SUBCHAPTER II—ACQUISITION POSITIONS AND ACQUISITION WORKFORCE CAREER FIELDS

        

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2019—Pub. L. 116–92, div. A, title VIII, §861(f)(2)(B), (3)(A), Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 1518, substituted "ACQUISITION POSITIONS AND ACQUISITION WORKFORCE CAREER FIELDS" for "DEFENSE ACQUISITION POSITIONS" in heading for subchapter II and "Designation of acquisition positions and acquisition workforce career fields" for "Designation of acquisition positions" in item 1721.

2016—Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title VIII, §866(a)(2), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2306, added item 1725.

2011—Pub. L. 111–383, div. A, title VIII, §873(a)(2), Jan. 7, 2011, 124 Stat. 4303, added item 1722b.

2009—Pub. L. 111–84, div. A, title X, §1073(c)(6), Oct. 28, 2009, 123 Stat. 2474, amended Pub. L. 110–417, §834(a)(2). See 2008 Amendment note below.

2008—Pub. L. 110–417, [div. A], title VIII, §834(a)(2), Oct. 14, 2008, 122 Stat. 4537, as amended by Pub. L. 111–84, div. A, title X, §1073(c)(6), Oct. 28, 2009, 123 Stat. 2474, added item 1722a.

2003—Pub. L. 108–136, div. A, title VIII, §836(2), Nov. 24, 2003, 117 Stat. 1551, struck out item 1725 "Office of Personnel Management approval".

§1721. Designation of acquisition positions and acquisition workforce career fields

(a) Designation.—The Secretary of Defense shall designate in regulations those positions in the Department of Defense that are acquisition positions for purposes of this chapter. The Secretary shall also designate in regulations those career fields in the Department of Defense that are acquisition workforce career fields for purposes of this chapter.

(b) Required Positions.—In designating the positions under subsection (a), the Secretary shall include, at a minimum, all acquisition-related positions in the following areas:

(1) Program management.

(2) Systems planning, research, development, engineering, and testing.

(3) Procurement, including contracting.

(4) Industrial property management.

(5) Logistics.

(6) Quality control and assurance.

(7) Manufacturing and production.

(8) Business, cost estimating, financial management, and auditing.

(9) Education, training, and career development.

(10) Construction.

(11) Security cooperation.

(12) Intellectual property.

(13) Other positions, as necessary.

(c) Management Headquarters Activities.—The Secretary also shall designate as acquisition positions under subsection (a) those acquisition-related positions which are in management headquarters activities and in management headquarters support activities. For purposes of this subsection, the terms "management headquarters activities" and "management headquarters support activities" have the meanings given those terms in Department of Defense Directive 5100.73, entitled "Department of Defense Management Headquarters and Headquarters Support Activities", dated November 12, 1996.

(Added Pub. L. 101–510, div. A, title XII, §1202(a), Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1640; amended Pub. L. 102–25, title VII, §701(j)(1), Apr. 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 116; Pub. L. 105–85, div. A, title IX, §912(f), Nov. 18, 1997, 111 Stat. 1862; Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title VIII, §802(b), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1451; Pub. L. 116–92, div. A, title VIII, §861(d), (f)(1), (2)(A), Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 1517.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2019—Pub. L. 116–92, §861(f)(2)(A), substituted "Designation of acquisition positions and acquisition workforce career fields" for "Designation of acquisition positions" in section catchline.

Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 116–92, §861(f)(1), inserted at end "The Secretary shall also designate in regulations those career fields in the Department of Defense that are acquisition workforce career fields for purposes of this chapter."

Subsec. (b)(11). Pub. L. 116–92, §861(d)(1), amended par. (11) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (11) read as follows: "Joint development and production with other government agencies and foreign countries."

Subsec. (b)(13). Pub. L. 116–92, §861(d)(2), added par. (13).

2017—Subsec. (b)(12). Pub. L. 115–91 added par. (12).

1997—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 105–85 substituted "November 12, 1996" for "November 25, 1988".

1991—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 102–25 substituted "Activities', dated" for "Activities,' dated" in last sentence.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Deadline for Designation of Career Fields

Pub. L. 116–92, div. A, title VIII, §861(f)(4), Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 1518, provided that: "Not later than the end of the six-month period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 20, 2019], the Secretary of Defense shall carry out the requirements of the second sentence of section 1721(a) of title 10, United States Code (as added by paragraph (1))."

Twenty Percent Reduction in Defense Acquisition Workforce

Pub. L. 101–510, div. A, title IX, §905, Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1621, required Secretary of Defense to reduce number of employees in Department of Defense acquisition workforce on last day of each of fiscal years 1991 through 1995 below number of employees in such workforce on last day of preceding fiscal year by not less than number equal to 4 percent of number of employees in such workforce on Sept. 30, 1990, and which defined "Department of Defense acquisition workforce", prior to repeal by Pub. L. 102–190, div. A, title IX, §904, Dec. 5, 1991, 105 Stat. 1451.

Deadline for Designation of Acquisition Positions

Pub. L. 101–510, div. A, title XII, §1209(b), Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1666, as amended by Pub. L. 102–25, title VII, §704(b)(3)(B), Apr. 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 119; Pub. L. 103–160, div. A, title IX, §904(f), Nov. 30, 1993, 107 Stat. 1729, provided that the designation of acquisition positions required by this section was to be made by the Secretary of Defense, acting through the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Technology, not later than Oct. 1, 1991.

§1722. Career development

(a) Career Paths.—The Secretary of Defense, acting through the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, shall ensure that an appropriate career path for civilian and military personnel who wish to pursue careers in acquisition is identified for each acquisition workforce career field in terms of the education, training, experience, and assignments necessary for career progression of civilians and members of the armed forces to the most senior acquisition positions. The Secretary shall make available published information on such career paths.

(b) Limitation on Preference for Military Personnel.—(1) The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that no requirement or preference for a member of the armed forces is used in the consideration of persons for acquisition positions, except as provided in the policy established under paragraph (2).

(2)(A) The Secretary shall establish a policy permitting a particular acquisition position to be specified as available only to members of the armed forces if a determination is made, under criteria specified in the policy, that a member of the armed forces is required for that position by law, is essential for performance of the duties of the position, or is necessary for another compelling reason.

(B) Not later than December 15 of each year, the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment shall submit to the Secretary a report that lists each acquisition position that is restricted to members of the armed forces under such policy and the recommendation of the Under Secretary as to whether such position should remain so restricted.

(c) Opportunities for Civilians To Qualify.—The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that civilian personnel are provided the opportunity to acquire the education, training, and experience necessary to qualify for senior acquisition positions.

(d) Best Qualified.—The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that the policies established under this chapter are designed to provide for the selection of the best qualified individual for a position, consistent with other applicable law.

[(e) Repealed. Pub. L. 107–107, div. A, title X, §1048(e)(3), Dec. 28, 2001, 115 Stat. 1227.]

(f) Assignments Policy.—(1) The Secretary of Defense shall establish a policy on assigning military personnel to acquisition positions that provides for a balance between (A) the need for personnel to serve in career broadening positions, and (B) the need for requiring service in each such position for sufficient time to provide the stability necessary to effectively carry out the duties of the position and to allow for the establishment of responsibility and accountability for actions taken in the position.

(2) In implementing the policy established under paragraph (1), the Secretaries of the military departments shall provide, as appropriate, for longer lengths of assignments to acquisition positions than assignments to other positions.

(g) Performance Appraisals.—The Secretary of each military department, acting through the service acquisition executive for that department, shall provide an opportunity for review and inclusion of any comments on any appraisal of the performance of a person serving in an acquisition position by a person serving in an acquisition position in the same acquisition career field.

(h) Balanced Workforce Policy.—In the development of defense acquisition workforce policies under this chapter with respect to any civilian employees or applicants for employment, the Secretary of Defense or the Secretary of a military department (as applicable) shall, consistent with the merit system principles set out in paragraphs (1) and (2) of section 2301(b) of title 5, take into consideration the need to maintain a balanced workforce in which women and members of racial and ethnic minority groups are appropriately represented in Government service.

(Added Pub. L. 101–510, div. A, title XII, §1202(a), Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1641; 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), (e)(3), Dec. 28, 2001, 115 Stat. 1225, 1227; Pub. L. 116–92, div. A, title VIII, §861(e)(2), title IX, §902(15), Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 1517, 1544.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2019—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 116–92, §902(15)(A), substituted "Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment" for "Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition".

Pub. L. 116–92, §861(e)(2), substituted "an appropriate career path" for "appropriate career paths" and "is identified for each acquisition workforce career field" for "are identified".

Subsec. (b)(2)(B). Pub. L. 116–92, §902(15)(B), substituted "Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment" for "Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics".

2001—Subsecs. (a), (b)(2)(B). Pub. L. 107–107, §1048(b)(2), substituted "Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics" for "Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Technology".

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 107–107, §1048(e)(3), struck out heading and text of subsec. (e). Text read as follows: "The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that the acquisition workforce is managed such that, for each fiscal year from October 1, 1991, through September 30, 1996, there is a substantial increase in the proportion of civilians (as compared to armed forces personnel) serving in critical acquisition positions in general, in program manager positions, and in division head positions over the proportion of civilians (as compared to armed forces personnel) in such positions on October 1, 1990."

1993—Subsecs. (a), (b)(2)(B). Pub. L. 103–160 substituted "Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Technology" for "Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Military Positions and Assignments Policy Deadlines

Pub. L. 101–510, div. A, title XII, §1209(c), (d), Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1666, provided that:

"(c) Military Positions Policy Deadlines.—(1) The policy required by paragraph (2) of section 1722(b) of title 10, United States Code (as added by section 1202), shall be established by the Secretary of Defense not later than October 1, 1991.

"(2) The first report required by section 1722(b)(2)(B) of title 10, United States Code (as added by section 1202), shall be submitted to the Secretary of Defense not later than September 30, 1993.

"(d) Assignments Policy Deadline.—Not later than October 1, 1991, the Secretary of Defense shall establish, and require commencement of implementation of, an assignments policy pursuant to section 1722(f) of title 10, United States Code (as added by section 1202)."

§1722a. Special requirements for military personnel in the acquisition field

(a) Requirement for Policy and Guidance Regarding Military Personnel in Acquisition.—The Secretary of Defense shall require the Secretary of each military department (with respect to such military department), in collaboration with the Chief of Staff of the Army, the Chief of Naval Operations, the Chief of Staff of the Air Force, the Commandant of the Marine Corps, and the Chief of Space Operations (with respect to the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Space Force, respectively), and the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment (with respect to the Office of the Secretary of Defense, the unified combatant commands, the Defense Agencies, and the Defense Field Activities) to establish policies and issue guidance to ensure the proper development, assignment, and employment of members of the armed forces in the acquisition field to achieve the objectives of this section as specified in subsection (b).

(b) Objectives.—Policies established and guidance issued pursuant to subsection (a) shall ensure, at a minimum, the following:

(1) A single-track career path in the acquisition field that attracts the highest quality officers and enlisted personnel.

(2) A dual-track career path that attracts the highest quality officers and enlisted personnel and allows them to gain experience in and receive credit for a primary career in combat arms and a functional secondary career in the acquisition field in order to more closely align the military operational, requirements, and acquisition workforces of each armed force.

(3) A number of command positions and senior noncommissioned officer positions, including acquisition billets reserved for general officers and flag officers under subsection (c), sufficient to ensure that members of the armed forces have opportunities for promotion and advancement in the acquisition field.

(4) A number of qualified, trained members of the armed forces eligible for and active in the acquisition field sufficient to ensure the optimum management of the acquisition functions of the Department of Defense and the appropriate use of military personnel in contingency contracting.

(c) Reservation of Acquisition Billets for General Officers and Flag Officers.—(1) The Secretary of Defense shall—

(A) establish for each military department a sufficient number of billets coded or classified for acquisition personnel that are reserved for general officers and flag officers that are needed for the purpose of ensuring the optimum management of the acquisition functions of the Department of Defense; and

(B) ensure that the policies established and guidance issued pursuant to subsection (a) by the Secretary of each military department reserve at least that minimum number of billets and fill the billets with qualified and trained general officers and flag officers who have significant acquisition experience.

(2) The Secretary of Defense shall ensure—

(A) a sufficient number of billets for acquisition personnel who are general officers or flag officers exist within the Office of the Secretary of Defense, the unified combatant commands, the Defense Agencies, and the Defense Field Activities to ensure the optimum management of the acquisition functions of the Department of Defense; and

(B) that the policies established and guidance issued pursuant to subsection (a) by the Secretary reserve within the Office of the Secretary of Defense, the unified combatant commands, the Defense Agencies, and the Defense Field Activities at least that minimum number of billets and fill the billets with qualified and trained general officers and flag officers who have significant acquisition experience.

(3) The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that a portion of the billets referred to in paragraphs (1) and (2) involve command of organizations primarily focused on contracting and are reserved for general officers and flag officers who have significant contracting experience.

(d) Relationship to Limitation on Preference for Military Personnel.—Any designation or reservation of a position for a member of the armed forces as a result of a policy established or guidance issued pursuant to this section shall be deemed to meet the requirements for an exception under paragraph (2) of section 1722(b) of this title from the limitation in paragraph (1) of such section.

(e) Report.—Not later than January 1 of each year, the Secretary of each military department shall submit to the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment a report describing how the Secretary fulfilled the objectives of this section in the preceding calendar year. The report shall include information on the reservation of acquisition billets for general officers and flag officers within the department concerned.

(Added Pub. L. 110–417, [div. A], title VIII, §834(a)(1), Oct. 14, 2008, 122 Stat. 4535; amended Pub. L. 114–92, div. A, title VIII, §842, Nov. 25, 2015, 129 Stat. 914; Pub. L. 116–92, div. A, title IX, §902(16), Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 1544; Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title IX, §924(b)(27), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3825; Pub. L. 117–81, div. A, title X, §1081(a)(23), Dec. 27, 2021, 135 Stat. 1920.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2021—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 117–81 substituted single comma for double commas after "the Chief of Staff of the Air Force".

Pub. L. 116–283, §924(b)(27)(B), which directed substitution of "the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment" for "the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics", could not be executed because of the intervening amendment by Pub. L. 116–92. See 2019 Amendment note below.

Pub. L. 116–283, §924(b)(27)(A), substituted ", the Commandant of the Marine Corps, and the Chief of Space Operations (with respect to the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Space Force, respectively)" for "and the Commandant of the Marine Corps (with respect to the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps, respectively)".

2019—Subsecs. (a), (e). Pub. L. 116–92 substituted "Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment" for "Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics".

2015—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 114–92, §842(a), inserted ", in collaboration with the Chief of Staff of the Army, the Chief of Naval Operations, the Chief of Staff of the Air Force, and the Commandant of the Marine Corps (with respect to the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps, respectively)," after "military department)".

Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 114–92, §842(b)(2), inserted "single-track" before "career path".

Subsec. (b)(2) to (4). Pub. L. 114–92, §842(b)(1), (3), added par. (2) and redesignated former pars. (2) and (3) as (3) and (4), respectively.

§1722b. Special requirements for civilian employees in the acquisition field

(a) Requirement for Policy and Guidance Regarding Civilian Personnel in Acquisition.—The Secretary of Defense, acting through the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, shall establish policies and issue guidance to ensure the proper development, assignment, and employment of civilian members of the acquisition workforce to achieve the objectives specified in subsection (b).

(b) Objectives.—Policies established and guidance issued pursuant to subsection (a) shall ensure, at a minimum, the following:

(1) A career path in the acquisition field that attracts the highest quality civilian personnel, from either within or outside the Federal Government.

(2) A deliberate workforce development strategy that increases attainment of key experiences that contribute to a highly qualified acquisition workforce.

(3) Sufficient opportunities for promotion and advancement in the acquisition field.

(4) A sufficient number of qualified, trained members eligible for and active in the acquisition field to ensure adequate capacity, capability, and effective succession for acquisition functions, including contingency contracting, of the Department of Defense.

(5) A deliberate workforce development strategy that ensures diversity in promotion, advancement, and experiential opportunities commensurate with the general workforce outlined in this section.

(c) Key Work Experiences.—In carrying out subsection (b)(2), the Secretary shall ensure that key work experiences, in the form of multidisciplinary experiences, are developed for each acquisition workforce career field.

(Added Pub. L. 111–383, div. A, title VIII, §873(a)(1), Jan. 7, 2011, 124 Stat. 4302; amended Pub. L. 112–239, div. A, title X, §1076(d)(1), Jan. 2, 2013, 126 Stat. 1951; Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title X, §1051(a)(8), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1560; Pub. L. 116–92, div. A, title VIII, §861(g)(1), title IX, §902(17), Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 1518, 1545.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2019—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 116–92, §902(17), substituted "Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment" for "Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics".

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 116–92, §861(g)(1), added subsec. (c).

2017—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 115–91 struck out subsec. (c) which related to inclusion of information in annual report to Congress required under former section 115b(d) of this title.

2013—Subsec. (c)(3). Pub. L. 112–239, §1076(d)(1)(A), substituted "subsections (b)(1)(A) and (b)(1)(B)" for "subsections (b)(2)(A) and (b)(2)(B)".

Subsec. (c)(4). Pub. L. 112–239, §1076(d)(1)(B), substituted "or 1734(d)" for "1734(d), or 1736(c)".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Plan for Implementation of Key Work Experiences

Pub. L. 116–92, div. A, title VIII, §861(g)(2), Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 1518, provided that: "Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 20, 2019], the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees [Committees on Armed Services and Appropriations of the Senate and the House of Representatives] a plan identifying the specific actions the Secretary has taken, and is planning to take, to develop and establish key work experiences for each acquisition workforce career field as required by subsection (c) of section 1722b of title 10, United States Code (as added by paragraph (1)). The plan shall specify the percentage of the acquisition workforce, or funds available for administration of the acquisition workforce on an annual basis, that the Secretary will dedicate towards developing and establishing such key work experiences."

Enhancements to the Civilian Program Management Workforce

Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title VIII, §841(a), Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1477, provided that:

"(a) Establishment of Program Manager Development Program.—

"(1) In general.—The Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Secretaries of the military departments, shall implement a program manager development program to provide for the professional development of high-potential, experienced civilian personnel. Personnel shall be competitively selected for the program based on their potential to become a program manager of a major defense acquisition program, as defined in section 2430 of title 10, United States Code [now 10 U.S.C. 4201]. The program shall be administered and overseen by the Secretary of each military department, acting through the service acquisition executive for the department concerned.

"(2) Plan required.—Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 12, 2017], the Secretary of Defense shall provide to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a comprehensive plan to implement the program established under paragraph (1). In developing the plan, the Secretary of Defense shall seek the input of relevant external parties, including professional associations, other government entities, and industry. The plan shall include the following elements:

"(A) An assessment of the minimum level of subject matter experience, education, years of experience, certifications, and other qualifications required to be selected into the program, set forth separately for current Department of Defense employees and for personnel hired into the program from outside the Department of Defense.

"(B) A description of hiring flexibilities to be used to recruit qualified personnel from outside the Department of Defense.

"(C) A description of the extent to which mobility agreements will be required to be signed by personnel selected for the program during their participation in the program and after their completion of the program. The use of mobility agreements shall be applied to help maximize the flexibility of the Department of Defense in assigning personnel, while not inhibiting the participation of the most capable candidates.

"(D) A description of the tenure obligation required of personnel selected for the program.

"(E) A plan for training during the course of the program, including training in leadership, program management, engineering, finance and budgeting, market research, business acumen, contracting, supplier management, requirement setting and tradeoffs, intellectual property matters, and software.

"(F) A description of career paths to be followed by personnel in the program in order to ensure that personnel in the program gain expertise in the program management functional career field competencies identified by the Department in existing guidance and the topics listed in subparagraph (E), including—

"(i) a determination of the types of advanced educational degrees that enhance program management skills and the mechanisms available to the Department of Defense to facilitate the attainment of those degrees by personnel in the program;

"(ii) a determination of required assignments to positions within acquisition programs, including position type and acquisition category of the program office;

"(iii) a determination of required or encouraged rotations to career broadening positions outside of acquisition programs; and

"(iv) a determination of how the program will ensure the opportunity for a required rotation to industry of at least six months to develop an understanding of industry motivation and business acumen, such as by developing an industry exchange program for civilian program managers, similar to the Corporate Fellows Program of the Secretary of Defense.

"(G) A general description of the number of personnel anticipated to be selected into the program, how frequently selections will occur, how long personnel selected into the program will participate in the program, and how personnel will be placed into an assignment at the completion of the program.

"(H) A description of benefits that will be offered under the program using existing human capital flexibilities to retain qualified employees, such as student loan repayments, bonuses, or pay banding.

"(I) An assessment of personnel flexibilities needed to allow the military departments and the Defense Agencies to reassign or remove program managers that do not perform effectively.

"(J) A description of how the program will be administered and overseen by the Secretaries of each military department, acting through the service acquisition executive for the department concerned.

"(K) A description of how the program will be integrated with existing program manager development efforts at each military department.

"(3) Use of defense acquisition workforce development fund.—Amounts in the Department of Defense Acquisition Workforce Development Fund (established under section 1705 of title 10, United States Code) may be used to pay the base salary of personnel in the program established under paragraph (1) during the period of time such personnel are temporarily assigned to a developmental rotation or training program anticipated to last at least six months.

"(4) Implementation.—The program established under paragraph (1) shall be implemented not later than September 30, 2019."

§1723. General education, training, and experience requirements

(a) Qualification Requirements.—(1) The Secretary of Defense shall establish education, training, and experience requirements for each acquisition position, based on the level of complexity of duties carried out in the position. In establishing such requirements, the Secretary shall ensure the availability and sufficiency of training in all areas of acquisition, including additional training courses with an emphasis on services contracting, market research strategies (including assessments of local contracting capabilities), long-term sustainment strategies, information technology, and rapid acquisition.

(2) In establishing such requirements for positions other than critical acquisition positions designated pursuant to section 1731 of this title, the Secretary may state the requirements by categories of positions.

(3) The Secretary of Defense, acting through the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, shall establish requirements for continuing education and periodic renewal of an individual's certification.

(b) Career Path Requirements.—For each career path, the Secretary of Defense, acting through the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, shall establish requirements for the completion of course work and related on-the-job training and demonstration of qualifications in duties and tasks of the career path. The Secretary of Defense, acting through the Under Secretary, shall also—

(1) direct individuals in the acquisition workforce to maintain the currency of their acquisition knowledge and generally enhance their knowledge of related acquisition management disciplines through academic programs and other self-developmental activities; and

(2) develop key work experiences, including the creation of a program sponsored by the Department of Defense that facilitates the periodic interaction between individuals in the acquisition workforce and the end user in such end user's environment to enhance the knowledge base of such workforce, for individuals in the acquisition workforce so that the individuals may gain in-depth knowledge and experience in the acquisition process and become seasoned, well-qualified members of the acquisition workforce.

(c) Limitation on Credit for Training or Education.—Not more than one year of a period of time spent pursuing a program of academic training or education in acquisition may be counted toward fulfilling any requirement established under this chapter for a certain period of experience.

(Added Pub. L. 101–510, div. A, title XII, §1202(a), Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1642; amended Pub. L. 104–201, div. A, title X, §1074(a)(9)(A), Sept. 23, 1996, 110 Stat. 2659; Pub. L. 111–383, div. A, title VIII, §§873(b), 874(a), Jan. 7, 2011, 124 Stat. 4303, 4304; Pub. L. 116–92, div. A, title VIII, §861(a)(4), (h), (j)(8), title IX, §902(18), Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 1515, 1518, 1520, 1545.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2019—Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 116–92, §861(j)(8), substituted "section 1731 of this title" for "section 1733 of this title".

Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 116–92, §902(18)(A), substituted "Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment" for "Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics".

Pub. L. 116–92, §861(a)(4)(A), struck out second sentence which read as follows: "Any requirement for a certification renewal shall not require a renewal more often than once every five years."

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 116–92, §902(18)(B), substituted "Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment" for "Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics" in introductory provisions.

Pub. L. 116–92, §861(h), struck out "the critical acquisition-related" after "qualifications in" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 116–92, §861(a)(4)(B), substituted "direct" for "encourage".

2011—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 111–383, §874(a), amended subsec. (a) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "The Secretary of Defense shall establish education, training, and experience requirements for each acquisition position, based on the level of complexity of duties carried out in the position. In establishing such requirements for positions other than critical acquisition positions designated pursuant to section 1733 of this title, the Secretary may state the requirements by categories of positions."

Subsecs. (b), (c). Pub. L. 111–383, §873(b), added subsec. (b) and redesignated former subsec. (b) as (c).

1996—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 104–201 struck out "Unless otherwise provided in this chapter, such requirements shall take effect not later than October 1, 1993." after first sentence.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Information Technology Acquisition Workforce

Pub. L. 111–383, div. A, title VIII, §875, Jan. 7, 2011, 124 Stat. 4305, provided that:

"(a) Plan Required.—The Secretary of Defense shall develop and carry out a plan to strengthen the part of the acquisition workforce that specializes in information technology. The plan shall include the following:

"(1) Defined targets for billets devoted to information technology acquisition.

"(2) Specific certification requirements for individuals in the acquisition workforce who specialize in information technology acquisition.

"(3) Defined career paths for individuals in the acquisition workforce who specialize in information technology acquisitions.

"(b) Definitions.—In this section:

"(1) The term 'information technology' has the meaning provided such term in section 11101 of title 40, United States Code, and includes information technology incorporated into a major weapon system.

"(2) The term 'major weapon system' has the meaning provided such term in section 2379(f) of title 10, United States Code [now 10 U.S.C. 3455(f)].

"(c) Deadline.—The Secretary of Defense shall develop the plan required under this section not later than 270 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Jan. 7, 2011]."

Guidance and Standards for Defense Acquisition Workforce Training Requirements

Pub. L. 105–85, div. A, title VIII, §853, Nov. 18, 1997, 111 Stat. 1851, which related to guidance and standards for defense acquisition workforce training requirements, was repealed and restated as section 1748 of this title by Pub. L. 111–383, div. A, title VIII, §874(b)(1), (4), Jan. 7, 2011, 124 Stat. 4304, 4305.

Fulfillment Standards for Mandatory Training

Pub. L. 102–484, div. A, title VIII, §812(c), Oct. 23, 1992, 106 Stat. 2451, as amended by Pub. L. 105–85, div. A, title X, §1073(d)(2)(A), Nov. 18, 1997, 111 Stat. 1905, provided that the Secretary of Defense, acting through the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Technology, was to develop, not later than 90 days after Oct. 23, 1992, fulfillment standards, and implement a program, for purposes of the training requirements of sections 1723, 1724, and 1735 of this title, and that the standards were to take effect as of Nov. 5, 1990, and cease to be in effect on Oct. 1, 1997.

§1724. Contracting positions: qualification requirements

(a) Contracting Officers.—The Secretary of Defense shall require that, in order to qualify to serve in an acquisition position as a contracting officer with authority to award or administer contracts for amounts above the simplified acquisition threshold referred to in section 3205 of this title, an employee of the Department of Defense or member of the armed forces (other than the Coast Guard) must, except as provided in subsections (c) and (d)—

(1) have completed all contracting courses required for a contracting officer (A) in the case of an employee, serving in the position within the grade of the General Schedule in which the employee is serving, and (B) in the case of a member of the armed forces, in the member's grade;

(2) have at least two years of experience in a contracting position;

(3) have received a baccalaureate degree from an accredited educational institution authorized to grant baccalaureate degrees; and

(4) meet such additional requirements, based on the dollar value and complexity of the contracts awarded or administered in the position, as may be established by the Secretary of Defense for the position.

(b) GS–1102 Series Positions and Similar Military Positions.—(1) The Secretary of Defense shall require that in order to qualify to serve in a position in the Department of Defense that is in the GS–1102 occupational series an employee or potential employee of the Department of Defense meet the requirement set forth in paragraph (3) of subsection (a). The Secretary may not require that in order to serve in such a position an employee or potential employee meet any of the requirements of paragraphs (1) and (2) of that subsection.

(2) The Secretary of Defense shall require that in order for a member of the armed forces to be selected for an occupational specialty within the armed forces that (as determined by the Secretary) is similar to the GS–1102 occupational series a member of the armed forces meet the requirement set forth in paragraph (3) of subsection (a). The Secretary may not require that in order to be selected for such an occupational specialty a member meet any of the requirements of paragraphs (1) and (2) of that subsection.

(c) Exceptions.—The qualification requirements imposed by the Secretary of Defense pursuant to subsections (a) and (b) shall not apply to an employee of the Department of Defense or member of the armed forces who—

(1) served as a contracting officer with authority to award or administer contracts in excess of the simplified acquisition threshold on or before September 30, 2000;

(2) served, on or before September 30, 2000, in a position either as an employee in the GS–1102 series or as a member of the armed forces in a similar occupational specialty;

(3) is in the contingency contracting force; or

(4) is described in subsection (e)(1)(B).

(d) Waiver.—The Secretary of Defense may waive any or all of the requirements of subsections (a) and (b) with respect to an employee of the Department of Defense or member of the armed forces if the Secretary determines that the individual possesses significant potential for advancement to levels of greater responsibility and authority, based on demonstrated job performance and qualifying experience. With respect to each waiver granted under this subsection, the Secretary shall set forth in a written document the rationale for the decision of the Secretary to waive such requirements.

(e) Developmental Opportunities.—(1) The Secretary of Defense may—

(A) establish or continue one or more programs for the purpose of recruiting, selecting, appointing, educating, qualifying, and developing the careers of individuals to meet the requirement of subsection (a)(3);

(B) appoint individuals to developmental positions in those programs; and

(C) separate from the civil service after a three-year probationary period any individual appointed under this subsection who fails to meet the requirement described in subsection (a)(3).

(2) To qualify for any developmental program described in paragraph (1)(B), an individual shall have been awarded a baccalaureate degree, with a grade point average of at least 3.0 (or the equivalent), from an accredited institution of higher education authorized to grant baccalaureate degrees.

(f) Contingency Contracting Force.—The Secretary shall establish qualification requirements for the contingency contracting force consisting of members of the armed forces whose mission is to deploy in support of contingency operations and other operations of the Department of Defense.

(Added Pub. L. 101–510, div. A, title XII, §1202(a), Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1642; amended Pub. L. 103–35, title I, §101, May 31, 1993, 107 Stat. 97; Pub. L. 104–201, div. A, title X, §1074(a)(9)(B), Sept. 23, 1996, 110 Stat. 2659; Pub. L. 106–398, §1 [[div. A], title VIII, §808(a)–(d)], Oct. 30, 2000, 114 Stat. 1654, 1654A-208; Pub. L. 107–107, div. A, title VIII, §824(a), Dec. 28, 2001, 115 Stat. 1183; Pub. L. 108–136, div. A, title VIII, §831(b)(1), Nov. 24, 2003, 117 Stat. 1549; Pub. L. 108–375, div. A, title X, §1084(d)(14), (h)(1), Oct. 28, 2004, 118 Stat. 2062, 2064; Pub. L. 116–92, div. A, title VIII, §861(b)(1), Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 1516; Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title XVIII, §1883(b)(2), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 4294.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The General Schedule, referred to in subsec. (a)(1)(A), is set out under section 5332 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

Amendments

2021—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 116–283 substituted "section 3205" for "section 2304(g)".

2019—Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 116–92, §861(b)(1)(A), struck out "(A)" before "have received a baccalaureate degree" and ", and (B) have completed at least 24 semester credit hours (or the equivalent) of study from an accredited institution of higher education in any of the following disciplines: accounting, business, finance, law, contracts, purchasing, economics, industrial management, marketing, quantitative methods, and organization and management" after "grant baccalaureate degrees".

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 116–92, §861(b)(1)(B), substituted "requirement set forth" for "requirements set forth" in pars. (1) and (2).

Subsec. (e)(1)(A). Pub. L. 116–92, §861(b)(1)(C)(i)(I), substituted "requirement of subsection (a)(3)" for "requirements in subparagraphs (A) and (B) of subsection (a)(3)".

Subsec. (e)(1)(C). Pub. L. 116–92, §861(b)(1)(C)(i)(II), substituted "requirement" for "requirements".

Subsec. (e)(2). Pub. L. 116–92, §861(b)(1)(C)(ii), struck out dash after "shall have" and subpar. (A) designation before "been awarded", substituted period at end for "; or", and struck out subpar. (B) which read as follows: "completed at least 24 semester credit hours or the equivalent of study from an accredited institution of higher education in any of the disciplines of accounting, business, finance, law, contracts, purchasing, economics, industrial management, marketing, quantitative methods, or organization and management."

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 116–92, §861(b)(1)(D), substituted "Department of Defense." for "Department of Defense, including—

"(1) completion of at least 24 semester credit hours or the equivalent of study from an accredited institution of higher education or similar educational institution in any of the disciplines of accounting, business, finance, law, contracts, purchasing, economics, industrial management, marketing, quantitative methods, or organization and management; or

"(2) passing an examination that demonstrates skills, knowledge, or abilities comparable to that of an individual who has completed at least 24 semester credit hours or the equivalent of study in any of the disciplines described in paragraph (1)."

2004—Subsec. (a)(3)(B). Pub. L. 108–375, §1084(h)(1), amended directory language of Pub. L. 107–107, §824(a)(1)(C). See 2001 Amendment note below.

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 108–375, §1084(d)(14), substituted "the decision of the Secretary" for "its decision" before "to waive such requirements".

2003—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 108–136 substituted "The Secretary of Defense may waive any or all of the requirements of subsections (a) and (b) with respect to an employee of the Department of Defense or member of the armed forces if the Secretary determines" for "The acquisition career program board concerned may waive any or all of the requirements of subsections (a) and (b) with respect to an employee of the Department of Defense or member of the armed forces if the board certifies" in first sentence and "the Secretary" for "the board" in second sentence, and struck out third sentence which read "Such document shall be submitted to and retained by the Director of Acquisition Education, Training, and Career Development."

2001—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 107–107, §824(a)(1)(A), reenacted heading without change and substituted introductory provisions for provisions which read "The Secretary of Defense shall require that in order to qualify to serve in an acquisition position as a contracting officer with authority to award or administer contracts for amounts above the simplified acquisition threshold referred to in section 2304(g) of this title, a person must—".

Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 107–107, §824(a)(1)(B), struck out "mandatory" before "contracting courses" and substituted cls. (A) and (B) for "at the grade level, or in the position within the grade of the General Schedule (in the case of an employee), that the person is serving in;".

Subsec. (a)(3)(B). Pub. L. 107–107, §824(a)(1)(C), as amended by Pub. L. 108–375, §1084(h)(1), inserted comma after "business".

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 107–107, §824(a)(2), added subsec. (b) and struck out former subsec. (b) which read as follows:

"(b) GS–1102 Series Positions and Similar Military Positions.—The Secretary of Defense shall require that a person meet the requirements set forth in paragraph (3) of subsection (a), but not the other requirements set forth in that subsection, in order to qualify to serve in a position in the Department of Defense in—

"(1) the GS–1102 occupational series; or

"(2) a similar occupational specialty if the position is to be filled by a member of the armed forces."

Subsecs. (c) to (f). Pub. L. 107–107, §824(a)(3), added subsecs. (c) to (f) and struck out former subsecs. (c) and (d) which related to exception to requirements of subsecs. (a) and (b) and waiver of such requirements, respectively.

2000—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 106–398, §1 [[div. A], title VIII, §808(d)], struck out "(except as provided in subsections (c) and (d))" after "a person must" in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 106–398, §1 [[div. A], title VIII, §808(b)(1)], inserted "and" before "(B) have completed" and struck out ", or (C) have passed an examination considered by the Secretary of Defense to demonstrate skills, knowledge, or abilities comparable to that of an individual who has completed at least 24 semester credit hours (or the equivalent) of study from an accredited institution of higher education in any of the disciplines listed in subparagraph (B)" after "organization and management".

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 106–398, §1 [[div. A], title VIII, §808(b)(2)], amended heading and text of subsec. (b) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "The Secretary of Defense shall require that a person may not be employed by the Department of Defense in the GS–1102 occupational series unless the person (except as provided in subsections (c) and (d)) meets the requirements set forth in subsection (a)(3)."

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 106–398, §1 [[div. A], title VIII, §808(c)], amended heading and text of subsec. (c) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows:

"(1) The requirements set forth in subsections (a)(3) and (b) shall not apply to any employee who, on October 1, 1991, has at least 10 years of experience in acquisition positions, in comparable positions in other government agencies or the private sector, or in similar positions in which an individual obtains experience directly relevant to the field of contracting.

"(2) The requirements of subsections (a) and (b) shall not apply to any employee for purposes of qualifying to serve in the position in which the employee is serving on October 1, 1993, or any other position in the same or lower grade and involving the same or lower level of responsibilities as the position in which the employee is serving on such date."

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 106–398, §1 [[div. A], title VIII, §808(a)], in first sentence, substituted "employee or member of" for "employee of" and "employee or member possesses" for "employee possesses".

1996—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 104–201, in introductory provisions, struck out ", beginning on October 1, 1993," after "require that" and substituted "simplified acquisition threshold" for "small purchase threshold".

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 104–201, §1074(a)(9)(B)(ii), struck out ", beginning on October 1, 1993," after "require that".

1993—Subsec. (c)(2). Pub. L. 103–35 inserted "or lower" before "grade" and before "level".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2021 Amendment

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 a note preceding section 3001 of this title.

Effective Date of 2004 Amendment

Pub. L. 108–375, div. A, title X, §1084(h), Oct. 28, 2004, 118 Stat. 2064, provided that the amendment made by section 1084(h) [amending this section, section 1732 of this title, and provisions set out as a note under section 5949 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees] is effective as of Dec. 28, 2001, and as if included in Pub. L. 107–107 as enacted.

Effective Date of 2000 Amendment

Pub. L. 106–398, §1 [[div. A], title VIII, §808(e)], Oct. 30, 2000, 114 Stat. 1654, 1654A-208, provided that: "This section [amending this section], and the amendments made by this section, shall take effect on October 1, 2000, and shall apply to appointments and assignments to contracting positions made on or after that date."

Transfer of Functions

For transfer of authorities, functions, personnel, and assets of the Coast Guard, including the authorities and functions of the Secretary of Transportation relating thereto, to the Department of Homeland Security, and for treatment of related references, see sections 468(b), 551(d), 552(d), and 557 of Title 6, Domestic Security, and the Department of Homeland Security Reorganization Plan of November 25, 2002, as modified, set out as a note under section 542 of Title 6.

Fulfillment Standards for Mandatory Training

For provisions relating to development of fulfillment standards for purposes of the training requirements of this section, see section 812(c) of Pub. L. 102–484, set out as a note under section 1723 of this title.

Credit for Experience in Certain Positions

Pub. L. 101–510, div. A, title XII, §1209(i), Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1667, as amended by Pub. L. 102–25, title VII, §704(b)(3)(D), Apr. 6, 1991, 105 Stat. 119, provided that: "For purposes of meeting any requirement under chapter 87 of title 10, United States Code (as added by section 1202), for a period of experience (such as requirements for experience in acquisition positions or in critical acquisition positions) and for purposes of coverage under the exceptions established by section 1724(c)(1) and section 1732(c)(1) of such title, any period of time spent serving in a position later designated as an acquisition position or a critical acquisition position under such chapter may be counted as experience in such a position for such purposes."

§1725. Senior Military Acquisition Advisors

(a) Position.—

(1) In general.—The Secretary of Defense may establish in the acquisition workforce a position to be known as "Senior Military Acquisition Advisor".

(2) Appointment.—A Senior Military Acquisition Advisor shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate.

(3) Scope of position.—An officer who is appointed as a Senior Military Acquisition Advisor—

(A) shall serve as an advisor to, and provide senior level acquisition expertise to, the service acquisition executive of that officer's military department in accordance with this section; and

(B) shall be assigned as an adjunct professor at the Defense Acquisition University.

(b) Continuation on Active Duty.—An officer who is appointed as a Senior Military Acquisition Advisor may continue on active duty while serving in such position without regard to any mandatory retirement date that would otherwise be applicable to that officer by reason of years of service or age. An officer who is continued on active duty pursuant to this section is not eligible for consideration for selection for promotion.

(c) Retired Grade.—Upon retirement, an officer who is a Senior Military Acquisition Advisor may, in the discretion of the President, be retired in the grade of brigadier general or rear admiral (lower half) if—

(1) the officer has served as a Senior Military Acquisition Advisor for a period of not less than three years; and

(2) the officer's service as a Senior Military Acquisition Advisor has been distinguished.

(d) Selection and Tenure.—

(1) In general.—Selection of an officer for recommendation for appointment as a Senior Military Acquisition Advisor shall be made competitively, and shall be based upon demonstrated experience and expertise in acquisition.

(2) Officers eligible.—Officers shall be selected for recommendation for appointment as Senior Military Acquisition Advisors from among officers in the acquisition workforce serving in critical acquisition positions who are serving in the grade of colonel or, in the case of the Navy, captain, and who have at least 12 years of acquisition experience. An officer selected for recommendation for appointment as a Senior Military Acquisition Advisor shall have at least 30 years of active commissioned service at the time of appointment.

(3) Term.—The appointment of an officer as a Senior Military Acquisition Advisor shall be for a term of not longer than five years.

(e) Limitation.—

(1) Limitation on number and distribution.—There may not be more than 15 Senior Military Acquisition Advisors at any time, of whom—

(A) not more than five may be officers of the Army;

(B) not more than five may be officers of the Navy and Marine Corps; and

(C) not more than five may be officers of the Air Force and Space Force.

(2) Number in each military department.—Subject to paragraph (1), the number of Senior Military Acquisition Advisors for each military department shall be as required and identified by the service acquisition executive of such military department and approved by the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment.

(f) Advice to Service Acquisition Executive.—An officer who is a Senior Military Acquisition Advisor shall have as the officer's primary duty providing strategic, technical, and programmatic advice to the service acquisition executive of the officer's military department on matters pertaining to the Defense Acquisition System, including matters pertaining to procurement, research and development, advanced technology, test and evaluation, production, program management, systems engineering, and lifecycle logistics.

(Added Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title VIII, §866(a)(1), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2305; amended Pub. L. 116–92, div. A, title VIII, §861(j)(9), title IX, §902(19), Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 1520, 1545; Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title IX, §924(b)(28), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3825.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 1725, added Pub. L. 101–510, div. A, title XII, §1202(a), Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1643, which related to Office of Personnel Management approval, was repealed by Pub. L. 108–136, div. A, title VIII, §832(a), Nov. 24, 2003, 117 Stat. 1550; amended Pub. L. 108–375, div. A, title X, §1084(f)(1), Oct. 28, 2004, 118 Stat. 2064.

Amendments

2021—Subsec. (e)(1)(C). Pub. L. 116–283 inserted "and Space Force" before period at end.

2019—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 116–92, §861(j)(9)(A), substituted "acquisition workforce" for "Defense Acquisition Corps".

Subsec. (d)(2). Pub. L. 116–92, §861(j)(9)(B), substituted "in the acquisition workforce serving in critical acquisition positions" for "of the Defense Acquisition Corps".

Subsec. (e)(2). Pub. L. 116–92, §902(19), substituted "Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment" for "Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics".