The Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) established the Test and Evaluation Division (TED) to carry out the authorities of the Director of Test and Evaluation as delegated by the Secretary of Homeland Security. TED acts as the principal advisor on test and evaluation to the Office of the Secretary and the Component heads and is the primary liaison with outside parties regarding test and evaluation matters.
Mission
Improve acquisition and research and development outcomes through comprehensive test and evaluation engagement throughout the program or project lifecycle.
TED ensures programs can manage risks and make informed decisions by understanding the capabilities and limitations of the system when operated and supported by trained users within the intended operational environment. TED also ensures the Department has the test and evaluation tools, methods, and workforce to help programs succeed. TED accomplishes its mission by:
- Advising and Assisting Programs
- Objective: Comprehensive test and evaluation engagement throughout the program or project lifecycle; actively participate in program IPTs; advise programs on the application and tailoring of test and evaluation principles and assist in finding the appropriate capabilities; review and approve select test and evaluation planning documentation.
- Providing Independent Assessments to Decision-Makers
- Objective: Actively participate in Component and Department level acquisition oversight bodies; provide independent formal and informal assessments to inform program risk management and decision-making.
- Training the DHS Acquisition Workforce Test and Evaluation Career Field members
- Objective: Train the test and evaluation workforce, review and refresh training annually, and identify and rapidly fill training gaps. Support our test and evaluation managers and trained Operational Test Directors.
- Advancing the State of the Art and Practice of Test and Evaluation
- Objective: Develop and promulgate policy, instructions, guidebooks; conduct studies, investigate and adopt new methods and tools; partner with other government agencies, industry, and academia.
Informed Investment—Improved Operations
Responsibilities
- Policy Development: Establish test and evaluation policies, procedures, and guidance for the Department.
- Workforce Development: Train the Department’s test and evaluation workforce.
- Major Acquisition Engagement
- Ensure major acquisition programs plan and resource test and evaluation strategies that will support risk management and informed decision-making.
- Provide independent oversight of major acquisition program test and evaluation activities.
- Provide an independent assessment to the acquisition decision authority for major acquisition. programs of the system’s operational effectiveness, operational suitability, and operational resilience to inform production and deployment decisions.
- Research & Development Support: Provide testing, experimentation, and assessment expertise to research and development programs and projects.