(a) It is DoD policy to maximize use of competition in the award of grants and cooperative agreements. This also conforms with:

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(1) 31 U.S.C. § 6301(3), which encourages the use of competition in awarding all grants and cooperative agreements.

(2) 10 U.S.C. § 2374(a), which sets out Congressional policy that any new grant for research, development, test, or evaluation be awarded through merit-based selection procedures.

(b) Grants officers shall use merit-based, competitive procedures (as defined by § 22.315) to award grants and cooperative agreements:

(1) In every case where required by statute (e.g., 10 U.S.C. § 2361, as implemented in § 22.310, for certain grants to institutions of higher education).

(2) To the maximum extent practicable in all cases where not required by statute.