Test & Evaluation

Department of Defense Test Organizations

In each of the Services, operational testing must be conducted under the auspices of an organization that is independent of the development agency according to Title 10 USC 2399 “Operational test and evaluation of defense acquisition programs”.  To accomplish this, each service has developed its own independent testing agency that satisfies this requirement and is listed below: [1]

The Office of the Director, Operational Test, and Evaluation
The Director, Operational Test & Evaluation (DOT&E) is the principal staff assistant and senior advisor to the Secretary of Defense (SecDef) for Operational Test & Evaluation (OT&E) in the Department of Defense (DoD).

DOT&E is responsible for issuing DoD OT&E policy and procedures; reviewing and analyzing the results of OT&E conducted for each major DoD acquisition program; providing independent assessments to Secretary of Defense (SecDef), the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, and Sustainment (USD(A&S)), and Congress making budgetary and financial recommendations to the SecDef regarding OT&E; and oversight to ensure OT&E for major DoD acquisition programs is adequate to confirm operational effectiveness and suitability of the defense system in combat use.

Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center (AFOTEC)
Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center (AFOTEC) tests and evaluates new weapon system capabilities in operationally realistic battlespace environments. This provides fact-based, quality data to inform decision makers on a range of accurate, balanced, and timely assessments of effectiveness, suitability and mission capability.   From concept development to system fielding, AFOTEC maintains an operational focus ensuring Airmen, and often joint and coalition partners, receive the capabilities required to complete missions more effectively and with less risk.

Navy Commander of Operational Test and Evaluation
As the sole independent agent for Operational Test and Evaluation (OT&E) in the Navy’s acquisition process, OPTEVFOR conducts OT&E in a realistic operational environment. We advise the Chief of Naval Operations on the operational effectiveness and suitability of new and improved war fighting systems and capabilities, tactics, and procedures.

Army Test and Evaluation Command
Army Test and Evaluation Command (ATEC) plans, conducts, and integrates developmental testing, independent operational testing, independent evaluations, assessments, and experiments in order to provide essential information to decision makers.

Marine Corps Operational Test and Evaluation Activity
The Marine Corps Operational Test & Evaluation Activity (MCOTEA) is tasked with supporting the Marine Corps Acquisition Process by conducting an Operational Test and Evaluation (OT&E) of all new equipment for the Corps.

DoD Test Resource Management Center  
The DoD Test Resource Management Center (DTRMC) provides oversight for T&E strategic planning and budgets for the Department’s T&E activities including; Major Range and Test Facility Base (MRTFB), Central Test and Evaluation Investment Program (CTEIP), and T&E Science and Technology (S&T) Program.

AcqLinks and References:

Updated: 6/5/2018

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