Ballistic Missile Defense Terminal Defense Segment Test

The Ballistic Missile Defense Terminal Defense Segment Test (PE 0604876C) is a research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) program managed by the Missile Defense Agency (MDA). Its primary goal is to support the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) program through rigorous flight and ground testing, ensuring the system's effectiveness in countering ballistic missile threats. The program's objectives are aligned with the Integrated Master Test Plan (IMTP), which coordinates test activities with other missile defense elements such as Aegis, PATRIOT, AN/TPY-2 radar, and the Command, Control, Battle Management, and Communication (C2BMC) system.

The main line item within this program element focuses on the execution of flight and ground tests. The specific goals include mission planning, pre-flight integration, readiness reviews, test asset transportation, and the actual execution of flight tests. Post-test activities such as data collection, reporting, and distribution are also critical components. Ground Test Execution validates THAAD's ability to conduct coordinated engagements with other missile defense systems, pre-mission and post-mission analyses, hardware and software testing, and participation in wargames and exercises. These efforts assess system performance, interoperability, and refine tactics, techniques, and procedures for future operational scenarios.

Resource management is another key objective under the THAAD Test project. This includes on-site range support for maintenance and repair of THAAD assets, ensuring readiness for test events. Data management, facility operations, and post-test reporting are essential to maintain the integrity of test results and to support ongoing system assessments. The program also supports performance evaluations to ensure that THAAD meets its operational requirements within the broader Missile Defense System architecture.

Test Program Operations provide strategic planning, program integration, acquisition, engineering, financial management, internal reviews, audits, and overall program assessments for THAAD Test activities. These operations are necessary to ensure that all test activities are conducted efficiently, meet regulatory and technical standards, and align with the broader goals of the Missile Defense Agency. The acquisition strategy involves task orders on an Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract for THAAD development and testing, leveraging both industry contracts and interagency agreements to achieve program objectives.

A supporting line item covers non-headquarters management costs for MDA functions and activities across the entire Missile Defense System. This includes funding for government civilians, contract support services, global deployment site preparation and activation, and facility support for MDA executing agent locations worldwide. Additional objectives include providing physical and technical security, audit readiness, STEM program support, legal services, travel and training, facility management, compliance with environmental requirements, and unified communications support. These activities ensure the operational integrity and readiness of the MDA's infrastructure and personnel.

Program Wide Support is allocated on a pro-rata basis across multiple MDA program elements, fluctuating annually based on the total agency budget. The acquisition strategy for this line item emphasizes competitive contract awards for engineering, technical support, studies, analyses, evaluations, and management services, with a focus on achieving Small Business goals. This approach ensures that the MDA maintains robust support capabilities for its core mission areas while adapting to evolving threats and operational requirements.