Ellen Lord, defense undersecretary for acquisition and sustainment and a 2020 Wash100 Award winner, issued a memo on April 5 to announce the changes made to the delegation of approval authority for the use of other transaction authorities for prototype agreements and follow-on production contracts in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The memo states that directors of the Defense Innovation Unit, other defense agencies and field activities as well as commanding officers of combatant commands with contracting authority are authorized to approve OTAs for prototype projects and follow-on contracts exceeding $100 million.
Lord also authorized directors of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency and the Missile Defense Agency and military services’ senior procurement executives to clear OTAs exceeding $500 million.
A provision in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act eases the 30-day advance notification requirement for approving authorities with regard to a contract in excess of $500 million, according to the memo.
“The changes authorized in this memorandum will remain in effect until the COVID-19 national emergency declaration is rescinded,” Lord wrote in the memo.
About The Wash100
This year represents our sixth annual Wash100 Award selection. The Wash100 is the premier group of private and public sector leaders selected by Executive Mosaic’s organizational and editorial leadership as the most influential leaders in the GovCon sector. These leaders demonstrate skills in leadership, innovation, achievement, and vision.
Visit the Wash100 site to learn about the other 99 winners of the 2020 Wash100 Award. On the site, you can submit your 10 votes for the GovCon executives of consequence that you believe will have the most significant impact in 2020.
