(a) The cognizant administrative contracting officer (ACO) or corporate ACO shall determine cost allowability of IR&D costs and bid and proposal (B&P) costs as set forth in 231.205-18 and FAR 31.205-18.

(b) The Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) shall—

(1) For the DoD-wide B&P program, submit an annual report to the Principal Director, Defense Pricing, Contracting, and Acquisition Policy, Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, in connection with 10 U.S.C. 3763(c); the Defense Contract Management Agency or the military department responsible for performing contract administration functions is responsible for providing DCAA with statistical information, as necessary; and

(2) For IR&D costs and B&P costs incurred under any DoD contract in the previous Government fiscal year, submit an annual report to the congressional defense committees as required by 10 U.S.C. 3847.

(c) The Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (OUSD(R&E)), is responsible for establishing a regular method for communication—

(1)(i) From DoD to contractors, of timely and comprehensive information regarding planned or expected needs of DoD for future technology and advanced capability, by posting information on communities of interest and upcoming meetings on the Defense Technical Information Center (DTIC) website at https://defenseinnovationmarketplace.dtic.mil/communities-of-interest; and

(ii) From contractors to DoD, of brief technical descriptions of contractor IR&D projects; and

(2) By providing OUSD(R&E) contact information: [email protected].

[88 FR 6600, Jan. 31, 2023, as amended at 89 FR 60832, July 29, 2024]