1

No, the Department of Defense (DoD) does not test every commercial item it purchases before use. Instead, the DoD often relies on existing standards, certifications, or the manufacturer's claims about the item’s reliability and performance. Testing is typically reserved for items that are critical to mission success or where significant safety concerns are present. Additionally, the procurement process may include evaluation criteria to ensure quality and effectiveness without exhaustive testing of every item.