Test Equipment Modernization (TEMOD)

The Test Equipment Modernization (TEMOD) program is a critical Army procurement initiative under budget line item 0605G02510, designed to modernize and sustain the Army's test, measurement, and diagnostic equipment (TMDE) capabilities. The primary goal of TEMOD is to ensure that Army units possess state-of-the-art test equipment necessary to maintain the operational readiness and accuracy of a wide array of combat and support systems. This program directly supports the FY22 National Defense Authorization Act by enabling the maintenance of missile, aviation, air defense, and communication systems, thereby preserving command, control, and communication (C3) capabilities on the battlefield.

TEMOD is structured around three major subprograms: Calibration Sets Equipment (CALSETS), Communications Test Equipment (CTE), and General Purpose Electronic Test Equipment (GPETE). Each subprogram addresses specific technical requirements and supports different aspects of Army weapon system maintenance. The program is managed through multi-year, competition-based Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ), Firm Fixed Price contracts to maximize cost efficiency and flexibility in meeting evolving acquisition requirements.

Calibration Sets Equipment (CALSETS) focuses on procuring advanced calibration instrumentation, either for fixed facilities or tactical shelters, to support maintenance units from brigade to multi-theater operations. The objective is to support at least 90% of the Army's TMDE workload, with a stretch goal of 98%. CALSETS ensures the cascading transfer of precision accuracy from the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to the field, providing traceability and compliance with mandated accuracy standards.

Equipment procured includes multi-function calibrators, reference signal generators, network analyzers, torque calibration systems, and GPS replacements, among others. These assets are vital for maintaining the accuracy and reliability of Army platforms such as UAVs, tactical radios, missile systems, and armored vehicles.

Communications Test Equipment (CTE) is centered on the acquisition of the TS-4549 Radio Test Set (RTS), which is essential for testing, troubleshooting, and repairing Army radios at the circuit card level. The RTS supports both legacy and modern communication systems, including SINCGARS and Software Defined Radios, and is designed to be expandable for future radio platforms such as Combat Net Radio (CNR) and Handheld, Man-pack, and Small Form Fit Radios (HMS).

The CTE program addresses the obsolescence of older test sets and ensures that Army communication capabilities remain robust and adaptable to technological advancements.

General Purpose Electronic Test Equipment (GPETE) aims to improve the overall materiel readiness of Army weapon systems by minimizing equipment obsolescence and reducing operations and support costs. GPETE provides versatile, state-of-the-art test equipment such as spectrum analyzers, optical time domain reflectometers, portable radio test sets, and frequency counters. These tools are indispensable for verifying the accuracy, mission readiness, and safety of a broad spectrum of Army weapon systems, including tanks, helicopters, and communication networks.

GPETE acquisitions are closely aligned with the needs of Army Futures Command Cross Functional Teams, supporting modernization priorities like Future Vertical Lift and Next Generation Combat Vehicles.

TEMOD's procurement plan for FY 2026 includes funding for a range of test and calibration equipment, such as signal generators, torque calibration systems, aircraft weighing scale calibrators, and advanced radio and network analyzers. These investments are justified by the need to maintain high readiness levels, reduce risk to personnel and equipment, and support both active and reserve components in homeland defense, emergency response, and military support to civil authorities.

The program's approach to leveraging Commercial Off the Shelf (COTS) and Government Off the Shelf (GOTS) solutions further ensures timely fielding and cost-effectiveness.