Notwithstanding FAR 9.503, for consulting services, as defined at 209.572(b), the waiver approval authority is the Secretary of Defense and the following officials, without power of delegation below an official appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate:

(a) The Under Secretary of Defense (Acquisition and Sustainment).

(b) The assistant secretaries of the military departments. (See PGI 209.503-70.)