14 U.S.C. § 1131 — Identification of major system acquisitions

The Commandant^* shall develop and implement mechanisms to support the establishment of mature and stable operational requirements for all acquisitions.

The Commandant may not initiate a Level 1 or Level 2 acquisition^* project or program until the Commandant—

The mechanisms required by subsection (a) shall ensure the implementation of a formal process for the development of a mission-needs statement, concept-of-operations document, capability development plan, and resource proposal for the initial project or program funding, and shall ensure the project or program is included in the Coast Guard Capital Investment Plan.

In conducting an affordability assessment under subsection (a)(2)(B), the Commandant shall develop and implement mechanisms to ensure that trade-offs among cost, schedule, and performance are considered in the establishment of preliminary operational requirements for development and production of new assets and capabilities for Level 1 and Level 2 acquisitions projects and programs.