Testing and evaluating counterterrorism technology

Abstract

We detail the Operational Test and Evaluation Program (OTEP) at the U.S. National Guard Bureau's (NGB) Center for National Response (CNR). OTEP's mission is to evaluate the utility of equipment, technology, and apparatus to materially aid emergency responders in a weapons of mass destruction (WMD) environment. The goal is twofold. First, to allow emergency responders to operationally test equipment in a realistic WMD environment, prior to purchase, so that they are able to resourcefully identify equipment that meets their needs and enables them to complete their mission. Second, to provide the manufacturers with test results and feedback from the testing organization, which presents them with product strengths, as well as ways in which they can improve their product.