,,ii #aai? ,,congress #a/ ,session ,s4 #aeia ,,9 ,,! ,,s5ate ,,( ,,! ,,unit$ ,,/ates ,may #e1 #bjbe,mr4 ,moran introduc$ ! foll[+ bill2 :i* 0 read twice & ref]r$ to ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ,a ,,bill ,to am5d title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 to reorganize ! acquisition /ructure ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs & to e/abli% ! ,director ( ,co/ ,assessm5t & ,program ,evaluation 9 ! ,dep>tm5t1 & = o!r purposes4 #a4 ,%ort title2 table ( cont5ts 7a7 ,%ort title ,?is ,act may be cit$ z ! ,acquisition ,re=m & ,co/ ,assessm5t ,act ( #bjbe or ! ,,arca ,act ( #bjbe4 7b7 ,table ( cont5ts ,! table ( cont5ts = ?is ,act is z foll[s3 ,sec4 #a4 ,%ort title2 table ( cont5ts4,sec4 #b4 ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs acquisition organization4,sec4 #c4 ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs major acquisition program manag]s4,sec4 #d4 ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs acquisition & procurem5t reorganization matt]s4,sec4 #e4 ,indep5d5t v]ification & validation ( major acquisition programs ( ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs4,sec4 #f4 ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs co/ assessm5t & program evaluation4,sec4 #g4 ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs o!r transaction au?ority & advance m>ket commitm5ts = te*nologies or s]vices = provision ( heal? c>e4,sec4 #h4 ,developm5t & expansion ( an #aajb int]n%ip or developm5t pipel9e4,sec4 #i4 ,cl]ical am5dm5t4 #b4 ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs acquisition organization 7a7 ,def9itions ,*apt] #ha ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$ by ins]t+ aft] sub*apt] ,,vi ! foll[+ new sub*apt]3 ,,vii ,acquisition organization1 co/ assessm5t1 & program evaluation #haha4 ,def9itions ,9 ?is sub*apt]3 7#a7 ,! t]m major acquisition program means a program ( ! ,dep>tm5t to acquire prop]ty1 sy/ems or te*nology1 assets1 supplies1 s]vices1 or a comb9ation !re(1 ) an e/imat$ total program life-cycle co/ ( #bej1jjj1jjj or m1 z det]m9$ by ! ,secret>y4 7#b7 ,! t]m non-major acquisition program means a program ( ! ,dep>tm5t to acquire prop]ty1 sy/ems or te*nology1 assets1 supplies1 s]vices1 or a comb9ation !re(1 ) an e/imat$ total program life-cycle co/ ( less ?an #bej1jjj1jjj1 z det]m9$ by ! ,secret>y4 4 7b7 ,assi/ant ,secret>y = ,acquisition & ,innovation ,section #cjh ( su* title is am5d$-- 7#a7 9 subsection 7a77#a71 by /rik+ sev5 & ins]t+ eight2 & 7#b7 9 subsection 7b71 by add+ at ! end ! foll[+ new p>agraph3 7#ac7 ,acquisition & innovation4 4 7c7 ,acquisition organization ,sub*apt] ,,vi ( *apt] #ha ( su* title1 z add$ by subsection 7a71 is am5d$ by add+ at ! end ! foll[+ new section3 #hahb4 ,acquisition organization 7a7 ,assi/ant ,secret>y = ,acquisition & ,innovation2 ,*ief ,acquisition ,(fic] 7#a7 ,! ,secret>y %all designate "o ( ! ,assi/ant ,secret>ies specifi$ 9 subsection 7a77#a7 ( section #cjh ( ?is title z ! ,assi/ant ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs = ,acquisition & ,innovation1 :o %all focus solely on ! adm9i/ration ( functions specifi$ 9 subsection 7b77#ac7 ( su* section4 7#b7 ,pursuant to section #agjb7;a7 ( title #da1 ! ,secret>y %all designate ! ,assi/ant ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs = ,acquisition & ,innovations z ! ,*ief ,acquisition ,(fic] ( ! ,dep>tm5t4 7b7 ,(fice ( ,acquisition & ,innovation 7#a7 ,!re is 9 ! ,dep>tm5t an ,(fice ( ,acquisition & ,innovation4 7#b7 ,! head ( ! ,(fice ( ,acquisition & ,innovation %all be ! ,assi/ant ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs = ,acquisition & ,innovation designat$ pursuant to subsection 7a74 7#c7 ,! ,secret>y %all take su* actions z may be necess>y to ensure t major program (fices ( ! ,dep>tm5t align "u ! ,(fice ( ,acquisition & ,innovation & report directly to ! ,assi/ant ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs = ,acquisition & ,innovation4 7#d7 ,! budget ( ! ,(fice ( ,acquisition & ,innovation %all be e/abli%$ 9 ! budget ju/ification mat]ials submitt$ to ,congress 9 support ( ! budget ( ! ,dep>tm5t 7z submitt$ ) ! budget ( ! ,presid5t "u section #aaje7;a7 ( title #ca74 7c7 ,deputy ,assi/ant ,secret>y = ,logi/ics 7#a7 ,pursuant to section #cjh7;d7 ( ?is title1 ! ,secret>y %all appo9t a ,deputy ,assi/ant ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs = ,logi/ics1 :o %all report to ! ,assi/ant ,secret>y = ,acquisition & ,innovation4 7#b7 ,! ,deputy ,assi/ant ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs = ,logi/ics %all be responsible = adm9i/ration ( logi/ics & supply *a9 op]ations ( ! ,dep>tm5t4 7d7 ,deputy ,assi/ant ,secret>y = ,innovation 7#a7 ,pursuant to section #cjh7;d7 ( ?is title1 ! ,secret>y %all appo9t a ,deputy ,assi/ant ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs = ,innovation1 :o %all report to ! ,assi/ant ,secret>y = ,acquisition & ,innovation4 7#b7 ,! ,deputy ,assi/ant ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs = ,innovation %all be responsible = all rese>*1 developm5t1 te/+1 & innovation developm5t organizations ( ! ,dep>tm5t1 includ+ ! ,vet]ans ,heal? ,adm9i/ration ,innovation ,ecosy/em4 7e7 ,deputy ,assi/ant ,secret>y = ,procurem5t 7#a7 ,pursuant to section #cjh7;d7 ( ?is title1 ! ,secret>y %all appo9t a ,deputy ,assi/ant ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs = ,procurem5t1 :o %all report to ! ,assi/ant ,secret>y = ,acquisition & ,innovation4 7#b7 ,! ,deputy ,assi/ant ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs = ,procurem5t %all be responsible = all procurem5t & contract+ organizations ( ! ,dep>tm5t4 4 #c4 ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs major acquisition program manag]s ,sub*apt] ,,vi ( *apt] #ha ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 z add$ by section #b1 is am5d$ by add+ at ! end ! foll[+ new section3 #hahc4 ,major acquisition program manag]s 7a7 ,appo9tm5ts ,n lat] ?an #cj days aft] any date on :i* ! ,secret>y approves a major acquisition program to comm5ce1 ! ,deputy ,secret>y %all appo9t a manag] to be responsible = adm9i/]+ su* program4 7b7 ,duties ,ea* manag] appo9t$ pursuant to subsection 7a7 %all report to ! ,assi/ant ,secret>y = ,acquisition & ,innovation & %all be responsible =1 ) respect to ! applicable major acquisition program-- 7#a7 develop+1 9 coord9ation ) ! ,assi/ant ,secret>y1 & functional teams responsible = ! program requirem5ts1 a plan to adm9i/] su* program1 to be kn[n z ! program basel9e1 t includes-- 7,a7 a description ( ea* acquisition phase ( su* program2 7,b7 = ea* su* acquisition phase1 requirem5ts = advanc+ su* program to a subsequ5t acquisition phase2 & 7,c7 e/imates ( ! co/1 s*$ule1 & p]=mance ( su* program t acc\nt = ! entire life cycle ( su* program2 7#b7 ensur+ su* program is 9 compliance ) su* requirem5ts2 7#c7 secur+ fund+ necess>y to satisfy su* requirem5ts2 7#d7 adopt+ /&>diz$ processes ) e/abli%$ success to support ! progress ( su* program1 includ+-- 7,a7 mile/ones2 7,b7 exit crit]ia2 & 7,c7 specific accompli%m5ts2 7#e7 to ! ext5t practicable1 ensur+ t p]sonnel ( ! ,dep>tm5t responsible = e/imat+ ! budget & co/ ( su* program are provid$ ) an opportunity to raise conc]ns relat+ to su* budget & co/ prior to ! e/abli%m5t ( ! program basel9e "u p>agraph 7#a72 7#f7 on a cont9u\s basis1 assess+ & manag+ risks to satisfy+ ! requirem5ts ( su* program basel9e relat+ to co/ & s*$ule2 7#g7 ensure su* program complies ) co/ acc\nt+ /&>ds1 z applicable2 7#h7 e/abli%+ a work=ce = su* program t is qualifi$ & suffici5t to p]=m ! necess>y functions ( su* program2 & 7#i7 ensur+ su* program has adequate te*nology & production capacity prior to comm5c+ an acquisition phase ( su* program relat$ to manufactur+1 if applicable4 7c7 ,consid]ation ( alt]nate requirem5ts ,n lat] ?an #ij days aft] any date on :i* a manag] appo9t$ pursuant to subsection 7a7 e/abli%es a program basel9e describ$ 9 subsection 7b77#a71 su* manag] %all submit to ! program decision au?ority "u subsection 7d7 a c]tification t su* manag] consid]$ e/abli%+ alt]nate requirem5ts 9 su* program basel9e relat+ to ! co/1 s*$ule1 & p]=mance ( ea* acquisition phase ( su* program prior to e/abli%+ su* program basel9e4 7d7 ,program decision au?ority ,! ,secret>y %all ensure t-- 7#a7 program decision au?ority = ov]sight ( a major acquisition program ( ! ,dep>tm5t is ! ,assi/ant ,secret>y = ,acquisition & ,innovation2 & 7#b7 program managem5t (fices = major acquisition programs are indep5d5t ( ! ,vet]ans ,b5efits ,adm9i/ration1 ! ,vet]ans ,heal? ,adm9i/ration1 ! ,national ,cemet]y ,adm9i/ration & ,dep>tm5t /aff (fices by report+ directly to ! ,assi/ant ,secret>y = ,acquisition & ,innovation4 7e7 ,program decision au?ority au?orization requir$ 7#a7 ,n lat] ?an #cj days aft] any date on :i* a major acquisition program concludes an acquisition phase1 ! manag] ( su* program appo9t$ pursuant to subsection 7a7 %all notify ! program decision au?ority "u subsection 7d74 7#b7 ,su* manag] may n advance su* program to a subsequ5t acquisition phase )\t ! au?orization ( su* program decision au?ority "u subsection 7d74 4 #d4 ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs acquisition & procurem5t reorganization matt]s 7a7 ,contract+ (fic]s ,! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs %all transf] all contract+ (fic]s & acquisition c5t]s 9 ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs to ! ,(fice ( ,acquisition & ,innovation e/abli%$ by section #hahb7;b7 ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 z add$ by section #b7;c74 7b7 ,consolidation ( logi/ics & supply *a9 op]ations ,! ,secret>y %all take su* actions z may be necess>y to consolidate all activities relat+ to ! adm9i/ration ( logi/ics & supply *a9 op]ations ( ! ,dep>tm5t "u ! ,deputy ,assi/ant ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs = ,logi/ics appo9t$ pursuant to section #hahb7;e7 ( su* title1 z add$ by section #b7;c74 #e4 ,indep5d5t v]ification & validation ( major acquisition programs ( ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs 7a7 ,contract+ au?ority ,n lat] ?an #abj days aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act1 ! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs %all-- 7#a7 review & take action to ensure t all indep5d5t v]ification & validation1 z well z te/+ contracts 9 effect 9 ! ,dep>tm5t1 comply ) ! provisions ( ?is ,act & ! am5dm5ts made by ?is ,act2 & 7#b7 seek to ent] into "o or m contracts us+ competitive proc$ures ) "o or m entities to c>ry out ! functions describ$ 9 subsection 7c74 7b7 ,eligibility 7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,an entity is n eligible to be aw>d$ a contract "u ?is section unless ! ,*ief ,acquisition ,(fic] ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs det]m9es1 at ! "t ( evaluation ( (f]s submitt$ "u subsection 7a71 t ! entity is curr5tly p]=m+ or has p]=m$1 dur+ ! prec$+ ?ree-ye> p]iod1 n few] ?an ?ree prime contracts =-- 7,a7 ! indep5d5t v]ification & validation or sy/ems eng9e]+ & te*nical advisory 7,,seta7 support ( major acquisition programs or def5se sy/ems1 9 accordance ) guidance ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,def5se relat+ to su* acquisition programs or su* bus9ess sy/ems2 or 7,b7 ! indep5d5t v]ification & validation or sy/ems eng9e]+ & te*nical advisory 7,,seta7 support ( ! developm5t or acquisition ( major acquisition programs or def5se sy/ems1 9 accordance ) guidance ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,def5se relat+ to su* acquisition programs or su* bus9ess sy/ems4 7#b7 ,limitation ,! ,secret>y %all ensure t an entity1 includ+ its subsidi>ies1 jo9t v5tures1 subcontractors1 team+ p>tn]s1 inve/m5ts1 & corporate (fic]s1 aw>d$ a contract "u ?is section does n p]=m ! functions specifi$ 9 subsection 7c7 ) respect to a project or sy/em ( ! ,dep>tm5t or organizational subdivision ( ! ,dep>tm5t if su* entity is p]=m+ or has p]=m$1 dur+ ! ?ree-ye> p]iod prec$+ ! date ( su* aw>d1 a cov]$ contract-- 7,a7 = su* project or sy/em2 or 7,b7 = ! ,dep>tm5t or su* organizational subdivision ( ! ,dep>tm5t4 7#c7 ,consid]ation reg>d+ future procurem5ts ,a contract+ (fic] ( ! ,dep>tm5t %all consid] ! requirem5ts ( ?is subsection :5 implem5t+ ! organizational conflict ( int]e/ mitigation proc$ures "u subp>t ( title #dh1 ,code ( ,f$]al ,regulations1 or successor regulations1 ) respect to future procurem5ts 9 :i* an entity aw>d$ "u subsection 7a7 is an (f]or4 7c7 ,functions ,! functions specifi$ 9 ?is subsection are ! foll[+3 7#a7 ,! indep5d5t v]ification & validation ( ea* major acquisition program or major in=mation te*nology project-- 7,a7 :5 su* major program is initiat$1 ) respect to its design & ! developm5t ( its requirem5ts & acquisition2 7,b7 at ! conclusion ( su* project2 & 7,c7 at any o!r int]vals dur+ su* project select$ by ! ,*ief ,acquisition ,(fic] ( ! ,dep>tm5t4 7#b7 ,! indep5d5t v]ification & validation ( o!r projects ( ! ,dep>tm5t select$ by ! ,*ief ,acquisition ,(fic] ( ! ,dep>tm5t1 at int]vals select$ by ! ,*ief ,acquisition ,(fic]4 7#c7 ,) respect to any project or sy/em ( ! ,dep>tm5t select$ by ! ,*ief ,acquisition ,(fic] ( ! ,dep>tm5t ! evaluation (-- 7,a7 te/+ conduct$ by ! ,dep>tm5t or o!r te/+ entity2 7,b7 te*nical ar*itecture or design1 includ+ data managem5t2 7,c7 developm5t processes2 7,d7 /ability & resili5cy2 7,e7 integration or int]op]ability ) o!r sy/ems1 includ+ an assessm5t ( data quality2 7,f7 adoption & use2 7,g7 managem5t1 includ+ gov]nance1 co/s1 & s*$ules2 & 7,h7 any o!r elem5ts or processes z det]m9$ by ! ,*ief ,acquisition ,(fic]4 7d7 ,transmittal to ,congress 7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,n lat] ?an #cj days aft] ! date on :i* an indep5d5t v]ification & validation is p]=m$ pursuant to subsection 7c77#a71 ! ,secret>y %all transmit to ,congress a copy ( su* indep5d5t v]ification & validation4 7#b7 ,v]ification & validation & evaluations ,n lat] ?an #cj days aft] ! date on :i* ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,s5ate or ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives reque/s a copy ( any indep5d5t v]ification & validation "u p>agraph 7#b7 ( subsection 7c7 or evaluation "u p>agraph 7#c7 ( su* subsection1 ! ,secret>y %all transmit to su* committee a copy ( su* v]ification & validation or evaluation4 7#c7 ,organizational conflict ( int]e/2 mitigation plans ,n lat] ?an #cj days aft] ! date on :i* ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,s5ate or ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives reque/s a copy ( any organizational conflict ( int]e/ mitigation plan submitt$ by an (f]or pursuant to subsection 7b77#c71 ! ,secret>y %all transmit to su* committee a copy ( su* plan4 7e7 ,fund+ ,! ,*ief ,f9ancial ,(fic] ( ! ,dep>tm5t %all ensure1 to ! ext5t practicable1 t ea* organizational subdivision ( ! ,dep>tm5t t ent]s into a contract "u subsection 7a7 proportionally contributes am\nts to fund ea* su* contract4 7f7 ,def9itions ,9 ?is section3 7#a7 ,cov]$ contract ,! t]m cov]$ contract means a prime contract or subcontract =-- 7,a7 in=mation te*nology support or s(tw>e or sy/em design1 developm5t1 su/a9m5t1 or ma9t5ance s]vices2 7,b7 pr(essional or managem5t consult+ s]vices2 or 7,c7 advisory & assi/ance s]vices4 7#b7 ,indep5d5t v]ification validation ,! t]m indep5d5t v]ification & validation means a compreh5sive inspection1 a review1 analysis1 & te/+1 or an assessm5t ( sy/ems1 s(tw>e1 or h>dw>e1 z applicable1 p]=m$ by an entity aw>d$ a contract "u subsection 7a7-- 7,a7 to v]ify t ! requirem5ts ( a project or sy/em1 or a developm5t phase ( su* a project1 are correctly def9$2 7,b7 to validate t ! project or sy/em1 or a product ( a developm5t phase ( su* a project1 correctly implem5ts ! requir$ functionality & applicable security requirem5ts2 & 7,c7 v]ify t a project or sy/em1 or a product ( a developm5t phase ( su* a project1 satisfies & con=ms to ! requirem5ts1 /&>ds1 & practices ( ea* life cycle phase & successfully completes ea* life cycle activity4 7#c7 ,major acquisition program ,! t]m major acquisition program has ! mean+ giv5 su* t]m 9 section #haha ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 z add$ by section #b7;a74 7#d7 ,major in=mation te*nology project ,! t]m major in=mation te*nology project has ! mean+ giv5 su* t]m 9 section #haga ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code4 7#e7 ,major sy/em ,! t]m major sy/em has ! mean+ giv5 su* t]m 9 section #b4aja ( title #dh1 ,code ( ,f$]al ,regulations 7or a successor regulation74 #f4 ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs co/ assessm5t & program evaluation 7a7 ,9 g5]al ,sub*apt] ,,vi ( *apt] #ha ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 z add$ by section #b & am5d$ by section #c1 is fur!r am5d$ by add+ at ! end ! foll[+ new section3 #hahd4 ,co/ assessm5t & program evaluation 7a7 ,director ( co/ assessm5t & program evaluation ,!re is e/abli%$ a ,director ( ,co/ ,assessm5t & ,program ,evaluation1 :o %all report directly to ! ,secret>y4 7b7 7#a7 ,indep5d5t advice to ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs ,! ,director ( ,co/ ,assessm5t & ,program ,evaluation is ! pr9cipal advisor to ! ,secret>y & o!r s5ior (ficials ( ! ,dep>tm5t1 & %all provide indep5d5t analysis & advice to su* (ficials1 on ! foll[+ matt]s3 7,a7 ,matt]s assign$ to ! ,director pursuant to ?is section4 7,b7 ,matt]s assign$ to ! ,director by ! ,secret>y pursuant to ?is section & to section #cjc ( ?is title4 7#b7 ,! ,director may communicate views on matt]s )9 ! responsibility ( ! ,director directly to ! ,secret>y & ! ,deputy ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs )\t obta9+ ! approval or concurr5ce ( any o!r (ficial )9 ! ,dep>tm5t4 7c7 ,deputy directors ,!re are two ,deputy ,directors )9 ! ,(fice ( ! ,director ( ,co/ ,assessm5t & ,program ,evaluation1 z foll[s3 7#a7 ,! ,deputy ,director = ,co/ ,assessm5t4 7#b7 ,! ,deputy ,director = ,program ,evaluation4 7d7 ,responsibilities ,! ,director ( ,co/ ,assessm5t & ,program ,evaluation %all s]ve z ! pr9cipal (ficial )9 ! s5ior managem5t ( ! ,dep>tm5t = ! foll[+3 7#a7 ,co/ e/imation & co/ analysis = acquisition programs ( ! ,dep>tm5t4 7#b7 ,analysis & advice on matt]s relat+ to ! plann+ & programm+ phases ( ! ,plann+1 ,programm+1 ,budget+1 & ,execution sy/em1 & ! prep>ation ( mat]ials & guidance = su* sy/em1 z direct$ by ! ,secret>y1 work+ 9 coord9ation ) ! ,assi/ant ,secret>y = ,managem5t & ! ,*ief ,f9ancial ,(fic] ( ! ,dep>tm5t4 7#c7 ,analysis & advice = res\rce discussions relat+ to requirem5ts "u consid]ation 9 ! ,vet]ans ,heal? ,adm9i/ration1 ! ,vet]ans ,b5efits ,adm9i/ration1 ! ,national ,cemet]y ,adm9i/ration1 & all /aff (fices4 7#d7 ,=mulation ( /udy guidance = analyses ( alt]natives = major acquisition programs & p]=mance ( su* analyses1 z direct$ by ! ,secret>y4 7#e7 ,review1 analysis1 & evaluation ( programs = execut+ approv$ /rategies & policies1 ensur+ t in=mation on programs is pres5t$ accurately & completely1 & assess+ ! effect ( sp5d+ by ! ,dep>tm5t on ! ,unit$ ,/ates economy4 7#f7 ,assessm5ts ( alt]native plans1 programs1 & policies ) respect to ! acquisition programs ( ! ,dep>tm5t4 7#g7 ,lead+ ! developm5t ( improv$ analytical skills & compet5cies )9 ! co/ assessm5t & program evaluation work=ce ( ! ,dep>tm5t & improv$ tools1 data1 & me?ods to promote p]=mance1 economy1 & effici5cy 9 analyz+ ,dep>tm5t plann+ & ! allocation ( ,dep>tm5t res\rces4 7e7 ,indep5d5t co/ e/imation & co/ analysis ,! ,director ( ,co/ ,assessm5t & ,program ,evaluation %all ensure t ! co/ e/imation & co/ analysis processes ( ! ,dep>tm5t provide accurate in=mation & reali/ic e/imates ( co/ = ! acquisition programs ( ! ,dep>tm5t4 ,9 c>ry+ out t responsibility1 ! ,director %all-- 7#a7 prescribe1 by au?ority ( ! ,secret>y1 policies & proc$ures = ! conduct ( co/ e/imation & co/ analysis = ! acquisition programs ( ! ,dep>tm5t2 7#b7 provide guidance to & consult ) ! ,secret>y1 ! ,*ief ,acquisition ,(fic]1 ! ,assi/ant ,secret>y = ,managem5t1 ! ,*ief ,f9ancial ,(fic] ( ! ,dep>tm5t1 ! ,"u ,secret>y = ,heal?1 ! ,"u ,secret>y = ,b5efits1 & ! ,"u ,secret>y = ,memorial ,affairs ) respect to co/ e/imation 9 ! ,dep>tm5t 9 g5]al & ) respect to specific co/ e/imates & co/ analyses to be conduct$ 9 connection ) a major acquisition program2 7#c7 issue guidance relat+ to ! prop] selection ( confid5ce levels 9 co/ e/imates g5]ally1 & specifically1 = ! prop] selection ( confid5ce levels 9 co/ e/imates = major acquisition programs & major automat$ in=mation sy/em programs2 7#d7 issue guidance relat+ to full consid]ation ( life-cycle managem5t & su/a9ability co/s 9 major acquisition programs & major automat$ in=mation sy/em programs2 7#e7 review all co/ e/imates & co/ analyses conduct$ 9 connection ) major acquisition programs & major automat$ in=mation sy/em programs2 7#f7 conduct indep5d5t co/ e/imates & co/ analyses = major acquisition programs & major automat$ in=mation sy/em programs = :i* ! ,*ief ,acquisition ,(fic] is ! ,mile/one ,decision ,au?ority-- 7,a7 9 advance (-- 7i7 any c]tification "u ?is title2 & 7ii7 any decision to ent] into product or sy/em l[-rate initial production1 initial pilot implem5tation1 or full-rate production or implem5tation2 & 7,b7 at any o!r "t consid]$ appropriate by ! ,director or ^u ! reque/ ( ! ,*ief ,acquisition ,(fic]2 & 7#g7 p]iodically assess & update ! co/ indexes us$ by ! ,dep>tm5t to ensure t su* indexes h a s\nd basis & meet ! ,dep>tm5t's ne$s = reali/ic co/ e/imation4 7f7 ,review ( co/ e/imates1 co/ analyses1 & records ( ! ,dep>tm5t ,! ,secret>y %all ensure t ! ,director-- 7#a7 promptly receives ! results ( all co/ e/imates & co/ analyses conduct$ by ! ,vet]ans ,b5efits ,adm9i/ration1 ! ,vet]ans ,heal? ,adm9i/ration1 ! ,national ,cemet]y ,adm9i/ration1 or /aff (fices & all /udies conduct$ by ! ,adm9i/ration1 9 connection ) su* co/ e/imates & co/ analyses = major acquisition programs & major automat$ in=mation sy/em programs ( ! ,adm9i/rations2 & 7#b7 has timely access to any records & data 9 ! ,dep>tm5t 7includ+ ! records & data ( ea* ,adm9i/ration t ! ,director consid]s necess>y to review 9 ord] to c>ry out any duties "u ?is section74 7g7 ,p>ticipation1 concurr5ce1 & approval 9 co/ e/imation ,! ,director may-- 7#a7 p>ticipate 9 ! discussion ( any discrepancies betwe5 an indep5d5t co/ e/imate & ! co/ e/imate assessm5ts ( ! ,vet]ans ,b5efits ,adm9i/ration1 ! ,vet]ans ,heal? ,adm9i/ration1 ! ,national ,cemet]y ,adm9i/ration1 & /aff (fices = a major acquisition program or major automat$ in=mation sy/em program ( ! ,dep>tm5t2 7#b7 comm5t on defici5cies 9 ! me?odology or execution ( any co/ e/imate or co/ analysis develop$ by ! ,vet]ans ,b5efits ,adm9i/ration1 ! ,vet]ans ,heal? ,adm9i/ration1 ! ,national ,cemet]y ,adm9i/ration1 or /aff (fices = a major acquisition program or major automat$ in=mation sy/em program2 7#c7 concur 9 ! *oice ( a co/ e/imate )9 ! basel9e description or any o!r co/ e/imate 7includ+ ! confid5ce level = any su* co/ e/imate7 = use at any ev5t specifi$ 9 subsection 7e77#f72 & 7#d7 p>ticipate 9 ! consid]ation ( any decision to reque/ au?orization ( a multi-ye> procurem5t contract = a major acquisition program4 7h7 ,annual report on co/ assessm5t activities 7#a7 ,ea* ye>1 n lat] ?an #aj days aft] ! transmittal to ,congress ( ! budget ( ! ,presid5t = a fiscal ye> pursuant to section #aaje ( title #ca1 ! ,director %all submit to ! ,secret>y1 ! ,*ief ,acquisition ,(fic] ( ! ,dep>tm5t1 ! ,assi/ant ,secret>y = ,managem5t1 ! ,*ief ,f9ancial ,(fic] ( ! ,dep>tm5t1 ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,s5ate & ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives an annual report on ! co/ e/imation & co/ analysis activities ( ! ,dep>tm5t c>ri$ out dur+ ! previ\s ye>4 7#b7 ,ea* report submitt$ pursuant to p>agraph 7#a7 %all include1 = ! p]iod cov]$ by ! report1 ! foll[+3 7,a7 ,a summ>y ( ! co/ e/imation & co/ analysis activities ( ! ,dep>tm5t4 7,b7 ,assessm5ts ( ! foll[+3 7i7 ,! progress ( ! ,dep>tm5t 9 improv+ ! accuracy ( its co/ e/imates & analyses4 7ii7 ,! ext5t to :i* ea* ( ! ,vet]ans ,b5efits ,adm9i/ration1 ! ,vet]ans ,heal? ,adm9i/ration1 ! ,national ,cemet]y ,adm9i/ration1 & /aff (fices h compli$ ) policies1 proc$ures1 & guidance issu$ by ! ,director ) reg>d to ! prep>ation ( co/ e/imates = major acquisition programs & major automat$ in=mation sy/ems4 7iii7 ,! ov]all quality ( co/ e/imates prep>$ by ea* ( ! ,adm9i/rations = major acquisition programs & major automat$ in=mation sy/em programs4 7iv7 ,any consi/5t diff]5ces 9 me?odology or approa* among ! co/ e/imates prep>$ by ! ,adm9i/rations & ! ,director4 7#c7 7,a7 ,! ,director %all ensure t a report submitt$ to p>agraph 7#a7 does n include any in=mation1 su* z propriet>y or s\rce selection s5sitive in=mation1 t c\ld und]m9e ! integrity ( ! acquisition process4 7,b7 ,! report submitt$ pursuant to p>agraph 7#a7 to ! committees describ$ 9 su* p>agraph %all be po/$ on an int]net website ( ! ,dep>tm5t t is available to ! public4 7#d7 ,! ,secret>y may comm5t on any report ( ! ,director submitt$ to ! committees describ$ 9 p>agraph 7#a7 pursuant to su* p>agraph4 7i7 ,/aff ,! ,secret>y %all ensure t ! ,director has suffici5t pr(essional /aff to enable ! ,director to c>ry out ! duties & responsibilities ( ! ,director "u ?is section4 4 7b7 ,report on monitor+ ( op]at+ & support co/s = major acquisition programs 7#a7 ,report to ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs ,n lat] ?an "o ye> aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is ,act1 ! ,director ( ,co/ ,assessm5t & ,program ,evaluation e/abli%$ pursuant to section #hahd ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 z add$ by subsection 7a71 %all-- 7,a7 review sy/ems & me?ods ( ! ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs curr5tly 9 effect = track+ & assess+ op]at+ & support co/s us+ co/-acc\nt+ /&>ds & proc$ures1 z appropriate1 on major acquisition programs 7z def9$ 9 section #haha ( su* title1 z add$ by subsection 7a772 & 7,b7 submit to ! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs a report on su* f9d+s & recomm5dations z ! ,director may h z a result ( ! review conduct$ pursuant to subp>agraph 7,a71 includ+ an assessm5t by ! ,director ( ! feasibility & advisability ( e/abli%+ basel9es = op]at+ & support co/s "u su* title4 7#b7 ,transmittal to ,congress ,n lat] ?an #cj days aft] receiv+ ! report requir$ by p>agraph 7#a77;,a71 ! ,secret>y %all submit to ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,s5ate & ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives ! report receiv$ by ! ,secret>y "u p>agraph 7#a77;,b71 toge!r ) su* comm5ts on ! report z ! ,secret>y consid]s appropriate4 #g4 ,dep>tm5t ( ,vet]ans ,affairs o!r transaction au?ority & advance m>ket commitm5ts = te*nologies or s]vices = provision ( heal? c>e ,sub*apt] ,,vi ( *apt] #ha ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 z add$ by section #b & am5d$ by sections #c & #f1 is fur!r am5d$ by add+ at ! end ! foll[+ new section3 #hahe4 ,o!r transaction au?ority 7a7 ,au?ority ,! ,secret>y may ent] into transactions 7o!r ?an contracts1 coop]ative agreem5ts1 & grants7 ) nontraditional contractors to c>ry out extramural basic or appli$ rese>*1 or innovation developm5t activities4 ,su* au?ority may be ex]cis$ by ! ,deputy ,assi/ant ,secret>y = ,innovation = activities align$ ) ! mission ( ! ,vet]ans ,heal? ,adm9i/ration ,innovation ,ecosy/em4 7b7 ,requirem5ts ,! ,secret>y may ent] into a transaction "u subsection 7a7 to c>ry out extramural basic or appli$ rese>* if ea* ( ! foll[+ crit]ia are met3 7#a7 ,! rese>* is n duplicative ( o!r rese>* be+ conduct$ by ! ,dep>tm5t "u ano!r program or ?r\gh a contract1 coop]ative agreem5t1 or grant4 7#b7 ,! s5ior procurem5t executive has det]m9$ t ent]+ into ! transaction to c>ry out ! rese>* is appropriate4 7#c7 ,! transaction w n exce$ #e1jjj1jjj 7includ+ all options71 unless ! s5ior procurem5t executive det]m9es t exce$+ su* am\nt is appropriate4 7#d7 ,n less ?an #cc p]c5t ( ! total co/ ( ! rese>* 7reg>dless ( ! p]c5tage ( su* total co/ = :i* ! transaction is fund+7 is paid =1 or provid$ ?r\gh nonmonet>y contributions1 by s\rces o!r ?an ! ,f$]al ,gov]nm5t1 unless ! s5ior procurem5t executive det]m9es t-- 7,a7 meet+ su* ?re%old = non-,f$]al s\rces ( fund+ or contributions is n possible2 & 7,b7 c>ry+ out ! rese>* )\t meet+ su* ?re%old is 9 ! public int]e/4 7#e7 ,9 ! case ( transactions support+ innovation developm5t activities describ$ 9 subsection 7a71 ! ,deputy ,assi/ant ,secret>y = ,innovation c]tifies t su* activities align ) ! goals ( improv+ ! deliv]y ( heal? c>e = vet]ans1 op]ational effici5cy1 or te*nology adoption1 & d n require approval ( ! ,in/itutional ,review ,bo>d unless involv+ human subjects rese>* z def9$ 9 "p #af ( title #ch1 ,code ( ,f$]al ,regulations1 or successor regulations4 7c7 ,provision ( in=mation 7#a7 ,congress 7,a7 ,notification ,n lat] ?an #cj days aft] ! date on :i* ! ,secret>y ent]s into a transaction "u ?is section1 ! ,secret>y %all notify ! appropriate congressional committees ( su* transaction1 includ+ a copy ( ea* det]m9ation made "u subsection 7b74 7,b7 ,by reque/ ,^u ! reque/ ( an appropriate congressional committee1 ! ,secret>y %all submit to ! appropriate congressional committees a copy ( a transaction "u ?is section or p]=mance or f9ancial in=mation relat+ to su* transaction4 7#b7 ,comptroll] g5]al ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates ,) respect to transactions ent]$ into "u ?is section1 ! ,secret>y %all ensure t1 ^u reque/1 ! ,comptroll] ,g5]al ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates may exam9e records ( any p>ty to ! transaction or any entity t p>ticipates 9 ! p]=mance ( ! transaction if su* records are g5]at$ 9 ! p]=mance ( ! transaction or are directly relat$ to ! transaction4 7d7 ,regulations ,! ,secret>y %all prescribe regulations to c>ry out ?is section4 7e7 ,t]m9ation ,! au?ority to ent] into transactions "u ?is section %all t]m9ate on ! date t is ?ree ye>s aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ! ,acquisition ,re=m & ,co/ ,assessm5t ,act ( #bjbe4 7f7 ,def9itions ,9 ?is section3 7#a7 ,! t]m appropriate congressional committees means-- 7,a7 ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs & ! ,subcommittees on ,milit>y ,con/ruction1 ,vet]ans' ,affairs1 & ,relat$ ,ag5cies ( ! ,committees on ,appropriations ( ! ,s5ate2 & 7,b7 ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs & ! ,subcommittees on ,milit>y ,con/ruction1 ,vet]ans' ,affairs1 & ,relat$ ,ag5cies ( ! ,committees on ,appropriations ( ! ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives4 7#b7 ,! t]m entity means a =-pr(it corporation1 p>tn]%ip1 or s+le proprietor%ip1 nonpr(it organization1 or univ]sity organiz$ & hav+ pr9cipal op]ations 9 ! ,unit$ ,/ates4 7#c7 ,! t]ms extramural budget1 rese>*1 & rese>* & developm5t h ! mean+ giv5 ^? t]ms 9 subsection 7e7 ( section #i ( ! ,small ,bus9ess ,act 7#ae ,u4,s4,c4 #fch74 7#d7 ,! t]m innovation developm5t activities means ef=ts to design1 te/1 or implem5t new te*nologies1 processes1 or sy/ems to improve heal? c>e deliv]y1 op]ational effici5cy1 or vet]an outcomes1 includ+ prototyp+1 pilot programs1 & te*nology adoption initiatives1 :e!r or n su* ef=ts meet ! def9ition ( rese>* "u "p #af ( title #ch1 ,code ( ,f$]al ,regulations1 or successor regulations4 7#e7 ,! t]m nontraditional contractor means an entity t is n curr5tly p]=m+ & has nev] p]=m$ any contract or subcontract = any dep>tm5t or ag5cy ( ! ,f$]al ,gov]nm5t4 7#f7 ,! t]m s5ior procurem5t executive means ! (ficial ( ! ,dep>tm5t designat$ "u section #agjb7;c7 ( title #da4 #hahf4 ,advance m>ket commitm5ts = te*nologies or s]vices = provision ( heal? c>e 7a7 ,au?ority ,! ,secret>y may ent] into an advance m>ket commitm5t "u :i* ! ,secret>y %all gu>antee to pur*ase1 = a pr$et]m9$ price1 a te*nology or s]vice provid$ by an entity t addresses an unmet ne$ 9 ! provision ( heal? c>e to vet]ans4 7b7 ,requirem5ts ,an advance m>ket commitm5t ent]$ into "u subsection 7a7 %all include ! foll[+3 7#a7 ,cle>ly def9$ & transp>5t rules4 7#b7 ,a cle> def9ition ( ! te*nology or s]vice to be provid$1 to ensure safety1 effectiv5ess1 & feasible deliv]y4 7#c7 ,dispute settlem5t me*anisms4 7#d7 ,! ability to modify ! t]ms ( ! commitm5t on ! basis ( new in=mation reg>d+ ! numb] ( vet]ans to be s]v$ ) su* te*nology or s]vice4 7c7 ,report ,n lat] ?an #abj days aft] execut+ an advance m>ket commitm5t "u subsection 7a71 ! ,secret>y %all submit to ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,s5ate & ! ,committee on ,vet]ans' ,affairs ( ! ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives a report on ! /atus & efficacy ( su* commitm5t4 4 #h4 ,developm5t & expansion ( an #aajb int]n%ip or developm5t pipel9e ,! ,secret>y ( ,vet]ans ,affairs %all monitor ! tra9+ & exp]i5ce gap ( pr(essionals & e/abli% or exp& any exi/+ int]n%ip or developm5t pipel9es = #aajb contract+ (fic]s ( ! ,dep>tm5t4 #i4 ,cl]ical am5dm5t ,! table ( sections at ! beg9n+ ( *apt] #ha ( title #ch1 ,unit$ ,/ates ,code1 is am5d$ by add+ at ! end ! foll[+3 ,,sub*apt] ,,vii--,acquisition review1 co/ assessm5t1 & program evaluation #haha4 ,def9itions4 #hahb4 ,acquisition reorganization4 #hahc4 ,major acquisition program manag]s4 #hahd4 ,co/ assessm5t & program evaluation4#hahe4 ,o!r transaction au?ority4#hahf4 ,advance m>ket commitm5ts = te*nologies or s]vices = provision ( heal? c>e4 4