Operational Test and Evaluation Capability

The Operational Test & Eval Capability program (PE 0605865N) is a Navy Research, Development, Test & Evaluation (RDT&E) Management Support initiative focused on sustaining and modernizing facilities and operations required for general research, development, and operational testing. The program is managed by the Navy's Operational Test and Evaluation Force (OPTEVFOR), headquartered in Norfolk, Virginia, which serves as the Service Operational Test Agency for both the Navy and Marine Corps Aviation. The overarching goal is to ensure that new and upgraded systems are rigorously evaluated for operational effectiveness, suitability, and cyber survivability prior to being fielded to fleet units.

OPTEVFOR Support is the primary line item within this program element. This funding supports OPTEVFOR's headquarters operations, civilian salaries, and compliance with Secretary of Defense and Secretary of the Navy directives during independent operational testing and evaluation (OT&E). The objectives include planning, testing, and reporting on the operational effectiveness of new systems, recommending fleet usage to the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO), and developing test strategies that maximize efficiency and minimize resource requirements. These efforts are designed to drive down overall test and evaluation costs while maintaining rigorous standards.

OPTEVFOR utilizes a competency- and warfare-aligned organizational structure, applying scientific and technical methods to mission-based evaluations of complex systems. The organization is divided into six warfare divisions Undersea Warfare, Air Warfare, Information Warfare, Surface Warfare, Expeditionary Warfare, and Advanced Programs each responsible for delivering test documents and executing OT&E for naval systems. Four competency divisions support these efforts by ensuring technical requirements are met, including Policy, Operations and Training; Test Design and Analysis; Test Planning and Evaluation; and Cybersecurity Testing. The Technical Director provides overarching technical support for all divisions.

Planned initiatives for FY 2025 and FY 2026 include enhancing test processes and products to increase the value of OT&E, tailoring methods for adaptive acquisition frameworks and Agile software-based systems, and supporting Navy-wide capability integration efforts. OPTEVFOR will continue to participate in working groups, collaborate across warfare domains, and engage with Warfighting Development Centers to share data and lessons learned. The program also aims to bridge communication gaps between fleet and acquisition stakeholders, implement Capabilities Based Test and Evaluation (CBTE), and continuously improve operations, training, and data management.

The program's strategic framework aligns command initiatives with Navy leadership and national strategic priorities, using a Problem-Solving Canvas (PSC) for each initiative. Focus areas include Fleet Engagement, Acquisition Engagement, Command Operations, and Military Programs and Infrastructure. These efforts support the NAVPLAN Implementation Framework pillars and are enabled by core test principles and a command-wide metrics program. Specific initiatives include Naval Aviation optimization, improving OT&E data management, maturing command-wide metrics, and modernizing information and digital technologies to increase OT&E relevance.

Cyberspace Activities is a secondary line item. This project funds civilian salaries and supports the maintenance and resiliency of OPTEVFOR's network infrastructure, ensuring compliance with cybersecurity directives. The objectives include monthly vulnerability scanning, network patching, and continuous monitoring to protect critical IT systems from cyber threats. These activities are essential for maintaining the integrity and security of the networks that support OPTEVFOR's operational testing mission.