Developmental Test and Evaluation is Back

摘要

With the Weapon Systems Acquisition Reform Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-23, Title 10, U.S.C., Section 139d), Congress directed the Department of Defense (DoD) to place long-overdue and renewed emphasis on Developmental Test and Evaluation (DT&E). The Government Accountability Office (GAO) has published many findings with their Defense Acquisition Major Weapon System Program assessments of 2006, 2008, and 2010 pointing to issues that could have been mitigated with more and/or better DT&E. The Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) recently took a major step in this direction and has established the Office of the Director for Developmental Test and Evaluation (DDT&E). DDT&E is the focal point for all policy, practice, procedures, and workforce issues relating to DT&E within the DoD. I am honored to serve as the new Director, DT&E and principal advisor to the Secretary of Defense and Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics (USD AT&L) on DT&E. In short, my role is to inform the Secretary of Defense and the USD(AT&L) on DT&E progress and results for Major Defense Acquisition Programs (MDAPs) and special interest programs. My office also focuses on the adequacy of organizations, capabilities, and workforce of the DoD Components to perform DT&E across the life cycle of these programs. Additionally, I annually report on this mission to Congress. In support of this overarching mission, I have three main focus areas: Execution of DT&E Title 10 directed responsibilities, Enhancing the capacity to rapidly and efficiently respond to battlefield needs, and Improving the practice of test and evaluation.