SUBCHAPTER I—GENERAL AUTHORITIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

        

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2021—Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title X, §1081(a)(30), title XI, §1114(b), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3872, 3895, added items 1701b and 1702 and struck out former item 1702 "Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics: authorities and responsibilities".

2019—Pub. L. 116–92, div. A, title X, §1010(a)(2)(B), Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 1576, substituted "Department of Defense Acquisition Workforce Development Account" for "Department of Defense Acquisition Workforce Development Fund" in item 1705.

2013—Pub. L. 112–239, div. A, title VIII, §824(a)(2), Jan. 2, 2013, 126 Stat. 1833, added item 1706.

2011—Pub. L. 111–383, div. A, title VIII, §871(b), Jan. 7, 2011, 124 Stat. 4300, added item 1701a.

2008—Pub. L. 110–181, div. A, title VIII, §852(a)(2), Jan. 28, 2008, 122 Stat. 250, added item 1705.

2003—Pub. L. 108–136, div. A, title VIII, §836(1), Nov. 24, 2003, 117 Stat. 1551, struck out items 1703 "Director of Acquisition Education, Training, and Career Development", 1705 "Directors of Acquisition Career Management in the military departments", 1706 "Acquisition career program boards", and 1707 "Personnel in the Office of the Secretary of Defense and in the Defense Agencies".

2001—Pub. L. 107–107, div. A, title X, §1048(b)(3)(B), Dec. 28, 2001, 115 Stat. 1225, substituted "Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics: authorities and responsibilities" for "Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Technology: authorities and responsibilities" in item 1702.

1993—Pub. L. 103–160, div. A, title IX, §904(d)(2), Nov. 30, 1993, 107 Stat. 1728, inserted "and Technology" after "Acquisition" in item 1702.

¹ New section 1707 enacted by Pub. L. 116–283 without corresponding amendment of subchapter analysis.

§1701. Management policies

(a) Policies and Procedures.—The Secretary of Defense shall establish policies and procedures for the effective management (including accession, education, training, and career development) of persons serving in acquisition positions in the Department of Defense.

(b) Uniform Implementation.—The Secretary shall ensure that, to the maximum extent practicable, acquisition workforce policies and procedures established in accordance with this chapter are uniform in their implementation throughout the Department of Defense.

(Added Pub. L. 101–510, div. A, title XII, §1202(a), Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1638.)

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Pub. L. 101–510, div. A, title XII, §1211, Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1667, provided that: "Except as otherwise provided in this title [see Short Title note below], this title and the amendments made by this title, including chapter 87 of title 10, United States Code (as added by section 1202), shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 5, 1990]."

Short Title

Pub. L. 101–510, div. A, title XII, §1201, Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1638, provided that: "This title [enacting this chapter, sections 5379 and 5380 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees, and section 317 of Title 37, Pay and Allowances of the Uniformed Services, amending sections 101 and 2435 of this title and sections 4107, 4301, 5102, 5532, 5724, 5742, 5924, 5942, 8344, and 8468 of Title 5, repealing sections 1621 to 1624 of this title, enacting provisions set out as notes under this section and sections 1621 to 1623, 1705, 1721, 1722, 1724, 1733, 1734, 1746, 1761, 1762, and 2435 of this title, sections 3326, 5380, and 5532 of Title 5, and section 317 of Title 37, and repealing provisions set out as a note under section 2304 of this title] may be cited as the 'Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act'."

Regulations

Pub. L. 101–510, div. A, title XII, §1210(a), Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1667, provided that: "Unless otherwise provided in this title [see Short Title note above] and in subsection (b) [set out below], the Secretary of Defense shall promulgate regulations to implement this title and the amendments made by this title not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 5, 1990]."

Principal Technology Transition Advisor

Pub. L. 118–31, div. A, title VIII, §806, Dec. 22, 2023, 137 Stat. 317, provided that:

"(a) Designation.—Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 22, 2023], each service acquisition executive of a military department shall designate a Principal Technology Transition Advisor who shall advise each Secretary of a military department on the transition of technologies, including technologies from science and technology programs of the Department, private commercial entities, research institutions, and universities, to fulfill identified and potential warfighter requirements for the military department.

"(b) Advisor Status.—The Principal Technology Transition Advisor of a military department designated under subsection (a) shall be a member of the Senior Executive Service or a general officer and directly report to the service acquisition executive of such military department.

"(c) Responsibilities.—The Principal Technology Transition Advisor of a military department designated under subsection (a) shall do the following:

"(1) Identify technologies being researched, developed, tested, or evaluated by science and technology programs of the Department, including Defense research facilities (as defined in section 4125(b) of title 10, United States Code), that the military department may use to meet identified and potential warfighter requirements, including technologies for which the Department owns and maintains the intellectual property rights.

"(2) Consult with Department of Defense innovation programs to identify technologies from private commercial entities, research institutions, universities, and other entities that the military department may use to meet identified and potential warfighter requirements.

"(3) Make recommendations to the service acquisition executive of the military department regarding the acquisition of technologies identified under paragraphs (1) and (2) for acquisition decisions at the service acquisition executive level.

"(4) Inform program managers (as defined in section 1737 of title 10, United States Code) and other relevant acquisition officials of the military department of relevant technologies identified under paragraphs (1) and (2).

"(5) Develop policies and processes for promoting to small business concerns (as defined under section 3 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 632)) and nontraditional defense contractors (as defined in section 3014 of title 10, United States Code) opportunities to license intellectual property developed by the Department, including opportunities and methods for small business concerns and nontraditional defense contractors to engage with the Department regarding such licensing.

"(6) Develop and maintain metrics tracking the outcomes of projects and other activities of the military department for which the military department expended amounts designated as budget activity 3 (Advanced Technology Development), budget activity 4 (Advanced Component Development and Prototypes), and budget activity 5 (System Development and Demonstration), as those budget activity classifications are set forth in volume 2B, chapter 5 of the Department of Defense Financial Management Regulation (DOD 7000.14-R).

"(d) Congressional Report.—Not later than one year after the designation of the Principal Technology Transition Advisor of a military department under subsection (a), and annually thereafter, the Principal Technology Transition Advisor of such military department shall submit to Congress a report on the following for the one-year period preceding the submission of the report:

"(1) The activities of the Principal Technology Transition Advisor.

"(2) The outcomes of projects and other activities described in subsection (c)(6), including the metrics described in such subsection.

"(e) Definitions.—In this section—

"(1) the term 'Department' means the Department of Defense;

"(2) the term 'Department of Defense innovation programs' means the Defense Innovation Unit of the Department of Defense, AFWERX of the Air Force, and other programs sponsored by the Department of Defense, or any component thereof, with a focus on accelerating the adoption of emerging technologies for mission-relevant applications or innovation; and

"(3) the terms 'military department' and 'service acquisition executive' have the meanings given such terms in section 101(a) of title 10, United States Code."

Acquisition Workforce Incentives Relating to Training on, and Agreements With, Certain Start-Up Businesses

Pub. L. 117–263, div. A, title VIII, §834, Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 2713, provided that:

"(a) Training.—

"(1) Curricula.—Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 23, 2022], the Director of the Acquisition Innovation Research Center shall make recommendations on one or more curricula for members of the acquisition workforce on financing and operations of start-up businesses, which may include the development of new curricula, the modification of existing curricula, or the adoption of curricula from another agency, academia, or the private sector.

"(2) Elements.—Courses under curricula recommended under paragraph (1) shall be offered with varying course lengths and level of study.

"(3) Incentives.—The Secretary of Defense shall develop a program to offer incentives to a member of the acquisition workforce that completes a curriculum developed, modified, or adopted under paragraph (1).

"(4) Additional training materials.—In recommending curricula under paragraph (1), the Director of the Acquisition Innovation Research Center shall consider and incorporate appropriate training materials from university, college, trade-school, or private-sector curricula in business, law, or public policy.

"(b) Exchanges.—

"(1) In general.—The Secretary of Defense shall establish a pilot program under which the Secretary shall, in accordance with section 1599g of title 10, United States Code, arrange for the temporary assignment of—

"(A) one or more members of the acquisition workforce to a start-up business; or

"(B) an employee of a start-up business to an office of the Department of Defense.

"(2) Priority.—The Secretary shall prioritize for participation in the pilot program described under paragraph (1)(A) members of the acquisition workforce who have completed a curriculum required under paragraph (1) [probably means par. (1) of subsec. (a)].

"(3) Termination.—The Secretary may not carry out the pilot program authorized by this subsection after the date that is three years after the date of the enactment of this Act.

"(c) Conferences.—The Secretary of Defense shall identify existing conferences sponsored by the Department of Defense that might be expanded to include opportunities for sharing knowledge and best practices on software acquisition issues. Such opportunities shall maximize participation between members of the acquisition workforce, employees of start-up businesses, and investors in start-up businesses.

"(d) Pilot Program.—

"(1) Establishment.—Not later than 18 months after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 23, 2022], the Secretary of Defense shall establish a pilot program to test the feasibility of innovative approaches to negotiating and establishing intellectual property and data rights in agreements with start-up businesses for the procurement of software and software-embedded systems.

"(2) Authority.—To the maximum extent practicable, the Secretary shall—

"(A) ensure that a member of the acquisition workforce who has completed a curriculum required under subsection (a) is able to exercise authority to apply an approach described in paragraph (1); and

"(B) provide incentives to such member to exercise such authority.

"(3) Elements.—An approach described in paragraph (1) shall include the following:

"(A) Flexible and tailored requirements relating to the acquisition and licensing of intellectual property and data rights in the software and software-embedded systems to be acquired under the agreement.

"(B) An identification and definition of the technical interoperability standards required for such software and software-embedded systems.

"(C) Flexible mechanisms for access and delivery of code for such software, including documentation of the costs and benefits of each such mechanism.

"(4) Termination.—The Secretary may not carry out the pilot program authorized by this subsection after the date that is 5 years after the date of the enactment of this Act.

"(e) Definitions.—In this section:

"(1) The term 'Acquisition Innovation Research Center' means the acquisition research organization within a civilian college or university that is described under section 4142(a) of title 10, United States Code.

"(2) The term 'acquisition workforce' has the meaning given in section 101 of title 10, United States Code.

"(3) The term 'start-up business' means a small business that has been in existence for 5 years or less."

Continuation of Pay

Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title XI, §1114(c)(2), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3895, provided that: "The repeal in paragraph (1) [repealing section 1111 of Pub. L. 114–92, formerly set out as a note below] shall not be interpreted to prohibit the payment of basic pay at rates fixed under such section 1111 before the date of the enactment of this Act [Jan. 1, 2021] for positions having terms that continue after that date."

Exchange Program for Acquisition Workforce Employees

Pub. L. 115–232, div. A, title VIII, §884, Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 1915, provided that:

"(a) Program Authorized.—The Secretary of Defense shall establish an exchange program under which the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment shall arrange for the temporary assignment of civilian personnel in the Department of Defense acquisition workforce.

"(b) Purposes.—The purposes of the exchange program established pursuant to subsection (a) are—

"(1) to familiarize personnel from the acquisition workforce with the equities, priorities, processes, culture, and workforce of the acquisition-related defense agencies;

"(2) to enable participants in the exchange program to return the expertise gained through their exchanges to their original organizations; and

"(3) to improve communication between and integration of the organizations that support the policy, implementation, and oversight of defense acquisition through lasting relationships.

"(c) Participants.—

"(1) Number of participants.—The Under Secretary shall select not less than 10 and no more than 20 participants per year for participation in the exchange program established under subsection (a).

"(2) Criteria for selection.—The Under Secretary shall select participants for the exchange program established under subsection (a) from among mid-career employees and based on—

"(A) the qualifications and desire to participate in the program of the employee; and

"(B) the technical needs and capacities of the acquisition workforce, as applicable.

"(d) Terms.—Exchanges pursuant to the exchange program established under subsection (a) shall be for terms of one to two years, as determined and negotiated by the Under Secretary. The terms may begin and end on a rolling basis.

"(e) Guidance and Implementation.—

"(1) Guidance.—Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Aug. 13, 2018], the Under Secretary shall develop and submit to the congressional defense committees [Committees on Armed Services and Appropriations of the Senate and the House of Representatives] interim guidance on the form and contours of the exchange program established under subsection (a).

"(2) Implementation.—Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Under Secretary shall implement the guidance developed under paragraph (1)."

Pilot Program on Temporary Exchange of Financial Management and Acquisition Personnel

Pub. L. 114–92, div. A, title XI, §1110, Nov. 25, 2015, 129 Stat. 1030, as amended by Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title XVIII, §1806(e)(3)(A), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 4156; Pub. L. 117–286, §4(c)(19), Dec. 27, 2022, 136 Stat. 4356, provided that:

"(a) In General.—The Secretary of Defense may carry out a pilot program to assess the feasibility and advisability of the temporary assignment of covered employees of the Department of Defense to nontraditional defense contractors and of covered employees of such contractors to the Department.

"(b) Covered Employees; Nontraditional Defense Contractors.—

"(1) Covered employees.—An employee of the Department of Defense or a nontraditional Defense contractor is a covered employee for purposes of this section if the employee—

"(A) works in the field of financial management or in the acquisition field;

"(B) is considered by the Secretary of Defense to be an exceptional employee; and

"(C) is compensated at not less than the GS–11 level (or the equivalent).

"(2) Nontraditional defense contractors.—For purposes of this section, the term 'nontraditional defense contractor' has the meaning given that term in section 3014 of title 10, United States Code.

"(c) Agreements.—

"(1) In general.—The Secretary of Defense shall provide for a written agreement among the Department of Defense, the nontraditional defense contractor concerned, and the employee concerned regarding the terms and conditions of the employee's assignment under this section.

"(2) Elements.—An agreement under this subsection—

"(A) shall require, in the case of an employee of the Department, that upon completion of the assignment, the employee will serve in the civil service for a period at least equal to three times the length of the assignment, unless the employee is sooner involuntarily separated from the service of the employee's agency; and

"(B) shall provide that if the employee of the Department or of the contractor (as the case may be) fails to carry out the agreement, or if the employee is voluntarily separated from the service of the employee's agency before the end of the period stated in the agreement, the employee shall be liable to the United States for payment of all expenses of the assignment unless that failure or voluntary separation was for good and sufficient reason, as determined by the Secretary.

"(3) Debt to the united states.—An amount for which an employee is liable under paragraph (2)(B) shall be treated as a debt due the United States. The Secretary may waive, in whole or in part, collection of such a debt based on a determination that the collection would be against equity and good conscience and not in the best interests of the United States.

"(d) Termination.—An assignment under this section may, at any time and for any reason, be terminated by the Department of Defense or the nontraditional defense contractor concerned.

"(e) Duration.—An assignment under this section shall be for a period of not less than three months and not more than one year.

"(f) Status of Federal Employees Assigned to Contractors.—An employee of the Department of Defense who is assigned to a nontraditional defense contractor under this section shall be considered, during the period of assignment, to be on detail to a regular work assignment in the Department for all purposes. The written agreement established under subsection (c) shall address the specific terms and conditions related to the employee's continued status as a Federal employee.

"(g) Terms and Conditions for Private Sector Employees.—An employee of a nontraditional defense contractor who is assigned to a Department of Defense organization under this section—

"(1) shall continue to receive pay and benefits from the contractor from which such employee is assigned;

"(2) shall be deemed to be an employee of the Department of Defense for the purposes of—

"(A) chapter 73 of title 5, United States Code;

"(B) sections 201, 203, 205, 207, 208, 209, 603, 606, 607, 643, 654, 1905, and 1913 of title 18, United States Code, and any other conflict of interest statute;

"(C) sections 1343, 1344, and 1349(b) of title 31, United States Code;

"(D) chapter 171 and section 1346(b) of title 28, United States Code (popularly known as the Federal Tort Claims Act), and any other Federal tort liability statute;

"(E) chapter 131 of title 5, United States Code;

"(F) chapter 21 of title 41, United States Code; and

"(G) subchapter I of chapter 81 of title 5, United States Code, relating to compensation for work-related injuries; and

"(3) may not have access, while the employee is assigned to a Department organization, to any trade secrets or to any other nonpublic information which is of commercial value to the contractor from which such employee is assigned.

"(h) Prohibition Against Charging Certain Costs to Federal Government.—A nontraditional defense contractor may not charge the Department of Defense or any other agency of the Federal Government, as direct or indirect costs under a Federal contract, the costs of pay or benefits paid by the contractor to an employee assigned to a Department organization under this section for the period of the assignment.

"(i) Consideration.—In providing for assignments of employees under this section, the Secretary of Defense shall take into consideration the question of how assignments might best be used to help meet the needs of the Department of Defense with respect to the training of employees in financial management or in acquisition.

"(j) Numerical Limitations.—

"(1) Department employees.—The number of employees of the Department of Defense who may be assigned to nontraditional defense contractors under this section at any given time may not exceed the following:

"(A) Five employees in the field of financial management.

"(B) Five employees in the acquisition field.

"(2) Nontraditional defense contractor employees.—The total number of nontraditional defense contractor employees who may be assigned to the Department under this section at any given time may not exceed 10 such employees.

"(k) Termination of Authority for Assignments.—No assignment of an employee may commence under this section after September 30, 2019."

Pilot Program on Enhanced Pay Authority for Certain Acquisition and Technology Positions in the Department of Defense

Pub. L. 114–92, div. A, title XI, §1111, Nov. 25, 2015, 129 Stat. 1032, as amended by Pub. L. 116–92, div. A, title IX, §902(9), Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 1543, which authorized a pilot program on enhanced pay authority for certain acquisition and technology positions in the Department of Defense, was repealed by Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title XI, §1114(c)(1), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3895. See Continuation of Pay note above and section 1701b of this title.

Pilot Program on Direct Hire Authority for Veteran Technical Experts Into the Defense Acquisition Workforce

Pub. L. 114–92, div. A, title XI, §1112, Nov. 25, 2015, 129 Stat. 1033, provided that:

"(a) Pilot Program.—The Secretary of Defense may carry out a pilot program to assess the feasibility and advisability of appointing qualified veteran candidates to positions described in subsection (b) in the defense acquisition workforce of the military departments without regard to the provisions of subchapter I of chapter 33 of title 5, United States Code. The Secretary shall carry out the pilot program in each military department through the service acquisition executive of such military department.

"(b) Positions.—The positions described in this subsection are scientific, technical, engineering, and mathematics positions, including technicians, within the defense acquisition workforce.

"(c) Limitation.—Authority under subsection (a) may not, in any calendar year and with respect to any military department, be exercised with respect to a number of candidates greater than the number equal to 1 percent of the total number of positions in the acquisition workforce of that military department that are filled as of the close of the fiscal year last ending before the start of such calendar year.

"(d) Definitions.—In this section:

"(1) The term 'employee' has the meaning given that term in section 2105 of title 5, United States Code.

"(2) The term 'veteran' has the meaning given that term in section 101 of title 38, United States Code.

"(e) Termination.—

"(1) In general.—The authority to appoint candidates to positions under the pilot program shall expire on the date that is five years after the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 25, 2015].

"(2) Effect on existing appointments.—The termination by paragraph (1) of the authority in subsection (a) shall not affect any appointment made under that authority before the termination date specified in paragraph (1) in accordance with the terms of such appointment."

Direct Hire Authority for Technical Experts Into the Defense Acquisition Workforce

Pub. L. 114–92, div. A, title XI, §1113, Nov. 25, 2015, 129 Stat. 1033, provided that:

"(a) Authority.—Each Secretary of a military department may appoint qualified candidates possessing a scientific or engineering degree to positions described in subsection (b) for that military department without regard to the provisions of subchapter I of chapter 33 of title 5, United States Code.

"(b) Applicability.—Positions described in this subsection are scientific and engineering positions within the defense acquisition workforce.

"(c) Limitation.—Authority under this section may not, in any calendar year and with respect to any military department, be exercised with respect to a number of candidates greater than the number equal to 5 percent of the total number of scientific and engineering positions within the acquisition workforce of that military department that are filled as of the close of the fiscal year last ending before the start of such calendar year.

"(d) Nature of Appointment.—Any appointment under this section shall be treated as an appointment on a full-time equivalent basis, unless such appointment is made on a term or temporary basis.

"(e) Employee Defined.—In this section, the term 'employee' has the meaning given that term in section 2105 of title 5, United States Code.

"(f) Termination.—The authority to make appointments under this section shall not be available after December 31, 2020."

Coordination of Human Systems Integration Activities Related to Acquisition Programs

Pub. L. 110–181, div. A, title II, §231, Jan. 28, 2008, 122 Stat. 45, as amended by Pub. L. 115–232, div. A, title VIII, §811(f), Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 1845; Pub. L. 116–92, div. A, title IX, §902(10), Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 1543, provided that: "The Secretary of Defense, acting through the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, shall coordinate and manage human systems integration activities throughout the acquisition programs of the Department of Defense."

Requirements for Senior Department of Defense Officials Seeking Employment With Defense Contractors

Pub. L. 110–181, div. A, title VIII, §847, Jan. 28, 2008, 122 Stat. 243, as amended by Pub. L. 113–291, div. A, title VIII, §855, title X, §1071(b)(2)(C), Dec. 19, 2014, 128 Stat. 3460, 3506; Pub. L. 117–263, div. A, title VIII, §821, Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 2709, provided that:

"(a) Requirement to Seek and Obtain Written Opinion.—

"(1) Request.—An official or former official of the Department of Defense described in subsection (c) who, within two years after leaving service in the Department of Defense, expects to receive compensation from a Department of Defense contractor, shall, prior to accepting such compensation, request a written opinion regarding the applicability of post-employment restrictions to activities that the official or former official may undertake on behalf of a contractor.

"(2) Submission of request.—A request for a written opinion under paragraph (1) shall be submitted in writing to an ethics official of the Department of Defense having responsibility for the organization in which the official or former official serves or served and shall set forth all information relevant to the request, including information relating to government positions held and major duties in those positions, actions taken concerning future employment, positions sought, and future job descriptions, if applicable.

"(3) Written opinion.—Not later than 30 days after receiving a request by an official or former official of the Department of Defense described in subsection (c), the appropriate ethics counselor shall provide such official or former official a written opinion regarding the applicability or inapplicability of post-employment restrictions to activities that the official or former official may undertake on behalf of a contractor.

"(4) Contractor requirement.—A Department of Defense contractor may not knowingly provide compensation to a former Department of Defense official described in subsection (c) within two years after such former official leaves service in the Department of Defense, without first determining that the former official has sought and received (or has not received after 30 days of seeking) a written opinion from the appropriate ethics counselor regarding the applicability of post-employment restrictions to the activities that the former official is expected to undertake on behalf of the contractor.

"(5) Administrative actions.—In the event that an official or former official of the Department of Defense described in subsection (c), or a Department of Defense contractor, knowingly fails to comply with the requirements of this subsection, the Secretary of Defense may take any of the administrative actions set forth in section 2105 of title 41, United States Code[,] that the Secretary of Defense determines to be appropriate.

"(b) Recordkeeping Requirement.—Each request for a written opinion made pursuant to this section, and each written opinion provided pursuant to such a request, shall be retained by the Department of Defense in a central database or repository maintained by the General Counsel of the Department for not less than five years beginning on the date on which the written opinion was provided.

"(c) Covered Department of Defense Officials.—An official or former official of the Department of Defense is covered by the requirements of this section if such official or former official—

"(1) participated personally and substantially in an acquisition as defined in section 131 of title 41, United States Code[,] with a value in excess of $10,000,000 and serves or served—

"(A) in an Executive Schedule position under subchapter II of chapter 53 of title 5, United States Code;

"(B) in a position in the Senior Executive Service under subchapter VIII of chapter 53 of title 5, United States Code; or

"(C) in a general or flag officer position compensated at a rate of pay for grade O–7 or above under section 201 of title 37, United States Code; or

"(2) serves or served as a program manager, deputy program manager, procuring contracting officer, administrative contracting officer, source selection authority, member of the source selection evaluation board, or chief of a financial or technical evaluation team for a contract in an amount in excess of $10,000,000.

"(d) Definition.—In this section, the term 'post-employment restrictions' includes—

"(1) chapter 21 of title 41, United States Code;

"(2) section 207 of title 18, United States Code; and

"(3) any other statute or regulation restricting the employment or activities of individuals who leave government service in the Department of Defense."

Government Performance of Critical Acquisition Functions

Pub. L. 109–364, div. A, title VIII, §820, Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2330, as amended by Pub. L. 111–84, div. A, title VIII, §805(c), Oct. 28, 2009, 123 Stat. 2403; Pub. L. 112–81, div. A, title VIII, §835(a), Dec. 31, 2011, 125 Stat. 1507, which related to government performance of critical acquisition functions, was repealed by Pub. L. 112–239, div. A, title VIII, §824(b), Jan. 2, 2013, 126 Stat. 1833.

Demonstration Project Relating to Certain Personnel Management Policies and Procedures

Pub. L. 104–106, div. D, title XLIII, §4308, Feb. 10, 1996, 110 Stat. 669, as amended by Pub. L. 105–85, div. A, title VIII, §845, Nov. 18, 1997, 111 Stat. 1845; Pub. L. 107–314, div. A, title VIII, §813(b), Dec. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 2609; Pub. L. 108–136, div. A, title XI, §1112, Nov. 24, 2003, 117 Stat. 1634, which encouraged the Secretary of Defense to commence a demonstration project relating to improving the personnel management policies or procedures that apply to the acquisition workforce of the Department of Defense and supporting personnel, was repealed and restated as section 1762 of this title by Pub. L. 111–383, div. A, title VIII, §872(a)(1), (b), Jan. 7, 2011, 124 Stat. 4300, 4302.

Evaluation by Comptroller General

Pub. L. 101–510, div. A, title XII, §1208, Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1665, as amended by Pub. L. 102–25, title VII, §704(b)(2), Apr. 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 119; Pub. L. 102–484, div. A, title VIII, §812(g), Oct. 23, 1992, 106 Stat. 2452; Pub. L. 104–106, div. A, title XV, §1502(c)(4)(A), Feb. 10, 1996, 110 Stat. 507, provided for evaluation by Comptroller General of actions taken by Secretary of Defense to carry out requirements of Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act and submission of annual reports to Congress, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 104–66, title I, §1031(b)(1), Dec. 21, 1995, 109 Stat. 714.

Deadlines for Qualification Requirements

Pub. L. 101–510, div. A, title XII, §1210(b), Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1667, provided that: "Not later than October 1, 1992, the Secretary of Defense shall prescribe regulations to implement sections 1723, 1724, and 1732 of title 10, United States Code (as added by section 1202)."

§1701a. Management for acquisition workforce excellence

(a) Purpose.—The purpose of this chapter is to require the Department of Defense to develop and manage a highly skilled professional acquisition workforce—

(1) in which excellence and contribution to mission is rewarded;

(2) which has the technical expertise and business skills to ensure the Department receives the best value for the expenditure of public resources;

(3) which serves as a model for performance management of employees of the Department; and

(4) which is managed in a manner that complements and reinforces the management of the defense acquisition system pursuant to chapter 205 of this title.

(b) Performance Management.—In order to achieve the purpose set forth in subsection (a), the Secretary of Defense shall—

(1) use the full authorities provided in subsections (a) through (d) of section 9902 of title 5, including flexibilities related to performance management and hiring and to training of managers;

(2) require managers to develop performance plans for individual members of the acquisition workforce in order to give members an understanding of how their performance contributes to their organization's mission and the success of the defense acquisition system (as defined in section 3001 of this title);

(3) to the extent appropriate, use the lessons learned from the acquisition demonstration project carried out under section 1762 of this title related to contribution-based compensation and appraisal, and how those lessons may be applied within the General Schedule system;

(4) develop and implement a career path, as described in section 1722(a) of this title, for each career field designated by the Secretary under section 1721(a) of this title as an acquisition workforce career field;

(5) direct continuing education and training;

(6) authorize a member of the acquisition workforce to participate in professional associations, consistent with the performance plan of such a member in order to provide the member with the opportunity to gain leadership and management skills;

(7) develop appropriate procedures for warnings and consequences during performance evaluations for members of the acquisition workforce who consistently fail to meet performance standards;

(8) take full advantage of the Defense Civilian Leadership Program established under section 1112 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010 (Public Law 111–84; 123 Stat. 2496; 10 U.S.C. 1580 note prec.);

(9) use the authorities for highly qualified experts under section 9903 of title 5, to hire experts who are skilled acquisition professionals to—

(A) serve in leadership positions within the acquisition workforce to strengthen management and oversight;

(B) provide mentors to advise individuals within the acquisition workforce on their career paths and opportunities to advance and excel within the acquisition workforce; and

(C) assist with the design of education and training courses and the training of individuals in the acquisition workforce;

(10) use the authorities for expedited security clearance processing pursuant to section 1564 of this title; and

(11) ensure the participation in the public-private talent exchange program established under section 1599g of this title of up to 250 members of the acquisition workforce in each fiscal year.

(c) Professional Certification.—(1) The Secretary of Defense shall implement a certification program to provide for a professional certification requirement for all members of the acquisition workforce. Except as provided in paragraph (2), the certification requirement for any acquisition workforce career field shall be based on standards developed by a third-party accredited program based on nationally or internationally recognized standards.

(2) If the Secretary determines that, for a particular acquisition workforce career field, a third-party accredited program based on nationally or internationally recognized standards does not exist, the Secretary shall establish the certification requirement for that career field that conforms with the practices of national or international accrediting organizations. The Secretary shall determine the best approach for meeting the certification requirement for any such career field, including by implementing such certification requirement through entities outside the Department of Defense, and may design and implement such certification requirement without regard to section 1746 of this title.

(d) Negotiations.—Any action taken by the Secretary under this section, or to implement this section, shall be subject to the requirements of chapter 71 of title 5.

(e) Regulations.—Any rules or regulations prescribed pursuant to this section shall be deemed an agency rule or regulation under section 7117(a)(2) of title 5, and shall not be deemed a Government-wide rule or regulation under section 7117(a)(1) of such title.

(Added Pub. L. 111–383, div. A, title VIII, §871(a), Jan. 7, 2011, 124 Stat. 4299; amended Pub. L. 116–92, div. A, title VIII, §861(a)(1)–(3), (e)(1), Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 1515, 1517; Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title X, §1081(a)(31), title XVIII, §§1808(d)(2), 1883(b)(2), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3872, 4160, 4294; Pub. L. 117–263, div. A, title VIII, §831(a), Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 2711.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2022—Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 117–263, §831(a)(2), substituted "as defined in section 3001 of this title" for "as defined in section 2545 of this title".

Subsec. (b)(11). Pub. L. 117–263, §831(a)(1), added par. (11).

2021—Subsec. (a)(4). Pub. L. 116–283, §1808(d)(2), substituted "chapter 205" for "chapter 149".

Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 116–283, §1883(b)(2), which directed that each reference in the text of title 10 to a section that was redesignated by title XVIII of Pub. L. 116–283, as such section was in effect before the redesignation, be amended by striking such reference and inserting a reference to the appropriate redesignated section, was not executed with respect to "section 2545", which was redesignated as multiple sections.

Subsec. (b)(6). Pub. L. 116–283, §1081(a)(31)(A), substituted a semicolon for the period at end.

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 116–283, §1081(a)(31)(B), struck out par. (1) heading "In General" and par. (2) heading "Requirements for Secretary".

2019—Subsec. (b)(4). Pub. L. 116–92, §861(e)(1), amended par. (4) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (4) read as follows: "develop attractive career paths;".

Subsec. (b)(5). Pub. L. 116–92, §861(a)(2)(A), substituted "direct" for "encourage".

Subsec. (b)(6). Pub. L. 116–92, §861(a)(3)(B), added par. (6). Former par. (6) redesignated (7).

Pub. L. 116–92, §861(a)(2)(B), inserted "and consequences" after "warnings".

Subsec. (b)(7) to (10). Pub. L. 116–92, §861(a)(3)(A), redesignated pars. (6) to (9) as (7) to (10), respectively.

Subsecs. (c) to (e). Pub. L. 116–92, §861(a)(1), added subsec. (c) and redesignated former subsecs. (c) and (d) as (d) and (e), respectively.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2021 Amendment

Amendment by sections 1808(d)(2) and 1883(b)(2) of Pub. L. 116–283 effective Jan. 1, 2022, with additional provisions for delayed implementation and applicability of existing law, see section 1801(d) of Pub. L. 116–283, set out as a note preceding section 3001 of this title.

Deadline for Implementation of Procedures To Institute Certification Program

Pub. L. 116–92, div. A, title VIII, §861(a)(5), Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 1516, provided that: "The Secretary of Defense shall implement procedures to institute the program required by subsection (c) of section 1701a of title 10, United States Code, as added by paragraph (1), not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 20, 2019]."

Deadline for Implementation of Career Paths

Pub. L. 116–92, div. A, title VIII, §861(e)(3), Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 1517, provided that: "Not later than the end of the two-year period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 20, 2019], the Secretary of Defense shall carry out the requirements of paragraph (4) of section 1701a(b) of title 10, United States Code (as amended by paragraph (1))."

Flexibility in Contracting Award Program

Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title VIII, §834, Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2285, which established an award to recognize acquisition programs and professionals making the best use of flexibilities and authorities granted by Federal Acquisition Regulation and Department of Defense Instruction 5000.02, was repealed by Pub. L. 117–263, div. A, title VIII, §801(c), Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 2693. See section 1743 of this title.

Awards for Department of Defense Personnel for Excellence in the Acquisition of Products and Services

Pub. L. 111–23, title III, §301, May 22, 2009, 123 Stat. 1730, provided that:

"(a) In General.—Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [May 22, 2009], the Secretary of Defense shall commence carrying out a program to recognize excellent performance by individuals and teams of members of the Armed Forces and civilian personnel of the Department of Defense in the acquisition of products and services for the Department of Defense.

"(b) Elements.—The program required by subsection (a) shall include the following:

"(1) Procedures for the nomination by the personnel of the military departments and the Defense Agencies of individuals and teams of members of the Armed Forces and civilian personnel of the Department of Defense for eligibility for recognition under the program.

"(2) Procedures for the evaluation of nominations for recognition under the program by one or more panels of individuals from the Government, academia, and the private sector who have such expertise, and are appointed in such manner, as the Secretary shall establish for purposes of the program.

"(c) Award of Cash Bonuses.—As part of the program required by subsection (a), the Secretary may award to any individual recognized pursuant to the program a cash bonus authorized by any other provision of law to the extent that the performance of such individual so recognized warrants the award of such bonus under such provision of law."

§1701b. Enhanced pay authority for certain acquisition and technology positions

(a) In General.—The Secretary of Defense may carry out a program using the pay authority specified in subsection (d) to fix the rate of basic pay for positions described in subsection (c) in order to assist the Office of the Secretary of Defense and the military departments in attracting and retaining high-quality acquisition and technology experts in positions responsible for managing and developing complex, high-cost, technological acquisition efforts of the Department of Defense.

(b) Approval Required.—The program may be carried out only with approval as follows:

(1) Approval of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, in the case of positions in the Office of the Secretary of Defense.

(2) Approval of the service acquisition executive of the military department concerned, in the case of positions in a military department.

(c) Positions.—The positions described in this subsection are positions that—

(1) require expertise of an extremely high level in a scientific, technical, professional, or acquisition management field; and

(2) are critical to the successful accomplishment of an important acquisition or technology development mission.

(d) Rate of Basic Pay.—The pay authority specified in this subsection is authority as follows:

(1) Authority to fix the rate of basic pay for a position at a rate not to exceed 150 percent of the rate of basic pay payable for level I of the Executive Schedule, upon the approval of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment or the service acquisition executive concerned, as applicable.

(2) Authority to fix the rate of basic pay for a position at a rate in excess of 150 percent of the rate of basic pay payable for level I of the Executive Schedule, upon the approval of the Secretary of Defense.

(e) Limitations.—

(1) In general.—The authority in subsection (a) may be used only to the extent necessary to competitively recruit or retain individuals exceptionally well qualified for positions described in subsection (c).

(2) Number of positions.—The authority in subsection (a) may not be used at any one time with respect to—

(A) more than five positions, in total, in Department of Defense Field Activities and Defense Agencies;

(B) more than five positions in the Office of the Secretary of Defense; and

(C) more than five positions in each military department.

(3) Term of positions.—The authority in subsection (a) may be used only for positions having terms less than five years.

(Added Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title XI, §1114(a), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3894; amended Pub. L. 117–263, div. A, title VIII, §831(b), Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 2711.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Level I of the Executive Schedule, referred to in subsec. (d), is set out in section 5312 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

Amendments

2022—Subsec. (e)(2). Pub. L. 117–263 amended par. (2) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "The authority in subsection (a) may not be used with respect to more than five positions in the Office of the Secretary of Defense and more than five positions in each military department at any one time."

§1702. Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment: authorities and responsibilities

Subject to the authority, direction, and control of the Secretary of Defense, the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment shall carry out all powers, functions, and duties of the Secretary of Defense with respect to the acquisition workforce in the Department of Defense. The Under Secretary shall ensure that the policies of the Secretary of Defense established in accordance with this chapter are implemented throughout the Department of Defense. The Under Secretary shall prescribe policies and requirements for the educational programs of the defense acquisition university structure established under section 1746 of this title.

(Added Pub. L. 101–510, div. A, title XII, §1202(a), Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1638; amended Pub. L. 103–160, div. A, title IX, §904(d)(1), Nov. 30, 1993, 107 Stat. 1728; Pub. L. 105–261, div. A, title VIII, §815, Oct. 17, 1998, 112 Stat. 2088; Pub. L. 107–107, div. A, title X, §1048(b)(2), (3)(A), Dec. 28, 2001, 115 Stat. 1225; Pub. L. 116–92, div. A, title IX, §902(11), Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 1544.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2019—Pub. L. 116–92 substituted "Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment" for "Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics" in section catchline and in text.

2001—Pub. L. 107–107 substituted "Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics" for "Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Technology" in section catchline and in text.

1998—Pub. L. 105–261 inserted at end "The Under Secretary shall prescribe policies and requirements for the educational programs of the defense acquisition university structure established under section 1746 of this title."

1993—Pub. L. 103–160 substituted "Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Technology" for "Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition" in section catchline and in text.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Quick-Reaction Special Projects Acquisition Team

Pub. L. 107–314, div. A, title VIII, §807, Dec. 2, 2002, 116 Stat. 2608, as amended by Pub. L. 116–92, div. A, title IX, §902(12), Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 1544, provided that:

"(a) Establishment.—The Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment shall establish a team of highly qualified acquisition professionals who shall be available to advise the Under Secretary on actions that can be taken to expedite the acquisition of urgently needed systems.

"(b) Duties.—The issues on which the team may provide advice shall include the following:

"(1) Industrial base issues, including the limited availability of suppliers.

"(2) Technology development and technology transition issues.

"(3) Issues of acquisition policy, including the length of the acquisition cycle.

"(4) Issues of testing policy and ensuring that weapon systems perform properly in combat situations.

"(5) Issues of procurement policy, including the impact of socio-economic requirements.

"(6) Issues relating to compliance with environmental requirements."

[§1703. Repealed. Pub. L. 108–136, div. A, title VIII, §831(a), Nov. 24, 2003, 117 Stat. 1549]

Section, added Pub. L. 101–510, div. A, title XII, §1202(a), Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1639; amended Pub. L. 103–160, div. A, title IX, §904(d)(1), Nov. 30, 1993, 107 Stat. 1728; Pub. L. 107–107, div. A, title X, §1048(b)(2), Dec. 28, 2001, 115 Stat. 1225, related to Director of Acquisition Education, Training, and Career Development.

§1704. Service acquisition executives: authorities and responsibilities

Subject to the authority, direction, and control of the Secretary of the military department concerned, the service acquisition executive for each military department shall carry out all powers, functions, and duties of the Secretary concerned with respect to the acquisition workforce within the military department concerned and shall ensure that the policies of the Secretary of Defense established in accordance with this chapter are implemented in that department.

(Added Pub. L. 101–510, div. A, title XII, §1202(a), Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1639.)

§1705. Department of Defense Acquisition Workforce Development Account

(a) Establishment.—The Secretary of Defense shall establish an account to be known as the "Department of Defense Acquisition Workforce Development Account" (in this section referred to as the "Account") to provide funds, in addition to other funds that may be available, for the recruitment, training, and retention of acquisition personnel of the Department of Defense.

(b) Purpose.—The purpose of the Account is to ensure that the Department of Defense acquisition workforce has the capacity, in both personnel and skills, needed to properly perform its mission, provide appropriate oversight of contractor performance, and ensure that the Department receives the best value for the expenditure of public resources.

(c) Management.—The Account shall be managed by a senior official of the Department of Defense designated by the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment for that purpose, from among persons with an extensive background in management relating to acquisition and personnel.

(d) Elements.—The Account shall consist of amounts appropriated to the Account by law.

(e) Availability of Funds.—

(1) In general.—(A) Subject to the provisions of this subsection, amounts in the Account shall be available to the Secretary of Defense for expenditure, or for transfer to a military department or Defense Agency, for the recruitment, training, and retention of acquisition personnel of the Department of Defense for the purpose of the Account, including for the provision of training and retention incentives to the acquisition workforce of the Department and to develop acquisition tools and methodologies, and undertake research and development activities, leading to acquisition policies and practices that will improve the efficiency and effectiveness of defense acquisition efforts. In the case of temporary members of the acquisition workforce designated pursuant to subsection (g)(2), such funds shall be available only for the limited purpose of providing training in the performance of acquisition-related functions and duties.

(B) Amounts in the Account also may be used to pay salaries of personnel at the Office of the Secretary of Defense, military departments, and Defense Agencies to manage the Account.

(C) Amounts in the Account may be used to pay the expenses of the public-private talent exchange program established under section 1599g of this title.

(2) Prohibition.—Amounts in the Account may not be obligated for any purpose other than purposes described in paragraph (1) or otherwise in accordance with this subsection.

(3) Guidance.—The Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, acting through the senior official designated to manage the Account, shall issue guidance for the administration of the Account. Such guidance shall include provisions—

(A) identifying areas of need in the acquisition workforce for which amounts in the Account may be used, including—

(i) changes to the types of skills needed in the acquisition workforce;

(ii) incentives to retain in the acquisition workforce qualified, experienced acquisition workforce personnel; and

(iii) incentives for attracting new, high-quality personnel to the acquisition workforce;

(B) describing the manner and timing for applications for amounts in the Account to be submitted;

(C) describing the evaluation criteria to be used for approving or prioritizing applications for amounts in the Account in any fiscal year;

(D) describing measurable objectives of performance for determining whether amounts in the Account are being used in compliance with this section; and

(E) describing the amount from the Account that may be used to pay salaries of personnel at the Office of the Secretary of Defense, military departments, and Defense Agencies to manage the Account and the circumstances under which such amounts may be used for such purpose.

(4) Limitation on payments to or for contractors.—Amounts in the Account shall not be available for payments to contractors or contractor employees, other than for the purposes of—

(A) providing advanced training to Department of Defense employees;

(B) developing acquisition tools and methodologies and performing research on acquisition policies and best practices that will improve the efficiency and effectiveness of defense acquisition efforts; and

(C) supporting human capital and talent management of the acquisition workforce, including benchmarking studies, assessments, and requirements planning.

(5) Prohibition on payment of base salary of current employees.—Amounts in the Account may not be used to pay the base salary of any person who was an employee of the Department serving in a position in the acquisition workforce as of January 28, 2008, and who has continued in the employment of the Department since such time without a break in such employment of more than a year.

(6) Duration of availability.—Amounts appropriated to the Account pursuant to subsection (d) shall remain available for expenditure for the fiscal year in which appropriated and the succeeding fiscal year.

(f) Expedited Hiring Authority.—For purposes of sections 3304, 5333, and 5753 of title 5, the Secretary of Defense may—

(1) designate any category of positions in the acquisition workforce as positions for which there exists a shortage of candidates or there is a critical hiring need; and

(2) utilize the authorities in such sections to recruit and appoint qualified persons directly to positions so designated.

(g) Acquisition Workforce Defined.—In this section, the term "acquisition workforce" means the following:

(1) Personnel in positions designated under section 1721 of this title as acquisition positions for purposes of this chapter.

(2) Other military personnel or civilian employees of the Department of Defense who—

(A)(i) contribute significantly to the acquisition process by virtue of their assigned duties; or

(ii) contribute significantly to the acquisition or development of systems relating to cybersecurity; and

(B) are designated as temporary members of the acquisition workforce by the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, or by the senior acquisition executive of a military department, for the limited purpose of receiving training for the performance of acquisition-related functions and duties.

(Added Pub. L. 110–181, div. A, title VIII, §852(a)(1), Jan. 28, 2008, 122 Stat. 248; amended Pub. L. 110–417, [div. A], title VIII, §833, Oct. 14, 2008, 122 Stat. 4535; Pub. L. 111–84, div. A, title VIII, §§831, 832(a)–(g), Oct. 28, 2009, 123 Stat. 2414, 2415; Pub. L. 112–81, div. A, title VIII, §804(a), Dec. 31, 2011, 125 Stat. 1486; Pub. L. 112–239, div. A, title VIII, §803(a), (b), Jan. 2, 2013, 126 Stat. 1825; Pub. L. 114–92, div. A, title VIII, §841(a), Nov. 25, 2015, 129 Stat. 913; Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title VIII, §863(a), (b), title X, §1081(a)(5), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2302, 2303, 2417; Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title VIII, §§842, 843(a)(1), title X, §1051(a)(7), title XVI, §1636, Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1479, 1480, 1560, 1741; Pub. L. 116–92, div. A, title VIII, §863(b), title IX, §902(13), title X, §1010(a)(1), (2)(A), (b)–(d), Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 1522, 1544, 1576; Pub. L. 117–81, div. A, title X, §1081(a)(22), Dec. 27, 2021, 135 Stat. 1920.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 1705, added Pub. L. 101–510, div. A, title XII, §1202(a), Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1639, related to Directors of Acquisition Career Management in the military departments, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 108–136, div. A, title VIII, §831(a), Nov. 24, 2003, 117 Stat. 1549.

Amendments

2021—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 117–81 substituted "an account" for "a fund".

2019—Pub. L. 116–92, §1010(a)(2)(A), substituted "Department of Defense Acquisition Workforce Development Account" for "Department of Defense Acquisition Workforce Development Fund" in section catchline.

Pub. L. 116–92, §1010(a)(1)(B), substituted "Account" for "Fund" wherever appearing except in subsec. (e)(6) prior to its subsequent amendment.

Pub. L. 116–92, §1010(b), substituted "Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment" for "Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics" wherever appearing.

Pub. L. 116–92, §902(13)(A)–(C), which directed amendment of subsecs. (c), (e)(3), and (g)(2)(B), respectively, by substituting "Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment" for "Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics", effective Dec. 20, 2019, could not be executed because of the identical amendment made by Pub. L. 116–92, §1010(b), effective Oct. 1, 2019. See Amendment note above and Effective Date of 2019 Amendment note below.

Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 116–92, §1010(a)(1)(A), substituted "the 'Department of Defense Acquisition Workforce Development Account' (in this section referred to as the 'Account')" for "the 'Department of Defense Acquisition Workforce Development Fund' (in this section referred to as the 'Fund')".

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 116–92, §1010(c), amended subsec. (d) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (d) listed elements comprising the Fund.

Subsec. (e)(1)(C). Pub. L. 116–92, §863(b), added subpar. (C).

Subsec. (e)(6). Pub. L. 116–92, §1010(d), substituted "appropriated to the Account pursuant to subsection (d) shall remain available for expenditure for the fiscal year in which appropriated and the succeeding fiscal year." for "credited to the Fund in accordance with subsection (d)(2), transferred to the Fund pursuant to subsection (d)(3), appropriated to the Fund, or deposited to the Fund shall remain available for obligation in the fiscal year for which credited, transferred, appropriated, or deposited and the two succeeding fiscal years."

2017—Subsec. (d)(2)(D). Pub. L. 115–91, §842, amended subpar. (D) generally. Prior to amendment, subpar. (D) read as follows: "The Secretary of Defense may reduce the amount specified in subparagraph (C) for a fiscal year if the Secretary determines that the amount is greater than is reasonably needed for purposes of the Fund for such fiscal year. The Secretary may not reduce the amount for a fiscal year to an amount that is less than $400,000,000."

Subsec. (e)(1). Pub. L. 115–91, §843(a)(1)(A), designated existing provisions as subpar. (A) and added subpar. (B).

Subsec. (e)(1)(A). Pub. L. 115–91, §1051(a)(7)(A), substituted "subsection (g)(2)" for "subsection (h)(2)".

Subsec. (e)(3)(E). Pub. L. 115–91, §843(a)(1)(B), added subpar. (E).

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 115–91, §1051(a)(7)(B), (C), redesignated subsec. (g) as (f) and struck out former subsec. (f). Prior to amendment, text of subsec. (f) read as follows: "Not later than February 1 each year, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the operation of the Fund during the preceding fiscal year."

Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 115–91, §1051(a)(7)(C), redesignated subsec. (h) as (g). Former subsec. (g) redesignated (f).

Subsec. (g)(2)(A). Pub. L. 115–91, §1636, which directed amendment of subsec. (h)(2)(A) by inserting "(i)" after "(A)", substituting "; or" for "; and", and adding cl. (ii), was executed by making the amendment in subsec. (g)(2)(A) to reflect the probable intent of Congress and the redesignation of subsec. (h) as (g), see below.

Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 115–91, §1051(a)(7)(C), redesignated subsec. (h) as (g).

2016—Subsec. (d)(2)(C). Pub. L. 114–328, §863(b)(1), substituted "in such" for "in each".

Subsec. (e)(1). Pub. L. 114–328, §863(a)(1)(A), inserted "and to develop acquisition tools and methodologies, and undertake research and development activities, leading to acquisition policies and practices that will improve the efficiency and effectiveness of defense acquisition efforts" after "workforce of the Department".

Subsec. (e)(4). Pub. L. 114–328, §863(a)(1)(B), substituted "other than for the purposes of—" for "other than for the purpose of providing advanced training to Department of Defense employees." and added subpars. (A) to (C).

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 114–328, §863(a)(2), (b)(2), substituted "Not later than February 1 each year" for "Not later than 120 days after the end of each fiscal year" and "the preceding fiscal year" for "such fiscal year" and struck out at end "Each report shall include, for the fiscal year covered by such report, the following:

"(1) A statement of the amounts remitted to the Secretary for crediting to the Fund for such fiscal year by each military department and Defense Agency, and a statement of the amounts credited to the Fund for such fiscal year.

"(2) A description of the expenditures made from the Fund (including expenditures following a transfer of amounts in the Fund to a military department or Defense Agency) in such fiscal year, including the purpose of such expenditures.

"(3) A description and assessment of improvements in the Department of Defense acquisition workforce resulting from such expenditures.

"(4) Recommendations for additional authorities to fulfill the purpose of the Fund.

"(5) A statement of the balance remaining in the Fund at the end of such fiscal year."

Subsec. (g)(1). Pub. L. 114–328, §863(b)(3)(B), struck out ", as defined in subsection (h)," after "acquisition workforce".

Pub. L. 114–328, §§863(b)(3)(A), 1081(a)(5), amended par. (1) identically, substituting "of positions" for "of of positions".

2015—Subsec. (d)(2)(C). Pub. L. 114–92, §841(a)(1)(A), amended subpar. (C) generally. Prior to amendment, subpar. (C) defined the applicable percentage for fiscal years 2013 to 2018.

Subsec. (d)(2)(D). Pub. L. 114–92, §841(a)(1)(B), substituted "the amount specified in subparagraph (C)" for "an amount specified in subparagraph (C)" and "an amount that is less than $400,000,000." for "an amount that is less than 80 percent of the amount otherwise specified in subparagraph (C) for such fiscal year."

Subsec. (d)(3). Pub. L. 114–92, §841(a)(1)(C), substituted "36-month period" for "24-month period".

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 114–92, §841(a)(2), substituted "120 days" for "60 days" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 114–92, §841(a)(3), struck out par. (1) designation before "For purposes of"; redesignated subpars. (A) and (B) as pars. (1) and (2), respectively, and realigned margins; substituted "of positions in the acquisition workforce, as defined in subsection (h)," for "acquisition workforce positions" in par. (1); and struck out former par. (2) which read as follows: "The Secretary may not appoint a person to a position of employment under this subsection after September 30, 2017."

2013—Subsec. (d)(2)(C). Pub. L. 112–239, §803(a)(1), added cls. (i) to (vi) and struck out former cls. (i) to (vi) which established applicable amounts for fiscal years 2010 to 2015.

Subsec. (e)(1). Pub. L. 112–239, §803(a)(2)(A), inserted at end "In the case of temporary members of the acquisition workforce designated pursuant to subsection (h)(2), such funds shall be available only for the limited purpose of providing training in the performance of acquisition-related functions and duties."

Subsec. (e)(5). Pub. L. 112–239, §803(a)(2)(B), inserted before period at end ", and who has continued in the employment of the Department since such time without a break in such employment of more than a year".

Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 112–239, §803(a)(3), (4), struck out subsec. (g) which defined "acquisition workforce" and redesignated subsec. (h) as (g).

Subsec. (g)(2). Pub. L. 112–239, §803(b), substituted "September 30, 2017" for "September 30, 2015".

Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 112–239, §803(a)(5), added subsec. (h). Former subsec. (h) redesignated (g).

2011—Subsec. (e)(6). Pub. L. 112–81 amended par. (6) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "Amounts credited to the Fund under subsection (d)(2) shall remain available for expenditure in the fiscal year for which credited and the two succeeding fiscal years."

2009—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 111–84, §832(g)(1), inserted "Development" after "Workforce".

Subsec. (d)(1)(B), (C). Pub. L. 111–84, §832(a)(1), added subpar. (B) and redesignated former subpar. (B) as (C).

Subsec. (d)(2)(A). Pub. L. 111–84, §832(b), substituted "from amounts available for contract services for operation and maintenance." for ", other than services relating to research and development and services relating to military construction."

Subsec. (d)(2)(B). Pub. L. 111–84, §832(d)(1), (2)(A), substituted "Subject to paragraph (4), not later than" for "Not later than" and "the first quarter of each fiscal year" for "the third fiscal year quarter of fiscal year 2008, and 30 days after the end of each fiscal year quarter thereafter" and struck out "quarter" before "for services".

Pub. L. 111–84, §832(c), inserted ", from amounts available to such military department or Defense Agency, as the case may be, for contract services for operation and maintenance," after "remit to the Secretary of Defense".

Subsec. (d)(2)(C), (D). Pub. L. 111–84, §832(e), added subpars. (C) and (D) and struck out former subpars. (C) and (D), which established applicable percentages for fiscal years 2008 to 2010 and thereafter and authorized the Secretary of Defense to reduce such percentages under certain circumstances and to a certain limit.

Subsec. (d)(3). Pub. L. 111–84, §832(a)(2), added par. (3).

Subsec. (d)(4). Pub. L. 111–84, §832(d)(2)(B), added par. (4).

Subsec. (e)(5). Pub. L. 111–84, §832(f), substituted "serving in a position in the acquisition workforce as of January 28, 2008" for "as of the date of the enactment of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008".

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 111–84, §832(g)(2), struck out "beginning with fiscal year 2008" after "each fiscal year" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (h)(1). Pub. L. 111–84, §831(c), struck out "United States Code," after "title 5," in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (h)(1)(A). Pub. L. 111–84, §831(a)(1), substituted "acquisition workforce positions as positions for which there exists a shortage of candidates or there is a critical hiring need" for "acquisition positions within the Department of Defense as shortage category positions".

Subsec. (h)(1)(B). Pub. L. 111–84, §831(a)(2), struck out "highly" after "appoint".

Subsec. (h)(2). Pub. L. 111–84, §831(b), substituted "September 30, 2015" for "September 30, 2012".

2008—Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 110–417 added subsec. (h).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2019 Amendment

Pub. L. 116–92, div. A, title X, §1010(e), Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 1576, provided that:

"(1) In general.—The amendments made by this section [amending this section] shall take effect on October 1, 2019, and shall apply with respect to fiscal years that begin on or after that date.

"(2) Duration of availability of previously deposited funds.—Nothing in the amendments made by this section shall modify the duration of availability of amounts in the Department of Defense Acquisition Workforce Development Fund that were appropriated or credited to, or deposited, in the Fund, before October 1, 2019, as provided for in section 1705(e)(6) of title 10, United States Code, as in effect on the day before such date."

Effective Date of 2011 Amendment

Pub. L. 112–81, div. A, title VIII, §804(b), Dec. 31, 2011, 125 Stat. 1486, provided that: "Paragraph (6) of such section [10 U.S.C. 1705(e)(6)], as amended by subsection (a), shall not apply to funds directly appropriated to the Fund before the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 31, 2011]."

Effective Date of 2009 Amendment

Pub. L. 111–84, div. A, title VIII, §832(h), Oct. 28, 2009, 123 Stat. 2416, provided that:

"(1) Funding amendments.—The amendments made by subsections (a) through (c) [amending this section] shall take effect as of October 1, 2009.

"(2) Technical amendments.—The amendments made by subsections (f) and (g) [amending this section] shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 28, 2009]."

Effective Date

Pub. L. 110–181, div. A, title VIII, §852(b), Jan. 28, 2008, 122 Stat. 250, provided that: "Section 1705 of title 10, United States Code, as added by subsection (a), shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act [Jan. 28, 2008]."

Guidance

Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title VIII, §843(a)(2), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1480, provided that: "Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 12, 2017], the Secretary of Defense shall issue, and submit to the congressional defense committees [Committees on Armed Services and Appropriations of the Senate and the House of Representatives], the policy guidance required by subparagraph (E) of section 1705(e)(3) of title 10, United States Code, as added by paragraph (1)."

Plan Required for Temporary Members of Defense Acquisition Workforce

Pub. L. 112–239, div. A, title VIII, §803(c), Jan. 2, 2013, 126 Stat. 1825, as amended by Pub. L. 116–92, div. A, title IX, §902(14), Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 1544, provided that: "Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Jan. 2, 2013], the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment shall develop a plan for the implementation of the authority provided by the amendments made by subsection (a) [amending this section] with regard to temporary members of the defense acquisition workforce. The plan shall include policy, criteria, and processes for designating temporary members and appropriate safeguards to prevent the abuse of such authority."

§1706. Government performance of certain acquisition functions

(a) Goal.—It shall be the goal of the Department of Defense and each of the military departments to ensure that, for each major defense acquisition program (as defined in section 4201 of this title), each acquisition program that is estimated by the Secretary of Defense to require an eventual total expenditure greater than the amount described in section 4201(a)(2) of this title, and any other acquisition program identified by the Secretary, each of the following positions is performed by a properly qualified member of the armed forces or full-time employee of the Department of Defense:

(1) Program executive officer.

(2) Deputy program executive officer.

(3) Program manager.

(4) Deputy program manager.

(5) Senior contracting official.

(6) Chief developmental tester.

(7) Program lead product support manager.

(8) Program lead systems engineer.

(9) Program lead cost estimator.

(10) Program lead contracting officer.

(11) Program lead business financial manager.

(12) Program lead production, quality, and manufacturing.

(13) Program lead information technology.

(14) Program lead software.

(b) Plan of Action.—The Secretary of Defense shall develop and implement a plan of action for recruiting, training, and ensuring appropriate career development of military and civilian personnel to achieve the objective established in subsection (a).

(Added Pub. L. 112–239, div. A, title VIII, §824(a)(1), Jan. 2, 2013, 126 Stat. 1832; amended Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title VIII, §812, title XVIII, §1846(i)(3), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3749, 4252; Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title XVIII, §1846(j), as added Pub. L. 117–81, div. A, title XVII, §1701(b)(15)(C), Dec. 27, 2021, 135 Stat. 2134; Pub. L. 117–81, div. A, title XVII, §1701(b)(15)(B), Dec. 27, 2021, 135 Stat. 2134.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 1706, added Pub. L. 101–510, div. A, title XII, §1202(a), Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1639, which related to acquisition career program boards, was repealed by Pub. L. 108–136, div. A, title VIII, §831(a), Nov. 24, 2003, 117 Stat. 1549.

Amendments

2021—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 116–283, §1846(j), as added by Pub. L. 117–81, §1701(b)(15)(C), substituted "section 4201(a)(2)" for "section 2430(a)(1)(B)" in introductory provisions.

Pub. L. 116–283, §1846(i)(3), as amended by Pub. L. 117–81, §1701(b)(15)(B), substituted "section 4201" for "section 2430" in introductory provisions.

Pub. L. 116–283, §812(1)(A), substituted "(as defined in section 2430 of this title), each acquisition program that is estimated by the Secretary of Defense to require an eventual total expenditure greater than the amount described in section 2430(a)(1)(B) of this title, and any other acquisition program identified by the Secretary" for "and each major automated information system program" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (a)(14). Pub. L. 116–283, §812(1)(B), added par. (14).

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 116–283, §812(2), struck out subsec. (c) which defined "major defense acquisition program" and "major automated information system program".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2021 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 117–81 applicable as if included in the enactment of title XVIII of Pub. L. 116–283 as enacted, see section 1701(a)(2) of Pub. L. 117–81, set out in a note preceding section 3001 of this title and note below.

Amendment by section 1846(i)(3) of Pub. L. 116–283 effective Jan. 1, 2022, with additional provisions for delayed implementation and applicability of existing law, see section 1801(d) of Pub. L. 116–283, set out as a note preceding section 3001 of this title.

Similar Provisions

Provisions similar to this section were contained in section 820 of Pub. L. 109–364, which was set out as a note under section 1701 of this title prior to repeal by Pub. L. 112–239, div. A, title VIII, §824(b), Jan. 2, 2013, 126 Stat. 1833.

§1707. Cadre of intellectual property experts

(a) Cadre.—The Secretary of Defense, acting through the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, shall establish a cadre of personnel who are experts in intellectual property matters. The purpose of the cadre is to ensure a consistent, strategic, and highly knowledgeable approach to acquiring or licensing intellectual property by providing expert advice, assistance, and resources to the acquisition workforce on intellectual property matters, including acquiring or licensing intellectual property.

(b) Leadership Structure.—The Under Secretary—

(1) shall establish an appropriate leadership structure and office within which the cadre shall be managed; and

(2) shall determine the appropriate official to whom members of the cadre shall report.

(c) Duties.—The cadre of experts shall be assigned to a program office or an acquisition command within a military department to advise, assist, and provide resources to a program manager or program executive officer on intellectual property matters at various stages of the life cycle of a system. In performing such duties, the experts shall—

(1) interpret and provide counsel on laws, regulations, and policies relating to intellectual property;

(2) advise and assist in the development of an acquisition strategy, product support strategy, and intellectual property strategy for a system;

(3) conduct or assist with financial analysis and valuation of intellectual property;

(4) assist in the drafting of a solicitation, contract, or other transaction;

(5) interact with or assist in interactions with contractors, including communications and negotiations with contractors on solicitations and awards; and

(6) conduct or assist with mediation if technical data delivered pursuant to a contract is incomplete or does not comply with the terms of agreements.

(d) Administration.—

(1) In order to achieve the purpose set forth in subsection (a), the Under Secretary shall ensure the cadre has the appropriate number of staff and such staff possesses the necessary skills, knowledge, and experience to carry out the duties under subsection (b), including in relevant areas of law, contracting, acquisition, logistics, engineering, financial analysis, and valuation. The Under Secretary, in coordination with the Defense Acquisition University and in consultation with academia and industry, shall develop a career path, including development opportunities, exchanges, talent management programs, and training, for the cadre. The Under Secretary may use existing authorities to staff the cadre, including those in paragraphs (2), (3), (4), and (6).

(2) Civilian personnel from within the Office of the Secretary of Defense, Joint Staff, military departments, Defense Agencies, and combatant commands may be assigned to serve as members of the cadre, upon request of the Director.

(3) The Under Secretary may use the authorities for highly qualified experts under section 9903 of title 5, to hire experts as members of the cadre who are skilled professionals in intellectual property and related matters.

(4) The Under Secretary may enter into a contract with a private-sector entity for specialized expertise to support the cadre. Such entity may be considered a covered Government support contractor, as defined in section 3775(a) of this title.

(5) In establishing the cadre, the Under Secretary shall give preference to civilian employees of the Department of Defense, rather than members of the armed forces, to maintain continuity in the cadre.

(6) The Under Secretary is authorized to use amounts in the Defense Acquisition Workforce Development Fund for the purpose of recruitment, training, and retention of the cadre, including paying salaries of newly hired members of the cadre for up to three years.

(Added and amended Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title XVIII, §1877, Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 4291.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 1707, added Pub. L. 101–510, div. A, title XII, §1202(a), Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1639; amended Pub. L. 103–160, div. A, title IX, §904(d)(1), Nov. 30, 1993, 107 Stat. 1728; Pub. L. 107–107, div. A, title X, §1048(b)(2), Dec. 28, 2001, 115 Stat. 1225, related to personnel in the Office of the Secretary of Defense and in the Defense Agencies, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 108–136, div. A, title VIII, §831(a), Nov. 24, 2003, 117 Stat. 1549.

Codification

The text of subsec. (b) of section 2322 of title, which was transferred to this section and amended by Pub. L. 116–283, §1877(b)–(e), was based on Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title VIII, §802(a)(1), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1450.

Amendments

2021—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 116–283, §1877(b)(1), redesignated subsec. (b)(1) of section 2322 of this title as subsec. (a) of this section and inserted heading.

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 116–283, §1877(b)(3), (c), redesignated subsec. (b)(2) of section 2322 of this title as subsec. (b) of this section, inserted heading, inserted dash after "Secretary", and reorganized remainder of text into designated pars. (1) and (2).

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 116–283, §1877(b)(3), (d), redesignated subsec. (b)(3) of section 2322 of this title as subsec. (c) of this section, inserted heading, and redesignated subpars. (A) to (F) as pars. (1) to (6), respectively. Amendment by section 1877(d) was executed to subsec. (c) of this section to reflect the probable intent of Congress, notwithstanding directory language amending subsec. (c) of section "17017".

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 116–283, §1877(b)(3), (e)(1), (2), redesignated subsec. (b)(4) of section 2322 of this title as subsec. (d) of this section, inserted heading, and redesignated subpars. (A) to (F) as pars. (1) to (6), respectively.

Subsec. (d)(1). Pub. L. 116–283, §1877(e)(3), in first sentence, substituted "subsection (a)" for "paragraph (1)" and "subsection (b)" for "paragraph (2)" and, in third sentence, substituted "paragraphs (2), (3), (4), and (6)" for "subparagraphs (B), (C), (D), and (F)".

Subsec. (d)(4). Pub. L. 116–283, §1877(e)(4), substituted "section 3775(a)" for "section 2320".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Section and amendment by Pub. L. 116–283 effective Jan. 1, 2022, with additional provisions for delayed implementation and applicability of existing law, see section 1801(d) of Pub. L. 116–283, set out as an Effective Date of 2021 Amendment note preceding section 3001 of this title.

Pilot Program on Intellectual Property Evaluation for Acquisition Programs

Pub. L. 116–92, div. A, title VIII, §801, Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 1481, provided that:

"(a) Pilot Program.—Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 20, 2019], the Secretary of Defense and the Secretaries of the military departments may jointly carry out a pilot program to assess mechanisms to evaluate intellectual property (such as technical data deliverables and associated license rights), including commercially available intellectual property valuation analysis and techniques, in acquisition programs for which each such Secretary is responsible to better understand the benefits associated with these mechanisms on—

"(1) the development of cost-effective intellectual property strategies;

"(2) the assessment and management of the value and acquisition costs of intellectual property during acquisition and sustainment activities (including source selection evaluation factors) throughout the acquisition lifecycle for any acquisition program selected by such Secretary; and

"(3) the use of a commercial product (as defined in section 103 of title 41, United States Code, as in effect on January 1, 2020), commercial service (as defined in section 103a of title 41, United States Code, as in effect on January 1, 2020), or nondevelopmental item (as defined in section 110 of title 41, United States Code) as an alternative to a product or service to be specifically developed for a selected acquisition program, including evaluation of the benefits of reduced risk regarding cost, schedule, and performance associated with commercial products, commercial services, and nondevelopmental items.

"(b) Activities.—Activities carried out under the pilot program may include the following:

"(1) Establishment of a team of Department of Defense and private sector subject matter experts (which may include the cadre of intellectual property experts established under section 2322(b) of title 10, United States Code [see 10 U.S.C. 1707]) to—

"(A) recommend acquisition programs to be selected for the pilot program established under subsection (a);

"(B) recommend criteria for the consideration of types of commercial products, commercial services, or nondevelopmental items that can used as an alternative to a product or service to be specifically developed for a selected acquisition program; or

"(C) identify, to the maximum extent practicable at each milestone established for each selected acquisition program, intellectual property evaluation techniques to obtain quantitative and qualitative analysis of intellectual property during the procurement, production and deployment, and operations and support phases for the [sic] each selected acquisition program.

"(2) Assessment of commercial valuation techniques for intellectual property for use by the Department of Defense.

"(3) Assessment of the feasibility of agency-level oversight to standardize intellectual property evaluation practices and procedures.

"(4) Assessment of contracting mechanisms to speed delivery of intellectual property to the Armed Forces or reduce sustainment costs.

"(5) Assessment of agency acquisition planning to ensure procurement of appropriate intellectual property deliverables and intellectual property rights necessary for Government-planned sustainment activities.

"(6) Engagement with the private sector to—

"(A) support the development of strategies and program requirements to aid in acquisition planning for intellectual property;

"(B) support the development and improvement of intellectual property strategies as part of life-cycle sustainment plans; and

"(C) propose and implement alternative and innovative methods of intellectual property valuation, prioritization, and evaluation techniques for intellectual property.

"(7) Recommendations to the relevant program manager of an acquisition program selected under subsection (a), including evaluation techniques and contracting mechanisms for acquisition and sustainment activities.

"(c) Report.—Not later than November 1, 2020, and annually thereafter through November 1, 2023, the Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Secretaries concerned, shall submit to the congressional defense committees [Committees on Armed Services and Appropriations of the Senate and the House of Representatives] a joint report on the pilot program conducted under this section. The report shall, at a minimum, include—

"(1) a description of the acquisition programs selected by the Secretary concerned;

"(2) a description of the specific activities in subsection (c) that were performed under each program;

"(3) an assessment of the effectiveness of the activities;

"(4) an assessment of improvements to acquisition or sustainment activities related to the pilot program; and

"(5) an assessment of the results related to the pilot program, including any cost savings and improvement to mission success during the operations and support phase of the selected acquisition program."