Pilot program on advanced technology acquisitions

(a) Authority The Secretary of State may carry out a pilot program using the authorities of section 4021 of title 10, United States Code, subject to the requirements in this section, for the purpose of engaging in other transactions (other than contracts, cooperative agreements, and grants), including for research and development regarding advanced critical security technology, such as for advanced technologies, enhanced research, prototype projects, production, cost sharing or matching, and advance payment, without regard to competitive procedures. (b) Guidance (1) In general The Secretary, in consultation with the Office of Management and Budget, shall develop guidelines for use of other transactions under the pilot program required by subsection (a) and make such guidelines publicly available. The Secretary shall not have authority to carry out other transactions under the pilot until the guidelines for other transactions have been made publicly available. (2) Requirements The guidelines required by paragraph (1) shall include the following requirements: (A) Any other transaction may be approved under the pilot program only if the Department of State’s senior procurement executive determines that use of a contract, grant, or cooperative agreement is not feasible or appropriate. (B) To the maximum extent practicable, such other transactions shall be allocated by the Department of State in a manner which will enable small business concerns to participate equitably and proportionately in the conduct of the work of the Department of State. (c) Termination The authority to enter into other transactions under the pilot program required by subsection (a) shall terminate on September 30, 2031.