(a) The prohibition in 225.7705-1 may be waived upon issuance of a determination, approved in accordance with paragraph (b) of this section, that—

(1) The program or project clearly contributes to United States national interests or strategic objectives;

(2) The Government of Afghanistan has requested or expressed a need for the program or project;

(3) The program or project has been coordinated with the Government of Afghanistan, and with any other implementing agencies or international donors;

(4) Security conditions permit effective implementation and oversight of the program or project;

(5) Safeguards to detect, deter, and mitigate corruption and waste, fraud, and abuse of funds are in place;

(6) Adequate arrangements have been made for the sustainment of the program or project following its completion, including arrangements with respect to funding and technical capacity for sustainment; and

(7) Meaningful metrics have been established to measure the progress and effectiveness of the program or project in meeting its objectives.

(b) The following officials are authorized to approve the determination described in paragraph (a) of this section:

(1) In the case of a program or project with an estimated lifecycle cost of less than $1 million, by the contracting officer.

(2) In the case of a program or project with an estimated lifecycle cost of $1 million or more, but less than $20 million, by the senior U.S. officer in the Combined Security Transition Command-Afghanistan.

(3) In the case of a program or project with an estimated lifecycle cost of $20 million or more, but less than $40 million, by the Commander of United States Forces-Afghanistan.

(4) In the case of a program or project with an estimated lifecycle cost of $40 million or more, by the Secretary of Defense.

(c) Congressional notification is required within 15 days of issuance of a determination to waive the prohibition for programs or projects valued at $40 million or more in accordance with paragraph (b)(4) of this section.