ADVANCED ROTORCRAFT FLIGHT RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT.

SEC. 222. [10 U.S.C. 2358 note] ADVANCED ROTORCRAFT FLIGHT RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT. (a) Program Authorized.—The Secretary of the Army may conduct a program for flight research and demonstration of advanced rotorcraft technology. (b) Goals and Objectives.—The goals and objectives of the program authorized by subsection (a) are as follows: (1) To flight demonstrate the ability of advanced rotorcraft technology to expand the flight envelope and improve the speed, range, payload, ceiling, survivability, reliability, and affordability of current and future rotorcraft of the Department of Defense. (2) To mature advanced rotorcraft technology and obtain flight-test data to— (A) support the assessment of such technology for future rotorcraft platform development programs of the Department; and (B) have the ability to add such technology to the existing rotorcraft of the Department to extend the capability and life of such rotorcraft until next-generation platforms are fielded. (c) Elements of Program.—The program authorized by subsection (a) may include— (1) integration and demonstration of advanced rotorcraft technology to meet the goals and objectives described in subsection (b); and (2) flight demonstration of the advanced rotorcraft technology test bed under the experimental airworthiness process of the Federal Aviation Administration or other appropriate airworthiness process approved by the Secretary of Defense. (d) Competition.—In awarding a contract under this section, the Secretary shall use competitive procedures in accordance with the requirements of section 2304 of title 10, United States Code, and shall consider a timely offer submitted by a small business concern (as defined in section 2330a(h) of such title) in accordance with the specifications and evaluation factors specified in the solicitation.