Management Headquarters (Departmental Support Activities)

The Management HQ - Departmental Support Activities program, identified as Program Element (PE) 0902498N, is a line item within the Navy's Research, Development, Test & Evaluation (RDT&E) budget. The primary objective of this program is to provide general support funding and cover operating costs for Management Headquarter Activity (MHA) functions that enable the Operational Test and Evaluation Force (OPTEVFOR) to fulfill its mandated responsibilities. This support is essential for OPTEVFOR to comply with directives from both the Secretary of Defense (SECDEF) and the Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) regarding the conduct of independent operational test and evaluation activities.

The OPTEVFOR Support project is the sole budget line under this program element. Its specific goal is to fund the salaries and operational support costs for civilian personnel assigned to OPTEVFOR headquarters. These personnel are responsible for providing essential business and operational support to OPTEVFOR, including the office of the Director. This ensures that the organization can effectively plan, execute, and oversee independent operational testing and evaluation of Navy systems.

The objectives of the OPTEVFOR Support project include maintaining the administrative and management infrastructure necessary for OPTEVFOR to execute its mission. This encompasses funding for civilian staff who handle day-to-day business operations, resource management, and compliance with federal directives. The project ensures that OPTEVFOR has the organizational capacity to manage and report on operational test and evaluation activities. These activities are critical for validating the effectiveness and suitability of new and existing Navy systems before they are fielded.

A key justification for this line item is the requirement for OPTEVFOR to remain independent and objective in its evaluation of Navy systems, as stipulated by SECDEF and SECNAV policy. The funding provided through this program element allows OPTEVFOR to sustain its headquarters operations without reliance on program-specific funding, thereby preserving its independence and impartiality in the test and evaluation process. This is important for maintaining the credibility and integrity of operational testing outcomes, which inform acquisition and deployment decisions across the Navy.

The FY 2026 budget reflects a reduction in funding and a decrease in civilian personnel, in alignment with Executive Order 14210, which directs federal agencies to optimize their workforces and enhance government efficiency. This adjustment is part of a broader initiative to streamline operations and ensure that personnel levels are commensurate with mission requirements. Despite this reduction, the program continues to prioritize the core objective of supporting OPTEVFOR's ability to meet its statutory and regulatory obligations.

No procurement or research articles are directly funded under this line item; rather, the focus is on management and operational support. The program does not include an acquisition strategy, as its expenditures are limited to labor and associated operating costs. There are no other program funding summaries or related acquisition activities associated with this line item, underscoring its role as a foundational support element for OPTEVFOR's headquarters functions.