§4424 Mechanisms to Speed Deployment of Successful Weapon System Component or Technology Prototypes

Summary

A military department can move a successful prototype into production or sign a special production deal without running a new competition if four things are true: the follow-on work meets a high-priority warfighter need or cuts weapon costs; the original prototype work was chosen by competition; the original team finished the project requirements; and the prototype was proven in a relevant environment. The department’s top acquisition official must notify the congressional defense committees with a short description within 30 days of making that choice. The Secretary may shift leftover procurement funds to pay for low-rate initial production until full funding is approved. That transfer can last no more than two years, can’t exceed $50,000,000, and can be used only once for the same new or upgraded system. This transfer authority is in addition to other transfer powers.