Anti-Tamper Technology Executive Agency

The Anti-Tamper Technology Executive Agency (ATEA) program, as outlined in Program Element (PE) 0605024F, is a Department of Defense (DoD) initiative led by the Air Force to develop, coordinate, and implement anti-tamper (AT) technologies and policies across all DoD acquisition programs. The primary objective of the ATEA is to protect critical program information (CPI) in U.S. weapon systems from reverse engineering and exploitation, particularly when such systems are no longer under U.S. control, such as those lost on the battlefield or sold through foreign military sales (FMS) and direct commercial sales (DCS).

DoD Anti-Tamper Technology Executive Agent (DoD ATEA) is responsible for a wide range of activities, including the development and enforcement of AT policy and guidance, assessment of AT technologies (both hardware and software), and the maintenance and enhancement of AT laboratory equipment and infrastructure. The agency maintains a library of AT technologies, provides security guidance, supports outreach and education for the AT community, delivers intelligence support, and evaluates AT implementations across all DoD acquisition programs, FMS, and DCS. These efforts are conducted in accordance with DoD Directive 5200.47E, which establishes the unique responsibilities of the ATEA and the Air Force Office of Primary Responsibility (OPR) for AT.

The Air Force Anti-Tamper Technology and Product Development line item funds the maturation and transition of promising AT technologies to Air Force weapon systems. The goals include conducting studies, generating requirements, and developing advanced AT sensor hardware, secure processing solutions, cryptographic analysis tools, tamper penalties, and other enabling technologies. These efforts are prioritized based on the needs of Air Force acquisition programs and are coordinated with the broader DoD ATEA technology and product development strategy. This ensures alignment and collaboration with Navy and Army AT initiatives.

DoD ATEA Program Management Support provides resources for program management, including civilian pay, advisory and assistance services, intelligence support, outreach, education, travel, and supplies. This support ensures effective execution and delivery of AT capabilities and includes maintaining the infrastructure required for laboratory assessments and technology integration. The management support line also covers the operational needs of the ATEA Field Program Office, which is critical for sustaining ongoing AT activities and workforce training.

A key objective of the ATEA program is to validate and evaluate AT implementations in all DoD acquisition programs, ensuring that each program with CPI has a validated AT Plan. Subject matter experts are funded to review these plans and conduct AT validations, as well as assess commercial off-the-shelf, contractor-funded government-only use, and government off-the-shelf products. As technology evolves, the program invests in maturing hardware and software assessment capabilities, acquiring specialized equipment, and upgrading laboratory facilities to meet new security and integration requirements.

The ATEA coordinates technology development efforts among DoD services, national laboratories, and industry partners. This coordination aims to develop new AT technologies, enhance existing ones to higher technology readiness levels, and facilitate their transition into operational weapon systems. Research areas include advanced materials, cryptography, and electronic circuits, with the goal of achieving increased processing power, reduced power consumption, and smaller form factors for AT solutions.