Comparative Test Program

The SENTEL Test Engineering Group supports the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) Comparative Testing Office (CTO). Our Senior Systems Analysts review and analyze new U.S. and foreign off-the-shelf weapon systems, subsystems, components, and support equipment to identify those with the potential to satisfy the parameters identified by the CTO in support of the military services’ and supported agencies’ stated operational and mission requirements. In addition, our analysts review and analyze alternative technologies, product improvements, and enhanced processes to determine if performance, affordability, manufacturability, or operational capability exceeds that of existing programs. Our personnel also support the OSD CTO in its mission as executive agent providing oversight to the Foreign Comparative Test and Defense Acquisition Challenge programs. Procuring foreign systems and equipment eliminates the high cost of system development and shortens the time between identification of a system need and system deployment.

SENTEL also supports the U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) CTO. The USSOCOM CTO examines USSOCOM military operational requirements and identifies systems, emerging technology, and processes developed or manufactured by foreign and domestic vendors that meet those USSOCOM system requirements. If appropriate, our personnel then assist USSOCOM in acquiring and testing the candidate materiel solution or process to ensure that USSOCOM war fighter needs are rapidly met.