DODI5000.89_DAFI99-103 — Capabilities-based Test And Evaluation

DODI5000.89_DAFI99-103 governs Department of the Air Force test and evaluation, experimentation, OTA, and program protection requirements.

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  • Publication number: DODI5000.89_DAFI99-103
  • Title: CAPABILITIES-BASED TEST AND EVALUATION
  • Date: 2026-05-26

View DODI5000.89_DAFI99-103 on armypubs.army.mil


The publication addresses experimentation and demonstrations, operational test organizations, test data, and Program Protection Plans for T&E infrastructure. It requires risk assessment and documentation, protection of critical information, and defined planning timelines for infrastructure activities.

Applies to: This guidance applies to the Regular Air Force, United States Space Force, Air Force Reserve, and Air National Guard.

Topics covered

  • Test and evaluation infrastructure
  • Experimentation and demonstrations
  • Operational Test Agencies
  • Program Protection Plans
  • Critical Program Information
  • Test data protection
  • Risk assessment and acceptance

Questions and answers

When must a Program Protection Plan be in place for DAF-funded T&E infrastructure?

For all DAF-funded T&E infrastructure and activities supporting acquisition programs, CPI shall be identified and a Program Protection Plan (PPP) shall be in place. (paragraph 5)

When must planning be completed for new infrastructure programs?

For new infrastructure programs, planning will be completed no later than six months after program initiation or designation. (paragraph 5)

What must test teams do when planning an experiment or demonstration?

Test teams must leverage institutional knowledge and experience to develop an effective assessment plan, ensuring an appropriate level of effort, data requirements, and analysis.

What must be documented when commanders accept risk for an experiment or demonstration?

Risk acceptance decisions must be documented and aligned with project or program priorities. (paragraph 5)

What must program managers do to protect critical and sensitive system information?

PMs identify, select, and document countermeasures to protect critical and sensitive aspects of their systems and supporting T&E infrastructure, to include CPI, classified information, critical unclassified information, test data, and cyber relevant hardware and software provided by both industry and the government.

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