§ 384.7 - Authorities.

(a) The USD(A&T) is hereby granted the authority to direct the Secretaries of the Military Departments and heads of all other DoD Components on all matters of acquisition.

(b) The USD(A&T) shall decide upon the appropriate implementing actions to be taken as a result of DAB reviews, to include the establishment of specific exit criteria that must be satisfactorily demonstrated before an effort or program can progress to the next Milestone decision point. The USD(A&T)'s decisions shall be reflected in an Acquisition Decision Memorandum issued by the USD(A&T) for implementation by the heads of the DoD Components.

(c) The C, DoD, shall coordinate with the USD(A&T) prior to approving the transfer or reprogramming of funds into or from a program within the purview of the USD(A&T).

(d) The USD(A&T) may direct the C, DoD, to withhold the release of funds to an acquisition program when the USD(A&T) determines that such direction is necessary to ensure that the program meets the criteria established by DoD Directives for exiting the Milestone and all additional exit criteria for the program established by the Secretary of Defense, the Deputy Secretary of Defense, or the USD(A&T). The USD(A&T) may not delegate the authority granted by this subsection to anyone other than the PDUSD(A&T).

(e) The USD(A&T) shall:

(1) Issue DoD Instructions, DoD Publications, and one-time directive-type memoranda, consistent with DoD 5025.1-M,6 that implement acquisition policies and procedures for the functions assigned to the USD(A&T). Instructions to the Military Departments shall be issued through the Secretaries of the Military Departments. Instructions to Unified Combatant Commands shall be communicated through the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs to Staff.

(2) Obtain reports, information, advice, and assistance, consistent with DoD Directive 8910.1,7 as necessary, in carrying out assigned functions.

(3) Communicate directly with the heads of the DoD Components. Communications to Commanders of the Unified Combatant Commands shall be transmitted through the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

(4) Establish arrangements for DoD participation in nondefense governmental programs for which the USD(A&T) is assigned primary DoD cognizance.

(5) Communicate with other Government Agencies, representatives of the legislative branch, and members of the public, as appropriate, in carrying out assigned functions.

(6) Coordinate with and exchange information with other DoD officials exercising collateral or related responsibilities.

(7) Exercise the delegations of authority in appendix A to this part.

(f) Nothing in this part limits or otherwise affects delegations of authority by the Secretary of Defense to the Deputy Secretary of Defense.