Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of War
Prototyping & Experimentation
Office of the Under Secretary of War for Research and Engineering
Leadership
Dan Ermer
Deputy Assistant Secretary of War for Prototypes and Experiments
What is Prototyping & Experimentation?
Prototyping & Experimentation (P&E) is the Department of War’s office dedicated to advancing emerging technologies from concept to operational capability. Through structured prototyping, field experimentation, and evidence-based transition pathways, P&E directly enables proven technologies to be delivered to the warfighter faster.
Innovation within the defense ecosystem is only as strong as its ability to demonstrate real-world performance. P&E partners across the Services, Combatant Commands, agencies, industry, and academia to connect early research outcomes with operational needs, ensuring that promising technologies are evaluated in realistic environments and supported with a robust body of evidence.
P&E Mission Statement
"ODASW (P&E) develops and demonstrates innovative prototype capabilities to address validated national security and operational challenges. The organization focuses on urgent and emerging needs across the Joint Force, Services, and Combatant Commands."
In 2023, Congress established the Deputy Secretary of Defense for Prototyping & Experimentation (DASD, P&E) pursuant to Title 10 USC, §133A; Updated in NDAA 2026, Sec 902 (07 December 2025). ODASW (P&E) derives authorities from PL 114-328 (2017 NDAA) and DODD 5137.02.
Assessments & Experimentation
Assessments
The Assessments directorate evaluates emerging technologies in mission-relevant environments to determine their operational utility and readiness for transition. By placing prototypes into realistic exercises and demonstrations, we generate measurable performance data, identify integration risks, and capture direct user feedback to ensure innovation is operationally effective.
Experimentation
The Experimentation directorate accelerates technology maturation through structured, mission-driven campaigns. Through Technology Readiness Experimentation (T-REX) and Joint Readiness Experimentation (J-REX), we place emerging capabilities into relevant environments to evaluate performance and transition readiness.
Foreign Comparative Testing
The Foreign Comparative Testing (FCT) Program aims to find, assess, & field world-class technologies, satisfying essential defense needs effectively and affordably.
This program provides a distinctive procurement approach to evaluate mature foreign-developed technologies and meet emerging defense requirements.
Core FCT Objectives
✓ Eliminating unnecessary duplication of RDT&E
✓ Reducing life cycle or procurement costs
✓ Enhancing standardization and interoperability
✓ Promoting competition by qualifying alternative sources
✓ Improving the military industrial base
✓ Rapidly fielding quality military equipment
Body of Evidence
The body of evidence (BoE) enables informed, timely, and defensible decision-making. By systematically collecting and validating operational, analytical, and technical data, BoE reduces uncertainty and strengthens senior leader confidence.
This structured framework transforms experimentation results into decision-grade insight, aligning emerging capabilities with operational priorities, acquisition pathways, and resource planning.
Operational Utility
Validating effectiveness in mission-relevant scenarios.
Technical Feasibility
Evaluating system performance and interoperability.
Integration Risk
Identifying challenges in scaling and fielding capabilities.
Warfighter Feedback
Capturing direct usability and tactical insights from operators.
Transition Pathways
Mapping validated technologies to active acquisition pipelines and resource planning.
Prototyping Focus Areas
ODASW (P&E) is spearheading a transformative era of technological innovation. We are committed to delivering cutting-edge technologies that meet the urgent demands of today’s warfighters.
In an era of rapid advancements, the Department has identified Critical Technology Areas (CTAs) essential to national security. These are prioritized into Focus Areas to deliver the most vital technologies.
Directed Energy
Trusted AI & Autonomy
Microelectronics
Space Technology
Hypersonics
Integrated Networks
Advanced Materials
OUSW(R&E)
The Pentagon
Office of the Under Secretary of War,
Research and Engineering (OUSW(R&E))
3030 Defense Pentagon, Washington, DC 20301-3030