Army Evaluation Center
This project provides the resources to operate the Army Evaluation Center (AEC), the Army's independent evaluator for Army Futures Command (AFC) Cross Functional Team (CFT) efforts and all other Army and Joint Service programs (currently over 900 programs in total). AEC is the lead agent to plan, direct, and evaluate all required program testing and is the unbiased, independent authority for reporting on system progress to enable the Army to dominate in the multi-domain operational environment. AEC is the focal point in test strategy development, system safety verification, and data analyses from early developmental consumer tests through operational tests. AEC develops Critical Operational Issues and Criteria (COIC) in conjunction with AFC to narrow the focus of testing to what is essential. AEC reviews and shapes system requirements to ensure they do not drive unnecessary testing. AEC provides critical independent assessments on system effectiveness, suitability, survivability (ESS), and safety to include cybersecurity; electronic warfare (EW); artificial intelligence (AI); machine learning (ML); safety of materiel solutions; and viability of emerging technologies and engineering change proposals to support major acquisition/fielding decisions including but not limited to acquisition milestones, materiel changes, and materiel releases. AEC is responsible for all assigned developmental and independent operational evaluations of Army materiel, information, and acquisition systems. AEC must remain independent from the development community. AEC assists the Chief of Staff of the Army decision making process by supporting Army Capabilities Integration Development System (A-CIDS) processes as well as supporting the AFC through the CFT concept. AEC evaluates operational effectiveness by determining if the system provides intended benefits to the Force. AEC assesses, confirms, and releases system safety for use by Soldiers upon fielding and during government sponsored experiments and demonstrations. AEC determines impacts to readiness through Human Systems Integration, Unit Systems Integration, and Army Systems Integration, as well as doctrine, organization, training, materiel, leadership and education, personnel, facilities and policy impacts.
Will fund civilian pay. More than 90 percent of AEC's total budget is for civilian labor. Continue to execute AEC 2030 strategic plans and develop and execute the AEC 2035 campaign plan. Initiatives include: maximize strategic communications and streamline processes; improve threat planning and identification of threat assets; invest in…
Read the FY2027 plan →FY2027 planned work Funding will provide moderate support to AEC operational costs including contract support, software licenses, training and development, life cycle replacement of equipment.
FY2026 to FY2027 change FY27 funding increase in AEC operational needs.
FY2026 plans — current year Funding will provide minimal support to AEC operational costs including contract support, software licenses, training and development, life cycle replacement of equipment.
FY2025 accomplishments Funding supports AEC operational support costs including contract support, software licenses, training and development, life cycle replacement of equipment and minor upgrades in secure information processing/storage facilities, equipment, and capabilities.