; and (B) except as otherwise provided by this subsection, the authority to appoint, prescribe rates of pay for, and provide additional pay to highly qualified experts. (3) Acquisition authority The laws and regulations applicable to acquisitions of goods and services by the Secretary of Defense shall apply to the acquisition of goods and services by the Deputy Chief pursuant to paragraph (2)(A). (4) Hiring authorities (A) Appointment limits When exercising the authority described in paragraph (2)(B), the Deputy Chief may— (i) appoint only individuals with demonstrated expertise in the development, testing, production, and delivery or integration of modular systems and major system components (as defined in section 4401(b) of title 10, United States Code), including autonomous vehicles, advanced sensors and radio systems, and software systems