Test and Evaluation: An Assessment of DOD's Operational Test and Evaluation Capability Improvement Program

We reviewed the jurisdiction and the mission of the Office of the Director, Operational Test and Evaluation, including legislative intent, to determine whether the Operational Test and Evaluation OTE Capability Improvement Program is within the scope of that mission or would be more appropriately conducted by another DOD organization. Although the Office of the Director, OTEs statute does not prohibit it from conducting the OTE capability Improvement Program, we believe that the program does not fall within the Office of the Director, OTEs mission. We therefore recommend that the Secretary of Defense direct and assure that the services plan, program, and budget for adequate test resources needed to conduct operational testing of weapon systems effectively. The Director, OTE should continue to perform oversight and policy functions by reviewing and making recommendations to the Secretary of Defense to assure that adequate test resources are acquired.