§4423 Requirements and Limitations for Weapon System Component or Technology Prototype Projects

Summary

Prototype projects must be finished within two years of when they start. The military department’s service acquisition executive must pick projects by a merit-based process. The process must choose the most promising, innovative, and cost-effective ideas that meet one or more elements listed in 10 U.S.C. 4422(c)(1) and that can be shown to work in a relevant setting. Projects are paid for by contracts, cooperative agreements, or other transactions. Normally a project cannot cost more than $10,000,000 (in fiscal year 2017 dollars). The military department Secretary or their designee can approve up to $50,000,000, but must tell the congressional defense committees within 30 days and include the project, expected funding, and the anticipated outcome. The Secretary of Defense may adjust those dollar limits and the base year using Department of Defense escalation rates. Projects that go past the time or money limits must use the rapid prototyping process in section 3602. This does not change authorities for prototyping under section 4022 or other related rules.