Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary concerned may pay meritorious contractor claims that arise under military construction contracts or family housing contracts. The Secretary of Defense, with respect to a Defense Agency, or the Secretary of a military department may use for such purpose any unobligated funds appropriated to such department and available for military construction or family housing construction, as the case may be.
10 U.S.C. § 2863
- Defense Agency
- The term "Defense Agency" means an organizational entity of the Department of Defense-(A) that is established by the Secretary of Defense under section 191 of this title (or under the second sentence of section 125(d) of this title (as in effect before October 1, 1986)) to perform a supply or service activity common to more than one military department (other than such an entity that is designated by the Secretary as a Department of Defense Field Activity); or(B) that is designated by the Secretary of Defense as a Defense Agency.
- Secretary concerned
- The term "Secretary concerned" means-(A) the Secretary of the Army, with respect to matters concerning the Army;(B) the Secretary of the Navy, with respect to matters concerning the Navy, the Marine Corps, and the Coast Guard when it is operating as a service in the Department of the Navy;(C) the Secretary of the Air Force, with respect to matters concerning the Air Force and the Space Force; and(D) the Secretary of Homeland Security, with respect to matters concerning the Coast Guard when it is not operating as a service in the Department of the Navy.
- pay
- The term "pay" includes basic pay, special pay, retainer pay, incentive pay, retired pay, and equivalent pay, but does not include allowances.