; and (8) ensuring such program has adequate technology and production capacity prior to commencing an acquisition phase of such program related to manufacturing, if applicable. (c) Consideration of alternate requirements Not later than 90 days after any date on which a manager appointed pursuant to subsection (a) establishes a program baseline described in subsection (b)(1), such manager shall submit to the Chair of the Acquisition Review Board a certification that such manager considered establishing alternate requirements in such program baseline relating to the cost, schedule, and performance of each acquisition phase of such program prior to establishing such program baseline. (d) Acquisition Review Board authorization required (1) Not later than 30 days after any date on which a major acquisition program concludes an acquisition phase, the manager of such program appointed pursuant to subsection (a) shall notify the Acquisition Review Board under section 8182 of this title. (2) Such manager may not advance such program to a subsequent acquisition phase without the authorization of such Acquisition Review Board pursuant to subsection (d)(3) of such section. 8184. Cost assessment and program evaluation (a) Director of cost assessment and program evaluation There is established a Director of Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation. (b) (1) Independent advice to Secretary of Veterans Affairs The Director of Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation is the principal advisor to the Secretary and other senior officials of the Department, and shall provide independent analysis and advice to such officials, on the following matters: (A) Matters assigned to the Director pursuant to this section. (B) Matters assigned to the Director by the Secretary pursuant to this section and to section 303 of this title. (2) The Director may communicate views on matters within the responsibility of the Director directly to the Secretary and the Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs without obtaining the approval or concurrence of any