Geurts grants basic research authorities to SYSCOMs, ONR

The Navy's acquisition executive last month delegated authorities to several lower-echelon acquisition organizations to conduct basic and applied research, according to a July 10 memo obtained by Inside Defense.

"This authority shall not be used in place of materiel solution analysis or subsequent acquisition phases (or equivalent efforts) for directed, funded efforts to provide capability in response to an approved need, such as an initial capabilities document or capability development document," according to the memo, which is signed by Hondo Geurts.

The document is addressed to multiple systems commands, deputy secretaries and the Office of Naval Research. The document also said Geurts' office will "revisit" the authorities in 2022.

Geurts has repeatedly backed delegating authorities to lower levels of the Navy since assuming his position in late 2017.