; and (B) operates independently of chains-of-command for acquisition program management. (4) Term Each Senior Technical Authority shall be designated for a term, not fewer than six years, specified by the Secretary at the time of designation. (5) Removal An individual may be removed involuntarily from designation as a Senior Technical Authority only by the Secretary. Not later than 15 days after the involuntary removal of an individual from designation as a Senior Technical Authority, the Secretary shall notify, in writing, the congressional defense committees of the removal, including the reasons for the removal. (b) Responsibilities and authority Each Senior Technical Authority shall be responsible for, and have the authority to, establish, monitor, and approve technical standards, tools, and processes for the class of naval vessels for which designated under this section in conformance with applicable Department of Defense and Department of the Navy policies, requirements, architectures, and standards. (c) Limitation on obligation of funds on lead vessel in vessel class (1) In general On or after October 1, 2020, funds authorized to be appropriated for Shipbuilding and Conversion, Navy or Other Procurement, Navy may not be obligated for the first time on the lead vessel in a class of naval vessels unless the Secretary of the Navy certifies as described in paragraph (2). (2) Certification elements The certification on a class of naval vessels described in this paragraph is a certification containing each of the following: (A) The name of the individual designated as the Senior Technical Authority for such class of vessels, and the qualifications and professional biography of the individual so designated. (B) A description by the Senior Technical Authority of the systems engineering, technology, and ship integration risks for such class of vessels. (C) The designation by the Senior Technical Authority of each critical hull, mechanical, electrical, propulsion, and combat system of such class of vessels,