GPETE

The General Purpose Electrical/Electronic Test Equipment (GPETE) program is a critical line item within the Navy's Other Procurement budget. It supports the sustainment and modernization of test, measurement, and diagnostic equipment (TMDE) used across shipboard and shore-based maintenance activities. The primary goal of GPETE is to ensure the accuracy and reliability of installation, alignment, and maintenance procedures for all Navy weapons systems, both afloat and ashore. This program addresses the need to replace obsolete equipment and maintain the operational readiness of the fleet by procuring Commercial-off-the-Shelf (COTS) test equipment that meets technical requirements and cost-effectiveness standards.

The GPETE program is organized into several functional groups, each with specific procurement objectives. M6000 Fiber Optics and Data Communication focuses on acquiring modern fiber optic test and repair equipment, particularly for aircraft carriers, to mitigate maintenance delays and reduce operational risk. The program aims to provide the fleet with self-sufficiency in fiber optic repairs, which is increasingly important as fiber optic cabling proliferates across Navy platforms. Funding supports enhanced fiber optic repair capability to address increased downtime and forced Sailor workarounds, directly impacting ship readiness.

M6001 Signal Generators and Analyzers supports the procurement of advanced signal generation and analysis equipment necessary for the accurate testing and calibration of electronic systems. The objective is to replace aging equipment with newer models that offer improved performance and reliability, ensuring that radar, communications, and electronic warfare systems operate within specified parameters. This line item is justified by the need to maintain precise operational capabilities and prevent system failures due to misalignment or improper calibration.

M6002 Oscilloscopes, Meters, and Counters funds the acquisition of essential measurement instruments required for routine and preventative maintenance of electrical and electronic systems. The goal is to modernize the Navy's inventory of oscilloscopes and meters, many of which are approaching obsolescence. By procuring new equipment, the Navy seeks to avoid deterioration in the accuracy of weapons systems and reduce the risk of premature mechanical failures or operational inaccuracies.

M6003 Process Engineering and Documentation provides funding for labor and support activities associated with the procurement process, including engineering documentation, development of calibration procedures, and integrated logistics support. Funding reflects expanded efforts to meet additional requirements, ensuring that all procured equipment is properly documented and supported throughout its lifecycle. This component is essential for maintaining the quality and traceability of maintenance procedures across the fleet.

M6004 Passive Ancillary and Mechanical covers the procurement of mechanical and ancillary test equipment, such as torque tools and pressure calibrators, which are vital for certifying reactor, steam plant, and combat systems. These tools support thousands of work hours per year and are necessary for verifying the integrity of shipboard systems, directly impacting Sailor safety and operational effectiveness. The modernization of these tools is justified by the need to support increasingly complex shipboard systems and maintain high standards of readiness.

M6005 Calibration Standards funds the acquisition and modernization of calibration standards used at intermediate, organizational, and depot-level maintenance activities. These standards are essential for ensuring the accuracy of all test equipment used to maintain Navy weapons systems. Funding supports the procurement of pressure testing equipment, torque tool testing equipment, and power measurement benches, which are critical for supporting prime shipboard weapon systems, nuclear reactor maintenance, and satellite communication sets. The objective is to prevent deterioration in system accuracy and maintain the Navy's ability to certify and operate advanced weapons and support systems.