Systems support contracts are awarded via which contracting authority?

• A. Program executive and product/project management contracting authority
• B. Theater contracting authority
• C. DLA procurement office
• D. Local contracting office

Answer: (A)

Systems support contracts are awarded through the program’s own contracting authority, specifically the Program Executive Office and the product/project management contracting authority. These offices oversee the lifecycle of a system and have the authority to secure sustainment, maintenance, and support services needed to keep that system operating. A theater contracting authority works at a regional level and isn’t tied to a specific program’s lifecycle; the DLA procurement office handles supply items rather than program-level systems support; and a local contracting office handles local, non-program-wide acquisitions. Therefore, the program executive and product/project management contracting authority is the appropriate channel for systems support contracts.