Operational Test and Evaluation
Abstract
The Director of Operational Test and Evaluation (DOT&E) was created by Congress in 1983. The Director is responsible under Title 10 for policy and procedures for all aspects of Operational Test and Evaluation (OT&E) within the Department of Defense (DoD). Particular focus is given to OT&E that supports major weapon system production decisions for acquisition programs included on the Office of Secretary of Defense Test and Evaluation Oversight List that is prepared and approved annually. Generally, there are about 300 programs on the oversight list including all Major Defense Acquisition Programs (MDAP) and Major Automated Information Systems (MAIS). MDAPs may not proceed beyond low-rate initial production (BLRIP) until OT&E of the program is complete. DOT&E is involved early in the planning phase of each program to ensure adequate testing is planned and executed. Key elements of DOT&E's oversight authority include: -The approval of component Test and Evaluation Master Plans (TEMPS). -The approval of component OT&E Test Plans. -Oversight of Military Department preparation and conduct of field operational tests; analysis and evaluation of the resultant test data; the assessment of the adequacy of the executed test and evaluation programs; and assessment of the operational effectiveness and suitability of the weapon systems. -Reporting results of OT&E that support BLRIP decisions to the Secretary of Defense and Congress, as well as providing an annual report summarizing all OT&E activities and the adequacy of test resources within DoD during the previous fiscal year. DOT&E also oversees and resources OT&E community efforts to plan and execute joint operational evaluations of information assurance and interoperability of fielded systems and networks during major Combatant Command (COCOM) and Service exercises, and reports the trends and findings in the annual report. As a result of the Department's recognition of the importance of enhanced cyber assessment capabilities, additional resources and emphasis were added in fiscal year 2013. These enhancements will include expanded threat assessments of the advanced cyber adversary, more representative portrayal of the cyber adversary by Red Teams, and improvements to the Joint Information Operations Range that will support more operationally realistic and threat representative assessment and training events.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Project
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2013
- Source ID
- 0605118OTE_0605118OTE_6_0460_PB_2013
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