1. Operational Test & Evaluation (OT&E) Agencies:
* Director, Operational Test & Evaluation (DOT&E): Primarily responsible for independent OT&E of major DoD acquisition programs. They conduct tests, analyze results, and provide assessments to the Secretary of Defense and other decision-makers.
* Service OT&E Agencies: Each service (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Space Force) has its own OT&E agency responsible for conducting tests specific to their respective needs.
* Joint OT&E Agencies: For programs involving multiple services, joint OT&E agencies may be involved, ensuring coordinated testing and evaluation across services.
2. Program Management Offices (PMOs):
* The PMO responsible for the specific acquisition program is heavily involved in reviewing and analyzing OT&E results. They work closely with OT&E agencies to understand the findings and ensure the program is aligned with operational requirements.
3. Acquisition Decision Authorities (ADAs):
* These individuals, usually at the service level or higher, have the authority to make decisions based on the OT&E results, including program approval, acquisition milestones, and production decisions.
4. Other Stakeholders:
* Defense Acquisition Board (DAB): Reviews and approves major acquisition programs, considering OT&E results as a key input.
* Congress: Monitors major acquisition programs and has oversight over OT&E activities.
* Independent Experts: May be consulted for specialized technical or operational expertise in analyzing OT&E data.
The process involves a multi-faceted approach:
* OT&E agencies conduct the tests and gather data.
* PMOs and OT&E agencies collaborate to analyze the data and develop reports.
* Reports are reviewed by the ADAs and other stakeholders.
* Based on the analysis, decisions are made regarding the program's future.
Ultimately, the Secretary of Defense has ultimate responsibility for ensuring the adequacy of OT&E and the effectiveness of the DoD acquisition process.
It's important to note that OT&E is a continuous process, and the review and analysis of results is ongoing throughout the program lifecycle.