((a))
((1)) ** .—** An individual may not be assigned as the project or program manager for a Level 1 acquisition unless the individual holds a Level III acquisition certification as a program manager.
((2)) ** .—** An individual may not be assigned as the project or program manager for a Level 2 acquisition unless the individual holds a Level II acquisition certification as a program manager.
((b))
((1)) ** .—** The Commandant shall designate a sufficient number of positions to be in the Coast Guard’s acquisition workforce to perform acquisition-related functions at Coast Guard headquarters and field activities.
((2)) ** .—** In designating positions under subsection (a), the Commandant shall include, at a minimum, positions encompassing the following competencies and functions:
((A)) Program management.
((B)) Systems planning, research, development, engineering, and testing.
((C)) Procurement, including contracting.
((D)) Industrial and contract property management.
((E)) Life-cycle logistics.
((F)) Quality control and assurance.
((G)) Manufacturing and production.
((H)) Business, cost estimating, financial management, and auditing.
((I)) Acquisition education, training, and career development.
((J)) Construction and facilities engineering.
((K)) Testing and evaluation.
((3)) ** .—** The Commandant shall also designate as positions in the acquisition workforce under paragraph (1) those acquisition-related positions located at Coast Guard headquarters units.
((4)) ** .—** The Commandant shall ensure that each individual assigned to a position in the acquisition workforce has the appropriate expertise to carry out the responsibilities of that position.
((c))
((1)) ** .—** The Commandant shall establish a management information system capability to improve acquisition workforce management and reporting.
((2)) ** .—** Information maintained with such capability shall include the following standardized information on individuals assigned to positions in the workforce:
((A)) Qualifications, assignment history, and tenure of those individuals assigned to positions in the acquisition workforce or holding acquisition-related certifications.
((B)) Promotion rates for officers and members of the Coast Guard in the acquisition workforce.
((d)) ** .—** The Commandant shall ensure that no requirement or preference for officers or members of the Coast Guard is used in the consideration of individuals for positions in the acquisition workforce.
((e))
((1)) ** .—** To establish acquisition management as a core competency of the Coast Guard, the Commandant shall—
((A)) ensure that career paths for officers, members, and employees of the Coast Guard who wish to pursue careers in acquisition are identified in terms of the education, training, experience, and assignments necessary for career progression of those officers, members, and employees to the most senior positions in the acquisition workforce; and
((B)) publish information on such career paths.
((2)) ** .—** The Commandant shall ensure that promotion parity is established for officers and members of the Coast Guard who have been assigned to the acquisition workforce relative to officers and members who have not been assigned to the acquisition workforce.