Development Test and Evaluation

PE 0605804D8Z: Development Test & Evaluation is managed by the Office of the Secretary of Defense, specifically under the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (OUSD(R&E)). The primary goal of this program element is to provide consolidated support for Developmental Test and Evaluation (DT&E), Cybersecurity DT&E, and Independent Engineering Assessments across the Department of Defense (DoD). The program is structured to inform investment decisions for critical warfighter capabilities, support acquisition program managers, and ensure technical risk is managed throughout the acquisition lifecycle. It aligns with statutory requirements, including Title 10 U.S.C. Section 133a, the FY 2018 NDAA, and DoD Directive 5137.02.

The largest component of this program element focuses on supporting Major Defense Acquisition Programs (MDAPs), rapid prototyping and fielding efforts, and other special interest acquisition programs. Its objectives include developing comprehensive and efficient DT&E strategies, reviewing and approving Test and Evaluation Master Plans (TEMPs), and providing independent DT&E sufficiency assessments at key acquisition milestones. The project also manages the T&E career field for the DoD acquisition workforce and develops policy and guidance for DT&E practices. Emphasis is placed on early identification of performance issues, use of scientific test and analysis techniques, and evolving DT&E practices to keep pace with emerging technologies.

Another project is dedicated to ensuring that cybersecurity and cyber resilience are integrated into the developmental test and evaluation of weapon systems. This effort supports MDAPs and rapid prototyping/fielding programs in developing cyber DT&E strategies, reviewing and recommending cyber DT&E plans within TEMPs, and conducting independent technical risk assessments focused on cyber survivability. Key activities include helping programs define measurable cyber performance requirements, conducting cyber risk assessments such as Cyber Table Top Exercises, and implementing initiatives to fundamentally change how the DoD builds and evaluates systems for continued operation under cyber compromise. Collaboration with intelligence communities and improvement of the cyber DT&E workforce are also important aspects.

A third project provides resources for independent technical evaluations and risk assessments for MDAPs. This work supports program managers and chief engineers/systems engineers in developing robust engineering strategies and plans, and conducts Independent Technical Risk Assessments and design review assessments at key acquisition milestones. The assessments inform the Defense Acquisition Executive of technical risks, technology maturity, and readiness to proceed, supporting statutory requirements for congressional notifications. Specialty engineering support is offered in reliability, software, schedule risk, and manufacturing, and additional technical reviews such as certification reviews and software readiness assessments are conducted.

Across all three projects, the overarching objective is to improve the quality and efficiency of test and evaluation, reduce acquisition cost and schedule risk, and ensure that DoD systems meet performance, reliability, interoperability, and cybersecurity requirements. The program supports the development of policy and guidance, promotes best practices, and helps build a skilled acquisition workforce capable of addressing technical and cybersecurity challenges. Coordination with the Director, Operational Test and Evaluation, and other stakeholders is a key aspect to streamline processes and maximize the effectiveness of integrated testing.

The justification for this program element is rooted in its role as a principal advisor to senior DoD leadership on DT&E, engineering assessments, and technical risk. By providing independent assessments and supporting the development of sound strategies, the program helps mitigate costly late-stage discoveries of deficiencies and supports the rapid fielding of emerging technologies. It also addresses infrastructure gaps and supports modernization initiatives in alignment with the National Defense Strategy.