Quantitative system performance parameters, approved by the DoD Component, that are selected as primary indicators of technical achievement of engineering thresholds. These might not be direct measures of, but should always relate to, a system's capability to perform its required mission function and to be supported. Required technical characteristics are usually tested and evaluated by developmental testing and evaluation (DT&E) to ascertain achievement of approved goals and thresholds for these characteristics. Critical technical characteristics selected for a DAB program baseline are reviewed and further approved through the DAB process.