Combatant command experimentation authority

(a) Authority Each commander of a combatant command shall have the authority to conduct experimentation, prototyping, and technology demonstrations to support the development and testing of innovative technologies and capability solutions to address operational needs identified by the combatant command. (b) Procedures For activities carried out under subsection (a), the commander of a combatant command may use— (1) operation and maintenance funds, including for the purchase of items having an investment item unit cost not greater than the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller) guidance regarding threshold for determination of expense and investment costs; and (2) special contracting authorities described in section 843 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (Public Law 118–31; 10 U.S.C. 3601 note), provided that the procedures described in such section are followed. (c) Recommendation for follow-on production Upon completion of an experiment, prototype, or technology demonstration, if a combatant command submits a written determination that the demonstrated technology or capability successfully meets the operational need of the combatant command, the written determination may be used to fulfill the following requirements: (1) A justification for using other than competitive procedures under section 3204 of title 10, United States Code, or follow-on production authorities under section 4022 of such title, to acquire the technology or capability which was successfully demonstrated. (2) A validated capability needs statement or other requirement document.