Operational Test Activities and Analyses

The Operational Test Activities and Analyses (OTA&A) program, under Program Element PE 0605814OTE, is a Department of Defense (DoD) initiative managed by the Office of the Director, Operational Test and Evaluation (DOT&E). The primary goal of OTA&A is to provide comprehensive management, oversight, and modernization of test and evaluation (T&E) policy, processes, and methodologies across the DoD. The program supports the integration of weapons systems into joint warfighting environments, aligns T&E practices with evolving national defense strategies, and advances digital transformation within the DoD acquisition community.

OTA&A is structured around four key activities: Joint Test and Evaluation (JT&E), Test and Evaluation Threat Resource Activity (TETRA), Center for Countermeasures (CCM), and Strategic Initiatives, Policy, and Emerging Technology (SIPET).

Joint Test and Evaluation (JT&E) focuses on conducting T&E activities in joint military environments to develop and validate non-materiel solutions that enhance interoperability, operational concepts, and test methodologies. JT&E projects are multi-service efforts chartered by the Office of the Secretary of Defense, coordinated with the Joint Staff, Combatant Commands, and military services. The objectives include improving joint operational capabilities, developing new tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs), and supporting the National Defense Strategy (NDS).

In FY 2025 and FY 2026, JT&E will initiate and complete several Agile Reaction Test projects, such as integrating generative artificial intelligence into operational processes, developing digital logistics planning, and enhancing civilian harm assessment capabilities. JT&E also supports ongoing projects to address over-the-horizon radar integration and nuclear command, control, and communications risk assessment.

Test and Evaluation Threat Resource Activity (TETRA) is responsible for providing DOT&E with threat resource analysis, intelligence support, and investments in threat systems. TETRA's goals include ensuring that operational testing is conducted against realistic and current threat representations, such as simulators, targets, and digital models. TETRA supports the development of the Intelligence Database Ecosystem (TIDE) to enable dynamic threat updates and improve cyber and electromagnetic spectrum data management.

The activity also focuses on developing threat emulators for emerging domains like space, hypersonic, and AI-enabled systems, and collaborates with the intelligence community to improve the fidelity and relevance of threat models. TETRA's work is critical for validating test adequacy and supporting Title 10 responsibilities of DOT&E.

Center for Countermeasures (CCM) conducts independent test and evaluation of countermeasure (CM) and counter-countermeasure (counter-CM) systems for U.S. and foreign weapon systems. CCM's objectives include supporting DOT&E, weapon system developers, and the services by evaluating the operational effectiveness and survivability of systems such as aircraft survivability equipment, directed energy weapons, and counter-unmanned aircraft systems.

CCM also provides specialized instrumentation and expertise for data collection, supports allied cooperative efforts, and contributes to the modernization of T&E capabilities through workforce development and the integration of advanced data analytics, including artificial intelligence and machine learning.

Strategic Initiatives, Policy, and Emerging Technology (SIPET) was established to modernize T&E tools, processes, infrastructure, and workforce in response to rapid advances in science and technology. SIPET's mission is structured around five strategic pillars: testing as we fight, accelerating delivery of effective weapons, improving survivability in contested environments, pioneering T&E for adaptable weapon systems, and fostering an agile T&E workforce.

SIPET develops strategic partnerships, implements data management plans, and pilots innovative approaches such as digital twins, AI-driven analysis, and software assurance. The initiative also aims to enhance mission-based risk assessments and deliver tools like the Full Spectrum Survivability Tool to predict vulnerabilities against kinetic and non-kinetic threats.

The OTA&A program is also tasked with supporting the digital transition of the DoD acquisition community by integrating data-driven approaches and modernizing T&E methodologies. This includes efforts to automate data collection and analysis, streamline decision-making, and ensure that T&E practices keep pace with evolving threats and technologies.

OTA&A's activities are closely aligned with executive orders focused on government efficiency and workforce optimization, resulting in targeted reductions in advisory contracts and personnel while maintaining core T&E capabilities.

Operational Test Activities and Analyses serves as a critical enabler for the DoD's ability to assess, validate, and improve the performance and survivability of defense systems in realistic operational environments. By coordinating joint test projects, advancing threat intelligence, modernizing countermeasure evaluations, and driving innovation in T&E policy and technology, OTA&A ensures that U.S. military capabilities remain effective and resilient against current and emerging threats. The program's ongoing efforts contribute to the readiness and adaptability of the joint force, supporting both immediate operational needs and long-term strategic objectives.