GPETE

The General Purpose Electronic Test Equipment (GPETE) program, part of the Navy's Other Procurement category, focuses on sustaining and modernizing electronic test equipment for maintenance activities. Its primary goal is to ensure the accuracy and reliability of Navy weapons systems both ashore and afloat. This involves acquiring equipment that meets strict technical requirements while addressing deficiencies in current authorized allowances. The program organizes its equipment into functional groups such as Fiber Optics, Signal Generators, Oscilloscopes & Meters, and Passive/Ancillary/Mechanical components.

GPETE emphasizes procuring Commercial-off-the-Shelf (COTS) test equipment to meet maintenance needs across shipboard and shore-based activities. Most of this equipment is acquired through the Department of Defense Supply System or MILSTRIP process, with a smaller portion sourced via Simplified Acquisition Purchase contracts for obsolete items. The Defense Logistics Agency and Naval Supply Systems Command Weapon Systems Support are key in fulfilling these requisitions. The program also considers cost variations due to the diverse and complex nature of COTS equipment procured annually.

A significant focus of GPETE is modernization to prevent obsolescence in test equipment, crucial for maintaining weapons systems' accuracy. This includes replacing outdated models with newer ones that may have higher unit costs but offer improved capabilities. The program's multi-year plan aims to address potential performance issues in weapons systems due to inaccurate test equipment, which could lead to mechanical failures or operational inaccuracies.

The Calibration Standards component within GPETE supports intermediate, organizational, and depot-level maintenance activities by ensuring test equipment accuracy. This involves a structured modernization plan to replace obsolete calibration standards with newer models. These efforts are vital for supporting various Naval Sea Systems Command weapon systems, including those involved in nuclear reactor maintenance and communication systems. The increase from FY24 to FY25 reflects a commitment to enhancing fiber optic repair capabilities and other critical testing equipment needs across naval operations.