Test and Evaluation Support

PE 0605864N: Test & Evaluation Support is a Navy program element under the Research, Development, Test & Evaluation (RDT&E) Management Support appropriation. Its primary goal is to sustain and modernize core test and evaluation (T&E) infrastructure across multiple Navy Major Range and Test Facility Base (MRTFB) sites. The program ensures that institutional maintenance, operations, and real property support are available for research, development, and acquisition of advanced weapons systems. By funding essential overhead and operational costs, the program allows Navy acquisition managers to access reliable T&E capabilities without incurring the expense and delays of developing their own facilities.

0541: AUTEC (Atlantic Undersea Test and Evaluation Center) provides the Navy with a full-spectrum undersea range facility for testing and evaluating undersea warfare systems and supporting fleet training. Located in the Bahamas and managed by the Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division Newport, AUTEC operates deep and shallow water ranges, air-target tracking, electronic warfare simulation, and torpedo retrieval capabilities. The program funds the maintenance, operation, and institutional costs required to sustain MRTFB capabilities at AUTEC, including civilian labor, equipment, utilities, and compliance with policy reviews. It also includes rental payments to the Bahamian government for land and ocean use, and upgrades to infrastructure such as potable water systems.

0566: NAV AIR Environmental Compliance supports environmental compliance, conservation, and pollution prevention at Navy MRTFB sites including Patuxent River, MD, China Lake, CA, Point Mugu, CA, and AUTEC. The objective is to ensure ongoing adherence to federal, state, and local environmental regulations, such as hazardous waste disposal, clean water and air acts, and cultural resource surveys. Funding is directed toward projects that maintain compliance, enabling uninterrupted test and evaluation operations while minimizing environmental impact and legal risk.

0653: NAWC Weapons Division funds the maintenance and operational support for T&E capabilities at the Pacific Ranges and Facilities, including China Lake and Point Mugu, CA. These ranges support developmental and operational testing of airborne electronic warfare systems, ordnance, and missile components. The program covers costs for radar signal emulators, target launch and recovery, test instrumentation, and support aircraft. It also funds general and administrative support, ensuring the continued availability of safe, instrumented, and controlled open-air testing environments for Navy and Department of Defense programs.

0654: NAWC Aircraft Division provides resources for the maintenance and operation of T&E capabilities used to test air platforms and associated systems at Patuxent River, MD. This includes airfield and flight test ranges, aircraft systems test facilities, and simulation laboratories. The program supports flight test instrumentation, control rooms for special access programs, electromagnetic environmental effects testing, propulsion systems evaluation, and target systems operations. Funding covers civilian labor, equipment, utilities, and administrative support, ensuring readiness and compliance with test requirements.

2511: Natural Disaster Relief was established to address repairs at Navy MRTFB sites damaged by natural disasters such as earthquakes, wildfires, and floods. Initially created in response to the Searles Valley Earthquakes at China Lake, the program funds recovery and repair of test facilities, equipment, and infrastructure to restore operational capability. Plans focus on completing outfitting and installation of test bays and control complexes, with funding decreasing as recovery efforts conclude.

2921: Pacific Missile Range Facility supports ongoing maintenance and operations at Barking Sands, Kauai, HI. The facility provides precision radar, telemetry, and optical tracking assets for Navy, DoD, and Missile Defense Agency T&E missions. Funding maintains essential test support resources, including radars, telemetry antennas, and mobile sensor systems, as well as administrative and utility costs. Recent equipment upgrades have allowed for maintenance efficiencies and a slight reduction in funding requirements.

2922: MRTFB Maintenance & Repair funds real property maintenance activities at NAWC Weapons Division, NAWC Aircraft Division, and AUTEC. The objective is to support mission-critical emergency services, recurring maintenance, and major repair projects, including addressing backlog items. Funding also supports hangar recapitalization efforts, with adjustments reflecting the completion of prior year projects and ongoing sustainment needs.

2958: Cyberspace Activities provides for cybersecurity upgrades to instrumentation and networks at AUTEC. The goal is to maintain compliance with cybersecurity requirements, ensuring secure and reliable support for T&E operations. Funding covers critical upgrades and ongoing maintenance to protect test data and operational integrity.

3154: Nanoose and Dabob Bay Ranges supports maintenance and operations of ocean-based test and measurement systems for undersea warfare applications. The program ensures readiness through calibration, repair, and life cycle management of test facilities and range craft. Funding supports exercise planning, surrogate environment development, and administrative support for undersea weapons, sensors, and submarine testing.

3386: MRTFB Marine Vessels funds overhauls and preventative maintenance for marine vessels used in T&E operations at multiple Navy MRTFB sites. These vessels are essential for launching and recovering test articles, providing range surveillance, and supporting target services. Maintenance ensures compliance with safety certifications and mitigates operational risks, with funding adjusted based on scheduled overhaul completions.

9999: Congressional Adds includes targeted funding for initiatives such as tactical edge networking payloads and future workforce innovation at NAWC Aircraft Division. These adds support specific research and development efforts to enhance networking capabilities and workforce development, reflecting congressional priorities for innovation and operational effectiveness.