OPNAVINST 3960.16C

DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY

OFFICE OF THE CHIEF OF NAVAL OPERATIONS

2000 NAVY PENTAGON

WASHINGTON DC 20350-2000

OPNAVINST 3960.16C

N83

29 Apr 2024

OPNAV INSTRUCTION 3960.16C

From: Chief of Naval Operations

Subj: NAVY TEST, MEASUREMENT AND DIAGNOSTIC EQUIPMENT, AUTOMATIC

TEST SYSTEMS AND METROLOGY AND CALIBRATION

Ref:

(a) CJCSI 5123.01

(b) SECNAVINST 5000.2G

(c) SECNAVINST 5400.15D

(d) through (z) – refer to enclosure (1)

Encl: (1) Continuation of References
(2) Definitions
1. Purpose.
a. To set policy, establish procedures and assign responsibilities for the execution of the Navy test, measurement and diagnostic equipment; automatic test systems; and metrology and calibration programs and supporting information resource management for the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) to be used in the program objective memorandum planning, programming, budgeting and execution phases.
b. This instruction is being reissued with a new date, updated version and signature authority to meet the CNO age requirement for Office of the Chief of Naval Operations (OPNAV) instructions. This instruction is a complete revision and should be reviewed in its entirety.
2. Cancellation. OPNAVINST 3960.16B.
3. Discussion. The complexity of weapons platforms, systems and support systems, coupled with significant advances in technology, give importance to the Navy's test, monitoring and diagnostic capability and the need for improved measurement assurance throughout all phases of the acquisition lifecycle. Optimal use of efficient test and diagnostic capabilities can reduce total ownership costs and improve readiness. Early life cycle development of measurement and calibration performance capability, based on fundamentals of reference (a), is required to deliver technologically sound, sustainable and affordable diagnostic and measurement systems. a. Reference (b) defines CNO and Commandant of the Marine Corps responsibilities for readiness, planning and programming to satisfy operational capability needs and for providing

OPNAVINST 3960.16C

29 Apr 2024

acquisition logistics assistance to Assistant Secretary of the Navy, Research, Development and Acquisition (ASN(RD&A)).
b. Reference (c) outlines specific additional responsibilities for program executive offices and direct report program managers and requires each to work with the systems commands (SYSCOMs)to ensure that technical authority processes are an integral part of their program execution and that acquisition and sustainment issues pertaining to supportability of their