Development Test & Evaluation
Abstract
This program carries out the duties in accordance with Title 10 U.S.C. Section 133a, FY 2018 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) (Public Law 115-91) section 838, and the Department of Defense (DoD) Directive 5137.02 dated July 15, 2020. In FY 2020, the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (USD(R&E)) established the Developmental Test, Evaluation, and Assessments (DTE&A) organization to provide consolidated Developmental Test and Evaluation (DT&E) and Independent Engineering Assessment functions in a single office. The Executive Director, DTE&A, is the principal advisor to the Secretary of Defense; USD(R&E); and the Under Secretary of Defense, Acquisition and Sustainment (USD(A&S)) on DT&E, Independent Engineering Assessments, and Technical Risk Assessments in the Department of Defense (DoD). This program supports the Department's initiatives to Build a Sustainable and Long-Term Advantage and Build a Resilient Joint Force and Defense Ecosystem. The Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (OUSD(R&E)) engages with acquisition and rapid prototype programs, providing engineering and DT&E/Cybersecurity DT&E planning expertise to ensure decision-quality data is available at major engineering program reviews and program milestones. This engagement directly helps Program Managers succeed in modernizing key capabilities to Build a More Lethal Force. OUSD(R&E) engages with programs to help meet interoperability requirements to deepen interoperability and Strengthen Alliances. Finally, OUSD(R&E) works with Director, Operational Test and Evaluation to streamline T&E policy and guidance to improve test efficiency and reduce acquisition cost and schedule to Reform the Department for Greater Performance and Affordability. This program supports and improves the engineering and DT&E efforts of Major Defense Acquisition Program (MDAP), Rapid Prototyping/Fielding efforts, and other Special Interest (SI) acquisition programs designated by USD(R&E) or USD(A&S) as they progress through the acquisition/development lifecycle; supports development of the defense acquisition workforce Test and Evaluation (T&E) career field; and supports development of policy and guidance for the conduct of DT&E and Cyber DT&E within the DoD. This program also provides dedicated resources to support MDAP and Rapid Prototyping/Fielding Program Managers, Chief Developmental Testers, and Lead Development Test & Evaluation organizations in the development of comprehensive, efficient, and innovative Cybersecurity DT&E strategies/plans to support key acquisition milestones and engineering/programmatic decisions.
Document Details
- Document Type
- R2 Budgetary Justification
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2025
- Source ID
- 0605804D8Z_6_0400_PB_2025
- Change Summary Explanation
- A reduction of $0.375 million was applied to DoD overall funding reductions, which were spread to mitigate impact. A funding increase of $0.075 million for Economic Assumptions. Overall net reduction of $0.300 million applied.
- Service Agency Name
- Office of the Secretary Of Defense
Entities
Organizations
- Office of the Secretary of Defense
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