See 46.770-1(c) for delegation of authority to designate essential performance requirements for a weapon system.
(b)(i) The Milestone Decision Authority (MDA) reviews solicitations and contracts prior to their release or execution for the Demonstration and Validation Phase, the Engineering and Manufacturing Development Phase or the Production and Deployment Phase (initial production contract only).
(ii) HCAs shall ensure that solicitations are not released, contracts are not awarded and winners of a contract are not announced until completion of MDA reviews.
(iii) The USD(A&T), who is the MDA for acquisition category (ACAT) ID programs, reviews solicitations and contracts for those programs prior to their release or award. The USD(A&T) may also select ACAT IC programs for review.
(A) For all ACAT ID programs, PEOs and PMs shall provide the addressee at 1.290(b)(3), the following documents at least 35 calendar days prior to issuing a solicitation or awarding a contract:
(1) For solicitation reviews, two copies of the solicitation (including the system specification) and one copy of the current, approved acquisition plan.
(2) For contract reviews, two copies of the proposed contract.
(B) For all ACAT IC programs, PEOs and PMs shall--
(1) Notify the addressee at 1.290(b)(3), at least 35 calendar days prior to issuing a solicitation or awarding a contract; and
(2) Submit the documents described in (A) within five working days following notification that the USD(A&T) has selected a solicitation or contract for review.