Which appropriation fund is included within the appropriation bill, covers expenses necessary for basic and applied scientific research, development, test and evaluation, and has a two-year life?

Which appropriation fund is included within the appropriation bill, covers expenses necessary for basic and applied scientific research, development, test and evaluation, and has a two-year life?

• A. Research, Development, Testing & Evaluation (RDT&E)
• B. Military Personnel Army (MPA)
• C. Appropriations Bill & Authorizations Bills
• D. Realignment

Answer: (A)

The concept being tested is the designated defense funding category for science and tech work. The fund described is intended to cover expenses for basic and applied scientific research, development, test, and evaluation of military systems, and it sits within the appropriation bill. It also uses a two-year funding life, meaning unobligated balances generally don’t carry indefinitely but must be used within two years or be reauthorized or reappropriated. This combination—funding for research through development to testing and evaluation, with a two-year life—is characteristic of the RDT&E account. The other options don’t fit this description: funds for Military Personnel cover personnel costs, not RDT&E activities; an Appropriations Bill & Authorizations Bills refer to the legislative process, not a specific fund; Realignment is about moving funds between accounts, not a dedicated fund for research, development, testing, and evaluation.

The concept being tested is the designated defense funding category for science and tech work. The fund described is intended to cover expenses for basic and applied scientific research, development, test, and evaluation of military systems, and it sits within the appropriation bill. It also uses a two-year funding life, meaning unobligated balances generally don’t carry indefinitely but must be used within two years or be reauthorized or reappropriated. This combination—funding for research through development to testing and evaluation, with a two-year life—is characteristic of the RDT&E account.

The other options don’t fit this description: funds for Military Personnel cover personnel costs, not RDT&E activities; an Appropriations Bill & Authorizations Bills refer to the legislative process, not a specific fund; Realignment is about moving funds between accounts, not a dedicated fund for research, development, testing, and evaluation.