National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027

This Act may be cited as the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027.
This Act is organized into four divisions as follows:
Division A—Department of Defense Authorizations.
Division B—Military Construction Authorizations.
Division C—Department of Energy National Security Authorizations and Other Authorizations.
Division D—Funding Tables.
The table of contents for this Act is as follows:
In this Act, the term congressional defense committees has the meaning given that term in section 101(a)(16) of title 10, United States Code.
Funds are hereby authorized to be appropriated for fiscal year 2027 for procurement for the Army, the Navy and the Marine Corps, the Air Force and the Space Force, and Defense-wide activities, as specified in the funding table in section 4101.
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Army shall establish standards to guide the development, procurement, and fielding of covered capabilities to protect ground combat, support, and mobility platforms against small unmanned aircraft systems.
The standards established under subsection (a) shall provide for the development, procurement, and fielding of covered capabilities that—
are interoperable across brigade combat team elements, including interoperability of capabilities for the detection, tracking, and kinetic interception of small unmanned aircraft systems;
ensure seamless networking between a wide variety of sensors and ground platforms; and
meet such other requirements as the Secretary of the Army determines appropriate.
Not later than 90 days after the date on which the Secretary of the Army establishes the standards under subsection (a), the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report that includes—
an explanation of the standards; and
identification of any hardware or software components that—
potentially meet such standards; and
would be appropriate for incorporation into covered capabilities.
In this section, the term covered capabilities means platforms and other capabilities that—
are networked and autonomous;
are capable of the detection, tracking, and kinetic interception of small unmanned aircraft systems; and
incorporate—
passive and active sensors for the persistent detection and tracking of threats posed by unmanned aircraft systems;
autonomous kinetic effects capable of neutralizing threats with minimal operator intervention; and
mesh networking to allow for sensor-to-shooter handoffs between multiple ground platforms.
Section 8062(b) of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
by inserting (1) before The naval; and
by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
In this subsection, the term temporarily unavailable, when used with respect to an amphibious warfare ship, means that the ship has not surpassed its planned availability by a margin of—
greater than 100 percent of the nominal duration of that availability in 2026 or 2027;
greater than 75 percent of the nominal duration of that availability in 2028 or 2029;
greater than 50 percent of the nominal duration of that availability in 2030 or 2031; and
greater than 25 percent of the nominal duration of that availability in 2032 or any year thereafter.
Section 126 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (Public Law 119–60; 139 Stat. 755) is amended—
by redesignating subsections (b) through (d) as subsections (c) through (e), respectively; and
by inserting after subsection (a) the following:
In exercising the authority under subsection (a), the Secretary of the Navy may enter into incrementally funded contracts for the procurement of covered components that are long lead-time items.
Subject to section 3501 of title 10, United States Code, the Secretary of the Navy may enter into one or more multiyear contracts for the procurement of up to 15 Arleigh Burke class Flight III guided missile destroyers.
The Secretary of the Navy may enter into one or more contracts, beginning in fiscal year 2027, for advance procurement associated with the destroyers for which authorization to enter into a multiyear procurement contract is provided under subsection (a), and for systems and subsystems associated with such destroyers in economic order quantities when cost savings are achievable.
A contract entered into under subsection (a) shall provide that any obligation of the United States to make a payment under the contract for a fiscal year after fiscal year 2027 is subject to the availability of appropriations or funds for that purpose for such later fiscal year.
In the event the total base quantity of destroyers to be procured through all contracts entered into under subsection (a) is less than 15, the Secretary of the Navy shall ensure that one or more of the contracts includes a prepriced option for the procurement of additional destroyers such that the sum of such base quantity and the number of destroyers that may be procured through the exercise of such options is equal to 15 destroyers.
In this subsection:
The term base quantity means the quantity of destroyers to be procured under a contract entered into under subsection (a) excluding any quantity of destroyers that may be procured through the exercise of an option that may be part of such contract.
The term prepriced option means a contract option for a contract entered into under subsection (a) that, if exercised, would allow the Secretary of the Navy to procure a destroyer at a predetermined price specified in such contract.
The Secretary of the Navy may not modify a contract entered into under subsection (a) if the modification would increase the target price of the destroyer by more than 10 percent above the target price specified in the original contract for the destroyer under subsection (a).
Subject to section 3501 of title 10, United States Code, the Secretary of the Navy may enter into one or more multiyear contracts for the procurement of John Lewis class Oilers and systems, components, and long-lead time materials associated with such vessels.
The Secretary of the Navy may enter into one or more contracts, beginning in fiscal year 2027, for advance procurement associated with the oilers for which authorization to enter into a multiyear procurement contract is provided under subsection (a), including economic order quantity purchases and advance procurement of long-lead time materials, to support the continuous production of such vessels and to achieve cost savings.
A contract entered into under subsection (a) shall provide that any obligation of the United States to make a payment under the contract for a fiscal year after fiscal year 2027 is subject to the availability of appropriations or funds for that purpose for such later fiscal year.
A contract entered into under subsection (a) shall provide that the total liability to the Federal Government for termination of the contract shall be limited to the total amount of funding obligated for the contract at the time of termination.
The Secretary of the Navy may enter into one or more contracts for the procurement of covered ships.
The ships authorized to be procured under paragraph (1) may be procured as additions to existing contracts covering programs for covered ships.
A contract may not be entered into under subsection (a) unless the Secretary of the Navy certifies to the congressional defense committees, in writing, not later than 30 days before entry into the contract, each of the following, which shall be prepared by the milestone decision authority for the covered ship program concerned:
The use of such a contract is consistent with the Commandant of the Marine Corps’ projected force structure requirements for amphibious ships.
The use of such a contract will result in savings compared to the total anticipated costs of carrying out the program through annual contracts. In certifying cost savings under the preceding sentence, the Secretary shall include a written explanation of—
the estimated end cost and appropriated funds by fiscal year, by hull, without the authority provided in subsection (a);
the estimated end cost and appropriated funds by fiscal year, by hull, with the authority provided in subsection (a);
the estimated cost savings or increase by fiscal year, by hull, with the authority provided in subsection (a); and
the contractual actions that will ensure the estimated cost savings are realized.
The Secretary of the Navy has a reasonable expectation that throughout the contemplated contract period funding will be available for the contract at the level required to avoid contract cancellation.
There is a stable design for the property to be acquired and the technical risks associated with such property are not excessive.
The estimates of both the cost of the contract and the anticipated cost avoidance through the use of a contract authorized under subsection (a) are realistic.
The use of such a contract will promote the national security of the United States.
During the fiscal year in which such contract is to be awarded, sufficient funds will be available to perform the contract in such fiscal year.
The Secretary of the Navy may enter into one or more contracts for advance procurement or advance construction associated with a ship or ships for which authorization to enter into a contract is provided under subsection (a), and for systems, sub systems, spare parts, and major shore based spares associated with such ships in economic order quantities when cost savings are achievable.
The Secretary of the Navy may incrementally fund a contract entered into under subsection (a) or (c).
A contract entered into under subsection (a) shall provide that any obligation of the United States to make a payment under the contract for a fiscal year is subject to the availability of appropriations for that purpose for such fiscal year.
The authority of the Secretary of the Navy to enter into contracts under subsection (a) shall terminate on September 30, 2030.
In this section:
The term covered ship means a San Antonio-class or America-class ship.
The term milestone decision authority has the meaning given that term in section 4251(e) of title 10, United States Code.
The Secretary of the Navy may enter into one or more contracts for the procurement of not more than two AS(X) submarine tenders.
With respect to a contract entered into under subsection (a), the Secretary of the Navy may use incremental funding to make payments under the contract.
Any contract entered into under subsection (a) shall provide that—
any obligation of the United States to make a payment under the contract is subject to the availability of appropriations for that purpose; and
the total liability of the Federal Government for termination of the contract shall be limited to the total amount of funding obligated to the contract at the time of termination.
Subject to section 3501 of title 10, United States Code, the Secretary of the Navy may enter into one or more multiyear contracts, beginning with the fiscal year 2027 program year, for the procurement of twelve E–2D Advanced Hawkeye aircraft.
The Secretary of the Navy may enter into one or more contracts, beginning in fiscal year 2027, for advance procurement associated with the aircraft for which authorization to enter into a multiyear procurement contract is provided under subsection (a), which may include procurement of economic order quantities of material and equipment for such aircraft when cost savings are achievable.
Any contract entered into under subsection (a) shall provide that—
any obligation of the United States to make a payment under the contract is subject to the availability of appropriations for that purpose; and
the total liability of the Federal Government for termination of the contract shall be limited to the total amount of funding obligated to the contract at the time of termination.
Amounts authorized to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise made available for the Navy for Shipbuilding and Conversion for fiscal year 2027 may be used by the Secretary of the Navy to enter into an incrementally funded contract for the construction of one Guided Missile Destroyer (DDG).
A contract entered into under subsection (a) shall provide that any obligation of the United States to make a payment under the contract is subject to the availability of appropriations for that purpose, and that total liability to the Government for the termination of the contract shall be limited to the total amount of funding obligated at time of termination.
The Secretary of the Navy may enter into one or more contracts, prior to ship authorization, for the advance procurement of components for Ship-to-Shore Connector class craft, including procurement of such components in economic order quantities when cost savings are achievable.
A contract entered into under subsection (a) shall provide that any obligation of the United States to make a payment under the contract for a fiscal year is subject to the availability of appropriations for that purpose for such fiscal year.
Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Navy shall develop and implement a comprehensive strategy for torpedo modernization, testing, production, and inventory sufficiency.
The strategy required under subsection (a) shall include the following:
An assessment of the minimum required inventory levels of—
MK–48 heavyweight torpedoes;
lightweight torpedoes, including MK–54 torpedoes;
advanced torpedo variants;
exercise, training, and telemetry torpedoes; and
torpedo countermeasure systems, necessary to support not fewer than two simultaneous regional conflicts.
An assessment of wartime torpedo expenditure assumptions for combat operations against peer and near-peer maritime adversaries.
An evaluation of current torpedo production capacity, including limitations associated with—
energetics;
propulsion systems;
acoustic seekers;
guidance electronics;
specialty metals;
undersea weapon integration facilities; and
single-source suppliers.
A plan to increase annual torpedo production capacity and reduce production lead times during contingencies.
An assessment of the adequacy of existing torpedo testing infrastructure, including—
undersea warfare test ranges;
target vessels and unmanned targets;
telemetry and instrumentation systems;
contested electromagnetic environment testing capabilities;
digital engineering and modeling environments;
Arctic and deep-water testing capacity;
shallow water testing capability; and
opportunities to cooperate on testing activities with allies and partners of the United States.
A description of efforts to improve torpedo survivability and effectiveness against advanced countermeasures and adversary electronic warfare systems.
An assessment of storage, transportation, reload, and expeditionary rearmament capacity for torpedoes during wartime operations.
A description of any statutory or regulatory barriers limiting expansion of torpedo production, testing, or procurement.
Recommendations for legislative or administrative action necessary to improve torpedo readiness and wartime sufficiency.
Not later 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Navy shall develop a plan to expand the undersea weapons industrial base to support sustained wartime production requirements. Such plan shall include—
options for second-source suppliers;
expansion of Government-owned, contractor-operated facilities;
use of multiyear procurement authorities pursuant to section 3501 of title 10, United States Code;
opportunities to expand public-private partnerships for undersea weapons manufacturing and sustainment;
measures to improve supply chain resilience for critical components; and
options for surge production during national emergencies or armed conflict.
Not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Navy shall submit to the congressional defense committees—
a report on the strategy developed under subsection (a); and
a report on the plan developed under subsection (b).
Not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Navy shall provide to the congressional defense committees a briefing on—
the highest-risk shortfalls in torpedo inventory and testing capacity;
operational testing methodology for torpedos and efforts to test for real world scenarios;
projected wartime torpedo inventory depletion timelines; and
investments required during period covered by the future-years defense program to ensure torpedo sufficiency for two simultaneous regional conflicts.
The Secretary of the Navy may not enter into a contract or other agreement that includes a scope of work for the construction of the lead ship of the Battleship program until the date on which the Secretary certifies to the congressional defense committees that the weapon systems planned for inclusion in such lead ship are at a sufficiently mature technology readiness level.
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Navy shall submit to the congressional defense committees a strategy for the iterative development of the FF(X) class frigate. Such strategy shall include the following:
Information on the estimated timeline for each planned variant (commonly known as a Flight) of the FF(X) class frigate.
Details on the integration of additional capabilities for future Flights of the frigate, such as vertical launch systems or improved sensors, and implications for the space, weight, power, and cost of the hull form.
Any additional mission sets or combat functions that may be added to the concept of operation for FF(X) class frigates.
Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Navy shall provide to the congressional defense committees a briefing on the development of the strategy required under subsection (a).
In this section, the term FF(X) class frigate means the new class of frigate vessel under development by the Secretary of the Navy (as of the date of the enactment of this Act) based on a design derived from the Legend class Coast Guard cutter.
Not later than March 1, 2027, and annually thereafter for four years, the Secretary of the Navy shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the status of efforts to transfer F/A–18E/F aircraft to the Navy Reserve to replace the F–5 aircraft.
Each report under subsection (a) shall include an explanation of—
how the Secretary will mitigate risk to any degradation, gap, or delay in mission execution, fleet readiness, or pilot and maintainer qualification during the period in which aircraft are being transferred and replaced as described in subsection (a);
the Secretary’s plans for retaining key Navy Reserve personnel to support operational readiness during such period;
how the Secretary plans, if possible, to ensure that assigned operational and adversary training missions are executed during such period;
how the Secretary plans to maintain pilot and maintenance personnel proficiency, currency, and qualifications during such period; and
the timelines associated with the transfer and replacement of aircraft described in subsection (a), including timelines associated with—
support equipment and initial spares;
pilot and maintenance personnel training;
achievement of initial operational capability and full operational capability; and
execution of all contracts supporting the transfer and replacement of such aircraft.
Subsection (i) of section 9062 of title 10, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:
During the period beginning on October 1, 2026, and ending on October 1, 2035, the Secretary of the Air Force shall maintain a total aircraft inventory of fighter aircraft of not less than 1,800 aircraft.
In this subsection:
The term fighter aircraft—
means an aircraft that—
is designated by a mission design series prefix of F– or A–;
is manned by one or two crewmembers; and
executes single-role or multi-role missions, including air-to-air combat, air-to-ground attack, air interdiction, suppression or destruction of enemy air defenses, close air support, strike control and reconnaissance, combat search and rescue support, or airborne forward air control; and
does not include collaborative combat aircraft.
The term primary mission aircraft inventory means aircraft assigned to meet the primary aircraft authorization to a unit for the performance of its wartime mission.
The amendment made by paragraph (1) shall take effect on October 1, 2026.
Beginning on October 1, 2026, the Secretary of the Air Force may increase the total planned procurement of F–15EX aircraft to beyond 267 aircraft.
Section 9062(k)(1) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking September 30, 2027 and inserting September 30, 2032.
Section 149 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (Public Law 119–60) is amended—
by striking below 16 each place it appears and inserting below 15; and
in subsection (a), by striking fiscal year 2026 and inserting fiscal year 2026 or 2027.
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Air Force shall submit to the congressional defense committees—
a detailed schedule for procurement, fielding, and achievement of initial and full operating capability for E–7 Wedgetail aircraft; and
a funding profile across the period covered by the Future Years Defense Program sufficient to meet the requirements of paragraph (1).
The Secretary of Air Force shall certify to the congressional defense committees that—
the plan under subsection (b) will ensure there is no degradation in the airborne early warning, battle management, and command and control capabilities available to support combatant commands; and
any proposed retirement of E–3 aircraft will not result in a gap in operational coverage, mission availability, or responsiveness to the demands of the combatant commands.
Section 137(b) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (Public Law 118–31; 137 Stat. 174) is amended—
by striking by this Act or by the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Public Law 117–263) and inserting to the Department of Defense for any of fiscal years 2023 through 2030; and
by inserting to another military department or after evaluated for potential transfer.
Section 146(a)(3)(B) of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Public Law 117–263; 136 Stat. 2455), as most recently amended by section 145(a) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (Public Law 119–60; 139 Stat. 760), is further amended by striking 2026 and inserting 2028.
Section 146(b)(1) of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Public Law 117–263; 136 Stat. 2455), as most recently amended by section 145(b) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (Public Law 119–60; 139 Stat. 760), is further amended by striking 2026 and inserting 2028.
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Air Force shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report detailing the following:
The total number and variant types of C–130 aircraft in the inventory of the Air Force.
Any planned retirements, divestments, or reductions to the fleet of such aircraft.
Modernization and recapitalization efforts, including block upgrades and procurement schedules.
Planned basing actions for fielding C–130J aircraft to recapitalize C–130H aircraft.
Of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise made available for fiscal year 2027 for the Air Force for the procurement of C–37 aircraft, not more than 50 percent may be obligated or expended until a period of 30 days has elapsed following the date on which the Secretary of the Air Force submits to the congressional defense committees—
the acquisition strategy for such aircraft; and
a justification for using other than competitive procedures under section 3204 of title 10, United States Code, for the award of a contract for the procurement of such aircraft.
None of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise made available for fiscal year 2027 for the Department of the Air Force may be obligated or expended to retire, divest, place in storage, transfer to nonoperational status, or prepare for retirement any MQ–9 Reaper aircraft.
Beginning after September 30, 2027, the Secretary of the Air Force may not retire, divest, or transfer to nonoperational status any MQ–9 Reaper aircraft until the Secretary certifies in writing to the congressional defense committees that—
a replacement capability has achieved initial operational capability;
such replacement capability provides comparable or superior—
persistent intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capability;
strike capability;
survivability in a dynamic and high-threat environment;
maritime surveillance capability;
communications relay capability; and
operational availability and sortie generation capacity;
the replacement capability is available in sufficient operational quantities to meet requirements of the combatant commands;
the retirement or divestment will not increase operational risk to ongoing contingency operations, homeland defense missions, maritime domain awareness missions, or crisis response operations;
the Secretary has conducted a force structure assessment evaluating the impact of such retirement on—
globally deployed operations;
distributed operations in the Indo-Pacific region;
operations in the United States Central Command area of responsibility;
support to special operations forces; and
support to allied and partner nation operations; and
the Secretary has submitted the assessments required under subsection (c).
Not later than 30 days prior to submitting a certification under subsection (b), the Secretary of the Air Force shall submit to the congressional defense committees an assessment from—
each of the commanders of the combatant commands regarding the operational sufficiency of the remaining remotely piloted aircraft force to execute approved operational plans and ongoing missions;
the Commander of United States Special Operations Command regarding the impact of such retirement on support to special operations missions;
the Commander of United States Indo-Pacific Command regarding the impact on distributed maritime surveillance and targeting operations in the Indo-Pacific theater; and
the Commander of United States Central Command regarding the impact on ongoing counterterrorism, force protection, and crisis response operations.
In this section, the term replacement capability means a platform, family of systems, or operational capability intended to replace the operational functions currently performed by the MQ–9 Reaper fleet, including—
intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance;
precision strike;
maritime domain awareness;
electronic warfare; and
communications relay.
The Secretary of the Air Force, in coordination with the Commander of the United States Transportation Command, shall conduct an analysis of alternatives for next generation airlift capabilities.
In conducting the analysis of alternatives required under subsection (a), the Secretary of the Air Force shall—
evaluate a range of options for next generation airlift capabilities, including recapitalization of existing platforms, service life extension and modernization efforts, and development of new airlift platforms;
in evaluating such options, consider operational effectiveness, survivability in contested environments, fuel efficiency, lifecycle costs, connectivity, basing, and interoperability with joint and coalition forces and battle networks; and
assess the feasibility of incorporating unmanned or optionally crewed systems and innovative concepts of operations.
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Air Force shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the results of the analysis of alternatives conducted under subsection (a). The report shall include—
the findings and conclusions of the analysis;
recommendations, if any, for future investment in next generation airlift capabilities; and
such other information as the Secretary determines appropriate.
The Secretary of the Air Force may carry out activities, prior to fielding the next generation airlift aircraft, to improve the readiness, reliability, capacity, and capabilities of the Air Force with respect to airlift operations.
The activities carried out under subsection (a) may include—
entering into partnerships with commercial entities—
to provide the Air Force with access to commercially developed aircraft capable of handling outsized airlift payloads; and
to modify such aircraft, as necessary, to meet military requirements;
carrying out a pilot program to assess the feasibility and advisability of using commercial providers to test, certify, and operate select C–5 aircraft in support of the Air Force; and
such other activities as the Secretary of the Air Force determines appropriate.
This section shall be carried out using amounts otherwise authorized to be appropriated to the Department of the Air Force and no additional funds are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section.
The Secretary of the Navy may convey, without consideration, to the U.S. Space and Rocket Center Commission in Huntsville, Alabama (in this section referred to as the Commission), all right, title, and interest of the United States in the following:
F–14 aircraft (Bureau number 159437).
F–14 aircraft (Bureau number 164341).
F–14 aircraft (Bureau number 164602).
Any conveyance under subsection (a) shall be made by means of a conditional deed of gift.
Any conveyance under subsection (a) shall be made at no cost to the United States. Any costs associated with such conveyance, costs of determining compliance with terms of the conveyance, and costs of operation and maintenance of the aircraft conveyed shall be borne by the Commission.
The aircraft being conveyed under subsection (a) do not have any capability for use as a platform for launching or releasing munitions or any other combat capability that it was designed to have.
The Secretary shall include in the instrument of conveyance of the aircraft under subsection (a)—
a condition that the Secretary is not required to repair or alter the condition of the aircraft before conveying ownership of the aircraft;
a condition that the Secretary shall provide any maintenance and operations manuals that—
are specific to the F–14 aircraft; and
the Secretary has sufficient intellectual property rights to convey;
a condition that the Secretary may provide excess spare parts to make one of the F–14 aircraft flyable or able to complete a static display, provided that any part transferred from existing Navy stock is reimbursed at fair market value by the Commission, with no items being procured by the Secretary on behalf of the Commission; and
a condition that the Secretary will not be responsible for transferring any additional parts or providing any additional support beyond what is stated in this section, during or after the conveyance of the aircraft.
The Secretary may—
authorize the Commission to enter into agreements with qualified nonprofit organizations for the purpose of restoring and operating the aircraft transferred under subsection (a) for public display, airshows, and commemorative events to preserve naval aviation heritage; and
if the Secretary authorizes any such agreement, require such additional terms and conditions in the instrument of conveyance as appropriate to protect the interests of the United States.
The Secretary shall include in the instrument of conveyance of the aircraft under subsection (a)—
a condition that the Commission shall operate and maintain the aircraft in compliance with all applicable limitations and maintenance requirements imposed by the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration;
a condition that the Commission shall not convey any ownership interest in, or transfer possession of, the aircraft to another party without the prior approval of the Secretary; and
a condition that if the Secretary determines at any time that the Commission has failed to comply with the conditions set forth in paragraphs (1) and (2), all right, title, and interest in and to the aircraft, including any repair or alteration of the aircraft, shall revert to the United States, and the United States shall have the right of immediate possession of the aircraft.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, upon the conveyance to the Commission of interests in the aircraft under subsection (a), the United States may not be liable for any death, injury, loss, or damage that results from any use of such aircraft by any person other than the United States.
The conveyance of an aircraft under subsection (a), and the use of such aircraft following such conveyance, shall be subject to all applicable Federal and State laws and regulations, including the Arms Export Control Act (22 U.S.C. 2751 et seq.), the Export Control Reform Act of 2018 (50 U.S.C. 4801 et seq.), chapter 37 of title 18, United States Code (commonly referred to as the Espionage Act), the regulations set forth in subchapter M of chapter I of title 22, Code of Federal Regulations (commonly referred to as the International Traffic in Arms Regulations), subchapter C of chapter VII of title 15, Code of Federal Regulations (commonly referred to as the Export Administration Regulations), and chapter V of title 31, Code of Federal Regulations (commonly referred to as the Foreign Assets Control Regulations).
Not later than December 1, 2026, the Secretary of the Air Force, in coordination with the Commander of the United States Strategic Command, shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report assessing the feasibility of restoring nuclear capability to the B–1B Lancer bomber aircraft.
The report required under subsection (a) shall include the following:
A description of any structural, electronic, software, and weapons-integration modifications required to enable the B–1B aircraft to deliver nuclear weapons.
An assessment of the compatibility of such aircraft with currently fielded and planned nuclear gravity bombs and air-launched cruise missiles.
Identification of any military construction, storage, security, and certification infrastructure that would be required at forward operating locations within the continental United States should nuclear capability be restored to such aircraft.
Requirements related to aircrew certification, maintenance training, security forces training, nuclear surety inspections, and personnel reliability programs should nuclear capability be restored to such aircraft.
Estimated research, development, test, evaluation, procurement, operations, and sustainment costs over a the five-year period following the initiation of any efforts to restore nuclear capability to such aircraft.
An assessment of the expected remaining service life of the B–1B aircraft fleet.
The estimated time required to achieve initial operational capability and full operational capability should the Air Force pursue restoring nuclear capability to such aircraft.
An assessment of the military utility and strategic deterrence value of restoring nuclear capability to the B–1B aircraft.
An assessment of any costs and additional requirements to restore nuclear capability across bomber bases.
The report required under subsection (a) shall be submitted in unclassified form but may include a classified annex.
Subject to section 3501 of title 10, United States Code, and except as provided in subsection (b), the Secretary of Defense may enter into one or more multiyear contracts, beginning with the fiscal year 2027 program year, for the procurement of—
F–15EX aircraft; and
initial spare parts, alternate mission equipment, and conformal fuel tanks for such aircraft.
The Secretary of Defense may not enter into a contract for the procurement of an aircraft under subsection (a) until the date on which the Secretary certifies to the congressional defense committees that such contract will provide for the procurement of the full complement of initial spare parts, alternate mission equipment, and conformal fuel tanks for each aircraft to be procured under the contract.
A contract entered into under subsection (a) shall provide that any obligation of the United States to make a payment under the contract for a fiscal year after fiscal year 2027 is subject to the availability of appropriations or funds for that purpose for such later fiscal year.
The Secretary of Defense may enter into one or more contracts, beginning in fiscal year 2027, for advance procurement associated with the aircraft for which authorization to enter into a multiyear procurement contract is provided under subsection (a), which may include procurement of economic order quantities of material and equipment for such aircraft when cost savings are achievable.
Subject to section 3501 of title 10, United States Code, and except as provided in subsections (b) and (c), the Secretary of Defense may enter into one or more multiyear contracts, beginning with the fiscal year 2027 program year, for the procurement of—
F–35 aircraft; and
initial spare parts and alternate mission equipment for such aircraft.
The Secretary of Defense may not enter into a contract for the procurement of an aircraft under subsection (a) until the date on which the Secretary certifies to the congressional defense committees that such contract will provide for the procurement of the full complement of initial spare parts and alternate mission equipment for each aircraft to be procured under the contract.
The Secretary of Defense may not enter into a contract for the procurement of an aircraft under subsection (a) until the date on which all of the following requirements have been met:
The Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment has certified to the congressional defense committees that—
any multiyear contracts for the procurement of F–35 aircraft units will achieve savings of not less than 5 percent compared with the estimated cost of procuring the same number and configuration of F–35 aircraft through annual contracts over the same period; and
the Director of Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation reviewed and validated such savings estimate.
The Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment has submitted to the congressional defense committees a report on the plan of the Department of Defense to improve operational readiness rates of F–35 aircraft. The report shall include—
funding requirements, by fiscal year, that achieve readiness to the required rates of full mission capability, mission capability, and aircraft availability, as defined by the Air Force and the Department of the Navy; and
funding requirements across the period covered by the future-years defense program that demonstrate full resources budgeted and programmed to achieve annual readiness requirements as identified in clause (i).
Of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise made available for the Department of Defense for fiscal year 2027 for the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment for official travel, not more than 50 percent may be obligated or expended until the date on which the Under Secretary submits to the congressional defense committees a certification—
that funding for fiscal year 2026 has been obligated and expended to meet the fiscal year 2026 readiness requirements as identified in paragraph (1)(B)(i); and
that funding for fiscal year 2027 has been requested to meet fiscal year 2027 readiness requirements as identified in such paragraph.
A contract entered into under subsection (a) shall provide that any obligation of the United States to make a payment under the contract for a fiscal year after fiscal year 2027 is subject to the availability of appropriations or funds for that purpose for such later fiscal year.
The Secretary of Defense may enter into one or more contracts, beginning in fiscal year 2027, for advance procurement associated with the aircraft for which authorization to enter into a multiyear procurement contract is provided under subsection (a), which may include procurement of economic order quantities of material and equipment for such aircraft when cost savings are achievable.
The Secretary of Defense may not procure, lease, or otherwise obtain a covered humanoid robotic system that—
is produced or developed by a foreign adversary or foreign adversary entity;
incorporates firmware, software, artificial intelligence models, remote update capability, or cloud services provided by a foreign adversary or foreign adversary entity; or
is subject to remote access, maintenance, data transmission, or update authority controlled by a foreign adversary or foreign adversary entity.
The prohibition under paragraph (1) shall apply with respect to contracts and other agreements entered into after the date of the enactment of this Act.
The Secretary of Defense may waive the prohibition under subsection (a)(1) with respect to a covered humanoid robotic system if—
the system is to be used solely for counterintelligence, cybersecurity testing, vulnerability assessment, or research purposes;
the system operates in a physically isolated or air-gapped environment;
the system is not connected to operational Department of Defense networks; and
the Secretary notifies the congressional defense committees not later than 30 days after issuing such waiver.
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall issue any rules, regulations, policies, and guidance necessary for the implementation of this section.
Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit the procurement or use of a covered humanoid robotic system solely on the basis that such system incorporates commercially available, off-the-shelf components not specifically designed for humanoid robotic systems, provided that such components do not enable remote access, data transmission, or control by a foreign adversary or foreign adversary entity.
In this section:
The term covered humanoid robotic system means a commercially available robotic system that—
is designed for general-purpose interaction within human-occupied environments;
possesses articulated upper extremities capable of dexterous manipulation;
is capable of autonomous or semi-autonomous operation using artificial intelligence or machine learning systems; and
is equipped with wired or wireless networking connectivity, including internet, cellular, satellite, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, radio-frequency communication, or cloud-based data storage or processing services.
Such term does not include—
industrial robotic systems permanently installed in controlled manufacturing environments;
robotic systems incapable of network connectivity; or
assistive medical devices regulated under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 301 et seq.).
The term foreign adversary means a covered nation as defined in section 4872(f)(2) of title 10, United States Code.
The term foreign adversary entity means an entity that—
is organized under the laws of, headquartered in, or subject to the jurisdiction of a foreign adversary;
is owned or controlled by the government of a foreign adversary; or
is owned or controlled by an entity that meets any of the criteria described in subparagraph (A) or (B).
Except as provided in subsection (b), none of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise made available for fiscal year 2027 for the Department of Defense may be obligated or expended to retire, decommission, divest, or otherwise remove from active operational service, any covered radar system.
The limitation under subsection (a) shall not apply to any individual unit of a covered radar system that the Secretary of the military department concerned determines has been damaged or degraded beyond economical repair.
In this section, the term covered radar system means the following:
The AN/SPN–43 shipboard air traffic control and air marshaling radar system.
The AN/SPY–1 phased-array radar system for the Aegis Combat System.
The AN/TPQ–36 Firefinder counter-battery radar system.
The AN/TPQ–37 Firefinder counter-battery radar system.
Airborne Station Keeping Equipment radar systems, including the AN/APN–243.
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Secretaries of the military departments, shall establish standards for a common operating system for small unmanned aircraft systems.
The standards established under subsection (a) shall provide for a common operating system for small unmanned aircraft systems that—
enables interoperability between small unmanned aircraft system platforms from different vendors and classes across the joint force;
enables modular integration of mission applications, including by enabling the use of applications and features from multiple different vendors on the same platform;
facilitates rapid deployment of autonomy and command and control functions;
facilitates rapid deployment of autonomy and operating capabilities in contested, degraded, and denied environments, including capabilities enabling operation in contested electromagnetic and degraded positioning, navigation, and timing environments;
integrates operating software that can function on multiple hardware platforms from different vendors;
supports secure software updates and cybersecurity improvements;
avoids vendor lock by enabling multiple vendors of hardware and software to develop and field applications and capabilities; and
establishes baseline standards for aided target recognition capabilities.
Not later than 90 days after the date on which the Secretary of Defense finalizes the standards under subsection (a), the Secretary, in coordination with the Secretaries of the military departments, shall develop and commence implementation of a plan for equipping small unmanned aircraft systems of the Department of Defense with a common operating system that meets such standards.
In implementing the plan under paragraph (1), the Secretary of Defense shall make use of commercially available solutions to the maximum extent practicable.
Beginning in fiscal year 2027, the Secretary of Defense shall establish the goal that the total amount of funds obligated for the procurement of products and services from nonprofit concerns pursuant to chapter 85 of title 41, United States Code, in a fiscal year is equal to not less than one percent of the total amount of funds obligated for all procurement contracts entered into by the Department of Defense in such fiscal year.
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees and to the Comptroller General of the United States a plan to address the following recommendations made by the Government Accountability Office:
Recommendation 5 in the report titled F–35 Sustainment: Need for Affordable Strategy, Greater Attention to Risks, and Improved Cost Estimates (GA–14–778).
Recommendations 1 through 7 in the report titled F–35 Aircraft: DOD and the Military Services Need to Reassess the Future Sustainment Strategy (GAO–23–105341).
Recommendations 1 and 2 in the report titled F–35 Aircraft: Actions Needed to Address Long-Standing Risks to Operational Effectiveness (GAO–25–107101C).
The plan under paragraph (1) shall include the following:
With respect to each recommendation specified in paragraph (1) that the Secretary has implemented or intends to implement—
a summary of actions that have been taken or will be taken to implement the recommendation; and
a schedule, with specific milestones, for completing implementation of the recommendation.
Identification of any recommendations specified in paragraph (1) that the Secretary does not intend to implement, together with a discussion of the reasons for not implementing the recommendations and any alternative actions taken or intended to be taken to address the matters identified by the Government Accountability Office in connection with such recommendations.
Not later than one year after the date on which the Secretary of Defense submits the implementation plan under subsection (a), the Secretary shall carry out activities to implement the plan and submit to the congressional defense committees and the Comptroller General of the United States a report on the following:
All critical technical data rights requirements for F–35 Joint Strike Fighter sustainment, including for both organizational-level and depot-level sustainment and repair.
Estimated costs for acquiring identified critical technical data rights for sustainment.
The status of efforts for acquiring identified critical technical data rights for sustainment.
Any known challenges for acquiring identified critical technical data rights for sustainment.
The Secretary of Defense shall develop and implement a plan to address recommendation 3 from the report of the Government Accountability Office titled F–35 Joint Strike Fighter: Actions Needed to Address Late Deliveries and Improve Future Development (GAO-25-107632).
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees and to the Comptroller General of the United States a report on the plan developed under paragraph (1). Such report shall include—
a summary of actions that have been taken or will be taken to implement the recommendation specified in paragraph (1); and
a schedule, with specific milestones, for completing implementation of the recommendation; or
if the Secretary does not intend to implement the recommendation, discussion of the reasons and alternative actions taken or intended to be taken to address the issues to which the recommendation pertains.
Not later than one year after the submittal of the plan under subsection (a), the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees and the Comptroller General of the United States a report on the status of the implementation of the plan. Such report shall include, at a minimum—
the results of a reevaluation of contract incentive fees for inclusion in future F135 and F–35 production contracts;
a timeframe for implementing a new incentive fee structure in future F135 and F–35 production contracts;
a plan for determining the effectiveness of a new incentive fee structure in achieving desired production outcomes; and
an explanation of any efforts to apply a new incentive fee structure more broadly across the F–35 contracting enterprise.
The Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Commander of the United States Transportation Command and the Director of the Defense Logistics Agency, shall conduct a study on the fuel procurement practices of the Department of Defense.
The study under subsection (a) shall address the following:
The projected amount budgeted by the Department of Defense for fuel procurement and consumption for fiscal year 2026, set forth separately by military department and Defense Agency.
The actual amount spent by the Department of Defense for fuel procurement and consumption for fiscal year 2026, set forth separately by military department and Defense Agency.
Any changes to fuel cost and fuel cost projections for fiscal year 2026 that have occurred since February 28, 2026, including an examination of—
the magnitude of such changes (expressed in total dollars and as a percentage change from prior projections);
the factors driving such changes, including changes in market crude oil prices, changes in the standard price of fuel established by the Defense Logistics Agency, changes in operational demand, and any other relevant factors;
the effects of such changes on the budget of the Department of Defense as a whole and the budget of each military department; and
the effects of such changes on the ability of the military departments to meet readiness standards, including—
any exercises (including joint exercises with allies and partners), training, or other operational activities that were modified, delayed, or canceled as a result of such changes, set forth separately by Armed Force;
any reductions in readiness accounts resulting from such changes, set forth separately by account, amount, and Armed Force, including—
operation and maintenance accounts; and
accounts for depot maintenance and spare parts; and
any effects of such changes on prepositioned fuel stocks or bulk fuel inventories.
Any transfers, reprogramming actions, or other budgetary adjustments made or anticipated to be made during the period of fiscal years 2026 through 2031 as a result of fuel cost variances.
Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the results of the study conducted under subsection (a), including the findings of the study with respect to each element specified in subsection (b).
Funds are hereby authorized to be appropriated for fiscal year 2027 for the use of the Department of Defense for research, development, test, and evaluation, as specified in the funding table in section 4201.
Section 133a of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
in subsection (b)—
in paragraph (4), by striking and at the end;
in paragraph (5), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and; and
by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
in addition to the duties described in subsection (c), promulgating guidance and recommended standards on adequate levels of science and technology spending by elements of the Department of Defense with responsibilities associated with basic research, applied research, and advanced technology development (budget activities 6.1 through 6.3, respectively, as set forth in the Department of Defense Financial Management Regulation (DOD 7000.14-R), or any successor budget classification) and developmental test and evaluation that could be incorporated into budget and planning guidance of the Department as appropriate.
by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (d); and
by inserting after subsection (b) the following new subsection:
The Secretary of Defense, acting through the Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller), shall require the Secretaries of the military departments and the heads of the Defense Agencies with responsibilities associated with basic research, applied research, and advanced technology development (budget activities 6.1 through 6.3, respectively, as set forth in the Department of Defense Financial Management Regulation (DOD 7000.14-R), or any successor budget classification) and developmental test and evaluation to transmit the proposed budget for such activities for a fiscal year and for the period covered by the future-years defense program submitted to Congress under section 221 of this title for that fiscal year to the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering for review under paragraph (2) before submitting the proposed budget to the Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller).
The Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering shall review each proposed budget transmitted under paragraph (1) and, not later than January 31 of the year preceding the fiscal year for which the budget is proposed, shall submit to the Secretary of Defense a report containing the comments of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering with respect to all such proposed budgets, together with the certification of the Under Secretary regarding whether each proposed budget is adequate.
Not later than 15 days after the date on which the budget of the President for each fiscal year is submitted to Congress pursuant to section 1105(a) of title 31, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to Congress a report specifying each proposed budget contained in the most-recent report submitted under paragraph (2) that the Under Secretary of Defense for Research Engineering did not certify to be adequate. The report of the Secretary shall include the following matters:
A discussion of the actions that the Secretary proposes to take, together with any recommended legislation that the Secretary considers appropriate, to address the inadequacy of the proposed budgets specified in the report.
Any additional comments that the Secretary considers appropriate regarding the inadequacy of the proposed budgets.
Section 139 of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
by redesignating subsection (l) as subsection (m); and
by inserting after subsection (k) the following new subsection (l):
The Director shall have a sufficient number of Deputy Directors to supervise the activities of the Office and to carry out the duties and responsibilities prescribed by law. Each such Deputy Director shall be a appointed from the Senior Executive Service.
Section 4022 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking subsection (i).
Section 4127(d) of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
by redesignating paragraph (11) as paragraph (12); and
by inserting after paragraph (10) the following new paragraph:
Coordinate with the portfolio acquisition executives of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Space Force to—
identify priority acquisition problems and capability needs and gaps;
identify platforms, capabilities, and solutions developed by entities working with the Unit that have the potential to address the priority acquisition problems and capability needs and gaps identified under subparagraph (A); and
assist such portfolio acquisition executives in establishing and carrying out programs for the acquisition of such platforms, capabilities, and solutions.
Section 1833 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (Public Law 119–60; 10 U.S.C. 3453 note) is amended by striking commercial each place it appears.
Section 4173 of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
in subsection (c)(1) by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
To carry out the activities described in subsections (j) and (k).
by redesignating subsection (j) as subection (l);
by inserting after subsection (i) the following new subsections:
The Director shall establish and maintain a digital repository that identifies and provides relevant information on all testing and evaluation facilities in the United States that could be made available for use by the Department of Defense and qualified partners for the testing and evaluation of weapon systems and innovative technologies.
The repository established under paragraph (1) shall—
identify all testing and evaluation facilities that meet the criteria specified in paragraph (1), including—
facilities owned or operated by the Federal Government, including—
facilities in the Major Range and Test Facility Base;
facilities not included in the Major Range and Test Facility Base; and
National Guard facilities; and
facilities owned or operated by—
State or local governments;
academic institutions;
nonprofit organizations; or
for-profit entities; and
with respect to each testing and evaluation facility identified in the repository, provide—
a description of the facility, including a description of the capabilities and instrumentation available at the facility;
points of contact for scheduling range time at the facility; and
such other information as the Director determines appropriate.
The Director shall update the repository under paragraph (1) not less frequently than annually.
The Director shall make the repository established under paragraph (1) accessible to such elements of the Department of Defense and qualified partners as the Director determines appropriate.
The Director may establish and maintain regional test and evaluation hubs at locations within and outside the United States for purposes of facilitating or conducting test and evaluation activities.
In the event the Director exercises the authority to establish and maintain regional test and evaluation hubs under paragraph (1), the Director shall develop a strategy and criteria for the selection of locations for such hubs, which shall include consideration of whether the geographic region served by the hub provides an environment conducive to the simulation of realistic threats and environmental conditions.
in subsection (l), as so redesignated—
in the subsection heading, by striking Definition and inserting Definitions;
by striking In this section, the term and inserting
In this section:
The term
by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
The term qualified partner means an entity that the Director determines—
is engaged in the development of capabilities for the Department of Defense, such as a contractor, academic institution, or other private sector organization; and
is qualified to conduct test and evaluation activities at a facility described in subsection (j) or a regional test and evaluation hub described in subsection (k).
The Director of the Test Resource Management Center shall establish the repository required under section 4173(j) of title 10, United States Code (as added by subsection (a) of this section), by not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act.
Section 228 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (Public Law 119–60; 139 Stat. 786; 10 U.S.C. 4001 note) is amended—
in subsection (b), by inserting after paragraph (2) the following new paragraph:
The Secretary shall, not later than two years after the date of the enactment of this Act, select not fewer than three additional weapon system platforms for participation in the demonstration.
by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (d), and in such subsection—
in paragraph (1)—
by inserting after 2027, the following: and again on January 1, 2028, and January 1, 2029,; and
by striking with respect to the demonstration conducted pursuant to subsection (a) and inserting with respect to the activities carried out under subsections (a), (b), and (c);
in each of paragraphs (2) and (3), by striking The report and inserting Each report; and
in paragraph (2)—
by redesignating subparagraph (B) as subparagraph (C); and
by inserting after subparagraph (B) the following new subparagraph:
The results of the evaluation carried out under subsection (c)(1) and any pilot efforts carried out under subsection (c)(2).
by inserting after subsection (b) the following new subsection:
The Secretary of Defense shall—
evaluate opportunities to integrate data collected and analyzed from the demonstration into command and control, logistics, sustainment, and maintenance systems of the Department of Defense, prioritizing systems with the greatest operational value; and
conduct pilot efforts to integrate the monitoring capabilities included in the demonstration into the platforms included in the demonstration, as appropriate.
by adding at the end the following new subsection:
The authority provided under this section shall remain in effect until September 30, 2028.
Subsections (a) and (b) of section 222 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (Public Law 118–31; 137 Stat. 189) are amended by striking , acting through the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering, each place it appears.
Such section is further amended—
by striking subsection (c); and
by redesignating subsections (d) and (e) as subsections (c) and (d), respectively.
Section 221 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (Public Law 117–81; 135 Stat. 1599) is amended—
in the section heading, by inserting and other large surface combatant before vessels;
in subsection (a), by inserting or any subsequent class of large surface combatant vessels after destroyer class of vessels;
in subsection (b), by striking Senior Technical Authority for the DDG(X) destroyer class of vessels and inserting Senior Technical Authority for the class of vessels involved (as designated pursuant to section 8669b of title 10, United States Code);
in subsection (d), by striking for the DDG(X) destroyer class of vessels and inserting for the class of vessels involved;
in subsection (e), by striking by not later than the delivery date of the lead ship in the DDG(X) destroyer class of vessels and inserting for a class of vessels by not later than the delivery date of the lead ship in that class of vessels; and
by amending subsection (f) to read as follows:
In this section, term delivery date has the meaning given that term in section 8671 of title 10, United States Code.
The Secretary of Defense shall designate an executive agent, as such term is defined in Department of Defense Directive 5101.01 (relating to DoD Executive Agent, issued February 7, 2022), responsible for synchronizing cooperative efforts between the United States and Israel, to expand and accelerate bilateral defense technology research, development, testing, evaluation, integration, and industrial cooperation, by—
identifying jointly developed or Israeli-origin technologies with operational utility for potential integration into United States systems and programs of record;
ensuring collaborative research initiatives involving government, private sector, and academic institutions in the United States and Israel, is done in a manner that protects sensitive technology and information and the national security interests of the United States and Israel;
facilitating the transition of technologies from research and development into procurement and acquisition pathways;
establishing frameworks for joint ventures, licensing agreements, and United States-based co-production or manufacturing partnerships with Israeli industry;
coordinating with relevant Department of Defense components, including the Irregular Warfare Technical Support Directorate, capability development and innovation divisions, the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering, the Defense Innovation Unit, the United States-Israel Operations Technology Working Group, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, the Missile Defense Agency, the United States Space Command, the military departments, and other Department of Defense entities, as appropriate, to align efforts and avoid duplication; and
promoting joint training exercises and information-sharing mechanisms to enhance operational readiness to deploy jointly developed technologies.
The synchronized cooperative efforts under subsection (a) may be carried out through the following domains:
Counter-Unmanned Systems including aerial, maritime, and ground platforms.
Anti-tunneling and subterranean threats.
Missile and air defense technologies.
Artificial intelligence, quantum, machine learning, and autonomous systems.
Directed energy and advanced sensing.
Cyber defense, electronic warfare, and digital resilience.
Biotechnology, biomanufacturing, and medical defense.
Network integration, data fusion, and contested logistics.
Defense industrial base cooperation, manufacturing, and co-production.
Other emerging technologies as jointly agreed by the United States and Israel.
The Secretary of Defense shall coordinate activities, as appropriate, with the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Commerce, and the heads of other relevant Federal departments and agencies, to ensure consistency with existing laws and regulations.
Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall provide to the congressional defense committees an interim briefing on—
the executive agent designated pursuant to subsection (a) and the efforts undertaken by such executive agent to lead Department of Defense implementation of the synchronized cooperative efforts described in such subsection;
the status of coordination, Department-wide, with Israeli counterparts;
initial technology areas identified for accelerated cooperation and technologies with operational utility for integration into United States systems and programs of record; and
any early transition, prototyping, or integration activities initiated during the period covered by the update.
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter until 2030, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on implementation of the cooperative efforts described in subsection (a). Each such report shall include—
a description of activities conducted;
an assessment of progress made in advancing shared national security interests;
an assessment of collaboration with other relevant Federal programs;
a description of technologies transitioned into United States acquisition programs or fielded systems;
a description of partnerships established with United States and Israeli industry; and
recommendations for future opportunities to promote the long-term integration of joint capabilities between the United States and Israel.
Each report required under subsection (e) shall be submitted in unclassified form and may include a classified annex.
The Secretary of Defense shall make available on a publicly accessible website of the Department of Defense periodic, unclassified updates, to the maximum extent practicable, on the synchronized cooperative efforts carried out under subsection (a), including a description of how these efforts contribute to United States technological and military supremacy. Such updates shall be made in a manner that ensures that classified information or other information that would compromise operational security, export controls, or sensitive technology are not released.
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Commander of the United States Indo-Pacific Command, shall establish a synthetic training environment that meets the requirements of subsection (b) to support operations in the Indo-Pacific Region.
The synthetic training environment established under subsection (a) shall—
incorporate live, virtual, and constructive elements;
integrate training, testing, and simulation capabilities across the area of responsibility of the United States Indo-Pacific Command;
provide integrated synthetic training and mission rehearsal capabilities across all warfighting domains, including land, maritime, air, space, cyberspace, and the electromagnetic spectrum;
integrate and synchronize, to the maximum extent practicable, existing training, experimentation, and simulation capabilities of the Department of Defense;
enable distributed training of joint and combined forces;
support rehearsal of operational plans and crisis response;
enable experimentation for emerging capabilities;
be scalable to support additional combatant command requirements as directed by the Secretary of Defense; and
be accessible to allies and partners of the United States, consistent with applicable law and security requirements.
Before establishing the training environment under subsection (a), but not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report that includes—
an explanation of how the Secretary intends to implement the synthetic training environment required under subsection (a);
a cost estimate for the training environment;
a plan for making the training environment accessible to allies and partners of the United States; and
an assessment of the potential effects of the training environment on readiness.
The Secretary of Defense shall establish or designate, and operate, one or more test and training corridors for small unmanned aircraft systems, counter-unmanned aircraft system platforms, and associated capabilities within the national airspace system.
The Secretary of Defense may construct new facilities, or use existing facilities available to the Department of Defense, to support one or more test and training corridors established or designated under subsection (a) that collectively address each of the functions described in subsection (c).
The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that any test and training corridor established or designated under subsection (a) enables the research, development, testing, and evaluation of, and training for members of the Armed Forces on—
small unmanned aircraft systems and associated autonomy software, kinetic and nonkinetic payloads, sensors, communications, and navigation technology;
kinetic and nonkinetic counter small-unmanned aircraft system capabilities, including high power microwave, high energy laser, and electronic warfare capabilities, and any requisite autonomy software, sensors, and command and control capabilities;
small to medium caliber counter unmanned aircraft systems ammunition and weapon systems, low collateral damage weapons and munitions, and drone-versus-drone capabilities;
the acceleration of the integration of modular payloads onto multiple unmanned aircraft systems and counter unmanned aircraft systems and platforms;
the reduction in time-to-field for lethal and non-lethal drone-enabled munitions and munition payload capabilities; and
standardization of payload-to-platform interfaces.
In establishing or designating one or more test and training corridors under subsection (a), the Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Director of the Test Resource Management Center and the Secretaries of the military departments, shall—
identify potential locations within the national airspace system that would be conducive to conducting testing, evaluation, and training activities with respect to small unmanned aircraft systems and counter-small unmanned aircraft capabilities, with prioritization of sites that best support the test and training corridor functions described in subsection (c);
assess whether existing test and evaluation facilities, including Government-owned and non-Government owned facilities, could be used to meet current and future requirements with respect to such testing, evaluation and training;
identify any additional resources required to establish or designate, and operate the corridor, including military construction costs and personnel and manning costs;
identify any sensors and capabilities needed to adequately simulate operationally realistic environments in the corridor, including environments with denied or degraded—
communications;
electromagnetic spectrum; and
global positioning system;
identify any interagency, legal, regulatory, or policy impediments to carrying out testing, evaluation, and training activities with respect to small unmanned aircraft systems and counter-small unmanned aircraft capabilities within the national airspace system, including any impediments to the use of—
electronic warfare;
directed energy (such as high-powered microwave and high energy lasers);
GPS jamming and spoofing;
spectrum enabled and cellular-network enabled systems and capabilities; and
other relevant capabilities;
consult with interagency partners to develop recommendations for—
addressing any impediments identified under paragraph (4); and
ensuring the safety of testing and training activities conducted in the national airspace system; and
consider diverse geographic regions across the United States.
Not later than 90 days after establishing or designating a test and training corridor under subsection (a), the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a written notification that describes—
the location of the corridor;
any funding, personnel, or other resources required to support the corridor; and
any agreements with other Federal agencies that may be required to safely operate the corridor in the national airspace system.
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Navy shall take such actions as may be necessary, including modification of research and development and acquisition procedures as appropriate, to ensure that unmanned surface vessels are capable of autonomous operation—
during periods in which communications capabilities are denied, degraded, intermittent, or limited; and
during periods in which positioning, navigation, and timing capabilities are degraded or unavailable.
Following implementation of the actions required under subsection (a), but not later than 270 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Navy shall provide to the congressional defense committees a briefing on such actions. The briefing shall include an explanation of each of the following:
The ability of unmanned surface vessels to execute preauthorized mission tasks without continuous human control.
The ability of such vessels to adhere to defined autonomy behaviors, decision logic, and safety constraints governing mission execution.
The ability of such vessels to adapt, recover, retask, or terminate missions in accordance with preestablished operational parameters when communications or positioning, navigation, and timing are degraded or unavailable.
In this section, the term unmanned surface vessels includes—
unmanned surface vessels in use by the Navy or Marine Corps; and
unmanned surface vessels planned for development or procurement for the Navy or Marine Corps.
Not later than two years after the date of the enactment this Act, the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering shall—
designate the Air Force as the primary sponsor of the National Strategic Research Institute University Affiliated Research Center (referred to in this section as the Center); and
coordinate with the Secretary of the Air Force and the Commander of the United States Strategic Command to ensure that the Center receives the funding and other resources necessary to meet the applicable requirements of the UARC Management Plan following such designation.
Not later than 90 days after the date on which the designation under subsection (a)(1) occurs, the Secretary of the Air Force shall submit to the congressional defense committees a plan for providing funding and other resources to the Center in accordance with subsection (a)(2).
In this section:
The term prime sponsor has the meaning given that term in the UARC Management Plan.
The term UARC Management Plan means the publication of the Department of Defense titled Department of Defense University Affiliated Research Center (UARC) Management Plan, dated July 2010 (or any successor to such plan).
Amounts authorized to be appropriated after the date of the enactment of this Act for the Department of Defense for research, development, test, and evaluation shall be available for reimbursement of pay, allowances, and other expenses which would otherwise be incurred against appropriations for the reserve components of the Armed Forces, including the National Guard, in cases in which members of the such reserve components provide support to research, development, test, and evaluation projects in which their involvement furthers the project because of a member’s or unit’s availability, qualifications, experience, or education.
Nothing in this section shall be construed—
to authorize a deviation from established personnel and training procedures of the reserve components of the Armed Forces, including the National Guard; or
to authorize the direct engagement of members or units of such components to conduct independent research, development, test, and evaluation projects.
It is the sense of Congress that requirements for the future battlefield include dealing with contested logistics that—
cannot be achieved with the size and weight of currently fielded rations; and
could be mitigated by incorporating within rations, components produced with emerging and innovative technologies developed in partnership with the Department of Defense Combat Feeding Research and Engineering Program.
Subject to the availability of appropriations for such purpose, the Secretary of Defense shall carry out the following activities with respect to military rations:
The Secretary shall seek to enter into one or more contracts for the procurement of rations produced using emerging food technologies such as sonic agglomeration and vacuum microwave drying to reduce size and weight.
The Secretary shall maximize the use of the technologies described in paragraph (1) for individual combat ration components to ensure successful technology transition from small business innovation research and research, development, test, and evaluation.
As operational needs allow, the Secretary shall prioritize clean-label, nutrient-dense components that do not contain unhealthy fats or artificial preservatives.
Not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report that includes the following:
A description of any emerging and innovative food processing technologies that have been developed or are being developed using research, development, test, and evaluation investments of the Department of Defense.
The total amount of Department of Defense investments in the development of sonic agglomeration and vacuum microwave drying technology for military rations, disaggregated by research, development, test, and evaluation budget activity, including small business innovation research.
The results of warfighter field testing of potential ration components produced with the technologies described in paragraph (2).
An explanation of quantitative and qualitative logistical and nutritional benefits of ration components produced using such technologies.
A description of any procurement processes for military rations that may be barriers to the acquisition of components produced with new and emerging food processing technologies.
A description of any activities carried out to advance the transition and adoption of such technologies to better meet the challenges of military operations in a contested logistics environment.
The Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering, in coordination with the Secretary of Agriculture, may carry out activities to support the development, testing, validation, demonstration, and transition of advanced technologies that strengthen the resilience, security, and operational continuity of United States agricultural production, agrifood systems, and associated bioindustrial manufacturing capacity against biological threats, supply chain disruptions, natural disasters, and other risks to national security, including technologies relating to—
agricultural biosecurity, including detection, prevention, mitigation, and recovery relating to plant disease, livestock disease, invasive species, and other biological threats;
advanced plant, animal, microbial, and bioindustrial technologies supporting defense readiness, domestic manufacturing capacity, and supply chain security;
engineering, automation, artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, and data systems supporting agricultural production, logistics, and operational resilience;
natural resource management technologies relating to water, energy, soil, forests, and food systems that reduce scarcity risks and enhance civilian and military resilience; and
wildfire prediction, prevention, mitigation, response, and recovery technologies relevant to agricultural productivity, infrastructure resilience, and military readiness.
The activities carried out under subsection (a) shall include—
interagency collaboration to accelerate research, development, testing, evaluation, field validation, demonstration, deployment, and transition of technologies described in subsection (a);
collaboration with Federal agencies, federally funded research and development centers, national laboratories, institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations, and private sector entities; and
prioritization, to the extent practicable, of projects demonstrating clear potential to enhance food security, operational readiness, domestic production resilience, or defense supply chain security.
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering, in coordination with the Secretary of Agriculture, shall submit to the congressional defense committees an implementation plan for activities to be carried out under this section.
Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit authorities of the Department of Defense or the Department of Agriculture that—
were in effect on the day before the date of the enactment of this Act; and
authorize or require conduct or support of research, development, testing, evaluation, or operational activities.
Pursuant to the authority provided under section 4025 of title 10, United States Code, the Secretary of Defense shall carry out a program (referred to in this section as the Program) to award prizes to support the research, development, and commercialization of biotechnology-based capabilities that address priority areas identified by the Secretary under subsection (b).
The Secretary shall—
before commencing prize competitions under the Program, establish requirements for the prize competition process, including—
eligibility criteria for participants consistent with paragraph (3); and
procedures for the testing, judging, and verification of submissions to the competitions; and
ensure that information on the prize competitions is made available to eligible participants, including by conducting outreach and posting such information to a publicly accessible website of the Department of Defense.
To be eligible for a prize award under the Program, an individual or entity shall meet the requirements described in section 24(g)(3) of the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 (15 U.S.C. 3719(g)(3)).
In accordance with section 24(k) of the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 (15 U.S.C. 3719(k)), an individual from the private sector may be appointed as a judge for a prize competition under the Program.
The Secretary of Defense shall carry out the Program acting through the head of the Biotechnology Management Office of the Department of Defense and in consultation with the Secretaries of the military departments and relevant officials from laboratories of the Armed Forces and other appropriate elements of the Department of Defense.
The Secretary of Defense shall commence implementation of the Program not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act.
Before commencing prize competitions under the Program, but not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall identify and select specific, well-defined, and measurable priority areas of biotechnology research and development to be advanced through the award of prizes under the Program.
In carrying out paragraph (1), the Secretary is encouraged to identify and select priority areas that support the following applications of biotechnology for defense purposes:
Bioenergetics.
Biobased material, including for use in existing and planned systems where such materials could provide improved performance over traditional material.
Biomining, including for critical minerals.
Biomanufacturing platforms and processes, including for modular or deployable systems.
Biotechnology convergence with other technologies and subject areas, including artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, and advanced computing.
In identifying and selecting priority areas under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall—
solicit and consider public input; and
consider—
relevant existing and planned programs and activities of Department of Defense and other research and development entities of the Federal Government;
the likelihood of relevant research or development being conducted by the private sector without further support from the Federal Government;
the likelihood that investment in an area by the Department of Defense will result in improved capabilities or readiness, including by increasing supply chain resilience; and
whether such an investment would foster innovation beyond the primary goal of the proposed priority area.
The Director of the Defense Innovation Unit (referred to in this section as the Director) shall carry out a pilot program under which the Director awards prizes, on a competitive basis, to recognize outstanding achievements in technology development and prototype development that——
have the potential to address operational problems and capability gaps identified by the Secretary of Defense, the Secretaries of the military departments, and combatant commanders; or
have potential for application to the performance of the military missions of the Department of Defense.
Prizes awarded under this section may include—
cash prizes; or
the award of contracts or other agreements.
The Director shall carry out activities to publicize the prize competitions carried out under this section and to solicit participation in such competitions from eligible individuals and entities.
The value of a prize awarded under this section may not exceed $15,000,000.
The Director may award a prize under this section without receiving approval from the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering if—
the value of the prize is not more than $2,000,000; or
in the case of a prize with a value exceeding $2,000,000, at least half of the funds for the portion of the prize in excess of $2,000,000 are provided by the portfolio acquisition executive of an organization of the Department of Defense outside the Defense Innovation Unit.
Use of prize authority under this section shall be considered the use of competitive procedures for the purposes of chapter 221 of title 10, United States Code.
The Director shall commence implementation of the pilot program under subsection (a) not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act.
The authority to carry out the pilot program under subsection (a) shall terminate on the date that is three years after the date of the enactment of this Act.
Not later than 15 days after a contract or other agreement that exceeds a fair market value of $2,000,000 is awarded under this section, the Director shall submit to the congressional defense committees written notice of such award.
Each notice submitted under paragraph (1) shall include—
the value of the relevant contract or other agreement, as applicable, including all options;
an identification of any portfolio acquisition executive responsible for implementation or oversight of technology development or prototype development (as applicable) for which an award was made under this section, and a brief summary of lessons learned by such portfolio acquisition executive in carrying out such implementation or oversight;
a brief description of the technology development or prototype for which such contract or other agreement, as applicable, was awarded; and
an explanation of the benefit to the performance of the military mission of the Department of Defense resulting from the award.
In this section, the term portfolio acquisition executive has the meaning given that term in section 1737 of title 10, United States Code.
The Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering, in coordination with the Secretary of the Army, may carry out a pilot program—
to identify near-term and long-term use cases for forward deployable mobile biomanufacturing capabilities; and
to conduct demonstrations of such capabilities.
In carrying out the pilot program under subsection (a), the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering may—
consider the use of novel manufacturing processes and equipment, including automation, modularity, and miniaturization of production capabilities;
collaborate with industry to develop forward deployable mobile biomanufacturing capabilities; and
consider the security measures required for such capabilities when forward deployed.
Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the status of the pilot program under subsection (a). The report shall include—
an assessment of existing Department of Defense capabilities related to biomanufacturing and an explanation of whether and how those capabilities may be used as part of the pilot program;
identification of near-term and long-term use cases for the deployment of mobile biomanufacturing;
for each use case identified under paragraph (2), a comparison of the estimated cost of fulfilling such use case through domestic biomanufacturing at an industrial scale versus the cost of fulfilling such use case using mobile biomanufacturing at the miniaturized scale;
an assessment of security measures required to deploy forward deployable mobile biomanufacturing capabilities; and
an assessment of the viability of transitioning technology developed under the pilot program into operational use within the Department, including the resources needed for further development and scaling of such technology and the potential benefits of such technology.
Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Army shall establish and commence implementation of a pilot program to evaluate the use of commercially available automated data security posture management technologies to enhance the cybersecurity, effectiveness, and reliability of artificial intelligence systems.
In carrying out pilot program under subsection (a) the Secretary of the Army shall—
identify, select, and deploy at least one commercially available data security posture management technology platform that is capable of continuous, automated monitoring and assessment of artificial intelligence systems for security threats specific to such systems;
designate at least one artificial intelligence system currently deployed by the Army to demonstrate the data security posture managed technology platform selected under paragraph (1);
complete the demonstration described in paragraph (2);
train relevant personnel on the deployment, maintenance, and data interpretation of the demonstrated data security posture management technology platform;
evaluate the demonstrated data security posture management technologies—
across the different tasks involved in development, deployment, storage, or hosting of components of such artificial intelligence system;
to determine the ability of such technologies to identify, mitigate and restore any corruption or malicious manipulation of the applications or data of such artificial intelligence system; and
for compatibility and ease of adoption into the value chains of existing artificial intelligence systems of the Army;
assess the feasibility of broader deployment of commercially available automated data security posture management technologies to improve the trustworthiness, resilience and integrity of artificial intelligence systems maintained by the Army.
Not later than 120 days after the date on which the Secretary of the Army commences the pilot program under subsection (a), and annually thereafter until the termination date specified un subsection (d), the Secretary of the Army shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report on the status of implementation and preliminary findings of the pilot program, including with respect to each element described in subsection (b).
Not later than 180 days after the termination date specified in subsection (d), the Secretary of the Army shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a final report on the results of the pilot program. The report shall include—
any recommendations of the Secretary with respect to the broader implementation commercially available automated data security posture management technologies to support artificial intelligence systems of the Army; and
an assessment of the costs and benefits of such technologies.
The pilot program under subsection (a) shall terminate on the date that is three years after the date on which the Secretary of the Army commences the pilot program.
The Secretary of Defense may carry out a pilot program to evaluate commercially available technologies that strengthen authentication and attribution of human authorization for consequential actions in order to improve the cybersecurity and physical security posture of the Department of Defense.
Under the pilot program, the Secretary of Defense shall evaluate technologies that—
strengthen access controls for systems and physical areas of the Department of Defense; and
can be integrated across various environments of the Department without requiring specialized hardware.
If the Secretary of Defense exercises the authority to carry out the pilot program under subsection (a), the program shall—
commence not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act; and
terminate not later than one year after the date on which the program is commenced.
Not later than March 1, 2028, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report that includes—
a summary of the results of the pilot program under subsection (a); and
recommendations regarding adoption the technologies evaluated under the program at a wider scale across the Department of Defense.
The Secretary of Defense shall carry out a pilot program to support the establishment of cloud laboratories at the Department of Defense.
Each cloud laboratory supported under the pilot program shall generate high-quality data that shall be collected for use and analysis by authorized researchers.
Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act and subject to the availability of appropriations, the Secretary shall establish at least one fully operational cloud laboratory.
Not later than three years after the date of the enactment of this Act and subject to the availability of appropriations, the Secretary shall, on a competitive basis, establish not fewer than two additional fully operational cloud laboratories.
At least one of the cloud laboratories established under this paragraph shall be focused on advancing research and development of biotechnology.
Not later than one year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report that includes the following:
A plan to establish the cloud laboratories.
A plan for building in considerations related to cybersecurity, biosecurity, and research security from the beginning of development for each cloud laboratory.
In this section:
The term artificial intelligence has the meaning given such term in section 5002 of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (Public Law 116–283;15 U.S.C. 9401).
The term authorized researcher refers to an individual who has been appropriately authorized to access data generated by the cloud laboratories supported under the pilot program, as determined by the Secretary using an authorization process established by the Secretary for such purpose.
The term cloud laboratory means a physical laboratory that is equipped with automation and data storage to conduct continuous experiments.
The term Secretary means the Secretary of Defense.
The Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Secretaries of the military departments, shall carry out a pilot program to evaluate, test, and implement muzzle blast overpressure mitigation devices for small and medium caliber weapons in relevant training and operational environments.
Under the pilot program, the Secretary of Defense shall—
assess the effectiveness of commercially available and emerging muzzle blast overpressure mitigation devices in reducing blast exposure to operators and nearby personnel;
evaluate the operational suitability, durability, and performance effects of such devices across representative weapon systems and mission sets; and
collect information to inform future Department of Defense policies, requirements, procurement decisions, and force-wide implementation strategies relating to blast overpressure mitigation.
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Air Force, acting through the Commander of the Air Force Research Laboratory, may establish a pilot program to conduct in-space technology demonstrations, and related risk reduction technology development activities, with respect to both advanced nuclear fission propulsion systems and advanced nuclear fusion propulsion systems.
If the Secretary carries out the pilot program under subsection (a), the Secretary shall carry out the pilot program in a manner that reduces technical risk and informs future development requirements relating to nuclear propulsion for national security missions in space, including potential operations beyond geosynchronous orbit, including in cislunar orbit.
If the Secretary carries out the pilot program under subsection (a), the Secretary shall select entities to carry out activities under the pilot program. In determining the criteria for making such selection, the Secretary shall emphasize previous subcomponent and prototype development and the ability to demonstrate within reasonable timeframes.
If the Secretary carries out the pilot program under subsection (a), not later than three years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall conduct in-space demonstrations described in subsection (a), with oversight by the Air Force Research Laboratory Rocket Propulsion Division at Edwards Air Force Base, California.
In carrying out the pilot program under subsection (a), the Secretary shall, at a minimum—
establish technical objectives and success criteria for the in-space demonstrations described in subsection (a);
develop a concept of operations and test and evaluation approach for the demonstrations;
conduct ground test activities necessary to support the demonstrations;
assist in the acquisition of launch services;
plan for collection and analysis of on-orbit data sufficient to assess propulsion performance, operability, and reliability; and
assess potential use cases for applications in cislunar operations pending the conclusion of the demonstrations.
Before commencing the pilot program under subsection (a), the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees a plan on the pilot program.
If the Secretary carries out the pilot program under subsection (a), not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the pilot program. The report shall include—
a description of the activities carried out under the pilot program, including the planned demonstration concept of operations and the associated timeline;
the technical objectives and success criteria established under subsection (e)(1);
an assessment of major technical risks and planned risk-mitigation activities; and
an assessment of parallel efforts by the People’s Republic of China to develop and deploy advanced space propulsion technologies for strategic purposes.
A pilot trainee may not operate a T–7 aircraft of the Air Force until the Secretary of the Air Force certifies to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives that each of the following conditions have been met:
All corrections to flight control laws and mission systems discovered in developmental testing of such aircraft are fully implemented.
The subsonic, transonic, and supersonic full operational flight and performance envelopes of such aircraft are fully tested and characterized.
Qualification testing of the Ground Based Training System for such aircraft is fully completed and all deficiencies are resolved.
In this section, the term pilot trainee means a non-rated officer of the Air Force enrolled as a student participating in a formal undergraduate pilot training course.
None of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise made available for fiscal year 2027 for the Department of Defense may be obligated or expended—
to conduct gain-of-function research on any potential pandemic pathogen at any facility operated by or on behalf of the Department; or
to award contracts, grants, cooperative agreements, or any other form of financial assistance to any institution of higher education, nonprofit organization, private entity, or other research institute that is conducting gain-of-function research on potential pandemic pathogens.
The Secretary of Defense may waive the prohibition under subsection (a) on a case-by-case basis, with respect to an individual research project, grant, contract, or cooperative agreement, if the Secretary determines that such a waiver is in the national interests of the United States.
Not later than 30 days before the date on which an award is made, a project is initiated, or an agreement entered into, with respect to which a waiver is made under paragraph (1), the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives notice of such waiver.
In this section:
The term gain-of-function research means any research that may be reasonably anticipated to confer an attribute to a pathogen such that the pathogen would have enhanced pathogenicity or transmissibility in mammals.
The term potential pandemic pathogen means a pathogen that, as a result of any gain-of-function research—
is likely more transmissible or likely capable of wide and uncontrollable spread in human populations;
is likely more virulent or likely to cause modest or greater morbidity or mortality in humans; or
is likely to pose a severe threat to public health, the capacity of the public health systems to function, or national security.
None of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise made available for fiscal year 2027 for the Department of Defense may be obligated or expended—
to carry out research, development, test, evaluation, or training activities involving animals—
in collaboration with a foreign country of concern; or
at any facility located in, or owned or controlled (directly or indirectly) by, a foreign country of concern; or
to enter into a contract or other agreement, or make a grant, pursuant to which such activities would be carried out.
In this section, the term foreign country of concern has the meaning given that term in section 9901 of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (Public Law 116–283; 15 U.S.C. 4651).
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall issue a policy to guide the development and acquisition of quantum computing systems for the Department of Defense. Under the policy, the Secretary shall—
establish a definition of quantum computing system for purposes of the policy;
establish a process for validating and verifying quantum computing systems before such systems are developed or acquired by the Department; and
ensure that the development and acquisition of such systems is consistent with and informed by the findings and processes of the Quantum Benchmarking Initiative of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (or any successor initiative).
Following issuance of the policy under subsection (a), a quantum computing system may not be developed or acquired by an element of the Department of Defense unless the system has been validated and verified in accordance with such policy.
The Secretary of Defense may waive the limitation under paragraph (1), on a case by case basis, with respect to a specific quantum computing system. In the event the Secretary issues such a waiver, the Secretary shall provide to the congressional defense committees, not later than 15 days after date on which the waiver was issued—
written notice of such waiver; and
the Secretary’s justification for the waiver.
The Secretary of the Air Force shall develop a plan to carry out competitive experimentation, prototyping, and operational assessment of autonomous, semi-autonomous, artificial intelligence-enabled, and adjunct aircraft capabilities relevant to the A–10 mission set.
The plan under subsection (a) shall include the following:
Appropriate opportunities for participation by nontraditional defense contractors, commercial technology firms, venture-backed defense firms, and other private-sector entities capable of rapidly developing relevant hardware, software, autonomy, sensing, communications, or mission system capabilities.
Measures to ensure operational experimentation is conducted in a manner consistent with meaningful human command and control, by a qualified military aviator, over mission-critical functions, including target engagement, weapons release, mission abort, and such other functions as the Secretary of the Air Force determines appropriate.
An estimated annual budget for implementing the plan.
Consideration of how to make available to a qualified United States entity a limited number of A–10 aircraft, components, or associated support equipment for the sole purpose of research, development, test, and evaluation activities relevant to the A–10 mission set, autonomous or semi-autonomous aircraft integration, mission systems development, digital battlefield communications, or other related capabilities.
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Air Force shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives report on the plan developed under subsection (a).
In this section, the term qualified United States entity means—
a nontraditional defense contractor;
a traditional defense contractor;
a federally funded research and development center;
a university-affiliated research center; or
another domestic entity the Secretary determines is capable of carrying out the activities described in subsection (a) in a manner consistent with national security and public safety.
The Secretary of the Army shall develop a plan for establishing and evaluating one or more experimental, battalion-sized formations that integrate unmanned aircraft systems to carry out intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance and precision strike operations at-scale.
The plan required under subsection (a) shall—
provide for the establishment of at least one experimental formation, as described in subsection (a), attached to a division;
include mechanisms to enable the Secretary of the Army to evaluate the operational effectiveness, survivability, targeting capacity, and cost-efficiency of such a formation relative to legacy cavalry and scout formations, and to inform future force design decisions;
identify any modifications to organizational design, personnel structure, and training pipelines that may be needed to facilitate the establishment of such a formation;
as appropriate, provide for the use of rapid acquisition pathways to procure unmanned aircraft systems for such a formation; and
coordinate with the Defense Autonomous Working Group to ensure that defense-wide research, development, testing, procurement, and fielding of mass-produced small unmanned aircraft systems will meet current and emerging Army requirements.
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Army shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report that includes—
the plan developed under subsection (a); and
an estimate of the funding required to establish and sustain the initial experimental formation under the plan, disaggregated by individual appropriation.
The Secretary of the Air Force shall develop a plan to regenerate, restore, modify, and use a limited number of covered aircraft for research, development, test, and evaluation activities relevant to—
autonomous and semi-autonomous aircraft capabilities;
human-machine teaming;
mission autonomy software;
mission systems integration;
sensing, communications, and digital battlefield networking;
operational experimentation and tactics development; and
such other defense innovation purposes as the Secretary determines appropriate.
The plan under subsection (a) shall include the following:
Plans for the use of covered aircraft for—
developmental flight testing;
operational evaluation;
autonomy experimentation;
software, sensor, communications, and mission systems integration;
optionally piloted, remotely assisted, or other autonomy-related flight experimentation, to the extent authorized by applicable law and regulation; and
associated ground test, simulation, mission rehearsal, and related research activities.
Consideration of how to make available to qualified United States entities a limited number of covered aircraft for the sole purpose of conducting the research, development, test, and evaluation activities described in this section, including any demilitarization requirements, cost reimbursements, and access to approved testing and evaluation facilities that may be required to facilitate the participation of such entities.
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Air Force shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives report on the plan developed under subsection (a).
In this section:
The term covered aircraft means an aircraft preserved at, inducted into, or proposed for induction into the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group, including an aircraft stored or preserved on behalf of another military department or Department of Defense component, that the Secretary of the Air Force, in coordination with the head of the relevant military department or component, as appropriate, determines—
is structurally viable for regeneration, modification, test, evaluation, or other authorized use under this section;
is not required to meet current operational, training, test, contingency reserve, heritage, or security cooperation requirements; and
may be useful for research, development, test, and evaluation, autonomy experimentation, mission systems integration, uncrewed conversion, or related defense innovation purposes.
The term qualified United States entity means a domestic entity that the Secretary determines has the technical, security, financial, safety, and programmatic capability to support activities under this section, including—
a nontraditional defense contractor;
a commercial technology company;
a small business concern;
a traditional defense contractor;
a federally funded research and development center;
a university-affiliated research center; or
a consortium, team, or other arrangement composed of entities described in subparagraphs (A) through (F).
Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Navy shall develop and implement a comprehensive strategy for sonobuoy modernization, testing, production, and inventory sufficiency.
The strategy required under paragraph (1) shall include the following:
An assessment of the minimum required inventory levels of——
passive sonobuoys;
active sonobuoys;
multistatic sonobuoys;
air-deployed anti-submarine warfare sensor systems;
exercise, training, and telementry sonobuoys;
extended-duration and deep-water sonobuoys;
Arctic-capable sonobuoys; and
next-generation networked or autonomous sonobuoy systems.
An assessment of wartime sonobuoy expenditure assumptions for combat operations against peer and near-peer maritime adversaries, including assumptions associated with high-tempo anti-submarine warfare operations in the Indo-Pacific and North Atlantic theaters.
An evaluation of current sonobuoy production capacity, including limitations associated with—
acoustic transducers;
signal processing electronics;
microelectronics and semiconductors;
batteries and power systems;
radio frequency transmitters and receivers;
specialty materials and rare earth elements;
air deployment integration systems; and
single-source supplies.
A plan to increase annual sonobuoy production capacity and reduce production lead times during contingencies.
An assessment of the adequacy of existing sonobuoy testing infrastructure, including—
undersea warfare test ranges;
acoustic measurement and calibration facilities;
contested electromagnetic spectrum testing capabilities;
Arctic and deep-water testing environments;
shallow water and littoral testing capabilities;
digital engineering, modeling, and synthetic testing environments;
unmanned systems integration and testing capabilities; and
opportunities for allied and partner nation testing and interoperability.
A description of efforts to improve sonobuoy survivability, persistence, networking capability, and effectiveness against advanced adversary submarine quieting, decoys, electronic warfare systems, and acoustic countermeasures.
An assessment of storage, transportation, prepositioning, and expeditionary resupply capacity for sonobuoys during wartime operations.
A description of efforts to integrate sonobuoys with—
maritime patrol aircrafts;
carrier-based aircrafts;
rotary-wing anti-submarine warfare platforms;
tiltrotor aircrafts;
unmanned aerial systems;
unmanned surface vessels;
unmanned undersea vehicles; and
joint and allied anti-submarine warfare networks.
An assessment of any statutory or regulatory barriers limiting expansion of sonobuoy production, testing, procurement, or fielding.
Recommendations for legislative or administrative action necessary to improve sonobuoy readiness and wartime sufficiency.
Not later than 90 days after the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Navy shall develop a plan to expand the sonobuoy industrial base to support sustained wartime production requirements. Such plan shall include—
options for second-source suppliers;
the potential for Government-owned, contractor-operated facilities;
use of multiyear procurement authorities pursuant to section 3501 of title 10, United States Code;
opportunities to expand public-private partnerships for anti-submarine warfare sensor manufacturing and sustainment;
measures to improve supply chain resilience for critical components;
options for surge production during national emergencies or armed conflict; and
opportunities for allied co-production and stockpile interoperability.
Beginning not later than fiscal year 2028, the Secretary of the Navy shall conduct recurring operationally realistic sonobuoy exercises that include—
congested elecromagnetic spectrum conditions;
integrated fleet anti-submarine warfare operations;
multiple simultaneous submarine targets;
degraded communications and positioning, navigation, and timing environments;
unmanned systems integration;
distributed maritime operations;
Arctic and littoral anti-submarine warfare scenarios; and
joint and allied participation, as appropriate.
Not later than 120 days after the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Navy shall provide a briefing to the congressional defense committees on—
the highest-risk shortfalls in sonobuoy inventory and testing capacity;
projected wartime inventory depletion timelines;
vulnerabilities associated with single-source suppliers and critical materials dependencies; and
investments required during the future-years defense program to achieve sufficiency for two simultaneous regional conflicts.
The Secretary of Defense, acting through the head of the Joint Energetics Transition Office shall—
conduct a review to identify opportunities to accelerate the qualification process for the integration of novel advanced energetic materials into military systems; and
based on the results of such review, implement measures to accelerate such qualification process.
In conducting the review required under paragraph (1)(A), the Secretary of Defense shall—
conduct a detailed analysis of the feasibility of—
expediting the qualification of new formulations derived from advanced energetic materials, including developmental classification, insensitive munitions testing, and hazard classification activities;
streamlining nonstatutory administrative requirements for warhead-level and system-level qualification of advanced energetic materials in cases in which modeling, simulation, and surrogate testing of such materials provide sufficient evidence of equivalent or superior performance and safety compared to legacy energetic materials, without compromising statutorily prescribed safety or environmental standards;
implementing integrated test campaigns that enable concurrent or overlapping evaluations of the formulation, warhead, and system performance of advanced energetic materials to reduce total time to fielding, aiming for full system qualification within 18 months to the extent feasible, while ensuring no compromise to safety or operational reliability; and
prioritizing advanced energetic materials for inclusion in mission-aligned prototyping, live-fire demonstrations, and portfolio-level experimentation under rapid acquisition authorities;
identify any barriers to the integration of novel advanced energetic materials into military systems;
develop a set of prioritized measures that may be implemented to address such barriers, including potential near-term measures achievable under existing authorities; and
determine—
estimated timelines for implementing such measures;
the organizations and elements of the Department of Defense that could carry out such measures; and
any statutory, regulatory, or administrative barriers inhibiting the implementation of such measures.
Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the findings of the review conducted under subsection (a)(1)(A) and the measures implemented under subsection (a)(1)(B). The report shall include—
a list of advanced energetic materials for which the Secretary accelerated the formulation-to-system qualification process as a result of the review under subsection (a)(1)(A) and a list of advanced energetic materials that were identified as candidates for acceleration;
a comparison of the timelines to qualification milestones for materials identified under paragraph (1) compared to such timelines if the formulation-to-system qualification process had not been accelerated for such materials, including quantitative estimates of time savings and measurable milestones to the extent practicable;
a description of any other actions taken to accelerate the qualification process for such materials, with justifications; and
recommendations for further legislative or administrative actions to enhance domestic energetics production and qualification.
Nothing in this section shall be construed to authorize the waiver of any statutory requirement, including any statutory requirement related to safety, environmental protection, or national security.
The term advanced energetic material means a domestically produced substance or mixture, such as explosives, propellants, or pyrotechnics, that releases energy rapidly and demonstrates performance improvements over legacy energetic materials in areas such as energy density, as determined by the Secretary of Defense in accordance with established Department of Defense standards.
Funds are hereby authorized to be appropriated for fiscal year 2027 for the use of the Armed Forces and other activities and agencies of the Department of Defense for expenses, not otherwise provided for, for operation and maintenance, as specified in the funding table in section 4301.
Section 2911 of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
in subsections (b) and (e), by inserting or nuclear energy after renewable energy sources each place it appears;
in subsection (g)—
in the heading, by inserting and nuclear energy after renewable energy;
in paragraphs (1) and (2), by inserting or nuclear energy after renewable energy sources each place it appears; and
in paragraph (2), by inserting and nuclear energy after the use of renewable energy; and
in subsection (h)(2)—
in subparagraph (C), by inserting or nuclear energy after renewable energy source, other than solar energy,; and
in subparagraph (D), by inserting or nuclear energy after a renewable energy source.
Section 2915 of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
in the section heading, by striking renewable forms of energy and inserting nuclear energy, renewable forms of energy,;
by striking solar energy or other renewable forms of energy each place it appears and inserting nuclear energy, or solar energy or other renewable forms of energy,; and
in subsection (b), by striking a renewable form of energy and inserting such a form of energy.
Section 321(b)(2)(B) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (Public Law 119–60; 10 U.S.C. note prec. 8751) is amended by striking needed capacity of the reactor is in the range of 20MW to 300MW and inserting needed capacity of the reactor is a minimum of 20MW.
Not later than 270 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall establish a standardized document for the scope of munitions responses (in this section referred to as a scope document) for each project carried out under the Military Munitions Response Program at a covered site.
The Secretary of Defense shall require that, for each project specified in subsection (a), the Secretary of the military department or head of the Defense Agency concerned certifies and approves the scope document for the project prior to the issuance of any task order for the project.
Each scope document shall include, with respect to the applicable project and at a minimum, the following:
A description of the scope of the project, including an identification of the applicable phase or phases of munitions responses under the project and the key assumptions, data gaps, and principal risk drivers, affecting such scope.
A cost and schedule estimate for the completion of such phase or phases, with contingencies sufficient to account for uncertainty in subsurface conditions, anomaly or contaminant quantity, access limitations, and explosives safety constraints.
A summary of explosives safety, human health, environmental, and mission risks, applicable statutory and regulatory requirements, and the consequences of delayed action with respect to the project, set forth in a format that supports the prioritization of projects across covered sites.
Documented certification and approval of the scope document, consistent with the requirement under subsection (b).
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall issue guidance specifying the required form of, and additional details on the matters required to be included in, each scope document based on the complexity of the covered site at which the applicable project is carried out and the phase of munitions response under such project.
In this section:
The terms base closure law and Defense Agency have the meanings given such terms in section 101(a) of title 10, United States Code.
The term covered site means a military installation under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of Defense, a National Guard facility, a military installation closed or realigned under a base closure law, or a formerly used defense site.
The Secretary of Defense shall establish a pilot program to evaluate the use of domestic, integrated electronic waste recycling infrastructure to support the secure destruction of data and the recovery of critical materials from electronic equipment of the Department of Defense.
In carrying out the pilot program under subsection (a), the Secretary shall—
use existing facilities capable of end-to-end processing of the electronic waste referred to in such subsection, including the secure dismantling and shredding of such waste and metallurgical recovery from such waste;
assess the potential for reuse in the defense industrial base of critical minerals and other materials so recovered;
assess the environmental and supply chain benefits associated with the domestic recycling of such electronic waste; and
ensure compliance with applicable standards of the Department of Defense and the National Security Agency, respectively, for the destruction of data.
Not later than one year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the results of the pilot program under subsection (a), including an assessment of—
the cost effectiveness of the pilot program;
security benefits realized through the pilot program, including with respect to data protection;
the effect of the pilot program on supply chain resilience; and
recommendations of the Secretary regarding the potential expansion of the pilot program across the Department of Defense.
Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall commence the conduct of a program for the deployment, operation, and evaluation of a transportable nuclear microreactor in the area of responsibility of the United States Indo-Pacific Command.
The program under subsection (a) shall be known as the Operational Energy Deployable Nuclear Power Program.
The Secretary of Defense shall designate the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Installations, Energy, and Environment as the Department of Defense executive agent for carrying out the program under subsection (a) and ensuring budget accountability for such program.
In carrying out the program under subsection (a), the Assistant Secretary designated pursuant to paragraph (1) shall coordinate with—
the Commander of United States Indo-Pacific Command, who shall be responsible for validating operational requirements under the program, the demonstration of technologies to be deployed under the program, and the operational use of such technologies; and
as appropriate, the Secretary of Energy and the Chairman of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, for the purpose of ensuring the deployment and operation of any nuclear microreactor under the program is carried out in a manner that is safe, secure, and in compliance with applicable requirements of the Department of Energy and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, respectively.
The objective of the program under subsection (a) shall be to deploy and operate, by not later than January 1, 2030, a transportable nuclear microreactor in support of distributed and expeditionary operations in contested logistics environments within the area of responsibility of the United States Indo-Pacific Command, with a priority for deployment in such an environment within the Western Pacific area.
The activities of the program under subsection (a) shall include the following:
The validation of operational requirements of the United States Indo-Pacific Command with respect to the transportable nuclear microreactor to be deployed under the program, and the integration of such nuclear microreactor with expeditionary and dispersed power architectures in the area of responsibility of such Command.
The development and implementation of a plan for the test and evaluation of such nuclear microreactor, including with respect to sustainment, safety, cybersecurity, and physical security requirements.
The conduct of joint operational demonstrations with the United States Indo-Pacific Command in connection with not fewer than one major exercise within the area of responsibility of such Command, to evaluate the deployment, integration, sustainment, survivability, and operational use of such nuclear microreactor under realistic conditions.
Beginning with respect to fiscal year 2028, the Secretary of Defense shall establish a dedicated program element, or equivalent budget mechanism, for the program under subsection (a), including to support the transition of technologies under such program from demonstration to operational capability.
In this section, the term nuclear microreactor means a nuclear reactor with a rated electric generating capacity of not greater than 50 megawatts.
After January 1, 2027, no covered connected vehicle, as designated by the Department of Commerce under part 791 of title 15 of the Code of Federal Regulations, or any successor regulation, may be operated on a military installation or on any other property of the Department of Defense.
After January 1, 2029, no connected vehicle on the list required under subsection (b) may be operated on a military installation or on any other property of the Department of Defense.
The Secretary of Defense may waive the application of a prohibition under paragraph (1) or (2) to a connected vehicle if the Secretary determines the waiver is in the interest of national security.
Not later than January 1, 2028, the Secretary of Defense shall establish and make publicly available on a website of the Department of Defense a list of prohibited connected vehicles that—
are designed, developed, manufactured, or supplied by persons owned by, controlled by, or subject to the jurisdiction of a foreign entity of concern; and
the Secretary determines pose—
an undue risk of sabotage to or subversion of the design, integrity, manufacturing, production, distribution, installation, operation, or maintenance of information and communications technology and services in the United States;
an undue risk of catastrophic effects on the security or resiliency of critical infrastructure in the United States or the digital economy of the United States; or
an unacceptable risk to the national security of the United States or the security and safety of United States persons.
In establishing the list required under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall incorporate Federal rules in effect as of the date of the enactment of this Act for identifying prohibited connected vehicles.
The Secretary shall review the list required under paragraph (1) not less frequently than once each year and shall make such additions, subtractions, supplements, or amendments to the list as the Secretary determines appropriate.
Any review under subparagraph (A) that makes subtractions from the list required under paragraph (1) shall include an explanation of why the subtraction was made.
If the Secretary adds a vehicle to the list under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall provide public notice of the addition.
The Secretary shall consult with the head of any Federal department or agency that the Secretary determines is appropriate in making the list required under paragraph (1) and conducting any annual review under paragraph (3).
The Secretary shall transmit a copy of the list required under paragraph (1), and any modification to that list, to the heads of each Federal department or agency determined appropriate under subparagraph (A).
Not later than June 1, 2027, the Secretary of Defense shall establish and provide to the congressional defense committees a briefing on an implementation plan for carrying out the prohibition under subsection (a).
The implementation plan required under paragraph (1) shall include—
an identification of the lead organization within the Department of Defense responsible for implementing and overseeing the prohibition under subsection (a);
a description of the process by which the Department will identify and assess prohibited connected vehicles;
a description of the means by which the Department will conduct coordination with appropriate Federal departments and agencies;
an identification of the metrics by which the Department will assess connected vehicles for threats to national security;
a description of the means by which military installations will ensure compliance with such prohibition; and
an assessment of resource requirements necessary to implement and maintain such prohibition.
A prohibition under subsection (a) shall not take effect before the date on which the Secretary submits to the congressional defense committees certification that the implementation of the prohibition is possible.
In this section:
The term connected vehicle has the meaning given that term in section 791.301 of title 15, Code of Federal Regulations, or successor regulations.
The term foreign entity of concern has the meaning given that term in section 9901 of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (15 U.S.C. 4651).
The term military installation has the meaning given that term in section 2801(c) of title 10, United States Code.
The Secretary of Defense may establish a pilot program on employing expeditionary off-grid power generation capabilities across the Joint Force.
If the Secretary carries out the pilot program authorized in subsection (a), the Secretary shall carry out the following activities under the pilot program:
The exploration of the research, development, procurement, and operational integration of mobile expeditionary tactical microgrid systems to provide resilient power supply to forward-deployed formations and critical command, control, and communications elements at the tactical edge.
The incorporation of novel power generation and advanced battery storage that can integrate with secure satellite communications or other mission-essential electronic systems.
The conduct of operational assessments and testing of systems in conditions that simulate contested logistics and degraded infrastructure.
If the Secretary carries out the pilot program authorized in subsection (a), the Secretary shall provide to the congressional defense committees, not later than one year after the commencement of the pilot program, a briefing on the status and results of the pilot program. The briefing shall include—
an assessment of the technologies used in the program;
an overview of the operational assessments and testing of the systems, including system performance; and
recommendations for fielding across the Joint Force, as appropriate.
Notwithstanding the designation of the Secretary of the Army or any other official as the Department of Defense Executive Agent for installation or operational nuclear energy, and except as expressly otherwise provided in another provision of law, the sole authority to transfer, reprogram, obligate, expend, and otherwise manage any funds authorized to be appropriated for a military department for advanced nuclear energy for installation or operational energy capabilities shall be vested in the Secretary of such military department.
The Secretary of Defense shall make determinations regarding the allocation of nuclear fuel among the military departments, including determinations for the prioritization of such allocation between the military departments.
Nothing in this section shall be construed as limiting any previously authorized program of the Department of Defense.
Section 222c of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
in the section heading, by inserting ; current inventory numbers after Out-Year inventory numbers;
in subsection (a), by striking subsection (c) and inserting subsection (d);
by redesignating subsections (b) through (h) as subsections (c) through (i), respectively;
by inserting after subsection (a) the following new subsection:
At the same time each year that the budget for the fiscal year beginning in such year is submitted to Congress pursuant to section 1105(a) of title 31, and on a quarterly basis thereafter, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report setting forth munitions inventory numbers current as of the date of the submission of such report, presented in the aggregate and disaggregated by armed force.
in subsection (d), as so redesignated, by striking described in subsection (d) and inserting described in subsection (e);
in subsection (g), as so redesignated, by striking subsection (e)(1) and inserting subsection (f)(1); and
in subsection (h), as so redesignated, by striking subsection (c)(10) and inserting subsection (d)(10).
Section 2208(k)(2) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking installation or a science and technology reinvention laboratory and not less than $250,000 for procurements at all other facilities and inserting installation, science and technology reinvention laboratory, or any other facility.
Chapter 131 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 2224a the following new section:
The Secretary of Defense, acting through the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, shall establish the Civil Reserve Industrial Base program under which the Secretary shall enter into agreements under subsection (c) with covered commercial facilities—
to enhance the availability and responsiveness of sustainment and repair capabilities in support of military operations; and
to strengthen the collaboration during peacetime between the Department of Defense and the defense industrial base in theater by leveraging the capacity of covered commercial facilities and the co-sustainment capabilities of allies and partners of the United States, including through the assignment of recurring low-volume or mid-volume workloads, to ensure the availability of logistics, sustainment, and repair surge capacity during contingency operations.
In carrying out this section, the Secretary shall—
identify covered commercial facilities that are located within the area of operations of each of the geographic combatant commands, including facilities in allied and partner nations;
develop arrangements to store, maintain, and manage replenishment parts and related equipment at covered commercial facilities identified under paragraph (1) that enter into agreements with the Secretary under subsection (c);
enter into agreements under subsection (c) with such facilities under which such facilities agree to provide peacetime workload or sustainment activities or receive other incentives to ensure such facilities and personnel employed by such facilities remain qualified, ready, and available to support contingency operations; and
integrate the participating facilities and the capabilities such facilities provide into the product support strategy developed in accordance with section 4324 of this title, other relevant sustainment planning, logistics posture efforts, and the operational plans of the geographic combatant commands.
In carrying out this section, the Secretary of Defense may enter into contracts, grants, cooperative agreements, or other appropriate agreements with covered commercial facilities under which such facilities agree to provide for the storage, maintenance, repair, overhaul, and distribution of replenishment parts and related equipment. An agreement under this subsection may—
provide for the use of commercial facilities and personnel during peacetime and contingency operations;
include terms addressing force protection, continuity of operations, and security requirements;
provide for the sustainment of capability through recurring peacetime workload, as appropriate;
provide for support for commercial entities headquartered in the United States in order to provide surge operational support when required by the Secretary; and
support and encourage the negotiation of voluntary license agreements directly between original equipment manufacturers and third parties in accordance with section 3771(b)(9)(C) of this title.
Sections 3771 through 3775 of this title shall apply to contractor and subcontractor technical data in contracts or agreements entered into under this section.
In this section:
The term covered commercial facility means a commercial facility owned by a United States entity that is capable of providing one or more of the following:
Warehousing and secure storage.
Supply chain management and distribution.
Maintenance, repair, and overhaul.
Repairable management, component repair, and test capability.
Other sustainment-related capabilities identified by the Secretary.
The term replenishment parts means repair parts, components, or other items to support the sustainment of Department of Defense systems and equipment through replacement, repair, or overhaul.
Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the implementation of section 2224b of title 10, United States Code, as added by subsection (a). Such report shall include each of the following:
A description of the structure and governance of the Civil Reserve Industrial Base program, as established by such section.
A description of the types of covered commercial facilities and capabilities identified under subsection (b)(1) of such section, including the number of such facilities identified that are located in the area of operations of each of geographic combatant commands.
An assessment of the sustainment, readiness, and resiliency benefits of leveraging commercial facilities for in-theater replenishment parts storage and maintenance, including the expected effect on time-to-repair and time-to-resupply for key platforms.
A description of the contracting mechanisms, incentives, or public-private partnership authorities required to enable recurring peacetime use by the Department of Defense of covered commercial facilities under the Civil Reserve Industrial Base program.
A description of any force protection, operational security, or continuity-of-operations requirements applicable to covered commercial facilities participating in the Civil Reserve Industrial Base in the event of conflict.
An identification of statutory, regulatory, or policy barriers that limit the ability of the Department to implement the Civil Reserve Industrial Base, including barriers related to contracting, logistics policy, or cross-border sustainment.
Any recommendations for additional authorities needed to expand or sustain the Civil Reserve Industrial Base.
Section 2476(a)(1) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking the preceding three fiscal years and inserting the preceding fiscal year, the current fiscal year, and the estimated amount for the following fiscal year.
Section 2476(f)(1) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
Crane Army Ammunition Activity, Indiana.
Section 2641b of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
by redesignating subsection (g) as subsection (h); and
by inserting after subsection (f) the following new subsection (g):
Notwithstanding subsection (b), an individual eligible for the travel program under subsection (c)(1) and stationed at United States Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, may purchase transportation on Department of Defense aircraft, at commercially-competitive rates as determined by the Secretary of Defense, for travel to and from Naval Station Guantanamo Bay on a space-available basis.
An individual who purchases transportation pursuant to paragraph (1) shall receive a priority consistent with members of the armed forces traveling in a space-required status, as determined by the Secretary.
Amounts collected pursuant to paragraph (1) for transportation shall be credited to the applicable appropriation of the Armed Force providing such transportation, shall be merged with funds in the appropriation to which credited, and shall be available for the same purposes and period as the appropriation with which merged.
Section 2911 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
The Secretary of Defense may procure sustainable aviation fuel for operational or training purposes at a cost that exceeds the cost of conventional petroleum based aviation fuel.
Section 346 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (Public Law 118–31) is amended—
by striking subsection (c) and inserting the following:
The Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, in coordination with the Chief of Staff of the Air Force, shall implement the pilot program under this section, by not later than 270 days after the date of the enactment of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027.
by redesignating subsection (e) as subsection (g);
in subsection (g) as so redesignated, by striking January 1, 2027 and inserting January 1, 2030; and
by inserting after subsection (d) the following new subsections (e) and (f):
Beginning on the date that is 180 days after the date of the enactment of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027, the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, in coordination with the Chief of Staff of the Air Force, shall be responsible for carrying out the pilot program under this section.
Not later than January 1, 2028, the Under Secretary shall provide to the congressional defense committees a briefing on the status of the implementation of the pilot program under this section. Such briefing shall address—
outcomes and performance metrics of the pilot program;
any barriers identified for integration of the pilot program into operational planning; and
recommendations regarding continuation, modification, or expansion of the pilot program.
It is the sense of Congress that—
the production of 155mm artillery ammunition at a minimum rate to reach total munition requirements is a national priority; and
the production rate of such ammunition should be sustained or increased over the next five years in order to—
fully meet all Army and Marine Corps annual training requirements;
rebuild war reserve inventories for both the Army and the Marine Corps to fully comply with the planning guidance of the Secretary of Defense and ensure that associated inventory and war reserve levels are met;
modernize the stockpile with the best performing weapons; and
continue foreign military sales of ammunition manufactured in the United States to generate the domestic workforce and assures wartime interoperability with United States allies.
The Secretary of the Army shall—
expand and upgrade facilities of the Army that are used to produce propellant, metal parts, explosive fill, load assemble pack, and components of 155mm artillery; and
increase the production of propellant, metal parts, explosive fill, load assemble pack, and components of 155mm artillery to ensure that—
the total production capacity of all such facilities reaches 100,000 rounds each month; and
the Out-Year Unconstrained Total Munitions Requirement for 155mm artillery ammunition in effect for the Army pursuant to section 222c of title 10, United States Code, is met.
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Army shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the steps taken by the Secretary to carry out the requirements of this section. Such report shall include—
an identification of the amount of funds required to reach the production capacity under subsection (b)(2)(A);
a plan for—
expanding and upgrading facilities of the Army used to produce 15mm artillery ammunition; and
increasing the rate of production of such munitions;
an estimated time frame for when the production capacity under subsection (b)(2)(A) will be reached;
an estimated time frame for the production of sufficient munitions to replenish stocks to reach total munition requirements under the Out-Year Unconstrained Total Munitions Requirement for 155mm artillery in effect for the Army pursuant to section 222c of title 10, United States Code; and
a long-term plan to sustain munitions production facilities as demand for artillery ammunition may increase or decrease.
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Air Force shall—
adopt the use of metrics and standards for specifically assessing the aerial refueling capability of the tanker fleet of the Air Force;
direct the Commander of the Air Mobility Command, in coordination with any program offices and entities of such command that the Commander determines relevant, to submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives periodic reports on the application of the metrics and standards required under paragraph (1) to assess the aerial refueling capability of the tanker fleet;
conduct a comprehensive Air Force-wide assessment of risks associated with the sustainment of the aerial refueling tanker fleet of the Air Force, including, for each such risk, an assessment of the likelihood of the risk occurring and the likely effects of the risk if it occurs; and
develop a mitigation plan based on the results of the risk assessment required under paragraph (3).
Not later than September 30, 2027, the Secretary of the Air Force shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report on the progress of implementing the requirements under subsection (a). Such report shall include a comprehensive readiness improvement plan for addressing the sustainment challenges of the aerial refueling capability of the tanker fleet.
The report required under paragraph (1) shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may include a classified annex.
Beginning not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Navy, acting through the Commander of the Naval Sea Systems Command and in coordination with the Commander of the United States Indo-Pacific Command and the heads of such other Navy organizations as the Secretary considers appropriate, shall carry out a pilot program to—
field, evaluate, and assess compact containerized expeditionary advanced manufacturing capabilities in support of naval and joint forces operating in contested, remote, and expeditionary environments;
expand the use of advanced and additive manufacturing within the Department of Defense;
support the objectives of the Department of the Navy Advanced Manufacturing Strategy, including warfighter self-sufficiency and distributed sustainment; and
evaluate and define validated Navy requirements for containerized expeditionary advanced manufacturing capabilities rather than replace traditional industrial base production, depot-level repair, or established logistics systems.
The Naval Sea Systems Command Technology Office, in coordination with the Naval Surface Warfare Centers, shall serve as the lead technical and programmatic agent for the pilot program.
The Secretary may use the Naval Postgraduate School, and seek to enter into agreements with other appropriate public or private entities, to support experimentation, operational execution, data collection, digital integration, sustainment planning, training development, and requirements capture activities conducted under the pilot program.
The Secretary shall design the pilot program to—
evaluate the operational utility of compact, containerized expeditionary advanced manufacturing systems capable of producing metal and polymer components in contested and austere environments;
assess how such capabilities may provide commanders with additional options to restore readiness in remote or denied conditions when traditional resupply or depot support is unavailable or delayed;
evaluate the appropriate role of commander discretion and commander risk in the production and installation of expeditionary-manufactured parts;
identify categories of components suitable for edge production and establish associated qualification, documentation, and digital traceability requirements;
assess operator training, workforce development, and certification requirements necessary to normalize safe and effective use of compact, containerized advanced manufacturing systems;
evaluate sustainment requirements for expeditionary manufacturing systems, including maintenance, consumables, digital integration, configuration management, and supply chain implications;
measure effects such systems on readiness, maintenance timelines, logistics demand, and operational availability; and
inform future Navy requirements, acquisition pathways, standards, and resourcing decisions regarding expeditionary manufacturing as a complementary sustainment capability.
To the maximum extent practicable, the Secretary shall ensure that advanced manufacturing systems evaluated under the pilot program shall—
consist of containerized platforms not exceeding a 10-foot by 10-foot footprint;
provide multi-material additive manufacturing capabilities;
integrate additive and subtractive manufacturing processes;
support secure digital engineering workflows and configuration control;
be compatible with naval and expeditionary power sources; and
be operable by trained military personnel in deployed maritime and expeditionary environments.
The pilot program shall consist of the following two elements:
A forward-oriented element carried out in support of exercises and deployed maritime operations of the United States Indo-Pacific Command to evaluate—
operational employment;
test and evaluation under expeditionary conditions;
commander use authorities; and
training in distributed and contested environments.
An element carried out at one or more naval installations designated by the Secretary that are located in the continental United States and that may support surface, subsurface, and aviation forces to conduct—
real-time fleet feedback;
operator training development;
sustainment refinement;
digital integration; and
iterative requirements development.
To carry out the pilot program under this section, subject to the availability of appropriations, the Secretary of the Navy shall procure not fewer than two expeditionary advanced manufacturing systems using amounts authorized to be appropriated for the Navy for research, development, test and evaluation, operations, or sustainment, consistent with applicable law.
Not later than one year after the date of the establishment of the pilot program, and annually thereafter for the duration of the pilot program, the Secretary of the Navy shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report that includes—
an identification of the units and locations selected for purposes of the pilot program;
a description of the operational outcomes of the pilot program, including case studies;
an assessment of the employment authorities of the Commander of United States Pacific Command and associated risk frameworks that are relevant to the pilot program;
an identification of part categories appropriate for expeditionary production;
training, workforce, and certification requirements for the pilot program;
an identification of the sustainment and digital integration requirements of the pilot program;
the effects of the pilot program on readiness, logistics demand, and maintenance timelines; and
the recommendations of the Secretary regarding formal requirement validation and transition of expeditionary point-of-need advanced manufacturing to an enduring complementary capability.
The duration of the pilot program required under subsection (a) shall be not fewer than three years and not more than five years.
The Secretary of the Navy shall seek to enter into a contract with a public transportation services provider for the purpose of expanding transportation services available on Navy installations for members of the Armed Forces and their families. A contract under this section shall prioritize expanding transportation services between lodging facilities, dining facilities, fitness and recreation centers, administrative offices, air terminals, and other activity centers of a Naval installation to improve security and personnel safety at the Navy installation.
The Secretary shall—
select one or more Navy installations at which to expand transportation services pursuant to a contract under subsection (a); and
for each selected Navy installation, identify a public transportation services provider that—
provides public transportation services in the geographic area where the Navy installation is located; and
the Secretary determines is capable of carrying out the contract in a manner that—
addresses the transportation needs of installation personnel, including junior enlisted personnel without access to personal vehicles;
improves the quality of life and military readiness of installation personnel; and
implements best practices for partnerships between the installation and the provider.
The period of a contract authorized under this section may not exceed three years.
Not later than 90 days after the conclusion of the second year of a contract authorized under this section, the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees an initial report on the contract that includes—
preliminary findings on the transportation services provided under the contract, including ridership levels and service effectiveness;
an initial evaluation of effects of the transportation services on the quality of life and military readiness of Navy installation personnel;
the cost to the Secretary of the contract for the first two years; and
the recommendation of the Secretary as to whether to extend the contract or to enter into similar contracts for the provision of transportation services at additional Navy installations.
Not later than 180 days after the conclusion of the contract, the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees a final report on the contract that includes—
a comprehensive assessment of ridership levels and service effectiveness of the transportation services provided under the contract;
a complete evaluation of effects of the mass transit services on the quality of life and military readiness of Navy installation personnel;
the cost to the Secretary of the contract;
the recommendation of the Secretary as to whether to extend the contract or to enter into similar contracts for the provision of transportation services at additional Navy installations; and
such other matters as the Secretary determines appropriate.
In this section:
The term congressional defense committees has the meaning given that term in section 101(a)(16) of title 10, United States Code.
The term Navy installation means a military installation (as such term is defined in section 2801 of title 10, United States Code) under the jurisdiction of the Chief of Naval Operations.
The term public transportation services means—
public transportation, as defined in section 5302 of title 49, United States Code;
over-the-road bus transportation, as defined in section 1501 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 1151), and school bus transportation;
intercity rail passenger transportation, as defined in section 24102 of title 49, United States Code;
the transportation of passengers onboard a passenger vessel, as defined in section 2101 of title 46, United States Code; and
other regularly scheduled waterborne transportation service of passengers by vessel of at least 20 gross tons.
The term public transportation services provider means—
a State, local, or Federal government entity that provides public transportation services; or
or a non-government entity that—
receives financial assistance from a State, local, or Federal government entity; and
provides public transportation services.
The Secretary of the Air Force may not relocate the formal training unit of the Air Force for providing to pilots the qualifications necessary for the operation of A–10 aircraft, including by reassigning the primary training activities carried out by such unit to another military installation, unless—
the Secretary submits to the congressional defense committees an analysis comparing the costs and benefits of such relocation versus preserving the unit at its current location; and
a period of 90 days has elapsed following the date of such submission.
The Secretary of the Air Force shall maintain, as necessary, sufficient training capacity, development, test, and evaluation capacity, depot-level maintenance and repair capacity, supply, logistics, and contractor capacity, and other sustainment-related capacity to ensure the A–10 fleet remains operationally viable through fiscal year 2030, including with respect to each mission and capability of such fleet as of the date of the enactment of this Act (including combat search and rescue missions).
In carrying out this subsection, the Secretary shall, as necessary, maintain a formal training unit of the Air Force for providing to pilots the qualifications necessary for the operation of A–10 aircraft, and a process for the requalification of pilots formerly so qualified.
Concurrent with the submission to Congress of a budget pursuant to section 1105 of title 31, United States Code, for each of fiscal years 2028 through 2030, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the amounts necessary to implement this subsection.
Not later than March 1, 2027, and annually thereafter until March 1, 2030, the Secretary of the Air Force shall provide to the congressional defense committees a briefing describing the extent to which the Department of the Air Force met the requirements under subsection (b) during the preceding fiscal year.
Each briefing required under paragraph (1) shall include, at a minimum, the following:
An identification of the number of pilots that received the qualifications necessary for the operation of A–10 aircraft during the preceding fiscal year, disaggregated by whether such qualifications were an initial qualification or a requalification.
An identification of the number of officers that received advanced instructor qualifications through the weapons instructor course for A–10 aircraft offered through the United States Air Force Weapons School, disaggregated by whether such qualifications were an initial qualification or a requalification.
A description of the status of actions taken to meet the requirement under subsection (b)(2) during the preceding fiscal year, and any related instructor shortfalls.
A description of the status of operational test and evaluation capacity with respect to the A–10 fleet, including major limitations affecting airworthiness, weapons integration, tactics development, or mission effectiveness.
The status of programmed depot-level maintenance and repair with respect to A–10 aircraft or related infrastructure, and any resulting effect on the ability of the Department to meet the requirements under subsection (b).
The status of logistics, supply, contractor maintenance, and other sustainment functions for the A–10 fleet, and any resulting effect on the ability of the Department to meet the requirements under subsection (b).
An assessment as to whether the Department met the requirements under subsection (b) during the preceding fiscal year.
A description of any shortfall, delay, or other deviation resulting in a failure to meet any such requirement, including any corrective action planned or underway.
Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Air Force shall submit to the congressional defense committees a roadmap setting forth proposed actions to meet the requirements under subsection (b).
Not later than 15 days after the date of the submission of the roadmap under paragraph (1), the Secretary of the Air Force shall provide to the congressional defense committees a briefing on such roadmap and any anticipated material shortfall in meeting a requirement under subsection (b).
Not later than one year after the date of the submission of the roadmap under paragraph (1), and annually thereafter until September 30, 2030, the Secretary of the Air Force shall submit to the congressional defense committees a written update to such roadmap.
The Secretary of the Air Force shall establish a program to preserve technical and historical knowledge relating to the operation and sustainment of the A–10 fleet.
The Director of the Air Force Historical Research Agency shall serve as the lead entity carrying out the program under paragraph (1), in coordination with the Commander of the Air Combat Command, the head of the National Museum of the United States Air Force, and such other organizations of the Department of the Air Force as the Secretary of the Air Force determines appropriate.
The program established under paragraph (1) shall include, at a minimum the following activities:
The collection of oral histories relating to the A–10 fleet from pilots, advanced instructor-qualified aircrew, maintainers, joint terminal attack controllers, and other personnel involved in the operation (including operational support for combat search and rescue missions) or sustainment of aircraft within such fleet.
The collection and preservation of records associated with the A–10 fleet, including technical data, operational tactics, weapons integration records, upgrade and modification history, and records relating to the sustainment of aircraft within such fleet.
The digital archiving of materials collected under subparagraphs (A) and (B) in a searchable repository accessible to appropriate users within the Department of Defense.
The identification of lessons learned pursuant to the materials so collected.
The development of recommendations for collecting, preserving, and transferring knowledge relating to the A–10 fleet with respect to design, doctrine, training, and sustainment activities relating to successor aircraft.
Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Air Force shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report containing a summary of—
the activities carried out under the program established under paragraph (1);
the status of the archive established pursuant to paragraph (3)(C); and
the principal lessons learned identified pursuant to paragraph (3)(D).
In this section, the term depot-level maintenance and repair has the meaning given such term in section 2460 of title 10, United States Code.
The Secretary of Defense shall establish standardized munitions for use in one-way attack operations by covered unmanned aircraft.
In this section, the term covered unmanned aircraft means an unmanned aircraft (as such term is defined in section 130i(j) of title 10, United States Code), that is categorized as Group 1 or Group 2 pursuant to the Joint Publication 3–30 of the Department of Defense, titled Joint Air Operations and dated July 25, 2019, or such successor publication.
To the maximum extent practicable, the Secretary of the Navy shall ensure that the inventory of naval mines of the Department of the Navy is sufficient to meet validated operational requirements for not fewer than two simultaneous major regional contingencies.
Not later than March 1, 2027, and annually thereafter, the Secretary of the Navy shall submit to the congressional defense committees a certification that includes the following:
A determination of whether the requirement under subsection (a) is met.
If the requirement under subsection (a) is not met—
a description of the shortfall in the inventory referred to in such subsection; and
a remediation plan, including timelines and funding requirements, to achieve compliance with such requirement.
Each certification required under paragraph (1) shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may include a classified annex.
The Secretary of the Defense, in coordination with the Secretary of the Air Force, the Secretary of the Navy, the Commander of the United States Transportation Command, and the Director of the Defense Logistics Agency, shall develop a strategy to support the sustainment and maintenance of Joint Strike Fighter aircraft in contested operating environments. Such strategy shall address, at a minimum, the following:
The transportation of spares and repair parts for such aircraft into and across contested theaters of operation.
Communications requirements necessary for the transportation of such parts in a denied, degraded, intermittent, or limited environment.
Requirements relating to relevant supply chain management software.
Prepositioned stocks of spares and repair parts for Joint Strike Fighter aircraft, including measures to ensure the currency and serviceability of ready for issue parts and to require that the statuses of such prepositioned stocks include instructions for the disposition and replacement of any such parts that are not current or ready for issue.
Spares and repair parts packages deployed on naval vessels in which Joint Strike Fighter aircraft are embarked, including measures relating to prepositioning, currency, and serviceability described in paragraph (4) with respect to spares and repair parts packages deployed on such vessels.
The incorporation of sustainment efforts for deployed Joint Strike Fighter aircraft into the framework of the Air Force for agile combat employment and the framework of the Navy for distributed maritime operations.
The international system for managing spare parts for Joint Strike Fighter aircraft commonly referred to as the global spares pool.
Support from, and coordination with, allies and partners of the United States.
Not later than one year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the strategy required under subsection (a).
The report required under paragraph (1) shall be submitted in an unclassified form but may include a classified annex.
Chapter 1 of title 32, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section:
The Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Chief of the National Guard Bureau, shall establish a center, to be known as the Center for the Study of the National Guard at an appropriate academic institution that—
maintains an established relationship with the National Guard Bureau;
possesses a strong academic program in military history; and
is situated in proximity to a major National Guard installation.
The Center for the Study of the National Guard shall—
serve as the principal repository for historical documents, oral histories, and other records related to the National Guard;
conduct research, analysis, and educational programs related to the history, evolution, and operational contributions of the National Guard;
facilitate outreach efforts to increase public awareness of the role of the National Guard in national defense and domestic response operations; and
support the Department of Defense in shaping policy decisions and strategic planning related to National Guard operations carried out under this title and title 10.
The Chief of the National Guard Bureau may—
collaborate with the Center for the Study of the National Guard in the collection, preservation, and dissemination of National Guard history;
provide historical documents, records, and resources to support the research and archival efforts of the Center; and
facilitate joint initiatives between the National Guard Bureau and the Center to enhance historical preservation, education, and public awareness.
The Secretary of Defense shall seek to establish and maintain the Center for the Study of the National Guard as a public-private partnership to minimize costs to the Federal Government.
The Secretary of Defense shall establish the Center for the Study of the National Guard required under section 116 of title 32, United States Code, as added by subsection (a), by not later than the date that is 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act.
Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall provide to the congressional defense committees a briefing that includes—
a description of the selection of the academic institution where the Center for the Study of the National Guard required under section 116 of title 32, United States Code, as added by subsection (a), is located;
an identification of the status of the establishment and initial operations of the Center;
a description of any ongoing efforts between the National Guard Bureau and the Center; and
the recommendations of the Secretary to enhance the preservation and study of National Guard history.
Chapter 153 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 2581 the following new section:
Not later than 60 days after initiating any significant force reposturing or withdrawal within or from a covered theater of operations, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report that includes, with respect to accountable property used in connection with the operations associated with such reposturing or withdrawal, the following elements:
A comprehensive inventory of such property (including, to the extent practicable, the serial number and end-item identity of any such property that is a controlled inventory item), including an identification of—
whether such property remains under the custody and control of the United States;
to the extent known and consistent with available records, whether such property was previously sold or otherwise transferred to an ally or partner of the United States;
whether the Secretary has proposed a disposition for such property and if so, which disposition; and
to the extent known or assessed, the status of such property, including, if known, the disposition of such property and the end user of such property.
For each category of major defense equipment, an assessment of the feasibility, timeline, operational effect, and security, accountability, and end-user monitoring considerations, associated with potential dispositions for accountable property within each such category.
For any covered disposition assessed under paragraph (2), a description of any operational or logistical constraint rendering other dispositions unfeasible or impracticable.
For each potential disposition for accountable property assessed as feasible pursuant to paragraph (2), an estimate of the incremental costs of such option relative to baseline costs of withdrawal and redeployment activities, including an identification of—
costs associated with the shipping and handling of such property; and
costs associated with the sustainment and storage for such property.
A plan to mitigate the risk of diversion or misuse resulting from dispositions of accountable property that includes the following:
An identification of relevant end-use monitoring requirements of the Department of Defense, including the office of the Department responsible for implementing such requirements, the frequency of monitoring under such requirements, and any procedures for addressing noncompliance with such requirements, including in the event of the loss of the property.
An identification of any feasible remote disablement capability that may be used with respect to such property, and, for any such capability the use of which is not feasible, an explanation of any technical, operational, or legal constraints to such use.
Procedures for the implementation of the plan with respect to accountable property that is sensitive technology (including communications security items, cryptographic material, biometrics collection devices, and associated databases) prior to determining a disposition for such technology.
A plan to secure, retrieve, disable, or otherwise neutralize accountable property in the event of the ally or partner of the United States to which such property was sold or transferred experiencing a collapse or regime change.
A chain-of-custody plan for the transport, storage, and transfer of accountable property, including an identification of responsible units, storage site controls, and inspection checkpoints.
For any accountable property previously sold or otherwise transferred to an ally or partner of the United States, or proposed to be so sold or transferred, an assessment of the following:
The capacity of the end user, or prospective end user, to sustain such property absent support by the United States Armed Forces or contractors of the Department of Defense.
To the extent practicable, whether the end user, or prospective end user—
has been subject to any security vetting or monitoring by the Secretary, including an identification of any period of continuous monitoring;
maintains effective command-and-control structures; or
is subject to infiltration, coercion, or substantial influence by any foreign terrorist organization or other hostile actor.
The effect, or anticipated effect, of the sale or transfer on morale and retention with respect to the United States Armed Forces.
Whether there is a history of accountable property previously sold or transferred to the ally or partner being diverted to an unauthorized end user, including, as applicable, an identification of any such prior diversion, the assessed end user, and the quantity and type of any major defense equipment so diverted.
The risk of the ally or partner experiencing rapid collapse.
An assessment of the significant force reposturing or withdrawal with respect to applicable lessons learned from the operations of United States Armed Forces in Iraq in 2014, and the withdrawal of such forces from Afghanistan in 2021, including an assessment of—
specific decision points with respect to such operations in which diversion risk was underestimated; and
any mitigation measures that would have reduced such risk.
Not later than 30 days after the date of a sale or transfer of accountable property in connection with a significant force reposturing or withdrawal within or from a covered theater of operations, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a notification the contains, to the extent known—
a description of the accountable property sold or otherwise transferred;
a description of the end user of such property; and
a certification of the conduct of the assessment required under paragraph (1)(A).
The Secretary of Defense or the Deputy Secretary of Defense shall approve, in writing, any determination to proceed with a disposition described in paragraph (2) for accountable property with an aggregate replacement value exceeding $10,000,000.
A disposition described in this paragraph is, with respect to accountable property, the abandonment or loss of such property without continuous custody and control by the United States or a partner or ally of the United States, the destruction of such property, or the demilitarization of such property.
Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this section, and annually thereafter for five years, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report containing, with respect to the year preceding the date of submission of the report, the following:
A summary of the dispositions of accountable property in covered theaters of operation, including any covered dispositions.
A summary of any incidents in which major defense equipment was diverted, including an identification of the quantity and type of equipment so diverted and, to the extent practicable, the assessed end user.
A summary of risk mitigation measures implemented, consistent with the plan under subsection (a)(5).
Any material changes in the resilience of allies or partners of the United States relevant to determinations regarding dispositions for accountable property, including with respect to the risk of infiltration or diversion.
Not later than 30 days after any date on which the Secretary of Defense becomes aware of a collapse of an ally or partner force or other event that the Secretary determines materially increases the risk of accountable property being diverted in a covered theater of operations, the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees written notification that includes a description of the event, the categories of property at risk of diversion, and any mitigation measure implemented.
Not later than 30 days after any date on which the Secretary of Defense becomes aware that accountable property subject to a covered disposition in a covered theater of operations has been diverted and used in an attack conducted by a foreign terrorist organization or other hostile actor against the United States, allies or partners of the United States, or local populations, the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees a written notification.
Each notification under subparagraph (A) shall include, to the extent practicable—
an identification of the accountable property used in the attack;
an identification of the date on which, and the location from which, the property left the custody and control of the United States or an ally or partner of the United States;
an attribution as to the actor responsible for the attack; and
the total number of casualties caused by the attack.
Each report required under this section shall be submitted in unclassified form but may include a classified annex.
In this section:
The term accountable property means any accountable property of the Department of Defense, as described in Department of Defense Instruction 5000.64, titled Accountability and Management of DoD Equipment and Other Accountable Property and dated June 10, 2019 (or any such successor instruction).
The term aggregate replacement value, with respect to accountable property, means the total replacement value of such property as reflected in property accountability systems of the Department of Defense, or, if not recorded therein, the best available estimate for such value as determined by the Secretary.
The term controlled inventory item means any item designated as such pursuant to Department of Defense Instruction 5000.64, titled Accountability and Management of DoD Equipment and Other Accountable Property and dated June 10, 2019 (or any such successor instruction).
The term covered disposition, with respect to accountable property—
means disposition of such property other than a retrograde, destruction, demilitarization, sale, or other transfer, carried out in accordance with applicable provisions of law; and
includes the abandonment of such property without continuous custody and control by the United States or a partner or ally of the United States.
The term covered theater of operations means any geographic area designated by the Secretary of Defense for purposes of this section in which the United States Armed Forces are conducting contingency operations, advising or assisting ally or partner forces engaged in hostilities, or conducting operations in an environment with respect to which the Secretary determines there is a material risk of the loss or abandonment of such property without continuous custody and control by the United States or a partner or ally of the United States as a result of armed conflict, terrorist activity, collapse of an ally or partner force, or seizure by a hostile actor, taking into account any history of diversion of such property to an unauthorized end user.
The term disposition, with respect to accountable property, includes the retrograde, destruction, demilitarization, sale, transfer, loss, and abandonment of such property.
The term foreign terrorist organization means an organization so designated by the Secretary of State under section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1189).
The term major defense equipment has the meaning given such term in section 47 of the Arms Export Control Act (22 U.S.C. 2794).
The term significant force reposturing or withdrawal means a reduction, redeployment, or consolidation of the United States Armed Forces that the Secretary of Defense determines is significant for purposes of this section, including any action that—
closes, transfers, or materially reduces the capacity of a facility of the Department of Defense;
results in the disposition of accountable property with an aggregate value exceeding $10,000,000; or
reduces United States Armed Forces personnel levels by more than 20 percent in a given covered theater of operations over a 90-day period.
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report that provides baseline information regarding the disposition of accountable property in covered theaters of operation during fiscal year 2026 and contains plans for the implementation of section 2582 of title 10, United States Code, as added by subsection (a).
The report under paragraph (1) shall include the following:
A description of the processes and systems of the Department of Defense for the disposition of accountable property in covered theaters of operations, including any such systems used to record inventories of, or dispositions for, such property.
A description of any policies or procedures of the Department of Defense governing dispositions for accountable property, including the approval procedures for covered dispositions, and any planned updates to such policies to conform with the requirements of such section 2582.
An assessment of any gaps in data that would affect compliance with such requirements, and a plan and timeline to resolve any such gaps.
The report required under this subsection shall be submitted in unclassified form but may include a classified annex.
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report describing processes to determine accountability for covered dispositions of accountable property in connection with a significant force reposturing or withdrawal.
The report under paragraph (1) shall include the following:
A description of the policies and standards applied to assess individual and command responsibility for the covered dispositions referred to in paragraph (1), including distinctions, if any, by grade, position, or component.
A description of any adverse personnel action available, and (as applicable) taken, with respect to members of the Armed Forces as a result of such covered dispositions.
An identification of the criteria used to determine whether such covered dispositions trigger a formal investigation or accountability review.
Any recommendations for statutory, regulatory, or policy changes to ensure accountability standards are applied consistently and proportionately across ranks and responsibilities.
The report required under this subsection shall be submitted in unclassified form but may include a classified annex.
The Comptroller General of the United States shall review the implementation of section 2582 of title 10, United States Code, as added by subsection (a), including with respect to—
the completeness of any inventories submitted under such section;
the validity of cost comparisons used in implementing such section, including any assumptions used in such comparisons;
the adequacy of any plan developed under subsection (a)(5) of such section; and
the frequency of, justifications for, and execution of, sales or transfers of accountable property for which a waiver is issued under subsection (b)(2)(A) of such section, including compliance with the notification and reporting requirements of such subsection.
Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall provide to the congressional defense committees a briefing on the results of the review under paragraph (1).
In this section, the terms accountable property, covered disposition, disposition, and significant force reposturing or withdrawal have the meanings given such terms in section 2582(f) of title 10, United States Code, as added by subsection (a).
Chapter 157 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 2631a the following new section:
No contract for the transportation of cargo by motor carrier for the Department of Defense (including contracts awarded by the United States Transportation Command or the Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command) may be awarded to, or performed by, any covered carrier unless such covered carrier submits a certification described in subsection (b).
The requirement under paragraph (1) shall apply to prime contractors, subcontractors, and owner-operators at all tiers.
A certification under this section shall state that, to the best of the covered carrier's knowledge after reasonable inquiry—
the covered carrier is not owned or controlled by, and does not have significant business relationships with, any entity identified on the most recent list of Chinese military companies required under section 1260H of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (Public Law 116–283; 10 U.S.C. 113 note); and
the covered carrier will require the same certification from any subcontractor or owner-operator it engages for performance of the contract.
Prime contractors shall include the substance of this certification requirement in all subcontracts and lease agreements for Department of Defense freight transportation. Covered carriers shall maintain records of certifications for not less than 5 years.
Any covered carrier that knowingly provides a false certification under this section shall be subject to suspension or debarment from Department of Defense contracting and civil penalties under section 1001 of title 18.
The Secretary of Defense shall prescribe regulations to implement this section not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this section, including integration into existing carrier approval processes of the Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command.
In this section:
The term covered carrier means any motor carrier, subcontractor, or owner-operator providing surface transportation services.
The term significant business relationships shall have the meaning given by the Secretary of Defense in regulations.
Subtitle IV of title 49, United States Code, is amended by inserting after chapter 139 the following:
In this chapter, the term registry means the Secure Defense Freight Carrier Registry established under section 14002.
Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this chapter, the Secretary, acting through the Administrator of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and in coordination with the Secretary of Defense, shall establish and maintain a registry, to be known as the Secure Defense Freight Carrier Registry, of motor carriers approved to transport freight for the Department of Defense.
To be included in the registry, a motor carrier shall—
hold valid operating authority from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration;
meet all applicable Department of Defense carrier qualification standards;
undergo enhanced national security vetting, including—
screening for ownership, control, or significant business relationships with—
an entity identified on the list maintained by the Department of Defense under section 1260H of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (10 U.S.C. 113 note; Public Law 116–283); or
any other foreign adversary entity designated by the Secretary of Defense; and
verification that drivers and personnel with access to Department of Defense freight meet security standards comparable to those required under Transportation Worker Identification Credential programs or other relevant Federal security programs; and
submit to periodic revetting not less frequently than once every 2 years.
The Secretary shall establish a streamlined application process for inclusion on the registry.
The process established under paragraph (1) shall include coordination with existing Department of Defense carrier approval systems.
Subject to subsection (b), beginning 1 year after the date of the enactment of this chapter, a motor carrier may not bid on or perform a Department of Defense freight transportation contract unless the motor carrier is included in the registry.
The Secretary of Defense may grant waivers from the prohibition under subsection (a) for exigent circumstances.
The analysis for subtitle IV of title 49, United States Code, is amended by inserting after the item relating to chapter 139 the following:
Chapter 157 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section:
No carrier, port agent, warehouseman, freight forwarder, broker, or other person involved in the transportation of cargo owned, possessed, or shipped by the Department of Defense may have any lien on, or hold, impound, or otherwise interfere with the transportation of, such cargo.
The following are not subject to lien, arrest, or seizure by judicial process in the United States:
A vessel, aircraft, motor vehicle, rail car, or other conveyance owned by, possessed by, or operated by or for the Department of Defense.
Cargo owned, possessed, or shipped by the Department of Defense.
The Secretary of Defense may take such actions as may be necessary to recoup, recover, arrange for, or accomplish transportation and delivery of cargo owned, possessed, or shipped by the Department of Defense.
Nothing in this section shall preclude a carrier from stopping the movement of undeclared, mispackaged, mislabeled, or otherwise noncompliant hazardous material shipments until the hazardous material is properly offered for transportation in accordance with section 5103 of title 49 and regulations prescribed under that section.
Nothing in this section shall preclude the United States from arresting or seizing personal property of a member of the armed forces or employee of the Department of Defense pursuant to Federal criminal or forfeiture law.
In this section:
The term broker means a person, other than a carrier or an employee or agent of a carrier, that as a principal or agent sells, offers for sale, negotiates for, or holds itself out by solicitation, advertisement, or otherwise as selling, providing, or arranging for, transportation by carrier for compensation.
The term carrier means a person, including a freight forwarder, that transports passengers or property in commerce by pipeline, rail, motor, air, or water.
The term freight forwarder means a person holding such person out to the general public (other than as a pipeline, rail, motor, air, or water carrier) to provide transportation of property for compensation and in the ordinary course of the business of such person—
assembles and consolidates, or provides for assembling and consolidating, shipments and performs or provides for break-bulk and distribution operations of the shipments; and
assumes responsibility for the transportation from the place of receipt to the place of destination.
Section 453(c)(5) of title 37, United States Code, is amended by striking baggage and household goods and inserting personal property.
Chapter 861 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section:
The Secretary of the Navy shall support a system of official Marine Corps museums within the Department of the Navy. Such system shall include the National Museum of the United States Marine Corps and may contain other museums honoring individual installations, units, and branches, as designated by the Secretary of the Navy, that meet criteria established under subsection (b).
The Secretary of the Navy shall establish criteria for designating museums of subsection (a) for inclusion in the Marine Corps museum system. Such criteria shall include—
historical significance to Marine Corps operations, technology, or personnel;
public accessibility and educational outreach programs; and
alignment with the mission of the Marine Corps to preserve the heritage of the Marine Corps.
The Secretary of the Navy shall establish criteria for the closure of museums within the Marine Corps museum system. No museum within such system may be closed until—
the Secretary of the Navy submits to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate notice that includes—
a plan for the preservation, storage, or alternate display of historical collections contained in the museum;
how any issues relating to museum personnel will be resolved;
an identification of any efforts to maintain museum operations through public-private partnerships; and
an analysis of the cost to transport, consolidate, and preserve the historical collections contained in the museum; and
period of 90 days has elapsed after the date on which such notice is received by such committees.
Consistent with applicable law, the Secretary may enter into partnerships, including with nonprofit organizations, to enhance the financial sustainability and public engagement of the museums in the Marine Corps museum system.
Section 510(a) of title 32, United States Code, is amended by striking may and inserting shall.
Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall commence a three-year pilot program under which the Secretary shall conduct testing and evaluation of counter-fire unmanned fire suppression and remote sensing aircraft systems at military installations selected for participation in the program. In carrying out the pilot program, the Secretary shall—
evaluate the effectiveness of counter-fire unmanned aircraft systems with respect to suppressing wildfire, improving the safety of prescribed burns, monitoring wildfire, and responding to other fire emergencies on military installations;
assess the integration of fire suppression drone capabilities with existing fire protection and emergency response systems on military installations;
determine operational parameters, safety protocols, and certification requirements for counter-fire unmanned aircraft systems;
for each counter-fire unmanned aircraft system, evaluate—
suppression payload delivery accuracy;
refill and turnaround time;
night operations capabilities;
beyond visual line-of-sight flight operations;
swarm capabilities; and
sustained sortie rates;
analyze the cost-effectiveness and scalability of counter-fire drone capabilities; and
develop training curricula and operational procedures for personnel operating counter-fire unmanned aircraft systems.
The Secretary shall select at least one military installation to participate in the pilot program. In making such a selection, the Secretary shall consider—
geographic diversity, including climate zones and fire risk profiles;
existing fire suppression infrastructure and capabilities;
airspace availability and compatibility with unmanned aircraft operations;
proximity to civilian communities that could benefit from enhanced fire response capabilities; and
availability of qualified personnel and training facilities.
Not later than 18 months after the date of the commencement of the pilot program, the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees an interim report on the pilot program.
Not later than six months after the date of the completion of the pilot program, the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees a final report on the pilot program.
Each report required under this subsection shall include, for the period covered by the report—
a description of each counter-fire unmanned aircraft system tested and the performance metrics for each such system;
an assessment of operational effectiveness of each such system in fire detection and suppression scenarios;
an analysis of the integration of each such system with existing fire protection systems;
an identification of any supplementary mission critical use cases for each such system at military installations;
a description of any safety incidents and lessons learned for each such system;
a cost analysis and projection of return on investment for each such system;
any recommendations for the potential broader implementation of each such system across the Department of Defense; and
any recommendations for potential dual-use applications of each such system in support of civilian fire authorities.
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Army shall establish a pilot program to collect, store, and analyze covered data generated during rotations of members of the Armed Forces at combat training centers.
The purposes of the pilot program under subsection (a) shall be to improve the realism of training for members of the Armed Forces, enhance unit readiness, collect observational data for application to efforts of the Department relating to agentic artificial intelligence, and support the development of secure systems and analytic tools that enable the responsible deployment and interoperability of the sensors specified in subsection (c)(2)(A).
In carrying out the pilot program under subsection (a), the Secretary of the Army shall—
designate not fewer than one rotation at a combat training center for the conduct of the pilot program;
identify and evaluate technologies and processes for the collection, storage, and analysis of covered data from multiple sources during such rotation, including—
soldier-borne artificial intelligence small arms weapon sensors and related networked systems; and
unmanned systems;
collect, store, and analyze covered data during such rotation using such technologies and processes;
analyze how data generated by the sensors specified in paragraph (2)(A) may contribute to improved lethality, survivability, and situational awareness in multi-domain operations; and
evaluate the cost, feasibility, and operational benefits of permanently establishing a program for the collection, storage, and analysis of covered data generated during rotations of members of the Armed Forces across combat training centers.
Not later than 180 days after the completion of the pilot program under subsection (a), the Secretary of the Army shall provide to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a briefing on the activities, findings, and recommendations resulting from such pilot program, including the following:
An assessment of the effectiveness and security of incorporating data derived from sensors specified in subsection (c)(2)(A) into training and readiness analyses.
Recommendations regarding the potential expansion or permanent establishment of a program for the collection, storage, and analysis of covered data generated during rotations of members of the Armed Forces across combat training centers and across the Armed Forces.
Not later than three years after the date of enactment of this Act, the pilot program under subsection (a) shall terminate.
In this section, the term covered data means data relating to the tactical performance and decision-making of, and training effectiveness for, members of the Armed Forces (at the individual, team, and unit levels).
The Secretary of the Navy shall establish minimum maritime firefighting capability standards for naval installations that berth large naval vessels. Such standards shall include each of the following:
The minimum pumping capacity required to support firefighting operations aboard naval vessels moored at piers or within harbor areas.
Required response times for waterside firefighting assets.
The availability of firefighting foam systems and hazardous material response capability suitable for aviation fuel and shipboard fires.
The integration of waterside firefighting assets with shipboard damage control systems.
The availability of redundant maritime firefighting capability in the event of simultaneous emergencies.
Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Navy shall submit to the congressional defense committees a plan to implement the standards established under subsection (a) and to improve fire prevention at private sector repair yards. Such plan shall include each of the following:
An identification of installations that do not meet the standards, as of the date of the submission of the plan.
Options for addressing capability gaps, including procurement of fireboats, modernization of existing vessels, or agreements with municipal or port authority fire departments.
Estimated costs associated with implementing the plan.
Mechanisms to maximize available resources across organizations responsible for fire safety oversight to better ensure contractor fire safety oversight and alleviate the burden on members of the Navy.
Options to reassess progress payment retention rate for surface ship maintenance contracts based on an assessment of the risk to the Government.
Options to reassess the ship repair limitation of liability clause.
The incorporation of safety performance standards into the Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan of the Secretary.
The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that at any Space Force installation with launch and landing facilities—
the minimum staffing requirements for firefighters and the requirements relating to structural and aircraft, rescue, and firefighting apparatus pursuant to section 388 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Public Law 117–263; 10 U.S.C. 2661 note) and section 1110 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (Public Law 118–159; 10 U.S.C. note prec. 9771) apply on a permanent basis;
all firefighting structural and aircraft, rescue, and firefighting apparatus are maintained at optimum staffing levels and optimum levels of service at all times; and
the cross-manning of firefighter personnel is not permitted between a first due structural fire engine response apparatus and an aircraft, rescue, and firefighting apparatus.
The Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Secretary of the Army and the Commander of the United States Special Operations Command, shall conduct recurring evaluation activities in subterranean environments for the purpose of assessing the integration and interoperability of technologies supporting operations in such environments, including in conditions involving the denial or degradation of the Global Positioning System (GPS) or other contested communications conditions.
Activities conducted pursuant to subsection (a) shall include the evaluation of technologies supporting sensing, mapping, navigation, communications, command and control, and situational awareness across multiple operational systems and platforms in the denied, degraded, and contested conditions described in subsection (a).
In carrying out this section, the Secretary of Defense shall use existing facilities, authorities, training activities, and amounts appropriated or otherwise available for the Department of Defense for such purpose. Nothing in this section shall be construed to require the construction of a new facility or the establishment of a new program office or standalone training activity.
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall provide to the congressional defense committees a briefing describing—
the activities conducted pursuant to subsection (a);
any operational integration or interoperability challenge identified in the course of conducting such activities; and
recommendations for improving the integration and interoperability of technologies supporting subterranean operations in denied, degraded, and contested communications environments, including with respect to potential transition pathways for such technologies.
Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall ensure that the Secretary of the Navy and the Secretary of the Air Force, in coordination with the Chief of Naval Operations, the Chief of Staff of the Air Force, and the Commandant of the Marine Corps—
refine the joint program’s process for identifying, analyzing, and responding to all Osprey aircraft safety risks, including incorporating and prioritizing systems and nonsystem safety risks;
refine existing oversight structures with clearly defined roles and responsibilities for resolving known system and nonsystem safety risks in a timely manner and conduct periodic reviews of efforts to resolve those risks;
assess safety-related information sharing agreements and update the agreements as needed to ensure that a process exists to proactively share relevant safety information from hazard and accident reporting with Osprey units and unit safety personnel across the Armed Forces and ensure timely receipt of such information;
establish a routine method, such as a recurring multiservice conference, to share information on Osprey aircraft knowledge and emergency procedures across the joint force; and
maintain a method to share information, immediately or near-immediately, on essential Osprey aircraft safety of flight information and changes to safety processes across the joint force.
Not later than 60 days after the requirements under subsection (a) have been implemented, the Secretary of the Navy and the Secretary of the Air Force shall each provide to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of representatives a certification—
verifying that the requirements have been implemented; and
identifying any changes made to comply with such requirements by the Armed Forces under the jurisdiction of the certifying Secretary.
The Secretary of the Army shall carry out a pilot program to evaluate the integration of electronic ammunition simulation systems into small arms training across the Army.
The purposes of the pilot program are to—
improve individual and collective small arms proficiency through increased training repetitions and enhanced training realism;
enable safe training with assigned weapon systems in a broad range of environments, including non-range locations, as determined appropriate by the Secretary;
reduce costs and logistics burdens associated with the procurement, storage, distribution, and disposal of blank ammunition;
reduce safety risks associated with blank ammunition, including negligent discharges and live-blank ammunition mixing incidents; and
assess the feasibility and scalability of integrating electronic ammunition simulation systems with training environments of the Armed Forces.
The Secretary of the Army shall designate the Capability Program Executive for Simulation, Training, Test, and Threat as the lead actor responsible for carrying out the pilot program.
The Secretary of the Army shall designate a senior official within the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics, and Technology as the lead actor responsible for providing oversight of the pilot program.
The Secretary of the Army shall select not fewer than four training environments with respect to which the Secretary shall carry out the pilot program under subsection (a), which shall include, at a minimum—
one Advanced Camp training event, regional training event, or other training event carried out at a Reserve Officers’ Training Corps training site;
one rotation at a combat training center;
one basic combat training activity; and
one brigade-level or battalion-level collective training event carried out at an operational military installation.
In carrying out the pilot program, the Secretary of the Army shall—
integrate electronic ammunition simulation systems into training for legacy and next-generation small arms provided through the training environments selected under subsection (d), including in connection with qualification ranges and force-on-force exercises;
evaluate the interoperability of electronic ammunition simulation systems with legacy and successor systems for simulated engagement, including the Multiple Integrated Laser Engagement System and synthetic training environments;
assess the integrated training carried out pursuant to paragraph (1) with respect to effectiveness, cost savings, safety improvements, and scalability across training environments of the Armed Forces, including the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps of the Armed Forces; and
develop and validate associated training tactics, procedures, and sustainment requirements for potential expansion of such integrated training.
The pilot program under subsection (a) shall supplement, and neither supplant nor duplicate, modernization efforts relating to synthetic training environments and other activities for the modernization of force-on-force training.
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Army shall provide to the congressional defense committees an interim briefing on the pilot program under subsection (a) that includes—
evaluation metrics for the pilot program;
an identification of the training environments selected under subsection (d); and
the plan of the Secretary for the integration of activities under the pilot program with respect to such selected training environments.
Not later than March 1, 2028, the Secretary of the Army shall provide to the congressional defense committees a final briefing on the pilot program under subsection (a) that includes—
the results of the assessment required under subsection (e)(3), including, with respect to cost savings, a comparison between the cost of the integrated training provided pursuant to the pilot program with the cost of training using blank ammunition; and
recommendations regarding—
the continuation, expansion, or termination of the pilot program; and
with respect to such potential continuation or expansion, recommendations for the transition to acquisition of electronic ammunition simulation systems.
The authority to carry out the pilot program under subsection (a) shall terminate on September 30, 2031.
The Secretary of the Army shall establish a pilot program, to be carried out through the United States Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Soldier Center, to evaluate the feasibility, performance, and scalability of hydrophobin-based biomanufactured treatments as flame-resistant and water-repellent treatments for military textile systems, including as potential alternatives to conventional chemical treatments currently used in Department of Defense uniforms.
In carrying out the pilot program, the Secretary shall prioritize partnerships with entities that—
demonstrate domestic biomanufacturing capability within the United States;
use advanced biotechnology to produce hydrophobin proteins or related bioderived compounds suitable for textile performance applications; and
possess the capability to transition successful pilot outcomes into large-scale textile finishing or coating processes supporting Department of Defense procurement.
Not later than three years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Army shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the results of the pilot program, including recommendations regarding potential integration of hydrophobin-based biomanufactured treatments into Department of Defense military textile systems.
The authority to carry out a pilot program under this section shall terminate four years after the date of the enactment of this Act.
The Armed Forces are authorized strengths for active duty personnel as of September 30, 2027, as follows:
The Army, 469,000.
The Navy, 356,600.
The Marine Corps, 173,700.
The Air Force, 330,400.
The Space Force, 13,200.
The Armed Forces are authorized strengths for Selected Reserve personnel of the reserve components as of September 30, 2027, as follows:
The Army National Guard of the United States, 331,300.
The Army Reserve, 172,000.
The Navy Reserve, 56,500.
The Marine Corps Reserve, 34,700.
The Air National Guard of the United States, 107,400.
The Air Force Reserve, 67,400.
The Coast Guard Reserve, 8,500.
The end strengths prescribed by subsection (a) for the Selected Reserve of any reserve component shall be proportionately reduced by—
the total authorized strength of units organized to serve as units of the Selected Reserve of such component which are on active duty (other than for training) at the end of the fiscal year; and
the total number of individual members not in units organized to serve as units of the Selected Reserve of such component who are on active duty (other than for training or for unsatisfactory participation in training) without their consent at the end of the fiscal year.
Whenever units or individual members of the Selected Reserve of any reserve component are released from active duty during any fiscal year, the end strength prescribed for such fiscal year for the Selected Reserve of such reserve component shall be increased proportionately by the total authorized strengths of such units and by the total number of such individual members.
Within the end strengths prescribed in section 411(a), the reserve components of the Armed Forces are authorized, as of September 30, 2027, the following number of Reserves to be serving on full-time active duty or full-time duty, in the case of members of the National Guard, for the purpose of organizing, administering, recruiting, instructing, or training the reserve components:
The Army National Guard of the United States, 31,154.
The Army Reserve, 16,511.
The Navy Reserve, 10,409.
The Marine Corps Reserve, 2,400.
The Air National Guard of the United States, 25,533.
The Air Force Reserve, 6,278.
The minimum number of military technicians (dual status) as of the last day of fiscal year 2027 for the reserve components of the Army and the Air Force (notwithstanding section 129 of title 10, United States Code) shall be the following:
For the Army National Guard of the United States, 21,294.
For the Army Reserve, 6,258.
For the Air National Guard of the United States, 10,405.
For the Air Force Reserve, 6,455.
During fiscal year 2027, the maximum number of members of the reserve components of the Armed Forces who may be serving at any time on full-time operational support duty under section 115(b) of title 10, United States Code, is the following:
The Army National Guard of the United States, 17,000.
The Army Reserve, 13,000.
The Navy Reserve, 6,200.
The Marine Corps Reserve, 3,000.
The Air National Guard of the United States, 16,000.
The Air Force Reserve, 14,000.
Section 12012(a) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking that part of the table pertaining to the Marine Corps Reserve and inserting the following:
“Marine Corps Reserve:
Funds are hereby authorized to be appropriated for fiscal year 2027 for the use of the Armed Forces and other activities and agencies of the Department of Defense for expenses, not otherwise provided for, for military personnel, as specified in the funding table in section 4401.
The authorization of appropriations in the subsection (a) supersedes any other authorization of appropriations (definite or indefinite) for such purpose for fiscal year 2027.
Section 612(a)(2) of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
in subparagraph (A), by inserting and (C) after subparagraph (B); and
by inserting a new subparagraph (C):
A selection board need not include an officer from a competitive category to be considered by the board when considering officers designated for limited duty under section 8146 of this title.
Section 637 of title 10, United States Code, is amended, in subsection (a)(1)—
by striking he is selected for continuation on active duty by a selection board convened under section 611(b) of this title. and inserting an em dash; and
by adding at the end the following new subparagraphs:
the officer is selected for continuation on active duty by a selection board convened under section 611(b) of this title; or
the Secretary concerned recommends all officers, whom the Secretary finds to be fully qualified, for continuation on active duty.
Such section is further amended, in subsection (b)(1)—
by striking he is selected for continuation on active duty by a selection board convened under section 611(b) of this title. and inserting an em dash; and
by adding at the end the following new subparagraphs:
the officer is selected for continuation on active duty by a selection board convened under section 611(b) of this title; or
the Secretary concerned recommends all officers, whom the Secretary finds to be fully qualified, for continuation on active duty.
Chapter 49 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 974 the following new section:
Not later than five days after the date on which an officer in a grade above O-8 is removed from, transferred from, or relieved of duty in, a position designated under section 601(a) of this title or by law to carry such grade, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report in writing that describes the performance concerns, actions, or inactions of that officer that are cause for such removal, transfer, or relief of duty.
Section 7037(a) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: The Judge Advocate General, while so serving, has the grade of lieutenant general. An officer appointed as Deputy Judge Advocate General who holds a lower regular grade shall be appointed in the regular grade of major general..
Section 8046(a) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: If the officer to be appointed as the Staff Judge Advocate to the Commandant of the Marine Corps holds a grade lower than the grade of lieutenant general immediately before the appointment, the officer shall be appointed in the grade of lieutenant general..
Section 8088(b) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: The Judge Advocate General, while so serving, has the grade of vice admiral or lieutenant general, as appropriate..
Section 8089(a)(1) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: If an officer appointed as the Deputy Judge Advocate General holds a lower regular grade, the officer shall be appointed in the regular grade of rear admiral or major general, as appropriate..
Section 9037(a) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: The Judge Advocate General, while so serving, has the grade of lieutenant general..
Section 9037(d)(1) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: An officer appointed as Deputy Judge Advocate General who holds a lower regular grade shall be appointed in the regular grade of major general..
Section 7038(b) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking paragraph (4) and inserting the following new paragraph:
The Chief of Army Reserve, while so serving, holds the grade of lieutenant general.
Section 8083(b) of such title is amended by striking paragraph (4) and inserting the following new paragraph:
The Chief of Navy Reserve, while so serving, holds the grade of vice admiral.
Section 8084(b) of such title is amended by striking paragraph (4) and inserting the following new paragraph:
The Commander, Marine Forces Reserve, while so serving, holds the grade of lieutenant general.
Section 9038(b) of such title is amended by striking paragraph (4) and inserting the following new paragraph:
The Chief of Air Force Reserve, while so serving, holds the grade of lieutenant general.
The amendments made by subsection (a) shall take effect on the day that is one year after the date of the enactment of this Act and shall apply to appointments made on or after such day.
Section 7084 of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
by striking The Chief and inserting (a) Appointment.—The Chief; and
by adding at the end the following new subsection:
The Chief of the Veterinary Corps of the Army, while so serving, holds the grade of brigadier general.
Section 514 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (Public Law 118–159; 10 U.S.C. 20001 note) is amended—
by redesignating subsection (k) as subsection (l); and
by inserting after subsection (j) the following new subsection (k):
Nothing in this section shall be construed to—
authorize the transfer of a member of the Air National Guard of the United States more than once under subsection (c); or
establish a waiver of the applicability of any provision of section 104 of title 32, United States Code, or of section 18238 of title 10, United States Code.
Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall ensure that Global Force Management plans and processes—
specifically address the assignment and allocation of active duty and reserve judge advocates; and
convey information on the staffing availability of judge advocates in a manner that enables combatant commanders to readily determine the number of judge advocates who are available for permanent assignment to the combatant commands in the event of an armed conflict.
The Secretary of Defense shall ensure—
a covered military chaplain is able to provide pastoral counseling, including emotional, moral, or behavioral assistance counseling;
a covered military chaplain is able to provide pastoral counseling with respect to matters not strictly related to spiritual counseling; and
that privileged communications between covered military chaplains and members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Space Force are protected.
In this section, the term covered military chaplain means a chaplain in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Space Force.
Section 503(c)(1)(A) of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
in clause (ii), by striking ; and and inserting a semicolon;
in clause (iii)—
by inserting academic grades, sexes, after student names,; and
by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and; and
by adding at the end the following new clause:
in addition to the requirement under clause (ii), shall, upon the request of a military recruiter for the purpose described in clause (i), provide at least four visits to each secondary school across each academic year, between classes, when students are physically present, and in a manner that does not interfere with class attendance and, after reasonable notice, in meeting spaces (including auditoriums), at athletic functions, and at other group or social activities.
Section 1559(a) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking Before December 31, 2025 and inserting During the period beginning on the date of the enactment of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027 and ending on December 31, 2030.
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense, acting through the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, in coordination with the Secretaries of the military departments, shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House of Representatives a report regarding the periods required for a board established under section 1552 or 1553 of title 10, United States Code, to make a determination in a case involving liberal consideration.
The report shall include the following:
An analysis of the time such periods, disaggregated by military department.
An explanation of the differences between such periods, disaggregated by military department.
The number of personnel assigned to review, process, and consider such cases.
Recommendations of the Secretary of Defense to expedite the consideration of such cases.
The report shall be submitted in unclassified form.
The executive summary of the report shall be published on a publicly accessible website of the Department of Defense.
Not later than 30 days after submitting the report, the Secretary of Defense shall provide to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House of Representatives a briefing on the findings, conclusions, and recommendations of such report.
In this section, the term liberal consideration is used as such term is used in section 1552(h) and 1553(d) of title 10, United States Code.
Section 3 of the Military Selective Service Act (50 U.S.C. 3802), as amended by section 535 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (Public Law 119–60), is further amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
In carrying out subsection (a), the Director shall not register a person whose name appears in the Death Master File (as such term is defined in section 203 of the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013 (Public Law 113–167; 42 U.S.C. 1306c)).
The amendment made by this section shall take effect as if included in the enactment of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026.
Any Department of Defense military personnel action related to accessions, promotions, nominative assignments, command selection, and military and civil schooling selection and training shall be based exclusively on individual merit, fitness, capability, and performance.
Consideration of an individual’s race, ethnicity, or national origin in any military personnel action is prohibited throughout the Department of Defense.
This section shall not be construed to prohibit tasking for specific, unconventional missions in foreign countries, where the anticipated ground operating environment of indigenous populations may justify consideration of race, ethnicity, or national origin when tasking for the mission to optimize mission success.
Any tasking pursuant to the exception described in paragraph (1) shall require the approval of the combatant commander concerned.
Not later than 60 days after a tasking pursuant to the exception described in paragraph (1), the Secretary of Defense shall report the tasking to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives. The report shall describe—
the mission, including location and duration;
the staffing of the mission;
the demographic factors warranting the tasking;
the number of personnel involved, including their rank, position, and race, ethnicity, and national origin; and
the rationale for the tasking.
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall prescribe in regulations—
a policy of the Department of Defense that prohibits the display, possession for display, or use of a hate symbol in the workplace or in connection with official duties, including on the body, uniform, civilian work attire, personal equipment, government property, or digital work platforms, including through a tattoo, brand, insignia, patch, apparel, or electronic imagery;
standards for identifying and addressing prohibited hate symbols; and
procedures to review a determination under such policy, order the removal of a symbol determined to be a hate symbol, or other remediation consistent with applicable law.
The policy under subsection (a) shall not prohibit the good-faith display or use of a symbol for a legitimate religious, educational, intelligence, law enforcement, or investigative purpose. To determine whether such display or use is subject to an exception under this subsection, the Secretary shall consider—
the historical and cultural meaning of the symbol;
the manner, context, and location in which the symbol is displayed;
whether the symbol is associated with an extremist organization or ideology;
whether the display would reasonably be interpreted as communicating support for hatred, discrimination, or violent extremism;
applicable constitutional and statutory law; and
religious accommodations.
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall—
issue guidance and reference materials, developed in consultation with subject matter experts, to assist commanding officers, supervisors, human resources personnel, and investigators, regarding the identification of hate symbols; and
review, in consultation with civil rights experts and organizations with recognized expertise in hate and extremist symbols, and update such guidance not less than once every 36 months after such issuance.
The Secretary shall incorporate instruction on the policy and guidance under this section into existing training programs for members of the covered Armed Forces and civilian employees of the Department of Defense.
Not later than 180 days after the Secretary prescribes regulations under subsection (a), the Secretary of a military department or head of a Defense agency shall certify to the Secretary of Defense whether their subordinate members of the covered Armed Forces or civilian employees subordinate have implemented the regulations. guidance, and training under this section.
Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House of Representatives a briefing detailing the implementation of this section.
In this section:
The term hate symbol means any symbol, image, insignia, emblem, tattoo, sign, coded designation, or other visual representation that, in context, would be reasonably understood to promote violence or unlawful discrimination against a person or group based on a protected identity characteristic.
The term covered Armed Force means the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, or Space Force.
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall prescribe a policy applicable to covered administrative investigations. Such policy shall include—
standard timelines for initiation, investigation, legal review, command action, and final disposition of covered administrative investigations;
a requirement that an extension of a standard timeline described in paragraph (1) be approved by an appropriate official in writing that includes an explanation of the reasons for the extension, an identification of the investigative steps remaining, and an expected date of completion of those steps;
a requirement that any covered administrative investigation of a member of the Armed Forces that includes the suspension of a favorable personnel action for such member during the period of investigation—
that is open for 90 days or more may only continue if the investigation is approved by the first general officer, flag officer, or member of the Senior Executive Service in the chain of command of the member of the Armed Forces that is the subject of such investigation; and
is reviewed not less than once every 30 days during the period of investigation to determine whether such suspension is necessary and narrowly tailored to address the particular concern being investigated;
a requirement that prior to initiation of a covered administrative investigation, or continuation of a closed covered administrative investigation, based substantially on allegations occurring outside of an applicable reporting period, the investigating authority make a determination in writing as to—
the reason for the delay in reporting such allegations;
the availability and reliability of witnesses;
the availability of documentary or electronic evidence;
whether a complete and fair inquiry can be conducted; and
whether an alternative to an investigation is more appropriate;
a requirement that a member who is the subject of a covered administrative investigation be given reasonable opportunity to provide evidence and identify witnesses;
a requirement that a member who is the subject of a covered administrative investigation be given written notice of proposed actions, findings, recommendations, and supporting evidence prior to a final adverse administrative action;
a requirement that investigators assigned to a covered administrative investigation be screened for potential conflicts of interest prior to being so assigned;
a requirement that a member who is the subject a covered administrative investigation be given an opportunity to request relief from a suspension of a favorable personnel action for purposes of a permanent change of station, reassignment, military schooling, retirement, or other personnel action when no derogatory finding has been made within the standard timelines required by paragraph (1); and
a requirement that the Secretaries of the military departments regularly review policy and practices with respect to covered administrative investigations to ensure such investigations comply with the requirements of this section and other applicable laws and policies.
Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the implementation of the policy required by subsection (a), including—
the number of covered administrative investigations initiated during the preceding fiscal year;
the number of such investigations exceeding 30, 60, 90, and 180 days in length;
the number of such investigations that included a suspension of favorable personnel action during the period of the investigation;
the number of such investigations that resulted in a delay of a permanent change of station, reassignment, military schooling, retirement, or other personnel action;
the number of such investigations resulting in substantiated, partially substantiated, unsubstantiated, or dismissed findings;
the average and median duration of covered administrative investigations by military department;
the number of such investigations based substantially on allegations reported outside an applicable regulatory reporting period;
the number of covered administrative investigations reviewed for consistency with this section and other applicable laws and policies; and
recommendations for legislative or administrative action.
In this section, the term covered administrative investigation means any non-criminal inquiry or investigation that results in or is reasonably like to result in—
suspension of a favorable personnel action during the period of investigation or as a result of the investigation;
delay or denial of permanent change of station, reassignment, military schooling, retirement, or other personnel action;
adverse administrative action;
filing of adverse information in the personnel file of the member; or
other material career impact, as determined by the Secretary concerned.
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Secretaries of the military departments, shall issue regulations prohibiting members of the covered Armed Forces and civilian employees of the Department of Defense from entering into transactions on prediction markets in cases in which the member or employee—
at the time of the transaction, possesses material nonpublic information relevant to such transaction; or
may reasonably obtain such material nonpublic information in the course of performing official duties, including when such information would not otherwise be available to a member of the public exercising reasonable diligence.
The regulations under subsection (a) shall specify a range of punishments for the use of prediction markets in violation of the regulations.
In this section:
The term covered Armed Forces means the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Space Force.
Term material nonpublic information means information—
that a reasonable investor would consider important in making an investment decision; and
that is not publicly available.
The Secretary of Defense may carry out a pilot program to evaluate the use of automated, voice-based risk assessment technology to support targeted drug testing of members of the Armed Forces to determine if such technology can improve the efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and operational readiness of the drug testing programs of the Department of Defense by enabling risk-informed testing in place of universal urinalysis.
If the Secretary of Defense carries out the pilot program under subsection (a), such pilot program shall—
make use of automated, voice-based risk assessment technology;
be executed as part of the Drug Demand Reduction Program of the Department of Defense;
be conducted consistent with the goals of the drug testing program, including deterrence and to assess the security, military fitness, readiness, good order, and discipline of commands;
be conducted in a manner that allows the results to be used for punitive or other appropriate actions; and
be conducted in a manner that protects individual privacy and complies with applicable law and Department policy.
If the Secretary of Defense carries out the pilot program under subsection (a), not later than one year after the date on which the Secretary of Defense establishes such pilot, the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees an assessment of such pilot program, including the impact of the use of automated, voice-based risk assessment technology as described in subsection (a) on testing volume, cost savings, personnel time, and operational readiness.
If the Secretary of Defense carries out the pilot program under subsection (a), such pilot program shall terminate on the date that is three years after the date on which such pilot program is established.
The Secretary of the Army shall carry out a pilot program to design, develop, and implement an initiative to be known as the Soldier Digital Lifecycle Modernization Initiative to provide members of the Army, prospective recruits to the Army, and veterans of the Army with a secure, digital experience through the lifecycle of a member of the Army, including during recruitment and after separation.
The pilot program under subsection (a) shall—
be carried out consistent with Executive Order 14338 (90 Fed. Reg. 163, relating to Improving Our Nation Through Better Design) and Office of Management and Budget Memorandum M-23-22 relating to Delivering a Digital-First Public Experience or any successor Executive order or Office of Management and Budget memorandum;
make use of existing digital infrastructure and systems of the Army;
include establishment a secure digital identity record enabling continuity of data from recruitment into the Army through separation and transition to being a veteran;
include development of a unified experience platform for members of the Army that provides integrated, role-based, and personalized digital services;
include modernization of routine administrative workflows to reduce manual processing and data reentry;
include deployment of analytics and decision-support tools to inform readiness and retention decisions; and
include enhancement of digital transition pathways to support separation from the Armed Forces and continued engagement with veterans.
In carrying out the pilot program required by subsection (a), the Secretary shall, to the maximum extent practicable and cost-effective, make use of commercially available technologies, modular architectures, and open standards to accelerate delivery and improve user experience.
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Army shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report describing—
the implementation plan for the initiative;
key design and integration milestones;
estimated costs by fiscal year;
performance metrics to measure improvements in user experience, administrative burden reduction, retention indicators, and transition outcomes; and
any additional authorities the Secretary determines are required.
The pilot program required by subsection (a) shall terminate on the date that is three years after the date of the establishment of such pilot program.
The Secretary of Defense shall seek to enter into an agreement—
with an entity described in paragraph (2) pursuant to which such entity shall conduct a comprehensive study on the propensity to serve of military-connected students; and
not later than year after the date of the enactment of this Act.
An entity described in this paragraph is a national nonprofit organization that—
focuses on the educational environment of military-connected youth;
is a partner to an institution of higher education; and
has demonstrated expertise in research, mixed-methods methodology, or adolescent development.
Such study shall—
examine the relationship between family military tradition and legacy, including generational service, parental attitudes toward service in the Armed Forces, and household military culture, and a student’s propensity to serve in the Armed Forces;
assess the relationship between academic environmental factors (including participation in JROTC, access to military-affiliated mentors and counselors, and type of school) and the propensity to serve;
evaluate the role of peer support programming in shaping plans after secondary school among military-connected students;
catalog factors that enhance or detract from the propensity to serve identified by military-connected students, their parents or guardians, and school personnel; and
aggregate findings by subgroup, including by grade level, gender, race, ethnicity, geographic region, and school type.
Study shall be conducted—
using mixed methods, including—
a quantitative survey administered to a nationally representative sample of not fewer than 1,500 military-connected students, using a purpose-built and validated instrument measuring the propensity to serve, family military legacy, JROTC participation, and school environment; and
semi-structured qualitative interviews with not fewer than 60 participants, including military-connected students, their parents or guardians, JROTC instructors, school counselors, school liaison officers, and program coordinators; and
in accordance with—
the Federal Policy for the Protection of Human Subjects (part 46 of title 45, Code of Federal Regulations including provisions applicable to research involving minors;
the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (Public Law 93–380; 20 U.S.C. 1232g); and
applicable guidance of the Department of Defense governing the conduct of research on human subjects.
Participation in the study shall be voluntary. A military-connected student who is under 18 years of age may not participate without the informed written consent of a parent or legal guardian.
Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives an interim report on such a study, including—
whether the Secretary has entered into an agreement under subsection (a);
whether such study has begun; and
any preliminary findings available at the time of the report.
Not later than two years after the Secretary enters into an agreement under subsection (a), the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a final report on the results of the study. Such a final report shall include—
a detailed description of the study methodology, sample characteristics, and data collection procedures;
the quantitative findings, including statistical analyses of the relationship between family military legacy, school environment, JROTC participation, peer-to-peer program participation, and the propensity to serve;
the qualitative findings, including key themes derived from interviews with military-connected students, their parents or guardians, and school personnel;
an integrated analysis of quantitative and qualitative findings;
findings disaggregated by grade level, gender, race, ethnicity, geographic region, and school type;
recommendations for the Secretary regarding military recruitment strategy, development of JROTC programs, and support services for military-connected students; and
recommendations to Congress regarding legislative action based on such findings.
The reports required under this subsection shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may include a classified annex if the Secretary determines such annex is necessary.
In this section:
The term military-connected student means a secondary school student—
enrolled in grade 11 or 12; and
who has at least one parent or guardian who is currently serving, or who previously served, in the Armed Forces.
The term propensity to serve means a student’s self-reported likelihood of joining the Armed Forces after graduation from secondary school.
The term JROTC means the Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps program authorized under chapter 102 of title 10, United States Code.
Section 347 of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
by redesignating subsection (d) as subsection (e); and
by inserting, after subsection (c), the following new subsection (d):
A person who is a foreign national of a covered nation may not receive instruction at or otherwise attend a Service Academy pursuant to this section.
In this subsection, the term covered nation has the meaning given such term in section 4872 of this title.
Chapter 102 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section:
The Secretary of Defense shall develop and implement a program to assist units of the Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps in providing participants opportunities in STEM fields.
The program required by subsection (a) shall include—
the provision of guidance and best practices for identifying, evaluating, formalizing, and managing partnerships with local educational agencies, community colleges and trade schools, institutions of higher education, private-sector entities (including non-profit organizations) with expertise in STEM field programming and career and technical education, the defense industrial base, and any other entities with capacity and capability to support learning and development in STEM fields;
the provision of templates for agreements to facilitate the establishment of such partnerships;
the establishment of a national directory of prospective partners for opportunities in STEM fields; and
the establishment of a directory of opportunities in STEM fields for participants in the Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps.
In carrying out this section, the Secretary of Defense shall continue and maintain any Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps STEM field program that existed before the enactment of this section if such program demonstrates satisfactory participation and learning outcomes.
In this section, the term STEM field means the fields of science, technology, engineering, or mathematics.
Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall provide to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate a briefing on the development, implementation, and initial outcomes of the program required by section 2037 of title 10, United States Code, as added by subsection (a).
Section 7442 of title 10 is amended, in subsection (a)(10), by striking Three and inserting Four.
Section 8454 of title 10, United States Code is amended, in subsection (a)(10), by striking Three and inserting Four.
Section 9442 of title 10, United States Code is amended, in subsection (a)(10), by striking Three and inserting Four.
Section 7448(b)(4) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking not more than five cadets, who obtain and inserting a cadet who obtains.
Section 8459(b)(4) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking not more than five midshipmen, who obtain and inserting a midshipman who obtains.
Section 9448(b)(4) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking not more than five cadets, who obtain and inserting a cadet who obtains.
Section 7451 of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
in the heading, by inserting failure of an examination; before effect;
in subsection (a), by striking studies and recommended and inserting studies, or who fails to pass a required examination, and is recommended;
by striking subsection (b); and
by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (b).
Section 9451 of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
in the heading, by inserting failure of an examination; before effect;
in subsection (a), by striking studies and recommended and inserting studies, or who fails to pass a required examination, and is recommended;
by striking subsection (b); and
by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (b).
The amendments made by this section shall apply to the first academic year beginning after the date of the enactment of this Act.
Chapter 753 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 7455 the following new section:
The Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Secretary of the Army, shall appoint a civilian employee of the Department of the Army to serve as the congressional communications official of the Board of Visitors under section 7455 of this title.
The congressional communications official shall communicate directly with a Member of Congress, congressional defense committee, or covered congressional employee regarding the activities of such Board of Visitors.
The Secretary of Defense may not require the congressional communications official to obtain approval, clearance, or review of a communication under paragraph (1) before submitting such communication to a Member of Congress, congressional defense committee, or covered congressional employee.
In this section:
The term covered congressional employee means an employee of a Member of Congress, or of a congressional defense committee, without regard to—
whether such employee serves on a full-time or part-time basis; or
where such employee so serves.
The term Member of Congress has the meaning given such term in section 1563 of this title.
Chapter 853 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 8468 the following new section:
The Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Secretary of the Navy, shall appoint a civilian employee of the Department of the Navy to serve as the congressional communications official of the Board of Visitors under section 7455 of this title.
The congressional communications official shall communicate directly with a Member of Congress, congressional defense committee, or covered congressional employee regarding the activities of such Board of Visitors.
The Secretary of Defense may not require the congressional communications official to obtain approval, clearance, or review of a communication under paragraph (1) before submitting such communication to a Member of Congress, congressional defense committee, or covered congressional employee.
In this section:
The term covered congressional employee means an employee of a Member of Congress, or of a congressional defense committee, without regard to—
whether such employee serves on a full-time or part-time basis; or
where such employee so serves.
The term Member of Congress has the meaning given such term in section 1563 of this title.
Chapter 953 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 9455 the following new section:
The Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Secretary of the Air Force, shall appoint a civilian employee of the Department of the Air Force to serve as the congressional communications official of the Board of Visitors under section 9455 of this title.
The congressional communications official shall communicate directly with a Member of Congress, congressional defense committee, or covered congressional employee regarding the activities of such Board of Visitors.
The Secretary of Defense may not require the congressional communications official to obtain approval, clearance, or review of a communication under paragraph (1) before submitting such communication to a Member of Congress, congressional defense committee, or covered congressional employee.
In this section:
The term covered congressional employee means an employee of a Member of Congress, or of a congressional defense committee, without regard to—
whether such employee serves on a full-time or part-time basis; or
where such employee so serves.
The term Member of Congress has the meaning given such term in section 1563 of this title.
Section 7461(e) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking 72 hours each place it appears and inserting five days.
Section 8480(e) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking 72 hours each place it appears and inserting five days.
Section 9461(e) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking 72 hours each place it appears and inserting five days.
Not later than July 1, 2027, the Secretary of Defense shall revise the Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps Standardized Instructor Pay Scale to increase the otherwise applicable minimum instructor pay for instructors located outside of the continental United States or in Alaska by the amount of the non-foreign area cost-of-living allowance rate pursuant to section 5941 of title 5, United States Code, or the post allowance rate pursuant to section 5924 of title 5, United States Code, as appropriate for the area in which the instructor is located and as would be applicable if the instructor were an employee eligible for such allowance.
Not later than April 1, 2027, the Secretary of Defense shall complete an analysis of the impact of the Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps Standardized Instructor Pay Scale on recruitment and retention of Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps instructors and submit to the congressional defense committees a report containing such analysis. Such report shall include—
the total number of authorized Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps instructor positions, disaggregated by Armed Force, as of—
January 31, 2027;
January 31, 2026; and
January 31, 2025;
the total number of such instructor positions, disaggregated by Armed Force, that were vacant as of each of the dates specified in paragraph (1);
a description of the efforts of the Department of Defense to fill such instructor positions; and
any recommendations of the Secretary to address issues identified in such analysis.
Not later than January 1, 2028, the Secretary of Defense shall establish a program using the authority provided under section 2103(b) of title 10, United States Code, to promote the participation of foreign students in the Senior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (in this section referred to as the Program).
The Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Director of the Defense Security Cooperation Agency, the Secretaries of the military departments, the commanders of the combatant commands, the participant institutions in the Senior Reserve Officers' Training Corps program, and any other individual the Secretary of Defense considers appropriate, shall be responsible for, and shall oversee, the Program.
The objective of the Program is to promote the readiness and interoperability of the United States Armed Forces and the military forces of partner countries by providing a high-quality, cost effective military-based educational experience for foreign students in furtherance of the military-to-military program objectives of the Department of Defense and to enhance the educational experience and preparation of future United States military leaders through increased, extended interaction with highly qualified potential foreign military leaders.
Under the Program, the Secretary of Defense shall—
identify to the military services’ Senior Reserve Officers' Training Corps program the foreign students who, based on criteria established by the Secretary, the Secretary recommends be considered for admission under the Program;
coordinate with partner countries to evaluate interest in and promote awareness of the Program;
establish a mechanism for tracking an alumni network of foreign students who participate in the Program; and
to the extent practicable, work with the participant institutions in the Senior Reserve Officers' Training Corps program and partner countries to identify academic institutions and programs that—
have specialized academic programs in areas of study of interest to participating countries; or
have high participation from or significant diaspora populations from participating countries.
Not later than September 30, 2027, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate and the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives a strategy for the implementation of the Program.
The strategy required by paragraph (1) shall include the following elements:
A governance structure for the Program, including—
the officials tasked to oversee the Program;
the format of the governing body of the Program;
the functions and duties of such governing body with respect to establishing and maintaining the Program; and
mechanisms for coordinating with partner countries whose students are selected to participate in the Program.
A list of additional authorities, appropriations, or other congressional support necessary to ensure the success of the Program.
A description of targeted partner countries and participant institutions in the Senior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps for the first three fiscal years of the Program, including a rationale for selecting such initial partners.
A description of opportunities and potential timelines for future Program expansion, as appropriate.
A description of the mechanism for tracking the alumni network of participants of the Program.
Any other information the Secretary of Defense considers appropriate.
Not later than September 20, 2028, and annually thereafter, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees (as that term is defined in section 101 of title 10, United States Code) a report on the Program.
Each report required by paragraph (1) shall include the following elements:
A narrative summary of activities conducted as part of the Program during the preceding fiscal year.
An overview of participant Senior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps programs, individuals, and countries, to include a description of the areas of study entered into by the students participating in the Program.
A description of opportunities and potential timelines for future Program expansion, as appropriate.
Any other information the Secretary of Defense considers appropriate.
The Secretary of Defense may not use the authority provided under this section to pay for tuition or room and board for foreign students who participate in the Program.
The Program shall terminate on December 31, 2032.
The Secretary of Defense shall establish within the Department of Defense a panel to be known as the Military Service Academy Panel on Athletics (referred to in this section as the Panel).
The Panel shall conduct a comprehensive review and analysis of the effects of the following on athletics at the Service Academies:
Rules of the NCAA regarding the compensation of a collegiate athlete for use of the name, image, and likeness of such athlete.
The transfer portal of the NCAA.
Not later than December 31, 2027, the Panel shall submit to the congressional defense committees a written report regarding the review under subsection (b).
The report shall include the following elements:
The evaluation of the Panel of the effects described in subsection (b) on the recruitment, retention, and military readiness of cadets and midshipmen at the Service Academies who are collegiate athletes.
The legal and ethical implications identified by the Panel, including with regards to the Uniform Code of Military Justice and regulations of the Department, of receipt of compensation described in subsection (b) by a member of a covered Armed Force on active duty or a cadet or midshipman subject to a commissioned service obligation.
The effect of the transfer portal on the rosters and cohesion of athletic teams at the Service Academies, given the unique attrition challenges faced by the Service Academies.
The Secretary shall publish the report on a publicly accessible website of the Department. The report—
shall be in unclassified form; and
may not contain any personally identifiable information of a cadet, midshipman, or member of a covered Armed Force.
The Panel shall terminate upon submission of the report under subsection (c).
In this section:
The term commissioned service obligation has the meaning given such term in section 7448, 8459, or 9448 of title 10, United States Code, as applicable.
The term covered Armed Force means the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, or Space Force.
The term NCAA means the National Collegiate Athletic Association.
The term Service Academy has the meaning given such term in section 347 of title 10, United States Code.
The Secretary of the Air Force may not perform a covered action regarding the 70th Flying Training Squadron of the USAFA until the earlier of the following:
October 1, 2031.
The day that is 90 days after the day that the Secretary submits, to the congressional defense committees and the Board of Visitors to USAFA, a report described in subsection (b).
A report described in this subsection is a report on covered action regarding the 70th Flying Training Squadron of USAFA. Such a report includes the following elements:
An assessment of the effect of such covered action on the capacity to train cadets at USAFA, including the number of cadets so affected annually.
A plan to maintain capacity described in paragraph (1) provided by the 70th Flying Training Squadron, including the retention of advanced mission sets, simulator training, and evaluator pilot functions.
An analysis of alternatives to such covered action, including the reallocation of chronically vacant billets within Air Force Reserve Command.
An assessment of the cost differential between continued operation of the 70th Flying Training Squadron and replacement of its functions by active-duty personnel.
A plan to preserve the institutional knowledge and instructional capacity currently provided by aviators assigned to the 70th Flying Training Squadron.
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees a plan to sustain the 70th Flying Training Squadron until the earlier day under subsection (a).
In this section:
The term covered action includes eliminating, deactivating, defunding, reducing the number of personnel, and reducing the number of aircraft.
The term USAFA means the United States Air Force Academy.
Section 2113 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
The Secretary shall establish at the University a doctor of psychology program and a master of social work program.
A doctor of philosophy in clinical psychology shall not be considered to satisfy the requirement of paragraph (1).
The Secretary shall establish the programs required by subsection (h) of section 2113 of title 10, United States Code, as added by subsection (a), not later than five years after the date of the enactment of this Act.
Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report on the programs required by subsection (h) of section 2113 of title 10, United States Code, as added by subsection (a), including—
the estimated date of matriculation for the first class of students for each such program;
the estimated graduation date for the first class from each such program;
the expected class size of each such program during the 10-year period following the submission of the report;
the estimated number of faculty needed to operate each such program during the 10-year period following the submission of the report;
an estimate of facilities needs for each such program; and
the estimated cost to establish and operate each such program during the 10-year period following the submission of the report, categorized by—
personnel;
facilities; and
other costs, as determined by the Secretary.
Section 2127 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new subsections:
The Secretary of Defense shall consider an accredited civilian educational institution eligible for a payment, contract, or determination under this section unless the Secretary determines that the accreditation of such institution is under review for potential adverse action.
The Secretary of Defense may cease payments described in paragraph (2) only if—
the Secretary makes a determination described in subsection (f); or
the member of the program is dropped from the program as described in subsection (c) of section 2123 of this title.
Payments described in this paragraph are payments—
under this section;
to an accredited civilian educational institution;
for educational expenses of a member of the program; and
incurred in the course of study of such member of the program.
Section 2165(b) of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
by redesignating paragraph (7) as paragraph (8); and
by inserting after paragraph (6) the following new paragraph:
The National Intelligence College.
Chapter 108 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section:
Pursuant to regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Defense, the Commandant of the Defense Information School may confer upon a student of the Defense Information School an associate of arts degree in communications.
A degree may be conferred upon a student under this section only after the Provost of the Defense Information School certifies to the Commandant that the student has satisfied all the requirements prescribed for the degree.
Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, subject to termination under paragraph (3), the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report regarding the implementation of section 2169a of such title, as added by subsection (a).
A report under this subsection shall include the plan and timeline of the Secretary to carry out such implementation.
The report under this subsection shall terminate on the day that the Commandant of the Defense Information School first confers a degree under such section.
Section 8545 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking subsection (d).
Section 806(a)(1)(B) of title 10, United States Code (article 6(a)(1)(B) of the Uniform Code of Military Justice), is amended by striking license status that provides current eligibility to actively practice law before such court and inserting license status, in good standing, that provides eligibility to practice law.
Section 824a(c) of title 10, United States Code (article 24a(c) of the Uniform Code of Military Justice), is amended—
in paragraph (3)—
in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking paragraph (5) and inserting paragraphs (4) and (6); and
in subparagraph (C), by inserting or pretrial agreement after plea agreement;
by redesignating paragraphs (4) and (5) as paragraphs (5) and (6), respectively; and
by inserting after paragraph (3) the following new paragraph:
If a special trial counsel exercises authority pursuant to subsection (d) over an offense that occurred before January 1, 2019, the special trial counsel may enter into a pretrial agreement with the accused in accordance with regulations prescribed by the President. Upon acceptance of such an agreement by the military judge of a general or special court-martial, the agreement shall bind the parties and the convening authority.
Section 857(c) of title 10, United States Code (article 57(c) of the Uniform Code of Military Justice), is amended—
by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (3);
in paragraph (1)(B), by striking Appeals and— and all that follows and inserting Appeals and the review and time requirements described in paragraph (2) are satisfied.; and
by inserting after paragraph (1) the following new paragraph:
The review and time requirements referred to in paragraph (1)(B) are satisfied if any of the following applies:
The time for the accused to file a petition for review by the Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces has expired and the accused has not filed a petition for such review in a timely manner and the case is not otherwise under review by that Court.
A petition for review by the Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces is withdrawn by the accused.
In the case of a petition for review by the Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces that has been timely filed and not withdrawn, the petition—
is denied or otherwise rejected by the Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces; or
the review requested by the petition is completed in accordance with the judgment of the Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces; and
with respect to subsequent review by the Supreme Court—
a petition for a writ of certiorari as provided in section 1259 of title 28 is not filed within the time limits prescribed by the Supreme Court;
such a petition for a writ of certiorari is rejected by the Supreme Court;
such a petition for a writ of certiorari is withdrawn by the petitioner; or
review is otherwise completed in accordance with the judgment of the Supreme Court.
Section 865(d) of title 10, United States Code (article 65(d) of the Uniform Code of Military Justice), is amended—
by striking paragraph (2);
by redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph (2); and
in paragraph (2), as so redesignated—
in subparagraph (A)(ii), by striking subparagraph (A), (B), or (C) and inserting subparagraph (A) or (B); and
in subparagraph (B), by striking conclusions and all that follows and inserting
a conclusion on each of the following matters:
Whether the court had jurisdiction over the accused and the offense.
Whether the charge and specification stated an offense.
Whether the sentence was within the limits prescribed as a matter of law.
Section 869(c)(2) of title 10, United States Code (article 69(c)(2) of the Uniform Code of Military Justice), is amended by striking section 865(b) of this title (article 65(b)) and inserting section 865(d) of this title (article 65(d)).
Section 866 of title 10, United States Code (article 66 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice), is amended in subsection (d)(1)(B)—
in clause (i)—
by striking (i);
by striking may consider and inserting may not consider; and
by striking upon request of the accused if the accused makes a specific showing of a deficiency in proof; and
by striking clauses (ii) and (iii).
Section 866(e)(1) of title 10, United States Code (article 66(e)(1) of the Uniform Code of Military Justice), is amended—
by amending subparagraph (B) to read as follows:
whether the portion of the sentence extending to confinement is inappropriately severe, except that in the case of an offense for which the President has established a sentencing parameter for such portion pursuant to section 539E(e) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022, the Court may not consider such portion inappropriately severe if such portion is at or below the upper range of such sentencing parameter;
in subparagraph (C), by striking the sentence and inserting the portion of the sentence extending to confinement.
Section 867 of title 10, United States Code (article 67 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice), is amended—
by redesignating subsections (c) through (e) as subsections (d) through (f), respectively; and
by inserting after subsection (b) the following new subsection:
The Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces may review all decisions taken by a Court of Criminal Appeals pursuant to a petition filed by a victim of an offense under this chapter under section 806b(e) of this title (article 6b(e)) and on good cause shown.
The victim of an offense under this chapter may petition the Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces for review pursuant to paragraph (1) not later than 60 days after the earlier of—
the date on which the victim is notified of the decision of the Court of Criminal Appeals on a petition pursuant to section 806b(e) of this title (article 6b(e)); or
the date on which a copy of the decision of the Court of Criminal Appeals, after being served on counsel for the victim (if the victim has counsel), is deposited into the United States mails for delivery by first-class certified mail to the victim at an address provided by the victim or at the latest address listed for the victim in the record of any proceedings held pursuant to section 830a or 832 of this title (article 30a or 32) or during trial.
Review of any decision of a Court of Criminal Appeals on a petition for writ of mandamus described in section 806b(e) of this title (article 6b(e)) shall have priority in the Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces, as determined under the rules of the Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces.
Section 806b(e)(3) of title 10, United States Code (article 6b(e)(3) of the Uniform Code of Military Justice), is amended by striking subparagraph (C).
Section 917a of title 10, United States Code (article 117a of the Uniform Code of Military Justice) is amended to read as follows:
Any person subject to this chapter who—
knowingly and wrongfully broadcasts, distributes, or publishes a covered image involving a person who—
is at least 18 years of age at the time the image was created;
is identifiable from the image, or from information displayed or provided in connection with the image;
did not consent to the broadcast, distribution, or publication of the image; and
did not, in a public or commercial setting, voluntarily—
display the private area depicted in the image; or
engage in the sexually explicit conduct depicted in the image;
knowingly and wrongfully broadcasts, distributes, or publishes an authentic covered image and knows or reasonably should have known that the image was made under circumstances in which the identifiable individual in the image retained a reasonable expectation of privacy regarding any broadcast, distribution, or publication of the image; or
knowingly and wrongfully broadcasts, distributes, or publishes a covered image and knows or reasonably should have known that the broadcast, distribution, or publication of the covered image is likely—
to cause harm, harassment, intimidation, emotional distress, or financial loss for the identifiable individual in the image; or
to harm substantially the identifiable individual with respect to that person’s health, safety, business, calling, career, financial conduction, reputation, or personal relationships,
In this section (article):
The term authentic, when used with respect to an image, means a visual image of an identifiable individual that accurately represents the individual, and has not been created, altered, manipulated, or generated through the use of machine learning or artificial intelligence in a manner that would cause a reasonable person to perceive the authentic visual image as anything other than a genuine, unmodified, or not digitally forged visual image.
The term broadcast means to electronically transmit a visual image with the intent that it be viewed by a person.
The term covered image means an authentic or digitally forged visual image of—
the private area of a person; or
sexually explicit conduct involving a person.
The term digitally forged, when used with respect to an image, means any visual image of an identifiable individual created through the use of software, machine learning, artificial intelligence, or any other computer-generated or technological means, including by adapting, modifying, manipulating, or altering an authentic visual image, that, when viewed as a whole by a reasonable person, is indistinguishable from an authentic visual image of the individual and does not accurately reflect the original source or reality.
The term distribute means to deliver to the actual or constructive possession of another person, including transmission by mail or electronic means.
The term identifiable individual means an individual whose face, likeness, other distinguishing characteristic (including a unique birthmark or other recognizable feature), or other personally identifiable information is displayed in connection with a covered image.
The term private area means the naked or underwear-clad genitalia, anus, buttocks, or female areola or nipple.
The term publish means to display, exhibit, present, or otherwise make a covered image available for viewing by another person in any medium without regard to whether such image is—
directly shown to another person; or
broadcast or distributed.
The term reasonable expectation of privacy means circumstances in which a reasonable person would believe that a private area of the person, or sexually explicit conduct involving the person, would not be visible to the public.
The term sexually explicit conduct means actual or simulated—
genital-genital contact, oral-genital contact, anal-genital contact, oral-anal contact, or the transfer of bodily sexual fluids on to any part of the body of an identifiable individual, whether between persons of the same or opposite sex;
bestiality;
masturbation; or
sadistic or masochistic abuse.
The term visual image means—
any developed or undeveloped photograph, picture, film, or video;
any digital or computer image, picture, film, or video made by any means, including those transmitted by any means, even if not stored in a permanent format;
any digital or electronic data capable of conversion into a visual image; or
any visual image that is digitally forged.
Section 920b(a) of title 10, United States Code (article 120b(a) of the Uniform Code of Military Justice), is amended by inserting by death, or such other punishment after shall be punished.
Subchapter X of chapter 47 of title 10, United States Code (the Uniform Code of Military Justice), is amended by inserting after section 932 (article 132) the following new section (article):
Any person subject to this chapter who, with the intent to retaliate against any person for reporting or planning to report sexual harassment or with the intent to discourage any person from reporting sexual harassment—
wrongfully takes or threatens to take an adverse personnel action against any person; or
wrongfully withholds or threatens to withhold a favorable personnel action with respect to any person;
In this section, the term sexual harassment has the meaning given that term in section 1561 of this title.
The heading of section 932 of title 10, United States Code (article 132 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice) is amended by striking Retaliation and inserting Retaliation generally.
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall revise Department of Defense Instruction 1325.07, or any successor instruction, to provide that an individual serving a sentence of confinement imposed pursuant to a conviction by a general or special court-martial for an offense described in subsection (b) is ineligible for any reduction in the term of confinement based on good-conduct time.
An individual is ineligible for any reduction in the term of confinement based on good-conduct time as described in subsection (a) if the individual is serving a sentence for a conviction under—
section 920 of title 10, United States Code (article 120 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice), relating to rape and sexual assault;
section 920b of title 10, United States Code (article 120b of the Uniform Code of Military Justice), relating to rape and sexual assault of a child;
section 920c of title 10, United States Code (article 120c of the Uniform Code of Military Justice), relating to abusive sexual contact;
section 918 of title 10, United States Code (article 118 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice), relating to murder, if the offense was committed in the course of conduct involving a sexual act or sexual contact as defined in section 920 of that title (article 120);
section 919 of title 10, United States Code (article 119 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice), relating to manslaughter, if the offense was committed in the course of conduct involving a sexual act or sexual contact as defined in section 920 of that title (article 120);
section 925 of title 10, United States Code (article 125 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice), relating to kidnapping, if the victim was a minor;
section 928 of title 10, United States Code (article 128 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice), relating to assault, if the offense involved a sexual act or sexual contact as defined in section 920 of that title (article 120);
section 930 of title 10, United States Code (article 130 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice), relating to stalking, if the offense involved a sexual motive or the victim was a minor;
section 934 of title 10, United States Code (article 134 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice), relating to indecent conduct or indecent acts with another person;
section 934 of title 10, United States Code (article 134 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice), relating to the possession, distribution, or production of child pornography;
section 880 of title 10, United States Code (article 80 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice), relating to attempts, if the offense attempted is an offense described in paragraphs (1) through (10) of this subsection; or
section 881 of title 10, United States Code (article 81 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice), relating to conspiracy, if the offense that is the object of the conspiracy is an offense described in paragraphs (1) through (10) of this subsection.
The revision required by subsection (a) shall apply to sentences imposed after the date on which the revision takes effect. Nothing in this section shall be construed to affect a sentence imposed before the effective date of such revision.
Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit the rights of a victim under section 806b of title 10, United States Code (article 6b of the Uniform Code of Military Justice). The Secretary of the military department concerned shall ensure that a victim retains the right to be reasonably heard at any clemency proceeding conducted outside the standard annual review cycle with respect to an individual described in subsection (a).
Not later than 30 days after completing the revision required by subsection (a), the Secretary of Defense shall certify to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives that Department of Defense Instruction 1325.07 has been revised in accordance with this section.
The Secretary of Defense may not implement a recommendation of the Special Review Panel until a period of 180 days has elapsed following the date on which the Secretary submits to the congressional defense committees all documentation required under subsection (b).
The Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees all recommendations and analysis delivered by the Special Review Panel to the Secretary of Defense.
Any documentation described in paragraph (1) that was delivered to the Secretary of Defense before the date of the enactment of this Act, shall be submitted to the congressional defense committees not later than 30 days after such date of enactment.
Any documentation described in paragraph (1) that is delivered to the Secretary of Defense on or after the date of the enactment of this Act, shall be submitted to the congressional defense committees not later than five days after the date of delivery to the Secretary.
In this section, the term Special Review Panel means the Special Review Panel established pursuant to the memorandum of the Secretary of Defense dated May 8, 2026, titled Departmental Review of the Military Legal System and Its Impact on Service Members.
The Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Joint Service Committee on Military Justice, shall analyze the feasibility and advisability of, and develop recommendations with respect to, modifying chapter 47 of title 10, United States Code (the Uniform Code of Military Justice), to establish a separate punitive article on hazing. As part of such analysis, the Secretary shall develop a proposed definition of the term hazing for purposes of such article.
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report on the results of the analysis under subsection (a).
Section 1044e of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
in the section heading, by inserting domestic violence and before sex-related offenses;
by inserting domestic violence or before sex-related offense each place it appears;
in subsection (b)(3), by striking domestic abuse advocate and inserting domestic abuse victim advocate;
in subsection (f)(1), by inserting domestic abuse victim advocate, after healthcare provider,; and
in subsection (h)—
in the subsection heading, by inserting domestic violence or before sex-related offense; and
in paragraph (1), by striking or 930 of this title (article 120, 120b, 120c, and inserting 928b, or 930 of this title (article 120, 120b, 120c, 128b,.
The amendments made by subsection (a) shall take effect two years after the date of the enactment of this Act.
Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall provide to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a briefing on the implementation of policies and procedures to carry out the changes required pursuant to subsection (a).
Chapter 80 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section.
The Secretary of Defense shall prescribe policies for the Department of Defense that establish minimum standards with respect to reporting the discovery that a member of the armed forces is missing. Such policies shall include—
standards for the categorization of absences of members of the armed forces;
a requirement that the appropriate military criminal investigative organization be notified not later than three hours after a member of the armed forces is discovered to be missing; and
a requirement that the primary next of kin of the member (as defined in section 1513 of this title) be notified not later than eight hours after a member of the armed forces is discovered to be missing.
The Secretary of Defense shall prescribe policies required by section 1568 of title 10, United States Code, as added by subsection (a) of this section, not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act.
Chapter 871 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section:
The Naval Criminal Investigative Service shall be the entity within the Department of the Navy with the sole and exclusive authority to conduct investigations of alleged sexual harassment by members of the Navy or Marine Corps.
In this section, the term sexual harassment means conduct that constitutes the offense of sexual harassment as punishable under section 934 of this title (article 134 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice) pursuant to the regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Defense for purposes of such section (article).
The Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Secretaries of the military departments, shall establish a data sharing arrangement pursuant to which each Armed Force shall be required to collect and make available to the other Armed Forces data concerning substantiated allegations of sexual misconduct by members of that Armed Force.
Not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall—
modify the policies, procedures, and forms necessary to permit individuals who are members of the Armed Forces, adult dependents of such members, or employees of the Department of Defense to participate in the Catch a Serial Offender Program of the Department of Defense if the individual submits a confidential complaint or report of sexual harassment or an unrestricted report or informal complaint of sexual harassment without disclosing the name of the subject to a military criminal investigative organization; and
such individuals are notified of whether such individuals may participate in the Catch A Serial Offender Program when submitting a confidential complaint or report of sexual harassment or an unrestricted report or informal complaint of sexual harassment.
The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that individuals who submitted a confidential complaint or report of sexual harassment or an unrestricted report or informal complaint of sexual harassment before the effective date of the modifications to policies, procedures, and forms in accordance with subsection (a)(1)—
are eligibility to participate in the Catch a Serial Offender Program in the same manner and under the same conditions as an individual who submits such a complaint or report after such effective date; and
are notified of such eligibility.
The Secretary of Defense shall establish and implement a policy under which unit level commanders in the covered Armed Forces, in response to domestic violence reports or complaints, shall be required to—
move alleged offenders into military housing separate from the victim; and
maintain emergent housing entitlements to basic allowance for housing or military housing units in support of domestic violence victims for up to one year.
Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall amend the Military Protective Order form, DD Form 2873, to incorporate the changes implemented pursuant to this section.
In this section, the term covered Armed Forces means the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Space Force.
Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating when not operating as a service in the Navy with respect the Coast Guard, shall establish standardized policies and processes to ensure the timely review, documentation, and resolution of requests for military protective orders submitted to commanding officers of the Armed Forces.
The purposes of this section are—
to ensure prompt, consistent, and transparent decision making regarding requests for military protective orders;
to enhance the safety of individuals affected by such orders; and
to improve accountability in command actions related to such orders.
In establishing the policies and processes under subsection (a), the Secretary of Defense shall—
require that any commanding officer of the Armed Forces who receives a request for a military protective order from an individual who is eligible to request such order—
make a determination as to whether to issue such order not later than three calendar days after receipt of the request, unless the officer certifies to the Secretary that extraordinary circumstances prevent the officer from meeting that deadline;
before making such determination, seek counsel and legal review from a Staff Judge Advocate or other qualified judge advocate to inform the decision-making process; and
in the event the commander denies the request for a military protective order, provide written notification of such denial to the individual who requested the order not later than two calendar days after making the denial decision;
update Department of Defense Form 2873 (or any successor form) to reflect enhanced documentation requirements for approved and denied military protective order requests; and
require that such form be completed, maintained, and retained in accordance with applicable records management and privacy policies of the Department of Defense.
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees, and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate with respect to the Coast Guard, a report that includes—
a summary of the standardized policies and processes established under subsection (a);
a plan for the implementation of such policies and processes; and
a description of—
any revisions to Department of Defense Form 2873 and other changes to documentation procedures made as result of such policies and process; and
measures that will be implemented to ensure compliance with decision-making timelines and legal guidance requirements specified in subsection (c).
Not later than two years after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter for seven years, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees, and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate with respect to the Coast Guard, a report that includes, with respect to the year preceding the date of the report—
the number of military protective order requests received by commanding officers of the Armed Forces;
the number of military protective order requests that were approved and denied;
the average processing times for such approvals and denials; and
a description of any barriers to the timely review, documentation, and resolution of requests for military protective orders.
The Secretary of Defense shall establish and maintain within the Department of Defense an advisory committee to be known as the Defense Advisory Committee for the Prevention of Sexual Misconduct (in this section referred to as the Advisory Committee).
The Secretary of Defense shall establish the Advisory Committee not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act.
The Advisory Committee shall consist of not more than 20 members, appointed by the Secretary of Defense from among individuals who have an expertise appropriate for the work of the Advisory Committee, including at least one individual with each expertise as follows:
Expertise in the prevention of sexual assault and behaviors on the sexual assault continuum of harm.
Expertise in adverse behaviors, including the prevention of suicide and the prevention of substance abuse.
Expertise in the change of culture of large organizations.
Expertise in implementation science.
Individuals appointed to the Advisory Committee may include individuals with expertise in sexual assault prevention efforts of institutions of higher education, public health officials, and such other individuals as the Secretary of Defense considers appropriate.
A member of the Armed Forces serving on active duty may not serve as a member of the Advisory Committee.
The Advisory Committee shall advise the Secretary of Defense on the following:
The prevention of sexual assault (including rape, forcible sodomy, other sexual assault, and other sexual misconduct (including behaviors on the sexual assault continuum of harm)) involving members of the Armed Forces.
The policies, programs, and practices of each military department, each Armed Force, and each military service academy for the prevention of sexual assault as described in subparagraph (A).
For purposes of providing advice to the Secretary of Defense pursuant to this subsection, the Advisory Committee shall review, on an ongoing basis, the following:
Closed cases involving allegations of sexual assault described in paragraph (1).
Efforts of institutions of higher education to prevent sexual assault among students.
Any other information or matters that the Advisory Committee or the Secretary considers appropriate.
In addition to the reviews required by paragraph (2), for purposes of providing advice to the Secretary of Defense the Advisory Committee shall also consult and coordinate with the Defense Advisory Committee on Investigation, Prosecution, and Defense of Sexual Assault in the Armed Forces on matters of joint interest to the two Advisory Committees.
Not later than March 30 each year, the Advisory Committee shall submit to the Secretary of Defense and the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report on the activities of the Advisory Committee pursuant to this section during the preceding year.
In this section, the term sexual assault continuum of harm includes—
inappropriate actions (such as sexist jokes), sexual harassment, gender discrimination, hazing, cyber bullying, or other behavior that contributes to a culture that is tolerant of, or increases risk for, sexual assault; and
maltreatment or ostracism of a victim for a report of sexual misconduct.
Except as provided in paragraph (2), the Advisory Committee shall terminate on the date that is five years after the date of the establishment of the Advisory Committee pursuant to subsection (a).
The Secretary of Defense may continue the Advisory Committee after the termination date applicable under paragraph (1) if the Secretary determines that continuation of the Advisory Committee after that date is advisable and appropriate. If the Secretary determines to continue the Advisory Committee after that date, the Secretary shall notify the Committees on the Armed Services of the Senate and House of Representatives.
Section 550B of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 (Public Law 116–92; 10 U.S.C. 1561 note) is repealed.
Beginning not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Commanding General of the Army Corrections Command, shall carry out a pilot program (referred to in this section as the Pilot Program) to evaluate the use of advanced monitoring and rehabilitative technologies in Army correctional facilities to improve safety, accountability, rehabilitation outcomes, and operational efficiency.
The Secretary of the Army shall select one or more correctional facilities of the Army in which to implement the Pilot Program.
In carrying out the Pilot Program, the Secretary of the Army shall—
ensure that personnel participating in the Program receive appropriate training;
establish safeguards to protect privacy and civil liberties; and
develop performance metrics to measure the effectiveness of the technologies evaluated under the Program in reducing misconduct, improving compliance, enhancing rehabilitation outcomes, and supporting reintegration efforts.
Not later than one year after the date on which of the Pilot Program commences, the Secretary of the Army shall submit to the congressional defense committees a initial report on the progress of the Program.
Not later than 30 days after the date on which the Pilot Program terminates under subsection (e), the Secretary of the Army shall submit to the congressional defense committees a final report on the Program.
Each of the reports under paragraphs (1) and (2) shall include—
an evaluation of the costs of the Program as of the date of the report, including the costs of the technologies evaluated under the Program;
any measurable outcomes achieved by the program as of such date;
recommendations as to whether any technologies evaluated under the Program are suitable for implementation across the Army Corrections Command; and
such other information as the Secretary of the Army determines appropriate.
The authority to carry out the Pilot Program shall terminate five years after the date of the enactment of this Act.
In this section, the term advanced monitoring and rehabilitative technologies means emerging technologies appropriate for correctional environments such as secure digital platforms, biometric identification systems, data analytics, or other such technologies.
Congress makes the following findings:
The United States Armed Forces is the largest, all-volunteer military force in the world, yet less than one percent of the American population serves in the Armed Forces.
Each branch of the Armed Forces (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Space Force, and Coast Guard) instills in its members a sense of duty and obligation to the United States, their branch of service, and their comrades-in-arms.
The Department of Veterans Affairs estimates that approximately 20 veterans of the Armed Forces commit suicide each day, and a veteran’s risk of suicide is 21 percent higher than an adult who has not served in the Armed Forces.
The Department of Veterans Affairs is aggressively undertaking measures to prevent these tragic outcomes, yet suicide rates among veterans remain unacceptably high.
Upon enlistment or appointment in the Armed Forces, a new member is obligated to take an oath of office or oath of enlistment.
Most members of the Armed Forces view this oath not as an imposition, but as a promise that they are bound to fulfill.
Section 502 of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
in subsection (b), by striking The oath and inserting An oath established by this section;
by redesignating subsection (b), as amended, as subsection (c); and
by inserting after subsection (a) the following new subsection (b):
Prior to retirement or other separation from the armed forces, other than separation pursuant to the sentence of a court-martial, a member of an armed force may take the following oath:
I, __________, recognizing that my oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic, has involved me and my fellow members in experiences that few persons, other than our peers, can understand, do solemnly swear (or affirm) to continue to be the keeper of my brothers- and sisters-in-arms and protector of the United States and the Constitution; to preserve the values I have learned; to maintain my body and my mind; to give help to, and seek help from, my fellow veterans; and to not bring harm to myself or others. I take this oath freely and without purpose of evasion, so help me God.
The heading of section 502 of title 10, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:
The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 31 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking the item relating to section 502 and inserting the following new item:
Chapter 58 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section:
The Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness shall designate a senior official of the Department of Defense to oversee policy and programs related to the transition of members of the armed forces from active duty to civilian life or reserve components.
The official designated under paragraph (1) shall be designated from among individuals with extensive experience with veterans services and knowledge of the transition from active duty to civilian life and reserve components..
Subject to paragraph (2), the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness shall prescribe the roles, responsibilities, and authorities of the official designated under subsection (a).
The roles, responsibilities, and authorities prescribed under paragraph (1) shall include, with respect to the transition of members of the armed forces from active duty to civilian life and reserve components and the families of such members experiencing such transition—
serving as the principal advisor to the Secretary of Defense, the Deputy Secretary of Defense, and the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness on policies, operations, and programs and activities relating to the transition of members;
assisting the Secretary of Defense, the Deputy Secretary of Defense, and the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness with policies, operations, and programs and activities relating to the transition of members;
working, in consultation with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, the Secretary of Labor, and the Secretary of Education, to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of all activities relating to the transition of members;
serving as the chief transition officer of the Department of Defense, with the mission of coordinating and overseeing the effectiveness of transition programs of the Department of Defense and ensuring all members of the armed forces are well equipped for civilian life or the reserve components, as the case may be;
overseeing the implementation of transition programs in the Department of Defense;
conducting a review and assessment of all transition programs and services offered by the Department of Defense, including the programs under this chapter, and proposing legislative or administrative action—
to improve the efficacy and efficiency of the programs; and
to ensure compliance with all legal requirements related to transition assistance; and
working with Federal agencies, State and local governments, and nongovernmental organizations to improve the delivery of transition support services to members and families of members.
The Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness shall designate a senior official under section 1156(a) of title 10, United States Code, as added by subsection (a) of this section, not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act.
Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall provide a briefing to the congressional defense committees on—
the status of the designation of the official under subsection (a); and
the implementation of the roles, responsibilities, and authorities of the official under subsection (b).
The Secretary of Defense may carry out a pilot program to refer covered members for employment as teachers in elementary and secondary schools that elect to participate in the pilot program.
Under such a pilot program, the Secretary shall give priority to participating schools that need teachers of subjects in greater demand, including special education and STEM.
Under such a pilot program, the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees an annual report regarding such a pilot program. Elements of such a report include the following:
The number of covered members who apply for the pilot program, disaggregated by covered Armed Force and rank.
The number of covered members who obtain such employment under the pilot program, disaggregated by covered Armed Force and rank.
The locations of participating schools.
The percentages of participating covered members who teach in subjects described in subsection (b).
The number and percentages of participating covered members who—
obtain required teaching credentials by expedited means; or
receive exemptions from such requirements.
The results of a satisfaction survey of participating schools.
A summary of interviews with participating covered members who obtain such employment, including such covered members who do not complete an academic year of such employment.
This section shall cease to have any effect on the day that is five years after the date of the enactment of this Act.
In this section:
The term covered member means a member—
separating from a covered Armed Force; and
who wishes to obtain employment as a teacher in an elementary or secondary school.
The term appropriate congressional committee means—
the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives;
the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate;
the Committee on Education and Workforce of the House of Representatives; or
the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate.
The term covered Armed Force means the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, or Space Force.
The term STEM means science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
The Secretary of Defense shall conduct a study on covered individuals and the transfer of education benefits by covered individuals to covered dependents.
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate a report containing the results of the study required by subsection (a). Such report shall include—
the number of covered individuals;
the number of covered individuals who initiated a transfer of education benefits to a dependent in accordance with section 3319 of title 38, United States Code, before separation;
the number of covered individuals who initiated such a transfer and did not complete the years of service in the Armed Forces necessary for such dependent to commence use of such education benefits in accordance with such section before separation;
the number of members of the Armed Forces who were denied a religious exemption from the mandate to receive the COVID-19 vaccine during the period beginning on August 24, 2021, and ending on January 10, 2023;
the number of covered individuals who were denied such a religious exemption;
the number of covered individuals who returned to service in accordance with the terms of Executive Order 14184 (relating to reinstating service members discharged under the military's COVID–19 vaccination mandate);
the number of covered individuals who returned to service in accordance with the terms of Executive Order 14184 (relating to reinstating service members discharged under the military's COVID–19 vaccination mandate) who initiated a transfer of education benefits to a dependent in accordance with section 3319 of title 38, United States Code, before separation and return to service;
the number of covered individuals who returned to service in accordance with the terms of Executive Order 14184 (relating to reinstating service members discharged under the military's COVID–19 vaccination mandate) who initiated a transfer of education benefits to a dependent in accordance with section 3319 of title 38, United States Code, before separation and return to service and completed the years of service in the Armed Forces necessary for such dependent to commence use of such education benefits;
the number of covered dependents;
an analysis of the budgetary impact of allowing each covered dependent to commence use of education benefits that were transferred to such covered dependent in accordance with section 3319 of title 38, United States Code, without regard to whether the covered individual who transferred such education benefits to such covered dependent completed the years of service in the Armed Forces necessary for such covered dependent to commence such use; and
any recommendations of the Secretary to address the separation of covered individuals and to ensure covered individuals receive appropriate benefits as veterans of the Armed Forces.
The Secretary of Defense shall disaggregate the elements of the report required by paragraph (1) that are described in subparagraphs (A) through (J) of such paragraph by—
Armed Force in which the covered individual served;
whether the covered individual served in an active component or a reserve component;
the grade of the covered individual;
the years of service in the Armed Forces of the covered individual at the time of separation; and
the characterization of the discharge of the covered individual.
Not later than 60 days after the Secretary of Defense submits the report required by subsection (b), the Secretary shall make such report publicly available on the website of the Department of Defense.
In this section:
The term covered dependent means a dependent of an individual who—
is a covered individual;
initiated a transfer of education benefits to such dependent in accordance with section 3319 of title 38, United States Code; and
did not complete the years of service in the Armed Forces necessary for such dependent to commence use of such benefits in accordance with such section.
The term covered individual means an individual who, during the period beginning on August 24, 2021, and ending on January 10, 2023, was involuntarily or voluntarily separated from an Armed Force solely on the basis of the refusal of such individual to receive a vaccination against COVID–19.
Section 1781(d)(4) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking three years after the date of the enactment of this subsection and inserting December 22, 2029.
Section 1798 of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
by redesignating subsections (c) and (d) as subsection (d) and (e), respectively; and
by inserting after subsection (b) the following new subsection:
The Secretary of Defense may establish a pilot program to provide grants to eligible providers seeking to expand the capacity of such providers to provide care for infants and toddlers.
A grant awarded under the pilot program established under paragraph (1) shall—
be in an amount determined by the Secretary, but in no case more than 75 percent of the estimated cost of the expansion for which the grant is provided; and
require the recipient of a grant to—
make available not less than half of any additional capacity for infants and toddlers to children of members of the armed forces that results from the expansion for which a grant is awarded for the 10-year period that begins on the date on which such expansion is completed; and
certify that the recipient will not displace children enrolled on the date described in clause (i) who are not children of members of the armed forces to meet the requirement of clause (i).
The Secretary—
shall award grants under the pilot program established under paragraph (1) to not less than 10 eligible providers located in areas with high child care services costs or a significant lack of accessible child care services, as determined by the Secretary; and
may award grants under the pilot program established under paragraph (1) to eligible providers located in other areas as the Secretary considers appropriate.
Not later than one year after the establishment of the pilot program under this subsection, and semiannually thereafter until the date of the termination of the pilot program, the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report on the pilot program that includes—
the number of eligible providers participating in the pilot program, disaggregated by location;
the number of additional infant and toddler enrollments at eligible providers made available under the pilot program, disaggregated by loacation;
the determination of the Secretary as to whether grants provided under the pilot program—
helped reduce child care costs for applicable military families;
increased child care provider participation in the financial assistance available under this section; and
increased access to infant and toddler care for military families;
the determination of the Secretary with respect to the feasibility of expanding the pilot program to all communities;
any challenges identified by the Secretary in carrying out the pilot program;
legislation or administrative action that the Secretary determines necessary to make the pilot program permanent; and
any other information the Secretary determines appropriate.
Not later than 90 days after the date of the termination of the pilot program, the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report that includes—
the elements specified in subparagraphs (A) through (G) of paragraph (4); and
the recommendation of the Secretary as to whether to make the pilot program permanent.
The pilot program established under this subsection shall terminate on the date that is five years after the date on which such program is established.
In this subsection, the term appropriate congressional committees means—
the congressional defense committees;
the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate; and
the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives.
Section 589 of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (10 U.S.C. 1791 note) is amended—
in subsection (a)(4), by striking subsection (b) and inserting subsection (c);
by redesignating subsections (b) through (e) as subsections (c) through (f), respectively; and
by inserting after subsection (a) the following new subsection (b):
The Secretary shall treat an au pair who is participating in the Au Pair program of the Department of State as an in-home child care provider who meets qualifications determined under subsection (a)(3)(B).
No State or local government may enact or enforce a law, regulation, rule, or requirement related to such Au Pair program that would impose an additional or different term or condition on a military family that is the host family for an au pair.
Section 589 of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (Public Law 116‑283; 10 U.S.C. 1791 note) is amended—
by redesignating subsections (c), (d), and (e) as subsections (d), (e), and (f), respectively; and
by inserting after subsection (b) the following new subsection:
Except as provided in paragraph (2), the Secretary of Defense shall provide financial assistance under the pilot program required by subsection (a) to members of the Armed Forces through monthly pay, direct deposit, or other form of direct payment to such members.
The Secretary of Defense may provide financial assistance under the pilot program required by subsection (a) directly to an in-home child care provider with the written consent of the member of the Armed Forces receiving such financial assistance.
The requirements of subsection (c) of section 589 of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021, as added by subsection (a) of this section—
except as provided in paragraph (2), shall apply to financial assistance under the pilot program established pursuant to such section provided on or after the date that is 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act; and
shall not apply to financial assistance under such pilot program provided to an in-home child care provider pursuant to an agreement between the Secretary of Defense until the end of the term of such agreement if—
the agreement is in effect on the date of the enactment of this Act; and
the agreement provides that the Secretary will make direct payments to such provider.
Of the amount authorized to be appropriated for fiscal year 2027 by section 301 and available for operation and maintenance for Defense-wide activities as specified in the funding table in section 4301, $50,000,000 shall be available only for the purpose of providing assistance to local educational agencies under subsection (a) of section 572 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2006 (Public Law 109–163; 20 U.S.C. 7703b).
In this subsection, the term local educational agency has the meaning given that term in section 7013(9) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7713(9)).
Of the amount authorized to be appropriated for fiscal year 2027 pursuant to section 301 and available for operation and maintenance for Defense-wide activities as specified in the funding table in section 4301, $10,000,000 shall be available for payments under section 363 of the Floyd D. Spence National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2001 (as enacted into law by Public Law 106–398; 114 Stat. 1654A–77; 20 U.S.C. 7703a).
Of the amount authorized to be appropriated for fiscal year 2027 pursuant to section 301 and available for operation and maintenance for Defense-wide activities as specified in the funding table in section 4301, $10,000,000 shall be available for use by the Secretary of Defense to make payments to local educational agencies determined by the Secretary to have higher concentrations of military children with severe disabilities.
Not later than March 31, 2027, the Secretary of Defense shall provide to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a briefing on the Department of Defense’s evaluation of each local educational agency with higher concentrations of military children with severe disabilities and subsequent determination of the amounts of impact aid each such agency shall receive.
Beginning not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, each Secretary concerned shall maintain a policy pursuant to which a member of an Armed Force under the jurisdiction of the Secretary who is a party to a court-ordered child custody arrangement may, at the discretion of the Secretary, receive—
an exemption from orders for a permanent change of station or similar orders for a period of up to 24 months to enable that member to remain in geographic proximity to their child; and
such other accommodations as the Secretary determines appropriate to promote family stability.
Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, each Secretary concerned shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the policy required under subsection (a). The report shall include—
a summary of the policy;
the Secretary’s plan for implementation of the policy; and
an explanation of how policy meets the requirements of subsection (a) and otherwise promotes family stability among members of the Armed Forces.
In this section, the term Secretary concerned has the meaning given that term in section 101(a) of title 10, United States Code.
The Secretary of Defense may carry out a pilot program under which certain military spouses may become special education teachers in schools operated by the Department of Defense Education Activity.
A military spouse eligible to participate in such a pilot program is a military spouse who—
is eligible for assistance under section 1784a of title 10, United States Code; and
has a bachelor’s or graduate degree from an institution of higher education.
Under such a pilot program, the Secretary shall provide assistance under section 1784a of title 10, United States Code, to a participating military spouse to seek a certification or other credential as a special education teacher in the State in which the military spouse resides.
As a condition of receiving assistance under subsection (c), a military spouse who participates in such a pilot program shall agree to serve as a special education teacher in a school operated by the Department of Defense Education Activity for a period of three years.
The Secretary may seek to enter into an agreement with a State government (or licensing body sanctioned by a State government) to expedite certification described in subsection (c).
Not later than one year before the termination under subsection (g) of the authority to carry out a pilot program under this section, the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report regarding such pilot program. Such report shall include the recommendation of the Secretary whether such authority should be extended or made permanent.
The authority under this section shall terminate five years after the date of the enactment of this Act.
In this section:
The term appropriate congressional committee means the following:
The Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives.
The Committee on Armed Services of the Senate.
The Committee on Education and Workforce of the House of Representatives.
The term institution of higher education has the meaning given such term in section 102 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1002).
The term special education teacher has the meaning given such term in section 103 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1003).
Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall establish a pilot program to be known as the Push-Text Initiative (in this section referred to as the pilot program) to provide members of the Armed Forces, assigned to one or more military installations located outside of the United States, and the adult dependents of such members, with timely and relevant information via text message.
Under the pilot program—
a member of the Armed Forces assigned to a location participating in the pilot program, or the dependent of such a member, may elect to receive such information using all available text messaging contact information provided by such a member or dependent; and
a member or dependent who elects to receive information under paragraph (1) may opt out of receiving text messages under the pilot program at any time.
Text messages transmitted under the pilot program shall include—
information on employment opportunities for military spouses, career counseling, and related support programs;
updates with respect to child care services available both on and off the installation, availability of child care, and child care fee assistance programs;
information regarding general TRICARE program benefits, enrollment deadlines, and other health-related resources;
notifications of changes in Department of Defense policies, regulations, or Federal laws that affect members or dependents of members; and
any other information or resources that the Secretary considers relevant to the well-being of members and dependents of members.
Not later than October 1, 2027, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the pilot program. Such report shall include—
a description of how the pilot program was implemented, including the timeline, execution plan, and the official managing the pilot program;
data on participation and usage, including the number of individuals who elected to participate, the rates of enrollment and disenrollment, and the frequency and types of messages transmitted;
any observed benefits or outcomes of the pilot program, including feedback from participants;
an analysis of the costs of operating the pilot program and any cost savings or efficiencies achieved by consolidating or scaling back other outreach efforts with respect to issues addressed by the pilot program; and
the recommendations of the Secretary with respect to the feasibility and advisability of continuing or expanding the pilot program to the entire Department of Defense, including any proposed modifications to the program and an assessment of the anticipated costs, resource requirements, and potential benefits of Department-wide implementation.
The pilot program shall terminate on the day that is three years after the date on which the pilot program is established.
Section 1126 of title 10, United States Code, is amended, in subsection (d)(1), by striking as the Secretaries concerned shall jointly specify in regulations for purposes of this section and inserting as the Secretary of Defense prescribes in regulations.
Subsection (b) of such section is amended—
by inserting (1) before Under regulations; and
by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
An individual eligible for a gold star lapel button under paragraph (1) may be referred to as a gold star survivor, member of a gold star family, or gold star family member.
All of the individuals eligible for a gold star lapel button under paragraph (1) because of the loss of the life of one member under any circumstances prescribed in subsection (a) may be referred to as a gold star family.
Section 626 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (Public Law 117–81; 10 U.S.C. 101 note) is amended by striking subsection (c).
Section 1134a of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
A person whose name is entered on the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard Medal of Honor Roll shall be issued a common access card (or successor identification) that grants such person unaccompanied access to any military installation and the Pentagon.
Chapter 57 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 1134a the following new section:
There is in the Department of Defense a Medal of Honor Liaison, appointed by the Secretary of Defense, who shall serve as liaison to MOH recipients.
The duties of the Medal of Honor Liaison include the following:
To serve as a primary point of contact in the Department for MOH recipients and their families.
To coordinate efforts within the Department, across the armed forces, and with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and other Federal entities regarding MOH recipients.
To coordinate replacement of military decorations under section 1135 of this title for MOH recipients.
To standardize protocol regarding MOH recipients across the armed forces.
To perform public affairs outreach regarding MOH recipients.
To make recommendations to the Secretary of Defense regarding service on active duty by MOH recipients, including in combat.
In this section, the term MOH recipient means a person whose name is entered on the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard Medal of Honor Roll under section 1134a of this title.
Section 592 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (Public Law 119–60) is amended, in the section heading, by striking the third word.
The Secretary of the military department concerned may award a service ribbon to a member of the National Guard who performs duty in support of a homeland defense activity, as such term is defined in section 901 of title 32, United States Code.
The ribbon shall be of an appropriate design approved by the Secretary of Defense.
If the member is deceased, the Secretary of the military department concerned may issue such a ribbon to the next-of-kin of the member.
The award of a ribbon under this section shall be subject to such regulations as the Secretaries of the military departments concerned shall prescribe for purposes of this section. The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that any regulations prescribed under this subsection are uniform to the extent practicable.
Notwithstanding the time limitations specified in sections 8298(a) and 8300 of title 10, United States Code, or any other time limitation with respect to the awarding of certain medals to persons who served in the Armed Forces, the President is authorized to award the Medal of Honor, under section 8291 of such title, to Rafael Peralta for the acts of valor described in subsection (b).
The acts of valor described in this subsection are the actions of Rafael Peralta as a member of the Marine Corps on November 15, 2004, for which he was previously awarded the Navy Cross.
Notwithstanding the time limitations specified in section 9274 of title 10, United States Code, or any other time limitation with respect to the awarding of certain medals to persons who served in the Armed Forces, the President may award the Medal of Honor under section 9271 of such title to Robert A. Lodge for the acts of valor described in subsection (b).
The acts of valor described in this subsection are the actions of Robert A. Lodge as a Major in the Air Force on May 10, 1972.
Notwithstanding the time limitations specified in section 7274 of title 10, United States Code, or any other time limitation with respect to the awarding of certain medals to persons who served in the Armed Forces, the President may award a Distinguished-Service Cross under section 7272 of such title to James O. Ratliff for the acts of valor described in subsection (b).
The acts of valor described in this subsection are the actions of James O. Ratliff on June 18, 1968, as a member of the Army during a combat mission near the village of Ap Go Cong during the Vietnam War.
Notwithstanding the time limitations specified in section 7274 of title 10, United States Code, or any other time limitation with respect to the awarding of certain medals to persons who served in the Armed Forces, the Secretary of the Army may award the Distinguished-Service Cross under section 7272 of such title to Joseph P. Lynch for the acts of valor in described in subsection (b).
The acts of valor described in this subsection are the actions of Joseph P. Lynch on April 17, 1968, as a member of the Army, during a combat mission near Khe Sanh, Republic of Vietnam, for which he was previously awarded the Silver Star.
It is the sense of Congress that—
the Secretary of Defense should review the acts of valor of Thomas J. Grasso as a Sergeant First Class in the Army during Operation Freedom’s Sentinel to determine whether to recommend to the President to award Thomas J. Grasso the Medal of Honor for such acts of valor; and
subject to the enactment of legislation to waive the time limitations in section 7274 of title 10, United States Code, the President should award the Medal of Honor to Thomas J. Grasso for such acts of valor if the Secretary so recommends.
It is the sense of Congress that—
the Secretary of Defense should review the acts of valor of Philip J. Conran on October 6, 1969, as a member of the Air Force, during a combat mission in the Savannakhet Province of Laos to determine whether to recommend to the President to award Philip J. Conran the Medal of Honor for such acts of valor; and
subject to the enactment of legislation to waive the time limitations specified in section 9274 of title 10, United States Code, the President should award the Medal of Honor to Philip J. Conran for such acts of valor if the Secretary so recommends.
Section 2564a of title 10, United States Code, is amended, in subsection (a)(1)(B), in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking , during the one-year period following the veteran's date of separation,.
The Secretary of Defense shall seek to amend any agreement entered into by the Secretary pursuant to section 539 of the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (Public Law 118–159) to include promoting security at the National September 11 Memorial and Museum.
The Director of the Defense Commissary Agency shall designate an official within the Defense Commissary Agency responsible for liaising with farmers, ranchers, fishermen, and food producers in Guam for the purpose of assisting those persons in doing business with the Defense Commissary Agency and increasing the availability of locally produced food products in commissaries located in Guam.
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Director of the Defense Commissary Agency shall submit to the congressional defense committees a plan to increase the volume of locally grown produce sold in commissaries located in Guam.
The plan required under paragraph (1) shall—
identify barriers to procuring locally grown produce from producers in Guam;
describe steps the Defense Commissary Agency will take to improve outreach, contracting, distribution, and procurement opportunities for producers in Guam;
establish measurable benchmarks and timelines for increasing the amount of locally grown produce sold in commissaries located in Guam; and
include a goal that not less than 15 percent of all produce sold in commissaries located in Guam be locally sourced from Guam producers.
Not later than two years after the date of the submission of the plan required under subsection (b), the Director of the Defense Commissary Agency shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the implementation of the plan, including—
the percentage of produce sold in commissaries located in Guam that is locally sourced;
a description of progress made toward achieving the goal described in subsection (b)(2)(D);
any challenges encountered in implementing the plan; and
recommendations for legislative or administrative action to further increase procurement from producers in Guam.
Not later than seven days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to Congress the complete, unredacted review of operational effectiveness of Army and Marine Corps ground combat units that is the subject of the memorandum issued by the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness on December 18, 2025, relating to Review of the Operational Effectiveness of Army and Marine Corps Ground Combat Units .
Not later than 180 days after the date of the date of the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report reviewing—
the review submitted to Congress under subsection (a); and
any actions taken by the Secretary of Defense in response to the review.
Section 910(g) of title 37, United States Code, relating to income replacement payments for reserve component members experiencing extended and frequent mobilization for active duty service, is amended by striking December 31, 2026 and inserting December 31, 2027.
The following sections of title 10, United States Code, are amended by striking December 31, 2026 and inserting December 31, 2027:
Section 2130a(a)(1), relating to nurse officer candidate accession program.
Section 16302(d), relating to repayment of education loans for certain health professionals who serve in the Selected Reserve.
Section 333(i) of title 37, United States Code, is amended by striking December 31, 2026 and inserting December 31, 2027.
The following sections of title 37, United States Code, are amended by striking December 31, 2026 and inserting December 31, 2027:
Section 331(h), relating to general bonus authority for enlisted members.
Section 332(g), relating to general bonus authority for officers.
Section 334(i), relating to special aviation incentive pay and bonus authorities for officers.
Section 335(k), relating to special bonus and incentive pay authorities for officers in health professions.
Section 336(g), relating to contracting bonus for cadets and midshipmen enrolled in the Senior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps.
Section 351(h), relating to hazardous duty pay.
Section 352(g), relating to assignment pay or special duty pay.
Section 353(i), relating to skill incentive pay or proficiency bonus.
Section 355(h), relating to retention incentives for members qualified in critical military skills or assigned to high priority units.
Section 403(b) of title 37, United States Code, is amended—
in paragraph (7)(E), relating to an area covered by a major disaster declaration or containing an installation experiencing an influx of military personnel, by striking December 31, 2026 and inserting December 31, 2027; and
in paragraph (8)(C), relating to an area where actual housing costs differ from current rates by more than 20 percent, by striking December 31, 2026 and inserting December 31, 2027.
Section 335(c)(2) of title 37, United States Code, is amended by inserting , or holds a doctoral degree that the Secretary concerned determines appropriate, after is board certified.
Chapter 19 of title 37, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section:
Effective on January 1 of the first year that begins after the date of the enactment of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027, the Secretary of Defense shall increase the amount of each covered special and incentive pay (rounded to the nearest dollar) for members of the armed forces by the greater of—
the percentage by which the CPI for the base quarter of the preceding year exceeds the CPI for the base quarter preceding the last statutory or administrative increase date for such covered special and incentive pay; and
the percentage by which the average rate of basic pay for members of the armed forces under section 203(a) of this title in effect on such January 1 exceeds the average rate of basic pay for members of the armed forces under such section 203(a) that was in effect on the last statutory or administrative increase date for such covered special and incentive pay.
Effective on January 1 of the second year that begins after the date of the enactment of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027, and each January 1 thereafter, the Secretary of Defense shall increase the amount of each covered special and incentive pay (rounded to the nearest dollar) for members of the armed forces by the greater of—
the percentage by which the CPI for the base quarter of the preceding year exceeds the CPI for the base quarter of the year before the preceding year; and
the percentage by which the rate of basic pay for members of the armed forces under section 203(a) of this title is increased on such January 1 from the rate of basic pay for such members in effect the preceding year.
The Secretary shall increase the amount of each covered special and incentive pay in accordance with subsection (a) or (b) notwithstanding any limitation on the maximum amount of such pay specified in any other provision of law.
In this section:
The term base quarter for any year is the three-month period ending on September 30 of such year.
The term covered special and incentive pay means—
a bonus, incentive, or special pay payable under chapter 5 of this title; and
the allowance payable under section 427 of this title.
The term CPI means the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the Department of Labor.
The term last statutory or administrative increase date means the date of the most recent adjustment to an amount of pay that—
reflects a revision based on objective economic indicators or an increase to basic pay for members of the armed forces; or
was made by Act of Congress.
Not later than December 31 of the year of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall publish in the Federal Register a table that identifies—
each covered special and incentive pay (as defined in section 1017 of title 37, United States Code, as added by subsection (a) of this section);
the last statutory or administration increase date (as defined in such section 1017) of each such pay;
the amount of increase of such pay after the application of subsection (a) of such section 1017; and
the total amount of such pay after the application of such subsection (a).
Section 357 of title 37, United States Code, is amended—
by striking special or incentive pay and inserting bonus, incentive, or special pay; and
by striking if the Secretary concerned and all that follows and inserting a period.
Section 334(c) of title 37, United States Code, is amended—
in paragraph (1)(A), by inserting subject to paragraph (5), before aviation incentive; and
by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
An officer of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Space Force who is entitled to aviation incentive pay under subsection (a) and has completed more than 8 years of aviation service shall receive the maximum monthly amount of such pay under paragraph (1)(A).
Subsection (b)(2) of section 604 of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Public Law 117–263; 37 U.S.C. 301b note) is amended—
by striking and not less than one year; and
by striking under section 653 of title 10, United States Code.
Subsection (c)(1) of such section is amended—
by striking four years and inserting one year; and
by striking under section 653 of title 10, United States Code.
Subsection (d) of such section is amended—
by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following new paragraph (1):
Under the demonstration program required under subsection (a), the Secretary shall offer to a rated officer described in subsection (b), to the maximum extent practicable (as determined by the Secretary)—
assignment to the duty location of the rated officer’s preference, including consecutive assignments to the same duty location;
the opportunity to perform a staff assignment that does not require flying remotely, such that the officer may avoid relocation or remain in active flying status; and
the opportunity to transition indefinitely to a non-combat aviation service position.
by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following new paragraph (2):
Under the demonstration program required under subsection (a), notwithstanding section 334(c) of title 37, United States Code, the Secretary may pay to a rated officer described in subsection (b) an aviation bonus not to exceed an average annual amount of $100,000.
The Secretary—
shall ensure the maximum amount payable under subparagraph (A) is offered to any rated officer described in subsection (b) who executes a written agreement under subsection (c) to remain on active duty for one or more years after the completion of the active duty service obligation of the officer; and
may not vary the amount of an aviation bonus offered to an officer based on the active duty service commitment the officer has remaining at the time of offer.
by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
The Secretary shall ensure that an offer under this subsection to a rated officer described in subsection (b) includes—
contract length options equal to or shorter than contract length options offered by the Air National Guard and the Air Force Reserve; and
an aviation bonus under paragraph (2) in an amount that is equal to or exceeds the amounts offered by the Air National Guard and the Air Force Reserve.
Subsection (g) of such section is amended by striking 2028 and inserting 2031.
Section 2103a(a) of title 10, United States Code is amended in the matter preceding paragraph (1) by striking who has completed successfully the first year of a four-year Senior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps course and.
Section 336 of title 37, United States Code, is amended—
in subsection (b), by striking $5,000 and inserting $15,000; and
in subsection (c)(1), by striking field training or a practice cruise under section 2104(b)(6)(A)(ii) of title 10 and inserting training requirements prescribed by the Secretary concerned.
Subject to subsection (c), the Secretary of the Navy shall—
waive the requirements relating to months of operational flight for the receipt of aviation incentive pay under section 334 or 357 of title 37, United States Code, for any officer who—
was assigned to a tactical air control squadron during the period beginning on September 1, 2018, and ending on January 1, 2025;
submitted a request to waive such requirements during such period that was denied; or
did not submit a request for a waiver of such requirements during such period; and
who the Secretary of the Navy determines would have qualified for a waiver of such requirements under the criteria applicable to requests for such a waiver at that time, provided that the Secretary shall consider as qualified for a waiver an officer who accumulated not less than 72 months of creditable operational or proficiency flying duty as of—
in the case of an officer described in paragraph (1)(B)(i), the date of the submission of a request for such a waiver; and
in the case of an officer described in paragraph (1)(B)(ii), the date on which such officer was determined ineligible for aviation incentive pay under section 334 or 357 of title 37, United States Code, due to the failure to meet the requirements relating to months of operational flight;
apply the waiver required by paragraph (1) for each officer as of—
in the case of an officer described in paragraph (1)(B)(i), the date of such request; and
in the case of an officer described in paragraph (1)(B)(ii), the date on which such officer was determined ineligible for aviation incentive pay under section 334 or 357 of title 37, United States Code, due to the failure to meet the requirements relating to months of operational flight; and
provide each such officer aviation incentive pay under those sections in the amounts such officer would have received had the waiver been granted and applied on such date.
Subject to subsection (c), if the Secretary of the Navy has reason to believe that the process for certifying operational or proficiency flying duty for members of the Navy or Marine Corps is not being carried out correctly, the Secretary shall conduct a review of such process, including all flying duty policies, procedures, and determinations, and take such corrective actions as the Secretary considers appropriate.
If the Secretary conducts a review under paragraph (1), the Secretary may not make a determination that an officer is ineligible for aviation incentive pay under section 334 or 357 of title 37, United States Code, due to failure to meet the requirements relating to months of operational flight until the completion of such review.
If the Secretary conducts a review under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees the results of the review.
Payments under subsection (a) and corrective action under subsection (b) in a fiscal year may only be made using amounts appropriated in advance specifically for such payments or such corrective action under such subsection in such fiscal year.
Payments under subsection (a) and corrective action under subsection (b) shall be made on a pro rata basis if the amounts appropriated for such payments or such corrective action are less than the total amount that would be paid for such payments or such corrective action.
The total amount of funding obligated for payments under subsection (a) and corrective action under subsection (b) may not exceed the amount specifically appropriated for providing payments or taking such corrective action during the period of availability of such amount.
Section 402b(k)(1)(B) of title 37, United States Code, is amended—
by striking in and all that follows through portion of; and
by striking that the Secretary concerned elects to exclude and inserting paid to such member.
Subsection (b) of section 403 of title 37, United States Code, is amended, in paragraph (7)—
in subparagraph (D), by striking Subject to subparagraph (E), an and inserting An; and
by striking subparagraph (E).
Such subsection is further amended, in paragraph (8), by striking subparagraph (C).
Section 403(b)(8) of title 37, United States Code, is amended—
in subparagraph (A), by striking 20 percent and inserting 15 percent; and
by striking subparagraph (C).
Section 403b of title 37, United States Code, is amended—
by redesignating subsection (i) as subsection (j); and
by inserting after subsection (h) the following new subsection:
This section shall be applied for members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Space Force as follows:
Subsection (a) shall be applied by substituting shall pay for may pay.
Subsection (c) shall be applied by substituting for the second and third sentences the following: The threshold percentage shall be three percent, except that the administering Secretaries may prescribe a higher threshold percentage to be applied for a fiscal year when it is necessary to do so in order to ensure that the total amount of the payments of the cost-of-living allowance made to members of the uniformed services under this section for such fiscal year does not exceed the total amount available to all uniformed services for that fiscal year for paying such allowance.
The Secretary concerned may exclude general officers (as defined in section 101(b) of title 10) and flag officers (as defined in such section) from members who are eligible to receive a cost-of-living allowance under this section.
Section 453 of title 37, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
The Secretary concerned shall pay directly, or reimburse a covered member for, the costs for shipping expressed breast milk of the covered member to be used by the infant child of such member because the infant is separated from the member by reason of a qualifying circumstance.
The costs paid or reimbursed by the Secretary concerned with respect to a covered member for a single qualifying event may not exceed $1,000.
A covered member shall be eligible for a payment or reimbursement under paragraph (1) during the period in which the member is eligible for breastfeeding support pursuant to chapter 55 of title 10.
In this subsection:
The term covered member means a member of the armed forces serving on active duty or inactive duty training.
The term qualifying circumstance means, with respect to a covered member, any of the following:
The covered member is performing temporary duty pursuant to orders.
The covered member is undergoing a permanent change of station, regardless of whether the tour of duty is an accompanied or unaccompanied tour of duty.
The covered member is performing annual training duty.
The covered member is performing inactive-duty training.
The Secretary of Defense shall—
prescribe regulations to carry out subsection (j) of section 453 of title 37, United States Code, as added by subsection (a) of this section, in a manner that ensures parity with relevant existing programs of the Department of Defense; and
issue implementing guidance by not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act.
Section 701(a) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking 2½ calendar days and inserting 3½ calendar days.
Section 701 of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
by striking subsections (b), (e), and (g);
by redesignating subsections (c), (d), (f), (h), (i), (j), (k), (l), and (m) as subsections (b) through (j), respectively;
in subsection (d), as redesignated by paragraph (2), by striking without regard to the limitations in subsections (b) and (e); and
in subsection (f) (as so redesignated), by striking , subject to the accumulation limits in subsections (b) and (e),.
Section 702(c) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking section 701(m) and inserting section 701(j).
Section 2508 of title 14, United States Code, is repealed.
The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 25 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by striking the item relating to section 2508.
Section 501 of title 37, United States Code, is amended—
in subsection (b), by striking paragraph (6); and
in subsection (h), by striking section 701(f) and inserting section 701(d).
Section 502(b) of title 37, United States Code, is amended by striking and section 701(g) of title 10.
Subsection (l)(1)(A) of section 701 of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
by striking the death of an immediate family member. and inserting an em dash; and
by adding at the end the following new clauses:
the death of an immediate family member; or
the loss of a pregnancy or a stillbirth by such member or the spouse of such member.
Subchapter II of chapter 73 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by inserting, after section 1448a, the following new section:
The Secretary concerned shall make a one-time payment of $1,000 to a participant described in subsection (b).
A participant described in this subsection is a person—
who becomes a participant in the Plan on or after July 1, 2027;
whose beneficiary under the Plan is the spouse of such person; and
whose spouse dies before such person.
Section 1452(a)(1) of such title is amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
The reduction under subparagraph (A) or (B) for a participant in the Plan who elects to provide spouse coverage on or after July 1, 2027, shall be increased by an amount prescribed in regulations by the Secretary of Defense as a premium for coverage under section 1448b of this title.
Section 1478(a) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking $100,000 and inserting $165,000.
The amendment made by paragraph (1) shall apply with respect to deaths occurring on or after the date of the enactment of this Act.
Section 1478 of title 10, United States Code, as amended by subsection (a) of this section, is further amended by inserting after subsection (b) the following new subsection:
On January 1 of each year, the amount of the death gratuity payable under subsection (a) shall be increased by the percentage (if any) by which the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers, published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, during the preceding calendar year exceeds such Consumer Price Index for the calendar year before such preceding calendar year, rounded to the nearest $100.
The Secretary of Defense shall annually publish the amount of the death gratuity payable under subsection (a), as adjusted by paragraph (1), in the Federal Register.
The amendment made by paragraph (1) shall apply beginning on January 1, 2027.
Section 1066(a) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
An employee of the Department of Defense Education Activity or a military child development center may be permitted to use commissary stores and MWR retail facilities on the same basis as members of the armed forces on active duty.
Section 2485 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
The Defense Commissary Agency may not prohibit the use of, or charge a fee for, single-use shopping bags in a commissary store.
No funds authorized to be appropriated or otherwise made available to the Department of Defense for fiscal year 2027 may be obligated or expended to implement, award contracts in furtherance of, or change commissary supply chain operations pursuant to the two-wholesaler national supply model of the Supply Chain Transformation Initiative of the Defense Commissary Agency until 180 days after the day when the Secretary of Defense submits to the congressional defense committees the report regarding the Defense Commissary Agency required by the conference report accompanying the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (Public Law 119–60).
Section 710 of title 10, United States Code, is amended, in subsection (a), by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
The Secretary of a military department may not prohibit a member from inactivation under this section solely on the basis that such member is subject to a period of obligated service on active duty other than a period of service under subsection (c)(3).
Such section is further amended, in subsection (b)(1), by inserting and the minimum period shall be one month after may not exceed three years.
Section 1056(b)(2)(F) of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
in clause (v), by striking ; and and inserting a semicolon;
by redesignating clause (vi) as clause (viii); and
by inserting after clause (v) the following new clauses:
resources regarding food access and assistance, including the supplemental nutrition assistance program (as such term is defined in section 3 of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (Public Law 88–525; 7 U.S.C. 2012)), State requirements for eligibility for the special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants, and children established by section 17 of the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1786), and local support services;
available child care services, including child care furnished under subchapter II of chapter 88 of this title, other assistance furnished by the Secretary of Defense, community-based partner programs, and other resources; and
Section 908(a) of title 37, United States Code, is amended—
by redesignating paragraphs (1), (2), and (3) as subparagraphs (A), (B), and (C), respectively, and adjusting the margins accordingly;
by inserting (1) before Subject to; and
by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
The Secretary of the military department concerned shall apply the provisions of this section to the acceptance, by a person described in subparagraph (B) who is under the jurisdiction of such Secretary, of employment (and compensation related to that employment) or payments or awards indirectly from a foreign government through a private entity to the same extent and in the same manner as such provisions apply to employment (and compensation related to that employment) and payments and awards described in paragraph (1).
A person described in this subparagraph is—
a retired member of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, or Space Force; or
a member—
of a reserve component of an armed force specified in subclause (i); and
who is not serving on active duty under a call or order to active duty for a period in excess of 30 days.
The Secretary of Defense may, if there is a tax described in subsection (b) applicable to motor fuel, carry out a program to provide to eligible patrons a discount on such motor fuel—
sold at an exchange store; and
dispensed directly into a vehicle owned by an eligible patron.
A discount provided under subsection (a) shall be an amount not less than—
the rate of tax applicable to gasoline under section 4081 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (26 U.S.C. 4081), except that such discount may not be less than 18.4 cents per gallon; and
the rate of tax applicable to diesel fuel under such section 4081, except that such discount may not be less than 24.4 cents per gallon.
The Secretary of Defense may, if there is a State or local tax applicable to such motor fuel, provide an additional discount to an eligible patron, with respect to each gallon of motor fuel sold at an exchange store, of such amount as the Secretary of Defense determines appropriate.
The Secretary of Defense shall, to the maximum extent practicable, ensure that a discount provided under this section is applied upon the sale of motor fuel at an exchange store to an eligible patron.
The Secretary of Defense shall update any appropriate regulations to prevent—
fraud or abuse of a program carried out under this section; and
the resale or commercial use of motor fuel purchased at a discount under this section.
The authority of the Secretary of Defense to provide a discount under this section shall terminate on September 30, 2029.
Not later than 180 days after the date on which the Secretary of Defense carries out a program under this section, and annually thereafter until the termination under subsection (e), the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate a report on such a program, including—
the number of exchange stores, disaggregated by exchange system, that sold motor fuel subject to a discount under subsection (b)(1);
the total gallons of such motor fuel sold annually by—
each exchange store;
all exchange stores; and
all exchange stores, disaggregated by exchange system;
the total annual cost of the discount under subsection (b)(1)(A);
the total annual cost of any additional discount under subsection (b)(1)(B);
the average amount of motor fuel sold annually by each exchange store before the date of the enactment of this Act;
any identified fraud, abuse, or issues with implementation with respect to such program; and
any recommendations with respect to continuing or modifying such program.
Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit the Secretary of Defense from coordinating with the heads of other Federal departments or agencies to encourage the adoption of similar policies with respect to discounts on motor fuel—
for members of the uniformed services; or
other persons served by exchange systems outside the Department of Defense.
The term eligible patron means a person who is authorized under Federal law and applicable regulations to purchase motor fuel from a fuel station operated by an exchange store.
Section 1076a of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
in subsection (a)—
in paragraph (1), by striking A dental insurance plan and inserting Except as provided by paragraph (5), a dental insurance plan;
in paragraph (2), in the header, by inserting individual ready after other; and
by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
A dental benefits plan for members of the Selected Reserve of the Ready Reserve in pay grade E–1, E–2, E–3, or E–4.
in subsection (d)—
by redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph (4); and
by inserting after paragraph (2) the following new paragraph:
The dental insurance plan established under subsection (a)(5) is a no premium plan.
Members enrolled in a no premium plan may not be charged a premium for benefits provided under the plan.
by redesignating subsections (f) through (l) as subsections (g) through (m), respectively;
by inserting after subsection (e) the following new subsection (f):
A member who receives dental care under a no premium plan referred to in subsection (d)(3) shall pay no charge for any care described in subsection (c).
in subsection (i), as redesignated by paragraph (4), by striking subsection (k)(2) and inserting subsection (l)(2).
Paragraph (2) of section 1077(c) of title 10, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:
Dependents who are covered by a dental plan established under section 1076a of this title may be treated on a space available basis by postgraduate dental residents in a dental treatment facility of the uniformed services under a graduate dental education program accredited by the American Dental Association if the Secretary of Defense determines that adequate resources exist to provide such treatment.
Chapter 55 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 1074o the following new section:
The Secretary shall ensure that fertility-related care for a covered member (or a dependent of such a member) shall be covered under TRICARE Prime and TRICARE Select.
In the case of in vitro fertilization treatment furnished to an individual pursuant to subsection (a)—
three completed oocyte retrievals may be furnished per calendar year; and
single embryo transfers shall be provided unless otherwise medically indicated in accordance with the guidelines of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine.
The Secretary shall ensure that cost-sharing amounts for an individual who receives fertility-related care under this section are determined under section 1075, 1075a, or other applicable provision of this chapter in accordance with the kind of care provided (such as an in-network inpatient visit) and without regard to whether the care is fertility-related care. The Secretary may not impose any waiting periods or other limitations once the individual has received a medical diagnosis of infertility.
Funds available to the Department of Defense may not be used for preimplantation genetic screening, human cloning, international surrogacy, or artificial womb technology.
In this section:
The term covered member means—
a member of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, or Space Force, serving on active duty; and
does not include a former member of the armed forces.
The term infertility means a disease, condition, or status characterized by—
the failure to establish a pregnancy or to carry a pregnancy to live birth after regular, unprotected sexual intercourse in accordance with the guidelines of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine;
the inability of an individual to reproduce without medical intervention either as a single individual or with the partner of the individual; or
the findings of a licensed physician based on the medical, sexual, and reproductive history, age, physical findings, or diagnostic testing, of the individual.
The term fertility-related care means—
the diagnosis of infertility; and
fertility treatment.
The term fertility treatment includes the following:
In vitro fertilization or other treatments or procedures in which human oocytes, embryos, or sperm are handled when clinically appropriate.
Sperm retrieval.
Egg retrieval.
Preservation of human oocytes, embryos, or sperm.
Artificial insemination, including intravaginal insemination, intracervical insemination, and intrauterine insemination.
Transfer of reproductive genetic material.
Medications as prescribed or necessary for fertility.
Fertility treatment coordination.
Such other information, referrals, treatments, procedures, testing, medications, laboratory services, technologies, and services facilitating reproduction as determined appropriate by the Secretary of Defense.
Chapter 55 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section:
The Secretary of Defense shall establish a program on the coordination of fertility-related care by the Secretary for purposes of ensuring patients receive timely fertility-related care.
In carrying out the program established under subsection (a), the Secretary shall provide to community health care providers training and support with respect to the unique needs of members of the armed forces and the dependents of such members.
Section 1079(a) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
Fertility-related care shall be provided in accordance with section 1074p of this title.
Section 1086(a) of such title is amended by striking eye examinations and and inserting eye examinations, fertility-related care pursuant to paragraph (21) of such section, and.
The amendments made by this section shall apply with respect to services provided on or after October 1, 2028.
Section 1073d(f) of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
in paragraph (1)(A), by striking a notification of and inserting a notification under paragraph (2) and a report under paragraph (3) regarding; and
by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
Each report under paragraph (1) shall contain the following:
A budget that is consistent with the requirements under this chapter regarding access to medical care and the quality of such care.
A description of how the Secretary uses enhanced appointment and compensation authorities, including under section 1599c of this title, to recruit and retain civilian employees.
An analysis of the effects to services at a military medical treatment facility when any medical provider who is a member of the armed forces permanently changes station and the position of such member is not filled (whether by a member, a civilian, or a contractor).
The number of positions required to fully staff the current military health system, as of the date of the report, and the number of such unfilled positions, including with respect to whether such positions would be filled by a member, a civilian, or a contractor.
An analysis of the ability of the managed care network to absorb a member or covered beneficiary that cannot be provided care at a military medical treatment facility, including an explanation of the exact elements used in developing a cost analysis between such providing care through such network and such facilities.
An analysis of the ability of the Defense Health Agency to encourage members and covered beneficiaries to use military medical treatment facilities over the managed care network.
The status of efforts to close all recommendations by the Comptroller General of the United States contained in the July 2025 report titled Defense Health Care: Information Needed to Improve Monitoring of Military Personnel Staffing at Medical Facilities and numbered GAO-25-106988.
The status of efforts to close all recommendations by the Comptroller General contained in the April 2025 report titled Defense Healthcare Actions Needed to Address Long-Standing Management Challenges with Medical Facilities and numbered GAO-25-107432.
The status of efforts to close all recommendations by the Inspector General of the Department of Defense contained in the December 2025 report titled Audit of the Defense Health Agency’s Management of Military Medical Treatment Facilities Outside the Continental United States in Meeting Access to Primary Care Standards and numbered DODIG-2026-025.
The amendments made by subsection (a) shall apply with respect to any modification of the scope of medical care proposed by the Secretary of Defense on or after January 1, 2026, including such proposals submitted by the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate on March 4, 2026.
The Secretary of Defense may not take any action to carry out a service change described in subsection (c).
Not later than 30 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall carry out the following actions:
Reverse any steps taken to carry out a service change described in subsection (c).
Restore personnel and clinical services affected by any such service change to the level existing as of March 3, 2026 (unless such level is otherwise modified by a provision of law enacted on or after such date).
A service change described in this subsection is a service change specified in the notification of service changes submitted by the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate on March 4, 2026, pursuant to section 1073d(f) of title 10, United States Code, including the following:
With respect to the Eisenhower Army Medical Center, Fort Gordon, Georgia—
converting the military medical treatment facility from an inpatient hospital to an outpatient ambulatory care center;
discontinuing inpatient, operating, and emergency room services; and
realigning medical manpower to other military medical treatment facilities.
With respect to the 88th Medical Group, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio—
converting the military medical treatment facility from an inpatient hospital to an outpatient ambulatory care center with surgical capabilities;
discontinuing inpatient, operating, and emergency room services;
realigning medical manpower to other military medical treatment facilities;
closing pediatric cardiology services; and
discontinuing contracts for chiropractic services.
With respect to the Naval Hospital Beaufort, South Carolina—
converting the military medical treatment facility from an inpatient hospital to an outpatient ambulatory care center;
discontinuing inpatient, operating, and emergency room services;
realigning medical manpower to other military medical treatment facilities; and
discontinuing contracts for chiropractic services.
With respect to the 22d Medical Group, McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, limiting access to the military medical treatment facility only to members of the Armed Forces serving on active duty and the dependents of such members.
With respect to the 19th Medical Group, Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas—
limiting access to the military medical treatment facility only to members of the Armed Forces serving on active duty and the dependents of such members; and
discontinuing contracts for nutrition services.
With respect to the 341st Medical Group, Malmstrom Air Force Base, Montana, limiting access to the military medical treatment facility only to members of the Armed Forces serving on active duty and the dependents of such members.
With respect to the 28th Medical Group, Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota, limiting access to the military medical treatment facility only to members of the Armed Forces serving on active duty and the dependents of such members.
With respect to the 92d Medical Group, Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington, limiting access to the military medical treatment facility only to members of the Armed Forces serving on active duty and the dependents of such members.
With respect to the 90th Medical Group, Francis E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyoming, limiting access to the military medical treatment facility only to members of the Armed Forces serving on active duty and the dependents of such members.
With respect to the 355th Medical Group, Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, limiting access to the military medical treatment facility only to members of the Armed Forces serving on active duty and the dependents of such members.
With respect to the 9th Medical Group, Beale Air Force Base, California, limiting access to the military medical treatment facility only to members of the Armed Forces serving on active duty and the dependents of such members.
With respect to the 45th Medical Group, Patrick Space Force Base, Florida, limiting access to the military medical treatment facility only to members of the Armed Forces serving on active duty and the dependents of such members.
With respect to the 4th Medical Group, Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, limiting access to the military medical treatment facility only to members of the Armed Forces serving on active duty and the dependents of such members.
With respect to the 20th Medical Group, Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina—
limiting access to the military medical treatment facility only to members of the Armed Forces serving on active duty and the dependents of such members; and
discontinuing contracts for nutrition services.
With respect to the 460th Medical Group, Buckley Space Force Base, Colorado, limiting access to the military medical treatment facility only to members of the Armed Forces serving on active duty and the dependents of such members.
With respect to the 27th Special Operations Medical Group, Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico, limiting access to the military medical treatment facility only to members of the Armed Forces serving on active duty and the dependents of such members.
With respect to the 412th Medical Group, Edwards Air Force Base, California, limiting access to the military medical treatment facility only to members of the Armed Forces serving on active duty and the dependents of such members.
With respect to the 30th Medical Group, Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, limiting access to the military medical treatment facility only to members of the Armed Forces serving on active duty and the dependents of such members.
With respect to Naval Health Clinic Corpus Christi, Texas, limiting access to the military medical treatment facility only to members of the Armed Forces serving on active duty and the dependents of such members.
With respect to the 23d Medical Group, Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, limiting access to the military medical treatment facility only to members of the Armed Forces serving on active duty and the dependents of such members living on base.
With respect to the 366th Medical Group, Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, limiting access to the military medical treatment facility only to members of the Armed Forces serving on active duty and the dependents of such members living on base.
With respect to the 319th Medical Group, Grand Forks Air Force Base, North Dakota, limiting access to the military medical treatment facility only to members of the Armed Forces serving on active duty and the dependents of such members living on base.
With respect to the 61st Medical Squadron, Los Angeles Space Force Base, California, limiting access to the military medical treatment facility only to members of the Armed Forces serving on active duty and the dependents of such members living on base.
With respect to the 78th Medical Group, Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, limiting access to the military medical treatment facility only to members of the Armed Forces serving on active duty.
With respect to the 72d Medical Group, Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, limiting access to the military medical treatment facility only to members of the Armed Forces serving on active duty.
With respect to the 75th Medical Group, Hill Air Force Base, Utah, limiting access to the military medical treatment facility only to members of the Armed Forces serving on active duty.
With respect to the 66th Medical Squadron, Hanscom Air Force Base, Massachusetts, limiting access to the military medical treatment facility only to members of the Armed Forces serving on active duty.
With respect to the David Grant Medical Center, Travis Air Force Base, California, closing the labor and delivery services.
With respect to the 42d Medical Group, Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama, discontinuing educational and developmental intervention services.
With respect to the Vilseck Army Health Clinic, Germany, discontinuing physical medicine and rehabilitation services.
With respect to the Desert Sage Community Based Medical Home, William Beaumont Army Medical Center, Fort Bliss, Texas, closing such home.
With respect to Naval Health Clinic Patuxent River, Branch Health Clinic Dahlgren, Virginia, discontinuing radiology services.
With respect to Army Health Clinic Munson, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, discontinuing mammography services.
With respect to Naval Health Clinic Lemoore, California, discontinuing operating room services.
With respect to the 55th Medical Group, Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska—
discontinuing contracts for nutrition services; and
discontinuing contracts for chiropractic services.
With respect to the 7th Medical Group, Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, discontinuing contracts for nutrition services.
With respect to the 2d Medical Group, Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana—
discontinuing contracts for nutrition services; and
discontinuing contracts for chiropractic services.
With respect to the 87th Medical Group, Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey—
discontinuing contracts for nutrition services; and
discontinuing contracts for chiropractic services.
With respect to 1st Special Operations Medical Group, Hurlburt Field, Florida, discontinuing contracts for chiropractic services.
With respect to 10th Medical Group, United States Air Force Academy, Colorado, discontinuing contracts for chiropractic services.
With respect to 96th Medical Group, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, discontinuing contracts for chiropractic services.
Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate a report on each action taken under subsection (b).
The term service change means, with respect to a military medical treatment facility, an action by the Secretary of Defense to modify the scope of medical care provided at the facility, or the beneficiary population served at the facility, as described in section 1073d(f) of title 10, United States Code, including with respect to reducing or transferring personnel, converting an inpatient hospital to an outpatient ambulatory care center, and restricting the type of beneficiary that can access the facility.
Beginning not less than 180 days after the date of the enactment of the Act, contraceptive supplies of up to 365 days shall be covered for any eligible covered beneficiary to obtain, including in a single fill or refill, at the option of such beneficiary, the total days of supply (not to exceed a 365-day supply) for a contraceptive on the uniform formulary provided through a military treatment facility pharmacy, retail pharmacy described in section 1074g(a)(2)(E)(ii) of title 10, United States Code, or through the national mail-order pharmacy program of the TRICARE Program.
Beginning not later than 90 days after the implementation of coverage under subsection (a), the Secretary shall conduct such outreach activities as are necessary to inform health care providers and individuals who are enrolled in the TRICARE Program of such coverage and the requirements to receive such coverage.
In this section:
The term covered Armed Force means the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, or Space Force.
The term eligible covered beneficiary means an eligible covered beneficiary as such term is used in section 1074g of title 10, United States Code, who is—
a member of a covered Armed Force serving on active duty; or
a dependent of a member described in subparagraph (A).
The term TRICARE Program has the meaning given that term in section 1072 of title 10, United States Code.
Beginning not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense may carry out a one-year pilot program to furnish to covered members the alternatives to smoking specified in subsection (b)—
to help such covered members stop smoking; and
to improve the health of such covered members.
The alternatives to smoking specified in this subsection are—
counseling;
nicotine gum;
nicotine patches;
electric nicotine delivery systems;
nicotine pouches; and
heat-not-burn products.
If the Secretary carries out the pilot program under subsection (a), the pilot program shall operate—
in not less than one covered Armed Force; and
at not less than one military installation at which covered members serve in numbers that exceed the national average for—
smoking cigarettes or other combustible tobacco products;
the population of Black Americans;
the population of Asian and Pacific Islander Americans;
the population of Hispanic Americans; and
the population of Appalachian Americans.
Not later than one year after the date on which the pilot program under subsection (a) is completed, the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House of Representatives a report regarding the results of the pilot program, including the determination of the Secretary regarding—
whether the pilot program helped covered members stop smoking;
the alternatives specified in subsection (b) that are most effective in helping covered members to stop smoking;
gaps in health care services available to covered members who belong to the populations described in subsection (c)(2); and
the recommendation of the Secretary whether to expand, extend, or make permanent the pilot program.
In this section:
The term covered Armed Force means the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, or Space Force.
The term covered member means a member of a covered Armed Force—
serving on active duty; and
who smokes at least one cigarette (or other combustible tobacco product) per week.
Subsection (b) of section 1073c of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
in paragraph (1)—
in subparagraph (H), by striking ; and and inserting a semicolon;
by redesignating subparagraph (I) as subparagraph (J); and
by inserting after subparagraph (H) the following new subparagraph (I):
civilian personnel; and
in paragraph (2)—
by striking subparagraph (C) and inserting the following new subparagraph:
to determine, in coordination with the senior military operational commander of each military installation with a military medical treatment facility, the scope of medical care provided at each such facility to meet—
the military personnel readiness requirements of such commander; and
the health care requirements of members of the armed forces and covered beneficiaries, as determined by such commander;
in subparagraph (D), by striking or the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs;
in subparagraph (F), by striking joint manning and inserting uniformed, joint, civilian, and contractor manning;
by striking subparagraph (G);
by redesignating subparagraphs (H) and (I) as subparagraphs (G) and (H), respectively; and
in subparagraph (G), as so redesignated, by inserting civilian and contractor after address.
Subsection (c)(1)(A) of such section is amended by inserting or an officer of the armed forces before the semicolon.
Subparagraph (B) of subsection (d)(2) of such section is amended to read as follows:
The Deputy Assistant Director for Financial Operations shall be responsible for the policy, procedures, and direction of budgeting matters and financial management with respect to the following:
The provision of direct care at military medical treatment facilities.
The TRICARE program.
Certain medical readiness activities and expeditionary medical capabilities (as determined by the commanders of the combatant commands, in consultation with the Surgeons General of the armed forces and the Joint Staff Surgeon).
Education and training programs.
Research, development, test, and evaluation.
Management and headquarters activities.
Facilities sustainment.
Procurement.
Civilian and contractor personnel.
Subsection (e)(2) of such section is amended—
in subparagraph (A)—
by striking Ensuring that and inserting Coordinating with the commanders of the combatant commands to ensure; and
by striking the commanders of the combatant commands. and inserting such commanders.; and
in subparagraph (C)—
by striking Ensuring that and inserting Coordinating with the senior military operational commander of each military installation with a military medical treatment facility to ensure; and
by striking the senior military operational commanders of the military installations. and inserting such commanders..
Subsection (h) of such section is amended—
in the heading, by striking medical research of military departments and inserting certain matters;
by striking In establishing and inserting (1) In establishing; and
by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
On a basis that is not less frequent than semiannually, the Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, shall carry out recurring consultations with each military department and the Surgeons General of each armed force regarding the budgetary requirements for each military department, including with respect to each matter specified in subsection (d)(2)(B).
Subsection (k) of such section is amended by adding at the end the following:
The term health care administration means the administration and management of the following:
Health information technology.
Pharmacy operations.
Medical logistics.
Facility planning.
The health plan options of the TRICARE program.
Not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate an organizational chart of the Defense Health Agency, including an analysis of how the organization of the Defense Health Agency meets the requirements of section 1073c of title 10, United States Code.
Subsection (a) of section 1073d of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking and the readiness of medical personnel, and inserting , the readiness of medical personnel, and the health care services available for covered beneficiaries,.
Subsection (b) of such section is amended—
in paragraph (2), by striking that support medical readiness;
in paragraph (4)(C)(ii), by striking improving and inserting ensuring; and
in paragraph (5)(C)(ii)—
by striking may and inserting shall; and
by inserting or contractors after civilian employees.
Subsection (c) of such section is amended—
in paragraph (2)—
in subparagraph (A), by striking ; and and inserting a semicolon;
by redesignating subparagraph (B) as subparagraph (C); and
by inserting after subparagraph (A) the following new subparagraph:
inpatient and outpatient health services with limited speciality care to provide medical care to all eligible beneficiaries; and
in paragraph (3)—
by redesignating subparagraphs (A) and (B) as subparagraphs (B) and (C), respectively; and
by inserting before subparagraph (B), as so redesignated, the following new subparagraph:
is necessary for medical readiness;
Subsection (d)(3) of such section is amended—
by redesignating subparagraphs (A) and (B) as subparagraphs (B) and (C), respectively; and
by inserting before subparagraph (B), as so redesignated, the following new subparagraph:
is necessary for medical readiness;
Subsection (e)(2) of such section is amended—
in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking 180 days and inserting one year; and
by redesignating subparagraph (C) as subparagraph (D);
by inserting after subparagraph (B) the following new subparagraph:
The Secretary has consulted with the relevant operational commander or installation commander, as appropriate, to ensure that the proposed elimination would have no impact on access by eligible beneficiaries to health care.
in subparagraph (D), as so redesignated, by striking Before and inserting At least one year before.
Subsection (f) of such section is amended—
in paragraph (1)(B), by striking 180 days and inserting one year; and
in paragraph (2), by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
An analysis of the capability of the local community to absorb patients and the anticipated cost to the managed care support contract.
Section 193(f) of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
by redesignating paragraph (5) as paragraph (6); and
by inserting after paragraph (4) the following new paragraph:
The Defense Health Agency.
Section 1100 of title 10, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:
There is hereby established in the Treasury of the United States an account to be known as the Combat and Operational Medicine Program Account. All sums appropriated to carry out the functions of the Secretary of Defense with respect to the military medical and health care programs of the Department of Defense shall be appropriated to this account.
Of the total amount appropriated for a fiscal year for the military medical and health care programs of the Department of Defense, the amount equal to three percent of such total amount shall remain available for obligation until the end of the following fiscal year.
There is hereby established in the Treasury of the United States an account to be known as the Private Sector Care Program Account. All sums appropriated to carry out the functions of the Secretary of Defense with respect to private sector medical and health care programs of the Department of Defense shall be appropriated to this account.
Of the total amount appropriated for a fiscal year for the private sector health care programs of the Department of Defense, the amount equal to three percent of such total amount shall remain available for obligation until the end of the following fiscal year.
The Secretary of Defense may obligate or expend funds from the accounts under subsection (a) and (b) for purposes of the military medical and health care programs of the Department of Defense and the private sector health care programs of the Department of Defense, respectively, to the extent amounts are available in the accounts.
The Secretary of Defense shall prescribe regulations to carry out this section.
In this section:
The term military medical and health care programs of the Department of Defense means the medical and health care programs of the Department of Defense that are not private sector health care programs of the Department of Defense.
The term private sector health care programs of the Department of Defense means the programs and activities carried out by the Secretary of Defense under this chapter and any other provision of law providing for the furnishing of medical and dental care and health benefits by the private sector, including pursuant to contracts entered into under section 1079, 1086, 1092, or 1097 of this title.
Title 10, United States Code, is amended as follows:
Section 1076d(d)(5) is amended by striking the Defense Health Program Account and inserting the Private Sector Care Program Account.
Section 1076e(d)(5) is amended by striking the Defense Health Program Account and inserting the Private Sector Care Program Account.
Section 1076f(b)(2) is amended by striking the Defense Health Program Account and inserting the Private Sector Care Program Account.
Section 1110b(c)(4) is amended by striking the Defense Health Program Account and inserting the Private Sector Care Program Account.
Section 1004(b)(2) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (Public Law 118–81; 10 U.S.C. 240d note) is amended by striking Defense Health Program account and inserting Combat and Operational Medicine Program and Private Sector Care Program Accounts.
Section 742(c)(3) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1997 (Public Law 104–201; 10 U.S.C. 1071 note) is amended by striking the Defense Health Program account and inserting the Combat and Operational Medicine Program account.
Any reference in law, regulation, document, paper, or other record of the United States to the Defense Health Program shall be deemed to be a reference to the Combat and Operational Medicine Program or the Private Sector Care Program, as the case may be based on the nature of the obligation.
The amendments made by this section shall take effect on October 1, 2026, and shall apply with respect to fiscal years beginning on or after that date.
Chapter 55 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 1100 the following new section:
Subject to the availability of appropriations for such purpose, amounts available under the Combat and Operational Medicine Program Account established under section 1100 of this title, and amounts available under the Operation and Maintenance, Army, account for medical readiness, may be obligated or expended by the Director of the Defense Health Agency to conduct the activities described in subsection (b) for the protection and sustainment of deployed forces across the roles of medical care.
The activities described in this subsection are the following:
The procurement or pre-positioning of a medical countermeasure for forward deployment.
The forward deployment of a medical countermeasure.
Any associated logistics, storage, or sustainment activity necessary to ensure the availability or readiness of a forward-deployed medical countermeasure.
The Director of the Defense Health Agency shall coordinate with the Secretaries of the military departments and the commanders of the combatant commands with respect to any obligation or expenditure of funds under subsection (a).
In this section:
The term medical countermeasure includes—
a vaccine, therapeutic, prophylactic, or diagnostic; and
an advanced wound care product, including antimicrobial and barrier-protective dressings, such as silver-plated bandages.
The term roles of medical care has the meaning given such term in the publication of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff titled Joint Publication 4-02: Joint Health Service, dated December 11, 2017, or such successor publication.
Not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter for three years, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate a report describing—
the categories of medical countermeasures procured and forward-deployed using funds authorized to be obligated or expended under section 1100a of title 10, United States Code, as added by subsection (a);
the locations supported by any such use of funds; and
any gaps or shortfalls identified in connection with the provision of such medical countermeasures to deployed forces.
Section 222a of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
in subsection (a), by striking the armed force or forces or combatant command and inserting the armed force or forces, combatant command, or combat support agency; and
in subsection (b), by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
The Director of the Defense Health Agency.
Chapter 55 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 1073f the following new section:
The Secretary of Defense shall maintain the Joint Trauma System established pursuant to section 707 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 (Public Law 114–328) as a permanent operational element of the Defense Health Agency to support the readiness of the armed forces with respect to providing combat casualty care in support of military operations.
In addition to the requirements of section 707(b) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 (Public Law 114–328), in carrying out the Joint Trauma System, the Secretary shall—
develop and maintain evidence-based clinical practice guidelines for combat casualty care across the continuum of care, from point of injury through definitive treatment;
establish standards for, and support the certification of, predeployment medical readiness for military surgeons;
maintain and integrate trauma registries and data systems of the Department of Defense to support performance improvement, research, and operational planning;
conduct system-wide performance improvement and lessons-learned analysis for combat casualty care, including dissemination of best practices across the armed forces; and
support the integration of military and civilian trauma systems to enhance readiness and improve trauma care outcomes during military operations.
Each commander of a combatant command shall establish and maintain a Combatant Command Trauma System to support operational planning, exercises, and military operations across the continuum of combat casualty care, from point of injury through definitive care and rehabilitation.
The Secretaries of the military departments shall assign clinically active and operationally experienced trauma personnel, as required, to support the establishment, sustainment, and operation of each Combatant Command Trauma System in accordance with the requirements outlined in Department policy and implementation guidance with the developmental guidance, operational support, and clinical oversight of the Joint Trauma System.
Each Combatant Command Trauma System shall—
integrate trauma care data into the Department of Defense Trauma Registry;
implement clinical practice guidelines and performance improvement processes of the Joint Trauma System;
support theater-specific trauma training and readiness requirements; and
enable operational performance assessment and lessons learned across the continuum of combat casualty care.
In carrying out this section, the Secretary of Defense shall ensure coordination between the Director of the Defense Health Agency and the Surgeons General of the armed forces, the commanders of the combatant commands, and other elements of the military health system as required.
Not later than March 1 of each year, the Secretary of Defense shall provide a briefing to the congressional defense committees on the activities, readiness posture, and performance of the Joint Trauma System and the Combatant Command Trauma System, including—
a summary of Department-wide combat casualty care readiness across the Defense Trauma Enterprise, including findings derived from the performance improvement activities, clinical practice guideline implementation, trauma registry data, and other trauma system analyses of the Joint Trauma System supporting readiness oversight;
the status of establishment, staffing, and operational capability of each Combatant Command Trauma System, including personnel assigned by the Secretaries of the military departments to support such systems;
identified gaps in combat casualty care readiness affecting the Combatant Command Trauma System;
actions taken, planned, or resourced to address such gaps; and
such additional matters relating to the Joint Trauma System or Combatant Command Trauma System as the Secretary of Defense determines appropriate.
In this section:
The term combat casualty care means the provision of medical care to wounded members of the armed forces in operational environments, including prehospital care, damage-control resuscitation, and surgical intervention.
The term Joint Trauma System means the Department of Defense’s system for improving trauma care through data collection, analysis, performance improvement, and dissemination of best practices.
Section 2733a(h)(2)(B) of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
in the matter preceding clause (i), by inserting applicable to each uniformed service before consistent with generally; and
in clause (iv), by inserting consistent criteria used in the before calculation.
The amendments made by subsection (a) shall apply with respect to claims filed under section 2733a of title 10, United States Code, on or after the date that is 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act.
Section 1074d of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
by redesignating subsection (b) as subsection (c); and
by inserting after subsection (a) the following new subsection (b):
The Secretary shall ensure that a chaperone is present at any sensitive examination performed by an obstetrician-gynecologist at a military medical treatment facility.
In carrying out paragraph (1), the Secretary shall—
establish qualifications for a covered individual to serve as a chaperone;
provide appropriate training to chaperones;
require chaperones to maintain patient confidentiality except with respect to mandatory reporting of any suspected inappropriate activity under processes established by the Secretary; and
ensure a patient may request a different chaperone for any reason (and reschedule the sensitive examination if no other chaperone is available).
In this subsection:
The term covered individual means—
a member of the armed forces or a civilian employee who is a health-care professional (as defined in section 1094 of this title);
a resident or student covered under a formal training agreement;
a technician, a health care para-professional, or medical support assistant; or
a volunteer at a military medical treatment facility.
The term sensitive examination means a medical examination, treatment, or procedure of the genitalia, rectum, or female breasts, or a forensic health care examination.
The Secretary of Defense shall establish and implement a policy throughout the Department of Defense to require that a medical chaperone be offered and available to be present with a patient during any sensitive medical examination, as determined by the Secretary, conducted at a military medical treatment facility.
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Director of the Defense Health Agency, in coordination with the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs and the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, shall develop comprehensive written guidance establishing uniform protocols for providing a screening for unwanted sexual behavior to patients at military medical treatment facilities.
Not later than one year after the date on which the Director issues the guidance under subsection (a), the Director shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report containing the following:
An assessment of the extent to which each military medical treatment facility has implemented the guidance.
Aggregate, de-identified data on screening rates, positive-screen rates, and referral follow-through.
Any planned revisions to the guidance.
In this section, the term screening for unwanted sexual behavior means the use of standardized, evidence-based questions or instruments to detect whether an individual has been subject to any sexual contact or interaction to which the individual did not or could not freely consent, including harassment, coercion, assault, or abuse.
Section 1074l of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
The Secretary concerned shall notify the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate of the occurrence of a hospitalization of a member of the armed forces who is—
seriously or very seriously wounded in action resulting from the conduct of combat operations; and
evacuated from a theater of combat and admitted to any military medical treatment facility or civilian medical treatment facility, regardless of location.
The notifications under paragraph (1)—
may be made on an aggregate basis; and
may not include personally identifying information of the hospitalized members.
Section 1599c of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
in the heading, by striking and compensation and inserting , compensation, and training; and
by adding at the end the following new subsection:
The Secretary may establish residencies, internships, and similar postgraduate programs at military medical treatment facilities to train individuals whom the Secretary has appointed to civilian health care positions, including physicians, nurses, physician assistants, nurse practitioners and behavioral health providers.
The Secretary may require that an individual who participates in a residency, internship, or similar postgraduate program under paragraph (1) agrees to perform civilian Federal service at a military medical treatment facility for a specific period determined by the Secretary following the completion of such residency, internship, or similar postgraduate program.
Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the implementation of subsection (c) of section 1599c of title 10, United States Code, as added by subsection (a).
The report under paragraph (1) shall include the following:
A plan to establish residencies, internships, and similar postgraduate programs under subsection (c) of such section 1599c, including a timeline to implement such subsection.
The anticipated cost of carrying out such subsection.
The number of each type of health care provider the Secretary expects to participate in such residencies, internships, and similar postgraduate programs.
An explanation for how the Secretary—
will fund such residencies, internships, and similar postgraduate programs; and
supervise individuals participating in such residencies, internships, and similar postgraduate programs.
An analysis of how the residencies, internships, and similar postgraduate programs would help meet the medical workforce needs of the military health system.
Any additional information that the Secretary determines appropriate.
Chapter 55 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 1097d the following:
The administering Secretaries shall provide each covered beneficiary with notices of a TRICARE coverage transition requirement that affects the individual.
The administering Secretaries shall provide notice under paragraph (1) through electronic means.
The administering Secretaries shall provide notices to a covered beneficiary under subsection (a)(1) as follows:
On the date that is one year before the covered beneficiary will experience a TRICARE coverage transition requirement.
On the date that is 180 days before the covered beneficiary will experience a TRICARE coverage transition requirement.
On the date that is 30 days before the covered beneficiary will experience a TRICARE coverage transition requirement.
The administering Secretaries shall conduct an outreach and public awareness campaign to inform covered beneficiaries of TRICARE coverage transition requirements, including through the TRICARE internet website, social media, and through family readiness groups.
On an annual basis the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the other administering Secretaries, shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report on the implementation of this section, including metrics relating to the outreach and public awareness campaign under subsection (c) and any recommendations to improve making covered beneficiaries aware of TRICARE coverage transition requirements.
In this section:
The term appropriate congressional committees means the following:
The congressional defense committees.
With respect to matters concerning members and former members of the Coast Guard and dependents of such members and former members, the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate.
The term TRICARE coverage transition requirement means a requirement under this chapter for a covered beneficiary to make a different election under the TRICARE program to continue enrollment in the TRICARE program, including by reason of attaining a certain age as described in section 1086(d) or 1110b of this title.
Section 1095f(a)(2) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
In addition to the requirements under subparagraph (B), the Secretary shall waive the referral requirement in paragraph (1) in the case of a member of the armed forces serving on active duty who seeks to obtain an appointment for physical therapy provided by a licensed provider under TRICARE Prime if the provider is located in a State in which the law of that State does not require a referral for that specific appointment.
Section 1097b(a) of title 10, United States Code is amended—
in paragraph (1), by inserting and paragraph (3)(A) after Subject to paragraph (2); and
in paragraph (3), by striking In establishing and inserting the following
The Secretary shall establish rates for payments to providers of care or services under the TRICARE program that are specific with respect to the following sites of service at which the care or service is actually provided (regardless of the physical location of the headquarters of the provider):
A hospital outpatient department.
An ambulatory surgical center.
The office of a physician.
Such other sites as the Secretary determines appropriate in carrying out this paragraph.
The Secretary shall ensure that—
each site specified in subparagraph (A) obtains a National Provider Identifier pursuant to section 1833(t) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395l(t)(23)) that is separate and unique from such identifier for such provider; and
no payment for care or services under any provision of this chapter may be made unless the claim for such payment includes the National Provider Identifier for the site at which such hospital care, medical services, or extended care services were furnished.
In the case of covered OPD services (as defined in section 1833(t)(1)(B) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395l(t)(1)(B)) that are provided by a provider that is an off-campus outpatient department of a provider (as defined in section 1833(t)(21)(B) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395l(t)(21)(B)), disregarding clauses (ii) and (iv) thereof, as if such clauses did not exist), the Secretary shall ensure that such department is treated as a subpart of such provider and assigned a unique health identifier pursuant to subparagraph (B) of this paragraph, and that such provider includes such identifier on any claim form it submits under this subsection, and that such provider may not hold a member of the uniformed services or covered beneficiary liable for such item or service unless such care or services are billed using the separate unique health identifier established for such department under this paragraph.
Nothing in this paragraph may be construed to—
prevent the Secretary from determining the appropriate amount of a facility fee;
require the Secretary to pay, for the same item or service—
an independent physician the same amount as the Secretary would pay a hospital-based physician; or
a hospital-based physician less than the Secretary would pay an independent physician; or
affect the authority of the Secretary under paragraph (2).
In establishing
The amendments made by subsection (a) shall take effect on January 1, 2028.
Section 1073b of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
in the heading, by inserting plans and before reports;
by redesignating subsections (a) and (b) as subsections (b) and (c), respectively; and
by inserting before subsection (b), as so redesignated, the following new subsection:
During each year, the Secretary shall develop a long-term plan on the stabilization of health care delivered through the Defense Health Agency.
Each plan under paragraph (1) shall include information regarding the following with respect to each military medical treatment facility:
Milestones necessary to implement the plan.
Definable goals for personnel, budget, supplies, and readiness.
Cost estimates for personnel, supplies, and other items necessary to manage and operate the military medical treatment facility.
The number of current (as of the time of the plan) and the projection of vacancies with respect to—
military medical personnel;
civilian and contractor medical personnel; and
health care administration personnel.
Projected modifications of the scope of medical care provided at military medical treatment facilities.
Budget requirements.
Each plan under paragraph (1) shall cover the same period covered by the future-years defense program submitted under section 221 of this title during the year in which the plan is developed.
On a quarterly basis, the Secretary shall provide to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate a briefing on the most recent plan under paragraph (1).
Any information included in a briefing under subparagraph (A) with respect to a projected modification of the scope of medical care provided at a military medical treatment facility may not be treated as a notification under section 1073d(f) of this title.
The Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate each plan under paragraph (1).
Section 1073d(f)(1) of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
in subparagraph (B), by striking ; and and inserting a semicolon;
in subparagraph (C), by striking the period and inserting ; and; and
by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
the Secretary has developed the long-term plan under section 1073b(a) of this title during the year in which the Secretary submits such notification.
Section 716(a) of the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (Public Law 118–159; 10 U.S.C. 1073c note), is amended by striking who— and all that follows through the period at the end and inserting who holds a bachelor’s degree or graduate degree from an accredited professional nursing educational program and a current, unrestricted license to practice as a registered nurse or practical nurse..
Beginning not later than October 1, 2027, the Secretary of the Air Force, in coordination with the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs, the Secretaries of the other military departments, and the Director of the Defense Health Agency, shall carry out a program to provide for the safe, long-range aerial transport of individuals known to be or suspected of infection by high-consequence infectious diseases.
The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that the program under subsection (a) serves as the component of the Department of Defense that—
provides the Department with aerial transport of patients with high-consequence infectious diseases; and
provides support to other departments and agencies of the Federal Government, State and local governments, and civilian and academic partners, as determined appropriate by the Secretary.
In carrying out the program under subsection (a), the Secretary of the Air Force shall—
develop and maintain a curriculum, and identify qualified instructors to train and certify military and civilian medical personnel, on procedures associated with the safe, long-range aerial transport of patients with high-consequence infectious diseases;
establish, and periodically update, medical care standards, infection prevention and control measures, and operational safety protocols necessary to maximize patient survival and minimize infection risk to aircrew, medical personnel, and support personnel;
serve as the joint force advocate and executive agent within the Department of Defense for aerial transport of individuals with high-consequence infectious diseases;
establish standards, sustainment requirements, and lifecycle management processes for personal protective equipment, transport isolation systems, and associated medical equipment used in transporting infected patients;
develop, in coordination with the Joint Staff, joint doctrine, concepts of operation, and medical force requirements necessary to support a Department of Defense-wide high-consequence infectious disease capability, including patient movement, definitive care, and integration across the continuum of care;
coordinate with the other Secretaries of the military departments and the Director of the Defense Health Agency to inform the organization, training, and equipping of specialized, organized teams capable of conducting high-consequence infectious disease patient movement and care in operational, austere, and strategic environments;
support interoperability and operational integration with other departments and agencies of the Federal Government, State and local governments, and civilian and academic partners to enable coordinated response to tactical incidents, large-scale contingencies, and research activities related to emerging and future infectious disease threats; and
identify capability gaps and support research, development, testing, and evaluation of medical countermeasures, transport systems, protective equipment, and operational procedures necessary to improve survivability, safety, and mission effectiveness in high-consequence infectious disease operations.
The Secretary of Defense shall develop and maintain Department of Defense-wide doctrine and policy to guide the development, fielding, sustainment, and employment of high-consequence infectious disease response capabilities across the Department.
Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall ensure that each military medical treatment facility maintains, at all times, the continuous availability of at least one obstetrician-gynecologist or certified nurse-midwife.
The Secretary may satisfy the requirement in subsection (a) with respect to a military medical treatment facility if the Secretary enters into a contract or other agreement with a private provider under which the provider ensures the continuous availability of an obstetrician-gynecologist or certified nurse-midwife to provide services at that facility. In entering into such a contract or other agreement, the Secretary shall ensure the following:
An obstetrician-gynecologist or certified nurse-midwife is on call 24 hours per day and will arrive at the facility not later than two hours after being called.
The obstetrician-gynecologist or certified nurse-midwife is located—
not more than 25 miles by road from the facility; or
within a 30-minute emergency response travel time under normal conditions from the facility.
The obstetrician-gynecologist or certified nurse-midwife meet or exceed all credentialing, training, and certification standards that the Secretary would otherwise apply to an obstetrician-gynecologist or certified nurse-midwife employed directly by the Department of Defense.
Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall—
issue updated policy guidance of the Department of Defense with respect to implementing the requirements of subsections (a) and (b), including standard language for contracts or other agreements under subsection (b); and
submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate a report detailing—
the status of obstetrician-gynecologist and certified nurse-midwife staffing at each military medical treatment facility;
any contracts or other agreements entered into under subsection (b), including the names and locations of providers;
the average response times for obstetrician-gynecologists or certified nurse-midwives and any gaps in coverage experienced during the one-year period preceding the report; and
plans to address any identified shortfalls in service availability.
In this section, the term military medical treatment facility has the meaning given that term in section 1073c of title 10, United States Code.
Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall ensure that each military medical treatment facility maintains, at all times, the continuous availability of at least one qualified sexual assault nurse examiner to provide forensic medical examinations and related care to sexual assault survivors.
The Secretary may satisfy the requirement in subsection (a) with respect to a military medical treatment facility if the Secretary enters into a contract or other agreement with a private provider under which the provider ensures the continuous availability of a qualified sexual assault nurse examiner to provide services at that facility. In entering into such a contract or other agreement, the Secretary shall ensure the following:
A qualified sexual assault nurse examiner is on call 24 hours per day and will arrive at the facility not later than two hours after being called.
The qualified sexual assault nurse examiners are located—
not more than 25 miles by road from the facility; or
within a 30-minute emergency response travel time under normal conditions from the facility.
The qualified sexual assault nurse examiners meet or exceed all credentialing, training, and certification standards that the Secretary would otherwise apply to a sexual assault nurse examiner employed directly by the Department of Defense.
Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall—
issue updated policy guidance of the Department implementing the requirements of subsections (a) and (b), including standard language for contracts or other agreements under subsection (b); and
submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate a report detailing—
the status of sexual assault nurse examiner staffing at each military medical treatment facility;
any contracts or other agreements entered into under subsection (b), including the names and locations of providers;
the average response times for sexual assault nurse examiners and any gaps in coverage experienced during the one-year period preceding the report; and
plans to address any identified shortfalls in service availability.
In this section:
The term military medical treatment facility has the meaning given that term in section 1073c of title 10, United States Code.
The term sexual assault nurse examiner means a registered nurse who has received specialized training and certification in the forensic examination of sexual assault survivors and the collection of forensic evidence, in accordance with standards established by the International Association of Forensic Nurses or an equivalent certifying body.
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall issue guidance to set forth the process and timeline for covered beneficiaries, direct care providers, and authorized providers under the TRICARE program to file complaints and report issues that have not been resolved through existing channels, including complaints regarding coverage, access to care, denials, incorrect provider directory listings, network adequacy, access to specialized care within a reasonable distance from their homes, overdue or consistently inaccurate payments, and other related issues.
The guidance required under subsection (a) shall set forth—
the details and effective date of a reporting tool that follows a simple flow chart for filing complaints and reporting issues; and
the timelines and protocols that the Department of Defense will use to monitor and address complaints filed and issues reported that are appropriate to the level of acuity or urgency of such complaint or issue, including responses to the covered beneficiary or provider that include—
steps that have been taken by the Department of Defense to respond to the complaint or issue;
any responses received by relevant parties in investigating the complaint or issue; and
follow-up actions or planned follow-up actions by the Department of Defense in response to the complaint or issue.
The guidance required under subsection (a) shall apply to all agreements with authorized providers under the TRICARE program entered into on or after the date of the enactment of this Act.
Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report that includes the following:
The number of complaints filed or issues reported that are covered by subsection (a), disaggregated by category of complaint or issue, beneficiary complaint or issue, or provider complaint or issue.
A description of steps that were taken to respond to such complaints or issues.
A description of any follow-up actions or planned follow-up actions by the Department of Defense in response to such complaints or issues.
In this section:
The term covered Armed Force means the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Space Force.
The term covered beneficiary means a covered beneficiary, as defined in section 1072 of title 10, United States Code, who is a beneficiary by reason of the service by an individual in a covered Armed Force.
The term TRICARE program has the meaning given that term in section 1072 of title 10, United States Code.
Beginning not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, each Secretary of a military department shall carry out a pilot program under which the Secretary may—
appoint individuals to primary care management positions at a remote military medical treatment facility selected under subsection (d); and
provide incentives for highly qualified applicants to such positions.
Each Secretary of a military department shall carry out the pilot program under subsection (a) for a period not to exceed five years.
In carrying out subsection (a), for the purposes of hiring qualified candidates for the pilot program, each Secretary of a military department may use the authorities provided under—
section 1599c of title 10, United States Code (relating to appointment and rates of pay);
section 5379 of title 5, United States Code (relating to student loan repayments); and
sections 5753 and 5754 of such title 5 (relating to recruitment and relocation bonuses and retention bonuses, respectively).
Not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, each Secretary of a military department shall select not fewer than five remote military medical treatment facilities at which to carry out the pilot program under subsection (a).
Each Secretary of a military department shall notify the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate of each remote military medical treatment facility selected under paragraph (1).
Subject to the availability of appropriations, the Director of the Defense Health Agency shall reimburse the relevant Secretary of a military department for the actual, reasonable, and allocable cost of the salary and expenses (including with respect to travel, training, equipment, and facility support) of any individual appointed to a primary care management position under the pilot program under subsection (a) during the period in which the employee is employed in the position for which the employee was so appointed (regardless of whether such period exceeds the duration of the pilot program). The Director and the Secretary shall ensure that such costs are tracked using a detailed work breakdown structure to ensure granular tracking and financial accountability.
The Director and each Secretary of a military department shall enter into a memorandum of understanding to carry out reimbursements under paragraph (1). Such memorandum shall specify—
the scope of services provided by the individuals appointed to a primary care management position;
the allowable cost categories;
billing and accounting procedures;
quality and performance metrics; and
dispute resolution procedures.
Not later than 18 months after the date on which each Secretary of a military department commences the pilot program under subsection (a), and annually thereafter during the life of the pilot program, the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate a report on the pilot program, including with respect to the feasibility of carrying out the pilot program on a long-term basis.
In this section:
The term primary care management position means a physician, nurse practitioner, physician assistant, registered nurse, mental health nurse practitioner, licensed practical nurse, or medical assistant.
The term remote military medical treatment facility means a military medical treatment facility (as defined in section 1073c of title 10, United States Code) for which medical personnel assigned to the facility may reside at a location that is either—
not more than 50 miles from the military medical facility; or
a distance that on average takes at least one hour to travel by car.
The Secretary of the Army shall carry out a pilot program to evaluate the effectiveness of different health care assessment methods for members of the Army serving on active duty, as compared to the periodic health assessment of the Army.
The Secretary shall—
carry out the pilot program under subsection (a) at Fort Hood, Texas; and
select at least one more installation of the Army at which to carry out the pilot program.
The Secretary shall select not fewer than 100 members of the Army to participate in the pilot program under subsection (a). Such members may not be in a high-risk population, as determined by the Secretary.
In carrying out the pilot program under subsection (a), the Secretary shall provide members of the Army participating in the pilot program with the following instead of the periodic health assessment:
An in-person physical examination.
Blood work that includes comprehensive metabolic panel and complete blood count conducted by qualified medical personnel.
Any other test or evaluation as determined appropriate by the Secretary.
The Secretary shall use health care assessments provided to a member of the Army under the pilot program under subsection (a) as a baseline for the purposes of ongoing regular monitoring of the member.
The Secretary shall carry out the pilot program for a two-year period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act, but the Secretary may extend such period.
Not later than 180 days after the date on which the pilot program under subsection (a) concludes, the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the pilot program, including findings relating to—
health care outcomes;
satisfaction of members of the Army; and
any recommendations for broader implementation.
Section 1073c of title 10, United States Code, as amended by section 721, is further amended—
by redesignating subsection (k) as subsection (l); and
by inserting after subsection (j) the following new subsection:
Not less frequently than once every 90 days, the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs shall provide to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate a briefing on military medical treatment facilities.
Each briefing under paragraph (1) shall include, for each military medical treatment facility and with respect to the 90-day period preceding the date of the provision of the briefing, the following information:
Of the members of the armed forces and covered beneficiaries who received health care services at the military medical treatment facility during such period, the percentage for whom access standards were met.
An assessment of the clinical readiness of the members of the armed forces staffing the military medical treatment facility.
An assessment of the unit readiness of members of the armed forces who receive health care services at the military medical treatment facility.
The number of members of the armed forces and covered beneficiaries enrolled in TRICARE Prime, disaggregated by category of enrollee, that received health care services at the military medical treatment facility during such period.
The number of members of the armed forces and covered beneficiaries enrolled in TRICARE Prime, disaggregated by category of enrollee, that received referrals under the TRICARE program from providers at the military medical treatment facility to specialty care providers outside the military medical treatment facility during such period.
The composition of the workforce at the military medical treatment facility, including the number of members of the armed forces, civilian employees of the Department of Defense, and contractors of the Department.
With respect to personnel staffing at the military medical treatment facility, the following:
The number of unfilled billets, disaggregated by type of profession, including clinicians, nurses, hospital administrators, and administrative personnel.
The average amount of time for an unfilled billet to be filled, disaggregated in accordance with clause (i).
A description of any deficiencies or shortages with respect to the budget, medical supplies and equipment, or personnel necessary to meet metrics relating to access to healthcare services provided at the military medical treatment facility and applicable standards of care relating to such services.
A plan to remedy any such deficiencies.
Not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of this section, the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs shall submit the first briefing required under section 1073c(k) of title 10, United States Code, as amended by subsection (a).
Section 1599b of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
by redesignating subsection (e) as subsection (f); and
by inserting after subsection (d) the following new subsection:
Not later than July 1, 2027, the Secretary of Defense shall seek to enter into a contract to provide each covered individual in a location specified in paragraph (2) with enhanced medical coverage for services that are not covered by the health care plan for which the covered individual is enrolled under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Plan.
The locations specified in this paragraph are the following:
Japan.
Guam.
Any location the Secretary determines appropriate under a mitigation plan carried out under paragraph (5)(C).
With respect to covered individuals living in Japan, the Secretary shall ensure that the enhanced medical coverage under subsection (a) includes the following:
Assistance in finding health care providers with the capacity to meet the health care needs of the individuals.
Language translation services to assist in accessing health care.
Assistance in making prepayments for health care services if such prepayments are required by the health care provider.
Any other supplemental services the Secretary determines appropriate.
With respect to covered individuals living in Guam, the Secretary shall ensure that the enhanced medical coverage under subsection (a) includes the following:
Assistance in finding health care providers with the capacity to meet the health care needs of the individuals.
Medical evacuation coverage if needed health care services are not available on Guam or are only available in a facility that is not accredited.
Any other supplemental services the Secretary determines appropriate.
On an annual basis, the Secretary shall conduct a review of the availability of health care services for civilian employees of the Department of Defense employed in a position outside the continental United States and accompanying dependents of such employees. Each review shall assess the availability of the following:
Ambulatory patient services, including outpatient surgery.
Emergency services.
Inpatient care, including trauma care and intensive care.
Maternity and newborn care, including neonatal intensive care.
Mental health and substance use disorder services.
Rehabilitative and habilitative services.
Laboratory services.
Preventive services.
Pediatric services.
If the Secretary determines in a review under subparagraph (A) that health care services specified in such subparagraph are not available, or do not meet the standards of care for such services provided in the United States, with respect to a specific State, territory or possession of the United States, or foreign country, the Secretary shall—
carry out a mitigation plan under subparagraph (C); and
notify each civilian employee of the Department employed in a position at such location, and any applicant for such a position, of the determination and mitigation plan.
With respect to each location covered by a determination under subparagraph (B), the Secretary shall carry out a mitigation plan under which the Secretary may—
include such location in the enhanced medical coverage made available under paragraph (1), including with respect to assistance in finding health care providers, providing medical travel benefits, and medical evacuation coverage;
designate civilian positions at such location as being unaccompanied; or
take such other actions as the Secretary determines appropriate to increase access to health care for civilian employees of the Department employed in a position at such location and accompanying dependents of such employees.
Not later than February 1, 2028, and annually thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on—
the findings of each review under subparagraph (A) of paragraph (5); and
a summary of each mitigation plan carried out by the Secretary under subparagraph (C) of such paragraph.
In this subsection:
The term covered individual means an individual who is—
a civilian employee of the Department of Defense employed in a position at a location specified in paragraph (2) or an accompanying dependent of such an employee; and
enrolled in a health care plan under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Plan.
The term Federal Employees Health Benefits Plan means the health insurance program under chapter 89 of title 5.
The contract awarded by the Secretary of Defense to carry out the pilot program titled Pilot Health Insurance Enhancement for Department of Defense Civilian Employees in Japan may continue without interruption, and with the necessary modifications, in implementing subsection (e) of section 1599b of title 10, United States Code, as added by subsection (a).
Subsection (f) of section 1599b of title 10, United States Code, as redesignated by subsection (a)(1), is amended by striking In this section inserting Except as provided by subsection (e), in this section.
Subsection (b) of section 734 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (Public Law 119–60; 10 U.S.C. 1071 note) is amended—
in paragraph (1)—
in subparagraph (B), by striking ; and and inserting a semicolon;
by redesignating subparagraph (C) as subparagraph (D); and
by inserting after subparagraph (B) the following new subparagraph:
provide no coordination with any other health benefit plan; and
in paragraph (2), by striking a period of not more than three years, and may not be renewed and inserting a period of not less than three years; and
by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
In entering into an agreement under paragraph (1) with a company, the Secretary—
may not select such company to provide coverage in a State, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or any territory or possession of the United States in which such company—
is not licensed; and
does not meet solvency requirements applicable to such State;
shall award the agreement based on the expertise of such company;
shall negotiate the terms and conditions of the fixed indemnity supplemental benefit plan provided under the agreement;
shall negotiate the cost of coverage with the company that will cover the participants who elect to enroll in such plan;
shall provide a method for verification of the eligibility of applicants and procedures for determination of eligibility; and
shall provide a method for payroll deduction of premiums.
Subsection (c) of such section is amended by striking website and inserting website, as determined by the Secretary,.
Such section is further amended—
by redesignating subsection (f) as subsection (g); and
by inserting after subsection (e) the following new subsection:
An agreement entered into under this section shall be deemed to be a contract for which the Secretary of Defense has determined to preempt State or local laws pursuant to section 1103 of title 10, United States Code, as administered under section 199.17(a)(7)(i) of title 32, Code of Federal Regulations, as in effect on the date of the enactment of this Act.
Subsection (a) of section 717 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1996 (Public Law 104–106; 10 U.S.C. 1073 note) is amended—
in paragraph (2), by striking ; and and inserting a semicolon;
in paragraph (3)(B)(v), by striking the period and inserting a semicolon; and
by adding at the end the following new paragraphs:
examine trends with respect to—
the demographics of members of the Armed Forces and covered beneficiaries;
the use of the TRICARE program by such members and beneficiaries;
the costs incurred by the Government relating to such use; and
the satisfaction of such members and beneficiaries with respect to the TRICARE program and other metrics relating to the performance of the military health system;
compare the trends examined under paragraph (4) with trends on similar matters experienced by civilian health care programs;
identify possible determining factors that could cause changes in the use of the TRICARE program or the costs incurred by the Government relating to such use; and
determine the impacts of cost-sharing amounts under the TRICARE program on members of the Armed Forces and covered beneficiaries.
Subsection (c) of such section is amended by striking March 1, 1997 and inserting March 1, 2027.
Section 1061(i) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 (Public Law 114–328; 10 U.S.C. 111 note) is amended by striking paragraph (3).
Section 746 of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (Public Law 116–283; 10 U.S.C. 1073 note) is amended—
in subsection (d), by striking five years and inserting eight years; and
in subsection (f)—
in the heading, by inserting and briefing after Reports; and
by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
Not later than June 30, 2027, the Secretary shall provide to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate a briefing on the feasibility of the Department of Defense hiring doulas to provide services to members of the Armed Forces and covered beneficiaries at military medical treatment facilities that are located in the United States and such facilities that are located outside the United States.
Section 724 of the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (Public Law 118–159; 10 U.S.C. 1071 note) is amended—
by redesignating subsections (b) through (d) as subsections (c) through (e), respectively; and
by inserting after subsection (a) the following new subsection (b):
The oversight strategy and action plan under subsection (a) shall include the following requirements:
Establishment of a baseline neurocognitive assessment to be conducted during the accession process of all members of the covered Armed Forces before the beginning of training.
Establishment of annual neurocognitive assessments to monitor the cognitive function of such members to be conducted—
at least every three years as part of the periodic health assessment of such members, and yearly for members determined to be at a high risk, as determined by the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness; and
as part of the post-deployment health assessment of such members.
Establishment of standards for recurrent and prolonged exposure.
Ensuring that all neurocognitive assessments of such members, including those required under subparagraphs (A) and (B), are maintained in the electronic medical record of such member.
Establishment and maintenance of blast overpressure exposure logs and traumatic brain injury logs for every member of the covered Armed Forces.
Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this subsection, the Secretary shall implement each requirement under paragraph (1).
Section 741(a)(2) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 (Public Law 116–92; 133 Stat. 1467), as amended by section 736(2)(B) of the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (Public Law 118–159; 138 Stat. 1959), is amended—
by redesignating subparagraphs (I) through (M) as subparagraphs (J) through (N), respectively; and
by inserting after subparagraph (H) the following new subparagraph (I):
The number of suicides identified under subparagraph (A), as a whole and disaggregated by the military occupational specialty (or other similar classification, rating, or specialty code) of the member, excluding such specialities that the Secretary determines would not provide statistically valid data, with respect to which the member had a history of one of the following:
Concussive or subconcussive brain injuries, including traumatic brain injuries.
Exposure to blast overpressure.
Other head trauma, regardless of whether it required the treatment of a medical provider.
Section 732 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (Public Law 119–60; 10 U.S.C. 4001 note) is amended—
in the section heading, by striking on domestic cats and dogs and inserting on certain animals; and
in subsection (a), by striking a domestic cat (Felis catus) or a domestic dog (Canis familiaris) and inserting a domestic cat (Felis catus), a domestic dog (Canis familiaris), or a nonhuman member of the order Primates.
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall commence a five-year pilot program under which—
the Secretary shall treat pregnancy as a qualifying event under section 1099(b)(1)(B) of title 10, United States Code, for enrollment in TRICARE Select by an eligible beneficiary; and
a member of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, or Space Force on active duty may enroll in TRICARE Select under paragraph (1) for a period that ends not later than 180 days after the end of pregnancy.
Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall provide to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate a briefing on the status of the pilot program under subsection (a).
Not later than one year after the Secretary commences the pilot program under subsection (a), and annually thereafter for the next four years, the Secretary shall provide to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate a report on the pilot program. Each such report shall include the number of covered enrollment changes, disaggregated by—
month, beginning with January 2027; and
whether the eligible beneficiary made such covered enrollment change—
because the eligible beneficiary is a member of the covered Armed Forces on active duty who may enroll in TRICARE Select under the pilot program;
because the eligible beneficiary is a member of the covered Armed Forces who separated from active duty;
because the eligible beneficiary is a member of the covered Armed Forces who returned to active duty;
because the eligible beneficiary is a dependent of a member of the covered Armed Forces who separated from active duty;
because the eligible beneficiary is a dependent of a member of the covered Armed Forces who returned to active duty; or
based on the treatment, under the pilot program, of pregnancy as a qualifying event for enrollment in TRICARE Select.
In this section:
The term covered Armed Forces means the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Space Force.
The term covered enrollment change means a change to a previous election by an eligible beneficiary under subsection (b)(1) of section 1099 of title 10, United States Code, to enroll in a health care plan designated under subsection (c) of such section.
The term eligible beneficiary means an individual—
eligible to enroll in TRICARE Select under section 1075(b) of title 10, United States Code, by reason of being a member or former member of the covered Armed Forces, or a dependent of such a member or former member; or
a member of the covered Armed Forces on active duty.
The terms TRICARE program and TRICARE Select have the meanings given such terms in section 1072 of title 10, United States Code.
Beginning not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall ensure that, for any covered physical training event, an automated external defibrillator (in this section referred to as an AED) is available and accessible at a distance that ensures a three-minute response time calculated under subsection (c).
In carrying out subsection (a), the Secretary shall—
require that AEDs be staged at the immediate site of any covered physical training event;
ensure that at least one individual present at covered physical training event site is certified (as of the date of the event) in the use of an AED and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (commonly known as CPR); and
establish a standardized protocol for regular quarterly inspections and maintenance of all AED units to ensure operational readiness.
The Secretary shall determine the three-minute response time under subsection (a) by calculating the total elapsed time beginning at the recognition of a suspected sudden cardiac arrest and ending at the delivery of the first defibrillation shock, including all time required for AED retrieval, transport, and device preparation. In making such determinations, the Secretary may presume that locating an AED within 100 yards of the site of the covered physical training event will meet such response time.
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report outlining—
the total number of additional AEDs required to achieve Department-wide compliance with this section;
the estimated cost of procurement and maintenance of such AEDs; and
a timeline for full implementation across all military installations to comply with this section.
In this section, the term covered physical training event means a required unit level physical training event or high-intensity exercise conducted by the Department of Defense.
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense, acting through the Director of the Defense Health Agency, shall establish a pilot program on blood pressure monitoring for pregnant and postpartum TRICARE beneficiaries in order to increase the rate of early detection of a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy.
The Secretary may model the pilot program under paragraph (1) on a pilot program for blood pressure self-monitoring under the Healthy Start Program of the Health Resources and Services Administration of the Department of Health and Human Services.
The Secretary shall carry out the pilot program under subsection (a) at not fewer than two military medical treatment facilities of each of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Space Force.
In selecting the military medical treatment facilities at which to carry out the pilot program under subsection (a), the Secretary shall—
ensure that the military medical treatment facilities are geographically diverse, including locations in rural and urban areas; and
give priority to military medical treatment facilities that have a large number of obstetric patients or a history of maternal health programs.
An individual is eligible to participate in the pilot program under subsection (a) if—
the individual—
is enrolled in the TRICARE program;
is pregnant or postpartum; and
receives health care through a military medical treatment facility at which the Secretary is carrying out the pilot program; and
the Secretary determines the individual is at risk (based on evidence and current medical standards and recommendations) of a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy or negative health outcomes as a result of a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy.
The Secretary may not require an individual to participate in the pilot program under subsection (a).
The Secretary shall provide to an individual participating in the pilot program under subsection (a)—
a blood pressure cuff device that—
is approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the digital monitoring of blood pressure;
is validated for use during pregnancy according to the International Organization for Standardization (as determined by the Secretary);
is capable of remote monitoring and data transmission; and
has adjustable or alternative cuff sizes; and
educational materials and instructions on the use of such device from a health care provider of the Department of Defense.
In carrying out the pilot program under subsection (a), the Secretary shall use the primary care and obstetric care provider of the individual participating in the pilot program, to the extent practicable.
The Secretary shall develop supporting materials for health care providers who facilitate the pilot program under subsection (a), including the following:
Guidance on how to identify individuals eligible to participate in the pilot program.
Evidence-based educational materials regarding maternal health best practices for such individuals.
The pilot program under subsection (a) shall terminate five years after the date on which the Secretary establishes such pilot program.
Not later than 180 days after the date of the termination of the pilot program, the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate, and make publicly available on the internet website of the Department of Defense, a report on the pilot program. The report shall include the following elements, disaggregated by the Armed Force, sex, age, race, and ethnicity of individuals who participated in the pilot program:
The number of participants.
The percentage of such participants who used the monitors as prescribed.
A summary of barriers or challenges participants experienced using the monitors and if such barriers or challenges resulted in the monitors being underused.
The percentage of participants who had blood pressure readings of concern.
The percentage of participants described in paragraph (4) who received medical attention based on such readings.
A summary of provider and participant feedback, including percentages of—
providers that found the program influenced patient care; and
participants who found the program was helpful in managing the care of the participant.
Recommendations of the Secretary whether the pilot program should be altered, expanded, or made permanent.
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall commence a pilot program under which a member of the Armed Forces serving on active duty may use a covered health record platform to collect the health records of the member before separating from active duty.
The Secretary shall select not fewer than one Armed Force in which to carry out the pilot program under subsection (a).
The Secretary shall seek to enter into a contract using competitive procedures with an appropriate entity for the provision of the covered health record platform under the pilot program under subsection (a).
Not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall issue a request for proposals for the contract described in paragraph (1).
A request under subparagraph (A) shall be full and open to any contractor that has an existing covered health record platform.
Not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall award a contract to an appropriate entity pursuant to the request for proposals under paragraph (2) if the Secretary determines that at least one acceptable offer is submitted.
The Secretary shall carry out the pilot program under subsection (a) for a period of not less than one year.
After carrying out the pilot program under subsection (a) for a period of 180 days, the Secretary shall survey all participants in the pilot program and, based on survey results, may—
terminate the pilot program;
continue the pilot program;
expand the pilot program; or
implement the use of a covered health record platform in the Defense Health Agency throughout the Armed Forces.
No additional funds are authorized to be appropriated to carry out the requirements of this section.
In this section, the term covered health record platform means a secure personal health record platform that meets the following requirements:
Has web-based and native mobile phone application capabilities.
Has the capability to store and share records with the Department of Veterans Affairs or any other designated care provider.
Has the capability to store records in the cloud.
Does not have a requirement for integration to receive or share records.
Has the capability to instantly share data based on a combination of access key and personal identifier.
Has the capability to provide secure data storage and records transfer upon separation of a member of the Armed Forces from active duty.
Does not require a business associate agreement with any parties.
Has secure data isolation with access controls.
Has, at a minimum, data security that would require separate encryption for each document, relying on AES256 or better algorithm with keys encryption using RSA2048 or better algorithm, or any successor similar algorithm.
The Director of the Defense Health Agency shall carry out a pilot program under which the Director provides for the use of blue-light dissipating displays by covered individuals in clinical and rehabilitative settings.
The Director shall ensure that blue-light dissipating displays provided under the pilot program under subsection (a) are used to assist covered individuals with screen-mediated tasks associated with rehabilitation, patient education, assistive technology, and telehealth appointments.
In carrying out the pilot program under subsection (a), the Director shall select commercially available, stand-alone blue-light dissipating displays that do not require modifications to the electronic health record systems of the military health system.
The Director shall select military medical treatment facilities at which to carry out the pilot program under subsection (a).
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Director shall provide to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate a briefing on the design of the pilot program under subsection (a), including identification of the military medical treatment facilities selected under subsection (d).
Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Director shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate a report on the pilot program under subsection (a), including an evaluation of each of the following:
Whether the use of blue-light dissipating displays provided under the pilot program changed the time needed to complete screen-mediated tasks associated with rehabilitation, patient education, assistive technology, and telehealth appointments.
Whether such use improved the ability of covered individuals to read information relating to such tasks.
Whether such use improved the glare sensitivity and visual fatigue of covered individuals.
In this section:
The term blue-light dissipating display means a display technology that is blue-light-dissipating and uses a diffused light-output architecture, including with respect to employing optical-elastomer or diffused light-output nanomaterial light-management layers (or both).
The term covered individual means a covered beneficiary (as defined in section 1072 of title 10, United States Code) who is partially blind, legally blind, or otherwise visually impaired.
The Secretary of Defense shall carry out the pilot program of the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences titled Assessing the Security and Quality of the U.S. Military Health System Pharmaceutical Supply Chain for a period of not less than five years beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act.
The Secretary shall ensure that the pilot program under subsection (a) includes the following:
Defining the Department Essential Medicine list to consist of not more than 100 medicines that do not have patent exclusivity and are determined by the Secretary as essential for operational capabilities, predeployment, or the military health system (based on the progress of the pilot program before the date of the enactment of this Act).
To the extent practicable, harmonizing such Department Essential Medicine list with a list of defense-relevant generic drugs based on the risk management framework developed under section 860 of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Public Law 117–263; 10 U.S.C. 3241 note prec.).
Refreshing and expanding chemical testing data from the pilot program as carried out before the date of the enactment of this Act to include all medicines listed on the Department Essential Medicine List and creating National Drug Code-specific categorizations of high-risk, moderate-risk, or low-risk based on objective indicators for relative chemical quality and safety risk.
Adding to the objective risk-categorization framework assessment of location of manufacturing, including flagging entities in China and other countries that are not compliant with the Trade Agreements Act of 1979 (19 U.S.C. 2501 et seq.) and creating National Drug Code-specific, objective categorizations of high-risk, moderate-risk, or low-risk based on independently derived indicators for true country of origin, that includes countries of concern, including China, being classified under the highest-risk category.
Making recommendations for the continuation of the scoring framework at the conclusion of the pilot program.
The Secretary shall ensure that, in determining the true country of origin (location quality) and relative chemical quality and safety risks of medicines under the pilot program under subsection (a), the testing for such information is conducted by independent laboratories acceptable to the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences that—
are accredited under ISO 17025 standards;
are not registered as a Good Manufacturing Practice facility to ensure no conflicts of interest;
have experience developing and operating a published quality risk scoring framework applicable to individual National Drug Codes; and
are duly licensed and demonstrate an ability to conduct ongoing post-market surveillance through procurement of pharmaceutical products from common wholesalers, and not directly from manufacturers.
In accordance with the Warfighter Brain Health Initiative under section 735 of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Public Law 117–263; 10 U.S.C. 1071 note), not later than July 1, 2027, the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs shall establish a working group to develop a digital health strategy that leverages advances in artificial intelligence for the treatment of traumatic brain injuries.
The Assistant Secretary shall appoint to the working group under subsection (a) members of the Armed Forces, officers and employees of the Department of Defense, and nongovernmental experts. Such individuals shall have expertise in clinical care of traumatic brain injuries, biomedical informatics, biomedical engineering, or biomedical implementation science.
The strategy under subsection (a) shall include, at a minimum, the following:
Identification of capability gaps in treatment of traumatic brain injuries that could be addressed through artificial intelligence and digital health technologies.
An analysis of existing research, development, and acquisition efforts leveraging artificial intelligence-based capabilities and digital health, including any applicable commercial off-the-shelf solutions being used by the Department of Defense to support treatment of traumatic brain injuries.
Expert recommendations on advances required to address identified capability gaps and significantly improve treatment of traumatic brain injuries using artificial intelligence and digital health technologies.
A recommended investment plan to advance technology and knowledge readiness levels to field digital solutions for treating traumatic brain injuries.
The Secretary of Defense shall conduct a comprehensive, longitudinal study to assess the long term physiological and psychological effects of military aviation, including with respect to high-performance flight and G-force exposure, on military aviators.
The study under subsection (a) shall examine, at a minimum—
the relationship between cumulative flight hours and exposure to G-forces and incidents of traumatic brain injury, subconcussive trauma, or cognitive impairment;
long-term mental health outcomes, including with respect to incidence of depression, anxiety disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder, in military aviators compared to other members of the Armed Forces;
the correlation between aviation-related physiological stress and suicide risk among aviators;
the prevalence of neurodegenerative conditions (including chronic traumatic encephalopathy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and Parkinson’s disease) in current and former military aviators;
the effect of helmet design, oxygen systems, flight suit pressurization, and other cockpit environmental factors on neurocognitive health;
current screening and diagnostic procedures used to detect early signs of neurological injury or psychological distress in military aviators; and
recommended improvements in the monitoring, prevention, and treatment of aviation-related brain trauma and mental health challenges.
In conducting the study under subsection (a), the Secretary shall consult with—
the Surgeons General of the military departments;
the Director of the Defense Health Agency;
the Secretary of Veterans Affairs; and
relevant academic institutions and federally funded research and development centers with expertise in aviation medicine, neuroscience, and psychiatry.
The Secretary of Defense shall establish and maintain a centralized Military Aviator Neurohealth Registry that includes—
anonymized health data of military aviators voluntarily participating in the study under subsection (a);
flight exposure metrics, including cumulative hours and G-force profiles;
relevant health outcomes tracked over time; and
a mechanism for longitudinal follow-up with the military aviators after retirement or separation from the Armed Forces.
Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees an interim report on the study under subsection (a), including any preliminary findings and recommendations.
Not later than three years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the study under subsection (a), including findings and recommendations.
In this section, the term military aviator means a member of the Armed Forces, including a commissioned officer or a warrant officer, who—
has been designated as a pilot, naval aviator, or aircrew member by the Secretary of the military department concerned;
operates, or is regularly assigned as a flight crew member aboard, high-performance, crewed, fixed-wing or rotary-wing aircraft designed for tactical, training, or reconnaissance missions, including—
fighter aircraft (such as the F–35, F/A–18, F–22, and F–16 aircraft);
attack aircraft (such as the A–10 and AH–64 aircraft);
trainer jets (such as the T–7, T–38,and T–45 aircraft); and
tiltrotor or high-speed rotary aircraft (such as the V–22 aircraft); and
is subject to sustained or repeated G-forces during the routine execution of flight duties.
The Secretary of Defense, acting through the Director of the Defense Health Agency, in coordination with the Secretary of the Air Force, shall conduct a feasibility study on establishing a military medical treatment facility at Homestead Air Reserve Base, Florida.
The study under subsection (a) shall evaluate the following:
The total eligible beneficiary population who would access a military medical treatment facility at Homestead Air Reserve Base, including with respect to members of the Armed Forces (including the reserve components thereof) and covered beneficiaries stationed at such Base or at a different military installation in the proximity of such Base.
The extent to which reliance by such members and covered beneficiaries on civilian health care providers—
meets medical readiness and deployment training requirements;
supports or degrades military-unique clinical skill sustainment; and
satisfies adequacy standards under the TRICARE network.
Identified gaps between civilian health care access and military operational medical readiness requirements.
A cost comparison of—
a direct care military medical treatment facility model;
a hybrid readiness clinic model; and
continued purchased care reliance.
Opportunities for integration with local civilian health care systems while preserving military-unique readiness competencies.
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate—
the findings of the study under subsection (a);
a recommended course of action;
estimated cost and manpower requirements;
an assessment of medical readiness impacts; and
an analysis of the implications to covered beneficiaries with respect to accessing medical care.
In this section, the term covered beneficiary has the meaning given that term in section 1072 of title 10, United States Code.
Not later than 18 months after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall conduct a study to determine the feasibility of establishing a digital system under which—
a covered individual who receives health care at a military medical treatment facility may electronically—
file a complaint relating to access to care at such military medical treatment facility; and
view the status of such complaint at any time, including the status of any interim or final action taken to address the complaint;
any complaint filed under paragraph (1)(A) is promptly transmitted to an appropriate patient advocate of the Department of Defense; and
complaints filed under paragraph (1)(A) with respect to a military medical treatment facility may be automatically aggregated and submitted to the Director of the Defense Health Agency on a quarterly basis.
Not later than December 1, 2027, the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate a report on the feasibility of establishing the digital system described in subsection (a).
The report under paragraph (1) shall include the following:
An identification of the most common complaints relating to access to care filed by covered individuals.
A comparison of the number of complaints regarding access to specialty care versus access to primary care.
A comparison of the number of complaints regarding access to pediatric care versus nonpediatric care.
A comparison of the number of complaints regarding administrative hurdles to access to care versus other issues relating to access to care.
A summary of steps taken to reduce complaints relating to access to care.
In this section, the term covered individual means an individual enrolled in a health care plan under the TRICARE program and eligible to receive care at a military medical treatment facility.
The Inspector General of the Department of Defense shall conduct a review of the efforts of each Secretary of a military department to prevent incidents of deaths by suicide, suicide attempts, and suicidal ideation among members of the Armed Forces, including with respect to—
efforts to increase public awareness of such prevention; and
developing unit commanding officer crisis response plans.
The review under subsection (a) shall include an assessment of each of the following:
The extent of data collected regarding incidents of deaths by suicide, suicide attempts, and suicidal ideation among members of the Armed Forces.
The means used by commanders to prevent and respond to incidents of deaths by suicide, suicide attempts, and suicidal ideation among members.
Challenges relating to—
the prevention of incidents of deaths by suicide, suicide attempts, and suicidal ideation among members deployed; and
the development of a response to such incidents.
The capacity of teams providing mental health services to members to respond to incidents of suicidal ideation or suicide attempts among members in the respective unit each such team serves.
The means used by such teams to respond to such incidents, including the extent to which post-incident programs are available to members.
Barriers to providing signage and advertisements for mental health resources in high-traffic areas on installations.
Current annual training requirements and leadership training programs for each Armed Force, including any enforcement measures.
Such other matters as the Inspector General determines appropriate.
Not later April 30, 2027, the Inspector General of the Department of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House of Representatives a report that includes a summary of the results of the review under subsection (a).
The Secretary of Defense shall issue such regulations, policies, and procedures as may be necessary to require that, whenever appropriate, following a member of the Armed Forces sustaining any significant injury or illness or being on sick call, a wellness check is conducted to account for the health and welfare of such member.
In conducting a wellness check for a member of the Armed Forces pursuant to paragraph (1), if the member does not respond to such check conducted via an electronic or telephone communication method, the individual conducting the check shall progress to an in-person method of contact.
If, as a result of a wellness check conducted pursuant to paragraph (1) for a member of the Armed Forces, the individual conducting such check is unable to locate such member, the individual shall refer to the applicable regulations, policies, and procedures of the Department of Defense regarding the determination and reporting of such member as missing, absent unknown, absent without leave, or duty status whereabouts unknown.
In carrying out subsection (a), the Secretary of Defense shall ensure that each unit commander coordinates with the judge advocates assigned or attached to, or performing duty with, the unit under the command of such commander for assistance in the implementation of any regulation, policy, or procedure required under subsection (a) with respect to such unit.
On a routine basis, each unit commander shall—
review the requirements contained in the document titled Commander’s Critical Information Requirements, dated January 2020, or such successor document, to ensure such requirements—
have been issued or updated during the three-year period preceding any such review;
reflect such medical issues or safety incidents of members of the Armed Forces that the commander deems sufficiently significant; and
have been distributed to the unit under the command of such commander; and
host confidential wellness meetings with subordinate commanders at which such commanders may discuss with one or more medical officers assigned to such unit any significant injuries or illnesses affecting members of the Armed Forces serving in or with such unit.
Each Secretary concerned, and the Secretary of Defense with respect to civilian personnel of the Department of Defense, shall develop and implement training courses to ensure each member of an Armed Forces under the jurisdiction of that Secretary (or each civilian employee of the Department of Defense, respectively) is aware of the importance of accountability with respect to health and welfare and of the significant negative outcomes that may occur when accountability procedures fail. Such courses shall be offered at leadership and supervisor trainings and shall include content relating to the conduct of wellness checks in accordance with subsection (a) and other related actions.
In this section, the term Secretary concerned has the meaning given such term in section 101(a) of title 10, United States Code.
Not later than February 1, 2027, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate a report on the plan by the Secretary to implement the recommendations made by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine in the report on the Department of Defense Comprehensive Autism Care Demonstration program submitted under section 737 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (Public Law 117–81; 135 Stat. 1800).
On a semiannual basis, the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate a report on the Department of Defense Comprehensive Autism Care Demonstration program, including the following with respect to the period covered by the report:
The total number of children receiving applied behavior analysis services under the program.
The total average wait time for such children, listed by the State in which such services are provided and calculated based on the date of the diagnosis of autism and the date on which such services are first provided.
The number of new referrals for such services.
The number of providers accepting new patients for such services.
The number of providers who no longer accept new patients for such services.
The average number of treatment sessions required by such children.
—
Each Secretary concerned shall develop recommendations to improve the transition of medics under the jurisdiction of the Secretary concerned into the civilian workforce in health care occupations, including as certified nurse aides, licensed practical nurses, or medical assistants.
In carrying out paragraph (1), the Secretary concerned shall—
identify any barriers—
to improving the ability of the Secretary concerned to determine and communicate how the military medic credentials and experience of a medic separating from the Armed Forces translate to credentialed civilian employment in health care occupations;
that exist to the standardization among the Armed Forces of military medic credentials and experience and the alignment of such credentials and experience to credentialed civilian employment in health care occupations;
that exist to ensuring members of the Armed Forces with military medic credentials and experience have earned the equivalent civilian credential prior to separation from the Armed Forces in addition to receiving their military credentials;
to the increased establishment and uptake of accelerated or bridge programs to assist separating members of the Armed Forces in translating military credentials and experience into civilian health care credentials and employment;
to increasing the availability and accessibility of preparatory activities under the SkillBridge program established under section 1143(e) of title 10, United States Code, in the health care sector for members of the Armed Forces preparing for separation, to include—
the approval timeline for separating members to participate in SkillBridge programs in the health care sector; and
requirements to return to their duty station for out-processing; and
to providing information on civilian health care credentials and employment under the Transition Assistance Program to medics separating from the Armed Forces, including information on State-by-State licensing and credentialing; and
consider the potential effects of—
clarification by States through legislation, actions of State licensing boards, or actions of State credentialing boards of the civilian equivalents of certain military credentials and experience in health care;
implementation, including through State-provided incentives, of accelerated programs to bridge military medic credentials and experience with civilian health care credentials and licenses;
financial support or incentives by States to increase the availability and accessibility of such programs;
requiring the military departments to align military health care credentials with civilian equivalents; and
requiring the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Labor to track and report the number of separated members of the Armed Forces with health care-related military credentials and experience who continue in the civilian health care sector, including the type of employment they pursue.
The Secretaries concerned shall carry out paragraph (1) in consultation with each of the States (through the Defense-State Liaison Office of the Department of Defense), the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, and the Secretary of Labor.
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary concerned shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report containing—
the recommendations developed under subsection (a); and
a plan to implement those recommendations.
In this section:
The term appropriate congressional committees means the following:
The Committee on Armed Services, the Committee on Education and the Workforce, the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the House of Representatives.
The Committee on Armed Services, the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, and the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the Senate.
The term medic means a member of the Armed Forces acting in a clinical health care-related occupation while serving in the Armed Forces.
The term Secretary concerned means—
the Secretary of Defense, with respect to matters concerning the Department of Defense; and
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.
The term State means each of the several States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, or the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands that have a Defense-State Liaison Office.
The term Transition Assistance Program means the program of the Department of Defense for pre-separation counseling, employment assistance, and other transitional services provided under sections 1142 and 1144 of title 10, United States Code.
The Secretary of Defense, in coordination with each Secretary of a military department and the Director of the Defense Health Agency, shall develop a strategic plan to address suicide by members of the covered Armed Forces and the mental health services provided to such members.
The plan under subsection (a) shall include the following:
Developing and enforcing uniform protocols with respect to—
the regulations prescribed for the self-initiated referral process under section 1090b(e) of title 10, United States Code, for members of the covered Armed Forces seeking mental health evaluations;
the provision of information, including through workplace posters, flyers, and advertisements, to ensure members are aware of such referral process.
Standardized mental health training for members of the covered Armed Forces, including—
specialized training for commanders, senior enlisted leaders, and medical personnel on identifying and addressing mental health concerns;
the development of a certification process based on completion of training with documented proof of compliance;
how to respond when a member initiates the referral process under section 1090b(e) of title 10, United States Code; and
how to recognize signs indicating mental health distress.
In this section, the term covered Armed Forces means the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Space Force.
Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, shall provide to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate and the Committees on Veterans’ Affairs of the House of Representatives and the Senate a briefing on—
the status and any preliminary findings of ongoing studies on cancer incidence rates among members of the Armed Forces and veterans, including—
the results of and remedial actions taken following the study conducted by the Secretary of Defense on aircrew members of rotary-wing aircraft under section 736 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (Public Law 119–60; 139 Stat. 935); and
the results of and remedial actions taken following the completion of the study conducted by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs relating to fixed-wing aviators and associated ground crew pursuant to title V of the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2022 (Public Law 117–168) and subsequent related directives;
the incidence and prevalence of prostate cancer among members of the Armed Forces and veterans, including any identified elevated risks within specific occupational specialties;
an assessment of emerging and advanced prostate cancer screening, diagnostic, and prognostic technologies, including those that are less invasive and capable of determining cancer aggressiveness;
the extent to which such technologies are currently available within the military health system and the health care system of the Department of Veterans Affairs; and
a plan, including timelines and resource requirements, to evaluate and, as appropriate, implement such technologies within the military health system and the health care system of the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct audits of—
data reported by the contractor responsible for the administration of the pharmacy benefits program relating to—
rates of reimbursement and any price concessions;
any discrepancies between average reimbursements to various types of pharmacies disaggregated by retail, mail order, specialty pharmacies, and any pharmacy owned by or affiliated with such contractor; and
the difference between what the contractor charges the TRICARE program for a pharmaceutical agent and what the contractor pays to pharmacies for the same pharmaceutical agent, disaggregated by retail, mail order, and specialty pharmacies;
prior authorizations required by the TRICARE program for prescription drug treatments and services;
the timeliness of dispensing prescription drugs from the various types of pharmacies, disaggregated by retail, mail order, and specialty pharmacies; and
the adequacy of the retail pharmacy network under the TRICARE program and access by eligible covered beneficiaries to such network, including with respect to continuity of care, geographic accessibility (taking into account factors in addition to travel time to and from a pharmacy, with special consideration for rural and underserved areas), and the extent to which elections by such beneficiaries reflect personal preference; and
Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall provide to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a briefing on the audits under paragraph (1).
Not later than 18 months after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report with the results the audits under paragraph (1).
As a condition of administering the pharmacy benefits program on and after the date of the enactment of this Act, and notwithstanding any other provision of law, or any contract, subcontract, agreement, or confidentiality provision to the contrary, the contractor responsible for administering the pharmacy benefits program shall agree to make available to the Comptroller General any information the Comptroller General determines necessary to conduct the audits under subsection (a)(1) not later than 30 days after the request for such information by the Comptroller General.
Information required under paragraph (1) shall include the following:
Claims-level data.
Information on reimbursement methodologies and payment rates.
An identification of all price concessions, including rebates, fees, discounts, and remuneration of any kind from manufacturers, pharmacies, or other entities.
Information on amounts charged to the Department of Defense and amounts paid to pharmacies for the same drug.
Contracts, subcontracts, and other arrangements with manufacturers, pharmacies, or third parties relevant to the administration of the pharmacy benefits program.
Information required to be provided under this paragraph may not be withheld, redacted, or limited on the basis of claims relating to proprietary information, trade secrets, or confidential commercial information, except that the Comptroller General shall protect such information from public disclosure in accordance with applicable law.
The Comptroller General may determine the form, level of detail, and frequency of data submissions required under paragraph (1).
If any audit conducted under subsection (a)(1) finds that reimbursement rates paid to retail pharmacies under the pharmacy benefits program are, on average or in a systemic manner, less than the documented acquisition cost to such pharmacies for outpatient prescription drugs covered by such audit, the Comptroller General shall include in the report on such audit under subsection (a)(2) an assessment of the impact of such reimbursement rates on retail pharmacy participation, beneficiary access, network adequacy, and continuity of care.
In conducting oversight of the pharmacy benefit program, the Secretary of Defense shall ensure that measures of access to such program include—
continuity of care and beneficiary preference, including the ability of beneficiaries to remain with their pharmacy of choice; and
meaningful geographic access standards beyond drive-time calculations, with special consideration for rural and underserved areas.
Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a plan for the implementation of this section.
This section shall apply to any contract, agreement, or other arrangement in effect on or after the date of the enactment of this Act, including any contract, agreement, or arrangement entered into before such date.
Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit, amend, supersede, or restrict in any manner any existing authority of the Comptroller General.
In this section:
The terms eligible covered beneficiary, pharmaceutical agent, and prescription drug have the meanings given those terms in section 1074g of title 10, United States Code.
The term pharmacy benefits program means the pharmacy benefit program of the TRICARE program under section 1074g of title 10, United States Code.
The term TRICARE program has the meaning given that term in section 1072 of title 10, United States Code.
Not later than 270 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Director of the Defense Health Agency shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the feasibility of establishing a pilot program that establishes a behavioral neurology fellowship program to provide training opportunities with respect to treating members of the Armed Forces and veterans with traumatic brain injuries, particularly regarding the intersection of behavior and traumatic brain injury.
The report on the potential pilot program under subsection (a) shall include the following:
The feasibility of the pilot program meeting the requirements described in subsection (c).
An evaluation of potential locations at which to carry out the pilot program.
The requirements described in this subsection are the following:
The pilot program would include two individuals selected for a one-year clinical fellowship program under the pilot program.
An individual may hold a fellowship under the pilot program if the individual—
holds a Doctor of Medicine or Doctor of Osteopathy from any medical school accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education; and
before participating in the fellowship program, has completed a residency program in neurology or psychiatry at an institution accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education.
An individual would not be required to be board certified to hold a fellowship under the pilot program.
The pilot program would be carried out in a manner that seeks to allow an individual, upon completion of the fellowship program, to sit for board certification in behavioral neurology and neuropsychiatry offered by the United Council for Neurologic Subspecialties.
The fellowship program would be accredited.
The Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct a study on the sufficiency of the Department of Defense Reserve Component dental program in supporting the medical readiness and deployability of members of the reserve components.
The study under subsection (a) shall include, at a minimum, the following:
An assessment of the extent to which current annual benefit caps, including the $1,500 coverage limit under the TRICARE Dental Program, contribute to dental nondeployability among members of the reserve components.
An evaluation of the relationship between out-of-pocket dental costs and delays in obtaining necessary dental care required for deployment readiness.
An analysis of the extent to which dental readiness requirements impose a financial burden on members of the reserve components, including whether such requirements function as an unfunded mandate on individual members.
A review of the findings of section 707 of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Public Law 117–263; 136 Stat. 2652) and an assessment of remaining gaps in data regarding dental readiness and benefit sufficiency.
An identification and evaluation of targeted, cost-effective policy options to improve dental readiness among members of the reserve components, including—
adjustments to annual benefit caps;
coverage of readiness-related dental procedures not currently included under existing plans;
alternative models for delivering dental care to reservists; and
any other mechanisms the Comptroller General determines appropriate to reduce cost-related barriers to deployability.
An assessment of the potential effects of such policy options on—
overall force readiness and deployability;
recruitment and retention within the reserve components; and
cost to the Department of Defense.
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall provide to the congressional defense committees a briefing on the preliminary observations and emerging findings of the study under subsection (a).
The Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs, in consultation with the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Nuclear Deterrence, Chemical, and Biological Defense Policy and Programs, shall seek to enter into an agreement with the Executive Officer of the National Academy of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine for a review of the occupational health and safety conditions of covered operational facilities.
The review required by subsection (a) shall include the following:
An independent review of the methodology and findings of the Missile Community Cancer Study conducted by the Air Force Medical Service and Air Force Global Strike Command.
An independent assessment of occupational hazards, covered toxic substances, and operational activities associated with the LGM–30G Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile system that accounts for—
enclosed space dynamics;
ventilation inefficiencies; and
limited fresh air exchange rates.
An independent case-controlled retrospective study of cancer incidence rates among—
Minuteman III missile launch officers and support personnel; compared to
a group of members of the Air Force with—
a substantially similar demographic makeup to the group of launch officers and support personnel included in the study;
responsibilities that are not associated with the Minuteman III system; and
a low potential for occupational exposure to covered toxic substances, as determined by Air Force Specialty Code and occupational duties.
A comparative evaluation of the suitability and effectiveness of historic versus current year environmental surveillance policies, procedures, and technologies of the Department of the Air Force for covered operational facilities used to detect exposure to covered toxic substances and occupational hazards, including—
air quality;
groundwater and drinking water contamination;
ventilation systems and particulate matter accumulation; and
residual contamination associated with confined operational environments.
An evaluation of the suitability and effectiveness of policies, procedures, and technologies of the Department of the Air Force to prevent occupational hazards, and reduce exposure to covered toxic substances, associated with the Minuteman III system including—
personal protective equipment;
engineering controls;
environmental surveillance; and
other policies, procedures, and technologies deemed relevant.
An evaluation of the suitability and effectiveness of policies, procedures, and technologies of the Department of the Air Force and the Department of Defense for reporting and periodic medical screening, testing, and evaluations for potential exposure to occupational hazards and covered toxic substances for personnel associated with the Minuteman III system.
Recommendations of the Executive Officer with respect to—
Department of Defense actions to ensure that occupational health and safety conditions of covered operational facilities—
meet current occupational safety and national security requirements in effect as of the date of the enactment of this Act; and
are applied to the LGM–35A Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile system; and
potential modifications to—
the current design and operation of the LGM–30G Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile system; and
the future design and operation of the Sentinel system.
The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that personnel of the National Academy of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine supervising the implementation of the agreement required by subsection (a), or conducting the review required by such subsection, are granted, in a timely manner, access to the information and security clearances necessary to carry out such review.
Not later than 18 months after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Executive Officer of the National Academy of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report that includes the findings of the review required by subsection (a).
The report required by paragraph (1) shall be submitted in unclassified form but may include a classified annex.
In this section:
The term covered operational facilities mean physical structures and work environments associated with the LGM–30G Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile system, including—
launch control facilities;
launch facilities;
missile alert facilities; and
other associated facilities.
The term covered toxic substances means contaminants and other risk factors that pose a significant health risk to an individual when inhaled, ingested, absorbed by, or in close proximity to, the individual, including—
asbestos;
radiation;
polychlorinated biphenyls;
combustion byproducts associated with burning classified materials, accelerants, and industrial solvents;
volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including VOCs from cleaning and maintenance chemicals;
radon and naturally occurring radioactive materials in subterranean facilities;
hydrogen cyanide, hydrazine, ethylene glycol, and sodium chromate;
pesticides and herbicides from facility perimeters and surrounding agricultural runoff;
noise; and
other chemical compounds or elements associated with the LGM–30G Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile system or covered operational facilities.
The Secretary of Defense shall ensure the sustained collection and analysis of beneficiary experience data necessary to support the ongoing evaluation of the TRICARE program in meeting the goals of—
increasing access to health care for covered beneficiaries under chapter 55 of title 10, United States Code;
improving the quality of health care provided to covered beneficiaries; and
informing oversight of the performance of the military health system.
The evaluation under subsection (a) shall include an assessment of each of the following:
The impact of the TRICARE program on members of the covered Armed Forces and the dependents of such members, retirees of the covered Armed Forces and the dependents of such retirees, and dependents with severe disabilities and chronic health care needs of members of the covered Armed Forces serving on active duty regarding access, costs, quality, and beneficiary experience.
Barriers affecting beneficiary utilization of military medical treatment facilities and factors influencing the use of purchased care in lieu of direct care.
Patient safety, quality of care, and access to care at military medical treatment facilities, including appointment wait times, beneficiary satisfaction, and comparison to the access standards of the Department of Defense.
Trends in beneficiary experience and access to care over time through the use of longitudinal population-level data collection methodologies.
The Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate the results of each evaluation under subsection (a).
The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that any transition or modification to beneficiary experience survey methodologies does not result in a lapse in the collection, analysis, or reporting of population-level beneficiary experience data necessary to support the evaluation, performance assessment, and reporting requirements, of the military health system.
In this section:
The term covered Armed Force means the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Space Force.
The term covered beneficiary means a covered beneficiary, as defined in section 1072 of title 10, United States Code, who is a beneficiary by reason of the service by an individual in a covered Armed Force.
The term TRICARE program has the meaning given that term in section 1072 of title 10, United States Code.
The Secretary of Defense may not include legally available peptides on the prohibited dietary supplement ingredients list established pursuant to Department of Defense Instruction 6130.06, or any other similar list of substances that are prohibited for use by a member of the Armed Forces without a medical exemption, if the member of the Armed Forces obtains and uses such peptides in a manner that is lawful in the location of the member.
The Secretary of Defense shall conduct a comprehensive, longitudinal study to assess the long-term effects of exposure to toxic substances on the reproductive health and fertility of members of the covered Armed Forces.
The study under subsection (a) shall include the following:
The relationship between service in the covered Armed Forces and exposure to toxic substances.
The resultant effect of exposure to toxic substances on the reproductive health and fertility of covered members of the Armed Forces.
Whether certain career fields in the covered Armed Forces have a higher chance of damaging fertility.
The effects of exposure to toxic substances and other mechanism on the health of children of such members.
The effects of exposure to toxic substances and other mechanisms on the sex of the children of such members.
The rates of infertility and reduced fertility among such members.
The rates of congenital disabilities and birth defects in the children of such members.
In conducting the study subsection (a), the Secretary shall consult with—
the Surgeons General of the covered Armed Forces;
the Director of the Defense Health Agency; and
relevant academic institutions and federally funded research and development centers with expertise in fertility and reproductive health.
Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate an interim report on the study under subsection (a), including any preliminary findings and recommendations.
Not later than three years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate a report on the study under subsection (a), including the following:
Findings.
Identification of the categories of toxic substances most commonly associated with reproductive harm among members of the covered Armed Forces.
A description of current research programs within the Department of Defense examining the relationship between such exposures and reproductive health.
An evaluation of the extent to which members of the covered Armed Forces have access to fertility preservation services, assisted reproductive technology, and fertility services, and any gaps in access to such services, including with respect to members of the reserve components.
Recommendations regarding—
improvements to screening and monitoring protocols for reproductive health outcomes related to toxic exposure;
expanded access to reproductive health services and fertility treatments for members of the covered Armed Forces affected by toxic exposure; and
legislative or regulatory actions to address reproductive health effects of such exposure.
In this section:
The term covered Armed Forces means the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Space Force.
The term toxic substances means any substance known to the Department of Defense to be toxic, hazardous, or otherwise cause negative health outcomes.
Chapter 205 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 3105 the following new sections:
Each portfolio acquisition executive shall, with respect to contractors under the defense acquisition programs assigned to such executive, have the following authorities:
To issue a performance improvement notice to any contractor that, as documented in any contractor past performance database used by the Department of Defense, has received a rating indicating a deficiency (such as marginal or unsatisfactory) in two or more consecutive assessment periods, or in three or more assessment periods within a period of five years. Such a notice shall specify, with particularity, the deficiencies identified in such ratings and shall establish measurable corrective action benchmarks and a remediation period not to exceed 180 days. The portfolio acquisition executive shall ensure that the notice is provided contemporaneously to the contractor and the component acquisition executive or service acquisition executive of the military department concerned, as applicable, and is documented in any contractor past performance database used by the Department.
To initiate a contract restructuring action, including an action to adjust a performance metric, milestone schedule, deliverable specification, or associated incentive fee structure, without the prior approval of the component acquisition executive or the service acquisition executive of the military department concerned, as long as the total value of the restructured contract does not exceed any applicable threshold. The portfolio acquisition executive shall provide written notification to the component acquisition executive or service acquisition executive, as applicable, not later than 15 days after initiating such an action.
To recommend to the component acquisition executive or the service acquisition executive of the military department concerned that a contract be terminated for cause. The service acquisition executive shall act on such recommendation, or determine not to act on such recommendation, not later than 30 days after receiving the recommendation.
In a case in which the component acquisition executive or service acquisition executive, as applicable, overrides the issuance of a performance improvement notice under subsection (a)(1), overrides a contract restructuring action under subsection (a)(2), or determines not to act on a recommendation under subsection (a)(3), the component acquisition executive or service acquisition executive, as applicable, shall—
not later than 15 days after such override or determination, make a written documentation of the override or determination that cites the specific statutory, regulatory, or policy basis for the override or determination; and
provide a copy of such written documentation to the portfolio acquisition executive and the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment.
This section does not—
authorize a portfolio acquisition executive to terminate a contract for cause without the approval of the component acquisition executive or service acquisition executive, as applicable; or
supersede any right of the contractor to notice and opportunity to respond under applicable provisions of law or regulation.
The Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment shall issue guidance for the implementation of this section.
On an annual basis, the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, in consultation with each component acquisition executive and service acquisition executive, shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the exercise of authorities under this section. The report shall include—
a consolidated list of all actions taken by a portfolio acquisition executive under paragraphs (1), (2), and (3) of subsection (a);
a consolidated list of all overrides and determinations by a component acquisition executive or service acquisition executive under subsection (b); and
an assessment of the effectiveness of the actions taken under paragraphs (1), (2), and (3) of subsection (a).
The Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, in consultation with each component acquisition executive and service acquisition executive, shall establish a framework of contractor performance metrics to be used by all portfolio acquisition executives of the Department of Defense. The framework shall—
specify metrics that must be used by each portfolio acquisition executive to assess each defense acquisition program assigned to such executive;
for each such metric, establish minimum thresholds for reporting; and
provide for consistency and comparability of contractor performance data across the Department while preserving the flexibility of each portfolio acquisition executive to tailor specific indicators and thresholds to the defense acquisition programs assigned to such executive.
The framework required by subsection (a) shall include metrics in each of the following categories:
Metrics relating to variance from the approved cost baseline, including estimate at completion versus budget at completion, undefinitized contract action definitization rate, and cost overrun recurrence.
Metrics relating to adherence to milestones, including delivery delays measured in days against the approved program baseline and frequency of approved re-baselining.
Metrics relating to achievement of key performance parameters at applicable program milestones and deficiency closure rates.
Metrics relating to mission capable rate contribution, mean time between failures relative to contractual specifications, and materiel backorder rate.
Metrics relating to the assignment and distribution of ratings in the contractor past performance database used by the Department, rates of compliance with corrective action plans, and competitive re-compete rates.
Any other categories that the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment considers appropriate.
Each portfolio acquisition executive shall—
for each category established under subsection (b), develop additional metrics and thresholds tailored to the defense acquisition programs assigned to such portfolio acquisition executive;
submit such additional metrics and thresholds to the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment; and
upon approval of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, file such additional metrics and thresholds with the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment.
The Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment shall submit any metrics and thresholds approved under subsection (c)(3)—
to the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate and the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives not later than 30 days after approving such metrics and thresholds; and
to the Comptroller General upon request.
The Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment shall review the framework under subsection (a) not less frequently than annually and shall update the framework as necessary to reflect changes in acquisition policy, program structure, or operational requirements.
The Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment shall ensure that the metrics and thresholds under this section—
are distinct from, and shall be administered consistent with and separately from, the key performance objectives established under section 826 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (10 U.S.C. 1722b note) for evaluating the performance of civilian members of the acquisition workforce; and
complement, and do not conflict with, the integration of such key performance objectives into performance management systems of the Department.
This section does not require the assessment of the individual performance of any member of the acquisition workforce.
Each portfolio acquisition executive shall, with respect to contractors under the defense acquisition programs assigned to such executive, have the authority to designate a contractor for the high performer preference for purposes of this section if the contractor—
as documented in the contractor past performance database used by the Department of Defense, has received a rating of exceptional or very good for not fewer than three consecutive assessment periods under the defense acquisition programs assigned to such executive; and
has met or exceeded all key performance parameters applicable to such programs during such period.
The portfolio acquisition executive shall make a designation under subsection (a) in writing, ensure that it is documented in any contractor past performance database used by the Department, and report the designation not later than 30 days after making the designation to the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment and the component acquisition executive or service acquisition executive of the military department concerned, as applicable.
Except as provided in paragraph (2), a designation under subsection (a) shall remain in effect for a period not to exceed three years from the date on which the designation is made, at which time a new designation under subsection (a) may be made if the requirements of subsection (a) are met.
A portfolio acquisition executive may revoke a designation under subsection (a) at any time upon a determination that the contractor no longer satisfies a requirement in subsection (a). The portfolio acquisition executive shall make the revocation in writing, ensure that it is documented in any contractor past performance database used by the Department, and report the revocation not later than 30 days after making the revocation to the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment and the component acquisition executive or service acquisition executive of the military department concerned, as applicable.
In any competitive source selection conducted under the defense acquisition programs assigned to a portfolio acquisition executive that has made a designation under subsection (a) that remains in effect, the contracting officer shall assign to any offeror with such a designation a past performance confidence rating of substantial confidence, except in a case in which the contracting officer determines, for specific documented reasons supported by specific performance data, to assign a lower past performance rating. In such a case, the contracting officer shall document in writing such determination, such reasons, and such data.
A designation under subsection (a) shall not—
constitute a sole-source justification or otherwise relieve the contracting officer of the obligation to conduct full and open competition as required by applicable law, regulation, and policy; or
be used to evaluate the past performance of an offeror in a source selection under a defense acquisition program not assigned to the portfolio acquisition executive that made the designation, except with the prior written concurrence of the porfolio acquisition executive to whom the defense acquisition program is assigned.
The guidance required by section 3105a of title 10, United States Code, as added by this section, shall be issued not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act.
The authorities provided by sections 3105a, 3105b, and 3105c of such title, as added by this section, shall apply on and after the date on which such guidance is issued, except as provided in paragraphs (3) and (4).
The first report required by section 3105a of such title shall be submitted not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act.
The first set of additional tailored metrics required by section 3105b of such title shall be submitted not later than 270 days after the date of the enactment of this Act.
Chapter 223 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 3243 the following new section:
It shall be the policy of the Department of Defense to avoid using lowest price technically acceptable source selection criteria in circumstances that would deny the Department the benefits of cost and technical tradeoffs in the source selection process.
The Secretary of Defense shall ensure the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement requires that lowest price technically acceptable source selection criteria are used only in situations in which—
the Department of Defense is able to comprehensively and clearly describe the minimum requirements expressed in terms of performance objectives, measures, and standards that will be used to determine acceptability of offers;
the Department of Defense would realize no, or minimal, value from a contract proposal exceeding the minimum technical or performance requirements set forth in the request for proposal;
the proposed technical approaches will require no, or minimal, subjective judgment by the source selection authority as to the desirability of one offeror’s proposal versus a competing proposal;
the source selection authority has a high degree of confidence that a review of technical proposals of offerors other than the lowest bidder would not result in the identification of factors that could provide value or benefit to the Department;
the contracting officer has included a justification for the use of a lowest price technically acceptable evaluation methodology in the contract file;
the Department of Defense has determined that the lowest price reflects full life-cycle costs, including for operations and support;
the Department of Defense would realize no, or minimal, additional innovation or future technological advantage by using a different methodology; and
with respect to a contract for procurement of goods, the goods procured are predominantly expendable in nature, nontechnical, or have a short life expectancy or short shelf life.
To the maximum extent practicable, the use of lowest price technically acceptable source selection criteria shall be avoided in the case of a procurement that is predominately for the acquisition of—
information technology services, cybersecurity services, systems engineering and technical assistance services, advanced electronic testing, audit or audit readiness services, or other knowledge-based professional services;
personal protective equipment; or
knowledge-based training or logistics services in contingency operations or other operations outside the United States.
Chapter 47 of title 41, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 4714 the following new section:
It shall be the policy of the United States Government to avoid using lowest price technically acceptable source selection criteria in circumstances that would deny the Government the benefits of cost and technical tradeoffs in the source selection process.
The Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council shall ensure the Federal Acquisition Regulation requires that lowest price technically acceptable source selection criteria are used only in situations in which—
an executive agency is able to comprehensively and clearly describe the minimum requirements expressed in terms of performance objectives, measures, and standards that will be used to determine acceptability of offers;
the executive agency would realize no, or minimal, value from a contract proposal exceeding the minimum technical or performance requirements set forth in the request for proposal;
the proposed technical approaches will require no, or minimal, subjective judgment by the source selection authority as to the desirability of one offeror’s proposal versus a competing proposal;
the executive agency has a high degree of confidence that a review of technical proposals of offerors other than the lowest bidder would not result in the identification of factors that could provide value or benefit to the executive agency;
the contracting officer has included a justification for the use of a lowest price technically acceptable evaluation methodology in the contract file; and
the executive agency has determined that the lowest price reflects full life-cycle costs, including for operations and support.
To the maximum extent practicable, the use of lowest price technically acceptable source selection criteria shall be avoided in the case of a procurement that is predominately for the acquisition of—
information technology services, cybersecurity services, systems engineering and technical assistance services, advanced electronic testing, audit or audit readiness services, health care services and records, telecommunications devices and services, munitions response services, or other knowledge-based professional services;
personal protective equipment; or
knowledge-based training or logistics services in contingency operations or other operations outside the United States.
In this section:
The term executive agency has the meaning given that term in section 102 of title 40, except that the term does not include the Department of Defense.
The term contingency operation has the meaning given that term in section 101 of title 10.
The table of contents for such chapter is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 4714 the following new item:
Section 152(3)(B) of title 41, United States Code, is amended by striking lowest overall cost alternative and inserting best value.
Section 813 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 (10 U.S.C. note prec. 3241) is repealed.
Section 880 of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (41 U.S.C. 3701 note) is repealed.
Section 3452 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
The Secretary of Defense may not—
include in the lists required by subsections (b) and (c)(1) any contract clause that is substantially similar to a contract clause for commercial products or commercial services that is required by the Federal Acquisition Regulation or otherwise required by the Department of Defense Supplement to the Federal Acquisition Regulation; and
include in a contract for the procurement of commercial products or commercial services a contract clause from the Department of Defense Supplement to the Federal Acquisition Regulation or Federal Acquisition Regulation that is not included on such lists.
Section 3706(c) of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
in paragraph (3) by striking or at the end;
in paragraph (4) by striking the period and inserting ; or; and
by adding at the end the following:
updates to cost or pricing data submitted by the prime contractor or subcontractor after the date of agreement on the price of the contract (or price of the modification) or, if applicable and if consistent with subsection (a)(2), such other date agreed upon between the parties, were based on data that was more than 30 days old.
Chapter 271 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section:
An offeror shall be required to submit to the relevant contracting officer a report, not later than 30 days after the offeror becomes aware that the price of a product or service under a covered contract reaches or exceeds an amount equal to—
25 percent more than the price specified in the covered contract bid;
25 percent more than the price the Government paid for such product or service during the calendar year immediately preceding the date on which the covered contract is entered into; or
50 percent more than the price the Government paid for such product or service at any time before the 5-year period preceding the date on which the covered contract is entered into.
With respect to an offeror who fails to submit the report required under this section, the Director of the Defense Contract Audit Agency or the relevant service acquisition executive shall include in the Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System (or any successor system) the following information:
An identification of such offeror and the specific product or service to which such report should relate.
The National Stock Number of such product or service and the order quantity, unit cost, total cost, purchasing or reimbursing entity, and date of the order for such product or service.
In this section, the term covered contract means a contract awarded using procedures other than competitive procedures under section 3204 of this title or pursuant to section 6.302 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation.
Section 3804 of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
in subsection (a)—
in the subsection heading, by striking commensurate with work;
by inserting (1) before The Secretary of Defense; and
by adding at the end the following new paragraphs:
After finding substantial evidence that a covered condition applies for a contract, the Secretary of Defense may reduce a progress payment, increase the rate of liquidation, or both for such contract.
After finding substantial evidence that a covered condition applies for a contract, the Secretary of Defense may suspend a progress payment for such contract only if—
the relevant contracting officer submits to the prime contractor for such contract a written statement of the substantial evidence that a covered condition applies and provides the prime contractor ten calendar days to submit a written rebuttal;
the head of the contracting activity reviews such statement and any rebuttal and recommends the suspension of the progress payment for such contract; and
the service acquisition executive notifies the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate in writing of the suspension of progress payments for such contract and of the substantial evidence that a covered condition applies.
Any suspension of progress payments under paragraph (3) shall last not more than 60 calendar days if—
the prime contractor submits to the relevant contracting officer a written corrective action plan addressing the covered condition that was the basis for the suspension;
the prime contractor initiates corrective action consistent with the submitted written plan within such 60-day period; and
the service acquisition executive or portfolio acquisition executive, as applicable, after consultation with the head of the contracting activity and the relevant contracting officer, determines that both the corrective action plan and the initiated corrective action are sufficient to address the covered condition and meet the cost, schedule, performance, delivery, quality, readiness, sustainment, and financial-interest objectives of the Department.
The 60-day limitation in subparagraph (A) shall not apply if the service acquisition executive or portfolio acquisition executive, as applicable, determines such limitation would materially impair the ability of the Department to protect the interests of the Government interests or would create a material risk to the Department.
by adding at the end the following new subsection:
In this section, the term covered condition means any of the conditions listed in section 52.232-16(c) of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (or successor regulation).
Not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall revise the Department of Defense Supplement to the Federal Acquisition Regulation carry out the amendments made by this section.
Section 3804 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking defense contract each place it appears and inserting contract.
Chapter 367 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 4754 the following new section:
The Secretary shall—
establish, maintain, and make publicly available uniform data standards, internal control requirements, and independent verification and validation requirements for processing procurement requests, contracts, receipts, and invoices by the Department; and
establish policy to ensure that each electronic contract writing system and acquisition management system of the Department—
substantially conforms with the standards, requirements, and rules established pursuant to paragraph (1); and
is a commercial product or commercial service, as required by section 3453 of this title, unless the head of the agency makes the determination required by section 3453(d) of this title regarding non-availability of commercial products or commercial services.
The initial standards, requirements, and policies required by section 4755 of title 10, United States Code, as added by subsection (a), shall be established not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act.
Not later than 270 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report setting forth the strategy of the Secretary to transition the electronic contract writing systems and acquisition management systems of the Department of Defense to full implementation of the policy established as required by section 4755(2) of title 10, United States Code, as added by subsection (a).
The strategy shall include, and be based on, an assessment of the current state, including—
an inventory identifying each such system in use, in development, or in deployment within the Department; and
for each system identified under subparagraph (A)—
an identification of the offices and officials responsible for the system;
a cost benefit analysis, including an assessment of the criticality of the system and impact on the mission, and an identification of the system as a commercially available of-the-shelf item, an item developed by the Government, or a Government-off-the-shelf item, as applicable; and
an identification of the annual spending on the system, from inception and estimated remaining cost to complete application baselines and expected annual support and maintenance costs once complete, broken down by—
Government labor and expense;
contracted costs (such as the costs of software licenses and contractor support); and
costs associated with the current hosting approach on the current platform, including identification of the Government’s cost of maintaining infrastructure and associated sustainment costs.
The strategy shall include—
a description of the coordination necessary within and among the military departments, the Defense Agencies, and other elements of the Department to enable successful transition;
for each system identified under paragraph (2)(A) that is not in compliance with the policy described in paragraph (1), a timeline for transitioning from that system, including an estimate of anticipated reductions in deployment timelines for the system to reach full operating capability;
for each system identified under paragraph (2)(A), a strategy for hosting the system on a platform in compliance with the policy described in paragraph (1), including an evaluation of opportunities to leverage existing commercially available or commercial off-the-shelf products and services to reduce the Government’s cost of maintaining infrastructure and associated sustainment costs;
a recommended approach to speed the adoption of secure artificial intelligence (AI) services for such systems, including how best to prioritize the adoption of commercially available or commercial off-the-shelf products and services with AI technology to help prevent the proliferation of redundant and disconnected AI tools;
an identification of funding, staffing, and resource requirements associated with implementation of such systems;
an identification of any challenges, barriers, or risks affecting implementation of such systems and recommended approaches to addressing or mitigating such challenges, barriers, or risks; and
a cost estimate associated with the transition from the current state to full implementation of the policy described in paragraph (1), including any cost savings associated with the reduction or elimination of continued use and development of systems that are not commercial products or commercial services.
For each system identified under paragraph (2)(A) that is a commercial product or commercial service as of the date on which the policy described in paragraph (1) is established, if the vendor of the system reasonably demonstrates that the system has the capability to meet a preponderance of the Department’s requirements, the Secretary shall ensure that the vendor is given a reasonable opportunity to address any unmet requirements, as long as the unmet requirements can be delivered not later than the date that is 270 days after the date of the enactment of this Act and at no development cost to the Department.
Subchapter II of chapter 11 of title 41, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section:
The Administrator for Federal Procurement Policy, with respect to the executive agencies other than the Department of Defense, shall—
establish or update, as necessary, uniform data standards, internal control requirements, independent verification and validation requirements, and business process rules for processing procurement requests, contracts, receipts, and invoices by the Department of Defense or other executive agencies, as applicable;
establish or update, as necessary, and maintain one or more approved electronic contract writing systems that conform with the standards, requirements, and rules established pursuant to paragraph (1); and
require the use of electronic contract writing systems approved in accordance with paragraph (2) for all contracts entered into by executive agencies other than the Department of Defense, as applicable.
Notwithstanding subsection (a), the head of an executive agency other than the Department of Defense shall meet the requirements of subsection (a)(2) with respect to approved electronic contract writing systems if they were in compliance with the requirements established pursuant to section 862 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013 (41 U.S.C. prec. 3101 note) on the date of enactment of this section until such time as those requirements are updated pursuant to subsection (a).
Section 862 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013 (41 U.S.C. 3101 note prec.) is repealed.
Section 3843 of title 10, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:
The Secretary shall implement an agile, streamlined risk-based approach to surveillance of contractor business systems that—
minimizes the requirements for the surveillance of contractor business systems to only those that are necessary to conform with commercial best practices or industry standards, as applicable;
integrates the surveillance of contractor business systems into the Defense Contract Management Agency’s standard surveillance framework, and requires that any additional reviews be risk-based and informed by the results of those standard surveillance activities; and
allows a contractor to provide internal reports in connection with such standard surveillance activities and targeted reviews, and ensures that any such report is considered in the course of reviewing the contractor’s business systems.
In establishing the minimum requirements for surveillance under subsection (a)(1) for each type of contractor business system, the Secretary shall ensure that such requirements do not exceed the minimum requirements that are necessary to conform with commercial best practices or industry standards, as applicable, for that type of system.
Except as provided in paragraphs (2) and (3), in implementing the requirements of this section, the Secretary shall ensure that the frequency of review of a contractor business system shall be not more than once every three years, unless the standard surveillance activities under subsection (a)(2) indicate that the system has or may have a material weakness.
In a case in which the contractor is a company that is subject to the securities laws, if a registered public accounting firm attests to the internal control assessment of the contractor, pursuant to section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)), and certified documentation from such registered public accounting firm reflects—
the unqualified opinion of such firm with respect to the contractor business system, such documentation shall eliminate the need for further review of the contractor business system by the Secretary;
a qualified opinion of such firm with respect to the contractor business system, the Secretary shall review only those aspects of the contractor business system as to which the opinion was qualified rather than unqualified; and
an adverse opinion of such firm with respect to the contractor business system, the Secretary shall take action under paragraph (1) or (2), or both, of subsection (d).
Notwithstanding paragraph (2), the Secretary may establish a profit-based exemption for cases in which the contractor is a company that is subject to the securities laws. Under the exemption, the contractor business system of such a contractor may be exempt from further review by the Secretary if the level of profit of the contractor, taking into account all contracts of the contractor with the Department, is below a threshold level established by the Secretary.
The approach implemented under subsection (a) shall ensure the following:
If the Secretary determines under subsection (c) that a contractor business system has a material weakness, appropriate officials of the Department will be available to work with the contractor to develop a corrective action plan defining specific actions to be taken to address the material weakness and a schedule for the implementation of such actions.
The Secretary may pursue any other remedies that may be available under the contract or under any other applicable law and regulation.
The approach implemented under subsection (a) shall provide guidance and training to appropriate Government officials on the approach, the requirements and limitations in subsection (c) that apply to companies that are subject to the securities laws, the data that is produced by contractor business systems, and the manner in which such data should be used to effectively manage Department programs.
In this section:
The term contractor business system means an integrated set of internal controls, processes, procedures, personnel, and information capabilities that a contractor uses to plan, execute, monitor, and report on its performance of Government contracts in a manner that is accurate, consistent, auditable, and compliant with clear and specific business system requirements that are identified and made publicly available.
The term material weakness means a deficiency or combination of deficiencies in the internal control over information in contractor business systems, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of such information will not be prevented, or detected and corrected, on a timely basis. For purposes of this paragraph, a reasonable possibility exists when the likelihood of an event occurring—
is probable; or
is more than remote but less than likely.
The initial approach required by section 3843 of title 10, United States Code, as added by subsection (a), shall be implemented not later than December 1, 2027.
Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall enter into an agreement with the acquisition research organization described in section 4142(a) of title 10, United States Code, requiring the organization to—
document and evaluate commercial best practices and industry standards for each type of contractor business system, as described in subsection (b) of such section 3843; and
make recommendations for the approach required by subsection (a) of such section 3843.
Not later than 90 days after the date on which the Secretary and the organization enter into the agreement required by paragraph (1), the organization shall submit to the Secretary a report on the results of the activities carried out under paragraph (1).
In implementing the initial approach required by subsection (a) of such section 3843, and in defining the minimum requirements for contractor business systems under subsection (b) of such section, the Secretary shall take into account the report submitted under paragraph (2).
Section 893 of the Ike Skelton National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011 (Public Law 111–383; 10 U.S.C. note prec. 3841) is repealed.
Section 4274 of title 10, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:
Before awarding a contract for a covered end item, the contracting officer for such covered end item shall determine, in writing, that sufficient amounts have been programmed and budgeted for the procurement of initial spares associated with the covered end item.
The term covered end item means an end item (as defined section 4863 of this title) for a major defense acquisition program to be procured after the Milestone C approval (as defined in section 4172 of this title) for such major defense acquisition program.
The term initial spare means a repairable or consumable part for use in a major defense acquisition program during the initial period of service of such weapon system.
Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall develop and implement a plan to be carried out by the Defense Commissary Agency and the Defense Logistics Agency to increase procurement of local produce, seafood, and meat for a dining facility or commissary store located on a military installation or onboard a naval vessel located in the area of responsibility of the United States Indo-Pacific Command. Such plan will include a requirement, to the extent practicable, to procure local produce for commissary stores located in such area of responsibility.
Section 4862(g)(2)(A) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by inserting , produce, or meat after seafood.
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report that include the following:
The plan required under subsection (a), including ways in which the plan would—
support partner or allied nations that are experiencing economic coercion from China; and
provide fresher food in dining facilities or commissary stores described in such subsection.
The percentage of local produce, seafood, and meat available, and projected percentage after two years of implementing such plan—
in each commissary store located on a military installation located in the area of responsibility of the United States Indo-Pacific Command;
in each dining facility located on a military installation located in the area of responsibility of the United States Indo-Pacific Command; and
onboard a naval vessel located in the area of responsibility of the United States Indo-Pacific Command.
In this section, the term local means, with respect to produce, seafood, or meat, that such produce, seafood, or meat is sourced from a partner or allied nation or a State or territory of the United States located in the area of responsibility of the United States Indo-Pacific Command.
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall seek to enter into a contract with an entity that conducts audits, reviews, or surveillance of companies listed on a national securities exchange, to conduct a comprehensive review of the standards, guidance, and policies of the defense audit agencies relating to audits, reviews, and surveillance of defense contractors. The purpose of the comprehensive review shall be to identify opportunities to improve the processes of the defense audit agencies for auditing, reviewing, and surveilling defense contractors, including to streamline the auditing, reviewing, and surveilling processes, ensure materiality of reviews, and generally improve the effectiveness of the audits, reviews, and surveillance activities of the defense audit agencies.
The comprehensive review required by subsection (a) shall assess the following:
A comparison of—
the processes used by the defense audit agencies to conduct audits, reviews, and surveillance of defense contractors; and
industry best practices for such processes.
A comparison of—
the standards used by the defense audit agencies in connection with such audits, reviews, and surveillance, including the use of materiality standards; and
industry best practices for such standards.
The extent to which industry best practices are applicable and transferrable to the audits, reviews, and surveillance of defense contractors by the defense audit agencies.
Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the entity contracted for the comprehensive review required by subsection (a) shall provide a report on the results of the review to the Secretary of Defense and the Inspector General of the Department of Defense. The report shall include—
findings on the effectiveness of the defense audit agencies in conducting audits, reviews, and surveillance of defense contractors;
the comparison described in subsection (b)(1);
the comparison described in subsection (b)(2);
the assessment described in subsection (b)(3); and
Recommendations for improving the effectiveness of the defense audit agencies in conducting audits, reviews, and surveillance of defense contractors, including recommendations for—
improving the training of the staff of the defense audit agencies who conduct such audits, reviews, and surveillance;
improving the accuracy and reliability of such audits, reviews, and surveillance;
ensuring the use of a materiality standard similar to the standard used in generally accepted auditing standards;
improving the processes used by the defense agencies to conduct such audits, reviews, and surveillance;
relieving the burdens on defense contractors of such audits, reviews, and surveillance without undermining the effectiveness and integrity of such audits, reviews, and surveillance; and
ensuring the effective implementation of such recommendations by the defense audit agencies and the effective monitoring of such implementation.
Not later than 60 days after the date on which the Inspector General of the Department of Defense receives the report required by subsection (c), the Inspector General shall submit to the congressional defense committees an unaltered copy of the report, along with any comments or recommendations that the Inspector General considers appropriate.
In this section:
The term defense audit agency means the Defense Contract Audit Agency and the Defense Contract Management Agency.
The term industry best practices means the best practices used to conduct audits, reviews, and surveillance of companies listed on a national securities exchange, in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards or national securities exchange requirements, as appropriate.
The term national securities exchange means an exchange registered as a national securities exchange under section 6 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78f).
Section 1908(c)(2) of title 41, United States Code, is amended by striking of each year evenly divisible by 5 and inserting , 2028, and every 3 years thereafter.
Title 10, United States Code, is amended—
in section 3702(g), by striking Effective on October 1 of each year that is divisible by 5, each and inserting Each; and
in section 3742, by striking Effective on October 1 of each year that is divisible by five, the and inserting The.
Section 3502(g) of title 41, United States Code, is amended by striking Effective on October 1 of each year that is divisible by 5, each and inserting Each.
Section 109 of title 41, United States Code, is amended—
in subsection (b)(1)—
by striking $75,000,000 (based on fiscal year 1980 constant dollars) and inserting $275,000,000; and
by striking $300,000,000 (based on fiscal year 1980 constant dollars) and inserting $1,300,000,000; and
in subsection (b)(2), by striking $750,000 (based on fiscal year 1980 constant dollars) and inserting $2,000,000.
Section 3205(a)(2) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking $5,000,000 and inserting $10,000,000.
Title 41, United States Code, is amended—
in section 1901(a)(2), by striking $5,000,000 and inserting $10,000,000; and
in section 3305(a)(2), by striking $5,000,000 and inserting $10,000,000.
Section 3571 of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
in subsection (a), by striking For and inserting Except as provided in subsection (b), for;
by redesignating subsection (b) as subsection (c); and
by inserting after subsection (a) the following new subsection:
For purposes of acquisitions by agencies named in section 3063 of this title, in the case of any contract to be awarded and performed, or purchase to be made, in support of a contingency operation or a humanitarian or peacekeeping operation, the simplified acquisition threshold means an amount equal to two times the amount specified for that term in subsection (a).
Title 41, United States Code, is amended—
in section 134, by striking $250,000 and inserting $500,000; and
in section 153(1), by striking outside the United States.
Title 10, United States Code, is amended—
in section 1724(a), by striking section 3205 and inserting section 3571;
in section 3862(d), by striking paragraph (1);
in section 4505(h), by striking paragraph (7);
in section 4651(b), by striking (as defined in section 134 of title 41);
in section 4654(d), by striking (as defined in section 134 of title 41);
in section 4655(c), by striking (as defined in section 134 of title 41);
in section 4656(a)(4)(A), by striking (as defined in section 134 of title 41);
in section 4659(b), by striking (as defined in section 134 of title 41); and
in section 4753(b)(3), by striking (as defined in section 134 of title 41).
Section 3573 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking $10,000 and inserting the micro-purchase threshold specified in section 1902(a)(1) of title 41.
Section 1902(a)(1) of title 41, United States Code, is amended by striking $10,000 and inserting $25,000.
Section 3502(a) of title 41, United States Code, is amended—
in paragraph (1)—
by striking 2018 each place it appears and inserting 2027;
in subparagraph (A), by striking $2,000,000 and inserting $10,000,000; and
in subparagraph (B), by striking $750,000 and inserting $2,000,000;
in paragraph (2)—
in subparagraph (A), by striking $2,000,000; and inserting $10,000,000; and;
in subparagraph (B)—
by striking prime contract that was entered into on or before June 30, 2018, and that has been modified pursuant to subsection (f), and inserting prime contract referred to in paragraph (1)(B),; and
by striking $750,000; and and inserting $2,000,000.; and
by striking subparagraph (C);
in paragraph (3), by striking subparagraphs (A) through (C) and inserting the following new subparagraphs:
in the case of a prime contract entered into after June 30, 2027, the price of the subcontract is expected to exceed $10,000,000; and
in the case of a prime contract entered into on or before June 30, 2027, the price of the subcontract is expected to exceed $2,000,000.
in paragraph (4), by striking if— and all that follows through the period at the end and inserting if the price adjustment is expected to exceed $2,000,000..
Section 3702(f) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking 2018 and inserting 2026.
Section 3502(f) of title 41, United States Code, is amended by striking 2018 and inserting 2027.
Section 4021(c) of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
by striking The authority and inserting (1) The authority; and
by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
A contracting officer or an authorized official with legal authority to enter into an agreement on behalf of the Department of Defense under this section may authorize a consortium management organization to retain the interest accruing on the held amounts of such consortium management organization as payment for any covered costs through an agreement that—
authorizes such consortium management organization to make payments to members of a consortium, other than such consortium management organization, on behalf of the Department of Defense; and
requires such consortium management organization to—
invest such held amounts in Treasury bills of the Government; and
return to the Department any interest earned on such held amounts that exceeds such covered costs.
Interest on held amounts of a covered advance payment that is returned to the Department of Defense by a consortium management organization pursuant to subparagraph (A) shall be credited to the account from which such covered advance payment was made. Amounts so credited shall be merged with amounts in that account, and shall be available for the same purposes, and subject to the same conditions and limitations, as other amounts in that account.
In this paragraph—
the term consortium management organization means an entity that is responsible for coordinating, administering, and supporting the activities of a consortium under an agreement described in subparagraph (A);
the term covered advance payment means an advance payment made by the Department of Defense to a consortium management organization under an agreement described in subparagraph (A) for the purposes of such consortium management organization making payments to members of a consortium on behalf of the Department;
the term covered costs means—
the fees chargeable to the Government by a consortium management organization under an agreement described in subparagraph (A); and
any other costs incurred by a consortium management organization that are directly attributable to the operation or the management of a consortium by a consortium management organization and chargeable to the Government under such agreement; and
the term held amounts means funds provided as a covered advance payment that have not yet been used by the consortium management organization to which such covered advance payment was made to make a payment to a member of a consortium or returned to the Government in accordance with an agreement described in subparagraph (A).
Section 4022 of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
in subsection (a)(2)—
in subparagraph (A), by striking agency that and all that follows through the use and inserting agency that the use;
in subparagraph (B)(i), by striking writing that and all that follows through the use and inserting writing that the use; and
in subparagraph (C), by striking subsection (f) each place it appears and inserting subsection (g);
by amending subsection (d) to read as follows:
An official responsible for entering into a transaction under the authority of this section may use such authority upon determining any one of the following conditions:
The use of such transaction permits the Secretary to use innovative business arrangements or structures that would not be practical or feasible under a contract.
The prototype project offered is an innovative or novel product, service, process, or business practice that is more practicable to acquire under such transaction than under a contract.
The use of such transaction is expected to accelerate delivery of capability to members of the armed forces compared with other procurement methods.
The use of such transaction provides opportunity to expand or strengthen the defense industrial base in a manner that would not be practical or feasible under a contract.
by redesignating subsections (e) through (i) as subsections (f) through (j), respectively; and
by inserting after subsection (d) the following new subsection:
The official responsible for entering into a transaction under this section shall consider other actions by an offeror relating to such transaction if such actions will increase value to the Government, or contribute positively to the expansion, diversification, or resilience of the defense industrial base, including—
significant participation by one or more nontraditional defense contractors (as defined in section 3014 of this title) or small business concerns (as defined under section 3 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 632)), including through teaming arrangements, joint ventures, or consortia;
the potential to reduce technical, schedule, or performance risk, or accelerate transition to production; or
fielding through use of non-Federal cost sharing.
Section 102A(m)(6)(C) of the National Security Act of 1947 (50 U.S.C. 3024(m)(6)(C)) is amended—
in clause (v), by striking of Defense;
by repealing clause (vi); and
in clause (vii)—
in the matter preceding subclause (I), by striking section 4022(f)(2) and inserting section 4022(g)(2); and
in subclause (V)(cc), by striking section 4022(f)(5) and inserting section 4022(g)(5).
Section 831(d) of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 391(d)) is amended by striking 4022(e) and inserting 4022(f).
Section 873(c)(1) of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (Public Law 115–232; 10 U.S.C. 4021 note) is amended—
in subparagraph (A), by striking subsection (f) and inserting subsection (g); and
in subparagraph (E), by striking or (f) and inserting or (g).
Section 322(h)(2) of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Public Law 117–263; 10 U.S.C. 2911 note) is amended by striking subsection (f) and inserting subsection (g).
Section 2828 of the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (Public Law 119–60) is amended by striking section 4022(i) and inserting section 4022(j).
Section 4401 of title 10, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:
The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that a covered system to be procured is designed and developed with a modular open system approach that is appropriately tailored to—
the characteristics, intended purpose, and use of the covered system;
the planned service life of the covered system; and
any other factors relevant to the design and development of the covered system.
Before designing, developing, or making a modification to a covered system, the Secretary of Defense shall conduct an assessment to identify one or more open systems objectives to be achieved by the design and development of the covered system. Such assessment shall describe how a modular open system approach would—
support the objectives of the defense acquisition system established pursuant to section 3102 of this title;
align with the preference for the acquisition of commercial products and commercial services in section 3453 of this title and preserve the commercial characteristics of modules that comprise the covered system;
reduce the complexity of, and increase the speed by which, new technologies can be integrated into a covered system to enhance military effectiveness and responsiveness to emerging threats;
enable the use of iterative development cycles and discontinue or terminate the development of capabilities—
that no longer align with a capability requirement established by the Secretary of Defense; or
that are experiencing significant cost growth, technical or performance deficiencies, or delays in schedule;
seek to maintain a robust, resilient, and innovative defense industrial base to support requirements throughout the life cycle of the covered system;
reduce schedule delays and development timelines;
increase and enable interoperability of a covered system with the joint force as changes to force design evolve;
enhance supply chain risk management and mitigate industrial base production capacity risks by enabling the integration of alternative sources of supply or enabling augmented production of modules throughout the life cycle of the covered system; or
enable effective life-cycle management and product support of a covered system—
in accordance with the requirements of section 4324 of this title; and
to achieve applicable operational readiness requirements and materiel readiness objectives (established under section 118(c) of this title) in the most cost-effective manner practicable.
In developing an open systems architecture for the procurement of a covered system, the Secretary shall ensure that such architecture—
adequately designates and defines for the covered system—
modules;
open external interfaces and open module interfaces to ensure loose coupling of modules within the covered system;
open external interfaces, including external interfaces with a host platform or other external system, in a manner that supports interoperability; and
the openness characteristics identified in subsection (d);
requires the exposure and full definition of open interfaces in a manner than is most suited to achieve the open systems objectives of the covered system through—
if available and suitable to achieve the open system objectives, the use, reuse, modification, or adaption of existing open systems architectures, interface standards, or widely supported or consensus-based standards that are available at no cost or under fair and reasonable license terms;
the use of commercial standards if such commercial standards are available under fair, reasonable, and non-discriminatory terms;
the use of new standards that define relationships between module interfaces and external interfaces if such standards include—
the software-defined syntax and properties that specifically govern how values are validly passed and received between modules of a covered system, and between the covered system and other covered systems or a host platform, in a machine-readable format;
a machine-readable definition that is compatible with Department-approved digital engineering environments and model-based systems engineering tools and defines the relationship between—
a module interface or external interface; and
existing standards or interfaces that available in the repository required by subsection (g); and
documentation with functional descriptions of software-defined interfaces that conveys the semantic meaning of elements of a module interface or external interface; or
any combination of clauses (i) through (iii); and
is designed and developed to accelerate the procurement and integration of commercial products as modules when suitable and appropriate.
If a contractor develops a new interface standard or modifies an existing standard, and such new or modified standard is incorporated into an open systems architecture for a covered system, the Secretary shall ensure the new or modified standard is submitted to the repository required by subsection (g) and, if the Secretary determines such submission would support the open system objectives of the covered system, is made available to recognized standards bodies.
The Secretary shall ensure acquisition executives and program managers consider input from private entities as early as possible to inform decisions regarding the level in the open systems architecture at which a modular open system approach will be implemented for a covered system.
The open systems architecture described in this subsection shall be included in any draft and final solicitations for procurement of a covered system.
Consistent with the requirements of subchapter I of chapter 275 of this title, the Secretary shall include in any draft or final solicitation for the covered system a description of the desired openness characteristics of the covered system necessary to achieve the open systems objectives identified in accordance with subsection (b) for such covered system including the following:
A description of the open systems objectives identified in accordance with subsection (b).
A description of the application of specifications, architectures, and standards for modularization and module interfaces and external interfaces, including open external interfaces with a host platform or other external system, to achieve such objectives.
A description of the minimum technical data package elements necessary to achieve such objectives.
The intended modularity and location of open interfaces.
The desired license rights in module interfaces or external interfaces based on such objectives, including desired license rights to enable the replacement of a module, module interface, or external interface with an alternative or new module or interface.
The Secretary of Defense shall make publicly available (to the maximum extent practicable consistent with national security requirements) any standards for implementation of modular open system approaches associated with contracts for covered systems as soon as feasible before the Secretary awards a contract to procure such a covered system, unless the applicable service acquisition executive submits to the Secretary a request to delay or restrict release of such standards, including a justification for such request.
In applying the requirements of this section to a procurement of a covered system that includes a commercial product, the Secretary of Defense shall—
procure such commercial product under license terms similar to such terms that are customarily provided to the public, provided such commercial terms include or can be supplemented by the license rights necessary for designated open module interfaces or open external interfaces;
when applicable, obtain the delivery of commercial software development kits with license rights necessary to support the desired openness characteristics for the covered system; and
to the maximum extent practical, conduct negotiations for desired license rights in accordance with the preference for specially negotiated licenses in section 3774(c) of this title.
To support the creation, use, and reuse of modular open systems approaches, the Secretary shall establish a federated set of digital repositories within the Department of Defense to store open systems architectures and related artifacts for a covered system developed in accordance with this section. The Secretary shall ensure that—
the repositories incorporate cybersecurity measures consistent with Department standards;
program managers, portfolio acquisition executives, and other appropriate officials of the Department of Defense have the necessary administrative control to manage assigned repositories and to establish procedures and requirements for content; and
the repositories are searchable and accessible to authorized persons according to level of security clearance.
The Secretary of Defense shall designate a lead organization responsible for governance, life-cycle management, standards adjudication, and configuration control of repositories established under this subsection. Such organization shall have demonstrated expertise in digital engineering environments, model-based systems engineering, and use of modular open system approaches.
In this section:
The term covered system means a system that is acquired or developed under—
an acquisition program of the Department of Defense; or
a research and development program of the Department to address a capability requirement or joint capability requirement (as defined in section 181 of this title).
The term external interface means an interface between a covered system and other elements, such as another covered system or a host platform.
The term host platform means the system or environment that provides the core infrastructure, interfaces, and shared services necessary to support, integrate, and operate modular components or subsystems, while enabling their independent development, upgrade, and replacement through standardized and open interfaces.
The term modular open system approach means an integrated strategy that—
incorporates acquisition, business, technology, and logistics considerations; and
uses an open systems architecture to achieve one or more open systems objectives.
The term module means a self-contained discrete functional unit, such as hardware, software, or a combination thereof, in a discrete bundle—
that can be developed, tested, and deployed independently of a module interface or external interface; and
that can simultaneously interact with another self-contained discrete functional unit described in subparagraph (A) through a module interface or external interface.
The term module interface means a shared boundary between modules in a covered system defined by physical, logical, or functional characteristics such as electrical, mechanical, fluidic, optical, radio frequency, data, networking, or software.
The term open systems architecture means an architecture composed of a set of modules loosely coupled with other modules via open, well-defined, and verifiable interfaces, thereby enabling modules to be incrementally added, removed, or replaced throughout the life cycle of the covered system by any qualified offeror (as determined by the Secretary), including independent third parties.
The term software development kit means a collection of software tools and programs such as libraries, application programming interfaces, integrated development environments, testing tools, or documentation used to create applications that are appropriate for a specific software platform.
The requirements of section 4401 of title 10, United States Code, as amended by this section, shall apply with respect to a contract entered into on or after the date that is 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act.
The Secretary of Defense shall issue guidance to carry out the requirements of section 4401 of title 10, United States Code, as amended by this section in order to implement this section.
Section 3771 of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
in subsection (a)—
in paragraph (2)(A), by striking or copyrights and inserting , copyrights, trade secrets,; and
by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
Regulations prescribed under paragraph (1) may not affect or limit any right described in paragraph (2)(A) or the ability of a contractor or subcontractor to enforce such a right against a third party that has not otherwise obtained a license for such a right from the United States or from the contractor or subcontractor.
in subsection (b)—
by amending paragraph (3) to read as follows:
Unless otherwise negotiated, paragraph (2) does not apply to technical data that—
constitutes a correction or change to data furnished by the United States;
relates to form, fit, or function (other than detailed manufacturing or process data);
is necessary for operation, maintenance, installation, or training (other than detailed manufacturing or process data, including such data pertaining to a major system component); or
is otherwise publicly available or has been released or disclosed by the contractor or subcontractor without restriction on further release or disclosure.
by amending paragraph (4) to read as follows:
Notwithstanding paragraph (2), unless otherwise negotiated, the United States may release or disclose technical data to persons outside the Government, or permit the use of technical data by such persons, if—
such release, disclosure, or use—
is necessary for emergency repair and overhaul; or
is a release or disclosure of technical data (other than detailed manufacturing or process data) to, or use of such data by, a foreign government, where such release or disclosure is in the interest of the United States and is required for evaluation or informational purposes;
such release, disclosure or use is made subject to a prohibition that the person to whom the data are released or disclosed may not further release, disclose, or use such data; and
the contractor or subcontractor asserting the restriction is notified of such release, disclosure, or use.
in paragraph (6)—
in the paragraph heading, by striking INTERFACES and inserting MODULE INTERFACES OF AN ITEM;
by inserting , in perpetuity, after government purpose rights; and
by striking an interface between an item or process and other items or processes and inserting a module interface of an item; and
in paragraph (7)—
in the paragraph heading, by striking MODULAR SYSTEM INTERFACES and inserting EXTERNAL INTERFACES OF AN ITEM;
in subparagraph (A)—
by striking paragraphs (2) and (5) and inserting paragraph (5) and except as otherwise provided by subsection (f) of section 4401 of this title,;
by inserting , in perpetuity, after government purpose rights; and
by striking modular system interface and inserting external interface of an item;
in subparagraph (B), by striking modular system interface and inserting an external interface; and
in subparagraph (C), by striking modular system interface and inserting external interface of an item.
Section 3775(b) of title 10, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:
In this subchapter, the terms external interface, modular open system approach, and module interface have the meanings given, respectively, in section 4401 of this title.
Section 3791(c)(1) of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
in subparagraph (A), by striking section 4401(b) of this title and inserting section 4401 of this title; and
in subparagraph (D)(iv), by striking modular system interfaces (as defined in section 4401(b) of this title) and inserting module interfaces (as defined in section 4401 of this title).
Section 4402 of title 10, United States Code, is repealed.
Section 4403 of title 10, United States Code, is repealed.
Section 4425 of title 10, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:
In this subchapter:
The term major system platform means the highest level structure of a major weapon system that is not physically mounted or installed onto a higher level structure and on which a major system component can be physically mounted or installed.
The term weapon system component—
means a high level subsystem or assembly, including hardware, software, or an integrated assembly of both, that can be mounted or installed on a major system platform through a external system interface (as defined in section 4401 of this title); and
includes a subsystem, assembly or, module that is likely to have additional capability requirements, is likely to change because of evolving technology or threat, is needed for interoperability, facilitates incremental deployment of capabilities, or is expected to be replaced by another subsystem or assembly described in subparagraph (A).
Section 804 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (10 U.S.C. 4401 note) is repealed.
Section 4664 of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
by amending subsection (b) to read as follows:
The Secretary may waive the requirements of subsection (a) with respect to a long-term concessions agreement with a retailer if the Secretary determines that the goods or services to be provided by the retailer under such long-term concessions agreement are vital for the welfare and morale of members of the Armed Forces and no reasonable alternatives exist.
Not later than 30 days after each use of the waiver authority under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall provide to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and Senate a justification for such waiver.
by striking subsection (c);
by redesignating subsection (d) as subsection (c); and
in subsection (a), by striking subsections (b) and (c) and inserting subsection (b).
Section 841(a)(2)(B) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (10 U.S.C. 4664 note) is amended to read as follows:
The determination described in this subparagraph is, with respect to a long-term concessions agreement, a determination that the retailer that is a party to such long-term concessions agreement is controlled by a covered nation based on an assessment required by paragraph (1).
Chapter 363 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section:
The Secretary of Defense may not enter into a contract or other agreement with an entity if such entity employs an individual convicted of a trafficking crime.
In this section—
the term individual convicted of a trafficking crime means an individual who has been convicted by a court of competent jurisdiction of a trafficking crime and for whom such conviction has not been overturned; and
the term trafficking crime means an offense—
under chapter 77 of title 18, United States Code; or
under State, local, or tribal law consisting of conduct that would have been an offense under the chapter described in subparagraph (A) if the conduct had occurred within the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States (as defined in section 7 of title 18, United States Code), or in interstate or foreign commerce.
The table of sections for chapter 363 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new item:
Section 4665 of title 10, United States Code, as added by subsection (a), shall apply only with respect to contracts and other agreements entered into, renewed, or extended on or after the date of the enactment of this Act.
Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, each contractor of the Department of Defense as of the date of the enactment of this Act that employs an individual convicted of a trafficking crime (as defined in section 4665 of title 10, United States Code, as added by subsection (a)) shall submit to Secretary of Defense a notice that contractor employs such an individual.
Section 4863 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by amending subsection (f) to read as follows:
Subsection (a) does not apply to acquisitions in amounts not greater than $250,000.
A proposed acquisition of an item subject to subsection (a) in an amount greater than $250,000 may not be divided into several purchases or contracts for lesser amounts in order to meet the exception under paragraph (1).
On October 1 of each year that is evenly divisible by five, the Secretary of Defense may adjust the dollar threshold in this subsection based on changes in the Consumer Price Index. Any such adjustment shall take effect on the date on which the Secretary publishes notice of such adjustment in the Federal Register.
Section 4872(c) of title 10, United States Code, as amended by section 1803 of this Act, is further amended—
by redesignating subparagraphs (A) and (B) as clauses (i) and (ii), respectively;
by redesignating paragraphs (1) through (4) as subparagraphs (A) through (D), respectively;
by inserting (1) before Subsection (a); and
by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
Subsection (a) does not apply to procurements in amounts not greater than $250,000.
A proposed procurement of a material or item subject to subsection (a) in an amount greater than $250,000 may not be divided into several purchases or contracts for lesser amounts in order to meet the exception under subsection (a).
On October 1 of each year that is evenly divisible by five, the Secretary of Defense may adjust the dollar threshold in this subsection based on changes in the Consumer Price Index. Any such adjustment shall take effect on the date on which the Secretary publishes notice of such adjustment in the Federal Register.
For purposes of applying amendments to section 4872 of title 10, United States Code, made by provisions of this Act other than this subsection, the amendments made by this subsection shall be treated as having been enacted immediately after any such amendments to such section 4872 by other provisions of this Act.
Section 4873 of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
by redesignating subsections (c) through (f) as subsections (d) through (g), respectively; and
by inserting after subsection (b) the following new subsection:
Subsection (a)(1) does not apply to acquisitions in amounts not greater than $10,000.
A proposed acquisition of an item subject to subsection (a)(1) in an amount greater than $10,000 may not be divided into several purchases or contracts for lesser amounts in order to meet the exception under paragraph (1).
On October 1 of each year that is evenly divisible by five, the Secretary of Defense may adjust the dollar threshold in this subsection based on changes in the Consumer Price Index. Any such adjustment shall take effect on the date on which the Secretary publishes notice of such adjustment in the Federal Register.
Subsection (c)(2) of section 4902 of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
by inserting under subsection (e) after one agreement; and
by striking during the 5-year period beginning on the date such concern enters into the first such agreement and inserting after the completion of any previous such agreement.
Subsection (d)(1) of such section is amended—
by striking and at the end of subparagraph (A);
by redesignating subparagraph (B) as subparagraph (C); and
by inserting after subparagraph (A) the following new subparagraph (B):
is an entity organized for profit that operates primarily within the United States; and
Subsection (e)(1)(B) of such section is amended by inserting for the agreement after A program participation term.
Subsection (e)(2) of such section is amended by striking may be and inserting may provide reimbursement through after may be.
Section 834 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Years 1990 and 1991 (15 U.S.C. 637 note) is transferred to subchapter I of chapter 387 of title 10, United States Code, inserted after section 4902, and redesignated as section 4903.
Section 4903 of title 10, United States Code, as so transferred and redesignated, is amended—
by striking test each place it appears in headings and text;
by striking Test each place it appears in headings and text;
in subsection (a)(1), by striking shall establish and all that follows through demonstration projects, the Secretary and inserting the following: shall maintain a program under which each service acquisition executive and each head of a Defense Agency may negotiate and administer comprehensive subcontracting plans. The Secretary;
in subsection (b)—
in paragraph (1)—
by striking In a demonstration project under the test program, the and inserting The; and
by inserting at the end the following:
The Secretary shall ensure procedures and systems accurately capture and report—
the annual goals for each subcontracting plan;
subcontract awards including number, dollar amount and percentages of subcontracting value and total contract value; and
the findings of good faith efforts.
in paragraph (2)—
in subparagraph (A), by striking and at the end;
in subparagraph (B), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and; and
by adding at the end the following:
shall comply with the requirements included in section 8(d)(6) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 637(d)(6)).
by amending paragraph (3) to read as follows:
A contractor described in paragraph (4) shall annually submit to the Secretary of Defense a report on the number and dollar amount of first-tier subcontracts awarded during the period covered by the report to covered small business concerns, set forth separately—
by North American Industry Classification System code;
by major defense acquisition program (as defined in section 4201 of this title);
by military department; and
by prime contract, if—
the prime contract is for the maintenance, overhaul, repair, servicing, rehabilitation, salvage, modernization, or modification of supplies, systems, equipment; and
the total value of the prime contract (including options) is greater than $100,000,000.
by amending subsection (d)(2) to read as follows:
The Secretary of Defense shall report to the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on Small Business of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship of the Senate on any negotiated comprehensive subcontracting plan that the Secretary determines did not meet the subcontracting goals negotiated in the plan for the prior fiscal year and whether the contractor made a good faith effort regarding compliance.
by striking subsections (e) and (f); and
by redesignating subsection (g) as subsection (e).
Section 3324(d) of title 31, United States Code, is amended—
in paragraph (1)(C), by striking ; and and inserting a semicolon;
in paragraph (2)—
by inserting or commercially available content after publication; and
by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and; and
by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
charges for information and communications technology subscriptions, reservations, or tenancy, including cloud environments, for which the procuring agency defines appropriate access and security standards.
Chapter 23 of title 41, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section:
The head of each executive agency may acquire services through consumption-based solutions.
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this section, the Federal Acquisition Regulation shall be updated as necessary to create a new subcategory of services that—
is any combination of hardware, equipment, software, labor, or services that together provides a seamless capability;
has the ability to be metered and billed based on actual usage;
has predetermined pricing at fixed-price units;
requires the awardee to notify the agency contracting officer when consumption under the contract reaches 75 percent and 90 percent of the funded amount, respectively, of the contract; and
treats any modification of a contract entered into under the authority established in subsection (a) to add a new feature or capability in an amount less than or equal to 25 percent of the total value of such contract, as originally awarded, as procurements made using competitive procedures (as defined in section 152) for the purposes of chapter 33 of this title.
Amounts authorized to be appropriated for acquisitions using the authority under subsection (a) may be used to enter into incrementally funded contracts or other agreements, including advanced payments.
In this section, the term consumption-based solution means a model under which a service is provided to an executive agency and may use any combination of software, hardware or equipment, data, and labor or services that provides a capability that is metered and billed based on actual usage at fixed-price units.
Nothing in this section may be construed to prohibit the use of the authority created under subsection (a) in combination with another contract type provided for under the Federal Acquisition Regulation.
The table of sections for chapter 23 of title 41, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section:
Section 809 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (Public Law 118–31; 10 U.S.C. note prec. 3301) is amended—
by redesignating subsection (g) as subsection (i); and
by inserting after subsection (f) the following new subsections:
Not later than March 15, 2029, the Secretary shall provide a report to the congressional defense committees on the implementation of the pilot program, describing the use of the authority under this section and any lessons learned, along with a recommendation on whether to make the authority under this section permanent.
The authority under this section shall terminate on December 31, 2030.
Section 886 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (Public Law 118–159; 138 Stat. 2022) is amended—
in the section heading, by striking Briefings, certification, and limitation on availability of funds and inserting Briefings and certification;
by striking subsections (a) and (d) and redesignating subsections (b) and (c) as subsections (a) and (b), respectively; and
in each of subsections (a) and (b), as so redesignated, by striking 30 days after the date of the enactment of this Act and inserting 30 days after the date on which the Secretary awards a contract for financial management services for fuel contracts.
Section 848(a) of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (10 U.S.C. 4811 note) is amended—
by redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph (4); and
by inserting after paragraph (2) the following new paragraph:
From sources described in paragraphs (1) and (2) that produce such strategic and critical materials by extracting such materials from electronic waste.
Subject to limitations in paragraph (2), a portfolio acquisition executive may transfer amounts of authorizations made available for programs, projects, or activities that are included in the portfolio assigned under the leadership of such portfolio acquisition executive in accordance with section 1732 of title 10, United States Code.
The transfer of an amount made in accordance with paragraph (1), with respect to amounts authorized for Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation—
shall not exceed 10 percent of the amount authorized for a fiscal year for Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation for all programs, projects, or activities in the portfolio of such portfolio acquisition executive; and
may only be transferred to a corresponding Procurement program, project, or activity within the same portfolio.
A portfolio acquisition executive may transfer amounts under subsection (a) only if—
the capability proposed for procurement using such transfer amounts was developed under a transaction or other agreement entered into under section 4021 or 4022 of title 10, United States Code;
such proposed capability has achieved a technology readiness level of 8, as validated by the milestone decision authority (as defined in section 4211 of title 10, United States Code) or an independent technical authority designated by the Secretary of Defense; and
the portfolio acquisition executive determines in writing that procurement of such proposed capability is necessary to address an operational problem or fulfill a capability requirement (as such terms are defined, respectively, in section 3101 of title 10, United States Code) in a timely and cost-effective manner.
Not later than 15 days before transferring amounts under subsection (a), the portfolio acquisition executive making such transfer shall submit a written notification of such transfer to—
the congressional defense committees;
the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment;
the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering; and
the Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller).
Each notification required under paragraph (1) with respect to a transfer of amounts under subsection (a) shall include—
the amount to be transferred;
an identification of the program, project, or activity that is the proposed source of the Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation amount and an identification of the program, project, or activity that is the proposed recipient Procurement account;
a description of the capability proposed for procurement using such transfer amounts and the validated technology readiness level of such capability;
the written determination required by paragraph (3); and
an assessment of the benefits or risks anticipated as a result of the transfer of such amounts on the programs, projects, and activities assigned under the leadership of the portfolio acquisition executive concerned.
A portfolio acquisition executive that transfers amounts pursuant to this section may not use such amounts to initiate a program of record without approval from the appropriate milestone decision authority.
Amounts transferred pursuant to this section shall be subject to the same period of availability as the Procurement appropriation to which they are transferred.
Amounts transferred pursuant to this section shall not be included in the dollar limitation of section 1001 of this Act.
There is established in the Department of Defense a program to be known as the Autonomy Integration Account (in this section referred to as the Account) under which the Secretary of Defense shall seek to accelerate the resourcing and integration of autonomous mission execution capabilities into systems of the Department to enable the operational availability of such systems.
Activities carried out under the Account shall primarily emphasize the procurement, research and development, training and simulation, integration, and continuous modernization of applicable software capabilities for navigation, targeting, communications, mission autonomy, battle management, and other mission-critical software-defined functions that enable autonomous mission execution.
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Director of the Defense Autonomous Warfare Group and each Secretary of a military department, shall establish standards for autonomous mission execution capabilities for any portfolio acquisition executive who leads an unmanned system portfolio. Such standards shall include, at a minimum—
the capability of unmanned systems within such portfolio to execute mission objectives autonomously within the domain of such systems, including in GPS-denied and communications-denied environments;
the capability of such systems to integrate autonomy-enabling software consistent with a modular open systems approach as defined in section 4401 of title 10, United States Code;
common autonomy interfaces, data standards, and safety and assurance criteria that permit the use of autonomy-enabling and other mission-critical software across multiple platforms and domains to the maximum extent practicable in alignment with existing government reference architectures;
establishment of an autonomy software baseline and a process for continuous integration, simulation and training, security testing, and deployment of autonomy-enabling software updates across systems within the portfolio; and
an acquisition preference for scalable commercial solutions, including licensing and service agreements to enable continuous improvement, training and simulation, and rapid deployment, that—
have been operationally validated in real-world deployments to conflict zones; and
have achieved a Technology Readiness Level of 7 or above.
Activities under the Account shall be carried out using amounts authorized to be appropriated for fiscal year 2027 to Program Element 0604539D8Z on Line 115 of the account for Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation Defense-wide.
The Secretary of Defense shall include with the budget justification materials submitted to Congress in support of the budget of the Department of Defense for a fiscal year (as submitted with the budget of the President under section 1105(a) of title 31, United States Code) a report on the activities carried out under the Account for such fiscal year, including—
progress towards adoption of standards under subsection (b);
results from cross-portfolio experimentation, integration, and fielding activities conducted;
an assessment of software modernization efforts, frequency of updates, cybersecurity posture, and workforce readiness to support long-term sustainment of software-enabled capabilities;
an inventory of programs that have transitioned from the integration phase to the sustainment phase; and
identification of any statutory, regulatory, or budgetary barriers limiting rapid integration of autonomy-enabling software across unmanned platforms.
Not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this section, each Secretary of a military department shall establish a program to be known as a Pathfinder Program to—
inform and assist in efforts to reorient and reform the requirements process within such military department in accordance with (b);
support the service chief concerned in the development of capability requirement statements for equipping the armed force concerned that—
describes the operational problem to provide necessary context for the capability requirement;
proposes nonprescriptive solutions to operational problems; and
ensures system interoperability, where appropriate, between and among joint military capabilities (as defined in section 181 of title 10, United States Code); and
develop and establish requirements-related processes of the military department concerned in a manner that supports, and is consistent with the Joint Force Requirements Process prescribed in the Manual for the Joint Requirements Oversight Council and the Joint Force Requirements Process (document number CJCSM 5123.01; dated January 15, 2026).
A Pathfinder Program established in accordance with (a) shall seek to—
accelerate the delivery of capability requirements to address operational problems;
remove bureaucratic barriers in the requirements process;
provide operational users of required capabilities with an independent voice and direct role to ensure that capabilities meet the needs of such users;
apply data-based analytics for decision making related to requirements, acquisition, and budgeting;
enable a clear, unbroken linkage from strategic guidance to concepts to capabilities to budgeting;
drive design, development, and integration—
to integrate processes across the military department concerned and with the joint force as required;
to balance the urgency of immediate needs with longer-term strategic investments;
to support the breadth of existing innovative technologies and major programs regardless of acquisitions pathway; and
to address all elements of doctrine, organization, training, materiel, leadership and education, personnel, facilities, and policy to deliver holistic solutions considering all such elements; and
align authorities to responsibilities in order to ensure that capability developers have the authority to execute and are held accountable for outcomes.
Each Secretary of a military department carrying out a Pathfinder Program shall observe, document, and assess the execution of such Pathfinder Program, to enable the development of recommendations to improve—
speed, clarity, and effectiveness in the prioritization of operation problems and the development of capability requirements statements;
alignment of requirements, acquisition, and budgeting;
integration of user feedback and operational insights;
effectiveness of engagement with private entity partners; and
alignment of requirements processes of military departments with and in support of the Joint Requirements Process.
Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this section, the Secretary of Defense, in coordination with each Secretary of a military department, shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report containing—
barriers encountered the implementation of the Pathfinder Program;
lessons learned and recommendations developed through the implementation of the Pathfinder Program; and
recommended statutory, regulatory, or organizational changes needed to accelerate the delivery of capability requirements to address operational problems, and remove bureaucratic barriers in the requirements process.
A Pathfinder Program established under this section may be terminated at the discretion of the Secretary concerned, but shall not be terminated on a date prior to the day that is 24 months after the date of establishment of such Pathfinder Program.
Not less than 60 days before the date on which the Secretary concerned prior terminates a Pathfinder Program, such Secretary shall provide to the congressional defense committees a notification of the intent to terminate along with an updated report including the elements described in subsection (d).
In this section:
The terms capability requirement, operational problem, and service chief have the meanings given, respectively, in section 3101 of title 10, United States Code.
The term requirements document has the meaning provided in section 3104 of title 10, United States Code.
Subject to subsection (b), on or after the date of the enactment of this section, the Secretary of the Navy prioritize offers for a covered contract where the offeror provides assurances that—
the supply chain of the offeror for parts or components of a covered program are domestic sources; and
the manufacturing, assembling, and finishing of parts or components of a covered program occurs in the United States and is conducted by entities, the primary place of business of which is located in the United States.
The Secretary may enter into a covered contract with an offeror that does not provide the assurances described in subsection (a) if the Secretary submits to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House of Representatives a certification that no offeror that can provide such assurances is available to perform the contract.
In this section:
The term covered contract means a contract or other agreement for—
the construction or manufacture of a covered program or parts or components of a covered program;
the integration of mechanical and electrical systems associated with the power generation of such covered program; or
the operation or sustainment of a covered program, where such contract or other agreement is for the replacement of or improvements to components of a covered program.
The term covered program means an unmanned surface vessel acquired, leased, or operated under the Medium Unmanned Surface Vessel program of the Department of the Navy.
Section 1701a(b) of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
in paragraph (10), by striking and at the end;
in paragraph (11), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and; and
by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
establish and maintain a Department-wide acquisition workforce data analytics capability to collect, integrate, and analyze data relating to the acquisition workforce in order to support workforce planning and effective performance management of the acquisition workforce, including by—
integrating data from across the Department of Defense relating to the size, composition, skills, training, certifications, hiring, retention, experience, and performance of the acquisition workforce;
enabling the assessment of the capacity and capabilities of the acquisition workforce;
identifying trends, risks, and constraints, including current and projected workforce gaps, affecting workforce readiness and the ability of the acquisition workforce to achieve the objectives described in subparagraph (E);
informing decisions and resource allocation relating to the recruitment, hiring, development, training, credentialing, retention, and career progression of the acquisition workforce; and
ensuring that data and analytics generated by the capability support—
the objectives of the defense acquisition system established pursuant to section 3102 of this title; and
the key performance objectives for the acquisition workforce established under section 1722b(d) of this title.
The Secretary of Defense, acting through the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, shall implement the capability required under paragraph (12) of section 1701a(b) of title 10, United States Code, as added by subsection (a), through the development and maintenance of a dashboard or a similar data analytics or visualization tool for such capability.
The tools, systems, or other means used to implement the capability described in paragraph (1) shall, to the maximum extent practicable, include Department of Defense-wide acquisition workforce data and analytics necessary to support strategic planning and management, including data and analytics relating to—
the size, composition, and geographic distribution of the acquisition workforce;
the skills, certifications, and experience of members of the acquisition workforce, including relevant education and professional experience;
vacancy rates, time-to-hire metrics, and other indicators of constraints on the capacity of the acquisition workforce;
the activities of the Department for recruiting, hiring, and developing members of the acquisition workforce, including the Defense Civilian Training Corps established under section 2200g of title 10, United States Code;
retention, attrition, career progression, and related characteristics and trends, including retirement eligibility and projected workforce changes in the acquisition workforce;
the performance of the acquisition workforce, including measures relating to the execution of acquisition programs and activities; and
such other matters as the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment determines appropriate.
The Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment shall, to the maximum extent practicable, use commercially available data analytics, workforce management, and data visualization tools to support the capability described in paragraph (1).
The Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment may develop or acquire information technology that is not commercially available to support the capability described in paragraph (1) only if the Under Secretary determines that no commercially available good or service can meet the requirements of this subsection without more than minor modifications.
The Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, in coordination with the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness and officials responsible for data, digital, and information technology policy and systems of the Department of Defense, shall ensure the availability and integration of data necessary to carry out the capability described in paragraph (1). Each Secretary of a military department and each head of a Defense Agency shall provide such data, in such format and such manner, as the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment determines necessary to support such capability.
The Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment shall use the capability described in paragraph (1) to conduct regular assessments of the capacity, capability, and distribution of the acquisition workforce and provide recommendations to service acquisition executives and component acquisition executives to address identified shortfalls in the capacity and capabilities of the acquisition workforce.
In this subsection, the terms acquisition workforce, Defense Agency, military department, and service acquisition executive have the meanings given such terms, respectively, in section 101(a) of title 10, United States Code.
Subchapter I of chapter 87 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 1702 the following new sections:
There is a Chief Acquisition Talent Officer of the Department of Defense, who shall be appointed by the Secretary of Defense and shall report to the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment.
The Secretary of Defense may appoint the Chief Acquisition Talent Officer of the Department of Defense as—
a member of the Senior Executive Service; or
a highly qualified expert under section 9903 of title 5, or other applicable authority.
The Chief Acquisition Talent Officer of the Department of Defense shall possess substantial experience in strategic talent management, workforce development, or organizational leadership in large public or private sector organizations.
An individual serving as the Chief Acquisition Talent Officer of the Department of Defense may not hold or occupy another position in the Department of Defense.
The Chief Acquisition Talent Officer of the Department of Defense shall support the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment in carrying out the responsibilities of the Under Secretary with respect to the acquisition workforce under section 1702 of this title through Department of Defense-wide strategy, planning, education, training, and management of the acquisition workforce.
In carrying out the responsibilities under paragraph (1), the Chief Acquisition Talent Officer of the Department of Defense shall—
serve as the principal staff assistant to the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment on matters relating to acquisition workforce talent management;
engage with the service acquisition executives, portfolio acquisition executives, and other appropriate officials of the Department of Defense to provide support and assistance with the responsibilities of such officials related to the planning, development, and management of the acquisition workforce that are required to execute acquisition programs and portfolios;
use the Department-wide acquisition workforce data analytics capability established under section 1701a(b)(12) of this title to assess the capacity of the acquisition workforce, identify gaps in the capabilities of the acquisition workforce, forecast the needs of the acquisition workforce, and evaluate the effectiveness of acquisition workforce development initiatives and investments;
develop and maintain a Department of Defense-wide acquisition workforce strategy to ensure that the acquisition workforce has the capacity, capabilities, and competencies necessary to achieve the objectives of the defense acquisition system under section 3102 of this title;
enable the successful implementation of the acquisition workforce strategy required by subparagraph (D) by—
assisting the Secretary of Defense in establishing policies and procedures for the effective management of the acquisition workforce in accordance with section 1701 of this title;
establishing Department-wide acquisition workforce planning processes; and
developing and implementing talent management initiatives for the acquisition workforce;
coordinate with the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness and the Secretaries of the military departments to enable the alignment of—
specific education and training for members of the acquisition workforce who are members of the armed forces with general education and training requirements, including professional military education requirements for members of the armed forces; and
specific assignment and career development policies related to the civilian members of the acquisition workforce and the members of the acquisition workforce who are members of the armed forces;
require the activities and curriculum of the Defense Acquisition University and, as appropriate, other education and training providers supporting the acquisition workforce, to—
align with the objectives of the defense acquisition system established pursuant to section 3102 of this title;
promote continuous learning and technical skills improvement across the acquisition workforce; and
support and enable the successful implementation of the acquisition workforce strategy required by subparagraph (D);
support the integration of key performance objectives for the acquisition workforce, established under section 1722b(d) of this title, into the training, certification, career development, and performance management systems of the Department for the acquisition workforce;
assist the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment in executing programs related to the talent management initiatives of the acquisition workforce, including the Defense Civilian Training Corps authorized under section 2200g of this title, and ensure that such programs are appropriately integrated into Department-wide acquisition workforce planning;
promote and facilitate the use of the authorities under section 1599g of this title and other mechanisms to strengthen the acquisition workforce through exchanges with the private sector;
frequently conduct assessments of the capacity, capability, and performance of the acquisition workforce and develop and submit to the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment recommendations for Department-wide acquisition workforce investments under the Defense Acquisition Workforce Development Account established under section 1705 of this title; and
convene, not less frequently than semiannually, the service acquisition executives, Service Chief Acquisition Talent Officers, Component Acquisition Executives (as defined in section 1703a(d) of this title), and such other officers of the Department as determined appropriate by the Chief Acquisition Talent Officer of the Department to assess the effectiveness of the acquisition workforce strategy required by subparagraph (D) and review the performance and priorities of the acquisition workforce across the Department.
In this subsection, the term talent management initiative means the activities of the Department of Defense relating to recruitment, hiring, development, education, training, credentialing, performance management, retention, succession planning, and mobility, including rotations, reassignments, and career progression pathways, for the acquisition workforce.
In addition to the duties under subsection (d), the Chief Acquisition Talent Officer of the Department of Defense shall issue guidance requiring each Service Chief Acquisition Talent Officer and Component Chief Acquisition Talent Officer to develop and submit to the Chief Acquisition Talent Officer of the Department of Defense not less frequently than annually a plan for the acquisition workforce of the applicable military department or component of the Department of Defense that supports and enables the successful implementation of the acquisition workforce strategy required by subsection (d)(2)(D).
The Chief Acquisition Talent Officer of the Department of Defense shall ensure that the plans required under paragraph (1) are submitted in a timely manner so as to inform the development of the budget submitted to Congress under section 1105 of title 31.
Each plan for the acquisition workforce of a military department or component of the Department of Defense submitted pursuant to paragraph (1) or under paragraph (4) shall include—
an assessment of the size, composition, and distribution of such acquisition workforce;
an identification of gaps in critical skills and projected workforce needs of such acquisition workforce, including anticipated hiring requirements and requirements for emerging skills necessary to support acquisition priorities;
the hiring, retention, and workforce development plans for such acquisition workforce;
the anticipated requirements for and availability of training programs and development programs to support the hiring, retention, and workforce development plans described in subparagraph (C); and
an explanation of how the acquisition workforce plan supports the acquisition workforce strategy required by subsection (d)(2)(D).
The Chief Acquisition Talent Officer of the Department of Defense shall, for each plan submitted pursuant to paragraph (1) or under paragraph (6)—
evaluate whether such plan aligns with the Department-wide acquisition workforce strategy and priorities; and
provide to the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment—
a recommendation regarding whether to approve such plan; and
recommendations regarding workforce investments associated with such plan, including investments under the Defense Acquisition Workforce Development Account established under section 1705 of this title, to ensure alignment with workforce plans approved by the Under Secretary and the Department-wide acquisition workforce strategy.
In carrying out this subsection, the Chief Acquisition Talent Officer of the Department of Defense and the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment shall ensure that workforce planning, evaluation, and reporting under this subsection remain responsive to changes in the requirements of acquisition programs, including program terminations, restructurings, or changes in scope.
Not later than 90 days after the date on which a Service Chief Acquisition Talent Officer or Component Chief Acquisition Talent Officer submits a plan for the acquisition workforce of the military department or component of the Department pursuant to paragraph (1) or under this paragraph, the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment shall—
approve or reject such plan; and
provide to such Service Chief Acquisition Talent Officer or Component Chief Acquisition Talent Officer a written notice of such approval or rejection.
If the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment rejects a plan under subparagraph (A)—
the Under Secretary shall include in the notice required by clause (ii) of such subparagraph a written explanation of the reasons for such rejection and any revisions required for such plan to be approved; and
the Service Chief Acquisition Talent Officer or Component Chief Acquisition Talent Officer that submitted such plan pursuant to paragraph (1) or under this paragraph shall revise such plan and submit such revised plan to the Chief Acquisition Talent Officer of the Department of Defense.
Not later than March 1 of each year, the Chief Acquisition Talent Officer of the Department of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the effectiveness of the Department-wide acquisition workforce strategy, including—
an assessment of workforce trends, hiring and retention challenges, and critical skill gaps of the acquisition workforce;
an evaluation of the extent to which the acquisition workforces of the military departments and components are aligned with the objectives of the defense acquisition system established pursuant to section 3102 of this title and the Department-wide acquisition workforce strategy required by subsection (d)(2)(D);
a summary and assessment of the plans submitted under subsection (e), including for each plan rejected under subsection (e)(6), a summary of the reasons for such rejection; and
recommendations for legislative and administrative actions to address identified workforce gaps, improve workforce performance, and strengthen the acquisition workforce.
The Secretary of Defense may appoint a Deputy Chief Acquisition Talent Officer of the Department of Defense, from among individuals serving in the Senior Executive Service or other appropriate positions in the Department of Defense, to assist the Chief Acquisition Talent Officer of the Department of Defense in carrying out the responsibilities of the Chief Acquisition Talent Officer of the Department of Defense under this section.
The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that the Chief Acquisition Talent Officer of the Department of Defense is provided dedicated personnel and resources necessary to carry out the responsibilities of the Chief Acquisition Talent Officer of the Department of Defense.
In this subsection, dedicated personnel and resources means personnel and resources that are—
exclusively engaged in supporting the Chief Acquisition Talent Officer of the Department of Defense in carrying out the responsibilities of the Chief Acquisition Talent Officer of the Department of Defense; and
under the exclusive authority of the Chief Acquisition Talent Officer of the Department of Defense.
The Secretary of each military department and the head of each component of the Department of Defense for which there is a component acquisition executive shall designate a senior official of such military department or component as the Service Chief Acquisition Talent Officer of such military department or the Component Chief Acquisition Talent Officer of such component.
A Service Chief Acquisition Talent Officer of a military department designated under subsection (a) shall report to the service acquisition executive of such military department.
A Component Chief Acquisition Talent Officer of a component of the Department of Defense designated under subsection (a) shall report to the component acquisition executive of such component, except that if such Component Chief Acquisition Talent Officer is the component acquisition executive of such component, such officer shall report to the head of such component with respect to the duties of such Component Chief Acquisition Talent Officer under this section.
A Service Chief Acquisition Talent Officer of a military department or Component Chief Acquisition Talent Officer of a component of the Department of Defense designated under subsection (a) shall, subject to the authority, direction, and control of the official to whom such Service Chief Acquisition Talent Officer or Component Chief Acquisition Talent Officer reports under subsection (b)—
develop, submit to the Chief Acquisition Talent Officer of the Department of Defense, and implement each plan for the acquisition workforce of such military department or component required under section 1703(e) of this title in accordance with the guidance issued by the Chief Acquisition Talent Officer of the Department of Defense;
oversee the execution of workforce plans and talent management initiatives for the acquisition workforce of such military department or component in support of the Department-wide acquisition workforce strategy;
advise the official to whom such Service Chief Acquisition Talent Officer or Component Chief Acquisition Talent Officer reports under subsection (b) on matters relating to the readiness of the acquisition workforce of such military department or component;
support the service acquisition executive, portfolio acquisition executive, or component acquisition executive in identifying and addressing acquisition workforce requirements necessary to execute acquisition programs and portfolios;
coordinate with the Chief Acquisition Talent Officer of the Department of Defense on Defense-wide initiatives and programs for the acquisition workforce, including implementation of the Department-wide acquisition workforce strategy;
support the alignment of education and training for members of the acquisition workforce of such military department or component to enable the alignment of—
specific education and training for members of the acquisition workforce with general education and training requirements, including professional military education requirements for members of the armed forces; and
specific assignment and career development policies related to the civilian members of the acquisition workforce and the members of the acquisition workforce who are members of the armed forces;
establish hiring priorities and promote the effective use of hiring authorities for the acquisition workforce of such military department or component;
support the use of the authorities under section 1599g of this title and other mechanisms to strengthen the acquisition workforce of such military department or component through public-private talent exchanges;
provide to the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment data related to the acquisition workforce of such military department or component as required to support the Department-wide acquisition workforce data analytics capability and workforce planning; and
perform such other duties as determined appropriate by the official to whom such Service Chief Acquisition Talent Officer or Component Chief Acquisition Talent Officer reports under subsection (b).
In this subsection, the term component acquisition executive means the acquisition executive of a component of the Department of Defense, including combatant commands and the Defense Logistics Agency, who is responsible for all acquisition functions of such component, except that such term does not include service acquisition executives.
The table of sections of subchapter I of chapter 87 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 1702 the following new items:
Section 1746(e) of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
by redesignating paragraphs (2) and (3) as paragraphs (3) and (4), respectively; and
by inserting after paragraph (1) the following new paragraph:
The President of the Defense Acquisition University shall report directly to the Chief Acquisition Talent Officer of the Department of Defense.
Section 2200g of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
The Chief Acquisition Talent Officer of the Department of Defense shall administer and oversee the Defense Civilian Training Corps program under the authority of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment.
The Secretary of Defense shall implement section 1703 of title 10, United States Code, as added by subsection (a), not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act.
Each Secretary of a military department (as defined in section 101(a) of title 10, United States Code) and each head of a component of the Department of Defense described in subsection (a) of section 1703a of title 10, United States Code, as added by subsection (a), shall implement such section with respect to such military department or component, as applicable, not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act.
Section 1722b of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
in subsection (b), by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
Key performance objectives described in subsection (d).
by adding at the end the following new subsection:
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this subsection, the Secretary of Defense shall implement mandatory key performance objectives (in this subsection referred to as KPOs) for evaluating the performance of civilian members of the acquisition workforce.
The KPOs implemented under paragraph (1) shall—
include strategic outcome objectives and workforce behavioral objectives for the workforce; and
be developed in a manner that enables an assessment of the degree of alignment between—
the objectives of the defense acquisition system established by section 3102 of this title; and
the prudent and appropriate use by civilian members of the acquisition workforce of innovative, risk-tolerant practices in achieving those objectives.
The strategic outcome objectives required under paragraph (2)(A) shall align with the objectives of the defense acquisition system established pursuant to section 3102 of this title and shall address strategic acquisition mission areas, including—
expeditiously delivering capabilities to enhance the operational readiness of the armed forces and enable the missions of the Department of Defense;
enabling and supporting the integration of innovative solutions to enhance military effectiveness and responsiveness to emerging threats;
ensuring supply chain and industrial base resilience and surge capabilities to support contingency and operational plans of the Department of Defense;
cultivating a leadership and organizational culture in civilian members of the acquisition workforce that encourages responsible risk-taking, collaboration, and learning through failure; and
maintaining a current and proficient workforce through continuous education, including digital and artificial intelligence literacy and technical proficiency necessary for the job function of an individual.
The workforce behavioral objectives required under paragraph (2)(A) shall be designed to develop the critical skills and behaviors of civilian members of the acquisition workforce, including—
the adoption of innovative acquisition authorities and approaches;
a preference for commercial products and commercial services and supporting market research of commercial or emerging technologies;
engagement with end users to incorporate feedback into acquisition decisions and acquisition program adjustments;
the ability to use iterative development cycles and inform program tradeoffs, including discontinuing or terminating the development of capabilities—
that no longer align with approved capability requirements (as defined in section 3101 of this title) or priorities; or
that are experiencing significant cost growth, performance or technical deficiencies, or delays in schedule;
the pursuit of professional development to broaden expertise and assume expanded responsibilities in cross-functional initiatives; and
the ability to overcome obstacles to prioritize end-user outcomes in acquisition execution.
The KPOs implemented under paragraph (1) shall be integrated into—
annual performance appraisals for civilian members of the acquisition workforce;
promotion, bonus, and assignment considerations for such members; and
requirements for certification, training, and continuing education under this chapter.
Section 826 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (Public Law 119–60) is repealed.
Not later than October 1, 2027, the Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment and the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report assessing the feasibility and advisability of applying the key performance objectives established under section 1722b(d) of title 10, United States Code (as added by this section), to members of the Armed Forces serving in the acquisition workforce (as defined in section 101 of such title), including recommendations on how such objectives could be appropriately adapted for such members.
Section 1731 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
In addition to the requirements under section 1735 of this title, the Secretary of Defense shall require that individuals selected for, and individuals serving in, civilian critical acquisition positions demonstrate appropriate proficiency in achieving the key performance objectives established under section 1722b(d) of this title.
The Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, in coordination with each service acquisition executive and component acquisition executive, shall establish and maintain a Department-wide framework for assessing demonstrated proficiency under this subsection, including methods for evaluating demonstrated proficiency in achieving the performance objectives described in paragraph (1), such as the use of covered authorities in programmatic or operational settings.
The Secretary shall ensure that the requirements established under this subsection are applied in a manner consistent with the acquisition workforce career field and responsibilities of the position.
The Secretary may not solely rely on the completion of training requirements of an individual, or any certification or credential earned by an individual, to satisfy the requirements of this subsection.
The Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, in coordination with each service acquisition executive and component acquisition executive, shall use the framework established under paragraph (2) to—
identify gaps in demonstrated proficiency among individuals selected for, or serving in, critical acquisition positions; and
ensure that such individuals who do not demonstrate appropriate proficiency are provided targeted and structured professional development opportunities (including experiential learning, training, or other relevant opportunities) to address such gaps.
The Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment shall periodically review and update the framework established under paragraph (2) to ensure alignment with the objectives of the defense acquisition system under section 3102 of this title and to adapt such framework to incorporate new acquisition practices and technologies.
In this subsection, the term covered authorities means the following:
Chapter 247 of this title.
Sections 4021 and 4022 of this title.
Section 3602 of this title.
Any other acquisition authority, pathway, or method established by the Secretary to enable the rapid, flexible, or iterative development and delivery of a capability.
Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to modify or supersede any performance management system established under chapter 43 of title 5, United States Code, or to alter any rights or obligations under applicable collective bargaining agreements.
Section 1762 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking 130,000 and inserting 143,000.
Subsection (g) of such section is amended by striking December 31, 2031 and inserting December 31, 2035.
Not later than December 1, 2026, the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment shall provide a briefing to the congressional defense committees on the planned use of authorities under section 1762 of title 10, United States Code, as amended by this section, to support the acquisition workforce. Such briefing shall include—
the current number of individuals participating in the acquisition workforce demonstration project under such section 1762, disaggregated by military department and Defense Agency;
expected growth in participation in the demonstration project over the next 24 months, including anticipated and confirmed transitions of organizations or elements into the demonstration project and estimated implementation timelines for such transitions;
an identification of military departments and other elements of the Department of Defense that have expressed interest in expanding participation in the demonstration project or transitioning additional individuals into the demonstration project;
an assessment of the extent to which statutory limitations on the authorities in section 1762 affect workforce planning or use of the authorities;
steps taken to increase and measure average workforce understanding of how contributions scores under the demonstration project are derived;
findings relevant to the demonstration project based on data from tools used to measure employee satisfaction, such as Defense Organizational Climate Surveys or the Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey; and
recommendations on any additional steps, authorities, or flexibilities the Under Secretary considers necessary to support the development of the acquisition workforce.
Chapter 239 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 3775 the following new section:
Except as provided in subsection (b), any technical data, computer software, or computer software documentation delivered under a contract, subcontract, or other agreement entered into by the Department of Defense shall be provided with government purpose rights unless the contractor establishes, through clear and convincing evidence, entitlement to more restrictive rights.
A contractor asserting less-than-government purpose rights shall provide—
a compliant assertions table identifying each specific item of data or software claimed;
factual documentation of private development funding;
clause-specific unlimited-rights exclusions applied at the lowest practicable segregable level; and
corresponding portion markings on the deliverables.
Any failure by a contractor to comply with subsection (b) shall result in the deliverable being treated as provided with government purpose rights.
For any critical readiness items of supply (as that term is defined in section 4324(d)(4) of title 10, United States Code) that are noncommercial items, if the Secretary of Defense determines that a contractor—
applied an incorrect restrictive marking;
failed to exclude unlimited- or unrestricted-rights categories;
failed to portion-mark at the required segregable level; or
submitted an incomplete or invalid assertions table;
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report assessing the feasibility and advisability of establishing a mechanism to recover excess payments made by the Department of Defense in cases where improper restrictive markings, invalid assertions tables, or other unjustified restrictions on technical data, computer software, or computer software documentation contributed to reduced competition or sole-source procurement conditions. The report shall include—
an assessment of the extent to which improper restrictions on technical data or software rights may have resulted in excess costs to the Department;
an evaluation of existing authorities available to recover such excess payments;
an assessment of the legal, contractual, and evidentiary challenges associated with establishing a clawback mechanism;
options for calculating excess payments attributable to improper restrictions on technical data or software rights; and
recommendations regarding whether Congress should authorize a clawback mechanism and, if so, the structure of such authority.
Section 3771(b) of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
in paragraph (3)(C), by inserting , and for which the United States shall have government purpose rights, unless the Government and the contractor negotiate different license rights after component); and
in paragraph (4)(A)—
in clause (ii), by striking ; or and inserting a semicolon;
by redesignating clause (iii) as clause (iv); and
by inserting after clause (ii) the following new clause:
is a release, disclosure, or use of detailed manufacturing or process data—
that is necessary for operation, maintenance, installation, or training and shall be used only for operation, maintenance, installation, or training purposes supporting wartime operations or contingency operations; and
for which the head of an agency determines that the original supplier of such data will be unable to satisfy military readiness or operational requirements for such operations; or
This section and the amendments made by this section shall apply—
in competitive procurements, to solicitations issued after the date of the enactment of this Act and awards made in connection with such solicitations; and
in non-competitive procurements, to awards made after the date of the enactment of this Act.
Subchapter III of chapter 275 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 3791 the following new sections:
The Secretary of Defense, acting through the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Industrial Base Policy, shall designate a senior official, to be known as the Intellectual Property Ombudsman, to serve as ombudsman on matters involving intellectual property acquired or licensed (or proposed to be acquired or licensed) by the Department.
The Ombudsman shall be a senior official with—
demonstrated expertise in matters involving intellectual property acquired or licensed (or proposed to be acquired or licensed) by the Department, including the provisions of the Department of Defense Supplement to the Federal Acquisition Regulation that relate to technical data and computer software; and
at least 5 years of experience on intellectual property matters, of which at least 2 years must have been representing or advising covered contractors of the Department on matters involving intellectual property acquired or licensed (or proposed to be acquired or licensed) by the Government.
The Ombudsman shall serve within the Office of the Assistant Secretary and report directly to the Assistant Secretary, without intervening authority, and shall not report to or receive direction from any military department, agency, combatant command, or other element of the Department.
The Assistant Secretary may assign to the official serving as Ombudsman other primary or collateral duties to the extent the official remains able to carry out his or her duties as Ombudsman, except that the official—
may not perform any duty, or engage in any activity, that could compromise his or her independence as Ombudsman; and
may not advise on, or participate in, any source selection process, except to the extent necessary to carry out his or her duties as Ombudsman.
The Ombudsman shall not be subject to removal, demotion, or other adverse personnel action based on the substance of any advice, guidance, opinion, or recommendation provided by the Ombudsman to a covered contractor or to a contracting officer or other Department official.
The Assistant Secretary shall ensure that the Ombudsman is provided with personnel and resources sufficient to carry out his or her duties as Ombudsman.
The Ombudsman shall, with respect to questions or disputes involving intellectual property acquired or licensed (or proposed to be acquired or licensed) by the Department, including questions or disputes involving rights and obligations relating to the delivery of, or access to, such intellectual property—
serve as the focal point for assisting covered contractors of the Department on such questions or disputes;
facilitate communication between covered contractors and appropriate senior officials of the Department on such questions or disputes;
promote the use of collaborative alternative dispute resolution techniques such as mediation to facilitate the expeditious and cost-effective resolution of such questions or disputes, when appropriate;
provide guidance to covered contractors and contracting officers with respect to such questions or disputes; and
upon request of a covered contractor or contracting officer involved in such a question or dispute—
within 45 days after the request was made—
obtain from the covered contractor (and any subcontractor involved in the question or dispute) and from the contracting officer information relevant to the question or dispute; and
complete a review of such information;
promptly thereafter, develop and provide guidance to the covered contractor, the contracting officer, or both on matters relevant to the question or dispute, such as—
relevant laws and regulations and how they apply to the question or dispute;
alternative approaches to acquisition or licensing that may be available under applicable laws and regulations, such as specifically negotiated licenses (including specially negotiated licenses under section 3774(c) of this title); and
appropriate valuation of intellectual property under standard industry valuation techniques, including cost, value, capability, market, and income-based techniques; and
facilitate communications, and participate in meetings, between the covered contractor and the contracting officer.
Notwithstanding paragraph (1), the authority of the Ombudsman shall extend only to questions and disputes between covered contractors and the Department, and shall not extend to questions or disputes between or among covered contractors.
Guidance provided by the Ombudsman under this section—
may include analyses, opinions, and recommendations;
shall be independent and neutral with respect to the covered contractor, the contracting officer, and the Government, and
shall be advisory only and not binding on the covered contractor, the contracting officer, or the Government.
Any communication between a covered contractor and the Ombudsman, including the fact that such a communication occurred, shall be treated as confidential and shall not be disclosed to any person or entity that is not a party to the question or dispute or does not have an interest in the specific question or dispute without the consent of the covered contractor.
The Government shall not require a covered contractor to disclose any such communication and shall not use any such communication as a basis for evaluating a proposal, making an award, or challenging a restriction.
A requirement to publish a copy of, or any other information with respect to, communications between a covered contractor and the Ombudsman shall not apply to the extent such copy (or portion thereof) or information would be subject to withholding from public disclosure under section 552 of title 5.
The decision of a covered contractor to request, or decline to request, assistance from the Ombudsman shall not give rise to any inference regarding the validity of the covered contractor’s assertions related to intellectual property and shall not be disclosed or referenced in any validation challenge, litigation, or other legal proceeding.
The Assistant Secretary shall establish a mechanism for regular consultation with the defense industry, portfolio acquisition executives, program managers, product support managers, and other officials of the Department responsible for sustainment of defense systems regarding the utility and effectiveness of the Ombudsman function and emerging intellectual property issues.
On an annual basis, the Ombudsman shall make publicly available a report providing statistical information on the assistance specified in subsection (e) that was provided to covered contractors during the annual period covered by the report. The statistical information shall be presented in an aggregated or anonymized format and shall include information on the number of requests, the nature of requests, the nature of the contractors (such as small business concerns), the disposition of the requests, and the number of days from receipt of request to final disposition of the request.
On an annual basis, the Ombudsman shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report on the activities performed during the annual period covered by the report, including any recommendations for changes in law, regulation, policy, procedure, or practice that the Ombudsman considers appropriate.
In this section—
the term covered contractor includes a contractor or subcontractor (or prospective contractor or subcontractor); and
the term subcontractor includes a subcontractor at any tier.
The Secretary of Defense shall establish an expert mediation process under this section and shall make that process available to covered contractors and contracting officers to facilitate the resolution of questions or disputes related to covered data.
The process established under subsection (a) may be used to address any intellectual property matters relevant to the resolution of the question or dispute, including matters such as the following:
The scope, terms, or interpretation of any relevant agreement with respect to the intellectual property.
The scope of the rights acquired or licensed (or proposed to be acquired or licensed) by the Government in the intellectual property.
To the extent the Government’s rights in intellectual property are insufficient, or perceived as insufficient, to meet the Department’s identified requirement, any matters necessary to address the insufficiency.
To the extent the intellectual property involves more than one covered contractor, any matters necessary to address the respective rights of the Government and each such contractor.
The process established under subsection (a) shall be available whenever a question or dispute covered by subsection (a) has arisen, including before, during, or after a procurement and before, during, or after the administration of a contract. It shall be available without regard to, and without effect on, any other dispute resolution processes that may be available, and without tolling any periods or deadlines under any other dispute resolution processes or under any applicable statute of limitations.
Participation in the process established under subsection (a) shall be strictly voluntary, both on the part of the contracting officer and on the part of the covered contractor, except as provided in subsection (h).
Within 10 days after receiving a request under this subsection, a party shall submit to the other party a written response either accepting or declining the request.
A party submitting a written request to initiate, or any written response accepting such a request, shall include facts supporting the position of the party that the requirements of paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (a) are met.
If the request to initiate is accepted, a panel shall be established under subsection (f) and mediation shall commence under subsection (g).
Mediation under the process established under subsection (a) shall be conducted by a panel established under this subsection.
The Secretary may use existing authorities, including those in paragraphs (2), (3), (4), and (6) of section 1707(d) of this title, to establish the panel.
The panel shall be composed of three members, each of whom shall be an individual with—
at least 5 years of experience in alternative dispute resolution; and
demonstrated expertise in at least two of the following areas: intellectual property law, patent licensing, government contracts data rights, technical data classification, and software licensing.
Of the three members—
one shall be selected by the covered contractor and shall have significant experience in intellectual property or data rights matters;
one shall be selected by the Department and shall have significant experience in intellectual property or data rights matters in government contracts, such as through service as a contracting officer, agency counsel, board of contract appeals judge, or Court of Federal Claims judge; and
one shall be selected by the other two members and shall serve as the panel chair.
If the question or dispute involves the valuation of intellectual property, the member selected under paragraph (4)(C) shall have significant experience with standard industry valuation techniques, including cost, market, and income.
An individual may not serve as a member of the panel if that individual has a financial interest in the outcome or any other conflict of interest that would undermine impartiality.
In a case in which there is a vacancy in the membership of the panel, a new member of the panel shall be selected as soon as practicable to fill the vacancy in accordance with paragraph (4).
The panel shall be established as soon as practicable and shall commence the mediation not later than 30 days after the date on which the panel is established, except to the extent the parties agree to a later date. The mediation shall end not later than 90 days after the date on which the mediation commenced, except to the extent the parties agree to a later date.
Except as provided in paragraphs (2) and (4), the results of the mediation shall be advisory only and shall not be binding on either party.
To the extent the parties reach a resolution, the parties shall memorialize the resolution in a settlement agreement, which shall be binding upon the parties. Any such agreement shall—
be executed by the contracting officer and an authorized representative of the covered contractor;
specifically reference the mediation; and
be incorporated into any applicable contract by modification.
To the extent the parties do not reach a full resolution—
either party may pursue any remedy otherwise available under chapter 71 of title 41 or other applicable law; and
the mediation shall not be deemed to have resolved the dispute for purposes of chapter 71 of title 41.
In a case in which the request to initiate the mediation regarding a contract entered into after the date of the enactment of this section was made by the Department and no resolution is reached, the following shall apply:
The panel may recommend to the Secretary of Defense that the covered contractor with rights in the subject covered data be required to provide non-deliverable access to such covered data if—
the panel finds that access to such covered data is necessary—
to address a critical operational requirement;
to meet a critical materiel readiness objective for a major weapon system (as established in accordance with section 118 of this title); or
to address a shortfall in a critical readiness item of supply (as defined in section 4324 of this title) or recurring insufficiency of supply that the responsible contractor has failed to remedy in response to a corrective action plan developed in accordance with section 4323 of this title; and
the requirement for such covered data was reviewed under section 805 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (10 U.S.C. 3771 note) and an insufficiency was identified under subsection (d) of such section.
Such a recommendation—
shall ensure release rights consistent with commercially reasonable terms and conditions (subject to later definitized consideration to reflect development at private expense); and
may include a right to release to a covered government support contractor (as defined in section 3775 of this title)—
subject to a prohibition that the covered government support contractor to which the data is released may not further release, disclose, or use the covered data beyond the purpose for which it was released; and
subject to notice by the contracting officer to the covered contractor of any such release.
If the Secretary approves the recommendation, the recommendation shall be binding on the covered contractor and the Department, subject to the availability of appropriations. The parties shall memorialize the recommendation in a settlement agreement, as described in paragraph (2). To the extent the recommendation does not reach a full resolution of the dispute, paragraph (3) shall apply.
The mediation shall be conducted in accordance with section 574 of title 5.
Each member of the panel shall—
sign a nondisclosure agreement, as appropriate, to protect proprietary or nonpublic data;
access and use proprietary or nonpublic data furnished to the panel only for the purposes of the mediation;
take all reasonable steps to protect proprietary and nonpublic data furnished to the panel; and
not use proprietary or nonpublic data furnished to the panel to compete for Government or nongovernment contracts.
In this section—
the term covered contractor includes a contractor or subcontractor;
the term covered data means technical data and computer software required to enable the Department of Defense or government authorized repair contractors performing under a support contract, to perform repair or maintenance actions on a covered system;
the term covered system means—
a major defense acquisition program, as defined in section 4201 of this title; or
an acquisition program or project that is carried out using the rapid prototyping or rapid fielding acquisition pathway under section 3602 of this title that is estimated by the Secretary of Defense to require an eventual total expenditure described in section 4201(a)(2) of this title;
the term non-deliverable access means a model under which the contractor provides access to intellectual property, including any associated license agreements for such intellectual property; and
the term subcontractor includes a subcontractor at any tier.
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall—
implement sections 3792 and 3792a of title 10, United States Code, as inserted by this section;
provide a briefing to the congressional defense committees on the implementation of such sections; and
submit to the congressional defense committees an assessment of, and recommendations for, pay and compensation under current law to provide competitive compensation for the Intellectual Property Ombudsman established under section 3792 of title 10, United States Code, as inserted by this Act.
Not later than March 1, 2028, and each of the next five years thereafter, the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment shall submit to the congressional defense committees an annual report on the effectiveness of the Intellectual Property Ombudsman established under section 3792 of title 10, United States Code, as inserted by this Act, and the mediation process established under section 3792a of title 10, United States Code, as inserted by this Act, on—
encouraging prime contractors and subcontractors of the Department of Defense to quickly and equitably resolve disputes with the Department concerning intellectual property in order to address critical operational readiness issues;
encouraging contractors to leverage privately-funded innovation and offer their full range of relevant technologies when competing for and performing defense contracts;
improving clarity for both Department and contractor personnel regarding rights in technical data, computer software, and computer software documentation during the procurement process;
resolving data rights disputes more rapidly and collaboratively than through litigation, while protecting contractors’ legitimate investments in privately funded innovation; and
expeditiously addressing the Department’s national security, sustainment, and competitive procurement needs.
The report required by paragraph (1) shall also include recommendations by the Under Secretary to address any gaps in statute, regulation, or policy that undermine the Department’s ability to access technical data necessary for maintenance and sustainment, asserting existing rights, or protecting interests in intellectual property, and any other recommendations the Under Secretary considers appropriate.
Subsection (f)(5)(B) of section 4022 of title 10, United States Code, as redesignated by section 823, is amended by striking to address obsolescence.
Section 4324(b)(1)(D) of title 10, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:
An intellectual property management plan for product support developed in accordance with section 3774 of this title, including—
requirements for technical data, software, and modular open system approaches (as defined in section 4401 of this title);
a method to obtain technical data and license rights necessary for maintenance, repair, and overhaul of the covered system before the Milestone B approval (or equivalent approval); and
a method to satisfy all other aspects of sustainment for the covered system before the Milestone C approval (or equivalent approval) in accordance with the product support strategy described in subparagraph (A).
Section 3774 of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
in subsection (a)(1)—
in subparagraph (A), by striking and at the end;
in subparagraph (B), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and; and
by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
include in any contract solicitation for such a system or subsystem requirements relating to technical data and license rights necessary for sustainment of the system or subsystem.
in subsection (b)—
by redesignating paragraphs (2), (3), and (4) as paragraphs (3), (4), and (5) respectively; and
by inserting after paragraph (1) the following:
be developed in accordance with the intellectual property management plan described in section 4324(b)(1)(D) of this title.
Section 4324(b)(1) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
A software sustainment framework that—
defines metrics for software-enabled elements, including patch currency, vulnerability remediation timelines, and version lifecycle status; and
provides for periodic review of such metrics.
Section 4324(b)(2) of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
in subparagraph (D), by striking and at the end;
in subparagraph (E), by striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon; and
by adding at the end the following new subparagraphs:
maximize software-enabled solutions that reduce unanticipated growth work during maintenance cycles; and
maximize the use of consumption-based solutions as described in section 3605 of this title.
Section 1732(c) of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
in paragraph (7), by striking and at the end;
in paragraph (8), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and; and
by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
establish incentives for effective use by contractors of software-enabled solutions that expand the collection of decision-quality data to reduce unanticipated growth work during maintenance cycles or expedite the construction or procurement of capabilities.
Section 1733(d) of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
by redesignating paragraphs (4) through (9) as paragraphs (5) through (10), respectively;
by redesignating the second paragraph (3) (relating to Adopting predictive analytics) as paragraph (4); and
by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
Maximizing the qualification, approval, integration, and adoption of advanced technologies and processes.
The Secretary of Defense shall assess the feasibility and utility of establishing a Department of Defense-wide program to be known as the Pay-to-Print Program for the purposes of—
increasing the availability of parts in any supply chains of a weapon system of the Department of Defense;
reducing manufacturing time or costs of such parts; and
increasing the ability to rapidly scale production of such parts.
In conducting the assessment required by subsection (a), the Secretary of Defense shall—
identify such parts included in a program, project, or activity in a portfolio assigned under the leadership of a portfolio acquisition executive that could be produced by Government personnel or covered Government support contractors via additive manufacturing processes;
review technical standards, qualification processes, design templates, contracting methods, and policies and determine if any changes are necessary to ensure the feasibility of establishing the Pay-to-Print Program;
review methods of data access and methods to track the use of the data for the Pay-to-Print Program, and identify any lessons learned or best practices that could be implemented for the Pay-to-Print Program;
identify funding authorities and mechanisms necessary to establish the Pay-to-Print program; and
identify any other considerations for the implementation of the Pay-to-Print Program, as determined by the Secretary.
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate an update on the assessment required by subsection (a).
Nothing in this section shall preclude the Secretary of Defense from establishing a pay-to-print program before the submission of the report required in subsection (c).
In this section:
The term pay-to-print means a business approach where the customer pays a fee to access the original equipment manufacturer’s digital design file for the purpose of printing a physical product using additive manufacturing processes.
The term portfolio acquisition executive has the meaning given in section 1732 of title 10, United States Code.
The term covered Government support contractor has the meaning given in section 3775 of title 10, United States Code.
Section 4323 of title 10, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:
The Secretary of Defense shall require each Secretary concerned to conduct an assessment, updated not less frequently than annually, of the performance of each major weapon system and each critical readiness item of supply against established operational readiness requirements and the materiel readiness objectives under section 118(c) of this title.
For any major weapon system or critical readiness item of supply that fails to meet the requirements and objectives described in subsection (a), the Secretary concerned shall evaluate the applicable life-cycle sustainment plan (in accordance with section 4324 of this title) or other sustainment plan, as appropriate. If the Secretary concerned determines such a plan does not effectively meet the requirements and objectives at an affordable cost, the Secretary shall conduct a root cause analysis to determine the reasons and to identify the specific parts, services, software, and corresponding intellectual property required to meet the requirements and objectives.
Upon completion of a root cause analysis under subsection (b), the Secretary concerned shall develop and maintain a corrective action plan to address deficiencies identified by such analysis.
In developing and executing the corrective action plan, the Secretary concerned shall, to the maximum extent practicable, first seek to resolve any identified deficiencies through existing contractual and statutory authorities, including—
authorities described in subchapter I of chapter 275 of this title, to exercise an option, modify an existing contract or agreement, or enter into negotiations with a covered contractor for a covered system, including—
providing the covered contractor with the opportunity to submit an alternative corrective action plan to identify, qualify and secure other sources for the required parts, services, software, and intellectual property; and
entering into another contract or agreement, or modifying an existing contract or agreement, with the covered contractor to create, develop, and validate technical instructions and procedures; or
the use of alternative sources, including advanced manufacturing, reverse engineering, re-engineering, or fabrication of parts by Government personnel or covered Government support contractors (as defined in section 3775 of this title).
The Secretary concerned shall consider seeking assistance from the Intellectual Property Ombudsman (established in accordance with section 3792 of this title) in developing and implementing the corrective action plan if questions or disputes arise involving intellectual property acquired or licensed (or proposed to be acquired or licensed) by the Department for a major weapon system or critical readiness item of supply assessed under subsection (a), including questions or disputes involving rights and obligations relating to the delivery of, or access to, such intellectual property.
If such questions or disputes are not resolved through assistance from the Intellectual Property Ombudsman, the Secretary concerned shall consider submitting a written request for expert mediation in accordance with section 3792a of this title.
Not later than five days after the date on which the budget of the President is submitted to Congress pursuant to section 1105 of title 31, each Secretary concerned, in coordination with the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report that includes the following:
Findings from the assessments required by subsection (a).
A description of how such assessments informed the submission of materials to Congress required by section 118(c)(2) of this title and the development of the future-years defense program required by section 221 of this title.
For a covered system which has been declared to meet initial operational capability, and that for two consecutive calendar years has failed to meet established materiel readiness objectives for materiel availability or operational availability (as such terms are defined, respectively, in section 118 of this title), such report shall include—
an identification of factors contributing to such failure; and
a corrective action plan described in subsection (c), including any updates to a previously submitted corrective action plan.
A summary of actions taken by the Secretary to ensure that each covered system of the military department under the jurisdiction of the Secretary meets the applicable operational readiness requirements and materiel readiness objectives in the most cost-effective manner practicable.
The report required by this subsection shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may include a classified annex.
For each report, the Secretary concerned shall make a summary of the report publicly available on an appropriate website of the Department of Defense not later than 60 days after the date on which it is submitted to the congressional defense committees unless the Secretary concerned, in coordination with the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, determines that it is not feasible to make a summary publicly available due to classification or other security concerns. Upon making such a determination, the Secretary concerned shall submit to the congressional defense committees a written notification of the determination, including a detailed explanation of the security concerns and the reasons why those concerns cannot feasibly be addressed by redaction or other means.
In implementing section 865 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (Public Law 118–159; 10 U.S.C. 4811 note), the Secretary of Defense shall establish a pathway to streamline and consolidate the approval authority of the process established under such section for applications for Source Approval Requests submitted by the manufacturer of record for such capability.
The pathway established by subsection (a) shall apply in cases where—
a qualified engineering designee has certified in writing that the engineering data included in the applicable Source Approval Request, including the technical data package, conforms to the applicable technical data package or reverse engineering standards; and
the applicant, or the relevant majority-owned manufacturing subsidiary of such applicant, holds a current AS9100 Rev D certification (or successor standard) issued by an accredited third-party certification body.
Except as provided in paragraph (2), an Expedited Qualification Panel established under subsection (f) of such section 865 shall accept a certification made under subsection (b) as the full engineering evaluation necessary for the review of a Source Approval Request by the Expedited Qualification Panel.
An Expedited Qualification Panel may determine in writing that additional engineering evaluation of a Source Approval Request is required based on safety or mission criticality, novelty, or complexity of the item. Such a determination shall be provided to the applicant not later than 14 days after such applicant submits such Source Approval Request, along with a request from the Expedited Qualification Panel for any additional information needed from the application to complete the expedited qualification process.
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Army Portfolio Acquisition Executive for Fires (the Portolio Acquisition Executive), shall tailor and employ existing acquisition pathways to accelerate the development, testing, evaluation, and procurement of non‑traditional intermediate‑range fires capabilities, including affordable intermediate‑range one‑way attack munitions.
The pathways tailored under subsection (a) shall enable rapid development, testing, evaluation, and procurement of intermediate‑range, affordable, attritable, and autonomous fires capabilities outside of traditional, legacy munitions.
The characteristics of the capabilities referred to in paragraph (1) may include—
operational ranges relevant to combatant command requirements;
low-cost munitions and the associated deployment and launch system, payloads, autonomy software, and associated support;
autonomy solutions and collaborative mission software enabling resilience to operate in denied, degraded, intermittent, and limited communications and Global Positioning System-denied environments;
interoperability and iterative characteristics that enable incremental development and field-swappable payloads and support competition for upgrades, sustainment, and follow-on production;
ability for deployment and operations with minimal specialized infrastructure, including in austere environments.
a deployment system capacity, power needs, and integration with existing logistics and fires platforms;
demonstrated producibility and scalable manufacturing, including identification of achievable monthly and annual production rates and the constraints to scaling; and
commercial off‑the‑shelf components and manufacturing processes to reduce cost and enable production at scale.
To the greatest extent practicable, the pathways tailored under subsection (a) shall leverage existing, alternative acquisition authorities and pathways, such as other transaction authority, rapid prototyping and rapid fielding pathways, middle tier acquisition pathways, and any new or modified acquisition methods available to the Army and identified by the Portfolio Acquisition Executive.
The Secretary shall ensure integration across stakeholders and may formalize partnerships between and among the Army, the Defense Innovation Unit, and the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment to accelerate capability integration.
The Secretary shall identify and mitigate long‑lead risks, including test range access, airworthiness and safety certification processes, and supply-chain constraints associated with intermediate‑range attritable munitions.
The Secretary shall consider funding and resource needs, requirements, and opportunities to transition evolving prototypes into programs of record or enduring portfolio elements, including strategies for transitioning from research, development, test, and evaluation to procurement.
The Secretary may consider co-production arrangements with trusted allies and partners to establish secondary production lines, subject to applicable technology security and foreign disclosure requirements and provided that such arrangements do not undermine required rights and deliverables for modular system interfaces and government integration.
The Secretary shall ensure that any autonomous or semi-autonomous weapon system is developed, verified, validated, tested, and fielded consistent with Department of Defense policy on autonomy in weapon systems, including appropriate levels of human judgment over the use of force, rigorous verification and validation, and realistic developmental and operational test and evaluation.
The Secretary shall consider establishing software test and digital engineering infrastructure approaches based on commercial best practices that software-in-the-loop and hardware-in-the-loop test infrastructure to enable continuous validation of autonomy and mission software and integration.
The Secretary shall determine whether such capabilities are best pursued as—
a new start program within the fires portfolio;
an expansion or modification of an existing effort; or
an Army‑wide cross‑portfolio initiative under the authority of the Portolio Acquisition Executive.
Pathways tailored under this section shall align with joint force operational needs for intermediate‑range fires, including complementary employment with existing capabilities such as hypersonic systems, cruise missiles, and other precision fires.
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall provide a briefing to the congressional defense committees detailing—
the acquisition pathways tailored under this section;
the capabilities prioritized;
anticipated timelines for prototype demonstration and initial limited operational capability; and
a recommended funding profile for fiscal years 2027 through 2031.
In this section, the term intermediate-range means having a range between 3,000 and 5,500 kilometers.
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall establish a pilot program to support the recovery of antimony and copper as byproducts of mineral production in the United States.
The pilot program required by subsection (a) shall include methods—
to evaluate multiple processes and techniques for recovery of antimony and copper as byproducts of mineral production;
to develop process design plans necessary for scaling recovery of antimony and copper to demonstration-level production;
to generate sample material for independent testing to verify suitability for defense applications; and
to produce qualified antimony material that meets specifications provided by the Defense Logistics Agency.
The Secretary may enter into contracts, cooperative agreements, or other transactions with appropriate entities to implement the pilot program required by subsection (a).
Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter for four years, the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the status and findings of the pilot program required by subsection (a).
Each report required by paragraph (1) shall include—
a summary of the progress made under the pilot program required by subsection (a) with respect to recovery and processing of antimony and copper;
technical and economic assessments with respect to such recovery; and
recommendations for expanding domestic antimony and copper production and reducing dependency on foreign sources of antimony and copper.
The pilot program required by subsection (a) shall terminate not later than five years after the date of the enactment of this Act.
Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, acting through the Principal Director for Defense Pricing, Contracting, and Acquisition Policy, shall establish a team of experts in acquisition regulations to assist in a process of promulgating and implementing regulations to resolve the backlog of open cases related to the Department of Defense Supplement to the Federal Acquisition Regulation (commonly known as the DFARS).
The team of experts described in subsection (a) shall be assigned to assist in all aspects of the process described in subsection (a), including drafting proposed and final rules, managing the public comment process, and any other tasks as directed by the Under Secretary.
In order to achieve the purpose set forth in subsection (a), the Under Secretary shall ensure that the team of experts described in subsection (a) has the appropriate number of staff and such staff possesses the necessary skills, knowledge, and experience to carry out the duties described in subsection (b), including in relevant areas of regulatory process, contracting, acquisition, and law. The Under Secretary may use existing authorities to staff the team, including those in paragraphs (2), (3), and (4).
Civilian personnel from within the Office of the Secretary of Defense, Joint Staff, military departments, Defense Agencies, and combatant commands may be assigned to serve as members of the team of experts described in subsection (a), upon request of the Under Secretary.
The Under Secretary may use the authorities for highly qualified experts under section 9903 of title 5, to hire members of the team of experts described in subsection (a).
The Under Secretary may enter into a contract with a private-sector entity for specialized expertise to support the team of experts described in subsection (a). Such entity may be considered a covered Government support contractor, as defined in section 3775(a) of title 10, United States Code.
The Under Secretary is authorized to use amounts in the Defense Acquisition Workforce Development Fund for the purpose of paying salaries of members of the team of experts described in subsection (a) for the life of the team.
The authority to maintain the team of experts established under section (a) shall expire on the earlier of—
the date on which the Under Secretary determines there is no open case in the backlog described in subsection (a) of open cases related to the DFARS that—
implements a requirement imposed by statute; and
has been open for more than 180 days after the date of the enactment of the statute imposing the requirement; or
the date that is three years after the date on which the Under Secretary establishes the team of experts described in subsection (a).
Not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Under Secretary shall provide a briefing to the congressional defense committees outlining the strategy and methodology that will be used to establish the team of experts described in subsection (a) and the strategy and methodology to be used to reduce the backlog described in subsection (a) of open cases related to the DFARS.
Not later than 30 days after the date of the briefing required by paragraph (1), and at least once in every 30-day period thereafter, the Under Secretary shall provide a briefing to the congressional defense committees on the progress made by the team of experts described in subsection (a) in reducing the backlog described in subsection (a) of open cases related to the DFARS. The requirement for briefings under this paragraph shall terminate with the first briefing that occurs after the expiration date under subsection (e).
Except as provided in subsection (b), none of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise made available for fiscal year 2027 for the Department of Defense may be used to enter into a contract for the procurement of photovoltaic cells, modules, or inverters manufactured by a foreign entity of concern (as defined in section 9901(8) of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (15 U.S.C. 4651(8))).
The Secretary of Defense may waive subsection (a) if the Secretary—
determines that there is no alternative source of photovoltaic cells, modules, or inverters other than from a foreign entity of concern;
determines there is no national security risk posed by the use of photovoltaic cells, modules, or inverters manufactured by a foreign entity of concern; and
submits a certification of such determination in writing to the congressional defense committees not later than 30 days before entering into a contract described under such subsection.
Subsection (a) shall not apply to a contract involving any third party financing arrangements, including energy savings contracts and those involving privatized military housing or assets that enhance combat capability.
The limitation under subsection (a) shall not apply to assets that enhance combat capability for a period of one year following the date of the enactment of this Act.
The limitation under subsection (a) shall not apply if the procurement is for the purposes of intelligence, electronic warfare, or information warfare operations, testing, analysis, and training.
For each of fiscal years 2027 through 2030, the Secretary of Defense shall conduct an audit of the compliance of the contractors of the Department of Defense with the 7-percent utilization goal for employment of qualified individuals with disabilities by contractors established by the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs of the Department of Labor under section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 793).
Not later than 5 months after the end of a fiscal year for which the Secretary of Defense was required to conduct an audit under subsection (a), the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate a report on the findings of such audit.
The Secretary of Defense shall ensure the Principal Director for Defense Pricing, Contracting, and Acquisition Policy prioritizes the issuance of regulations, guidance, class deviations, or other implementation materials necessary to successfully implement sections 1821 through 1828 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (Public Law 119–60; 139 Stat. 1245 et seq.).
Not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall issue, to the extent practicable, interim guidance, class deviations, or other temporary implementation instructions necessary to ensure that the policies reflected in sections 1821 through 1828 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 are applied pending completion of final regulations.
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall issue final regulations in the Department of Defense Supplement to the Federal Acquisition Regulation necessary to carry out sections 1821 through 1828 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026.
Not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees a briefing that includes—
a list of each Department of Defense Supplement to the Federal Acquisition Regulation case, Defense Acquisition Regulations Council action, class deviation, guidance document, or other implementation action associated with sections 1821 through 1828 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026;
the current status of each such action;
the expected date for issuance of any proposed rule, interim rule, final rule, class deviation, or guidance document;
a description of any legal, policy, or resource impediment to timely implementation; and
the actions the Secretary is taking to ensure that implementation of such sections reduces barriers to the participation of nontraditional defense contractors, commercial suppliers, and small businesses in Department of Defense acquisitions.
Of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise made available for fiscal year 2027 for the Office of the Secretary of Defense for travel expenses, not more than 50 percent may be obligated or expended until the Secretary issues interim implementation instructions as required by subsection (b).
Section 134(b) of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
by striking paragraph (3); and
by redesignating paragraphs (4) and (5) as paragraphs (3) and (4), respectively.
Section 133b(b) of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
in paragraph (9) by striking and at the end;
in paragraph (10) by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and; and
by inserting after paragraph (10) the following new paragraph:
the responsibility for supervising and directing activities of the Department of Defense relating to export controls.
Section 151(a) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
The Commandant of the Coast Guard.
Section 152 of such title is amended—
in subsection (b)(1)(B) by striking or the Chief of Space Operations and inserting the Chief of Space Operations, or the Commandant of the Coast Guard; and
in subsection (c), by striking Navy and inserting Navy or Coast Guard.
Section 154(f) of such title is amended by striking Navy and inserting Navy or Coast Guard.
Section 155(a) of such title is amended—
in paragraph (2)—
in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking (other than the Coast Guard);
in subparagraph (B), by striking and at the end;
in subparagraph (C), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and; and
by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
the Coast Guard.
in paragraph (3), by striking Secretary of the military department having jurisdiction over that armed force and inserting Secretary concerned.
Section 302 of title 14, United States Code, is amended—
by striking The President may and inserting the following:
The President may
by adding at the end the following new subsection:
The Commandant of the Coast Guard shall also perform the duties prescribed for the Commandant as a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff under section 151 of title 10.
To the extent that such action does not impair the independence of the Commandant in the performance of the Commandant’s duties as a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Commandant shall inform the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating regarding military advice rendered by members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff on matters affecting such department.
Subject to the authority, direction, and control of the Secretary of Defense, the Commandant shall keep the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating fully informed of significant military operations affecting the duties and responsibilities of such Secretary.
Section 916(a) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (Public Law 119–60; 139 Stat. 1022) is amended by inserting or fiscal year 2027 after fiscal year 2026.
Upon determination by the Secretary of Defense that such action is necessary in the national interest, the Secretary may transfer amounts of authorizations made available to the Department of Defense in this division for fiscal year 2027 between any such authorizations for that fiscal year (or any subdivisions thereof). Amounts of authorizations so transferred shall be merged with and be available for the same purposes as the authorization to which transferred.
Except as provided in paragraph (3), the total amount of authorizations that the Secretary may transfer under the authority of this section may not exceed $6,000,000,000.
A transfer of funds between military personnel authorizations under title IV shall not be counted toward the dollar limitation in paragraph (2).
The authority provided by subsection (a) to transfer authorizations—
may only be used to provide authority for items that have a higher priority than the items from which authority is transferred;
may not be used to provide authority for an item that has been denied authorization by Congress; and
may not be used to reduce the total amount of authorizations available for facilities sustainment, restoration, and modernization projects for military unaccompanied housing (as defined in section 2871 of title 10, United States Code) or military child development centers (as defined in section 1800 of such title) (commonly known as Quality of Life Infrastructure).
A transfer made from one account to another under the authority of this section shall be deemed to increase the amount authorized for the account to which the amount is transferred by an amount equal to the amount transferred.
The Secretary shall promptly notify Congress of each transfer made under subsection (a).
Chapter 9 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 234 the following new section:
Not later than 10 days after the date on which the budget of the President for a fiscal year is submitted to Congress pursuant to section 1105 of title 31, the Director of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency shall submit to the Secretary of Defense and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and to the congressional defense committees, a report on the unfunded priorities of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency.
Each report under subsection (a) shall specify, for each unfunded priority covered by such report, the following:
A summary description of such priority, including the objectives to be achieved if such priority is funded (whether in whole or in part).
The additional amount of funds recommended in connection with the objectives under subparagraph (A).
Account information with respect to such priority, including the following (as applicable):
Line Item Number for applicable procurement accounts.
Program Element number for applicable research, development, test, and evaluation accounts.
Sub-activity group for applicable operation and maintenance accounts.
Each report under subsection (a) shall present the unfunded priorities covered by such report in order of urgency of priority.
In this section, the term unfunded priority, in the case of a fiscal year, means a program, activity, or mission requirement of the POW/MIA Accounting Agency that—
is not funded in the budget of the President for the fiscal year as submitted to Congress pursuant to section 1105 of title 31, United States Code;
is necessary to fulfill a requirement associated with an operational or contingency plan of a combatant command or other validated requirement; and
would have been recommended for funding through the budget referred to in paragraph (1) by the Director of the POW/MIA Accounting Agency in connection with the budget if additional resources had been available for the budget to fund the program, activity, or mission requirement.
Section 1599d of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
by redesignating subsections (b) through (f) as subsections (c) through (g), respectively;
by inserting after subsection (a) the following new subsection (b):
The Secretary shall include, as part of the standards prescribed under subsection (a), equivalency standards for financial management positions that are applicable across the Department. Such equivalency standards shall include—
an identification of any test-based professional certification or credential issued by an authority other than the Department that the Secretary recognizes as satisfying, in whole or in part, a standard prescribed under subsection (a);
an identification of any training or other requirement of the Department for financial management positions required for persons holding a professional certification or credential recognized pursuant to subparagraph (A); and
rules to prevent duplicative requirements of the Department for such positions with respect to such persons.
On a basis that is not less frequent than annually, the Secretary shall review the equivalency standards under paragraph (1) and update such standards as may be necessary to reflect changes in the professional certifications or credentials recognized pursuant to such paragraph or modifications to the requirements of the Department for financial management positions.
in subsection (e), as so redesignated, by inserting , and shall establish, review, and update the equivalency standards under subsection (b), after standards under subsection (a).
The Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller) shall establish the equivalency standards required under section 1599d(b) of title 10, United States Code, as amended by subsection (a), by not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act.
Not later than September 30, 2027, the Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller) shall take such corrective actions as may be necessary to achieve full compliance by the Department of Defense with requirements under the Payment Integrity Information Act of 2019 (Public Law 116–117; 31 U.S.C. 3301 note), consistent with the recommendations contained in the report of the Inspector General of the Department of Defense Report titled Audit of the Department of Defense’s FY 2024 Compliance with Payment Integrity Information Act Requirements (DODIG-2025-105) and published on May 27, 2025, including by—
conducting required risk assessments for each program subject to such requirements; and
publishing improper and unknown payment estimates for such programs.
Not later than September 30, 2027, the Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller) shall submit to the congressional defense committees a notification outlining the following:
The corrective actions taken to meet the requirement under subsection (a).
Any such corrective action remaining outstanding, including a timeline for the completion of such action.
Not later than May 30, 2028, the Inspector General of the Department of Defense shall complete an updated audit of compliance by the Department of Defense with requirements under the Payment Integrity Information Act of 2019 (Public Law 116–117; 31 U.S.C. 3301 note), including a certification of compliance with the requirement under subsection (a).
Not later than September 30, 2027, the Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller) shall provide to the congressional defense committees a briefing on strengthening the recovery audit program of the Department of Defense. Such briefing shall include the following:
An assessment of the use, and effectiveness, of the improper payment detection tool of the Department of Defense Advanced Analytics (ADVANA) platform for the detection and prevention of improper payments, as well as each action taken to address high-risk programs.
Comprehensive data on improper payments and recoveries in fiscal years 2025 through 2026.
An identification of any additional resources or authorities necessary to strengthen the detection of improper payments.
In order to support the goal of achieving an unmodified financial statement audit opinion by December 31, 2028, the Secretary of Defense may establish a task force, to be known as Joint Task Force Audit. If the Secretary establishes the task force, the Secretary shall designate the Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller) as the Director of the task force.
If the Secretary establishes a task force under subsection (a), the task force shall be authorized to carry out the following responsibilities:
The development and oversight of the execution of the plan of the Department of Defense to achieve an unmodified financial statement audit opinion by not later than December 31, 2028.
The approval, direction, and monitoring of performance on corrective action plans needed to obtain such an unmodified financial statement audit opinion.
The provision of support to components of the Department in order to prioritize audit remediation and audit response activities.
Leading and supporting engagement with the Inspector General of the Department, the Federal Accounting Standards Advisory Board, other appropriate Federal agencies, and any independent public accounting firms on matters pertaining to the audits of the financial statements of the Department.
Coordinating with the Chief Information Officer of the Department on financial system modernization initiatives and the elimination of legacy or duplicative financial systems.
If the Secretary establishes a task force under subsection (a), the Secretary of each military department may designate a representative to serve as a Deputy Director of the task force.
If the Secretary establishes a task force under subsection (a), the Director of the task force shall be responsible for meeting the reporting requirements under section 240b(b) of title 10, United States Code, in a complete and timely manner.
In the budget justification materials submitted in support of the budget of the Department of Defense (as submitted with the budget of the President under section 1105(a) of title 31, United States Code) for fiscal year 2028 and each fiscal year thereafter until fiscal year 2032, the Secretary of the Army and the Secretary of the Navy shall each include a consolidated budget display identifying, with respect to the covered formations of the military department concerned—
the number of personnel authorized to be assigned, and the number of personnel assigned, to such covered formations; and
the amounts of operation and maintenance funding requested for the training and readiness of such covered formations.
Not later than March 1, 2027, and annually thereafter until September 30, 2032, the Secretary of the Army and the Secretary of the Navy shall each submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the covered formations of the military department concerned. Each such report shall include—
an identification of the number of personnel authorized to be assigned, and the number of personnel assigned, to such covered formations;
an identification of the equipment necessary for full operational capability of such covered formations, versus the equipment available to such covered formations;
a description of the status of fielding for long-range fires, air defense, sensing, and command and control capabilities for such covered formations;
projected timelines for such covered formations achieving initial operational capability and full operational capability;
a detailed assessment of operational risks to such covered formations resulting from any identified constraint on readiness, including any such constraint relating to funding, personnel, equipment, training, the industrial base, or supply chains; and
a description of measures to mitigate any risk assessed pursuant to paragraph (5) and resources necessary to restore such covered formations to full operational capability.
In this section:
The term Army multi-domain task force means a formation of the Army designated as such a task force and organized for the conduct of multi-domain operations in support of joint force employment and the operational plans of the commanders of the combatant commands.
The term covered formation means an Army multi-domain task force or a Marine Littoral Regiment.
The term Marine Littoral Regiment means a formation of the Marine Corps designated as such a regiment and organized for the conduct of littoral and expeditionary operations in contested maritime environments in support of the operational plans of the commanders of the combatant commands.
The term military department concerned means—
the Army, with respect to submissions by the Secretary of the Army; and
the Marine Corps, with respect to submissions by the Secretary of the Navy.
Subsection (f)(3) of section 2218 of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
in subparagraph (A), by striking any used vessel, regardless of where such vessel was constructed and inserting any used vessel (other than an excluded vessel), regardless of where such vessel was constructed,; and
in subparagraph (B), by inserting (other than an excluded vessel) after a used vessel.
Subsection (k) of such section is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
The term excluded vessel means a vessel that was—
constructed or substantially modified in the People’s Republic of China; or
built by a Chinese military company or a Chinese owned or controlled entity.
Subparagraph (C) of paragraph (3) of subsection (f) of such section is amended to read as follows:
For each foreign-constructed vessel purchased by the Secretary under the authority of this paragraph in excess of 12, the Secretary shall contract for the purchase of two new vessels each of which is to be constructed in a shipyard located in the United States.
Such paragraph is further amended in subparagraph (D) by striking subparagraph (A) and inserting this paragraph.
Such paragraph is further amended—
by striking subparagraph (E); and
by redesignating subparagraph (F) as subparagraph (E).
Such paragraph is further amended by striking subparagraph (G).
Such section is further amended—
in subsection (d)(3), by striking (10 U.S.C. 8661 note) and inserting (Public Law 101–510; 10 U.S.C. 8661 note); and
in subsections (f)(2) and (k)(2)(A), by striking Public Law 101–510 (104 Stat. 1683) and inserting the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1991 (Public Law 101–510; 10 U.S.C. 8661 note).
Section 4864(a)(2) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the following new subparagraphs:
Auxiliary equipment, including pumps, for all shipboard services.
Propulsion system components, including engines, shafting, reduction gears, and propellers.
Shipboard cranes.
Spreaders for shipboard cranes.
Air circuit breakers.
Auxiliary chill water systems.
The amendments made by subsection (a) shall apply with respect to contracts entered into on or after the date of the enactment of this Act.
Section 7802 of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
in subsection (b), by striking $500,000 both places it appears and inserting $1,000,000; and
in subsection (c), by striking $100,000 and inserting $500,000.
It is the sense of Congress that—
the requirement of the Navy and Marine Corps to develop and consistently project three amphibious ready groups and the accompanying marine expeditionary units is foundational to the force sizing construct of the Department of the Navy;
the Secretary of the Navy should obtain the expected service life of the amphibious ships and require the Navy to rigidly adhere to the direction provided by section 8678a of title 10, United States Code;
similar to the analysis conducted on extending the submarine force structure, a comprehensive assessment of all LSD-41 and LSD-49 class dock landing ships should be conducted to assess the viability of extending such ships beyond their expected service life;
the budget of the President submitted to Congress under section 1105(a) of title 31, United States Code, should consistently support a comprehensive service life extension program of the Wasp-class amphibious assault ships and fully resource mid-life maintenance of the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ships;
the Optimized Fleet Response Plan Force generation construct of the Navy, as operating as of the date of the enactment of this Act, sub-optimizes the ability to project amphibious readiness groups; and
the Navy should adopt an alternative force generation model that expands the ability to maintain a continuous 3.0 amphibious ready group/marine expeditionary unit presence capable of deploying additional amphibious readiness groups.
Section 8026 of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
by inserting (a) In general.— before The Secretary;
by adding at the end the following new subsection:
Not later than March 15 of each year, the Commandant of the Marine Corps shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House of Representatives an assessment of the risks associated with amphibious forces, which shall be known as the Amphibious Forces Risk Assessment of the Commandant. Each such risk assessment shall include, for the year covered by the assessment, each of the following:
An identification and definition of each level of risk, including the determination of the Commander of what constitutes significant risk.
For each category of risk identified, an assessment of the extent to which the degree of risk is expected to increase, decrease, or remain stable as a result of budgetary priorities, tradeoffs, and fiscal constraints or limitations based on the most recent future-years defense program under section 221 of this title.
Each risk assessment under this subsection shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may contain a classified annex.
Section 8062 of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
in subsection (b), by striking 31 and inserting 33;
in subsection (e)(4), by striking scheduled maintenance and repair actions to maintain the minimum number of available amphibious warfare ships to meet operational requirements. and inserting the required number of amphibious war ships to achieve a 3.0 amphibious ready group/marine expeditionary unit presence, as determined pursuant to the Global Force Management Implementation Guidance and the certification of the Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the marine expeditionary unit presence requirement.
Section 2244a(b) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
The prohibition in subsection (a) does not apply to a modification to an amphibious warfare ship (as such term is defined in section 8062(h) of this title) during any of fiscal years 2027 through 2034.
Not later than September 30, 2027, the Secretary of the Navy shall submit to the congressional defense committees a mid-life maintenance plan for San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ships class.
Not later than March 1, 2027, the Secretary of the Navy shall submit to the congressional defense committees the following reports:
A report containing an assessment of all LSD-41 and LSD-49 class dock landing ships and, for each such vessel, an identification of options to extend the service life of the vessel.
A report on options for the comprehensive development of a modernization program that includes a service-life extension plan for Wasp-class amphibious assault ships and a mid-life maintenance plan for San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ships. Such report shall include, for each such option, an assessment of—
the overall timing of the application of such option each Wasp-class amphibious assault ship and San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship and whether such timing coincides with the optimal service life extension option for the ship;
specific modernization program objectives for each class of ship;
the amount of funding required to carry out the modernization program; and
the capability of the defense industrial base to support the modernization program.
Chapter 863 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section:
Except as provided under paragraph (2), the Secretary of the Navy shall ensure, to the maximum extent practicable, that each naval auxiliary vessel operated by the Military Sealift Command and designated as a United States Naval Ship is equipped with defensive armament sufficient to provide for the self-defense of the vessel against air, surface, and asymmetric threats in contested environments.
The requirement under paragraph (1) does not apply to a vessel that is designated as a hospital ship and is protected from attack or capture under the Convention (II) for the Amelioration of the Condition of Wounded, Sick and Shipwrecked Members of Armed Forces at Sea done at Geneva August 12, 1949.
Armament provided pursuant to subsection (a) may include, at the discretion of the Secretary, any of the following:
Close-in weapon systems or equivalent point-defense systems.
Crew-served weapons and stabilized naval gun systems.
Counter-unmanned aerial system capabilities.
Electronic warfare and decoy systems.
Modular or containerized weapon systems capable of rapid installation and scaling across classes of vessels.
The Secretary shall ensure that each vessel equipped pursuant to subsection (a) is—
provided with adequately trained personnel to operate and maintain the armament provided to the vessel; and
integrated, as appropriate, with Navy reserve or other augmentation forces for wartime operations.
The Secretary shall—
begin implementation of section 8699 of title 10, United States Code, as added by subsection (a), by not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act; and
in implementing such section, prioritize vessels supporting forward-deployed or contested logistics operations.
Not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Navy shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report that includes—
a prioritized list of naval auxiliary vessels to be equipped with armament pursuant to section 8699 of title 10, United States Code, as added by subsection (a);
recommended weapon systems for each class of vessel;
cost estimates and installation timelines for providing such armament;
manning and training requirements for each such vessel pursuant to subsection (c) of such section; and
any legislative or regulatory barriers to the implementation of such section.
Section 1019 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (Public Law 119–60; 139 Stat. 1032; 10 U.S.C. 8661 note) is amended—
in subsection (a), by striking programs and inserting and sustainment; and
by adding at the end the following new subsection:
Not later than 180 days after the date of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027, the Secretary shall include each of the following measures in the strategy required under subsection (a):
Measures to determine a total cost and schedule for investments needed to enhance the performance of the submarine industrial base to the extent to which it can support the production of one Columbia class submarine and two Virginia class submarines each year and improve in-service submarine maintenance to achieve the goals of the Navy for operational availability.
Measures to determine a total cost and schedule for investments needed to enhance the performance of the surface ship industrial base to the extent to which it can support the goals of the Navy for surface ship construction and sustainment.
Measures to identify roles, responsibilities, and mechanism for coordination and data sharing between all entities within the Department of Defense involved in investing in and supporting the maritime industrial base.
Measures to conduct an analysis of the capacity of the Department of Defense to effectively plan for, award, and oversee investments in the maritime industrial base and, if relevant offices do not have sufficient capacity, determine how to increase capacity.
The budget of the President submitted to Congress under section 1105(a) of title 31, United States Code, for fiscal year 2028 and each subsequent fiscal year, shall display Navy surface combat ship maintenance as one or more separate line items under each subactivity within operation and maintenance, Navy.
In this section, the term surface combat ship—
means a surface ship that—
is designed primarily to engage in attacks against airborne, surface, subsurface, and shore targets; and
uses a propulsion system that is not nuclear-based; and
includes any—
guided missile cruiser;
guided missile destroyer;
guided missile frigate; and
littoral combat ship.
The Secretary of the Navy shall enter into an indefinite delivery-indefinite quantity contract for the maintenance, repair, and overhaul of covered vessels, and shall issue task orders under such contract for the performance of such activities, across availability periods, by private shipyards, with a separate task order for each category of covered vessel determined by the Secretary consistent with subsection (c).
Each task order issued under the contract required under paragraph (1) shall require the private shipyard performing work under the task order for a category of covered vessels to be responsible for any routine, scheduled, or corrective life-cycle maintenance or repair activity of such vessels assigned to such shipyard under such task order.
The Secretary shall ensure that the term for any contractor that is a party to the indefinite delivery-indefinite quantity contract required under paragraph (1) is not less than five years after the date on which such contract is entered into.
Prior to entering into the contract required under subsection (a)(1) or issuing any task order under such contract, but not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report containing the following information:
A determination by the Secretary of the categories of covered vessels to be used for purposes of such contract, consistent with subsection (c), including the number, classes, and anticipated availability schedules of vessels the maintenance, repair, and overhaul of which is to be addressed by each task order issued under such contract.
For each such category, an identification of the availability of parts and supply chain capacity, forecasting, and planning necessary to support the maintenance, repair, and overhaul of covered vessels across availability periods.
An identification of standardized work-item sequencing, bundling, and planning requirements to enable predictable maintenance, repair, and overhaul of covered vessels across availability periods.
An assessment of the adequacy of facilities for such maintenance, repair, and overhaul, including with respect to workforce capacity, dry dock and pier availability, and long-term infrastructure necessary to sustain workload requirements under such contract.
A cost baseline for such maintenance, repair, and overhaul, and a methodology for evaluating potential savings or financial risks associated with such contract.
An identification of risks to such maintenance, repair, and overhaul associated with schedule disruptions, supply chain delays, or industrial base shortfalls, and a description of mitigation strategies and contingency planning for such risks.
In determining categories of covered vessels for purposes of the contract required under subsection (a)(1), the Secretary shall consider—
the facilities, capabilities, and industrial capacity required to carry out maintenance, repair, and overhaul activities for covered vessels;
the need to ensure adequate competition, and prevent the over-concentration of workload, among private shipyards; and
options for task orders issued under such contract to incorporate multiple covered vessels.
Not later than 30 days after any date on which the Secretary terminates the contract required under subsection (a)(1), or any task order under such contract, the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees a notice of such termination, including a justification for such termination.
The limitations under section 8680 of title 10, United States Code, shall apply with respect to the maintenance, repair, and overhaul of covered vessels pursuant to any task order issued under the contract required under subsection (a)(1).
In carrying out this section, the Secretary shall establish metrics and oversight mechanisms for—
contractor performance;
schedule adherence;
cost performance relative to the established baseline cost;
effects on the industrial base and workforce sustainment; and
effects on fleet readiness and operational availability.
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter for 5 years, the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report that contains, at a minimum, the following:
A description of—
the status of the implementation of the contract required under subsection (a)(1);
the categories of covered vessels determined by the Secretary for purposes of such contract, and the rationale behind such determination;
projected cost savings, schedule improvements, and effects on the industrial base resulting from such contract; and
any risk identified with respect to such contract and as applicable, the measures adopted to mitigate any such risk.
Recommendations for legislative and regulatory changes to improve the authority for, or implementation of, indefinite delivery-indefinite quantity contracts entered into by the Secretary.
In this section, the term covered vessel means a surface combatant vessel, as such term is defined in section 8227(e) of title 10, United States Code.
The Secretary of the Navy, in coordination with the Commandant of the Coast Guard, shall take such steps as are necessary to ensure that the Commandant of the Coast Guard is solely responsible for the contract management responsibilities for the Polar Security Cutter program.
Beginning on the date that is 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Navy may not maintain a separate contracting office for the Polar Security Cutter program except as required to provide advisory support requested by the Commandant of the Coast Guard.
Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Navy shall provide to the congressional defense committees a briefing describing the implementation of this section.
Beginning not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Director of the Defense Logistics Agency shall seek to procure at least 10 percent of covered bulk fuel from domestic refineries with excess production capacity.
The delivery of covered bulk fuel procured from a domestic refinery pursuant to subsection (a) shall be transported for delivery to locations outside of the United States on participating fleet vessels.
In carrying out this section, the Director of the Defense Logistics Agency shall coordinate with the Administrator of the Maritime Administration to align procurement and delivery planning for covered bulk fuel in accordance with subsection (a) with the Tanker Security Program, including by identifying opportunities to increase the use of participating fleet vessels consistent with subsection (b).
Not later than 270 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report that includes—
an assessment of the extent to which participating fleet vessels are expected to be used pursuant to subsection (b);
a description of opportunities to increase the delivery of covered bulk fuel procured from a domestic refinery pursuant to subsection (a) in support of the Tanker Security Program, including opportunities to establish recurring shipments of such fuel to fuel depots of the Department located outside of the United States;
an assessment of how such increase would support the availability of United States mariners and long-range fuel supply chains necessary to sustain military operations in contested environments; and
any legislation, policy, or contract authority that the Secretary determines necessary to implement this section.
In this section:
The term covered bulk fuel means aviation turbine fuel, marine diesel, or any other refined petroleum product procured by the Secretary of Defense for delivery to locations outside of the United States in support of military operations or fuel depots of the Department of Defense.
The term excess production capacity, with respect to a refinery, means a production capacity of the refinery that the Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Secretary of Energy, determines is in excess of domestic consumption requirements.
The term participating fleet vessel has the meaning given such term in section 53401 of title 46, United States Code.
The Secretary of the Navy may not accept or take delivery of an unmanned surface vessel before the date on which the Secretary submits to the congressional defense committees certification in writing that the Chief of Naval Operations or the Commandant of the Marine Corps has developed both concepts of operation and concepts of employment for at least one of the following combat functions:
Anti-submarine warfare.
Maritime strike.
Logistics.
Electronic warfare.
Command and control.
Intelligence.
Surveillance.
Reconnaissance.
Targeting.
Systems designed to counter any of the functions described in paragraphs (1) through (9).
Any other combat function designated by the Chief of Naval Operations or the Commandant of the Marine Corps.
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Navy shall develop and implement a strategy for the integration of unmanned surface vessels into naval force design and joint maritime operations. Such strategy shall include each of the following:
A description of the role of unmanned surface vessels in the future force design for the Department of the Navy.
The process and timelines associated with the integration of unmanned surface vessels into joint maritime operations.
An identification of the operational authorities currently governing the use of unmanned surface vessels.
An acquisition strategy for unmanned surface vessels.
An identification of the manpower, training, and infrastructure requirements for the integration of unmanned surface vessels into naval force design and joint maritime operations.
A description of different ownership or operating models for unmanned surface vessels, including ownership and operation by the Government and by contractors, and how each such model would affect—
manpower and infrastructure requirements;
sustainment planning; and
competition and industrial base concerns.
An identification of access and basing requirements for unmanned surface vessels.
Not later than 210 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Navy shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the strategy required under subsection (b).
Not later than 90 days after the date of the submission of the report required under subsection (c), and biannually thereafter, the Portfolio Acquisition Executive established under section 1732 of title 10, United States Code, shall provide a briefing to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate. Each such briefing shall include each of the following:
A description of any changes or refinements made to the strategy required under subsection (b) during the period by the briefing.
A description of any planning, scenarios, or simulations carried out by the Navy during the period by the briefing that model the use of unmanned surface vessels in defined environments for specific missions and tasks.
A description of any operational gaps identified during the period by the briefing that unmanned surface vessel capabilities could address.
A description of any validated and emerging requirements of the combatant commands identified during the period by the briefing for unmanned surface vessels and unmanned underwater vessels, and the criteria used to validate such requirements.
Any gaps in operational authority or required changes with respect to unmanned surface vessels and unmanned underwater vessels identified during the period by the briefing.
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, in order to ensure operational readiness in the event of a prolonged unavailability of any single system, to the extent practicable, the Secretary of the Navy shall develop and maintain multiple, redundant submarine rescue capabilities, including—
Navy-owned rescue systems; and
commercially-classified or contract-operated rescue systems certified under internationally recognized classification standards.
To the extent practicable, the Secretary shall—
integrate emerging technologies, including unmanned and autonomous underwater vehicles, into submarine rescue operations to improve—
search and location of distressed submarines;
mission situational awareness; and
risk mitigation for human rescue personnel; and
evaluate and, where feasible, develop new deep submarine escape and survival technologies to extend safe crew survivability beyond current operational depth limits.
To the extent practicable, the Secretary shall—
ensure the conduct of frequent, realistic training exercises for submarine crews and rescue teams, simulating disabled submarine scenarios under operationally relevant conditions; and
integrate advanced modeling and simulation tools to optimize rescue search and response planning under uncertain environmental conditions.
To the extent practicable, the Secretary shall—
expand cooperation and interoperability with allied submarine-operating nations, including through—
participation in multinational exercises, such as Pacific Reach and NATO Dynamic Monarch; and
engagement with the International Submarine Escape and Rescue Liaison Office and other relevant international bodies; and
develop agreements, standard operating procedures, and shared protocols to enable coordinated, multinational response to submarine distress incidents.
To the extent practicable, the Secretary shall—
ensure independent classification, inspection, and certification of all rescue systems, both Navy-owned and commercially operated, to maintain the highest safety and operational standards; and
continue programs that reduce the likelihood of submarine accidents, including submarine safety and quality assurance initiatives, to complement rescue capabilities.
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the implementation of this section.
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Navy and the Commandant of the Coast Guard shall establish a recurring coordination mechanism to align maritime industrial workforce requirements and capacity planning activities.
In carrying out subsection (a), the Secretary of the Navy and the Commandant of the Coast Guard shall convene meetings not less frequently than once each quarter to—
identify projected workforce requirements and capacity needs associated with shipbuilding, ship repair, maintenance, sustainment, and related maritime industrial activities;
identify areas of overlap, competition, or resource constraints that may adversely affect the ability of either service to meet workforce and industrial base requirements;
assess opportunities to coordinate workforce development activities, training pipelines, and industrial base investments; and
identify actions necessary to reduce duplication and improve coordination across shared industrial sectors.
Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, and every two years thereafter, the Secretary of the Navy and the Commandant of the Coast Guard shall jointly submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report containing a 10-year maritime workforce and capacity plan. Each such plan shall include, for the period covered by the plan—
projected workforce requirements across shipbuilding, ship repair, maintenance, sustainment, and critical supplier sectors;
projected demand signals and anticipated requirements for public and private shipyards and related industrial base participants;
an assessment of workforce gaps, shortages, and associated risks to the execution of shipbuilding and sustainment requirements;
the identification of areas in which Navy and Coast Guard requirements may create competing demands for labor, infrastructure, or supplier capacity;
recommendations for mitigating identified constraints and improving coordination between the Navy and the Coast Guard; and
an assessment of actions necessary to provide industry with greater predictability regarding future workforce and capacity requirements.
Not later than 30 days after the date on which a report is submitted under paragraph (1). the Secretary of the Navy and the Commandant of the Coast Guard shall provide to the appropriate congressional committees a briefing on the plan contained in the report.
In this subsection, the term appropriate congressional committees means—
the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate; and
the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives.
The Secretary of the Navy shall conduct a pilot program through which the Secretary shall expand the use of additive manufacturing and advanced manufacturing technologies to address supply chain constraints, production delays, and part shortages affecting naval shipbuilding and ship repair.
The Secretary shall design the pilot program to—
identify shipbuilding components, replacement parts, tooling, fixtures, and other items that are constrained by limited suppliers, long lead times, obsolete production methods, or foreign dependence;
evaluate the use of additive manufacturing and advanced manufacturing to produce such items in a manner that meets applicable Navy technical, safety, cybersecurity, quality assurance, and certification requirements;
reduce schedule delays in ship construction, maintenance, and repair caused by shortages of parts or production capacity;
strengthen domestic manufacturing capacity for naval shipbuilding; and
support the development of qualification standards and repeatable certification pathways for additive manufactured shipbuilding components.
In carrying out the pilot program, the Secretary shall—
select not fewer than three classes of naval vessels for participation in the pilot program;
prioritize components and parts that have demonstrated supply chain constraints, production bottlenecks, or recurring availability issues;
partner with public shipyards, private shipbuilders, suppliers, and other entities within the domestic shipbuilding industrial base;
support University Affiliated Research Centers, federally funded research and development centers, and other qualified technical organizations with expertise in additive manufacturing, advanced manufacturing, materials science, and industrial base modernization;
establish procedures for testing, qualification, and certification of additive manufactured parts for naval use; and
ensure that any technical data, digital models, or manufacturing processes developed under the pilot program are managed to support long-term Navy sustainment and avoid vendor lock-in.
The Secretary may enter into agreements with University Affiliated Research Centers to provide technical support for the pilot program, including support for—
identifying candidate parts and components suitable for additive or advanced manufacturing;
developing manufacturing processes and qualification standards;
conducting materials testing and performance validation;
assessing cybersecurity risks associated with digital manufacturing files and production systems;
supporting workforce development and training for additive manufacturing in the naval shipbuilding industrial base; and
advising the Navy on how to scale successful technologies across shipbuilding and ship repair programs.
Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the implementation of the pilot program, including—
the ship classes, shipyards, and industrial base partners participating in the pilot program;
the categories of parts or components selected for additive manufacturing or advanced manufacturing;
the extent to which the pilot program has reduced lead times, production delays, costs, or supplier constraints;
any barriers to qualification, certification, cybersecurity, intellectual property, or technical data rights;
the role of University Affiliated Research Centers and other technical organizations in supporting the pilot program; and
recommendations for expanding the use of additive and advanced manufacturing across naval shipbuilding and ship repair.
The authority under this section shall terminate on December 31, 2032.
None of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act for fiscal year 2027 for the Department of the Navy may be obligated or expended to enter into a contract for the procurement of a battle force ship to be built a foreign shipyard that is to be commissioned a United States Ship (USS) warship.
In this section:
The term battle force ship has the meaning given in Secretary of the Navy Instruction 5030.8C.
The term foreign shipyard means any shipbuilding facility located outside of the United States, Guam, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Navy shall develop and implement a strategy to increase distributed shipbuilding.
Not later than 270 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall provide to the congressional defense committees a briefing on the strategy required under subsection (a).
In this section, the term distributed shipbuilding means, with respect to a vessel, the construction of modules of the vessel—
by one or more entities that are independent from the operators of the shipyard at which the final assembly of the vessel occurs; and
at a facility that is located separately from, or that is located within but is not operated by, the shipyard at which the final assembly of the vessel occurs.
Not later than 270 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Secretary of the Navy and the Director of the Defense Autonomous Warfare Group, shall develop and implement a strategy for the acquisition, sustainment, and operational employment of, and the development of the industrial base for, small uncrewed surface vessels.
The strategy required under subsection (a) shall include the following elements:
A statement of the operational concept for the employment of small uncrewed surface vessels by the naval forces of the United States, including a description of the following:
The missions for which such vessels are intended to be employed.
The role of such vessels in distributed maritime operations and the integration of such vessels with crewed naval vessels.
The integration of such vessels with command and control, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, and logistics structures of the naval forces.
A plan for the acquisition of small uncrewed surface vessels that includes the following:
An identification of the role of the portfolio acquisition executive for robotic and autonomous systems of the Department of the Navy in acquiring such vessels.
Rules for the use of competitive procurement methods that maximize participation by domestic shipyards, including small shipyards and nontraditional defense contractors.
Measures to address the protection of designer technical data and intellectual property in a manner consistent with sustained competition for the manufacture and sustainment of such vessels.
Objectives relating to performance, cost, and schedule, for each class of small uncrewed surface vessel.
A plan for the development of the industrial base for small uncrewed surface vessels, including the following:
An identification of the production capacity, supplier base, and workforce required to meet the acquisition plan under paragraph (2) through fiscal year 2032.
Measures to expand domestic manufacturing capacity for such vessels and to ensure critical elements of the supply chain are available for the construction of such vessels.
An identification of, and measures to address, risks of single-source dependency, foreign content, and supply chain disruption.
Mechanisms for engagement with the maritime industrial base, including small shipyards, to align industrial investment with the demand of the Department of Defense.
A plan for the sustainment of small uncrewed surface vessels, including the following:
An identification of the sustainment capacity of the Department of Defense and contractors of the Department required to support the operational employment of such vessels.
Measures to address the licensing, ownership, and accessibility of technical data necessary to enable the competitive sustainment of such vessels.
Measures to mitigate the risk of a lack of competition for the sustainment of such vessels resulting from proprietary information or restricted technical data relating to such vessels or components or systems thereof.
Not later than 30 days after the date on which the Secretary of Defense completes the strategy required under subsection (a), the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees such strategy.
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter until September 30, 2030, the Secretary of the Navy, in coordination with the portfolio acquisition executive for robotic and autonomous systems of the Department of the Navy, shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the development of the industrial base for, and the acquisition of, small uncrewed surface vessels.
Each report submitted under paragraph (1) shall include the following:
An inventory, as of the date of the report, of each small uncrewed surface vessel acquired by the Department of the Navy, disaggregated by program, class, fiscal year of procurement, quantity procured, and unit cost.
The acquisition plan for small uncrewed surface vessels for each fiscal year of the most recent future-years defense program submitted to Congress under section 221 of title 10, United States Code, including the planned quantities and classes of such vessels to be acquired, and the costs of such acquisition.
An assessment of the capacity of the domestic industrial base to meet such plan, including—
an identification of shipyards and prime manufacturers engaged in the production of such vessels;
an identification of critical component and system suppliers, including suppliers of propulsion, autonomy, communications, and command and control systems for such vessels; and
an identification of any bottleneck, capacity shortfall, or other constraint that may impede the execution of such plan.
A comparison of the current and projected rates of the production of small uncrewed surface vessels, versus the quantities of such vessels identified as necessary to be maintained pursuant to the strategy required under subsection (a).
An assessment of the availability of the workforce, including any skilled trades within such workforce, required to meet the planned production of such vessels, including an identification of any workforce shortfall and any measures being taken to address any such shortfall.
An assessment of the risks to competition for the sustainment of such vessels arising from such vessels, or components or systems thereof, containing proprietary information or restricted technical data, and a description of any measures being taken to mitigate such risks.
An assessment of foreign content in small uncrewed surface vessels acquired or planned for acquisition, including an identification of supply chain vulnerabilities and dependencies on suppliers from countries of concern.
Any recommendations for legislative, regulatory, or budgetary action necessary to address challenges identified in the report relating to the development of the industrial base for, and the acquisition of, small uncrewed surface vessels.
The strategy required under subsection (a) and each report required under subsection (d) shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may include a classified annex.
In this section:
The term country of concern means a covered nation as defined in section 4872(d) of title 10, United States Code.
The term nontraditional defense contractor has the meaning given such term in 3014 of title 10, United States Code.
The term small shipyard has the meaning given such term in section 54101 of title 46, United States Code.
The term small uncrewed surface vessel—
means—
an uncrewed surface vessel with a full load displacement of not more than 50 metric tons and a length of not more than 50 feet; or
any other uncrewed surface vessel designated by the Secretary of the Navy as a small uncrewed surface vessel for purposes of this section; and
does not include any vessel of the program of the Department of the Navy referred to as the Medium Unmanned Surface Vessel Program.
Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Secretary of the Navy and the Commander of Fleet Numerical Meteorology and Oceanography Center, shall assess options to expand and enhance Arctic-focused meteorological, oceanographic, and ice-modeling capabilities to improve naval readiness, operational planning, and force posture in the Arctic region. The Secretary shall seek carry out this subsection to—
strengthen high-resolution Arctic weather forecasting, sea ice analysis, and predictive ice modeling in support of naval and joint operations;
improve the integration of Arctic weather data into operational decision-making, force employment, and logistics planning;
support safe navigation, domain awareness, and mission assurance for surface, subsurface, and aviation forces operating in or transiting the Arctic;
enhance the ability of the Navy to anticipate and adapt to long-term effects from weather affecting Arctic operations; and
align Department of Defense Arctic capabilities with whole-of-government Arctic strategies and priorities.
Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Navy shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report that includes an assessment of the effects of extreme weather conditions on naval readiness and force posture in the Arctic region.
Each such report shall include—
an assessment of observed and projected Arctic weather trends affecting naval and ground operations;
an identification of the implications of sea ice variability, permafrost degradation, and extreme weather on naval infrastructure, mobility, and sustainment;
a description of the effects of Arctic weather trends on mission readiness, response timelines, and operational risk;
an evaluation of how enhanced forecasting and ice-modeling capabilities are being used to mitigate such risks; and
recommendations for additional capability development, posture adjustments, or policy actions to strengthen Arctic naval readiness.
The Secretary of the Navy shall rename the USNS Cesar Chavez (T-AKE-14) in keeping with the naming conventions for that class of vessels and by naming the vessel after an individual, place, or concept that best reflects the values, ideals, and history of the United States and the Navy.
It is the sense of Congress that the Secretary of the Navy should name an amphibious or expeditionary class vessel for the Battle of Dai Do.
Congress makes the following findings:
The naval campaign on Guadalcanal during World War II marked a decisive turning point in the Pacific theater and demonstrated extraordinary courage, endurance, and joint warfighting skill by members of the Armed Forces of the United States.
The name Guadalcanal carries enduring historical and operational significance for the United States Navy and Marine Corps, reflecting a campaign that shaped modern amphibious warfare and maritime power projection.
The Department of the Navy has previously honored this legacy through ships bearing the name Guadalcanal, thereby establishing a lineage consistent with longstanding naval naming tradition.
The continued recognition of historically significant naval battles in ship naming promotes esprit de corps, preserves institutional memory, and strengthens the connection between the Fleet and the Nation’s naval heritage.
It is the sense of Congress that the Secretary of the Navy should give favorable consideration to naming an appropriate future vessel of the United States Navy USS Guadalcanal.
Congress finds the following:
The Battle of Midway during World War II constituted a decisive turning point in the Pacific theater, demonstrating the skill, courage, and operational excellence of United States naval forces.
The name Midway carries enduring historical and strategic significance for the United States Navy, reflecting a battle that fundamentally altered the course of the war and validated the importance of naval aviation and maritime power.
The Department of the Navy has previously honored this legacy through vessels bearing the name Midway, thereby establishing a distinguished lineage consistent with longstanding naval naming traditions.
Recognizing historically significant naval battles through ship naming promotes esprit de corps, reinforces warfighting heritage, and strengthens the connection between the fleet of the United States Navy and the American people.
It is the sense of Congress that the Secretary of the Navy should give favorable consideration to naming an appropriate future vessel of the United States Navy the USS Midway.
Congress makes the following findings:
Casimir Pulaski volunteered to support the cause of American independence during the American Revolutionary War and rendered distinguished service to the Continental Army.
Casimir Pulaski is widely recognized as the Father of the American Cavalry for his contributions to the development of cavalry tactics and operations in the United States.
Casimir Pulaski died from wounds sustained while leading forces during the Siege of Savannah in 1779 in support of American independence.
The United States Navy previously honored Casimir Pulaski through the naming of the USS Casimir Pulaski (SSBN-633), a ballistic missile submarine that served the United States during the Cold War.
The Republic of Poland remains one of the United States strongest allies in Europe and a critical member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.
The United States and Poland maintain close military, economic, and diplomatic ties founded upon shared democratic values, mutual security interests, and enduring people-to-people relationships.
It is the sense of Congress that the Secretary of the Navy should name an appropriate vessel of the United States Navy as the USS Casimir Pulaski in honor of the service and sacrifice of Casimir Pulaski on behalf of the United States and to commemorate the enduring alliance and strategic partnership between the United States and the Republic of Poland.
Congress finds the following:
Following Rear Admiral Duerk’s birth in Defiance, Ohio, and graduation from the Toledo Hospital School of Nursing, she received a commission on January 23, 1943, and was appointed as an ensign in the Nurse Corps of the Naval Reserve.
During World War II, Rear Admiral Duerk was assigned as a Ward Nurse at the Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, Portsmouth, Virginia, and at the Naval Hospital, Bethesda Maryland where she cared for wounded members of the Armed Forces.
In 1945, Rear Admiral Duerk was stationed on the U.S.S. Benevolence in the Pacific Theater (AH–13) where she treated casualties from Third Fleet operations until the end of World War II.
After World War II, Rear Admiral Duerk progressed in rank and served in positions of increasing responsibility in both active duty and in the Naval Reserves, including posts in Michigan, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Illinois, the Philippines, Japan, California, and Washington, D.C.
The dedication and inspirational service of Rear Admiral Durek culminated with her historic selection for the rank of Rear Admiral on April 16, 1972, as the first woman to become a flag officer.
Rear Admiral Duerk was awarded the Naval Reserve Medal, American Campaign Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with Bronze Star, the World War II Victory Medal, the Navy Occupation Service Medal, Asia Clasp, and the National Defense Service Medal with Bronze Star.
It is the sense of Congress that the Secretary of the Navy should consider naming a vessel of the United States Navy the U.S.S. Rear Admiral Alene Duerk in honor of Rear Admiral Alene Duerk.
Section 1033 of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (Public Law 115–232; 132 Stat. 1953) is amended by striking December 31, 2026 and inserting December 31, 2027.
Section 1034(a) of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (Public Law 115–232; 132 Stat. 1954) is amended by striking December 31, 2026 and inserting December 31, 2027.
Section 1035 of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (Public Law 115–232; 132 Stat. 1954) is amended by striking December 31, 2026 and inserting December 31, 2027.
Section 1036 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (Public Law 115–91; 131 Stat. 1551) is amended by striking fiscal years 2018 through 2026 and inserting fiscal years 2018 through 2027.
Chapter 4 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section:
The Secretary of Defense shall prepare and publish, on an ongoing basis, a thorough, accurate, and reliable documentary historical record of major United States national security and defense policy decisions and significant diplomatic and military activities of the Department of Defense. Such historical record shall be known as the Secretaries of Defense Historical Series (in this section referred to as the Series), and shall—
consist of a comprehensive, multi-volume documentary and narrative history organized, to the extent practicable, by Presidential administration;
be based on all relevant records, including classified records;
present a thorough, objective, and scholarly historical record; and
include appropriate annotation, citations, and indexing to facilitate public and academic research.
The Secretary shall ensure that each volume of the Series is published not later than 30 years after the events documented, to the maximum extent practicable.
The Secretary shall—
ensure that records required for the preparation and publication of the Series receive priority for declassification review;
coordinate with the heads of other departments and agencies to ensure timely declassification of equities contained in such records; and
establish expedited procedures for interagency review of records associated with the Series.
Volumes of the Series shall be published in unclassified form to the greatest extent possible.
The Secretary shall make such volumes available to the public through—
the Government Publishing Office; and
a publicly accessible Department of Defense website.
The Series shall serve as the flagship historical publication of the Office of the Secretary of Defense Historical Office and shall complement other official Department of Defense historical programs.
The Secretary shall ensure that the Office of the Secretary of Defense Historical Office is adequately resourced to carry out this section, including personnel dedicated to—
historical research and writing; and
declassification review and coordination.
Section 2566(b)(1) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
The National Guard Relief Foundation.
Section 1033(b)(2) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
National Guard Relief Foundation.
Chapter 307 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section:
The Secretary of Defense shall establish within the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering a Joint Experimentation and Training Range Innovation Office (in this section referred to as the Office).
The Office shall be headed by a Director who shall report directly to the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering. The Director shall be subject to the supervision of the Under Secretary without the interposition of any other supervising official.
The Office shall be responsible for the following:
Centralizing efforts relating to advocacy, budgeting, operations, and sustainment of joint experimentation and training ranges (and capabilities supporting such ranges) that are not facilities or resources of the Major Range and Test Facility Base.
Accelerating modernization and integration across such joint experimentation and training ranges.
Serving as the primary authority for the oversight, coordination, and conduct of activities of the Eastern Range Regional Complex, including such activities carried out in territories of the United States located in the Caribbean region.
Fostering and accelerating innovation in technologies that enable realistic experimentation and training for multi-domain operations (including integrated cyber, electronic warfare, and spectrum operations) in contested and other environments, including with respect to—
artificial intelligence, machine learning, and autonomous systems;
advanced modeling, digital twins, and other simulations;
hypersonic systems, directed energy capabilities, and other next-generation weapons; and
integrated systems relating to command, control, computing, communications, cyber, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and targeting.
Establishing and deploying regionally aligned support teams that provide to the Department of Defense remote and on-site technical assistance for joint multi-domain experimentation and training exercises, prototype integration, and related resource-sharing mechanisms, with a particular emphasis on the provision of such support with respect to the Eastern Range Regional Complex.
Conducting objective, independent risk assessments and other evaluations of the training programs, technologies and other capabilities, and acquisition initiatives, of the joint forces, for the purpose of informing the decision-making of senior officers of the Department of Defense and reducing such risks.
Developing and regularly updating the strategic plan under subsection (d).
Not less frequently than once every two fiscal years, the Director of the Office (in coordination with the Secretaries of the military departments, the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, the Director of the Joint Staff, the Director of Operational Test and Evaluation, the Director of the Test Resource Management Center, and the heads of such other Defense Agencies as the Director of the Office may determine relevant) shall submit to the Secretary of Defense a strategic plan addressing the needs of the Department for joint experimentation and training facilities and resources.
Each strategic plan under paragraph (1) shall include the following:
An assessment of the feasibility of, and recommendations for, the conduct of a biennial joint multi-domain experimentation and training exercise across multiple States and ranges within the Eastern Range Regional Complex to validate and inform subsequent strategic plans.
An assessment of requirements for joint experimentation and training (including requirements relating to information technology, network infrastructure, and multi-level security) for the period covered by the plan.
An assessment of the facilities and resources, including advanced threat environments, live-virtual constructive simulation capabilities, interoperability standards, networks, and data-sharing mechanisms, of the Eastern Regional Range Complex, including a summary of modernization priorities for such matters during the subsequent two-year period.
An itemization, disaggregated by location, of improvements to joint experimentation and training ranges necessary to directly support the acceleration of experimentation and training involving robotic and autonomous systems and the integration of unmanned systems into joint multi-domain operations.
An assessment of the effectiveness of the Office with respect to—
carrying out the responsibilities under subsection (c);
increasing regional access to, and frequency of, joint multi-domain experimentation and training exercises consistent with such responsibilities;
enhancing military readiness; and
strengthening the defense industrial base.
With respect to the exercises specified in subparagraph (E)(ii)—
an identification of the number of such exercises carried out during the period covered by the plan;
an assessment of the extent to which such exercises incorporated actors within private industry and academia; and
a description of lessons learned as a result of such exercises, including any resulting updates to risk assessments.
An executive summary of any joint multi-domain experimentation and training exercise planned to be carried out within the Eastern Range Regional Complex during the subsequent two-year period.
Not later than 90 days after the date on which the Secretary of Defense receives a strategic plan under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees a copy of such plan and any comments of the Secretary regarding such plan.
In addition to the coordination required under subsection (d)(1), the Director of the Office shall coordinate with the Secretaries of the military departments, the Joint Staff, the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, and the commanders of relevant combatant commands, with respect to requirements for joint experimentation and training ranges and plans for joint multi-domain experimentation and training exercises under this section.
The Secretary of Defense shall provide to the Director of the Office administrative support sufficient to carry out the responsibilities under this section. Such support shall be provided from headquarters activities of the Department or from other activities the Secretary determines appropriate.
The Secretary of Defense may use funds authorized to be appropriated or otherwise made available for the Joint Electronic Advanced Technology program (or any successor program) for the implementation of this section.
Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit or otherwise modify the authorities or responsibilities of the Director of the Test Resource Management Center or the Director of Operational Test and Evaluation.
In this section, the term Major Range and Test Facility Base has the meaning given such term under section 4173 of this title.
Congress finds the following:
The information environment has emerged as a decisive domain of strategic competition in which adversaries of the United States operate continuously and below the threshold of armed conflict.
Components of Army information operations, including military information support operations, electronic warfare, public affairs, and cyberspace operations, remain organizationally fragmented, hindering the translation of national-level strategy into synchronized operational and tactical action.
Following the inactivation of the 1st Information Operations Command of the Army, the Department of the Army is undertaking a significant reorganization of its information operations enterprise, including the establishment of region-specific Theater Information Advantage Detachments aligned with Multi-Domain Task Forces.
A dedicated Center of Excellence would improve the translation of national-level information strategies into operational campaigns and theater-tailored tactical activities, advance doctrine, evaluate efficacy, and advocate for resourcing. It would also aid the Army during its reorganization process, facilitating coordination and resource allocation across its information operations enterprise.
Chapter 703 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 7024 the following new section:
The Secretary of the Army shall operate the Army Information Operations Center of Excellence. The purpose of the Center shall be to serve as the lead organization of the Army for the integration, synchronization, and advancement of information operations across the operational and tactical levels, in support of national and combatant command objectives.
The Center shall be used to—
Coordinate and synchronize Army information operations objectives across the geographic and functional combatant commands.
Provide training and operational planning support for information operations campaigns at the operational level.
Develop, revise, and disseminate doctrine for Army information operations, ensuring that doctrine evolves in step with on-the-ground developments and emerging threats.
Assess the efficacy of ongoing Army information operations activities and inform resourcing recommendations to senior Army leadership.
Advocate for the resourcing of critical information operations requirements within the planning, programming, budgeting, and execution process of the Army.
Integrate the activities of the components of Army information operations, including military information support operations, electronic warfare, public affairs, and cyberspace operations, to ensure that such components operate in a coordinated, mutually reinforcing manner rather than in fragmentation.
Serve as the principal liaison of the Army to comparable centers and commands of the other armed forces, including the Navy Information Operations Command, and to the information operations staff of the combatant commands.
Perform such other functions as the Secretary of the Army may specify.
The Secretary of the Army shall submit to the congressional defense committees, and make publicly available on an appropriate website of the Department, an annual report on the activities of the Center.
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Army shall submit to the congressional defense committees a plan for the establishment of the Center of Excellence established under section 7025 of title 10, United States Code, as added by subsection (b), including—
the proposed organizational structure, location, and reporting chain of the Center;
the resources, personnel, and authorities required to establish and sustain the Center;
a description of how the Center will integrate with the Theater Information Advantage Detachments, Multi-Domain Task Forces, and the broader reorganization of Army information operations;
milestones for initial operating capability and full operating capability; and
metrics by which the Secretary will evaluate the effectiveness of the Center.
Section 8062(f)(1)(A) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking September 30, 2027 and inserting September 30, 2032.
Section 1050 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (Public Law 119–60; 10 U.S.C. 4172 note) is amended—
by striking Beginning on and inserting the following:
Beginning on
by adding at the end the following new subsection:
The Secretary of Defense may waive the prohibition under subsection (a) with respect to the special operations forces (as identified in section 167(j) of title 10, United States Code) if the Secretary determines such prohibition, including the requirement for the use of alternate methods under paragraph (2) of such subsection, would degrade the readiness of special operations forces medics with respect to the ability to manage the lethal effects of blast injuries.
Section 1051 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (Public Law 119–60; 10 U.S.C. 2572 note) is amended—
in subsection (a)(2), by inserting or the Department of the Navy after Air Force;
in subsection (b)(1), by inserting or the Department of the Navy after Air Force;
in subsection (c)(1), by inserting , the Department of the Navy, after Air Force; and
in subsection (d)(2), by inserting , the National Naval Aviation Museum, the National Museum of the Marine Corps, after Air Force.
Section 854 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (Public Law 118–159; 10 U.S.C. 4651 note prec.) is amended—
by striking The Secretary and inserting (a) In general—The Secretary;
by striking the People’s Republic of China and inserting a country of concern; and
by adding at the end the following new subsection:
In this section, the term country of concern means any of the following:
China.
Russia.
Iran.
North Korea.
Section 1052(d)(1) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (10 U.S.C. 2661 note) is amended—
by redesignating subparagraphs (H) through (N) as subparagraphs (I) through (O), respectively; and
by inserting after subparagraph (G) the following new subparagraph:
The Honor and Remember flag.
Section 1045 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (Public Law 115–91; 10 U.S.C. note prec. 971) is amended—
in subsection (a)(1), by striking two-year and inserting five-year; and
in subsection (b)(1), by striking one-year and inserting three-year.
The relevant service secretary shall integrate foundational small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) operation and counter-UAS (C-UAS) recognition and defeat protocols into the program of instruction for all initial entry and officer ascension training pipelines. To ensure institutional integration, sUAS and C-UAS training shall follow the historic, tiered progression of established combat marksmanship training.
The Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Secretaries of the military departments, shall ensure that no service-level training exercise or Joint-Force large-scale combat simulation may be certified as combat-ready or complete unless the exercise incorporates realistic, adversarial UAS threat simulation.
The requirements under section (a) and (b) shall apply to the below military department training maneuvers:
United States Marine Corps Marine Air-Ground Task Force Warfighting Exercises and Integrated Training Exercises conducted at Marine Corps Air-Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms, California.
United States Army exercises at the National Training Center and the Joint Readiness Training Center.
United States Air Force and United States Navy Red Flag and large-scale Fleet Exercises.
The Secretary of the Defense shall designate basic sUAS operation and C-UAS tactical defense as Core Warrior Tasks.
Consistent with section 1048 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (Public Law 119–60; 10 U.S.C. note prec. 4171), the Secretary of Defense shall carry out a demonstration project under which the Secretary shall—
integrate with respect to the Eastern Regional Range Complex common network solutions identified with respect to the Western Regional Range Complex;
interconnect training ranges and experimentation sites located in the Eastern Regional Range Complex region;
use such interconnected ranges and sites for the conduct of joint, multi-domain, kinetic and non-kinetic training and experimentation, including within live, virtual, and constructive environments, across the military departments; and
enhance such experimentation and training by integrating the combined operations of other Federal departments and agencies with respect to such experimentation and training.
In carrying out the demonstration project under subsection (a), the Secretary shall use training ranges, experimentation sites, and related capabilities that are available as of the date of the enactment of this Act.
In carrying out subsection (a), the Secretary shall complete an initial demonstration, interconnecting two or more training ranges located in the region described in subsection (a)(1) or the experimentation sites of two or more military departments located in such region, not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act.
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense, acting through the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering, shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report that includes the following:
A phased implementation plan and design for the interconnection of training ranges and experimentation sites required under subsection (a), including the initial demonstration required under subsection (c).
An analysis of how the design of such plan aligns with recommendations of the most recent Electromagnetic Spectrum Superiority Strategy of the Department of Defense.
An analysis of how such design architecture is expected to support high-periodicity training, testing, research, and development, including to inform future network designs and architectures capable of interconnecting and supporting future, advanced, joint, live, virtual, and constructive environments.
An analysis of the number and types of annually recurring and non-recurring training and experimentation activities conducted at training ranges and experimentation sites of the military departments located in the Eastern Regional Range Complex region.
An identification of any shortfalls in the networks, facilities, or equipment of such ranges or sites.
An analysis of any statutory or intergovernmental policy barriers to the use of the Eastern Regional Range Complex, and any recommended changes to accelerate such use.
An analysis of the capacity of the Eastern Regional Range Complex to be used for additional testing and evaluation activities.
An analysis of the possibility of using training ranges and experimentation sites located in the Eastern Regional Range Complex region as threat-relevant environments for the workforce and technology development activities of other Federal department agencies and private sector entities in the United States.
An analysis of the capacity of such ranges and sites to be used for realistic advanced cyber, electronic warfare, and information operations training in live, virtual, or constructive environments.
An analysis of electronic warfare training shortfalls at military installations located in the United States, including with respect to the ability to perform full spectrum electronic warfare training in environments considered unobservable.
An analysis of the feasibility and advisability of establishing, or expanding, dedicated training areas for electronic warfare capabilities in the United States and territories of the United States located in the Caribbean region (including in the immediate vicinity of such locations).
In this section, the term Eastern Regional Range Complex region means the region encompassing the territories specified in 1048(b) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (Public Law 119–60; 10 U.S.C. note prec. 4171).
This section shall terminate on September 30, 2029.
Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this section, the Secretary of the Air Force shall carry out a pilot program to adopt Total Replacement Value as the standard methodology for calculating cost for ground test infrastructure assets of the Air Force Test Center.
The pilot program shall include—
a calculation of the Total Replacement Value for each ground test infrastructure asset of the Air Force Test Center, including separate calculations of Plant Replacement Value and Equipment Replacement Value; and
an association of non-real property installed test equipment with Real Property Unique Identifiers (or a similar identifier for real property or other assets authorized by the Secretary of Defense) in the Defense Property Accountability System, or a successor system, to enable ongoing tracking of Equipment Replacement Value.
The Secretary of the Air Force shall—
beginning in fiscal year 2028, include in the budget justification materials submitted annually to Congress the Total Replacement Value for all ground test infrastructure assets of the Air Force Test Center, the amount requested for sustainment of such ground test infrastructure assets as a percentage of such Total Replacement Value, and, if that percentage is less than two percent, an explanation of the shortfall and the projected impact on infrastructure readiness; and
submit to the congressional defense committees, not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this section, a plan to achieve a funding level for sustainment of such ground test infrastructure assets of not less than two percent of the Total Replacement Value for such assets for a fiscal year, including projected milestones to maintain such funding level for a five-year period.
Not later than three years after the date of the enactment of this section, the Secretary of the Air Force shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the pilot program that includes—
an assessment of the use of Total Replacement Value as a methodology as the standard methodology for calculating costs for ground test infrastructure assets of the Air Force Test Center;
an assessment of funding levels for ground test infrastructure assets of the Air Force Test Center compared to the Total Replacement Value calculated during the pilot program; and
a recommendation on whether and how to expand the use of the Total Replacement Value methodology to all ground test infrastructure assets of the Major Range and Test Facility Base (as defined in section 4173(j) of title 10, United States Code).
Not later than one year after the date of the submission of the report required under subsection (d), the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering shall review the recommendation described in subsection (d)(4) and determine whether to use the Total Replacement Value methodology for all ground test infrastructure assets of the Major Range and Test Facility Base.
The pilot program shall terminate on the earlier of—
the date on which the Under Secretary of Defense of Research and Engineering begins use of the Total Replacement Value methodology for all ground test infrastructure assets of the Major Range and Test Facility Base; or
the date that is five years after the date of the enactment of this section.
In this section:
The term Equipment Replacement Value means the estimated cost to replace the non-real property installed test equipment within a ground test infrastructure asset, calculated using the same methodology as Plant Replacement Value is calculated.
The term Plant Replacement Value means the estimated cost to replace the physical structure of a ground test infrastructure asset.
The term Total Replacement Value means the sum of Plant Replacement Value and Equipment Replacement Value.
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense may establish a pilot program under which the Department of Defense shall use commercially available distributed ledger technology to seek to improve inventory management within the Department of Defense.
Under the pilot program established under subsection (a), the Secretary shall—
assess the feasibility and effectiveness of using distributed ledger technology in improving inventory management;
assess the cost savings resulting from the use of distributed ledger technology in inventory management;
assess whether the use of distributed ledger technology in inventory management improves the traceability of inventory;
assess whether the use of distributed ledger technology in inventory management reduces the risk of waste, fraud, and abuse; and
identify and mitigate potential challenges and risks associated with the integration of distributed ledger technology for inventory management, including cybersecurity concerns.
Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate a report on the activities performed under the pilot program established under subsection (a).
The authority to carry out a pilot program under subsection (a) shall terminate on January 1, 2029.
In this section:
The term distributed ledger means a ledger that—
is shared across a set of distributed nodes, which are devices or processes, that participate in a network and store a complete or partial replica of the ledger;
is synchronized between the nodes; and
has data appended to it by following a specified consensus mechanism.
The term distributed ledger technology means technology that enables the operation and use of distributed ledgers.
Not later than July 1, 2027, the Secretary of Defense shall—
issue an updated version of Department of Defense Instruction 3025.18, titled Defense Support of Civil Authorities (DSCA) with a revision to require that each reassessment as to whether there remains a necessity for the use of an immediate response authority pursuant to a request for assistance is completed by not later than one week after the date on which such request is received; and
submit to the congressional defense committees a notification of such issuance.
In this section, the term immediate response authority has the meaning given such term in Department of Defense Instruction 3025.18, titled Defense Support of Civil Authorities (DSCA).
The Secretary of the Air Force may reconstitute and operate an A–10 demonstration team to support public outreach, recruiting, heritage, and official commemorative events associated with the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States.
A demonstration team reconstituted and operated under subsection (a) shall—
honor the combat legacy and service history of the A–10 Thunderbolt II;
promote pride in American airpower and the service of the men and women of the United States Air Force;
support appropriate public events, airshows, military ceremonies, and official anniversary observances connected to the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States; and
preserve and showcase the heritage of the A–10 community and the A–10 mission set.
In carrying out this section, the Secretary may designate such aircraft, aircrew, maintainers, support personnel, and associated equipment as the Secretary determines necessary to establish and operate the demonstration team.
Aircraft designated for the demonstration team under this section—
shall be drawn from A–10 aircraft otherwise retained in the inventory of the Air Force; and
may not be retired, divested, or transferred solely on the basis of designation for demonstration purposes during the period in which the team operates.
Not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Air Force shall provide to the congressional defense committees a briefing on whether the Secretary plans to exercise the authority under this section, and if so, the plan to implement this section. If the Secretary does plan to exercise the authority under this section, the briefing shall include—
the number of aircraft to be assigned to the demonstration team;
the expected cost and source of funds for such team;
the anticipated schedule of appearances and commemorative events;
the basing location of the team;
any safety, maintenance, and sustainment requirements associated with operation of the team; and
an assessment of the feasibility and advisability of rebasing the demonstration team at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona.
The authority to operate a demonstration team under this section shall terminate on September 30, 2033.
Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Commander of the United States Special Operations Command shall implement a cognitive performance enhancement program to enhance cognitive performance metrics across the special operations forces. The program shall be known as the Cognitive Performance Enhancement Program, and the Commander shall include the program in the strategy titled Comprehensive Strategy for Special Operations Warfighter Brain Health.
The Commander shall ensure that the Cognitive Performance Enhancement Program—
improves readiness, resilience, and recovery, using evidence-based holistic and proactive high-performance brain training that has a validated ability to scale cost-effectively across the special operations forces enterprise;
clearly distinguishes cognitive performance enhancement from brain decline and injuries, including with respect to traumatic brain injury, chronic traumatic encephalopathy, and mental health, including post-traumatic stress disorder;
increases awareness of cognitive performance as a critical differentiator that can help ensure special operations forces remains the most lethal, decisive irregular warfare force of the United States; and
ensures baseline cognitive performance assessments, training, and enhancement are included as an essential element of training and assessment throughout the career of a member of the Armed Forces in the special operations forces in a similar manner to other physical training and performance metrics.
Not later than one year after the date on which the Commander commences the implementation of the Cognitive Performance Enhancement Program, the Commander shall provide to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate a briefing that includes—
an assessment of cognitive performance enhancement tools used under the Program and whether the tools qualitatively improved readiness, resilience, and recovery for members of the Armed Forces in the special operations forces;
an assessment of how enhanced cognitive performance contributes to operational advantages to the special operations forces; and
any recommendations with respect to the feasibility of implementing cognitive enhancement assessment and training programs across the conventional force.
The Secretary of Defense shall establish and carry out a comprehensive educational program to increase public awareness and understanding of the achievements, sacrifices, and enduring lessons of the Greatest Generation in winning World War II. The Secretary shall design the program to—
teach the lessons of yesterday to unite the generations of tomorrow, strengthening the bonds between young and old people of the United States;
instill patriotism and pride in the young people of the United States by sharing the stories of courage, sacrifice, resilience, and unity demonstrated during World War II; and
offer hope for the future by demonstrating how the people of the United States, when unified in purpose, can overcome the greatest challenges.
Under the program established by subsection (a), the Secretary may make grants to State and local governments, subject to the limitation under subsection (c), and nonprofit organizations. A recipient of such a grant shall use the grant to carry out educational activities for the general public anywhere in the United States that are designed to—
honor and thank World War II veterans, including those who were prisoners of war or listed as missing in action, and their families, for their service and sacrifice;
educate the public about the service and contributions of the United States Armed Forces during World War II, as well as the efforts of Federal agencies, allied nations, and nongovernmental organizations;
promote awareness of the vital role of the home front in the United States during World War II, including the contributions of workers, families, and communities;
remember the Holocaust and honor the memory of its victims, as well as recognizing the Allied forces who liberated Nazi concentration camps;
support programs that engage students and young people of the United States in learning about World War II, fostering civic pride, historical understanding, and national unity; and
support programming and events held at nationally significant sites of remembrance, such as the National World War II Memorial, to reinforce public awareness and provide immersive educational experiences that honor the legacy of the Greatest Generation.
A State government that receives a grant under this section may only use the grant for a new initiative and may not use the grant to provide programming that is part of a secondary education program provided by the State.
The Secretary of Defense shall have the sole and exclusive right to use the name Senator Robert J. Dole Greatest Generation Education Program, as well as any associated seal, emblem, or badge. Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to supersede any rights lawfully established prior to the date of enactment of this Act.
The term nonprofit organization means an organization described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and exempt from taxation under section 501(a) of such Code.
The Secretary of Defense shall establish a program to recognize working dogs for actions that contribute to mission success, including actions that—
enhance force protection;
support lifesaving efforts; or
otherwise demonstrate exceptional service in the performance of assigned duties.
Recognition of a working dog under this section may not be considered equivalent to, or otherwise diminish, an honor, award, or sacrifice of a member of the Armed Forces or a veteran.
Recognition of a working dog under this section may occur during an official military event in a manner that clearly distinguishes such recognition from an honor or award of a member of the Armed Forces or a veteran.
Recognition of a working dog under this section may be recorded in the official service documentation maintained for such working dog.
None of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise made available for fiscal year 2027 for the Army may be obligated or expended to close the Rock Island Arsenal Museum located in Rock Island Arsenal, Illinois.
None of the funds authorized to be appropriated or otherwise made available for any of fiscal years 2027 through 2031 for the Army may be obligated or expended to retire, deactivate, schedule to deactivate, or proceed with any other action that would reduce the capabilities, resources, training, aircraft, or personnel available, as of the date of the enactment of this Act, for the Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigades unless the Secretary of the Army submits to the congressional defense committees—
a certification that the Secretary of the Army plans to recapitalize any such aircraft for the Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigades and to otherwise restore any such capabilities, resources, training, or personnel levels reduced to the levels preceding such retirement, deactivation, or reduction;
the plan of the Secretary of the Army for the actions specified in paragraph (1); and
a report containing—
an assessment of any planned reduction of capability to Army aviation within the Army Reserve, including reductions by platform and end strength and all changes under the transformation initiative;
an assessment of the effect of such reduction on operational risk, readiness, and mission capability, taking into consideration the operational tempo and missions conducted by the Army during the five-year period preceding the date of the report;
an identification of any military construction projects delayed, modified, or canceled as a result of such reductions;
an assessment of the remaining Army Reserve rotary-wing and fixed-wing aviation capacity, by platform, relative to validated mission requirements.
the scale of the divestment of the Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigades as of the date of the enactment of this Act and the effect of such divestment on Army Reserve aviation capabilities, including the number of remaining rotary wing aircraft, by platform, required to meet mission requirements;
a detailed breakdown of options available to the members of the Armed Forces and civilian employees affected by such divestment of the Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigades to continue service in the Armed Forces or Department of Defense, as applicable, including an identification of the number of affected members and employees by specialty;
an evaluation of the effect on State and local communities of divesting the Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigades, including economic and workforce effects; and
a description of any strategic or scenario-based analysis or modeling used for making decisions to divest the Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigades.
Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, for any Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade that, prior to such date of enactment, the Secretary of the Army retired or deactivated (or carried out any other activity to reduce the capabilities, resources, requisite individual or unit proficiency or qualification training, aircraft, or personnel thereof), the Secretary of the Army shall reinstate or reactivate such brigade, or otherwise restore such brigade to the levels preceding such reduction, as the case may be.
Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Army shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the implementation of this subsection.
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Army shall submit to the congressional defense committees a plan to sustain and modernize the aircraft, readiness generation capacity, maintenance infrastructure, and requisite individual and unit training associated with the Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigades.
Of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise made available for fiscal year 2027 for operation and maintenance, defense-wide, and available for the Office of the Secretary of Defense for travel expenses, not more than 75 percent may be obligated or expended until the Secretary of Defense submits to the congressional defense committees a certification that the Department of Defense is compliant with the requirements of section 1067 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (Public Law 118–159; 138 Stat. 2066), including—
a written statement that a copy of each execute order required to be submitted to the congressional defense committees under subsection (c) of such section has been so submitted; and
a description of the mechanism established to facilitate the provision to the congressional defense committees of all future briefings required under subsection (a) of such section, and the compliance with the disclosure and notice requirements under subsection (c) of such section, within the timeframes required by such section.
Of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act for fiscal year 2027 for operation and maintenance, Defense-wide, and available for the Office of the Secretary of Defense for travel expenses, not more than 95 percent may be obligated or expended until the Secretary of Defense submits the assessment required by section 835(a)(1) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (Public Law 118‑31; 137 Stat. 338).
Section 185 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking subsection (l).
Section 403(p)(2) of title 37, United States Code, is amended by striking subparagraph (C).
The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016 (Public Law 114–92) is amended by striking section 1656.
Section 123 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014 (Public Law 114–328; 130 Stat. 2030) is amended—
by striking subsection (a); and
by redesignating subsections (b) through (e) as subsections (a) through (d), respectively.
Section 343 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 (Public Law 114–328; 130 Stat. 2082; 10 U.S.C. 2701 note) is amended—
by striking subsection (b); and
by redesignating subsections (c) through (e) as subsections (b) through (d), respectively.
The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (Public Law 115–91) is amended by striking section 1265.
Section 1267 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (Public Law 115–91) is amended—
by striking subsection (a) through (d);
by striking (f) Repeal of superseded provision.—; and
by amending the section heading to read as follows:
The John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (Public Law 115–232) is amended by striking section 1237.
The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 (Public Law 116–92) is amended by striking section 263.
Section 359 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 (Public Law 116–9; 133 Stat. 1323; 10 U.S.C. 2476 note) is amended by striking subsection (c).
Section 550B of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 (Public Law 116–92; 133 Stat. 1381; 10 U.S.C. 1561 note) is amended by striking subsection (d).
Section 560B of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 (Public Law 116–92; 133 Stat. 1393; 10 U.S.C. 2015 note).
Section 1210 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 (Public Law 116–92) is amended—
by striking subsection (d); and
by redesignating subsections (e) and (f) as subsections (d) and (e), respectively.
Section 1239 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 (Public Law 116–92; 133 Stat. 1655) is amended by striking subsection (c).
Section 1253 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 (Public Law 116–92; 133 Stat. 1669) is amended by striking subsection (c).
The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 (Public Law 116–92) is amended by striking section 1260K.
The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 (Public Law 116–92) is amended by striking section 1274.
The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 (Public Law 116–92) is amended by striking section 1275.
The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 (Public Law 116–92) is amended by striking section 1280
The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 (Public Law 116–92) is amended by striking section 1644.
The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 (Public Law 116–92) is amended by striking section 1673.
The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 (Public Law 116–92) is amended by striking section 1674.
The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 (Public Law 116–92) is amended by striking section 1675.
The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 (Public Law 116–92) is amended by striking section 1722.
The William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (Public Law 116–283) is amended by striking section 248.
Section 503 of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (Public Law 116–283; 134 Stat. 3564; 10 U.S.C. 533 note) is amended by striking subsection (c).
Section 1102 of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (Public Law 116–283; 134 Stat. 3885) is amended by striking subsection (e).
The William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (Public Law 116–283) is amended by striking section 1293.
The William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (Public Law 116–283) is amended by striking section 1299G.
Section 1521(c) of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (Public Law 116–283; 134 Stat. 4035) is amended by striking paragraph (5).
The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (Public Law 117–81) is amended by striking section 377.
Section 505(c) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (Public Law 117–81; 135 Stat. 1680) is amended—
by striking paragraph (2);
by striking (1) In general.—; and
by adjusting the text beginning with Not later than and ending with subsection (a). to appear immediately following and in line with (c) Reports.—.
The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (Public Law 117–81) is amended by striking section 806.
The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (Public Law 117–81) is amended by striking section 1235.
The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (Public Law 117–81) is amended by striking section 1249.
The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (Public Law 117–81) is amended by striking section 1324.
Section 2816 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (Public Law 117–81; 135 Stat. 2194; 10 U.S.C. 1971 note) is amended—
by striking subsection (d); and
by redesignating subsection (e) as subsection (d).
Section 236 of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Public Law 117–263; 136 Stat. 2491) is amended—
by striking subsections (d) through (f); and
by redesignating subsection (g) as subsection (d).
The James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Public Law 117–263) is amended by striking section 233.
The James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Public Law 117–263) is amended by striking section 861.
The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (Public Law 118–31) is amended by striking section 587.
Section 1071 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (Public Law 118–159; 138 Stat. 2070) is amended—
by striking subsection (c); and
by redesignating subsections (d) and (e) as subsections (c) and (d), respectively.
Section 1070 of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Public Law 117–263; 136 Stat. 2791), as most recently amended by section 1064 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (Public Law 119–60; 139 Stat. 1046), is further amended by striking through December 31, 2026 and inserting through December 31, 2027.
Section 1086(d) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 (Public Law 114–328; 6 U.S.C. 104(d)) is amended by striking March 1, 2025 and inserting March 1, 2031.
Not later than February 15, 2027, and annually thereafter through February 15, 2032, the Secretary of the Army shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report detailing the programmatic choices made to implement the Army Continuous Transformation initiative, the Army Transformation Initiative, and the Transformation in Contact initiative, including both new developmental and fielded capabilities, as well as capabilities and capacity divested to accelerate implementation of the Army Continuous Transformation initiative.
Not later than March 15, 2027, and annually thereafter through March 15, 2032, the Secretary of the Army shall provide to the congressional defense committees a briefing on the elements described under subsection (c).
Each report required under subsection (a), and each briefing required under subsection (b), shall include the following elements:
An assessment of changes in the national defense strategy, the Defense Planning Guidance, the Joint Warfighting Concept (and associated concept required capabilities), and any other planning process of the Department of Defense that informed the initiatives specified in subsection (a).
An inventory and assessment of the exercises and experimentation relating to the Army Continuous Transformation initiative, beginning in fiscal year 2023, including an identification of the capabilities involved and the extent to which such exercises and experimentation validated or militated against proposed capability investments.
An inventory of divestments of capabilities or capacity, whether force structure and equipment, beginning in fiscal year 2023, including the following information:
A timeline of the progress of each such divestment.
The type of force structure or equipment divested or reduced.
The percentage of force structure or equipment divested or reduced, including any equipment entered into inventory management or another form of storage.
The rationale and context behind such divestment.
An identification of whether such divestment affects the ability of the Army to meet the requirements of the Global Force Management process and operational plans, including an explanation of how the Army plans to mitigate the loss of such capability or capacity if the divestment affects the ability of the Army to meet the requirements of the Global Force Management process and operational plans, including through new investments, additional joint planning and training, or other methods.
An assessment of the actual and projected recruitment and retention percentages for the Army, beginning in fiscal year 2023.
An inventory of extant or planned investments in capabilities as a part of the Army Continuous Transformation initiative, disaggregated by combat vehicles, rotary aircraft, munitions, and reconnaissance and counter-reconnaissance forces, including—
capability name;
capability purpose and context;
capability being replaced (or not applicable);
date of initial operation capability;
date of full operational capability;
deliveries of units by year; and
approved acquisition objective or similar inventory objective.
An assessment of how the investments described in paragraph (4) contribute to joint force efficacy in new ways, including through the support of other Armed Forces.
It is the sense of Congress that, in line with the most recent national defense strategy under section 113(g) of title 10, United States Code, and national security strategy report of the President under section 108 of the National Security Act of 1947 (50 U.S.C. 3043), deterring China and maintaining a favorable balance of military power in the Indo-Pacific region is a strategic priority of the United States.
Not later than 30 days after the last day of each fiscal quarter, the Director of the Joint Staff, in coordination with the Commander of the United States Indo-Pacific Command, shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the effects of unplanned global taskings, contingency deployments, and diverted assets on operations, deterrence, and readiness within the area of operations of the United States Indo-Pacific Command. Each such report shall include, for the quarter covered by the report, each of the following:
A description of specific effects on current and planned operations, exercises, and training events.
An assessment of the effects on the ability of the United States Indo-Pacific Command to maintain required levels of deterrence against adversaries.
An assessment of the overall effects on theater readiness, including any identified capability gaps or elevated operational risks.
An assessment of effects on munitions inventories, shortfalls, and projected resupply timelines within the United States Indo-Pacific Command.
An assessment of the anticipated effects on force generation and sourcing, including for each of the four fiscal quarters following the quarter covered by the report.
A description of mitigation measures planned or underway to address identified operational, deterrence, and readiness effects.
Each report required under subsection (b) shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may include a classified annex.
The requirement to submit a report under subsection (b) shall terminate on September 30, 2029.
Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, and every 180 days thereafter until the date that is two years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Commander of United States Special Operations Command, shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the adaptation cycles of the Defense Autonomous Warfare Group and associated autonomous warfare programs. Each such report shall include, for the period covered by the report, each of the following:
A summary of operational lessons identified during such period regarding the employment, maintenance, and integration of autonomous and remotely piloted systems, including lessons derived from combat observations, electronic warfare and cyber threat environments, and joint exercises.
A description of the specific actions taken to incorporate the lessons identified under paragraph (1) into joint and service-level military doctrine, including the timeline from the identification of a lesson to the formal update of doctrinal publications.
A description of modifications made to training pipelines, leader development programs, and personnel policies to reflect operational lessons.
An analysis of how operational feedback has influenced current and future procurement strategies, including—
changes made to existing contracts or performance requirements;
the speed at which technical feedback from operators was translated into hardware or software updates;
an analysis of the reliance on non-domestic supply chains for components altered during adaptation cycles; and
a list of any procurement programs under which existing contractual requirements hindered the rapid adoption of operational lessons.
A summary of the broad allocation of funds across major capability lines and the general distribution profile of resulting autonomous assets across the military departments and combatant commands.
An assessment of the adaptation cycle speed for autonomous systems, defined as the duration between the identification of an operational deficiency or opportunity and the implementation of a corresponding change in doctrine, training, or procurement, including an assessment of the average time required to develop, test, and deploy software patches or technical countermeasures to fielded autonomous systems.
To the extent practicable, a comparison of the adaptation cycle speed of the Department of Defense relative to the observed adaptation cycles of near-peer competitors in the field of autonomous warfare.
The report required under subsection (a) shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may include a classified annex.
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, each Secretary of a military department shall establish a strategy for human performance for that military department. Each such strategy shall include each of the following elements:
Requirements and policies applicable to that military department that are designed to optimize the use and acquisition of human performance technology and services.
The identification of a program of primary responsibility for human performance within that military department, which will be responsible for the integration, synchronization, and optimization of human performance technology and services across the military department.
Requirements for the procurement of human performance technology and services.
Security requirements, including the identification of risks associated with wearable technology devices for which the hardware is assembled in China.
A timeline and estimated funding for implementation of the strategy, including acquisition plans, for the period covering fiscal years 2027 through 2031.
Metrics and performance indicators for assessing the effectiveness and value of the human performance enterprise solution.
An identification of opportunities to leverage existing Department-wide and military department-level enterprise data, analytics, and readiness platforms, and establish interoperability requirements to optimize technology investments and accelerate implementation.
Not later than 270 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, each Secretary of a military department shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report containing a description of the strategy required under subsection (a) for that military department.
In this section:
The term human performance means the optimization of physical and mental health (such as physical readiness, mental readiness, sleep readiness, nutritional readiness, spiritual readiness) required for optimal performance and improved readiness.
The term human performance technology and services means wearable technology devices and data management platforms that support human performance.
Not later than January 1, 2027, the Secretary of the Air Force, in coordination with the Commander of the United States Transportation Command and in consultation with the commanders of each of the geographic combatant commands, shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report that includes a comprehensive and detailed strategic plan for the development, acquisition, modernization, and integration of mobility capabilities of the Department of Defense through fiscal year 2047.
The plan required by subsection (a) shall include each of the following:
An operational environment assessment of—
contested operations across all domains over great distances;
contested lines of communication extending from the United States to operational theaters;
adversary capabilities designed to target United States mobility forces, mobility infrastructure, and logistics networks; and
the requirement for mobility forces to operate in degraded, contested, and highly contested environments including austere locations, battle-damaged airfields, degraded runways, ramps, taxiways, and other runway agnostic operating environments.
An assessment of current mobility force, including—
the ability of Air Mobility Command to support the requirements of all of the Armed Forces in competition, crisis, and conflict;
the ability of Air Mobility Command to support agility concepts for all of the Armed Forces simultaneously in conflict, including agile combat employment, multi-domain task force operations, expeditionary advanced base operations, and distributed maritime operations;
the vulnerability of mobility forces, mobility infrastructure, and global logistics networks in contested environments; and
the degree to which existing mobility capability and capacity meet homeland defense priorities, nuclear mission obligations, and simultaneous global operational demands.
An identification of the attributes required of future mobility forces, including—
secure beyond line-of-sight connectivity with—
service and joint data links;
service and joint battle management networks; and
service and joint command and control network;
automation and autonomous aviation capabilities;
the ability to operate across the full spectrum of threat environments;
flexibility across the full scale of mobility missions, including small and distributed missions, tactical, operational, and strategic missions, and oversized and large-volume movements;
the ability to operate from runway-agnostic and degraded operating locations;
fuel-resilient aviation concepts, including aircraft capable of operating on traditional fuels and emerging propulsion systems, such as electric, hybrid-electric, and hydrogen;
consideration of aircraft designed with open architecture enabling rapid integration of mission systems including palletized effects, electronic warfare, battle management, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities; and
signature management capabilities that enable mobility aircraft to operate globally while maintaining operational security, including the ability to comply with international aviation safety requirements while limiting exposure of aircraft identity, position, and mission information through publicly accessible tracking systems or other unclassified means.
An evaluation of future tanker capabilities, including—
collaborative tanker aircraft supporting collaborative, distant, and distributed refueling operation in contested environments;
penetrating stealth tanker aircraft capable of operating in highly contested environments;
low-signature tanker concepts, including blended-wing body tanker aircraft;
tactical tanker aircraft capable of supporting distributed tanker and airlift operations;
modernization of legacy tanker aircraft through connectivity and full automation;
tanker aircraft designed with open architecture and multi-role capability, enabling complementary missions including electronic warfare, battle management, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities;
opportunities to expand tanker capacity through commercial tanker constructs including Government owned, contractor operated; and
the establishment of a Civil Reserve Air Fleet tanker capability that would enable the commercial operation of tanker aircraft to provide immediate and dependable augmentation of United States tanker capacity.
An evaluation of future airlift capabilities across mission scales, including—
autonomous airlift platforms supporting small and tactical missions;
the establishment of a distributed maneuver pool composed of autonomous and highly automated mobility platforms capable of supporting maneuvering units and distributed operations, with mobility capabilities owned or controlled by lower-echelon multi-service operational units and integrated into the broader mobility enterprise;
improved and automated tactical and operational airlift capabilities supporting maneuver and distributed operations;
new and improved strategic airlift capabilities supporting global force flow and theater reinforcement, including the development of a next-generation strategic airlifter to augment or replace the C–17 aircraft and establishing a new standard for military airlift through improved capability, capacity, survivability, connectivity, automation, and operational flexibility;
oversized and large-volume airlift systems;
vertical takeoff and landing and short-field takeoff and landing airlift platforms supporting multi-service agility and distributed operations;
delivery systems, including automated airdrop, glider, towable, and hybrid aircraft logistics platforms; and
opportunities to expand airlift capacity through commercial operation of strategic airlift aircraft, Civil Reserve Air Fleet participation, and service-based acquisition models such as effects-as-a-service.
An assessment of command and control architecture required to support mobility operations in contested environments, including—
the use of maneuver battle management using technologies such as artificial intelligence, algorithmic allocation systems, and advanced data architectures to integrate logistics, maneuver, and mobility operations across the Joint Force; and
integration of distributed traditional air battle management capabilities within mobility forces.
An assessment of opportunities to expand mobility capability and capacity through commercial aviation capabilities, including—
the expansion of the Civil Reserve Air Fleet;
the establishment of the Civil Reserve Air Fleet tanker capability;
the commercial operation of excess, transitioned, or Government-owned strategic airlift and tanker aircraft;
the use of service-based acquisition models such as mobility-as-a-service or effects-as-a-service; and
the role of nonprime aviation companies in enabling the building of the future mobility enterprise.
The report required under subsection (a) shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may include a classified annex.
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Defense Autonomous Warfare Group shall develop a military doctrine for the deployment of unmanned autonomous systems and formations composed of such unmanned autonomous systems. Such doctrine shall address the following:
Concepts for the operational use of such systems and formations.
Tactics, techniques, and procedures for such use.
Force structure requirements relating to such systems and formations.
Plans for the sustainment and maintenance of such systems and formations.
Compliance with safety and legal requirements with respect to the use of such systems and formations.
Such other matters as the Defense Autonomous Warfare Group may determine relevant.
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Secretaries of the military departments, shall develop a strategy for the sustainment of covered unmanned aircraft systems. Such strategy shall address, and differentiate between, stockpiled covered unmanned aircraft systems and covered unmanned aircraft systems in use on a more frequent basis.
The strategy under subsection (a) shall include the following:
A plan to ensure continuous software updates for fielded covered unmanned aircraft systems across the military departments, including any such updates relating to—
operating systems;
autonomy and other capabilities enabled by artificial intelligence and machine learning; or
automatic target recognition.
A plan to ensure the batteries of fielded covered unmanned aircraft systems are fully functional and charged, including a strategy for charging such batteries in extreme and austere environments.
Metrics to assess the readiness of fielded covered unmanned aircraft systems and associated components.
An identification of the command level, unit level, or other organizational level responsible for ensuring such readiness.
A plan to ensure standardized training for the use of covered unmanned aircraft systems and the sustainment of such systems across the military departments.
A strategy for the repair of fielded covered unmanned aircraft systems, including for field-level maintenance, as appropriate.
On a basis that is not less frequent than once every two years, the Secretary of Defense shall update the strategy under subsection (a).
Not later than 30 days after the date on which the Secretary of Defense completes the strategy under subsection (a), the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees such strategy.
In this section:
The term covered unmanned aircraft means any unmanned aircraft categorized as Group 1, Group 2, or Group 3 pursuant to the Joint Publication 3–30 of the Department of Defense, titled Joint Air Operations and dated July 25, 2019, or such successor publication.
The terms unmanned aircraft and unmanned aircraft system have the meanings given such terms in section 130i of title 10, United States Code.
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering and the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, shall develop a strategy for the use of low-cost and attritable Group 4 and 5 unmanned aircraft systems in contested logistics operations.
The strategy under subsection (a) shall include each of the following:
An assessment of current and projected lift capabilities required for contested logistics operations, specifically focusing on identifying—
the limitations of existing platforms; and
mission sets for which the use of Group 4 and 5 unmanned aircraft systems would reduce risk.
An assessment of the challenges presented by communications degradation in contested logistics operations and how unmanned aircraft systems could be integrated into mission sets identified under paragraph (1)(B) to solve capability gaps.
A review of performance specifications, including payload capacity and range, that are required to complete the mission sets identified under paragraph (1)(B).
An evaluation of acceptable loss rates, replacement speed, scale of employment, and integration timelines for unmanned aircraft systems.
A plan for coordinating among, and drafting requirements for, each of the military departments and combatant commands with respect to the use of low-cost and attritable unmanned aircraft systems for contested logistics, as appropriate.
A plan to synchronize research, development, prototyping, and acquisition activities related to such systems.
A transition plan for the operational fielding by the joint force of Group 4 and 5 unmanned aircraft systems for contested logistics operations.
An evaluation of commercially available innovative solutions that could be used to enhance the effectiveness of the Armed Forces and the response of the Department of Defense to emerging threats.
In developing the strategy under subsection (a), the Secretary shall leverage commercially available solutions to the maximum extent practicable.
Not later than 90 days after the development of the strategy required by subsection (a), the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the strategy.
Congress makes the following findings:
Information operations must be ongoing, iterative, and responsive to rapidly evolving conditions in the information environment. Narratives and messaging that are effective at one point in time can quickly become outdated or counterproductive as the information environment changes.
Department of Defense Directive 3600.01, Information Operations, currently designates Combatant Commanders at the four-star and flag officer level as the principal authorities for integrating, synchronizing, employing, and adapting information-related capabilities and for developing, planning, programming, and assessing information operations.
The concentration of tactical information operations approval authority at the Combatant Commander level creates operational bottlenecks, as those officers bear responsibility for the full range of joint force activities and may be unable to respond to tactical information operations requirements with the speed demanded by the information environment.
In other operational domains, commanders at the O–6 level and below routinely exercise authority to execute tactical actions within strategic frameworks approved by higher-level commanders. A similar model may be feasible and beneficial for tactical information operations.
At the same time, information operations carry unique risks, including potential foreign policy, legal, and escalatory implications, that may counsel retaining significant oversight at senior command levels. Any delegation of authority must be carefully calibrated to preserve appropriate oversight while reducing operational bottlenecks.
Before directing any revision to Department of Defense Directive 3600.01, Congress should have the benefit of a thorough and expert assessment of the feasibility, benefits, risks, and implementation requirements of delegating tactical information operations authority to lower-level commanders.
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the feasibility of revising Department of Defense Directive 3600.01 to delegate authority to approve and execute tactical information operations to commanders below the level of the combatant commander.
The report required in paragraph (1) shall include—
an assessment of the current command authority structure under Department of Defense Directive 3600.01 as it applies to the planning, approval, and execution of tactical information operations, including an assessment of existing operational bottlenecks and their impact on the speed and effectiveness of information operations;
an evaluation of the feasibility of delegating authority to approve and execute tactical information operations to commanders at specified rank levels below combatant commander, including the O–6 (colonel or Navy captain) level, or other appropriate levels as determined by the Secretary of Defense;
For each delegation option evaluated under subparagraph (B), an assessment of—
the potential benefits, including improvements in operational speed, responsiveness, and effectiveness;
the potential risks, including risks related to escalation, foreign policy implications, legal compliance, consistency with strategic narratives, and unintended consequences;
the mechanisms and safeguards that would be necessary to ensure that tactical information operations executed by lower-level commanders remain consistent with higher-level strategic objectives and narratives established by Combatant Commanders and the Secretary of Defense;
the training, education, and personnel requirements necessary to prepare lower-level commanders to exercise information operations authority effectively and responsibly;
the legal authorities and any statutory or regulatory changes that would be required to implement the delegation;
the oversight mechanisms that would be required to maintain the visibility of the combatant commander and Secretary of Defense into tactical information operations conducted pursuant to delegated authority; and
the estimated costs and resource implications of implementing the delegation;
an examination of analogous delegation models in other operational domains, including fire support, electronic warfare, and cyber operations, to identify lessons learned and best practices applicable to information operations;
an assessment of the experiences of allied and partner nations that have implemented delegation of tactical information operations authority to lower-level commanders, to the extent practicable;
an evaluation of whether the current bottleneck in tactical information operations approval could be addressed through means other than formal authority delegation, including—
dedicated information operations staff augmentation at the level of the combatant commander;
predelegated authorities for specific, preapproved categories of tactical information operations activities;
streamlined approval processes and standing execution orders; and
improved interoperability and communication systems to reduce approval timelines;
an identification and assessment of any legal, policy, or operational constraints that would prevent or limit the feasibility of delegating tactical information operations authority; and
the assessment of Secretary of Defense of whether revision of Department of Defense Directive 3600.01 to delegate tactical information operations authority to lower-level commanders is feasible, advisable, and in the interest of the Department of Defense.
The report required in paragraph (1) shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may include an classified annex.
Not later than 90 days after completion of the Evaluation of United States Southern Command Joint Targeting Cycle initiated by the Inspector General of the Department of Defense concerning targeting operations in the area of operations of United States Southern Command, the Secretary of Defense shall make publicly available an unclassified summary of the findings of the evaluation, including findings with respect to—
whether the Joint Targeting Cycle was followed; and
recommendations for corrective actions.
Not later than April 1, 2027, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report that includes the total financial cost to the United States of the military operations carried out in Iran during the period beginning on February 28, 2026, and ending on the date that is 30 days before the date of the submission of the report. Such total financial cost shall include the costs associated with damaged or destroyed infrastructure of the United States. The report shall include the following:
A full inventory and replacement valuation of all United States military aircraft, naval vessels, drones, and other significant equipment damaged or destroyed during such military operations.
The total cost and quantity of all weapons, missiles, and munitions expended during such military operations and replacement costs.
A comprehensive assessment of the costs associated with repairing or rebuilding United States military bases and facilities damaged or destroyed during such military operations and the extent to which infrastructure was damaged or destroyed during such military operations.
For any military base or facility or infrastructure identified under subparagraph (C), the location of the base, facility, or infrastructure.
An assessment of the overall effects that damage to infrastructure during such military operations has had on theater readiness, including any plans to not repair or rebuild United States infrastructure in the region.
All costs related to the unplanned deployments and mobilizations of additional members of a covered Armed Force and military assets for such military operations and the costs associated with the enforcement of the maritime blockade in the Strait of Hormuz.
The report required under paragraph (1) shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may include a classified annex. The Secretary shall post the unclassified report on a publicly available and appropriate website of the Department of Defense.
The term covered Armed Force means the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, or Space Force.
Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this section, and quarterly thereafter until 180 days after the conclusion of Operation Southern Spear (or any successor operation), the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report that includes the total financial cost (as described in subsection (b)) of the military operations carried out under Operation Southern Spear. The initial report shall include the period beginning on January 20, 2025, and ending on the date that is 60 days after the date of the enactment of this section.
In this section, the total financial cost shall include any funds of the Department of Defense obligated or expended for the operation, including the following:
A full inventory and replacement value of all United States military aircraft, naval vessels, drones, and other significant equipment damaged or destroyed during such military operations.
The total cost and quantity of all weapons, missiles, and munitions expended during such military operations and replacement costs.
A comprehensive assessment of the costs associated with repairing or rebuilding United States military installations, facilities, and infrastructure damaged or destroyed during such military operations.
An assessment of the overall effects that damage to infrastructure during such military operations has had on theater readiness, including any plans to not repair or rebuild United States infrastructure in the region in which such military operations were conducted.
All costs related to the unplanned deployments and mobilizations of additional members of the Armed Forces and military assets for such military operations.
The report required under this section shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may include a classified annex. The Secretary shall make the unclassified report publicly available on an appropriate website of the Department of Defense.
Not later than 30 days after the completion of the civilian harm investigation of the Department of Defense with respect to the strike on Minab, Iran, that occurred on February 28, 2026, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the results of such investigation.
The report required under subsection (a) shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may contain a classified annex.
The Secretary of Defense shall make publicly available the unclassified portion of the report required under subsection (a).
Upon the conclusion of the Department of Defense investigation into the attack on Port Shuaiba, Kuwait, that occurred on March 1, 2026, the Secretary of Defense shall transmit to the congressional defense committees the following information:
All findings of the investigation.
Any remedial actions taken as a result of the findings.
A detailed description of the conduct of the investigation.
The information required under subsection (a) shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may contain a classified annex. The Secretary shall make the unclassified version of the findings publicly available on an appropriate website of the Department.
Chapter 1 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section:
Any reference to the Secretary of Defense or Department of Defense in any law, regulation, map, document, record, or other paper of the United States shall be deemed to be a reference to the Secretary of War or Department of War, respectively.
Section 167(k)(6) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking Military information support operations and inserting Psychological and cognitive warfare.
Section 199(h)(1) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by inserting detecting, identifying, monitoring, tracking, after lawfully and safely.
Subsection (i)(3) of section 284 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking $1,000,000 and inserting $2,000,000.
Subsection (h)(1)(B) of such section is amended by inserting minor military construction or after any.
Section 112(a)(3) of title 32, United States Code, is amended by striking $15,000 and inserting $25,000.
Chapter 3 of title 32, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 329 the following new section:
Notwithstanding any law regarding the licensure of attorneys, a judge advocate or technician attorney performing duties under this title may provide legal services in any jurisdiction in support of National Guard training or operations, subject to such regulations as may be prescribed by the Secretary of the Army or the Secretary of the Air Force, as the case may be.
Such legal services—
may be provided only by a judge advocate or a technician attorney who is a member of the bar of a Federal court or of the highest court of a State, and
must be within the scope of authorized duties as prescribed by the Secretary concerned.
Section 1094 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (Public Law 119–60; 139 Stat. 1066; 10 U.S.C. 127d note) is amended—
by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (d); and
by inserting after subsection (b) the following new subsection (c):
If the Secretary establishes an Irregular Warfare Exercise Laboratory under subsection (a)—
such laboratory shall operate under the strategic oversight and policy coordination of the Irregular Warfare Center of the Department of Defense; and
the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low-Intensity Conflict, acting through the Director of the Irregular Warfare Center, shall exercise authority, direction, and control over such laboratory to—
provide policy guidance and integration direction for all activities of the laboratory;
ensure the alignment of laboratory initiatives with Department-wide irregular warfare strategy and campaigning objectives; and
prioritize the development of laboratory capabilities in accordance with the most recent national defense strategy under section 113(g) of title 10, United States Code.
Not later than April 1, 2027, the Secretary of Defense shall designate the head of an organization of the Department of Defense who shall be responsible for—
coordinating and directing the identification of vulnerabilities with respect to ubiquitous technical surveillance;
developing a plan and strategy for research, development, and procurement of secure communications and obfuscation technologies; and
developing ubiquitous technical surveillance training and techniques to enhance digital force protection.
Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a plan to establish a program of record to meet counter-ubiquitous technical surveillance and digital force protection needs across the Department of Defense.
Not later than December 1, 2027, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report that includes—
the plan and strategy developed pursuant to subsection (a)(1)(B); and
the identification of the organization of the Department of Defense that has been designated under subsection (a)(1).
In this section:
The term digital force protection means the policies, tools, and practices used to protect military personnel, operations, and critical assets from adversarial exploitation of the commercial digital surveillance economy, associated commercial data, and digital footprints.
The term ubiquitous technical surveillance means persistent, networked, or commercially-enabled technical means used to detect, identify, track, exploit, or monitor personnel, operations, equipment, or digital activities.
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a determination as to whether to designate information as a domain of warfare of the Department of Defense.
If the Secretary of Defense determines to make the designation specified under subsection (b), the Secretary shall—
revise any applicable guidance, directive, instruction, publication, or doctrine of the Department to reflect such designation, including by directing the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to revise the Joint Concept for Operating in the Information Environment and other relevant joint doctrine and publications, to reflect such designation;
ensure that planning, programming, budgeting, and execution processes treat information as a mission-essential consideration in operational planning, rather than solely as a supporting effect;
establish or strengthen career fields, professional military education, and training pipelines for personnel assigned to information domain functions, including with respect to—
military information support operations;
electronic warfare;
public affairs;
intelligence support to information operations; and
cyber operations functions that contribute to information effects; and
improve the integration of cyber operations, electronic warfare, intelligence, and psychological operations capabilities in support of information-domain objectives and reduce redundancy across such operations.
Not later than 180 days after the date on which the Secretary of Defense submits the determination required under subsection (a), the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate a report on the implementation of this section. Such report shall include the following:
An assessment of the effect of such determination, including with respect to personnel, training, and resourcing.
A description of any revisions to materials made pursuant to subsection (b)(2).
The report required under paragraph (1) shall be submitted in an unclassified form but may contain a classified annex.
Section 131 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
Any covered employee who is employed by, or detailed or otherwise assigned to, the Office of the Secretary of Defense may not receive any outside earned income during the period such individual is so employed, detailed, or assigned unless the individual notifies the relevant designated agency ethics official and such official reviews such income and issues a determination (in writing) that—
the outside earned income received is unrelated to the duties the individual has performed or is expected to perform for the United States; and
the individual—
does not have official business in front of the Department of Defense; and
the individual is not working on behalf of, or representing, a foreign agent or government.
Any determination under paragraph (1) shall be published on the public website of the Office of Government Ethics not later than 15 days after such determination is made.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a covered employee who receives outside earned income shall file a public financial disclosure report pursuant section 13103(a) of title 5 not later than 30 days after receiving such income.
In this subsection—
the term covered employee means—
any special Government employee (as that term is defined in section 202 of title 18);
an officer or employee who is serving without compensation; and
any member of a reserve component of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, or Space Force;
the term designated agency ethics official has the meaning given that term in section 13101 of title 5; and
the term outside earned income—
means wages, salaries, honoraria, commissions, professional fees and any other form of compensation for services other than salary, benefits, and allowances paid by the United States Government; and
does not include the following:
Items that may be accepted under applicable standards of conduct gift regulations if they were offered by a prohibited source.
Income attributable to service with the military reserves or national guard.
Income from pensions and other continuing benefits attributable to previous employment or services.
Income from investment activities where the individual's services are not a material factor in the production of income.
Copyright royalties, fees, and their functional equivalent, from the use or sale of copyright, patent and similar forms of intellectual property rights, when received from established users or purchasers of those rights.
Actual and necessary expenses incurred by the employee in connection with an outside activity. Where such expenses are paid or reimbursed by another person, the amount of any such payment shall not be counted as compensation or outside earned income. Where such expenses are not paid or reimbursed, the amount of compensation or earned income shall be determined by subtracting the actual and necessary expenses incurred by the employee from any payment received for the activity.
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027, the Secretary of Defense, in concurrence with the Office of Government Ethics, shall issue such regulations as the Secretary determines necessary to carry out this subsection.
Chapter 81 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section:
The Secretary of Defense shall establish and implement a skills-based hiring framework for appointment to a position in the competitive service or the excepted service that—
prioritizes the evaluation of applicants based on demonstrated competencies, skills, and relevant experience and validated assessments; and
permits applicants to qualify for positions through one or more pathways based on experience, training, apprenticeships, certifications, licenses, education, or other alternative credentials, as appropriate to the duties of the position.
Qualification standards for a position shall be based on a job analysis that identifies the competencies, knowledge, skills, abilities, and education, if applicable, necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.
Except as provided in subsection (c), and consistent with paragraph (2) of this subsection, the Secretary may waive or remove a minimum education requirement as a mandatory qualification standard for appointment to a position based on a determination that the competencies required for the position may be demonstrated through relevant experience, apprenticeships, certifications, validated assessments, or other alternative qualifications.
The authority to waive or remove a minimum education requirement under paragraph (1) shall expire on the date that is five years after the date of the enactment of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027.
Subsection (b) shall not apply to a position—
for which a minimum education requirement is established by Federal statute;
in a recognized profession for which a minimum education requirement is necessary for professional licensure, certification, or accreditation by a recognized accrediting body, including positions in the fields of medicine, law, engineering, accounting, and other professions as determined by the Secretary; or
classified in a scientific or technical occupational series for which the Office of Personnel Management has established a positive education requirement that the Secretary determines is directly and specifically necessary for satisfactory performance of the duties of the position.
In this section:
The term education means any form of formal learning, including a high school diploma or its equivalent, a credential from a qualifying career or technical education program, an associate, baccalaureate, graduate, or professional degree, or industry-recognized certifications and apprenticeships.
The term education requirement includes a requirement that can be met through—
education alone; or
a combination of education and experience.
The table of sections at the beginning of such chapter is amended by adding at the end the following new item:
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a plan for implementing this section, including—
a timeline for implementation of this section;
a strategy for training hiring managers and human resources professionals on skills-based assessment methods;
a description of validated assessment tools the Department plans to develop or adopt; and
metrics for evaluating the impacts of this section on time-to-hire, quality of hire, and retention rates.
Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter for five years, the Secretary of Defense shall submit a report on the authority under section 1599k(b) of title 10, United States Code, as added by this Act. The report shall include the following:
Identification of any occupational series or position for which the authority under such section is exercised.
The service, agency, or component to which such position is assigned.
The justification for exercising such section for each such occupational series or position.
Section 1599k of title 10, United States Code, as added by subsection (a), shall apply with respect to job opportunity announcements issued on or after the date that is 18 months after the date of the enactment of this Act.
Subchapter II of chapter 88 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 1792 the following new section:
Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027, the Secretary of Defense shall establish and carry out an internship program through which an individual described in subsection (b) may perform duties as an intern in a military child and youth program to prepare the individual for possible future employment in a military child and youth program.
An individual eligible to be an intern participating in the internship program under this section is an individual who—
is a student in good standing at an institution of higher education; and
the Secretary determines—
to be qualified and talented; and
has passed appropriate screening and background checks.
Requirements of the internship program shall include the following:
An intern may perform duties only in a military child development center under the supervision of a child care employee.
Pursuant to section 1588(a)(3)(B) of this title, a student intern shall perform their duties on a voluntary basis.
A student intern may not work more than eight hours a day or a total of 40 hours per week.
The Secretary may pay the following expenses incurred in the course of an intern’s participation in the internship program:
Lodging expenses.
Subsistence expenses.
Incidental expenses.
Transportation expenses for transportation between the residence of the intern and the military installation where the intern performs duties under the internship program.
The Secretary may enter into agreements with one or more institutions of higher education so an intern may receive appropriate levels credit towards a graduate or undergraduate degree for duties performed under the internship program.
In this section, the term institution of higher education has the meaning given that term in section 102 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1002).
Section 4093(b)(1)(B) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking is pursuing an associates degree, undergraduate degree, or advanced degree in a critical skill or discipline described in subsection (a) at an accredited institution of higher education and inserting is pursuing an associates degree, undergraduate degree, or advanced degree in a critical skill or discipline described in subsection (a) at an accredited institution of higher education or career and technical education, vocational education, apprenticeship preparation, or workforce credentialing program.
Section 4093(c)(1)(B)(ii)(I) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking and and inserting or.
Section 709 of title 32, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following subsection:
This section shall cease to be effective on October 1, 2038.
Effective October 1, 2038—
section 115(d) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking each reserve component of the Army and Air Force and inserting the Army Reserve and the Air Force Reserve; and
section 10216(a)(1)(A) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking or section 709(b) of title 32.
Section 10508(b)(1) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by inserting sections 1601 and 1762 of title 10, before or section 328 of title 32,.
Section 328(b) of title 32, United States Code, is amended by inserting maintaining and repairing supplies issued to the National Guard or the Armed Forces, before and training the reserve components.
The Secretary of Defense may convert a military technician (dual status) position filled by an individual employed under section 709 of title 32, United States Code, to either of the following:
A position filled by an individual employed under—
section 3101 of title 5, United States Code; or
section 1601, 1762, or 10508 of title 10, United States Code.
A position filled by an individual who is performing Active Guard and Reserve duty under section 328 of title 32, United States Code, unless such duty is performed as a general or flag officer.
In addition to the conversion authority under subsection (b), the Secretary of Defense may, with the consent of the Governor of the State concerned, for the purpose of reducing the number of National Guard military technician (dual status) positions, provide a State with funding for a non-Federal position for an individual employed in such position. Any such funding shall be provided through a cooperative agreement entered into with the State Governor under section 6305 of title 31, United States Code.
The Secretary of Defense may convert, pursuant to subsection (b), or transfer, pursuant to subsection (c), a filled position only with the written consent of the individual filling such position.
An individual filling a military technician (dual status) position that is converted to Active Guard and Reserve duty pursuant to subsection (b)(2), waives any reemployment entitlement under section 4314 of title 38, United States Code, to another military technician (dual status) position but may assert reemployment rights to a civilian position employed under section 3101 of title 5, United States Code, or section 1601, 1762, or 10508 of title 10, United States Code if a similar position is reasonably available.
Whenever a military technician (dual status) position is converted pursuant to subsection (b)(2)—
the applicable statutory annual end strength limitation for Active Guard and Reserve personnel within the Army and Air National Guards of the United States, in accordance with section 115 of title 10, United States Code, shall be increased accordingly.
the applicable statutory annual minimum end strength required for National Guard military technician (dual status) within the Army and Air National Guards of the United States, in accordance with section 115 of title 10, United States Code, shall be decreased accordingly.
Beginning on October 1, 2028, no individual may be newly hired or employed, or rehired or reemployed, as a military technician (dual status) under section 709 of title 32, United States Code.
In this section—
the term military technician (dual status) has the meaning given such term in section 10216 of title 10, United States Code; and
the term State has the meaning given such term in section 901 of title 32, United States Code.
Subsection (a) of section 1101 of the Duncan Hunter National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009 (Public Law 110–417), as most recently amended by section 1105 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (Public Law 119–60; 139 Stat. 1074), is further amended by striking through 2026 and inserting through 2027.
Paragraph (2) of section 1603(a) of the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act for Defense, the Global War on Terror, and Hurricane Recovery, 2006 (Public Law 109–234; 120 Stat. 443), as added by section 1102 of the Duncan Hunter National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009 (Public Law 110–417; 122 Stat. 4616) and as most recently amended by section 1106 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (Public Law 119–60; 139 Stat. 1074), is further amended by striking 2027 and inserting 2028.
Section 1102 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (Public Law 118–31) is amended—
in subsection (a)(1), by striking rent and inserting rent or mortgage payments;
by striking subsection (d) (relating to sunset date 3 years after the date of the enactment of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026); and
by redesignating subsection (c) (relating to sunset date of January 1, 2034) at the end as subsection (d).
The Secretary of Defense shall carry out a pilot program to integrate the United States Tech Force into the implementation of the hiring and promotion reforms authorized under the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (Public Law 119–60).
The purpose of the pilot is to use the United States Tech Force to develop, validate, and deploy the skills-based assessments required to modernize the defense workforce.
In carrying out the pilot program, the Secretary of Defense shall use commercially available, interoperable technology platforms to—
create a Digital Skills Passport for members of the United States Tech Force and Department of Defense civilian employees, documenting verified competencies rather than solely degrees or tenure;
automatically map the skills possessed by United States Tech Force participants to gaps identified in the Department of Defense cyber and digital workforce; and
track the mobility of talent across the Department based on skills proficiency, consistent with the removal of time-in-grade restrictions.
Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the effectiveness of using commercial skills-based platforms to integrate the United States Tech Force with Department of Defense hiring authorities.
The authority to carry out the pilot program under this section shall expire on the date that is five years after the date of the enactment of this Act.
The Secretary of Defense may appoint, without regard to the provisions of subchapter I of chapter 33 of title 5, United States Code, (other than sections 3303, 3307, and 3328 of such chapter), qualified candidates to instructor pilot positions and civilian simulator instructor positions.
The Secretary may set annual rates of pay for such positions without regard to the provisions chapters 51 and 53 (relating to classification and pay rates) of such title 5. Such rates shall be equal to the annual rate of pay for positions in private industry comparable to instructor pilot positions and civilian simulator instructor positions, as determined by the Secretary.
The Secretary may use the authority provided under sections 5373 and section of title 5, United States Code, for the payment of recruitment, relocation, and retention incentives to instructor pilots and civilian simulator instructors or applicants to such positions.
Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall conduct a study on the hiring authorities issued under this section and submit a report on such study to the congressional defense committees. Such study shall include information with respect to the following:
How the authority under this section is being used, including—
how many instances such authority has been used and where the authority is being used;
time to hire; and
the hiring incentives, recruitment bonuses, and special pay authorities used under this section
The total number of—
vacant instructor pilot positions and civilian simulator instructor positions filled using such authority; and
vacant instructor pilot positions and civilian simulator instructor positions remaining.
Any additional authorities necessary to ensure the Secretary is able to hire and retain instructor pilots and civilian simulator instructors.
The authority under this section shall terminate on the date that is five years after the date of the enactment of this Act.
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall establish a pilot program that expedites and scales the sourcing and placement of early-career talent across the Department of Defense in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and math and functional areas of artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, biotechnology, materials and manufacturing, and business process innovation. In carrying out the pilot program, the Secretary of Defense shall—
use the authorities under section 213.3102(r) of title 5, Code of Federal Regulations, to appoint individuals in support of establishing fellowships;
develop and implement a process for identifying, sourcing, and training a pool of qualified candidates;
establish a professional development structure for pilot program participants; and
partner with a nonprofit intermediary organization that have a proven track record in delivering efficient recruitment and screening processes and have demonstrated expertise in navigating the Federal security clearance procedures to support the development of qualified talent pools with the necessary skills and expertise.
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act and annually thereafter until the pilot program sunsets, the Secretary of Defense shall provide an assessment to the congressional defense committees on the effectiveness of the pilot program. Each such assessment shall include—
an evaluation of the efficacy in matching the pre-vetted pools of candidates to the requirements of the Department of Defense; and
the effectiveness of partnering with intermediary organizations for the purposes of carrying out activities in support of developing qualified pools of talent with the skills and expertise necessary to meet the purposes of the pilot program.
For the purposes of carrying out this section, the Secretary of Defense may—
waive any requirement for a permanent billet to be required to support hiring of talent;
make selections based on needs and available budget; and
direct legal counsel of the Department to provide guidance that—
enables post-employment opportunities by avoiding government assignments that preclude hiring outside the Federal Government following the term appointment; and
requires ethics officials to provide guidance that aligns with the temporary nature of the appointment and design protocols to minimize post-employment restrictions.
The pilot program shall terminate on the date that is 3 years after the date such program is established.
In this section, the term intermediary organization means—
a nonprofit registered under section 501(c)(3) of title 26, United States Code; and
an organization having demonstrated expertise in—
streamlining recruitment and pre-screening for early-career tech talent;
carrying out public-private talent exchanges through a proven track record, including managing rotations between private and public sector entities and reducing governmental administrative burden in the process;
skills development and mentorship programming that ensures program participants remain on the cutting edge of their technical and management skills; and
The planning policies and associated processes, practices, and activities of the financial management civilian workforce within the Department of Defense shall be consistent with the following principles:
Involving top management, staff members, and other stakeholders in developing, communicating, and implementing the strategic workforce plan.
Supporting workforce planning strategies that use existing human capital flexibilities.
Monitoring and evaluating progress toward human capital goals.
Determining needed critical skills.
Developing strategies to address gaps in critical skills.
Not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller), shall establish a Financial Management Skills Assessment Integrated Product Team (in this subsection referred to as the Team) to develop a strategy to identify functions performed by civilian employees and contractors supporting financial management within the Department.
The Team shall establish and implement a repeatable process for timely reporting on financial management functions performed by civilian employees and contractors across the Department.
The Secretary shall provide a briefing to the congressional defense committees on the Team, a description of how the Team tracks financial management functions performed by civilian employees and contractors, and the Department’s audit readiness.
Not later than one year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall publish a Department-wide best practices guide for individuals seeking to establish and operate a Family Child Care home on a military installation.
In developing the guide required under subsection (a), the Secretary of Defense shall consult with military departments, military installations, Family Child Care program administrators, and established Family Child Care providers operating under successful Family Child Care programs across the Department of Defense to identify and incorporate best practices, lessons learned, and approaches that have demonstrated success in expanding participation and reducing barriers to establishing and operating Family Child Care homes.
The guide required under subsection (a) shall include, at a minimum—
an overview of the process for becoming a certified Family Child Care provider;
standardized information regarding training, inspections, background checks, licensing, and certification requirements;
guidance regarding available financial assistance, startup support, subsidies, grants, and reimbursement opportunities;
information on liability coverage, safety standards, and emergency preparedness requirements;
recommendations for reducing administrative barriers to establishing Family Child Care homes; and
any additional information the Secretary determines appropriate to support prospective Family Child Care providers.
The Secretary shall make the guide required under subsection (a) publicly available on an internet website of the Department of Defense in a searchable and accessible format for military families.
The Secretary of Defense shall encourage the Secretaries of the military departments to publish and maintain service-specific appendices accompanying the guide required under subsection (a).
A service-specific appendix under paragraph (1) may include—
service-specific policies or procedures;
installation-level best practices;
information regarding unique operational requirements or child care demands within the military department concerned;
guidance regarding military housing considerations related to Family Child Care homes; and
points of contact and resources specific to the military department concerned.
Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall provide a briefing to the congressional defense committees regarding—
actions taken to implement this section;
efforts to improve awareness of Family Child Care opportunities among military spouses and families;
barriers identified in the establishment of Family Child Care homes; and
recommendations for legislative or administrative action to improve military child care capacity.
Section 1587(d) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking the second sentence.
None of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise made available for the Department of Defense for fiscal year 2027 may be used to implement Executive Order 14251, issued on March 27, 2025, relating to Exclusions from Federal labor management relations programs, or any following policy or guidance.
None of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise made available for the Department of Defense for fiscal year 2027 may be used to implement a hiring freeze on the following categories:
Positions essential to immigration enforcement, national security, or public safety.
Positions funded by nonappropriated funds in Department of Defense NAF instrumentalities.
Civilian Mariner positions.
Positions at depots, shipyards, arsenals, and maintenance facilities.
Positions at United States Military Entrance Processing Command.
Positions at military medical treatment facilities that perform patient care or are essential to hospital operations.
Child and Youth Programs staff.
Instructors or facility support staff at Department of Defense schools or child care centers.
Installation positions that support fire, life, and safety functions.
None of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise made available for fiscal year 2027 for the Department of Defense may be obligated or expended to terminate employees of Military Child Development Programs, employees of the Department of Defense 9 Education Activity, or employees of the Defense Health Agencies or the healthcare workforce within the Department regardless of whether such positions are funded by appropriated or nonappropriated funds, unless the employee was documented as not performing or engaging in misconduct.
The Secretary of Defense, through the Secretary of the Air Force, is authorized to carry out a demonstration project, the purpose of which is to determine the feasibility or desirability of one or more proposals for improving the personnel management policies or procedures that apply with respect to the maintenance, modernization, and sustainment of ground-based intercontinental ballistic missile systems at operational missile wings, sustainment facilities, and contractor facilities of the Department of the Air Force.
Section 4703 of title 5, United States Code, shall apply to the demonstration project under this section, except that—
subsection (d)(1)(A) of such section 4703 shall be applied by substituting 15,000 for 5,000; and
subsection (d)(1)(B) of such section 4703 shall not apply.
Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, any demonstration project described in subsection (a) shall include the following:
Pay band structures that provide maximum flexibility to attract and retain employees with critical skills, including into apprentice programs.
Trades, technical, and leadership career paths that provide advancement opportunities for employees to progress through the bands based on performance and contribution to the mission.
Broad classification authority not otherwise subject to current government classification and job grading standards.
A performance management system that emphasizes desired mission outcomes and workforce alignment to Air Force priorities.
Pay flexibilities that promote opportunities for greater recruitment and retention of employees at intercontinental ballistic missile facilities.
The applicability of this section to an organization or team shall not terminate as a result of a reorganization, restructuring, realignment, consolidation, or other organizational change.
The Secretary of Defense shall designate an independent organization to conduct two assessments of this demonstration project described in subsection (a).
Each such assessment shall include the following:
A description of the workforce included in the project.
An explanation of the flexibilities used in the project to appoint individuals to the Air Force workforce participating in the demonstration project and whether those appointments are based on competitive procedures and recognized veteran’s preferences.
An explanation of the flexibilities used in the project to develop a performance appraisal system that recognizes excellence in performance and offers opportunities for improvement.
The steps taken to ensure that such system is fair and transparent for all employees in the project.
An explanation of how the project allows the organization to better meet mission needs.
An analysis of how the flexibilities in subparagraphs (B) and (C) are used, and what barriers have been encountered that inhibit their use.
A description of the processes for—
ensuring ongoing performance feedback and dialogue among supervisors, managers, and employees throughout the performance appraisal period; and
setting timetables for performance appraisals.
The project’s impact on career progression.
The project’s appropriateness or inappropriateness in light of the complexities of the workforce affected.
The adequacy of the training, policy guidelines, and other preparations afforded in connection with using the project.
Whether there is a process for ensuring employee involvement in the development and improvement of the project.
Five year plan.
The first assessment under this subsection shall be completed not later than September 30, 2028. The second and final assessment shall be completed not later than 2 years after the date the first assessment is completed. The Secretary shall submit to the covered congressional committees a copy of each assessment within 30 days after receiving the assessment.
In this section, the term covered congressional committees means—
the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives;
the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate; and
the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform of the House of Representatives.
The authority to conduct a demonstration project under this section shall terminate on the date that is 3 years after the date of the enactment of this Act.
Not later than 6 months after the authority to conduct a demonstration project under this section is terminated under subsection (g), employees in the project shall convert to the civilian personnel system created pursuant to section 9902 of title 5, United States Code.
The Secretary of Defense, through the Secretary of the Navy, is authorized to carry out a demonstration project, the purpose of which is to determine the feasibility or desirability of one or more proposals for improving the personnel management policies or procedures that apply with respect to the maintenance and sustainment of ships, submarines, and their associated systems at shipyards, regional maintenance centers, and trident refit facilities of the Department of the Navy.
Section 4703 of title 5, United States Code, shall apply to the demonstration project under this section, except that—
subsection (d)(1)(A) of such section 4703 shall be applied by substituting 60,000 for 5,000; and
subsection (d)(1)(B) of such section 4703 shall not apply.
The demonstration project under this section shall only apply to prevailing rate employees.
Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, any demonstration project described in subsection (a) shall include the following:
Pay band structures that provide maximum flexibility to attract and retain employees with critical skills, including into apprentice programs.
Trades, technical, and leadership career paths that provide advancement opportunities for employees to progress through the bands based on performance and contribution to the mission.
Broad classification authority not otherwise subject to current government classification and job grading standards.
A performance management system that emphasizes desired mission outcomes and workforce alignment to Navy priorities.
Pay flexibilities that promote opportunities for greater recruitment and retention of shipyard employees.
The applicability of this section to an organization or team shall not terminate as a result of a reorganization, restructuring, realignment, consolidation, or other organizational change.
The Secretary of Defense shall designate an independent organization to conduct two assessments of this demonstration project described in subsection (a).
Each such assessment shall include the following:
A description of the workforce included in the project.
An explanation of the flexibilities used in the project to appoint individuals to the Navy workforce participating in the demonstration project and whether those appointments are based on competitive procedures and recognized veteran’s preferences.
An explanation of the flexibilities used in the project to develop a performance appraisal system that recognizes excellence in performance and offers opportunities for improvement.
The steps taken to ensure that such system is fair and transparent for all employees in the project.
An explanation of how the project allows the organization to better meet mission needs.
An analysis of how the flexibilities in subparagraphs (B) and (C) are used, and what barriers have been encountered that inhibit their use.
A description of the processes for—
ensuring ongoing performance feedback and dialogue among supervisors, managers, and employees throughout the performance appraisal period; and
setting timetables for performance appraisals.
The project’s impact on career progression.
The project’s appropriateness or inappropriateness in light of the complexities of the workforce affected.
The adequacy of the training, policy guidelines, and other preparations afforded in connection with using the project.
Whether there is a process for ensuring employee involvement in the development and improvement of the project.
Five year plan.
The first assessment under this subsection shall be completed not later than September 30, 2028. The second and final assessment shall be completed not later than September 30, 2033. The Secretary shall submit to the covered congressional committees a copy of each assessment within 30 days after receiving the assessment.
In this section, the term covered congressional committees means—
the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives;
the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate; and
the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform of the House of Representatives.
The authority to conduct a demonstration project under this section shall terminate on the date that is 3 years after the date of the enactment of this Act.
Not later than 6 months after the authority to conduct a demonstration project under this section is terminated under subsection (g), employees in the project shall convert to the civilian personnel system created pursuant to section 9902 of title 5, United States Code.
The Secretary of Defense, through the Secretary of the Army, is authorized to carry out a demonstration project, the purpose of which is to determine the feasibility or desirability of one or more proposals for improving the personnel management policies or procedures that apply with respect to the maintenance and sustainment of covered depots (as that term is defined in section 2476 of title 10, United States Code).
Section 4703 of title 5, United States Code, shall apply to the demonstration project under this section, except that—
subsection (d)(1)(A) of such section 4703 shall be applied by substituting 60,000 for 5,000; and
subsection (d)(1)(B) of such section 4703 shall not apply.
The demonstration project under this section shall only apply to prevailing rate employees.
Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, any demonstration project described in subsection (a) shall include the following:
Pay band structures that provide maximum flexibility to attract and retain employees with critical skills, including into apprentice programs.
Trades, technical, and leadership career paths that provide advancement opportunities for employees to progress through the bands based on performance and contribution to the mission.
Broad classification authority not otherwise subject to current government classification and job grading standards.
A performance management system that emphasizes desired mission outcomes and workforce alignment to Department priorities.
Pay flexibilities that promote opportunities for greater recruitment and retention of covered depot employees.
The applicability of this section to an organization or team shall not terminate as a result of a reorganization, restructuring, realignment, consolidation, or other organizational change.
The Secretary of Defense shall designate an independent organization to conduct two assessments of this demonstration project described in subsection (a).
Each such assessment shall include the following:
A description of the workforce included in the project.
An explanation of the flexibilities used in the project to appoint individuals to the workforce participating in the demonstration project and whether those appointments are based on competitive procedures and recognized veteran’s preferences.
An explanation of the flexibilities used in the project to develop a performance appraisal system that recognizes excellence in performance and offers opportunities for improvement.
The steps taken to ensure that such system is fair and transparent for all employees in the project.
An explanation of how the project allows the organization to better meet mission needs.
An analysis of how the flexibilities in subparagraphs (B) and (C) are used, and what barriers have been encountered that inhibit their use.
A description of the processes for—
ensuring ongoing performance feedback and dialogue among supervisors, managers, and employees throughout the performance appraisal period; and
setting timetables for performance appraisals.
The project’s impact on career progression.
The project’s appropriateness or inappropriateness in light of the complexities of the workforce affected.
The first assessment under this subsection shall be completed not later than September 30, 2028. The second and final assessment shall be completed not later than September 30, 2033. The Secretary shall submit to the covered congressional committees a copy of each assessment within 30 days after receiving the assessment.
In this section, the term covered congressional committees means—
the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives;
the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate; and
the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform of the House of Representatives.
The authority to conduct a demonstration project under this section shall terminate on December 31, 2032.
Not later than 6 months after the authority to conduct a demonstration project under this section is terminated under subsection (g), employees in the project shall convert to the civilian personnel system created pursuant to section 9902 of title 5, United States Code.
None of the funds authorized to be appropriated or otherwise made available for fiscal year 2027 for the Department of Defense may be used to—
carry out a hiring freeze at a public shipyard of the Department;
carry out a reduction in force at a public shipyard of the Department; or
delay without cause the filling of a vacant Federal civilian employee position at a public shipyard of the Department.
Section 127d(a) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking $20,000,000 and inserting $50,000,000.
Section 333(a) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
Space domain awareness.
Chapter 16 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 352 the following new section:
The Secretary of the Air Force may operate the Air Force education and training facility known as the Inter-Pacific Air Forces Academy (in this section referred to as the Academy).
The purpose of the Academy shall be to provide military education and training to military personnel of countries that are—
within the United States Indo-Pacific Command area of responsibility; and
eligible for assistance under chapter 5 of part II of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2347 et seq.).
Military personnel of a country may be provided education and training under this section only with the concurrence of the Secretary of State.
Education and training may not be provided under this section to the military personnel of any country that is otherwise prohibited from receiving such type of assistance under any other provision of law.
The Secretary of the Air Force may, under such conditions as the Secretary may prescribe, provide to a person receiving education and training under this section the following:
Transportation incident to such education and training.
Supplies and equipment to be used during such education and training.
Billeting, food, and health services in connection with the receipt of such education and training.
The Secretary of the Air Force may pay to a person receiving education and training under this section a living allowance at a rate to be prescribed by the Secretary, taking into account the rates of living allowances authorized for a member of the Armed Forces under similar circumstances.
Amounts for the operations and maintenance of the Academy, and for the provision of education and training through the Academy, may be paid from funds available for the Air Force for operation and maintenance.
Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate, the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives, and the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate a report containing a review of the execution by the Department of Defense of programs conducted pursuant to section 333 of title 10, United States Code. The review shall include, with respect to such programs, the following information:
The extent to which the Department of Defense has defined measurable timelines and goals with targets for such programs.
The extent to which program execution has been timely and programs have achieved their stated goals.
Challenges affecting the outcomes of such programs.
Any other matters the Comptroller General of the United States determines relevant.
The Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Secretary of State, may establish a joint education and training program on military trauma care and research with appropriate personnel of the military forces of one or more foreign countries.
The Secretary may include in each joint education and training program on military trauma care and research under subsection (a) the following:
The sharing of relevant lessons learned in combat casualty care derived from prior conflicts.
The conduct of joint conferences, symposia, and professional exchange programs involving military medical professionals from the United States and the foreign countries participating in the program.
Collaboration through structured knowledge exchanges on matters relating to health policy, health administration, and medical logistics, including with respect to medical supplies and equipment.
The conduct of joint research and development initiatives addressing the health effects of new and emerging weapons and methods of warfare.
Capacity-building programs to support the development, sustainment, and modernization of military trauma care systems and programs.
Coordination, through the Joint Trauma System of the Defense Health Agency, of trauma care doctrine, data collection, performance improvement, and clinical best practices with the Armed Forces of the United States and the military medical services of the foreign countries participating in the program.
The provision of training to the military forces of such foreign countries with respect to—
military trauma care;
combat wound infection; and
post-traumatic stress disorder and suicide prevention relating to the treatment of military trauma care.
In carrying out the joint education and training program on military trauma care and research under subsection (a), the Secretary of Defense may use the authorities under chapter 16 of title 10, United States Code, and other applicable statutory authorities available to the Secretary.
Section 1226(h) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016 (Public Law 114–92; 22 U.S.C. 2151 note) is amended by striking December 31, 2026 and inserting December 31, 2027.
Section 1233(a) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 (Public Law 110–181; 122 Stat. 393) is amended by striking beginning on October 1, 2025, and ending on December 31, 2026 and inserting beginning on October 1, 2026, and ending on December 31, 2027.
Section 1233(d)(1) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 (Public Law 110–181; 122 Stat. 393) is amended by striking beginning on October 1, 2025, and ending on December 31, 2026 and inserting beginning on October 1, 2026, and ending on December 31, 2027.
Section 1094(e)(2)(A)(ii)(I) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (Public Law 117–81; 135 Stat. 1941) is amended by striking 3 years and inserting 4 years.
None of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise made available to the Department of Defense may be obligated or expended to provide direct or indirect assistance or support, including training, equipment, services, or currency, to—
the Taliban;
the Government of Afghanistan;
any subsidiary, agent, instrumentality, or successor of the Taliban; or
an entity or foreign country that solicits or accepts support or assistance from the United States with the intent to forward or transfer that support or assistance to the Taliban or the Government of Afghanistan.
Section 1236 of the Carl Levin and Howard P. Buck McKeon National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015 (Public Law 113- 291; 128 Stat. 3558) is amended—
in subsection (a), in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking December 31, 2026 and inserting December 31, 2027; and
in subsection (n)(6), by striking December 31, 2026 and inserting December 31, 2027.
Not more than 25 percent of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise made available for fiscal year 2027 for the Iraqi security forces under section 1236 of the Carl Levin and Howard P. Buck McKeon National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015 (Public Law 113–291; 128 Stat. 3558) may be obligated or expended until the date on which the Secretary of Defense submits to the congressional defense committees a certification that the Government of Iraq has taken credible steps—
to reduce the operational capacity of Iran-aligned militia groups not integrated into the Iraqi security forces through a publicly verifiable disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration process;
to strengthen the authority and operational control of the Prime Minister of Iraq as Commander-in-Chief over the Iraqi security forces; and
to investigate and hold accountable members of Iran-aligned militia groups or members of the Iraqi security forces operating outside the formal chain of command of the Iraqi security forces who engage in attacks on United States or Iraqi personnel or otherwise act in an illegal or destabilizing manner.
The Secretary of Defense may waive the limitation in subsection (a) for a period of not more than 180 days if the Secretary determines that such waiver is in the national security interest of the United States. Any such waiver shall be submitted in writing to the congressional defense committees not later than 15 days after issuance, along with a justification and a description of the steps being taken to achieve the objectives described in subsection (a).
Nothing in this section shall apply to funds authorized to be appropriated for the Iraqi security forces that are designated for the Kurdish Peshmerga Forces.
In this section, the term Iraqi security forces means the military and other security forces of or associated with the Government of Iraq.
None of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise made available to the Secretary of Defense for fiscal year 2027 may be made available to the Badr Organization or any affiliates or successors of the Badr Organization.
Section 12001(d) of the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2005 (Public Law 108–287; 118 Stat. 1011) is amended by striking January 1, 2027 and inserting January 1, 2029.
Section 1279 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016 (22 U.S.C. 8606 note) is amended—
in the section heading, by striking anti-tunnel and inserting subterranean;
by striking anti-tunnel each place it appears and inserting subterranean;
in subsection (a)—
in the heading, by striking anti-tunnel and inserting subterranean; and
in paragraph (1), strike underground tunnels and insert or destroy subterranean facilities, including tunnels, bunkers, and other underground targets,;
in subsection (b)—
by striking paragraph (4); and
by redesignating paragraph (5) as paragraph (4); and
in subsection (f), by striking 2028 and inserting 2029.
Section 1278 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 (22 U.S.C. 8606 note) is amended—
in subsection (b)—
by striking paragraph (4); and
by redesignating paragraph (5) as paragraph (4); and
in subsection (g), by striking 2028 and inserting 2029.
Section 1250 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (10 U.S.C. 113 note) is amended—
in the heading, by inserting , and arms sales and weapon systems transfers to, after training in; and
in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by inserting and decisions related to arms sales and weapon systems and equipment transfers under section 333 of title 10, United States Code, to such member countries after countries.
Section 1249 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (Public Law 119–60) is amended—
in subsection (a), by inserting or fiscal year 2027 after fiscal year 2026;
in subsection (e), by striking December 31, 2027 and inserting December 31, 2028.; and
in subsection (f), by striking 2026 each place it appears and inserting 2027.
Section 1249(b) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (Public Law 119–60) is amended—
in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking The certification described and inserting following:
Except as provided under paragraph (2), the certification described
by redesignating paragraphs (1) and (2) as subparagraphs (A) and (B), respectively; and
by adding at the end following new paragraph:
With respect to a proposed action described in paragraph (1) or (3) of subsection (a), the certification described in paragraph (1) of this subsection shall also include a certification that such action is being undertaken only after submission of the assessment described in subsection (c)(1)(A)(x) which determined it was not feasible to reposition members of the Armed Forces or Department of Defense equipment to a member of NATO located on NATO’s eastern flank, including Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, or Romania.
Section 1249(c)(A) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (Public Law 119–60) is amended by adding at the end the following new clause:
with respect to an assessment under this subparagraph relating to a proposed action described in subsection (a)(1) or (a)(3), in cases involving the withdrawal of members of the Armed Forces or Department of Defense equipment from countries in the area of responsibility of the United States European Command, a detailed analysis of the feasibility of repositioning such personnel or equipment to a member of NATO located on NATO’s eastern flank, including Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, or Romania, that has demonstrated progress toward meeting the defense investment commitments agreed to in the Hague Summit Declaration of June 25, 2025, and has made substantial investments in infrastructure in support of United States Armed Forces personnel and allied defense objectives, as determined by the Commander of the United States European Command.
Section 1249(b) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (Public Law 119–60) is amended—
in paragraph (1), by striking ; and;
in paragraph (2), by striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon; and
by adding at the end the following:
does not undermine United States or allied deterrence of the Russian Federation; and
does not reduce the readiness of forces assigned to or stationed in the United States European Command to support global contingencies.
The Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Secretary of State, shall establish a program to expand cooperation between the defense industrial bases of the United States and Poland to expand co-production capacity, enhance supply chain resilience, and support operational readiness for United States and allied forces. The program shall seek to—
enhance bilateral cooperation between the United States and Poland;
reduce barriers to co-production between the United States and Poland; and
strengthen NATO’s deterrence capability, including against malign influence from the Russian Federation and People’s Republic of China.
The program established pursuant to subsection (a) may also include the following:
Co-production of munitions, ground combat systems, air combat systems and other critical defense articles.
The establishment and expansion of forward repair, maintenance, and sustainment capabilities in Poland.
The identification and authorization of technology transfer necessary to establish co-production of co-sustainment capabilities in Poland that support the Armed Forces in Poland and NATO’s deterrence capabilities.
The development of redundant and resilient supply chains to carry out the objectives described in paragraphs (1) through (3) of subsection (a).
Actions to identify and mitigate barriers to defense industrial base cooperation, including barriers relating to export controls, technology transfer, or contracting practices.
In carrying out the program established pursuant to subsection (a), the Secretary of Defense shall coordinate with other Federal departments and agencies, including the Department of State and the Department of Commerce, in order to—
enter into contracts, cooperative agreements, and other bilateral agreements (including under section 4022 of title 10, United States Code); and
provide technical assistance, training, and equipment relating to defense industrial base cooperation.
The Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Secretary of State, shall seek to coordinate with appropriate counterparts of Poland to convene an annual industry roundtable consisting of United States and Polish defense companies, with the goal of expanding cooperation and engagement across sectors and between government and industry with respect to activities to implement the program established pursuant to subsection (a).
The Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Secretary of State, shall annually for a period of 5 years submit to the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate and Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives a report on—
any additional legislative authorities required to carry out the program established pursuant to subsection (a) or any of the elements described in subsection (b); and
any regulatory or policy barriers to achieving the objectives described in paragraphs (1) through (3) of subsection (a).
It shall be the policy of the Department of Defense that any next-generation small arms ammunition adopted for widespread operational use by the Armed Forces shall, to the maximum extent practicable consistent with operational and survivability requirements—
be aligned with and incorporated into NATO standardization agreements;
support full interoperability among NATO member countries for logistics, resupply, and coalition operations; and
be capable of manufacture at scale by multiple producers, including producers located within NATO member countries.
The Secretary of Defense, acting through the Secretary of the Army, shall implement the policy described in subsection (a) by—
formally engaging appropriate counterparts of NATO member countries, NATO standardization bodies, and allied defense ministries to pursue adoption of a standardization agreement for 6.8x51mm ammunition, or any successor next-generation small arms ammunition, with the objective of pursuing standardization on a timeline not exceeding, to the extent feasible, five years after the date of enactment of this Act;
incorporating NATO standardization and allied production objectives as mandatory program requirements, acquisition strategy elements, and milestone decision criteria for 6.8x51mm ammunition; and
ensuring that domestic ammunition design, performance specifications, and production planning for 6.8x51mm ammunition—
do not foreclose opportunities for NATO standardization through proprietary or design constraints; and
otherwise affirmatively enable NATO standardization and interoperability.
The Secretary of the Army shall, in implementing an acquisition strategy for 6.8x51mm ammunition consistent with subsection (b)—
obtain, consistent with subchapter I of chapter 275 of title 10, United States Code (and data rights policies issued thereunder), a technical data package and associated unlimited or government-purpose rights with respect to such ammunition sufficient to enable competitive procurement and, where appropriate, allied production;
establish contracting mechanisms to permit licensed or independent production of such ammunition by entities within NATO member countries; and
minimize, to the greatest extent possible and consistent with other applicable provisions of law, proprietary, licensing, or intellectual property restrictions that would unreasonably impede allied production or coalition interoperability.
Not later than March 1, 2027, the Secretary of the Army shall notify the congressional defense committees of any restrictions described in subsection (c)(3) that are not capable of being eliminated, along with the reasons for such incapability.
Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a strategy that—
identifies the specific NATO standardization bodies, forums, and timelines through which standardization described in subsection (b)(1) will be pursued;
describes the industrial base actions required to enable allied production of 6.8x51mm ammunition; and
identifies known barriers to NATO standardization, adoption, or commercialization with respect to such ammunition, whether technical, legal, or contractual, and specific steps and timelines to resolve each.
Not later than one year after submission of the strategy required under subsection (e), and annually thereafter until the Secretary of Defense makes an affirmative determination described in subsection (g), the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report that—
describes progress toward NATO standardization of 6.8x51mm ammunition;
identifies actions taken to enable allied production of such ammunition;
assesses any remaining barriers to achieving NATO standardization, adoption, or commercialization and steps planned to address them; and
explains any failure to meet the timelines established in the strategy submitted pursuant to subsection (e).
The requirement under subsection (f) shall terminate on the date the Secretary of Defense determines that—
at least one European ally is producing 6.8x51mm ammunition in accordance with the standardization and interoperability objectives of this section; or
no current United States weapons system uses 6.8x51mm ammunition.
To the maximum extent practicable, the requirements of this section shall be implemented through future solicitations, contract modifications by mutual agreement, and new contract awards.
Nothing in this section may be construed to require the renegotiation of existing contracts in a manner that would violate applicable procurement laws or result in a breach of contract.
Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, in coordination with the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report that includes—
the analytical framework, analysis of alternatives, war-gaming activities and other operational assessments, intelligence assessments, and operational and strategic risk assessments used by the Department of Defense in conducting the review of global force posture undertaken during development of the national defense strategy most recently prepared pursuant to section 113(g) of title 10, United States Code, specifically as it pertained to the area of responsibility of the United States European Command; and
an explanation of how and to what extent the analytical framework, analysis of alternatives, war-gaming activities and other operational assessments, intelligence assessments, and operational and strategic risk assessments described in paragraph (1) informed and were consistent with changes to United States force posture in the area of responsibility of the United States European Command implemented after January 20, 2025.
The report required under subsection (a) shall include the following:
A description of the modeling assumptions and analytic parameters used in the review to evaluate United States force posture in the area of responsibility of the United States European Command, including—
force-sizing constructs and campaign planning assumptions;
logistics, sustainment, strategic mobility, contested deployment, and reinforcement assumptions;
assumptions relating to United States and allied force availability, readiness, reinforcement timelines, munitions expenditures, prepositioned stocks, and strategic lift capacity;
adversary force readiness, mobilization and reinforcement timelines, and operational objectives; and
assumptions relating to simultaneous or overlapping theater demands.
A comprehensive description of the force-planning scenarios, tabletop exercises, and war-gaming inputs used in the review to evaluate United States force posture in the area of responsibility of the United States European Command.
An assessment of the alternative force posture options considered during the review and the analytical criteria used to evaluate and compare such options, including cost, host nation and allied burden-sharing contributions, the relative operational effects of rotational and permanently stationed forces, and the operational implications of positioning forces closer to potential contingency areas along NATO’s eastern flank.
The intelligence assessments and threat analyses used to inform the Department of Defense’s review of United States force posture in the area of responsibility of the United States European Command.
An assessment of capability gaps associated with combatant commander campaign plans and NATO regional plans as well as the associated operational and strategic risks identified by the Department of Defense in its review of United States force posture in the area of responsibility of the United States European Command.
A description of how the analytical framework, analysis of alternatives, war-gaming activities and other operational assessments, intelligence assessments, and operational and strategic risk assessments used by the Department of Defense in the review evaluated the ability of NATO allies and partners to mitigate identified capability gaps and associated operational and strategic risks, including projected timelines for capability development and fielding.
A description of the coordination undertaken during the initial review in the development and application of the analytical framework, analysis of alternatives, war-gaming activities and other operational assessments, intelligence assessments, and operational and strategic risk assessments described in paragraphs (1) through (6), with—
the Joint Staff, the Military Departments, and the Commander of United States European Command;
the Department of State;
the intelligence community; and
NATO military authorities and NATO allies and partners in Europe and Canada.
An assessment of the extent to which the analytical framework, analysis of alternatives, war-gaming activities and other operational assessments, intelligence assessments, and operational and strategic risk assessments described in paragraphs (1) through (6) were consistent with United States force posture adjustments within the area of responsibility of the United States European Command implemented after January 20, 2025, including—
an assessment of each such adjustment to United States force posture in Europe during such period;
an assessment of the operational, strategic, fiscal, and risk-based justification for each such adjustment;
an identification of any deviations from the initial review’s analytical framework, analysis of alternatives, war-gaming activities and other operational assessments, intelligence assessments, and operational and strategic risk assessments in the analysis underlying such adjustments, including the rationale for any such deviation;
an identification of any deviations from military interagency assessments or non-concurrence about such adjustments, including the rationale for any such deviation; and
an evaluation of the implications of each such adjustment for United States national security interests, NATO’s deterrence and defense posture, and execution of combatant commander campaign plans and NATO regional plans.
The report required under subsection (a) shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may include a classified annex.
Not later than 180 days after the submission of the report required under subsection (a), the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to the congressional defense committees an independent assessment of—
the analytical framework, analysis of alternatives, war-gaming activities and other operational assessments, intelligence assessments, and operational and strategic risk assessments used in conducting the review of global force posture undertaken during development of the national defense strategy most recently prepared pursuant to section 113(g) of title 10, United States Code, specifically as it pertained to the area of responsibility of the United States European Command;
the conclusions drawn from such review of global force posture; and
the extent to which such analytical framework, analysis of alternatives, war-gaming activities and other operational assessments, intelligence assessments, and operational and strategic risk assessments informed and were consistent with changes to United States force posture in the area of responsibility of the United States European Command implemented after January 20, 2025.
The assessment under paragraph (1) shall include—
an evaluation of the completeness, rigor, and methodological validity of the analytical framework, assumptions, scenarios, intelligence inputs, and analysis of alternatives;
an assessment of the consistency between the analytical conclusions and actual posture decisions implemented after January 20, 2025;
a review of the sensitivity of conclusions to key assumptions and variables;
an identification of any gaps, limitations, or sources of analytical risk; and
an evaluation of the implications of each such adjustment for United States national security interests, NATO’s deterrence and defense posture, and execution of combatant commander campaign plans and NATO regional plans.
The Secretary of Defense shall provide the Comptroller General with timely access to all data, assumptions, models, briefings, analyses, memoranda, recommendations, dissenting views, decision memoranda, and other information necessary to carry out the assessment required under this subsection, including classified information, consistent with applicable law.
Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, and every 90 days thereafter through January 1, 2028, the Commander, United States European Command shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on each of the following:
An evaluation of allied progress on meeting the 5 percent defense investment commitment agreed to at the 2025 Summit of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in The Hague.
An evaluation of allied progress on implementing NATO capability targets and any priority capability shortfalls.
A list of critical capabilities required to execute NATO’s regional plans that are largely or wholly provided by the United States and a description of any European and Canadian allied efforts to develop or procure those or similar capabilities.
A description of United States forces available to the Supreme Allied Commander Europe under the NATO Force Model.
In the first report submitted under this subsection, a description of any changes to the United States forces available to the Supreme Allied Commander Europe under the NATO Force Model in the previous year.
In the subsequent reports submitted under this subsection, a description of any changes to the United States forces available to the Supreme Allied Commander Europe under the NATO Force Model in the preceding 90-day period.
In the case of any changes described pursuant to paragraph (5)—
an assessment of whether Europe has the force structure, readiness levels, and enabling capabilities to assume responsibility for any decreases in United States forces available to the Supreme Allied Commander Europe under the NATO Force Model;
an assessment of the risk such change poses to NATO’s deterrence and defense posture; and
whether modifications to the NATO Defense Planning Process are required, including whether such changes—
alter NATO capability targets or apportionment decisions; or
require updated NATO political guidance at the ministerial or summit level.
An assessment of NATO’s deterrence and defense posture on the alliance’s eastern flank, including—
a description of United States military force posture in each country on the eastern flank, including any changes to United States forces on such flank during the 90-day period preceding the submission of the report;
a description of allied military force posture in each country on the eastern flank;
an evaluation of the capacity of United States and allied forces to reinforce NATO’s eastern flank in the event of a conflict;
an identification of any obstacles that could delay such reinforcement, including the status of prepositioned United States materiel in Europe; and
a description of efforts by the United States and NATO allies to address the obstacles identified pursuant to subparagraph (D).
An assessment of NATO’s deterrence efforts in Romania, including a description and evaluation of—
United States force posture in Romania, including any new rotations to Romania intended to enhance deterrence following the 2025 decision to end the rotational presence of a United States brigade;
consultations with NATO allies regarding efforts to backfill or otherwise mitigate the capability gap resulting from the end the rotational presence of a United States brigade;
NATO Forward Land Forces in Romania;
new or expanded bilateral and multilateral training activities and military exercises conducted to build capacity and improve interoperability among United States forces, Romanian forces, and other NATO allies;
efforts undertaken by the United States, Romania, and other NATO allies to improve critical military infrastructure in Romania, including infrastructure necessary to support collective defense obligations of the alliance and to enable United States contingency operations; and
efforts to support and strengthen the defense industrial base of Romania.
The report required by subsection (a) shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may include a classified annex.
It is the sense of Congress that the Secretary of Defense should continue efforts that strengthen United States defense alliances and partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region so as to further the comparative advantage of the United States in strategic competition with the People’s Republic of China, including by—
enhancing cooperation with Japan, consistent with the Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security Between the United States of America and Japan, signed at Washington, January 19, 1960, including by developing advanced military capabilities, upgrading command and control relationships, fostering interoperability across all domains, and improving sharing of information and intelligence;
reinforcing the United States alliance with the Republic of Korea, including by maintaining the presence of approximately 28,500 members of the United States Armed Forces deployed to the Republic of Korea, enhancing mutual defense base cooperation, and affirming the United States extended deterrence commitment using the full range of United States defense capabilities, consistent with the Mutual Defense Treaty Between the United States and the Republic of Korea, signed at Washington, October 1, 1953, in support of the shared objective of a peaceful and stable Korean Peninsula;
fostering bilateral and multilateral cooperation with Australia, consistent with the Security Treaty Between Australia, New Zealand, and the United States of America, signed at San Francisco, September 1, 1951, and through the partnership among Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States to—
advance shared security objectives;
accelerate the fielding of advanced military capabilities; and
build the capacity of emerging partners;
advancing United States alliances with the Philippines and Thailand and United States partnerships with other partners in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations to enhance maritime domain awareness, promote sovereignty and territorial integrity, leverage technology and promote innovation, and support an open, inclusive, and rules-based regional architecture;
broadening United States engagement with India, including through the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue to—
advance the shared objective of a free and open Indo-Pacific region through bilateral and multilateral engagements and participation in military exercises, expanded defense trade, and collaboration on humanitarian aid and disaster response; and
enable greater cooperation on maritime security;
strengthening the United States partnership with Taiwan, consistent with the Three Communiques, the Taiwan Relations Act (Public Law 96–8; 22 U.S.C. 3301 et seq.), and the Six Assurances, with the goal of improving Taiwan’s defensive capabilities and promoting peaceful cross-strait relations;
reinforcing the status of Singapore as a Major Security Cooperation Partner of the United States and continuing to strengthen defense and security cooperation between the military forces of Singapore and the United States Armed Forces, including through participation in combined exercises and training;
engaging with the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Palau, and other Pacific island countries, with the goal of strengthening regional security and addressing issues of mutual concern, including protecting fisheries from illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing;
collaborating with Canada, the United Kingdom, France, and other members of the European Union and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization to build connectivity and advance a shared vision for the region that is principled, long-term, and anchored in democratic resilience;
investing in enhanced military posture and capabilities in the area of responsibility of the United States Indo-Pacific Command and strengthening cooperation in bilateral relationships, multilateral partnerships, and other international fora to uphold global security and shared principles, with the goal of ensuring the maintenance of a free and open Indo-Pacific region;
supporting efforts by the Republic of Korea to strengthen deterrence and to deepen bilateral defense cooperation between the United States and the Republic of Korea; and
expanding shipbuilding cooperation with the Republic of Korea to bolster the shipbuilding capacity and workforce of the United States and to reinforce the defense industrial base of the United States.
Subsection (c) of section 1251 of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (10 U.S.C. 113 note) is amended—
by striking the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 and inserting the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027; and
by striking fiscal year 2026 and inserting fiscal year 2027.
Subsection (d) of such section is amended—
in paragraph (1)(A), in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking fiscal years 2027 and 2028 and inserting fiscal years 2028 and 2029; and
in paragraph (2), by striking fiscal years 2027 and 2028 each place it appears and inserting fiscal years 2028 and 2029.
Subsection (e) of such section is amended, in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking fiscal years 2027 and 2028 and inserting fiscal years 2028 and 2029.
Section 1260H(b) of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (Public Law 116–283; 10 U.S.C. 113 note) is amended by striking 2030 and inserting 2035.
Section 1260H of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (10 U.S.C. 113 note) is amended—
in subsection (b)(3)(A), by striking not less frequently and all that follows through the end of the sentence and inserting as determined appropriate by the Secretary based on the latest information available.;
by amending subsection (b)(4) to read as follows:
The Secretary shall publish the list in English. The Secretary may include Mandarin Chinese or other foreign-language identifiers as appropriate for entity identification purposes.
by striking subsection (e) and inserting the following:
The Secretary of Defense shall prescribe regulations as necessary to implement this section.
in subsection (g), by adding at the end the following:
The term assistance means benefits provided by the Government of China, including grants, loans, subsidies, tax benefits, real or personal property, sponsored research, or any other preferential treatment.
The term formal association includes joint ventures, partnerships, consortiums, task forces, or research collaborations with an entity identified under subsection (g)(2)(B)(i).
The term informal association includes participation in exhibitions, competitions, demonstrations, or other temporary activities with an entity identified under subsection (g)(2)(B)(i).
Section 1202 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2000 (10 U.S.C. 113 note) is amended—
in subsection (a), by striking 2027 and inserting 2030; and
in subsection (b)—
in paragraph (3)(C), by striking the period at the end and inserting , including nuclear, missile, air defense, submarine quieting, and drone development cooperation.;
by inserting after paragraph (5) the following:
Complicity, involvement, and degree of association of the People’s Liberation Army in the use of forced labor by and the violation of other human rights of Uyghurs in Xinjiang.
in paragraph (8)(A)—
by inserting a comma after infrastructure); and
by striking the period at the end and inserting , and the likely role of Chinese cyber capabilities in a conflict with the United States, including against allied and partner nations in the First and Second Island Chain and the United States homeland.;
in paragraph (9)—
in subparagraph (A)(i), by inserting including the United States, after any other country,; and
in subparagraph (B)—
by inserting biotechnology, after space,; and
by inserting and emerging after other advanced;
in paragraph (10)—
in subparagraph (A), by striking and at the end;
by redesignating subparagraph (B) as subparagraph (D); and
by inserting after subparagraph (A) the following:
how delays in delivery of American defense articles to Taiwan affect the Chinese Communist Party’s assessments of the balance of power in the Strait;
the likely strategic intent of Chinese forces in a conflict over Taiwan, how they will conduct a cyber enabled economic warfare campaign, a cross-strait invasion campaign, or a blockade campaign and how Russia may be assisting China in preparation for such activities; and
by redesignating paragraph (14) as paragraph (16); and
by inserting after paragraph (13) the following:
An assessment of the character, extent, trajectory, and consequences of security cooperation between the People’s Republic of China and the Russian Federation, the Islamic Republic of Iran, and North Korea, including how China provides dual-use support to the defense industrial bases of these countries.
An assessment of the effects that population trends and forecasts of the People’s Republic of China have on the force structure and size of the People’s Liberation Army.
Subsection (d) of section 1323 of the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (Public Law 118–159) is amended by adding at the end the following:
Of the amounts authorized to be appropriated for fiscal year 2027 for the Department of Defense, not more than $1,000,000,000 may be made available for the purposes of subsection (a).
Section 1268 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (Public Law 119–60) is amended by striking Amounts authorized to be appropriated by this Act may not be obligated or expended and inserting None of the amounts authorized to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise made available for fiscal years 2026 or 2027 may be obligated or expended.
Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, and every 90 days thereafter, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report detailing any instance of bilateral military-to-military exchange or contact between the Department of Defense and the Government of the Russian Federation.
Each report required in subsection (a) shall include—
a list of each instance of military-to-military exchange or contact between the Department of Defense and the Government of the Russian Federation;
a description of the purpose of each such instance of military-to-military exchange or contact;
a detailed description of the benefits the Government of the Russian Federation expects to gain from such military-to-military exchanges and contacts; and
a detailed assessment of the benefits the Department of Defense expects to gain from such military-to-military exchanges and contacts.
This section shall cease to be effective on December 31, 2029.
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter for 3 years, the Secretary of Defense shall coordinate with the Director of National Intelligence to ensure the preparation of this report does not diminish national intelligence activities, and in coordination with the Secretary of State, shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report that includes—
a detailed description of the Russian Armed Forces and their affiliated, quasi-state, or occupation-era activities that damage, destroy, seize, repurpose, or otherwise directly or indirectly engage in or facilitate serious harm to churches, synagogues, mosques, and other religious facilities, and their respective religious organizations, in Russian-occupied territories of Ukraine, including a description of the weapons systems, units, and, where ascertainable, the commanders responsible for ordering or conducting such strikes;
an identification of churches, synagogues, mosques, and other religious facilities, including Christian, Jewish, Muslim, and other minority religious institutions, that have been destroyed, damaged, seized, repurposed, or otherwise appropriated directly or indirectly by persons operating for or on behalf of the Russian Armed Forces or the Government of the Russian Federation in occupied territories of Ukraine;
an assessment of—
the number of Christians, Jews, Muslims (including Crimean Tatars), and other religious minorities not affiliated with the Russian Orthodox Church who have been subjected to persecution, imprisonment, or forced displacement in occupied territories of Ukraine as a result of Russian military operations or occupation-era policies;
restrictions imposed on Christian, Jewish, Muslim, and other religions not affiliated with the Russian Orthodox Church’s religious practices, worship services, or religious education in occupied territories, insofar as such restrictions are imposed or enforced by Russian military or security forces;
efforts by the Government of Russia, by authorities exercising de facto governmental control in occupied territory, or by entities or persons otherwise affiliated with Russia, to compel Christian organizations to affiliate with Moscow-based religious institutions or to suppress Christian, Jewish, Muslim, or any other denominations not aligned with Russian state interests, where such efforts are carried out by or in coordination with Russian military forces; and
the overall impact of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and its occupation of Ukrainian territory, on religious freedom and the physical integrity of religious infrastructure in occupied territories of Ukraine, including Crimea and Sevastopol; and
a list of individuals and entities affiliated with the Government of Russia, the Russian Armed Forces, or exercising de facto authority in occupied territory, that—
are responsible for ordering, directing, or conducting strikes or occupation-era activities that damaged or destroyed religious infrastructure, or that persecute, suppress, or discriminate against Christians, Jews, or Muslims in Ukraine and in the occupied territories of Ukraine; or
have otherwise engaged in or attempted to engage in any of the conduct described in this subsection.
The report required under subsection (a) shall be submitted in an unclassified form but may include a classified annex.
In this section, the term appropriate congressional committees means—
the Committee on Armed Services, the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence of the House of Representatives; and
the Committee on Armed Services, the Committee on Foreign Relations, and the Select Committee on Intelligence of the Senate.
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall seek to enter into a contract or other agreement with a federally funded research and development center under which the center shall—
conduct a study to assess the effectiveness of the past 20 years of United States policy in Somalia, including through United States security cooperation and security assistance, military operations, and other forms of assistance provided to and in Somalia, with respect to—
addressing and reducing the threat of violence posed by Al Shabaab and ISIS-Somalia; and
achieving other United States objectives with respect to Somalia; and
develop evidence-based options and recommendations for United States policy in Somalia to reduce or resolve the threat of violence posed by Al Shabaab and ISIS-Somalia.
The study required by subsection (a) shall also discuss the following with respect to Somalia:
Factors leading to initial United States involvement in the conflict.
The legal opinions that interpreted the 2001 Authorization to Use Military Force to apply to Al Shabaab.
A description of the threats posed by Al Shabaab and ISIS-Somalia to the United States homeland.
The amount of funds spent on security, development and humanitarian assistance, including the estimated costs of Department of Defense operations.
An assessment of the policy objectives identified by the United States with respect to such assistance and operations and any United States Government efforts to assess whether those objectives were met.
A description of any efforts to push for a political solution for the war, including internal United States Government discussions and outcomes, concerning whether or not to support dialogue with Al Shabaab.
A description of all significant changes in United States policy, practice, or other factors that have contributed to an increase in the number of United States airstrikes in Somalia since January 2025.
A description of past and planned efforts to engage with the Somali armed forces on civilian harm mitigation and response issues.
United States Government benchmarks for disengaging from military operations in Somalia over the course of United States military operations in the country.
The federally funded research and development center that carries out the study and analysis under subsection (a) shall submit to the Secretary of Defense a report containing the results of such study.
Not later than 30 days after receiving the report required by subsection (c), the Secretary of Defense shall submit an unaltered copy of the report to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House of Representatives.
The submission required by subsection (d) shall be in unclassified form and may include a classified annex. The unclassified portion of the report shall concurrently be made publicly available.
Section 1209 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (Public Law 118–159; 10 U.S.C. 321 note) is repealed.
Funds are hereby authorized to be appropriated for fiscal year 2027 for the use of the Armed Forces and other activities and agencies of the Department of Defense for providing capital for working capital and revolving funds, as specified in the funding table in section 4501.
Funds are hereby authorized to be appropriated for the Department of Defense for fiscal year 2027 for expenses, not otherwise provided for, for Chemical Agents and Munitions Destruction, Defense, as specified in the funding table in section 4501.
Amounts authorized to be appropriated under subsection (a) are authorized for the destruction of lethal chemical agents and munitions in accordance with section 1412 of the Department of Defense Authorization Act, 1986 (50 U.S.C. 1521).
Funds are hereby authorized to be appropriated for the Department of Defense for fiscal year 2027 for expenses, not otherwise provided for, for Drug Interdiction and Counter-Drug Activities, Defense-wide, as specified in the funding table in section 4501.
Funds are hereby authorized to be appropriated for the Department of Defense for fiscal year 2027 for expenses, not otherwise provided for, for the Office of the Inspector General of the Department of Defense, as specified in the funding table in section 4501.
Funds are hereby authorized to be appropriated for fiscal year 2027 for the Defense Health Program for use of the Armed Forces and other activities and agencies of the Department of Defense for providing for the health of eligible beneficiaries, as specified in the funding table in section 4501.
Section 53202(a)(2) of title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking two and inserting not less than 6.
Section 53209 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking $10,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 2021 through 2035 and inserting $30,000,000 for each of the fiscal years 2027 through 2040.
Section 1704(e) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010 (Public Law 111–84; 123 Stat. 2573), as most recently amended by section 1421(a) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (Public Law 118–159; 138 Stat. 2129), is amended by striking September 30, 2027 and inserting September 30, 2028.
Of the funds authorized to be appropriated for section 1405 and available for the Defense Health Program for operation and maintenance, $174,000,000 may be transferred by the Secretary of Defense to the Joint Department of Defense–Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Facility Demonstration Fund established by subsection (a)(1) of section 1704 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010 (Public Law 111–84; 123 Stat. 2571). For purposes of subsection (a)(2) of such section 1704, any funds so transferred shall be treated as amounts authorized and appropriated specifically for the purpose of such a transfer.
For the purposes of subsection (b) of such section 1704, facility operations for which funds transferred under subsection (a) may be used are operations of the Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center, consisting of the North Chicago Veterans Affairs Medical Center, the Navy Ambulatory Care Center, and supporting facilities designated as a combined Federal medical facility under an operational agreement covered by section 706 of the Duncan Hunter National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009 (Public Law 110–417; 122 Stat. 4500).
There is hereby authorized to be appropriated for fiscal year 2027 from the Armed Forces Retirement Home Trust Fund the sum of $77,000,000 for the operation of the Armed Forces Retirement Home.
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall establish a pilot program within the Defense Logistics Agency to develop and evaluate traceability systems for essential materials managed by the Agency, including materials held in or acquired for the National Defense Stockpile. In carrying out the pilot program, the Secretary of Defense shall seek to—
improve the ability of the Department of Defense to rapidly mobilize and allocate materials during national emergencies or contingencies; and
inform potential future Department-wide implementation of traceability requirements for defense-critical supply chains.
In carrying out the pilot program, the Secretary of Defense shall seek to enter into contracts with appropriate entities to provide traceability systems in accordance with this section.
The Secretary of Defense shall require that any entity that enters into a contract under this section—
be organized under the laws of the United States;
be owned and controlled by a United States person; and
not be subject to foreign ownership or control or influence by any foreign government.
Any contract entered into under this section shall require that the entity operate exclusively as a noncustodial digital traceability and verification service and shall not—
extract, process, refine, transport, store, broker, finance, or take title to any covered material; or
exercise physical control, custody, or possession of any covered material.
Any contract entered into under this section shall require that the traceability system provided under such contract traces the following materials:
Titanium and titanium alloys.
Cobalt.
Rare earth elements and permanent magnet materials.
Lithium and battery-grade materials.
Such other strategic and critical materials as the Secretary of Defense determines are necessary to support defense production and surge requirements.
Any contract entered into under this section shall require that the traceability system provided under such contract—
provides end-to-end visibility of covered materials from point of extraction through processing, transportation, and end use in defense articles or defense services;
verifies the origin, chain of custody, mass balance, purity, and processing history of covered materials;
maintains tamper-resistant, immutable, and time-stamped records of custody events, transformation events, and compliance status for covered materials;
employs cryptographic mechanisms to protect sensitive commercial and national security data while enabling verification by authorized security personnel;
enables continuous auditing, anomaly detection, and identification and assessment of supply chain threats; and
integrates with existing Department of Defense procurement, intelligence monitoring, and risk assessment frameworks, including support compliance audits conducted under section 252.225-7052 of the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation, or successor regulations.
The Secretary of Defense may enforce compliance with the requirements of this section through—
suspension or termination of contracts with entities that fail to comply with traceability system requirements under this section;
withholding of payments for contractors or subcontractors that fail to provide required traceability documentation; and
exclusion from future defense contracts of entities that repeatedly fail to meet traceability system requirements under this section.
During the period beginning on the date the pilot program is established under subsection (a) and ending on September 30, 2028, the Secretary of Defense shall implement a traceability system for materials managed by the Defense Logistics Agency, with priority given to covered materials designated as critical to weapons systems production.
Subject to the results of the report required under subsection (h), the Secretary of Defense may expand the traceability system to covered materials procured under defense contracts subject to the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement, beginning not earlier than October 1, 2029.
Not later than one year after the date on which the Secretary of Defense establishes the pilot program under subsection (a), the Secretary shall provide a briefing to the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives. Such briefing shall include—
a description of each traceability system being evaluated under the pilot program, including an assessment of how such system satisfied the technical requirements under subsection (d);
the criteria and process used to select a traceability service provider for the pilot program, including how provider eligibility requirements under subsection (c) were assessed and enforced;
the timeline and status of pilot program implementation milestones; and
any challenges or resource requirements encountered in establishing the pilot programs.
Not later than two years after the date on which the Secretary of Defense establishes the pilot program under subsection (a), the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report assessing the results of the pilot program. Such report shall include—
an assessment of the operational effectiveness of each traceability system evaluated under the pilot program;
an assessment of the impacts of such system on defense readiness an surge capacity;
an assessment of the implications of such system for National Defense Stockpile management and replenishment;
an assessment of the cost, scalability, and integration of such system with existing Department of Defense procurement systems; and
recommendations for expansion of the pilot program or permanent authorization of a traceability requirement for defense-critical supply chains.
In this section:
The term covered materials means any material listed in subsection (d)(1).
The term National Defense Stockpile means the stockpile provided for in section 3 of the Strategic and Critical Materials Stockpiling Act (50 U.S.C. 98b).
The term United States person has the meaning given such term in section 7701(a)(30) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.
Chapter 19 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 391b the following new section:
The Secretary of Defense shall, with respect to each element of the Department of Defense, carry out the following:
Identify data that is mission critical or essential to the operation of Department of Defense information systems and national security systems.
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this section, establish mandatory recovery time objectives for data so identified.
Each recovery time objective established under paragraph (1) shall satisfy the following requirements:
Be based upon the type of data to which such objective applies, including with respect to threat exposure.
Be updated in response to intelligence on evolving threats.
In this section, the term recovery time objective means the maximum allowable time the Secretary of Defense determines necessary to restore critical functions and data following a cyberattack.
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall establish a pilot program to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of fielding data resilience capabilities for data that is mission critical or essential to the operation of Department of Defense information systems and national security systems, including—
immutable backups that preserve logically separated copies of data isolated from external networks by means of software, firewalls, or other controls; and
continuous monitoring of backup environments to detect tampering, insider threats, and malicious corruption.
The Secretary shall carry out the pilot program under paragraph (1) across not fewer than three covered systems selected by the Secretary, prioritizing covered systems with the highest concentration of data that is mission critical or essential to the operation of Department of Defense information systems and national security systems.
Not later than one year after the establishment of the pilot program under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the pilot program that includes—
an assessment of the effectiveness of the capabilities fielded under the pilot program in supporting recovery time objectives established under section 391c of title 10, United States Code, as added by subsection (a);
the cost of fielding such capabilities; and
a recommendation on whether to extend such capabilities Department-wide.
In this subsection, the term covered system means an information system or national security system of the Department of Defense that stores or processes data that is mission critical, as identified pursuant to subsection (a)(1)(A) of such section 391c.
Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a data recovery strategy for the Department of Defense that includes information relating to the following:
Recovery time objectives for such strategy.
The approach to accomplish such objectives.
Oversight processes with respect to such strategy.
The funds necessary to carry out such strategy.
The approach to fielding data resilience capabilities for data that is mission critical or essential to the operation of Department of Defense information systems and national security systems, including immutable backups that preserve logically separated copies isolated from external networks, and continuous monitoring of backup environments to detect tampering, insider threats, and malicious corruption.
The strategy under paragraph (1) shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may contain a classified annex.
In this subsection, the term recovery time objective means the maximum allowable time the Secretary of Defense determines necessary to restore critical functions and data following a cyberattack.
Chapter 131 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 2224a the following new section:
The Secretary of Defense shall establish a centralized Department-wide program for the reporting, tracking, analysis, and remediation of covered AI incidents and covered AI vulnerabilities arising from the development, testing, procurement, fielding, or operation of artificial intelligence systems within the Department of Defense.
The purpose of the program established under subsection (a) shall be to—
identify recurring risks, failure modes, vulnerabilities, and systemic weaknesses in artificial intelligence systems, including risks or failure modes arising from human-machine teaming;
support mitigation of significant risks; and
inform testing, procurement, cybersecurity, and deployment decisions to improve the safety, security, reliability, and operational effectiveness of such systems.
The program shall—
be designed using practices drawn from established safety incident reporting programs, vulnerability disclosure programs, and programs to identify and develop lessons learned;
emphasize non-punitive reporting, protection of sensitive and proprietary information, and dissemination of lessons learned, as appropriate; and
include a mechanism to enable timely access to and sharing of relevant logs, system data, and model information as necessary to support analysis and response.
The Secretary shall designate an appropriate official for the reporting, tracking, analysis, and remediation of covered AI incidents and covered AI vulnerabilities under this section. The Secretary, acting through such official, shall receive and standardize reports, conduct trend analysis, identify recurring risks and failure modes, and issue guidance, alerts, and recommendations, as appropriate.
The Secretary shall require prompt reporting to the official designated under subsection (d) of—
any covered AI incident; and
any covered AI vulnerability.
The Secretary, acting through the official, shall categorize each incident or vulnerability reported to the official according to whether the incident or vulnerability requires—
a Department-wide response;
a response at the program level; or
a response at a local level.
In the case of any incident or vulnerability categorized under subsection (e)(2)(A) or (B), the Secretary, acting through the official designated under subsection (d), shall coordinate any responses that the Secretary considers appropriate, such as remediation, retesting, mitigation measures, or deployment restrictions.
In addition, in the case of any incident or vulnerability described in subsection (e)(2)(A), the Secretary, acting through the official, shall require—
a documented corrective action plan; and
validation that the mitigation measures, if any, in such plan have been implemented before continued operational use.
The Secretary shall establish a protected disclosure process, informed by established vulnerability disclosure practices, through which members of the Armed Forces, civilian employees, contractors, and subcontractors at any tier may report covered AI incidents and covered AI vulnerabilities in good faith.
The Secretary shall ensure that a person making a report in good faith under paragraph (1) is not, on the basis of that report alone, subject to adverse contract action, subject to adverse personnel action, or otherwise retaliated against by the Department.
The Secretary shall establish procedures to protect sensitive, proprietary, and classified information submitted through the protected disclosure process under subsection (g).
In each of years 2027 through 2031, the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees an annual report on the program. The report shall include—
the number of reports made of incidents and vulnerabilities and the categorizations of such reports;
a summary of significant trends, recurring risks, systemic issues, and corrective actions taken in response;
in the case of any covered AI incident resulting in the loss of life of, or in bodily harm to, a member of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, or Space Force—
a description of the incident, including the system or systems involved and the operational context;
the date and time the incident occurred;
an assessment of the cause and operational consequence of the incident; and
any corrective actions taken; and
any recommendations for changes to testing, procurement, cybersecurity, or deployment policies relating to artificial intelligence systems.
Each report under this subsection shall be submitted in unclassified form but may include a classified annex.
In this section:
The term artificial intelligence has the meaning given such term in section 5002 of the National Artificial Intelligence Initiative Act of 2020 (15 U.S.C. 9401).
The term covered AI incident means an event in which an artificial intelligence system—
causes unintended operational, safety, or security harm;
operates outside authorized parameters or approved safety, legal, or mission guardrails;
materially degrades mission performance or reliability in a real-world or operationally representative environment;
fails to respond to an operator disengage command;
operates in a manner that, under reasonably foreseeable circumstances, could have resulted in significant unintended operational, safety, or security harm; or
operates in a manner that raises concerns regarding system control and autonomy.
The term covered AI vulnerability means an exploitable weakness, vulnerability, or systemic issue in an artificial intelligence system or related component that could materially affect mission performance, compromise system integrity, create safety risk, or result in unauthorized or unintended behavior.
The Secretary of Defense shall conduct a comprehensive review of the roles, responsibilities, relationships, authorities, and governance structures relating to cybersecurity, information technology, network defense, and defensive cyber operations within the Department of Defense in order to achieve the following goals:
Establish clear accountability for the cybersecurity of Department of Defense information networks, including identification of one official designated as the single accountable official responsible for the cybersecurity of Department of Defense information networks.
Improve the operational effectiveness, responsiveness, and unity of effort of Department-wide cybersecurity, information technology, network defense, and defensive cyber operations.
Eliminate structural overlap, duplication, and fragmentation across organizations responsible for cybersecurity, information technology, network defense, and defensive cyber operations.
Reduce overlapping responsibilities and ensure alignment of policy, strategy, budgetary oversight, and operational support necessary for the cybersecurity of Department of Defense information networks in an evolving threat environment.
The review conducted under this subsection shall include an assessment of the roles, responsibilities, relationships, and authorities among—
the Chief Information Officer of the Department of Defense;
the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Cyber Policy;
the Principal Cyber Advisor to the Secretary of Defense;
the Commander of the United States Cyber Command;
the Department of Defense Cyber Defense Command; and
such other offices, elements, or organizations as the Secretary determines appropriate.
As a result of the review, and in order to achieve the goals specified in paragraph (1), the Secretary may, consistent with applicable law—
realign, consolidate, or modify the roles, responsibilities, relationships, and authorities of the officials, offices, elements, and organizations specified in paragraph (2);
reassign functions, personnel, and resources among such officials, offices, elements, and organizations;
eliminate duplicative functions; and
clarify or revise reporting relationships and lines of authority.
In carrying out subsection (a), the Secretary shall ensure that all functions necessary for the governance, defense, and operation of Department of Defense information networks are maintained, regardless of the organizational structure to which such functions are assigned.
The Secretary may not establish a new office or organization for the purpose of carrying out this section unless the Secretary determines that such establishment is necessary to achieve the goals specified in subsection (a)(1) and consistent with applicable law.
The Secretary may not reassign or eliminate a function associated with an official, office, element, or organization for the purpose of carrying out this section unless the Secretary submits to the congressional defense committees a notification of the reassignment or elimination of the function and a period of 15 days has elapsed after the date on which the notification was submitted.
Nothing in this section shall be construed to authorize the Secretary of Defense to modify, transfer, eliminate, or otherwise alter any role, responsibility, relationship, authority, function, or any other matter expressly required by law.
Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the results of the review conducted under subsection (a).
The report shall include—
identification of the official designated as the single accountable official responsible for the cybersecurity of Department of Defense information networks, as specified in subsection (a)(1)(A);
a description of any realignment, consolidation, or modification made, or to be made, to the roles, responsibilities, relationships, and authorities of the officials, offices, elements, and organizations reviewed, as specified in subsection (a)(3)(A);
a description of any reassignment of functions, personnel, and resources made, or to be made, among the officials, offices, elements, and organizations reviewed, as specified in subsection (a)(3)(B);
a description of any duplicative functions eliminated, or to be eliminated, as set forth in subsection (a)(3)(C);
a description of any clarification or revision made, or to be made, to reporting relationships and lines of authority, as set forth in subsection (a)(3)(D);
a mapping of the responsibilities and authorities assigned as of the date of the enactment of this Act to each respective official, office, element, or organization reviewed (including an identification of whether the responsibility or authority is required by law to be assigned to such official, office, element, or organization, and an mapping of the responsibilities and authorities as they will be assigned after completion of the activities specified in subsection (a)(3);
a timeline for implementation of the activities specified in subsection (a)(3), under which all such activities shall be implemented not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act;
identification of any legislative recommendations, including any provisions of law requiring amendment, to fully implement the goals specified in subsection (a)(1) and the activities specified in subsection (a)(3); and
a justification for the new structure, including an explanation for how the new structure better achieves the goals specified in subsection (a)(1) than the current structure.
Not later than 45 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall provide a briefing to the congressional defense committees on preliminary findings of the review.
The Secretary of Defense shall direct the commanders of the combatant commands, consistent with the authorities provided under sections 164 and 167b of title 10, United States Code, to incorporate critical infrastructure security and operational technology security considerations into—
planning activities conducted to execute national defense strategies; and
joint and combined planning, training, and readiness exercises.
The activities described in subsection (a) shall, at a minimum, include—
assessment of vulnerabilities and resilience of critical infrastructure and operational technology systems that support military operations, defense support to civil authorities, and homeland defense missions;
coordination with relevant Federal departments and agencies, State, local, Tribal, and territorial authorities, and private sector owners and operators, as appropriate; and
integration of cyber, operational technology, and physical effects relevant to disruption, degradation, or compromise of such systems.
The Secretary of the Navy, in consultation with the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering, shall establish a pilot program, to be known as the Autonomous Mission Pre-Integration Pilot Program, to assess industry-led approaches for pre-integration of autonomy services and multi-mission payloads on medium unmanned surface vehicles, utilizing a common, cybersecure operating system to enable cross-platform collaboration.
The pilot program shall develop and validate rapidly composable, multi-mission capabilities to support distributed maritime operations in contested environments, including pre-integration of—
autonomy services and mission software;
kinetic and non-kinetic systems;
advanced sensors and communications; and
edge-based collaborative artificial intelligence.
The pilot program shall employ modular open systems architecture standards and open interfaces to ensure interoperability, portability, and cybersecurity across platforms. The Secretary shall leverage lessons from prior autonomy and control system efforts while avoiding approaches that limit competition, inhibit innovation, or place primary integration responsibility on the Government where industry solutions are available.
Not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary, in consultation with the Under Secretary, shall brief the congressional defense committees on the implementation of the pilot program, including—
coordination between and among program offices, the Under Secretary, the commanders of the combatant commands, the operational component, and industry;
methods to reduce technical risk and promote competition, including shifting integration risk to industry through pre-integration and demonstration; and
plans to accelerate prototyping, independent assessment, and operational integration.
Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall brief the congressional defense committees with an update on the implementation of the pilot program, including findings, data, and mission outcomes.
The Secretary of Defense shall carry out a pilot program to further evaluate the feasibility and advisability of creating and maintaining a civilian cybersecurity reserve corps to enable the Department of Defense and military services to provide qualified civilian manpower to the Department of Defense to effectively respond to significant cyber incidents or to assist in solving other exceptionally difficult cyber workforce-related challenges.
In conducting the pilot program required by subsection (a), the Secretary shall take into consideration the findings and recommendations of the report required by section 1540 of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Public Law 117–263; 136 Stat. 2914) (titled Independent Assessment of Civilian Cybersecurity Reserve for Department of Defense and dated October 2025).
Prior to carrying out the pilot program required by subsection (a), the Secretary shall create a detailed written plan for the program, which shall include—
a concept of operations for the civilian cybersecurity reserve corps;
an assessment of the necessary legal and contractual requirements;
recruitment, assessment, and selection criteria and methodologies;
talent management processes and system prototypes;
defining the initial mission set and organization structure of the civilian cybersecurity reserve corps;
metrics with respect to cost and benefits that will be used to inform the Secretary’s evaluation of the pilot program; and
any other matters that the Secretary considers appropriate.
Not later than the date that is six months after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall provide the congressional defense committees with a report and briefing on the plan created under paragraph (1). The Secretary shall not carry out the pilot program until after the Secretary has provided the report and briefing.
In carrying out the pilot program, the Secretary shall establish an initial cohort of not more than 20 members of the civilian cybersecurity reserve corps.
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, in consultation with the Director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, the National Cyber Director, the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology, and any other appropriate head of an Executive department, shall—
review the Federal Acquisition Regulation contract requirements and language for contractor vulnerability disclosure programs; and
recommend updates to such requirements and language to the Federal Acquisition Regulation Council.
The recommendations required by paragraph (1) shall include updates to such requirements designed to ensure that covered contractors implement a vulnerability disclosure policy consistent with NIST guidelines for contractors as required under section 5 of the IoT Cybersecurity Improvement Act of 2020 (15 U.S.C. 278g–3c).
Not later than 180 days after the date on which the recommended contract language developed pursuant to subsection (a) is received, the Federal Acquisition Regulation Council shall review the recommended contract language and update the FAR as necessary to incorporate requirements for covered contractors to receive information about a potential security vulnerability relating to an information system owned or controlled by a contractor, in performance of the contract.
The update to the FAR pursuant to subsection (b) shall—
to the maximum extent practicable, align with the security vulnerability disclosure process and coordinated disclosure requirements relating to Federal information systems under sections 5 and 6 of the IoT Cybersecurity Improvement Act of 2020 (15 U.S.C. 278g–3c and 278g–3d); and
to the maximum extent practicable, be aligned with industry best practices and Standards 29147 and 30111 of the International Standards Organization (or any successor standard) or any other appropriate, relevant, and widely used standard.
The head of an agency may waive the security vulnerability disclosure policy requirement under subsection (b) if—
the agency Chief Information Officer determines that the waiver is necessary in the interest of national security or research purposes; and
if, not later than 30 days after granting a waiver, such head submits a notification and justification (including information about the duration of the waiver) to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate.
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall review the Department of Defense Supplement to the Federal Acquisition Regulation contract requirements and language for contractor vulnerability disclosure programs and develop updates to such requirements designed to ensure that covered contractors implement a vulnerability disclosure policy consistent with NIST guidelines for contractors as required under section 5 of the IoT Cybersecurity Improvement Act of 2020 (15 U.S.C. 278g–3c).
Not later than 180 days after the date on which the review required under subsection (a) is completed, the Secretary shall revise the DFARS as necessary to incorporate requirements for covered contractors to receive information about a potential security vulnerability relating to an information system owned or controlled by a contractor, in performance of the contract.
The Secretary shall ensure that the revision to the DFARS described in this subsection is carried out in accordance with the requirements of paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (c).
The Chief Information Officer of the Department of Defense, in consultation with the National Manager for National Security Systems, may waive the security vulnerability disclosure policy requirements under paragraph (2) if the Chief Information Officer—
determines that the waiver is necessary in the interest of national security or research purposes; and
not later than 30 days after granting a waiver, submits a notification and justification (including information about the duration of the waiver) to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate.
In this section:
The term agency has the meaning given the term in section 3502 of title 44, United States Code.
The term covered contractor means a contractor (as defined in section 7101 of title 41, United States Code)—
whose contract is in an amount the same as or greater than the simplified acquisition threshold; or
that operates, manages, or maintains a Federal information system (as defined by section 11331 of title 40, United Stated Code) on behalf of an agency.
The term DFARS means the Department of Defense Supplement to the Federal Acquisition Regulation.
The term Executive department has the meaning given that term in section 101 of title 5, United States Code.
The term FAR means the Federal Acquisition Regulation.
The term NIST means the National Institute of Standards and Technology.
The term OMB means the Office of Management and Budget.
The term security vulnerability has the meaning given that term in section 2200 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 650).
The term simplified acquisition threshold has the meaning given that term in section 134 of title 41, United States Code.
Chapter 131 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 2220 the following new section:
The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that the relevant financial management regulations of the Department provide guidance for the budgeting and execution of funds for software capabilities. Such guidance shall—
reflect that amounts appropriated for operations and maintenance, procurement, or research, development, test, and evaluation may be used at each stage in the lifecycle of a software capability, consistent with applicable law;
clarify that such amounts may be used, as appropriate, for all activities at each such stage in the lifecycle of a software capability;
provide that, for any program or activity of the Department that requires a new software capability, the appropriations account primarily available for that program or activity shall be available for that new software capability;
not impose restrictions on the availability of funds for software capabilities, except as required by law; and
maintain consistency, to the maximum extent practicable, with Recommendation 11A of the final report (dated March 2024) of the Commission on Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution Reform, as submitted under section 1004 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (Public Law 117–81; 135 Stat. 1884).
In this section, the term lifecycle includes stages such as development, prototyping, testing, fielding, modification, upgrading, licensing, sustainment, and retirement.
Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall issue revised regulations to implement section 2221 of title 10, United States Code, as added by this section.
Not later than 30 days after the Secretary issues the revised regulations under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall notify the congressional defense committees of the revisions.
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, and every 90 days thereafter until the revised regulations required by subsection (b) are issued, the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees a written update containing—
a description of the progress made toward completing the revised regulations, along with specific actions taken and remaining milestones;
the most up-to-date working draft of the revised regulations, or an outline of such working draft in sufficient detail to demonstrate the manner in which, and the extent to which, the working draft implements section 2221;
a description of any anticipated barriers to full and timely issuance of the revised regulations and full and timely implementation of such regulations;
any recommendations for legislation to fully implement such revised regulations; and
if the Secretary has not issued such revised regulations within the period described in subsection (b), an explanation for the delay and the anticipated timeline for issuing the revised regulations.
Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report containing—
the revised regulations required by subsection (b); and
any remaining barriers to full and timely implementation of such revised regulations.
Section 1532 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (10 U.S.C. 2224 note) is amended in subsection (a)—
by amending paragraph (2) to read as follows:
Not later than 30 days after the date of the enactment of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027, the Secretary of Defense shall issue Department of Defense-wide guidance for the identification of covered artificial intelligence companies and processes for the exclusion and removal of artificial intelligence developed by such companies from systems and devices of the Department.
in paragraph (3)(B), by striking if and inserting on and after the date that is 90 days after the date on which.
The Secretary of Defense, acting through the Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Officer of the Department of Defense, shall establish a framework for the rapid deployment of artificial intelligence (AI), to be known as the Artificial Intelligence Model Rapid Deployment Framework (in this section referred to as the Framework), to enable the evaluation, authorization, and deployment of AI systems on Department enterprise AI platforms, as appropriate. The objective of the Framework shall be to enable deployment of such systems on such platforms within 30 days after public availability.
The Framework shall include the following elements:
Establishment of standardized processes for deploying AI systems onto Department enterprise AI platforms, including security reviews, technical assessments, and integration with other Department systems and platforms.
Common definitions or categories for AI systems deployed on Department enterprise AI platforms, including systems with agentic capabilities, to support acquisition clarity, testing, authorization, and operational adoption.
Establishment of security testing and evaluation capabilities to support security assessments for AI systems deployed on Department enterprise AI platforms, including adversarial testing, supply chain risk assessments, and other security testing appropriate for AI systems, consistent with existing cybersecurity and test and evaluation policies.
Establishment of capability to deploy AI systems on Department enterprise AI platforms across multiple classification levels, as appropriate, with appropriate security controls and data isolation.
In coordination with the Chief Information Officer of the Department, establishment of streamlined processes for authorization of AI systems deployed on Department enterprise AI platforms, including reuse of authorization artifacts, common control inheritance, and continuous monitoring capabilities.
Implementation of registry and governance processes to track version history, performance, security status, and compliance for AI systems deployed on Department enterprise AI platforms.
The Secretary shall ensure that the rapid deployment of AI systems under the Framework is achieved in a manner that maintains security standards through integration with other relevant frameworks, including—
the plans, strategies, and other matters relating to AI required by section 1544 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (10 U.S.C. 4001 note);
the Defense-wide policy required by section 1512 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (10 U.S.C. 394 note); and
the framework and other requirements required by section 1513 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (10 U.S.C. 2224 note).
The Secretary shall ensure that the Framework complies with all applicable requirements for test and evaluation of Department systems in accordance with applicable law, policy, and guidance.
The Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Officer shall—
establish metrics to measure the time required to evaluate, authorize, deploy, and update AI systems on Department enterprise AI platforms; and
in each of fiscal years 2027, 2028, 2029, and 2030, submit an annual report to the congressional defense committees on progress toward achieving the objective stated in subsection (a).
In this section, the term Department enterprise AI platform means a centrally managed platform that hosts or provides AI services or applications for use across multiple elements of the Department, rather than for a single program, system, or mission application.
Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall update policies and guidance of the Department of Defense, including by revising Department of Defense Directive 3000.09 (relating to Autonomy in Weapon Systems) and establishing or revising such additional Department policies and guidance as may be appropriate, governing—
autonomous and semi-autonomous weapon systems; and
artificial intelligence-enabled systems intended to support, recommend, or materially influence operational decisions associated with the employment of force, including systems used for operational planning, target development, weaponeering, or engagement recommendation.
In updating the policies and guidance required by subsection (a), the Secretary shall ensure such policies and guidance include—
criteria for categorizing systems according to such factors as mission context, autonomy, human involvement, and operational consequence;
appropriate and operationally responsive requirements for approval, validation, oversight, and authorized operational use applicable to categories of systems identified pursuant to the criteria in paragraph (1);
realistic and combat-effective requirements for operator intervention, override mechanisms, and operational resilience;
requirements to preserve existing human command responsibility for the use of force involving autonomous systems or artificial intelligence-enabled systems, including procedures to identify the human commanders or operators responsible for authorizing, supervising, and terminating such use of force;
appropriate requirements for auditability, traceability, and accountability;
criteria and procedures for rapidly fielding capabilities following material changes to software, models, data, or operational context;
requirements for appropriate and operationally responsive risk mitigation measures and notifications applicable to systems granted conditional or temporary operational use;
requirements for operational testing, evaluation, and human training commensurate with mission risk and operational consequence, including training to promote calibrated reliance on artificial intelligence-enabled systems; and
processes and timelines for periodic review and reevaluation of approved systems and operational use cases.
The Secretary shall ensure that the policies and guidance required by subsection (a) are consistent with applicable provisions of Federal law, including section 1638 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (Public Law 118–159; 10 U.S.C. 491 note), and applicable Department policies and regulations.
This section does not require the Secretary to suspend or terminate any ongoing operations, activities, or programs pending completion of the updates required by subsection (a).
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall provide a report to the congressional defense committees describing the progress of the Department toward completion of the updates required by subsection (a), including a preliminary assessment of the matters described in subsection (b).
Not later than 30 days after the completion of the updates required by subsection (a), the Secretary shall provide a briefing to the congressional defense committees on—
the updates completed under subsection (a);
the rationale supporting the updates, including the assessment of the Secretary with respect to each matter described in subsection (b); and
any recommendations for authorities, resources, or statutory changes.
Not less frequently than semiannually through December 31, 2032, the Secretary of Defense shall provide a report to the congressional defense committees regarding the implementation of the updates required by subsection (a), including—
systems and use cases reviewed under the updates required by subsection (a), including whether such systems and use cases were approved, restricted, suspended, or subject to additional review; and
any significant acquisition, resourcing, sustainment, or programmatic impacts resulting from implementation of the updates required by subsection (a).
Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, and subject to the availability of appropriations, the Secretary of the Air Force shall establish a pilot program to operationalize and expand artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled maintenance data cleansing and correction capabilities across the Air Force. This program will prioritize the improvement of aircraft availability and pilot production capacity by modernizing maintenance data quality, increasing the effectiveness of sustainment operations, and maximizing readiness of existing training aircraft fleets through enhanced data fidelity and decision support.
The program under subsection (a) shall apply across the full portfolio of aircraft operating within Air Education and Training Command.
The objectives of the program are to leverage AI-enabled software solutions to—
cleanse and correct structured and unstructured maintenance and logistics data;
establish validated, high-fidelity ground-truth maintenance datasets to improve the performance and reliability of existing Air Force readiness, logistics, and decision-support systems;
reduce manual data correction burdens and improve interoperability with legacy maintenance information systems;
enhance sustainment efficiency, sortie generation, and scheduling accuracy through improved maintenance visibility;
increase situational awareness for tactical-level maintainers and operational leadership;
establish standardized, reusable maintenance data cleansing, correction, and integration frameworks designed to interoperate with and enhance existing Air Force maintenance, logistics, and readiness systems; and
enable scalable, repeatable integration of AI-enabled maintenance capabilities across the Air Force.
In carrying out the program under subsection (a), the Secretary of the Air Force may partner with a federally funded research and development center, a University Affiliated Research Center, a center of excellence, a military service laboratory, or one or more private-sector entities with experience in deploying AI-powered maintenance intelligence capabilities that support data cleansing, parts forecasting, and sustainment modernization within the Air Force, as well as any other partners the Secretary deems necessary.
At least 30 days before the date on which the authority expires under subsection (f), the Secretary of the Air Force shall provide to the congressional defense committees a briefing that includes—
a description of the data cleansing and correction challenges addressed through the program;
an assessment of any improvements in data accuracy, aircraft availability, and maintenance efficiency resulting from the program; and
an evaluation of the feasibility and advisability of expanding these capabilities to additional Air Force units operating the same aircraft types.
The authority to carry out the program under subsection (a) shall expire on the date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this Act.
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall develop and submit to the congressional defense committees, and begin implementation of, a roadmap for the modernization of Department of Defense networks that process, store, or transmit information that is classified at the level of top secret or is designated as being within a special access program.
The roadmap required under subsection (a) shall include the following elements:
An assessment of the current architecture, capacity, security posture, and technical limitations of such networks, including identification of major capability gaps, cybersecurity risks, infrastructure limitations, and technical debt.
Target or reference architectures for modernized environments for such networks, including enterprise-level and component-level networks, as appropriate.
Milestones and timelines for transition from current environments to the target or reference architectures.
Plans to improve resilience, survivability, and operations of such networks in contested, degraded, or disconnected environments.
Plans to improve interoperability and data sharing across such networks and relevant mission partner environments, as appropriate.
An assessment of high-performance computing and distributed computing requirements, whether locally or in cloud environments, necessary to support real-time sensor data fusion, advanced analytics, and artificial intelligence capabilities.
An assessment of the extent to which such networks support the operational requirements of combatant commands, including the ability to enable integration with joint and mission partner environments.
Identification of governance, roles, and responsibilities for modernization of such networks across the Department.
Estimated resource requirements necessary to implement the roadmap.
Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter for each of the next five years, the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on progress in implementing the roadmap required under subsection (a).
Each report submitted under subsection (c) shall include the following:
Progress made toward roadmap milestones and modernization goals.
Updates to the roadmap, as appropriate.
Major risks, delays, or challenges affecting implementation.
Budgetary resources requested and obligated for modernization of such networks.
Any recommendations that the Secretary considers appropriate for legislative or funding actions to implement the roadmap.
The roadmap required by subsection (a) and the reports required by subsection (c) shall be submitted in classified form, but may include an unclassified summary.
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, and not less frequently than once every 180 days thereafter, the Secretary of Defense shall, acting through the Chief Information Officer of the Department of Defense and the Commander of the Department of Defense Cyber Defense Command (DCDC), submit to the congressional defense committees a semiannual report on the implementation of the Cyber Operational Readiness Assessment program of the Department of Defense Cyber Defense Command and the findings from such program.
Each report required under subsection (a) shall include, for the period covered by the report, the following:
An overview of the implementation status of the Cyber Operational Readiness Assessment program, including scope, methodology, and assessment cadence across the military departments and the defense agencies and Department of Defense field activities.
Aggregate and component-level findings on cyber operational readiness, including systemic risks, recurring deficiencies, and trends affecting mission assurance.
An assessment of operational resilience, including the ability of the Department of Defense to maintain essential functions, contain adversary activity, and recover from cyber incidents during contested operations.
A description of actions taken or planned to address material risks identified through the program, including timelines, responsible organizations, and any resource constraints.
An initial plan, and subsequent progress reports, for incorporating operational technology (OT) environments into assessments carried out under the program to ensure a comprehensive operational readiness evaluation of mission‑critical systems, weapon platforms, industrial control systems, and supporting infrastructure.
An assessment of how assessments under the program will incorporate and operationalize Critical Infrastructure Discovery and Evaluation (CIDE) activities conducted by the Department of Defense Cyber Defense Command on operational technology networks, including alignment of scope, methodology, data collection, reporting, and resourcing to ensure unity of effort and avoid duplication.
A description of any policy, authority, or resourcing gaps that inhibit full execution of the program as an operational readiness assessment.
The purpose of subsection (a) is to ensure that cybersecurity is treated by the Department as an element of operational readiness across the Department and to support senior leader decisionmaking, risk acceptance, and resource prioritization related to the security and resilience of the Department of Defense Information Network (DoDIN).
The requirements of this section shall terminate on the date that is three years after the date of the enactment of this Act.
Section 9087 of title 10, United States Code, is repealed.
Title 10, United States Code, is amended as follows:
In section 4092—
in subsection (a)(8)—
in the heading, by striking SDA and inserting Space Force;
by striking The Director of the Space Development Agency and inserting The portfolio acquisition executive of the Space Force designated under section 1732 of this title with respect to missile warning and tracking; and
by striking the Agency. and inserting the Space Force.;
in subsection (b)(1)(H)—
by striking in the case of the Space Development Agency and inserting in addition to any positions appointed under subparagraph (A), in the case of the Space Force; and
by striking the Agency both places it appears and inserting the Space Force; and
in subsection (c)(2), by striking , the Space Development Agency and inserting , the Space Force.
In section 9016(b)(6)(B)—
by striking clauses (iii), (iv), and (v) and inserting the following new clause:
Oversee, direct, and synchronize acquisition projects for all space systems and programs of the Department of the Air Force.
by redesignating clause (vi) as clause (iv); and
in clause (iv), as so redesignated, by striking Effective as of and all that follows through serve and inserting Serve.
Section 1608 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (Public Law 118–31; 10 U.S.C. 2271 note) is repealed.
Section 2273a of title 10, United States Code, is repealed.
Section 1609(c) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 (Public Law 116–92; 10 U.S.C. 2273 note) is amended by striking , including the Space Rapid Capabilities Office.
Section 2279b of title 10, United States Code, is repealed.
Chapter 135 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 2279 the following new section:
The Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, shall designate a single official of the Department of Defense (other than the Chief Information Officer of the Department) as the principal official of the Department with responsibility for the oversight of the Department of Defense positioning, navigation, and timing enterprise.
The official designated under paragraph (1) shall report directly to the Deputy Secretary of Defense with respect to matters concerning the Department of Defense positioning, navigation, and timing enterprise (including alternative positioning, navigation, and timing efforts of the Department).
The Secretary—
shall assign to the official designated under subsection (a)(1)—
any duty the Secretary determines appropriate from among the duties carried out by the former Council on Oversight of the Department of Defense Positioning, Navigation, and Timing Enterprise as of January 1, 2026; and
any other duty the Secretary determines appropriate; and
may delegate to other officials of the Department any such duty described in paragraph (1)(A) not assigned to the official designated under subsection (a).
At the same time as the President submits to Congress the annual budget request under section 1105 of title 31 for a fiscal year, the official designated under subsection (a)(1) shall submit to the congressional defense committees, with respect to each military department—
a certification that such budget request would fully fund the user equipment and ground control systems of the Department of Defense positioning, navigation, and timing enterprise; or
a notice that such budget request would not fully fund such user equipment and ground control systems.
Of the amounts authorized to be appropriated or otherwise made available for fiscal year 2028 or any fiscal year thereafter for the travel expenses of the Secretary of a military department, not more than 90 percent may be obligated or expended during a fiscal year covered by a budget request for which the official designated under subsection (a)(1) did not make a certification under paragraph (1)(A).
The Secretary of Defense shall designate the official under section 2279a of title 10, United States Code, as added by paragraph (1), by not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act.
Section 2276a(e) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking fiscal years 2024, 2025, and 2026 and inserting fiscal years 2024 through 2031.
Section 1601(c) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (Public Law 117–81; 10 U.S.C. 2276 note) is amended—
by striking the Secretary of Defense both places it appears and inserting the portfolio acquisition executive of the Space Force;
by striking the Director of the National Reconnaissance Office and inserting the Director of the Office of Space Launch of the National Reconnaissance Office; and
by striking the Director of National Intelligence and inserting the Director of the Office of Space Launch.
Section 1608 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (Public Law 119–60; 139 Stat. 1177) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
The Secretary of the Air Force shall carry out the Spaceport of the Future initiative as a single program of the Space Force overseen by the portfolio acquisition executive for space access pursuant to section 1732 of title 10, United States Code.
As a part of the defense budget materials (as defined in section 239 of title 10, United States Code) for each of fiscal years 2027 through 2031, the portfolio acquisition executive for space access shall submit to the congressional defense committees a list of prioritized investments required for infrastructure efforts under the Spaceport of the Future initiative.
Paragraph (3) of subsection (b) of such section is amended to read as follows:
Not later than March 31 of each of 2027 through 2031, the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees an update on the Spaceport of the Future initiative, including with respect to—
project status;
estimated completion dates;
total costs;
any updated assessments of funding or infrastructure needs; and
the status of any policy recommendations described in paragraph (2)(D).
Subject to the availability of appropriations for such purpose, the Secretary of the Air Force, acting through the Commercial Space Office and in coordination with the FireGuard program of the National Guard and the Commander of the United States Northern Command, shall procure space-based commercial data and end products to support the efforts of the Department of Defense and the wildfire mission of the United States Northern Command by delivering timely, effective military support to the Federal Government and State, local, and Tribal governments to protect military readiness and installations, provide emergency military support to civil authorities, and conduct proactive wildland fire management.
The Secretary may share space-based commercial data and end products procured under subsection (a) with State, local, and Tribal governments to assist with firefighting efforts.
Subject to the availability of appropriations made in advance for such purpose, the Secretary of the Air Force shall continue, maintain, and execute the Next-Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared Polar program, including Next Generation OPIR, Block 0 Polar, through launch of space vehicles one and two.
The Secretary shall manage Next Generation OPIR, Block 0 Polar as an active acquisition program and shall take all actions necessary to preserve program continuity, including maintaining program office responsibilities, executing planned development and integration activities, supporting contracting actions, preserving schedule, and conducting launch preparation activities necessary to support the launch of space vehicles one and two.
None of the funds authorized to be appropriated or otherwise made available for fiscal year 2027 for the Department of Defense may be obligated or expended to—
to terminate, close out, materially reduce, restructure, delay, or otherwise impede continuation of the Next-Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared Polar program, including Next Generation OPIR, Block 0 Polar, through the launch of space vehicles one and two; or
for any activity not directly supporting Next Generation OPIR, Block 0 Polar, including closeout activities, termination activities, or activities solely supporting other missile warning and missile tracking architectures
Not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of this section, the Secretary, in coordination with the Chief of Space Operations of the Space Force, shall submit to the congressional defense committees an execution plan for continuing Next Generation OPIR, Block 0 Polar through the launch of space vehicles one and two. Such plan shall include planned activities, schedule, major milestones, contracting actions, launch preparation activities, program office responsibilities, and obligation and expenditure plans for the funds authorized to be appropriated for such program.
Section 429a of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
in subsection (a), by striking subsections (b) and (c) and inserting subsections (b) and (d);
by redesignating subsections (c) through (g) as subsections (d) though (h), respectively;
by inserting after subsection (b) the following new subsection:
With respect to fiscal year 2027 and any subsequent fiscal year, not more than 10 percent of the amounts described in paragraph (2) may be used for programs under subsection (a) that begin in such fiscal year and end not later than the end of the second fiscal year thereafter.
The amounts described in this paragraph are amounts—
made available in fiscal year 2027 or any subsequent fiscal year to carry out the authority in subsection (a); and
that the Secretary may expend without making a notification pursuant to the limitation in subsection (b).
in subsection (e), as so redesignated—
by striking Not later and inserting (1) Not later;
by striking section (c) and inserting subsection (d); and
by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
The Secretary shall include in each report under paragraph (1) a separate portion detailing how the Secretary carried out subsection (c) during the fiscal year covered by the report with respect to the availability of funds for programs in more than one fiscal year, including—
an explanation for carrying out such subsection for such programs and the purpose of such programs;
the balance of such funds available for such programs following the first fiscal year in which funds were expended, by activity and by fiscal year; and
the program elements of such programs.
Section 1621 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (Public Law 118–31; 10 U.S.C. 421 note prec.) is amended—
in subsection (b), by striking for four years;
by striking subsection (c); and
by redesignating subsection (d) as subsection (c).
Section 1621 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (Public Law 118–31; 10 U.S.C. 421 note prec.) is—
transferred to chapter 21 of title 10, United States Code;
inserted after section 421; and
redesignated as section 421a.
Section 421a of title 10, United States Code, as added by subsection (b), is amended—
in the enumerator, by striking SEC. and inserting §;
in the section heading—
by striking the period at the end; and
by conforming the typeface and typestyle, including capitalization, to the typeface and typestyle as used in the section heading of section 421 of such title; and
in subsection (a)—
by striking each heading that is not a subsection heading; and
by conforming the margins to the margins used in section 426(a) of such title, including with respect to the use of inline paragraphs and subparagraphs.
Section 1622 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (Public Law 117–81; 10 U.S.C. 421 note prec.) is repealed.
Section 1560 of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Public Law 117–263; 136 Stat. 2927) is repealed.
Section 7377(b)(2) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking during the four-year period beginning on the date of the enactment of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025,.
Chapter 21 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 426 the following new section:
Not later than December 31, 2027, and every two years thereafter until December 31, 2037, the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security shall submit to the congressional defense committees and the congressional intelligence committees a report containing—
an assessment of the intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities of the Department of Defense as of the date of the report; and
a strategy to improve such capabilities to support the intelligence requirements of the Department.
The Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security shall ensure that each report under subsection (a) includes the following:
With respect to the assessment under paragraph (1) of such subsection—
a review of all spaceborne, airborne, surface, and subsurface intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance activities (manned and unmanned);
an assessment of the capacity and capability to meet intelligence collection requirements, including with respect to the requirements of the commanders of the geographic combatant commands;
an assessment of the risk and security threats caused by inadequate capacity or capability to meet intelligence collection requirements; and
a plan to mitigate such risk.
With respect to the strategy under paragraph (2) of such subsection—
an assessment of the projected intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities and whether such capabilities will meet future intelligence collection requirements;
recommendations to improve collection postures in the near-, mid-, and long-term to meet future intelligence collection requirements;
an assessment of the risk associated with an inability to meet future intelligence collection requirements; and
a plan to mitigate such risk.
Any other matters the Under Secretary determines necessary.
The Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security shall develop each report under subsection (a)—
in coordination with the heads of the components of the Department of Defense that are elements of the intelligence community, the commanders of the geographic combatant commands, and the Commander of the United States Special Operations Command; and
in consultation with the service acquisition executives of the military departments.
Each report under subsection (a) shall be submitted in unclassified form but may include a classified annex.
In this section, the terms congressional intelligence committees and intelligence community have the meanings given those terms in section 3 of the National Security Act of 1947 (50 U.S.C. 3003).
Subchapter I of chapter 21 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section:
The Secretary of each military department shall ensure that training within such military department for all-source intelligence analysts includes instruction in open-source intelligence tradecraft.
The Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security shall—
issue guidance to standardize open-source intelligence training requirements for the military departments; and
establish minimum open-source intelligence tradecraft standards for use by the military departments.
Training required under subsection (a) shall include instruction in open-source intelligence tradecraft, including—
methods for the discovery, collection, and analysis of publicly available information, including commercially available information;
use of open-source intelligence tools, platforms, and data sources;
evaluation of source reliability, data quality, and analytic validity;
integration of open-source intelligence with other intelligence disciplines;
legal, policy, and privacy considerations associated with open-source intelligence activities; and
use of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, to support open-source intelligence analysis.
The requirements under subsection (a) shall apply to initial-entry training programs for military and civilian all-source intelligence analysts across the military departments.
In issuing guidance and standards under subsection (b), the Under Secretary shall consult with the Director of National Intelligence to ensure consistency with standards for open-source intelligence in the intelligence community.
The Secretary of each military department shall implement the requirements of section 430f of title 10, United States Code, as added by subsection (a), not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act.
The Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security shall assess the capabilities of the Defense Intelligence Enterprise that support the application of artificial intelligence, including generative artificial intelligence, to open-source intelligence. Such assessment shall—
identify efforts to develop, acquire, or use capabilities that support object-based or entity-centric analysis, including the use of knowledge graphs, retrieval-augmented generation, or similar techniques;
describe the maturity, scope, and users of such capabilities;
assess the extent of duplication, fragmentation, or overlap among such efforts;
identify gaps, limitations, and barriers to scaling such capabilities, including technical, policy, and data access challenges;
evaluate the extent to which commercial technologies are being used for such capabilities; and
identify opportunities to consolidate, scale, or designate a capability as a shared or enterprise solution.
The Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security shall carry out a pilot program to develop, acquire, or use commercial and other technologies to develop and support an object-based generative artificial intelligence analytic capability for open-source intelligence activities throughout the Defense Intelligence Enterprise. The Under Secretary shall design such pilot program to improve the discovery, correlation, and analysis of high-interest objects and the associated relationships of such objects, including weapon systems and related entities.
The object-based generative artificial intelligence analytic capability described in paragraph (1) shall—
make use of object-based data models, knowledge graphs, and retrieval-augmented generation techniques;
enable discovery, contextualization, and analysis of high-interest objects, including weapon systems and associated entities;
integrate publicly available information and commercially available information;
produce explainable, evidence-based analytic outputs; and
align with data, analytic, and security standards of the Department of Defense and the intelligence community.
The Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security shall designate the head of a component of the Department of Defense to serve as the lead for the pilot program required by paragraph (1). In making that designation, the Under Secretary shall take into consideration analytic capabilities, technical expertise, and the ability to scale throughout the Defense Intelligence Enterprise.
The head of the component of the Department of Defense designated under subparagraph (A) shall—
implement and operate the capability described in paragraph (1); and
support Defense Intelligence Enterprise users.
The Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security, in consultation with the Director of National Intelligence, shall evaluate the results of the pilot program required by subsection (b) to determine if—
the capability developed by such pilot program should become an enduring program of the Defense Intelligence Enterprise; and
the Under Secretary should recommend to the Director of National Intelligence that such capability be designated as a service of common concern for the intelligence community.
Not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security shall provide to the congressional intelligence committees and the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate a briefing on—
the findings of the assessment required by subsection (a); and
the plan for implementation fo the pilot program required by subsection (b).
In this section, the term Defense Intelligence Enterprise has the meaning given that term in section 426(b)(4) of title 10, United States Code.
Not later than November 1, 2027, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate a report on the efforts of the Department of Defense to update military personnel systems to protect from unauthorized disclosure—
intelligence operations of the Department of Defense;
the identities of undercover personnel conducting intelligence or intelligence-related activities;
intelligence sources and methods; and
cover mechanisms in support of intelligence or intelligence-related activities.
Chapter 24 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section:
Subject to the authority, direction and control of the Secretary of Defense, and subject to the limitation under subsection (d), the Secretary of the Air Force may transfer amounts authorized to be appropriated for fiscal year 2027 or any fiscal year thereafter under Research, Development, Test and Evaluation, Air Force; Other Procurement, Air Force; Missile Procurement, and Air Force, Operation and Maintenance for covered programs between such accounts for the purposes of modernizing, mitigating risk relating to, or otherwise enhancing, the intercontinental ballistic missile capabilities of the United States.
Amounts transferred under subsection (a) shall be merged with and be available for the same purposes and for the same time period as amounts in the receiving account.
The authority under subsection (a) is in addition to any other transfer authority available to the Department of Defense.
The Secretary of the Air Force may not initiate a transfer under subsection (a) until—
the Secretary submits to the congressional defense committees a written notification containing a detailed description of the proposed transfer; and
a period of 15 days has elapsed following the date of such notification.
Not later than 30 days after the end of each fiscal quarter until the date of termination under subsection (g), the Secretary of the Air Force shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report containing a summary of any transfers carried out during such fiscal quarter under subsection (a).
In this section, the term covered program means a program of the Air Force that the Secretary of the Air Force determines supports the following:
The LGM–30G Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile.
The LGM–35A Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile.
Any reentry vehicle capability for an intercontinental ballistic missile.
Any other capability for an intercontinental ballistic missile, as determined by the Secretary.
The authority under subsection (a) shall terminate on the date that is 10 years after the date of the enactment of this section.
Section 2244a(b) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
The prohibition in subsection (a) does not apply to a modification of a strategic delivery system (as such term is defined in section 495(e) of this title) for which the cost is less than $500,000.
Subject to section 3501 of title 10, United States Code, the Secretary of the Air Force may enter into one or more multiyear contracts, beginning in fiscal year 2027, for the procurement of flight test kits in support of the program of the Air Force Global Strike Command for operational test launches of the Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile
The Secretary of the Air Force may enter into one or more contracts for advance procurement associated with the procurement of the flight test kits for which contracts are authorized under subsection (a), including procurement of systems and subsystems associated with such flight test kits in economic order quantities when cost savings are achievable.
Any contract entered into under subsection (a) shall provide that any obligation of the United States to make a payment under the contract for a fiscal year after fiscal year 2027 is subject to the availability of appropriations for that purpose for such fiscal year.
The authority of the Secretary of the Air Force to enter into contracts under subsection (a) shall terminate on September 30, 2030.
Subject to the limitation under paragraph (2), the Secretary of the Air Force may enter into one or more contracts for the life-of-program procurement of components necessary to mitigate diminishing manufacturing sources or material shortages affecting a covered program.
The Secretary may not enter into a contract under paragraph (1) until—
the Secretary submits to the congressional defense committees a written notification containing a detailed description of the proposed contract; and
a period of 15 days has elapsed following the date of such notification.
In this section, the term covered program has the meaning given such term in section 499d of title 10, United States Code, as added by subsection (a).
Section 9068 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
The Air Force Global Strike Command shall serve as the National Center for Conventional–Nuclear Integration of the Department of the Air Force.
The responsibilities of the National Center for Conventional–Nuclear Integration under paragraph (1) shall include the following:
Establishing policies and standards, and issuing guidance, to integrate conventional and nuclear weapons capabilities across the Air Force in a manner that aligns with the operational requirements of the United States Strategic Command, including with respect to integrated planning, command and control, and mission execution in support of such Command.
Establishing a governance and coordination framework to synchronize efforts for such integration across relevant major commands, field commands, and centers of the Air Force.
Determining required education, training, and exercise objectives relating to such integration, including by ensuring appropriate operational plans and readiness constructs of the Air Force reflect such integration.
Identifying any gaps in capabilities necessary for such integration (including with respect to doctrine, interoperability, decision support, and command and control) and establishing resourcing priorities to address any such gaps.
Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Air Force shall designate the Air Force Global Strike Command as the National Center for Conventional–Nuclear Integration of the Department of the Air Force for purposes of section 9068(d) of title 10, United States Code, as added by subsection (a).
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees a plan for the implementation of this section and the amendments made by this section. Such plan shall include the following:
A description of the organizational structure of, and a resourcing strategy for, the National Center for Conventional–Nuclear Integration under section 9068(d) of title 10, United States Code, as added by subsection (a).
Measurable objectives and milestones for the implementation of the responsibilities under such section 9068(d).
An assessment of the extent to which such responsibilities advance the responsibilities of the Commander of the Air Force Global Strike Command specified in section 9068(c) of title 10, United States Code, including with respect to nuclear and long-range strike missions in support of the United States Strategic Command.
The plan under paragraph (1) shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may include a classified annex.
Section 492a of title 10, United States Code, is amended as follows:
In the heading, by striking Biennial and inserting Quadrennial.
In subsection (a)—
in paragraph (1), by striking 2029 and inserting 2027, and on a quadrennial basis thereafter,; and
in paragraph (2)—
in subparagraph (A), by striking enhance the safety, security, and reliability of and inserting sustain and modernize; and
in subparagraph (F)—
by striking 10-year period following the date of the report and inserting period covered by the future-years defense program submitted to Congress under section 221 of this title; and
by striking such 10-year period and inserting such period.
Except as provided in subsection (b), none of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise made available for fiscal year 2027 for the Department of Defense may be obligated or expended for the following, and the Department may not otherwise take any action to do the following:
Reduce, or prepare to reduce, the responsiveness or alert level of the intercontinental ballistic missiles of the United States.
Reduce, or prepare to reduce, the quantity of deployed intercontinental ballistic missiles of the United States to a number less than 400.
The prohibition under subsection (a) shall not apply with respect to any of the following activities:
The maintenance or sustainment of intercontinental ballistic missiles.
Ensuring the safety, security, or reliability of intercontinental ballistic missiles.
Facilitating the transition from the LGM–30G Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile to the Sentinel LGM–35A intercontinental ballistic missile.
Funds authorized to be appropriated for the Department of Defense for fiscal year 2027 for activities at the Ronald Reagan Space and Missile Test Range or the United States Army Garrison Kwajalein Atoll—
may be obligated or expended only for the purposes for which such funds are authorized and appropriated; and
except as expressly authorized by law, may not be transferred or reprogrammed for a purpose other than the purposes for which such funds are authorized and appropriated.
The limitation under subsection (a)(2) shall not apply with respect to any transfer or reprogramming action that is carried out in accordance with section 2214 of title 10, United States Code.
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Air Force, in coordination with the Commander of the United States Strategic Command and the Commander of the Air Force Global Strike Command, shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report that contains an assessment of the feasibility, strategic benefits, risks, and resource requirements associated with the potential designation of the Joint Global Strike Operations Center at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, as an alternate command post to the Global Operations Center of the United States Strategic Command, to be known as the Global Operations Center–Alternate.
The report under subsection (a) shall include the following:
A proposal setting forth how the Joint Global Strike Operations Center at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, would assume and sustain responsibilities as the Global Operations Center–Alternate in support of nuclear and long-range strike missions of the United States Strategic Command across stages of conflict and crisis response.
A proposal for the organizational structure of the Global Operations Center–Alternate, including with respect to relevant authorities thereof, the relationship to and required coordination with the United States Strategic Command, the Air Force Global Strike Command, and the Eighth Air Force (and associated operational and command and control structures), and arrangements for the provision and receipt of support with respect to other elements of the Department of the Air Force.
An assessment of the capabilities for communications and interoperability (including the redundancy, resiliency, and survivability of such capabilities) necessary to perform the proposed functions of the Global Operations Center–Alternate, including any such capabilities relating to nuclear command, control, and communications systems in support of nuclear and long-range strike missions of the United States Strategic Command.
An identification of the personnel levels and readiness requirements necessary for the performance of such proposed functions, including any specialized requirements to support such missions.
An identification of any facilities or other infrastructure the construction or modification of which would be necessary for the performance of such proposed functions, together with cost estimates and a notional timeline for any such required construction or modification.
An identification of the anticipated funding needs during the period covered by the most recent future-years defense program submitted to Congress under section 221 of title 10, United States Code, for the establishment, operation, and sustainment of the Global Operations Center–Alternate, and any resourcing activities or legislative authorities the Secretary determines necessary for such purpose.
Not later than 30 days after the date on which the Secretary submits to the congressional defense committees the report under subsection (a), the Secretary shall provide to such committees an unclassified briefing to summarize key findings, recommended actions, and decision points regarding the potential designation of the Joint Global Strike Operations Center at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, as an alternate command post to the Global Operations Center of the United States Strategic Command.
The Secretary of the Air Force may not take any action to reduce or modify the exclusive and priority use of Space Launch Complex 46 by the Secretary of the Navy until the date on which the Chief of Naval Operations submits to the congressional defense committees a notification that—
the test capabilities and infrastructure at Space Launch Complex 51 are equivalent to such capabilities and infrastructure at Space Launch Complex 46 with respect to meeting the mission needs of the Secretary of the Navy; and
the Director of Navy Strategic Systems Programs has issued a final acceptance and certification of the facilities at Space Launch Complex 51.
Section 491(c) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by inserting , or a similar evaluation, after made pursuant to a Nuclear Posture Review Implementation Study.
Not later than 30 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Nuclear, Chemical, and Biological Defense, Policy and Programs shall seek to enter into an agreement with a University Affiliated Research Center affiliated with United States Strategic Command to conduct an independent scientific assessment on whether preserving the viability of bone marrow using partial body radiation shielding can improve the survivability of an individual exposed to gamma radiation as compared to an individual without such protection.
The assessment required under subsection (a) shall examine peer-reviewed scientific literature, laboratory studies and relevant experimental data to evaluate the comparative effectiveness of preserving bone marrow using partial body radiation shielding with respect to—
the likelihood of developing Acute Radiation Syndrome;
the severity of Acute Radiation Syndrome when it occurs; and
overall mortality rates following gamma radiation exposure.
Not later than 150 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Assistant Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate a report on the assessment required under subsection (a) that includes the findings of such assessment.
Section 5502 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
Except with the written permission of the Secretary of Defense, no person may knowingly use, in connection with any merchandise, retail product, impersonation, solicitation, or commercial activity in a manner reasonably calculated to convey the impression that such use is approved, endorsed, or authorized by the Secretary, any of the following (or any colorable imitation thereof):
The words Missile Defense Agency.
The seal of the Missile Defense Agency.
Whenever it appears to the Attorney General that any person is engaged or is about to engage in an act or practice which constitutes or will constitute conduct prohibited by paragraph (1), the Attorney General may initiate a civil proceeding in a district court of the United States to enjoin such act or practice. Such court shall proceed as soon as practicable to the hearing and determination of such action and may, at any time before final determination, enter such restraining orders or prohibitions, or take such other actions as is warranted, to prevent injury to the United States or to any person or class of persons for whose protection the action is brought.
Subsection (c)(3) of such section is amended—
in subparagraph (A), by striking the date of the enactment of this subsection and inserting December 27, 2021,;
in subparagraph (B)—
by striking the date of the enactment of this subsection and inserting December 27, 2021; and
by striking the date of such enactment and inserting such date; and
in subparagraph (C), by striking the date of the enactment of this subsection and inserting December 27, 2021,.
Section 5534 of title 10, United States Code, is repealed.
Section 1658(b) of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Public Law 117–263; 136 Stat. 2951) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027, the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Secretary of State, shall submit to the congressional defense committees, the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives, and the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate an update to the strategy under paragraph (1).
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees an alternative plan with respect to procuring munitions for the next-generation air and missile defense architecture being developed pursuant to Executive Order 14186 (90 Fed. Reg. 8767).
The plan under subsection (a) shall include the following:
A summary of the munitions and associated procurement quantities necessary to meet mission objectives by 2028.
An assessment of current and near-term planned production capacity for each munition.
An overview of alternative munitions with potential air and missile defense capability, including the production capacity of each such munition.
An evaluation of the feasibility of incorporating alternative munitions into the next-generation air and missile defense architecture and associated effects on operational performance.
The Director of Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation shall conduct an independent life-cycle cost estimate of the space-based interceptor program.
Following the completion of the independent life-cycle cost estimate under paragraph (1), the Secretary of Defense shall ensure that the space-based interceptor program meets affordability controls in accordance with section 4271 of title 10, United States Code.
The Secretary may not award a full-rate production contract for the space-based interceptor program unless the Secretary has submitted to the congressional defense committees—
the preliminary findings of the independent cost assessment under paragraph (1); and
a notification that the goals under section 4271(a)(2) of title 10, United States Code, have been established with respect to such program.
In addition to the requirements of section 4171 of title 10, United States Code, the Secretary may not make any decision regarding full-rate production, or equivalent, of the space-based interceptor unless the Secretary has—
certified to the congressional defense committees that the Secretary has conducted at least one successful operationally relevant flight test of the space-based interceptor; and
provided to such committees a briefing on the details of such tests, including with respect to the operational realism of such tests.
The Secretary of Defense, acting through the Director of the Missile Defense Agency, shall carry out a program to develop and demonstrate a low-cost exo-atmospheric interceptor to provide complementary, scalable intercept capability to existing interceptors in the ballistic missile defense architecture.
Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Director of the Missile Defense Agency shall provide the congressional defense committees a briefing on programs and activities carried out under this section.
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Director of the Missile Defense Agency shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on—
the current threat environment necessitating low-cost and scalable exo-atmospheric intercept capability; and
the acquisition strategy for a low-cost and scalable exo-atmospheric interceptor program.
Subsection (e) of section 910 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (Public Law 117–81; 10 U.S.C. 111 note) is amended to read as follows:
The Secretary shall provide to the appropriate congressional committees a briefing containing updates on the activities carried out by the cross-functional team during the period covered by the briefing as follows:
On a quarterly basis during the period beginning January 1, 2027, and ending December 31, 2028.
On a semiannual basis during the period beginning January 1, 2029, and ending December 31, 2030.
On an annual basis during the period beginning January 1, 2027, and ending December 31, 2030, the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report on the activities carried out by the cross-functional team during the period covered by the report.
Section 910 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (Public Law 117–81; 10 U.S.C. 111 note) is—
transferred to chapter 21 of title 10, United States Code;
inserted after section 430e; and
redesignated as section 430f.
Section 430f of title 10, United States Code, as added by subsection (b), is amended—
in the enumerator, by striking SEC. and inserting §;
in the section heading—
by striking the period at the end; and
by conforming the typeface and typestyle, including capitalization, to the typeface and typestyle as used in the section heading of section 430e of such title; and
in subsection (a), by striking title 10, United States Code and inserting this title.
Of the $221,332,000 authorized to be appropriated to the Department of Defense for fiscal year 2027 in section 301 and made available by the funding table in division D for the Department of Defense Cooperative Threat Reduction Program established under section 1321 of the Department of Defense Cooperative Threat Reduction Act (50 U.S.C. 3711), the following amounts may be obligated for the purposes specified:
For delivery system threat reduction, $0.
For chemical security and elimination, $23,435,000.
For global nuclear security, $29,950,000.
For biological threat reduction, $66,524,000.
For proliferation prevention, $52,052,000.
For transportation elimination disposition, $26,414,000.
For activities designated as Other Assessments/Administration Costs, $22,957,000.
Funds appropriated pursuant to the authorization of appropriations in section 301 and made available by the funding table in division D for the Department of Defense Cooperative Threat Reduction Program shall be available for obligation for fiscal years 2027, 2028, and 2029.
Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall establish a working group of the Department of Defense to be known as the Solid Rocket Motor Qualification Working Group to expedite the qualification of solid rocket motors from a supplier that does not otherwise supply such motors.
The Solid Rocket Motor Qualification Working Group shall consist of a representative from each of the following:
The Department of the Army.
The Department of the Navy.
The Department of the Air Force.
The Missile Defense Agency.
The Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Industrial Base Policy.
Any other component of the Department of Defense the Secretary of Defense determines appropriate.
The Solid Rocket Motor Qualification Working Group shall—
establish a strategy and implementation plan for the Department of Defense with respect to the qualification process for solid rocket motors from a contractor that does not otherwise supply such motors; and
designate not fewer than three missile programs for which the Secretary of Defense will expedite such qualification.
Not later than September 30, 2027, and annually thereafter through September 30, 2031, the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the actions carried out by the Solid Rocket Motor Qualification Working Group, including—
the status of qualifying solid rocket motors from a contractor that does not otherwise supply such motors;
an implementation plan for such qualification; and
an estimate of the costs to carry out such plan with respect to each new solid rocket motor or contractor, or both.
Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report containing—
a certification that the Secretary has established the Solid Rocket Motor Qualification Working Group;
an identification of who is leading the Working Group; and
the strategy and implementation plan under paragraph (3)(A).
Of the amounts authorized to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise made available for fiscal year 2027 for the travel expenses of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, not more than 75 percent may be obligated or expended until the date on which the report under subparagraph (B) is submitted.
The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that a prime contractor that provides a covered munition sources solid rocket motors for such munition from more than one supplier.
Except as provided by subparagraph (B), at the same time as the President submits to Congress the annual budget request under section 1105 of title 31, United States Code, for a fiscal year, the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees a certification that, for each covered munition, a second supplier has been identified from which the prime contractor will source solid rocket motors for such munition during the fiscal year covered by that budget.
The Secretary shall submit the initial certification under subparagraph (A) by not later than September 1, 2027, with respect to fiscal year 2028.
Of the amounts authorized to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise made available for fiscal year 2028 and any fiscal year thereafter for any office described in subparagraph (D), not more than 50 percent may be obligated or expended unless the Secretary has submitted the certification under subparagraph (A) for that fiscal year.
An office described in this subparagraph is any of the following:
The Office of the Deputy Secretary of Defense.
The Office of the Economic Defense Unit.
Not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on carrying out paragraph (1), including—
a timeline and the costs associated with procuring from a second supplier the munitions covered by such paragraph;
an identification of each such second supplier; and
an assessment on the feasibility and advisability of the Secretary carrying out a direct supply strategy regarding the procurement of solid rocket motors by the Department to support critical munition production.
With respect to a contract or other agreement entered into for a covered munition on or after October 1, 2027, the Secretary of Defense, acting through the Secretaries of the military departments and the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, shall ensure that not fewer than two solid rocket motor suppliers are providing solid rocket motors for such munition.
In this section, the term covered munition means any of the following:
Patriot advanced capability-3 missile segment enhancement.
Terminal high altitude area defense interceptors.
All standard missile variants (including standard missile-6, standard missile-3 blocks IB and IIA).
Tomahawk land attack missiles.
Maritime strike Tomahawk missiles.
Advanced medium-range air-to-air missiles.
Precision strike missiles.
Hydra 70 rockets.
Any other munitions the Secretary determines appropriate.
Section 341(e)(1)(A) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by inserting , including costs incurred with respect to activities beginning in a fiscal year and ending not later than the end of the first fiscal year thereafter before the semicolon.
Section 1142(a)(1) of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
by inserting (including each member of the special operations forces) after armed forces;
by inserting (A) before Within; and
by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: “(B) ”
The Secretary concerned shall ensure that a member described in subparagraph (A) receives preseparation counseling in the following amounts:
In the case of a member who has accepted an offer of full-time employment,or has enrolled in a program of education or vocational training, that shall commence after the member separates, retires, or is discharged, not fewer than three days.
In the case of a member other than a member described in clause (i), not fewer than five days.
Subsection (d)(2) of section 105 of title 17, United States Code, is amended—
by redesignating subparagraphs (M) through (O) as subparagraphs (O) through (Q); and
by inserting after subparagraph (L) the following new subparagraphs:
Space Force Senior Level Education Program.
Space Force Intermediate Level Education Program.
Subsection (c) of such section is amended—
in paragraph (1)—
by striking through (L) and inserting through (N); and
by striking subparagraph (M) and inserting subparagraph (O);
in paragraph (2), by striking subsection (d)(2)(M) and inserting subsection (d)(2)(O);
in paragraph (3), by striking subsection (d)(2)(N) and inserting subsection (d)(2)(P); and
in paragraph (4), by striking subsection (d)(2)(O) and inserting subsection (d)(2)(Q).
Section 1 of the Defense Base Act (42 U.S.C. 1651) is amended—
in subsection (b)—
in paragraph (4), by striking and the District of Columbia. and inserting , the District of Columbia, and Guam;;
by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
the term Territory or possession outside the continental United States does not include Guam.
by adding at the end the following:
This section shall only apply to Guam during periods in which Guam has in effect worker’s compensation regulations that are comparable to the laws and regulations of worker’s compensation regulations in any of the 50 States.
Section 6(b)(1)(B) of the Joint Resolution entitled A Joint Resolution to approve the Covenant to Establish a Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands in Political Union with the United States of America , and for other purposes, approved March 24, 1976 (48 U.S.C. 1806(b)(1)(B)), is amended, in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking December 31, 2029 and inserting December 31, 2035.
The Cybersecurity Act of 2015 (6 U.S.C. 1501 et seq.; enacted as division N of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2016; Public Law 114–113) is amended—
in section 102 (6 U.S.C. 1501; relating to definitions)—
by redesignating paragraphs (4), (5), (6), (7), (8), (9), (10), (11), (12), (13), (14), (15), (16), (17), and (18) as paragraphs (6), (7), (8), (9), (10), (11), (12), (13), (14), (15), (16), (17), (18), (19), and (20), respectively; and
by inserting after paragraph (3) the following new paragraphs:
The term artificial intelligence has the meaning given such term in section 5002 of the National Artificial Intelligence Initiative Act of 2020 (15 U.S.C. 9401).
The term critical infrastructure has the meaning given such term in section 1016(e) of Public Law 107–56 (42 U.S.C. 5195c(e)).
in section 103 (6 U.S.C. 1502; relating to sharing of information by the Federal Government)—
in subsection (a), in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking develop and issue and inserting develop, issue, and, as appropriate, update; and
in subsection (b)—
in paragraph (1)—
in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by inserting and, as appropriate, updated, after developed;
by amending subparagraph (A) to read as follows:
ensure the Federal Government has and maintains the capability to share cyber threat indicators and defensive measures in real-time consistent with the protection of classified information, and maintains the capability to provide technical assistance, on a voluntary basis, to non-Federal entities in utilizing cyber threat indicators and defensive measures for cybersecurity purposes;
in subparagraph (E)(ii), by striking and after the semicolon;
in subparagraph (F), by striking the period and inserting ; and; and
by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
pursuant to section 2212 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 662), provide one-time read-ins, as appropriate, to select individuals identified by non-Federal entities that own or operate critical infrastructure or artificial intelligence;
in paragraph (2)—
by inserting and, as appropriate, updating, after developing; and
by inserting and defensive measures after promote the sharing of cyber threat indicators; and
in subsection (c)—
by inserting and not later than 60 days after any update, as appropriate, of procedures required by subsection (a), after Act,; and
by inserting (or update, as appropriate) after procedures;
in section 104 (6 U.S.C. 1503; relating to authorizations for preventing, detecting, analyzing, and mitigating cybersecurity threats)—
in paragraph (3) of subsection (c)—
in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking shall be and inserting may be;
in subparagraph (A), by striking or after the semicolon;
in subparagraph (B), by striking the period and inserting ; or; and
by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
to preclude the use of artificial intelligence that is strictly deployed for cybersecurity purposes in carrying out the activities authorized under paragraph (1) provided that such deployment complies with section 105(d)(5).
in subparagraph (B) of subsection (d)(2), by inserting , which may utilize artificial intelligence that is strictly deployed for cybersecurity purposes, after technical capability;
in section 105 (6 U.S.C. 1504; relating to sharing of cyber threat indicators and defensive measures with the Federal Government)—
in subsection (a)—
in paragraph (2), by adding at the end the following new sentences: As appropriate, the Attorney General and the Secretary of Homeland Security shall, in consultation with the heads of the appropriate Federal entities, jointly update such policies and procedures, and issue and make publicly available such updated policies and procedures. Such updates shall prioritize rapid dissemination to State, local, Tribal, and territorial governments and owners and operators of non-Federal critical infrastructure or artificial intelligence of relevant and actionable cyber threat indicators and defensive measures.;
in paragraph (3), in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking developed or issued and inserting developed, issued, or, as appropriate, updated,; and
in paragraph (4)—
in subparagraph (A), by adding at the end the following new sentence: As appropriate, the Attorney General and the Secretary of Homeland Security shall jointly update and make publicly available such guidance to so assist entities and promote such sharing of cyber threat indicators and defensive measures with such Federal entities under this title.; and
in subparagraph (B), in the matter preceding clause (i), by inserting and, as appropriate, updated, after developed;
in subsection (b)—
in paragraph (2)(B), by inserting , and, as appropriate, update, after review; and
in paragraph (3), in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by inserting and, as appropriate, updated, after required; and
in subsection (c)—
in paragraph (1)(D), by inserting , including if such capability and process employs artificial intelligence before the semicolon; and
in paragraph (2), by adding at the end the following new subparagraphs:
Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this subparagraph, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall develop and continuously implement an outreach plan, including targeted engagement, to ensure Federal and non-Federal entities, particularly small or rural owners or operators of critical infrastructure which often lack dedicated cybersecurity staff but remain vital to national security—
are aware of the capability and process required by paragraph (1) to share cyber threat indicators and defensive measures, including the benefits real-time information sharing provides;
understand how to share cyber threat indicators and defensive measures;
understand the obligation to remove certain personal information in accordance with section 104(d)(7) prior to sharing a cyber threat indicator;
understand how cyber threat indicators and defensive measures are received, processed, used, and protected;
understand the protections they are afforded in sharing any cyber threat indicators and defensive measures; and
can provide feedback to the Secretary when policies, procedures, and guidelines that are unclear or unintentionally prohibitive to sharing cyber threat indicators and defensive measures.
The Secretary of Homeland Security shall annually provide to the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate a briefing on the implementation of outreach pursuant to subparagraph (B).
in subsection (d)—
in paragraph (1), by striking trade secret protection and inserting intellectual property protection; and
in paragraph (5)(A),
in clause (iv), by striking or after the semicolon;
in clause (v)(III), by striking the period and inserting ; or; and
by adding at the end the following new clause:
the purpose of rapidly providing to other Federal entities awareness of a cybersecurity threat that may impact the information systems of such Agencies.
in section 108 (6 U.S.C. 1507; relating to construction and preemption)—
in subsection (c)—
in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking shall be and inserting may be;
in paragraph (2), by striking or after the semicolon;
in paragraph (3), by striking the period and inserting ; or; and
by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
to preclude the use of artificial intelligence that is strictly deployed for cybersecurity purposes in carrying out activities authorized by this title.
in subsection (f)(3), by inserting to share cyber threat indicators or defensive measures after relationship;
in section 109 (6 U.S.C. 1508; relating to report on cybersecurity threats)—
in subsection (a)—
by inserting and not later than September 30 of every two years thereafter, after Act,;
by inserting the Secretary of Homeland Security and after in coordination with;
by inserting and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs before of the Senate;
by inserting and the Committee on Homeland Security before of the House; and
by inserting prepositioning activities, ransomware, after attacks,; and
in subsection (b)—
in paragraph (1), by inserting prepositioning activities, ransomware, after attacks,;
in paragraph (2), by inserting prepositioning activity, ransomware, after attack,;
in paragraph (3), by inserting prepositioning activities, ransomware, after attacks, each place it appears; and
in paragraph (4), by inserting prepositioning activities, ransomware, after attacks,; and
in section 111(a) (6 U.S.C. 1510(a), relating to effective period), by striking 2025 and inserting 2035.
Section 2200 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 650; relating to definitions) is amended—
in paragraph (5)—
in subparagraph (B), by inserting or compromising after defeating;
in subparagraph (C), by inserting including a security vulnerability affecting an information system or a technology included in the critical and emerging technologies list of the Office of Science and Technology Policy or successor list, such as artificial intelligence, which may be in a Federal entity’s or non-Federal entity’s software or hardware supply chain, after security vulnerability,;
in subparagraph (D), by inserting or compromise after defeat; and
in subparagraph (F), by inserting or compromised after exfiltrated;
in paragraph (14), by amending subparagraph (B) to read as follows:
includes, in accordance with section 104(d)(2) of the Cybersecurity Sharing Act of 2015 (6 U.S.C. 1503(d)(2)), operational technology, including industrial control systems, such as supervisory control and data acquisition systems, distributed control systems, and programmable logic controllers.
in paragraph (25), by inserting or compromise after defeat.
The Secretary of Defense may establish a United States-Abraham Accords Defense Cooperation Initiative (in this section referred to as the Initiative) to bolster defense cooperation between the United States and the militaries of Abraham Accords countries.
An Initiative established under subsection (a) shall be carried out pursuant to the authorities provided in title 10, United States Code.
The objectives of the Initiative shall include—
deterring aggression by Iran and proxies of Iran in the Middle East;
coordination with the Comprehensive Security Integration and Prosperity Agreement; and
enhancing regional planning and cooperation among the militaries of Abraham Accords countries, particularly with respect to long-term regional projects, such as—
counter-unmanned aircraft systems capabilities;
ground-based air defenses;
theater ballistic missiles and cruise missiles;
intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance and tactical command and control;
special operations forces development;
joint air or naval military exercises; and
any other military capability the Secretary considers appropriate.
Not later than 6 months after the date on which the Initiative is established under subsection (a), the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report setting forth a strategy for achieving the objectives described in subsection (c).
In this section, the term Abraham Accords country means—
a country that is a signatory of the Abraham Accords Declaration, done at Washington September 15, 2020; and
any regional, Arab, or Muslim-majority country that has sought to normalize relations with the State of Israel since 2020.
The Secretary of Defense shall design and produce a commemorative service medal, to be known as the Atomic Civilians Commemorative Service Medal (in this section referred to as the Medal), to commemorate the service and sacrifice of civilian employees and contractors of the Department of Defense and other Federal agencies who were instrumental in the development of our Nation’s atomic and nuclear weapons programs.
Current or former civilian employees, and former employees of any contractor, of the United States Government shall be eligible for the Medal if such individual—
directly participated in the detonation of an atomic weapon or device;
directly participated in the cleanup of radioactive material resulting from any such atmospheric detonation;
directly participated in the cleanup of radioactive material resulting from an accident associated with an atomic weapon; or
was exposed to ionizing radiation resulting from the operational use of atomic weapons during World War II.
The Secretary of Defense may require individuals to submit supporting documentation for the medal authorized in subsection (a) to determine eligibility under paragraph (1).
At the request of an eligible individual described under subsection (b)(1), the Secretary of Defense shall issue the Medal to such individual.
In the case of am individual who is deceased but would otherwise be eligible for the Medal, the Secretary may provide for issuance of the Medal to the next-of-kin of such individual. If applications for a Medal are filed by more than one next of kin of such an individual, the Secretary of Defense shall determine which next-of-kin will receive the Medal.
The Secretary shall prepare and disseminate as appropriate an application by which eligible individuals and their next-of-kin may apply to receive the Medal.
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall appoint, through the Department of Veterans Affairs-Department of Defense Joint Executive Committee under section 320 of title 38, United States Code, the Blast Overpressure Task Force of the Department of Veterans Affairs (in this section referred to as the Task Force).
Each member of the Task Force appointed under subsection (a) shall be a member of the Health Executive Committee under subsection (b)(2) of such section who, at the time of appointment, is involved in research regarding the mitigation and treatment of blast overpressure or blast exposure.
The duties of the Task Force are the following:
To improve how the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense, provides health care and other benefits to veterans or members of the Armed Forces diagnosed with traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic stress disorder, or other symptoms, from blast overpressure or blast exposure.
To align research agendas and acquisition strategies of the Department regarding such health care.
To establish physiological and cognitive performance baselines for such veterans and members.
To prioritize translational research regarding such veterans and members, including research regarding—
sleep therapy;
blast-related gut health;
mobile diagnostics;
vestibular dysfunction and balance impairment;
autonomic nervous system dysregulation;
cumulative mild traumatic brain injury;
neuroinflammation and glial activation; and
any other issue determined appropriate by the Secretary.
To monitor sensory decline (including with regards to vision, hearing, and vestibular function) and stress-related impairments among such veterans and members.
To support continuity of such care by integrating mobile and longitudinal diagnostic tools.
The Task Force shall issue annual reports to the Committees on Veterans’ Affairs and on Armed Services of the Senate and House of Representatives. Each such report shall include the following elements:
Details of research initiatives, coordination outcomes, and clinical advancements of the Task Force.
Recommendations of the Task Force regarding—
how claims processors of the Department of Veterans Affairs should evaluate evidence that links such conditions to active military, naval, air, or space service; and
best practices regarding the evaluation of neurological injuries in examinations for benefits under chapters 11 or 15 of title 38, United States Code.
The Task Force shall terminate on September 30, 2029.
Not later than 30 days after the date on which the Montgomery County Land Bank makes an offer to transfer to the Department of Veterans Affairs the parcel of land described in subsection (b), the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall begin the process of entering into an agreement with the Land Bank to carry out such transfer. Under any such agreement—
the Land Bank shall agree to transfer to the Department all right, title, and interest in such parcel at no cost of the land to the Department and for no consideration; and
the Secretary shall agree to accept such transfer—
in order to use such parcel as a national cemetery; and
not later than three years after the date on which the Land Bank offers to transfer the parcel.
The parcel of land described in this subsection is the approximately 58 acres of land located in Dayton, Ohio, across from Dayton National Cemetery, bound by the intersection of McCall St. and South Gettysburg Avenue, the intersection of McCall Street and Resaca Avenue, the intersection of South Gettysburg Avenue and U.S. Route 35 of the Interstate Highway System, and depicted on the map titled Dayton National Cemetery Proposed Land Transfer and dated January 26, 2024, and labeled on the map as Expansion Area.
Nothing in this section shall be construed to—
require or encourage the Secretary to acquire any parcel other than the parcel described in subsection (b); or
require or encourage the Secretary to enter into any special agreement with an entity other than the Montgomery County Land Bank.
In this section, the Montgomery County Land Bank means the land bank located at 130 W. Second Street, Suite 1425, Dayton, Ohio 45402.
Title 10, United States Code, is amended as follows:
By redesignating the second section 130g (relating to notification requirements for waivers issued under Department of Defense guidance related to autonomy in weapon systems) as section 130h.
In section 130i(m)(4), by striking covered facility or asset— and inserting covered facility or asset—.
In section 179(f)—
in paragraph (3)(C), by striking section 6218 and inserting section 6128; and
in paragraph (6), by striking section 231(f) and inserting section 231(h)(1).
In section 222c—
in subsection (c) by redesignating the second paragraph (9) (relating to the estimated aggregate demand from United States allies and partners) as paragraph (10);
in subsection (f), by striking paragraph (1) and inserting subsection (e)(1); and
in subsection (g), by striking subsection (c)(9) and inserting subsection (c)(10).
In section 345(c)(4)(B), by striking "The and inserting The.
In section 430e(a)(2)(C), by striking ; and and inserting a period.
In section 500f(b), by inserting of this title after section 500e.
In section 714(b)(1), by inserting of subsection (a) after paragraphs (1) through (7).
In section 1096(e)—
in paragraph (2)(A), by inserting National before Institute; and
in paragraph (4)(A), by striking 1621 and inserting 1601.
In section 1142—
in subsection (b)(9)(A), by striking ,, and inserting a comma; and
in subsection (c), by redesignating subparagraph (R) as subparagraph (Q).
In section 1597(d), by inserting a comma after involuntary reduction.
In section 1733(d)—
by redesignating the second paragraph (3) through paragraph (9) as paragraphs (4) through (10), respectively; and
in paragraph (8), as so redesignated, by inserting and before critical readiness.
In section 2004c(h)(2), by striking subsection (f) and inserting subsection (g).
In section 2200h(b)(2), by inserting of after renew the appointment.
In section 2866a(g)(2)(B), by striking subsection (d)(1)(E) and inserting subsection (d)(2)(E).
In section 3702(a)(3)(A)(ii), by striking .. and inserting ..
In section 4324, by redesignating subsection (d) as subsection (c).
In section 4402(e)(1)(B), by striking the the and inserting the.
In section 9040(b)(4), by inserting a comma after Secretary of the Air Force.
Title 37, United States Code, is amended as follows:
In paragraph (24)(H) of section 101, by striking Reserve Corps of the Public Health Service and inserting Ready Reserve Corps of the Public Health Service.
In section 206(d)(2), by striking Ready Reserve or and inserting Ready Reserve, or of.
In section 302a(a)(2)(B), by striking Reserve Corps of the Public Health Service and inserting Ready Reserve Corps of the Public Health Service.
In section 302i(b)(1), by striking Reserve Corps of the Public Health Service and inserting Ready Reserve Corps of the Public Health Service.
In section 303(a)(2)(C), by striking Reserve Corps of the Public Health Service and inserting Ready Reserve Corps of the Public Health Service.
In section 303a(b), by striking Reserve Corps of the Public Health Service both places it appears and inserting Ready Reserve Corps of the Public Health Service.
In section 317(b)(2), by striking the period and inserting ; and.
In section 335(j)(8), by striking reserve corps of the Public Health Service and inserting Ready Reserve Corps of the Public Health Service.
In section 351(c)(2)(B)(ii), by striking of member and inserting of a member.
In section 356(g), by striking (a).
In the table of sections at the beginning of chapter 8, by striking the item relating to section 463 and inserting the following new item:
In section 437, in the section heading, by striking premiums and inserting premium.
In section 453(g)(5)(A), by striking a the and inserting the.
In section 501(g), by striking Reserve Corps of the Public Health Service and inserting Ready Reserve Corps of the Public Health Service.
In section 503(b), by striking Reserve Corps of the Public Health Service and inserting Ready Reserve Corps of the Public Health Service.
In section 907(d)(1)(K), by striking section section and inserting section
In section 908(a)(3), by striking Commissioned Reserve Corps of the Public Health Service and inserting Ready Reserve Corps of the Public Health Service.
In section 1011, in the section heading, by striking operation and inserting operations.
For purposes of applying amendments made by provisions of this Act other than this section, the amendments made by this section shall be treated as having been enacted immediately before any such amendments by other provisions of this Act.
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Director of National Intelligence and the Secretary of State, shall submit to the relevant congressional committees a classified report that—
is prepared consistent with the protection of sources and methods;
examines the penetration of Russian and Chinese intelligence elements and their assets in Georgia; and
examines the potential intersection of Russian and Chinese influence and cooperation in Georgia.
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State shall submit to the relevant congressional committees a detailed strategy that—
outlines specific objectives for enhancing bilateral ties which reflect the current domestic political environment in Georgia;
includes a determination of the tools, resources, and funding that should be available to achieve the objectives outlined pursuant to subparagraph (A) and an assessment of whether Georgia should remain a top recipient of United States funding in the Europe and Eurasia region;
includes a determination of the extent to which the United States should continue to invest in its partnership with Georgia; and
includes a determination of whether the Government of Georgia remains committed to expanding trade ties with the United States and Europe and whether the United States Government should continue to invest in Georgian projects.
The report required under paragraph (1) shall be submitted in unclassified form, with a classified annex.
In this section, the term relevant congressional committees means—
the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate;
the Select Committee on Intelligence of the Senate;
the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate;
the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives;
the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence of the House of Representatives; and
the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives.
The Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct a study of the Skillbridge programs under section 1143(e) of title 10, United States Code.
Not later than two years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services, and the Committees on Veterans’ Affairs, of the Senate and House of Representatives, a report regarding the study required under subsection (a). Such report shall include observations and recommendations of the Comptroller regarding, with respect to members of the Armed Forces and employers who participate in the Skillbridge program—
differences in criteria for participation between the Armed Forces;
other differences in Skillbridge programs between the Armed Forces;
best practices in Skillbridge programs across the Armed Forces, including—
the selection of employers; and
the development of contracts; and
the feasibility of making Skillbridge programs uniform across the Armed Forces.
Section 3252 of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
in subsection (b)—
by amending paragraph (1) to read as follows:
consulting with and receiving a written recommendation from procurement and other relevant officials of the covered agency, including the chief acquisition officer of the agency (or comparable employee);
in paragraph (2)—
in subparagraph (A), by inserting , including the conclusions of the risk assessment upon which this determination was made after supply chain risk; and
in subparagraph (B), by striking risk; and and inserting risk, including the facts and evidence upon which this determination was made, the options that were considered in making this determination, and why such options were not reasonably available to reduce supply chain risk; and; and
by amending paragraph (3) to read as follows:
providing a classified or unclassified notice of the determination made under paragraph (2) to the appropriate congressional committees, which notice shall include—
a summary of the risk assessment that serves as the basis for the written determination required by paragraph (2); and
the written determination required by paragraph (2).
by redesignating subsection (d) as subsection (h);
by inserting after subsection (c) the following new subsections:
The head of a covered agency may carry out a covered procurement action affecting a domestic source or a non-FOCI entity only after—
notifying the domestic source or non-FOCI entity that a covered action is being considered;
providing the domestic source or non-FOCI entity, to the extent consistent with the national security and law enforcement interests, of information that forms the basis for the covered action, in accordance with paragraph (3);
allowing the domestic source or non-FOCI entity 30 days after receipt of the notice to submit information and argument to the head of the covered agency in response to such notification; and
submitting notice to the appropriate congressional committees that the covered procurement action is not being taken for any purpose described in paragraph (2).
The head of a covered agency may not directly or indirectly exclude a domestic source or non-FOCI entity as a source pursuant to subsection (a) for—
exercising, declining to waive, or declining to renegotiate any right under, or any term or condition of, a contract, subcontract, agreement, license, or other arrangement with a Federal agency; or
for declining to enter into such an arrangement on terms proposed by a Federal official.
In carrying out a covered procurement action affecting a domestic source or a non-FOCI entity under this section, the head of a covered agency may not withhold from the domestic source or non-FOCI entity an unclassified written summary of the determinations required under subparagraphs (A) and (B) of subsection (b)(2), stated in sufficient detail to notify the entity of the basis for the action and to permit a meaningful opportunity to respond. Specific facts or sources whose disclosure would harm national security or law enforcement interests may be withheld from the domestic source or non-FOCI entity, as applicable, and provided to the appropriate congressional committees under the procedures in subsection (g).
The head of a covered agency may immediately carry out a covered procurement action affecting a non-FOCI entity without first providing the information required under subsection (b)(3) and notifications required under subsection (d)(1) if—
such head determines that an imminent national security threat requires immediate action; and
not later than three days after carrying out such covered procurement action, such head—
provides to the appropriate congressional committees—
the notice required under subsection (b)(3) and a written explanation of the imminent national security threat and the reasons such threat required carrying out such action before providing such notice; and
provides to the domestic source or non-FOCI entity the notifications and information required under subsection (d)(1).
If information required to be provided under subsections (b) or (c) includes classified information, the head of the covered agency may transmit such information in a classified annex.
A classified annex transmitted under paragraph (1)—
shall be provided to members of Congress and congressional staff in accordance with applicable security procedures; and
may include intelligence sources and methods, risk assessments, and other national security information necessary to support the determination.
To the greatest extent practicable, the agency shall provide an unclassified summary of the information contained in the classified annex.
in subsection (h), as so redesignated—
in paragraph (2), by adding at the end the following:
The termination of an existing contract, subcontract, agreement, or license for a covered system, in whole or in part, for the purpose of reducing supply chain risk.
by adding at the end the following:
The term domestic source has the meaning in section 702 of the Defense Production Act of 1950 (50 U.S.C. 4552).
The term non-FOCI entity means—
a domestic source; or
an entity that has not been identified to be operating under foreign ownership, control, or influence pursuant to a Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency review of such entity.
Section 4863 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
For any fiscal year, the total value of specialty metals acquired, including specialty metals incorporated into end items, pursuant to the exception under subsection (d), may not exceed 30 percent of the total value of specialty metals procured by the Department of Defense during such fiscal year.
In calculating the total value under paragraph (1), the Secretary of Defense shall include specialty metals directly procured by the Department and specialty metals incorporated into articles, materials, and supplies furnished by contractors and subcontractors to the Department.
Not later than 120 days after the last day of each fiscal year, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a certification described compliance of the Secretary with the requirements of this subsection, including a description of the the methodology used to calculate the total value under paragraph (1).
The Secretary of Defense may waive the requirements of this subsection if the Secretary determines that such waiver is necessary in the interest of national security and submits to the congressional defense committees a written justification for the waiver not later than 30 days after exercising such authority.
Not later than one year after the date of enactment of this section, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report regarding the use of the exception under section 4863(d) of title 10, United States Code relating to agreements with foreign governments.
The report required under paragraph (1) shall include—
an assessment of the frequency with which the Department of Defense, including prime contractors and subcontractors performing contracts for the Department, utilizes the exception under such subsection (d);
the total value and percentage of procurements to which such exception applied during each of the five fiscal years preceding the date of the report;
a list of each foreign country with which the United States has entered into a reciprocal defense procurement memorandum of understanding or other defense procurement agreement for purposes of qualifying for the exception under such subsection (d);
a supply chain analysis of each country described in subparagraph (C);
an assessment of the extent to which specialty metals incorporated into articles, materials, or supplies acquired pursuant to the exception in section 4863(d) of title 10, United States Code, originate from countries that are not parties to a defense procurement memorandum of understanding or other defense procurement agreement;
an identification of any secondary dependencies on specialty metals sourced from countries that are not parties to a defense procurement memorandum of understanding or other defense procurement agreement; and
an assessment of risks to the defense industrial base arising from such dependencies.
Section 4872 of title 10, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:
Except as provided in subsections (c), (d), (e), and (g), the Secretary of Defense may not procure covered material sourced from, by, or through a covered nation, or a covered item that contains covered material sourced from, by, or through a covered nation.
This section applies to prime contracts and subcontracts at any tier.
Subsection (a) shall not apply to the procurement of a covered item that is—
a commercially available off-the-shelf item, other than a covered COTS item or product;
an electronic device, unless the Secretary of Defense, upon the recommendation of the Strategic and Critical Materials Board of Directors pursuant to section 10 of the Strategic and Critical Materials Stock Piling Act (50 U.S.C. 98h–1), determines that the domestic availability of a particular electronic device is critical to national security;
a neodymium-iron-boron magnet or samarium-cobalt magnet manufactured from recycled material if the milling of the recycled material and sintering of the final magnet takes place in the United States; or
tantalum, tungsten, niobium, or molybdenum produced from recycled material, if the contractor demonstrates to the Secretary that—
the recycled material was produced outside of any covered nation; and
the melting of the recycled material and any further processing and manufacturing of the recycled material takes place in the United States or in the country of a qualifying foreign government, as defined in section 4863(m)(11) of this title.
The Secretary may not procure Tier 1 material sourced from, by, or through a covered nation, or a covered item that contains Tier 1 material sourced from, by, or through a covered nation, except as provided in this subsection or in subsection (c) or (g).
The Secretary may procure Tier 1 material sourced outside covered nations, or covered items that contain Tier 1 material sourced outside covered nations, but only if the percentage of cost of such material, as calculated under paragraph (3), that is produced by domestically owned entities is at least 50 percent.
The percentage referred to in paragraph (2)—
shall be calculated as a fraction (and expressed as a percentage), in which—
the numerator is the total cost of all Tier 1 material in the procurement (including Tier 1 material contained in any covered item) that is produced by any domestically owned entity; and
the denominator is the total cost of all Tier 1 material in the procurement (including Tier 1 material contained in any covered item); and
shall be calculated without including in either the numerator or denominator any Tier 2 material contained in a covered item excluded by subsection (c).
The Secretary may not procure Tier 2 material sourced from, by, or through a covered nation, or a covered item that contains Tier 2 material sourced from, by, or through a covered nation, except as provided in this subsection or in subsection (c) or (g).
For each period specified in paragraph (3), the Secretary may procure Tier 2 material sourced from, by, or through a covered nation, or a covered item that contains Tier 2 material sourced from, by, or through a covered nation, but only if the percentage of cost of such material, as calculated under paragraph (4), that is produced outside covered nations is at least the percentage specified in paragraph (3).
The periods referred to in paragraph (2), and the percentages associated with those periods, are as follows:
January 1, 2028, to December 31, 2028, 25 percent.
January 1, 2029, to December 31, 2029, 50 percent.
January 1, 2030, to December 31, 2030, 75 percent.
On and after January 1, 2031, 100 percent.
The percentage of cost referred to in paragraph (2)—
shall be calculated separately for each category of Tier 2 material, with the calculation for a category including all Tier 2 material within that category and excluding all Tier 2 material not within that category;
shall be calculated as a fraction (and expressed as a percentage), in which—
the numerator is the total cost of all Tier 2 material in that category (including Tier 2 material contained in a covered item) that is sourced outside covered nations; and
the denominator is the total cost of all Tier 2 material in that category (including Tier 2 material contained in a covered item); and
shall be calculated without including in either the numerator or denominator any Tier 2 material contained in a covered item excluded by subsection (c).
In addition to the certifications required by subsection (h), for any procurement of Tier 2 material (or covered item that contains Tier 2 material), for each category of Tier 2 material in the procurement and for each period specified in subparagraph (B) during which the prime contractor delivers such material to the Department under the contract, the Secretary shall require the prime contractor to—
certify that it has entered into a contractual agreement, or agreements, to obtain a supply of that category of Tier 2 material (or Tier 2 material contained in a covered item, as applicable) from sources outside covered nations in amounts sufficient to ensure that the prime contractor will be able to satisfy the percentages specified in paragraph (3); and
provide documentation in accordance with subsection (h)(4) that not less than the applicable percentage specified in paragraph (3) of that category of Tier 2 material (or Tier 2 material contained in a covered item, as applicable) was sourced outside covered nations.
The period referred to in subparagraph (A) shall be the annual period determined by the contractor’s fiscal year or, in the case of a contract with a period of performance of less than one year, the life of the contract. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, the Secretary may prescribe a period other than an annual period for a contract or type of contract if the Secretary determines that it would be impracticable for the prime contractor to certify and provide documentation for an annual period.
In making the certification under paragraph (A)(i), the prime contractor—
shall not be required to determine the country of origin of Tier 2 material that is not counted toward compliance with this subsection;
may use a reasonable, consistently applied estimation methodology, including grade-based, weight-based, or industry-standard estimation, provided the methodology is disclosed in the certifications required under subsection (h) and supported by available documentation; and
may rely in good faith on certifications and supporting documentation provided by subcontractors at any tier in establishing compliance with this subsection and shall not be required to independently verify a subcontractor certification absent actual knowledge of facts that would cause a reasonable contractor to question the accuracy of the certification.
Not less frequently than once every 6 months, the Secretary of Defense shall carry out a review of the categories of Tier 1 and Tier 2 materials. If the Secretary determines, based on the results of the review, that an addition or transfer described in paragraph (2) is warranted to protect national security, improve supply-chain resilience, reflect industrial base conditions, or account for changes in defense needs or commercial availability, the Secretary may implement the addition or transfer, subject to the requirements of this subsection.
An addition or transfer described in this paragraph is limited to one or more of the following:
The addition of a new category of Tier 1 or Tier 2 material.
The addition of a material that is not a covered material to a new or existing category of Tier 1 or Tier 2 material.
The transfer of a material from a category of Tier 2 material to a category of Tier 1 material.
In carrying out a review under paragraph (1), the Secretary may consider information from the elements and program offices of the Department and private industry sources, including prime and sub-tier contractors and critical mineral producers, as well as any other information the Secretary considers appropriate.
To implement an addition or transfer under this subsection, the Secretary shall publish the addition or transfer in the Federal Register and on a publicly accessible website of the Department and ensure that the addition or transfer is incorporated, as appropriate, into the Department of Defense Supplement to the Federal Acquisition Regulation.
The addition or transfer shall take effect on the later of the following dates:
The date that is one year after the date on which it was published in the Federal Register.
The date specified in the Department of Defense Supplement to the Federal Acquisition Regulation.
The Secretary of Defense may waive the application of a requirement in subsection (d) or (e), in whole or in part, to a procurement, or to a covered item, or to a Tier 1 or Tier 2 material, or to a supply-chain stage, or to any of the foregoing matters in combination or as a class, if the waiver is made in writing that—
identifies with specificity the materials and other circumstances covered by the waiver;
identifies the period during which the waiver applies;
explains the factual basis for the waiver;
includes a determination that the Tier 1 material within the scope of the waiver is not produced by domestically owned entities, or the Tier 2 material within the scope of the waiver is not produced outside covered nations, in sufficient quantity, quality, or form to meet defense needs in a timely manner and on reasonable terms;
includes a determination (which may be based on or informed by a national security waiver issued under section 4863(k) of this title) that, absent the waiver, there would be a significant adverse effect on national security, defense production, readiness, sustainment, or timely contract performance; and
provides a transition plan identifying actions to reduce reliance by the Department on foreign nations (in the case of a Tier 1 material) or covered nations (in the case of a Tier 2 material), which shall include—
mitigation measures, with quantifiable milestones and associated timelines;
a requirement that, before the end of the period during which the waiver applies, the contractor will enter into one or more binding agreements with suppliers that will result in compliance with this section and obviate the need for a future waiver or renewal; and
any contractual considerations the Secretary determines appropriate, such as performance security or an adjustment in performance or price.
A waiver under this subsection that applies to an upstream form of material (such as an ore, concentrate, oxide, fluoride, salt, precursor, or intermediate) shall not apply to a downstream form of material (such as a metal, alloy, magnet, mill product, or component) unless the waiver expressly so provides.
A waiver under this subsection may be effective for a period of up to two years and may be renewed one or more times for another such period upon a new written determination satisfying paragraph (1). There shall be no limit on the number of waivers or renewals that may be issued under this subsection.
A waiver or renewal under this subsection shall not take effect until the Secretary submits notice of the waiver or renewal to the congressional defense committees and a period of 30 days has elapsed or, if the Secretary certifies that there is an urgent need for the waiver or renewal, a period of 7 days has elapsed. The notice shall include the matters required by subparagraphs (A), (B), and (C) of paragraph (1) and the principal mitigation measures required by subparagraph (F)(i).
A contractor seeking a waiver under this subsection shall submit, at such time and in such manner as the Secretary may prescribe, reasonably available documentation supporting the waiver.
For each procurement of covered material or covered items that contain such material, the Secretary shall require the prime contractor to make the certifications described in paragraph (2), obtain the documentation described in paragraph (3), and maintain such certifications and documentation for not less than 10 years after the date on which the prime contractor receives final payment. The Secretary shall require each prime contractor to ensure that each subcontractor at any tier that supplies such material or items also make such certifications, obtain such documentation, and maintain such certifications and documentation for not less than 10 years after the date on which the subcontractor receives final payment.
The certifications referred to in paragraph (1) are the following certifications, made in such form as the Secretary may prescribe:
As a condition of award or exercise of option, that the prime contractor (or subcontractor, as applicable) has a reasonable basis to expect compliance with this section.
As a condition of payment, that the covered material and covered items supplied by the prime contractor (or subcontractor, as applicable) comply with this section.
That the prime contractor (or subcontractor, as applicable) has obtained and will maintain the documentation described in paragraph (3).
The documentation referred to in paragraph (1) is—
documentation supporting the known provenance of the covered materials and covered items, together with any certifications and documentation made by subcontractors; or
if the prime contractor (or subcontractor, as applicable) is a preferred domestic manufacturer or producer, documentation identifying the supplier of the covered material and covered items, together with the attestation of the prime contractor (or subcontractor) that such supplier was also a preferred domestic manufacturer or producer and that such supplier made a certification under paragraph (2)(B) that such material and items comply with this section.
The Secretary shall prescribe regulations to implement this subsection, including uniform standards for the certifications, documentation, and attestations required by this subsection and how those requirements apply to mixed materials, recycled materials, and commingled lots.
Under regulations prescribed by the Secretary, the Secretary may designate as a preferred domestic manufacturer or producer any contractor that—
is a manufacturer or producer within the United States of covered materials; or
is a manufacturer or producer that—
manufactures or produces, within the United States, covered items that contain covered materials;
manufactures or produces such items in a manner that complies with the sourcing requirements of subsections (d) and (e); and
maintains documentation for such items in a manner that complies with subsection (h).
Under regulations prescribed by the Secretary, the Secretary may revoke such a designation.
A prime contractor that is supplied covered material, or a covered item that contains covered material, from a supplier that is designated as a preferred domestic manufacturer or producer at the time such material or item is supplied may reasonably rely on that designation in making certifications and obtaining documentation under subsection (h). In a case in which the supplier was not, in fact, a preferred domestic manufacturer or producer at the time such material or item is supplied (such as because the designation was revoked), the prime contractor shall not be accountable for a deficiency in its certifications and documentation under subsection (h) unless the contractor had actual knowledge of facts that would have caused a reasonable contractor to question whether the supplier was in fact a preferred domestic manufacturer or producer.
The fact that a contractor is designated as a preferred domestic manufacturer or producer may, if appropriate and consistent with law, be used by the Department for other purposes, such as in determining whether to provide credit in source selection, priority in processing of qualifications, or opportunity to participate in pilot programs.
The authorities in subsections (f), (g), and (i) may be delegated no lower than the senior acquisition executive of the military department concerned or, in the case of a Defense Agency, the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment.
Not later than March 1 of each year, the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees, and publish in accordance with paragraph (3), a report on the implementation of this section. Each report shall cover the fiscal year that ended on September 30 of the preceding year and the fiscal year immediately preceding that fiscal year.
Each report shall include, for each fiscal year covered by the report, data for each category of covered material, including—
sourcing percentages achieved;
waivers granted under subsection (g), identified by category of material and supply-chain stage, including duration and stated basis;
contractors designated as preferred domestic manufacturers and producers;
any findings, whether preliminary or not, of false certification, misconduct, or noncompliance with this section;
actions taken by the Secretary to increase the supply of Tier 1 and Tier 2 materials that meet the requirements of this section, including progress on investments in domestic capacity; and
such other information as the Secretary determines appropriate to describe implementation of this section.
The report shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may include a classified annex.
To the maximum extent practicable, the Secretary shall publish each report in a machine-readable, standardized format on a publicly accessible website of the Department.
The Secretary of Defense may not sell any material from the National Defense Stockpile, if the National Defense Stockpile Manager determines that such a sale is not in the national interests of the United States, to—
any covered nation; or
any third party that the Secretary reasonably believes is acting as a broker or agent for a covered nation or an entity in a covered nation.
In this section:
The term commercially available off-the-shelf item has the meaning given such term in section 104 of title 41.
The term covered COTS item means a commercially available off-the-shelf item—
at least 50 percent of which, by weight, is covered material; or
that is a mill product, such as bar, billet, slab, wire, cube, sphere, block, blank, plate, powder, or sheet, that has not been incorporated into an end item, subsystem, assembly, or component.
The term covered item means an end item (as defined in section 4863 of this title), subsystem, assembly, component, or commercially available off-the-shelf item.
The term covered material means a Tier 1 material or a Tier 2 material.
The term covered nation means—
the Democratic People’s Republic of North Korea;
the People’s Republic of China;
the Russian Federation; and
the Islamic Republic of Iran.
The term domestically owned entity means an entity organized under the laws of the United States or a State and controlled by United States persons.
The term preferred domestic manufacturer or producer means a contractor designated as a preferred domestic manufacturer or producer under subsection (i).
The term supply-chain stage includes stages such as mining, concentration, refining, separation, reduction, melting, alloying, powder production, sintering, processing, and manufacturing, and any other stage that the Secretary considers appropriate.
A material is sourced from, by, or through a nation if any portion of the mining, refining, separation, melting and pouring, processing, or manufacturing of the material occurred in the nation or was performed by an entity located in the nation.
The term sourced outside covered nations means, with respect to a material, that the contractor has established through the certifications and documentation under this section that the material was not sourced from, by, or through a covered nation.
Subject to the authority of the Secretary under subsection (f), the term Tier 1 material means the following material, as set forth in categories (A) through (G):
Neodymium-iron-boron (NdFeB) and samarium-cobalt (SmCo) permanent magnets.
Tungsten metal powder, tungsten heavy alloy, or any finished or semi-finished component containing tungsten heavy alloy.
Neodymium oxide and metal, praseodymium oxide and metal, and neodymium-praseodymium oxide and metal, and ores and concentrates from which these oxides and metals are sourced.
Tantalum, including tantalum ores and oxides, concentrates, metal, tantalum powder, and tantalum alloys.
On and after December 18, 2027, molybdenum metals, powders, and alloys.
On and after December 18, 2027, gallium and gallium nitride.
On and after December 18, 2027, germanium.
Subject to the authority of the Secretary under subsection (f), and excluding any material that is Tier 1 material, the term Tier 2 material means the following material, as set forth in categories (A) through (C):
Items comprised in whole or in part of oxides, metals, alloys (and intermediate products) of gadolinium, samarium, neodymium, praseodymium, neodymium-praseodymium, and terbium.
Items of tungsten, including—
precursors, including tungsten ores and concentrates, ammonium paratungstate, ammonium metatungstate, tungstic acid, sodium tungstate, and tungsten oxides; and
on and after January 1, 2029, tungsten carbide.
Items comprised in whole or in part of niobium oxides, metals, and alloys.
The term United States person means—
a citizen of the United States;
an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence; or
an entity organized under the laws of the United States or a jurisdiction within the United States if the ultimate beneficial ownership and control of such entity is with persons described in subparagraph (A) or (B).
The amendment made by subsection (a) shall take effect on the date (the effective date) that is 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act and shall apply to solicitations issued, and contracts entered into, on or after such effective date, except as provided in paragraph (3).
Not later than the effective date specified in paragraph (1), the Secretary of Defense shall issue regulations to implement section 4872 of title 10, United States Code, as amended by subsection (a).
Subsection (e) of section 4872, as amended by subsection (a), shall not apply to solicitations issued or contracts awarded before January 1, 2028. Until such date, a solicitation issued or contract awarded for a procurement of Tier 2 material (or covered item that contains Tier 2 material) shall be administered in accordance with section 4872 as in effect immediately before the effective date specified in paragraph (1).
Section 844 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (Public Law 116–283; 134 Stat. 3766), as amended by section 848 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (Public Law 119–60; 139 Stat. 978), is repealed.
The repeal made by paragraph (1) shall take effect on the earlier of December 31, 2026, or the date of the enactment of this Act.
The Secretary of Defense shall establish an expedited qualification process for new domestic and allied-nation sources of covered material (as defined in section 4872 of title 10, United States Code).
The process under paragraph (1) shall apply to—
source qualification;
product qualification; and
platform or program qualification.
The Secretary shall ensure that, for each entity seeking to be qualified as a domestic or allied-nation source, the qualification process is completed not later than 12 months after the date on which the entity submits a materially complete qualification package in the form prescribed by the Secretary.
In carrying out this subsection, the Secretary shall, to the maximum extent practicable, accept and rely on—
test data, analyses, certifications, or other qualification evidence from a Government laboratory, an accredited independent laboratory, or an accredited commercial laboratory, whether located in the United States or outside the United States;
qualification results or approvals previously accepted by a military department, another Federal agency, an original equipment manufacturer, or another commercial qualification regime; and
commercial production history, first-article results, lot acceptance data, and comparable evidence of performance.
The Secretary shall ensure that the result of each qualification process completed under this subsection is accepted throughout the Department of Defense for the same or substantially similar applications to the maximum extent practicable.
The Secretary shall maintain a centralized record of the result of each qualification process completed under this subsection for use across the military departments and defense agencies.
The Secretary shall, for the purposes of this subsection, establish policy for the acceptance of a determination by a prime contractor that a domestic supplier of a covered material is capable of providing such covered material in the form and quality required by the prime contractor and thus deem the domestic supplier a qualified source.
In this subsection, the term allied nation means the United States or any foreign nation (other than a covered nation, as defined in section 4872 of title 10, United States Code) designated by the Secretary for purposes of this subsection.
Section 1321 of title 41, United States Code, is amended—
by amending paragraph (3) to read as follows:
The term covered article—
has the meaning given that term in section 4713; and
includes operational technology (as defined in section 3 of the Internet of Things Cybersecurity Improvement Act of 2020 (Public Law 116–207; 15 U.S.C. 278g–3a)).
by redesignating paragraphs (5) through (8) as paragraphs (7) through (10), respectively;
by inserting after paragraph (4) the following:
The term covered source of concern means a source of concern that sells, produces, or is involved in the development of a covered article that is designated in section 1328(c) as a statutorily designated covered article.
The term designated order means an order described under section 1323(c)(3).
by adding at the end the following:
The term recommended order means an order recommended under section 1323(c)(2).
The term source of concern means a source—
subject to the jurisdiction, direction, or control of the government of a foreign adversary, or operates on behalf of the government of a foreign adversary; or
that poses a risk to the national security of the United States based on collaboration with, whole or partial ownership or control by, or being affiliated with a military, internal security force, or intelligence agency of a foreign adversary.
In this paragraph, the term foreign adversary has the meaning given the term covered nation in section 4872(d) of title 10.
Section 1322 of title 41, United States Code, is amended—
in subsection (a), by striking executive branch and inserting Executive Office of the President;
in subsection (b)—
by amending paragraph (1) to read as follows:
The members of the Council shall be as follows:
The Administrator for Federal Procurement Policy.
The Deputy Director for Management of the Office of Management and Budget.
The following officials, each of whom shall occupy a position at the level of Assistant Secretary or Deputy Assistant Secretary (or equivalent):
Two officials from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, one of which shall be from the National Counterintelligence and Security Center.
Two officials from the Department of Defense, one of which shall be one from the National Security Agency.
Two officials from the Department of Homeland Security, one of which shall be one from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.
An official from the General Services Administration.
An official from the Office of the National Cyber Director.
Two officials from the Department of Justice, one of which shall be one from the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Two officials from the Department of Commerce, one of which shall be from the National Institute of Standards and Technology and one of which shall be from the Bureau of Industry and Security.
An official from any executive agency not listed under clauses (i) through (vii) whose temporary or permanent participation is determined by the Chairperson of the Council to be necessary to carry out the functions of the Council while maintaining the intended balance in subject matter expertise.
in paragraph (2)—
in the heading, by striking Lead representatives and inserting Members;
by amending subparagraph (A)(i) to read as follows:
The head of each executive agency listed under paragraph (1)(C) shall designate the official or officials from that agency who shall serve on the Council in accordance with such paragraph.
by amending subparagraph (A)(ii) to read as follows:
To the extent feasible, any official designated under clause (i) shall have expertise in supply chain risk management, acquisitions, law, or information and communications technology.
by amending subparagraph (B) to read as follows:
A member of the Council shall—
regularly participate in the activities of the Council;
ensure that any information requested by the Council from the agency represented by the member is provided to the Council; and
ensure that the head of the agency represented by the member and other appropriate personnel of the agency are aware of the activities of the Council.
in subsection (c)—
by amending paragraph (1) to read as follows:
Not later than 45 days after the date of the enactment of this paragraph, the President shall a designate a member of the Council to serve as Chairperson of the Council.
The Chairperson of the Council on the day before the date of the enactment of this paragraph shall remain the Chairperson until the President makes a designation pursuant to subparagraph (A).
in paragraph (2)—
in subparagraph (B), by striking subsection (b)(1)(H) and inserting subsection (b)(1)(C)(viii); and
in subparagraph (C), by striking lead representative of each agency represented on the Council and inserting members of the Council; and
in subsection (d)—
by striking The Council and inserting the following:
The Council
by adding at the end the following:
The Chairperson of the Council shall meet, not less frequently than semiannually, with—
the Secretary of Homeland Security, Secretary of Defense, and Director of National Intelligence; or
in the case that any of the officials under subparagraph (A) delegated authority to an official under section 1323(c)(6)(C), with the delegated official.
Section 1323 of title 41, United States Code, is amended—
in subsection (a)—
by striking supply chain each place it appears and inserting acquisition security and supply chain;
in paragraph (1), as amended by subparagraph (A), by striking , particularly and inserting that arise;
in paragraph (2), as amended by subparagraph (A)—
by striking sharing information and inserting exchanging information;
by inserting associated with the acquisition and use of covered articles after risk;
in subparagraph (B), by striking ; and and inserting a semicolon;
by redesignating subparagraph (C) as subparagraph (D); and
by inserting after subparagraph (B) the following:
the process for an executive agency to submit supply chain risk information to the Council in furtherance of identifying, mitigating, or managing its supply chain risk; and
in paragraph (6), as amended by subparagraph (A), by—
striking posed by and inserting associated with; and
inserting and use before of covered articles;
in paragraph (7), by striking posed by acquisitions and inserting associated with the acquisition;
by redesignating paragraph (7) as paragraph (12); and
by inserting after paragraph (6) the following:
Implementing a prioritization scheme for evaluating the security risks associated with the acquisition and use of covered articles sold, produced, or developed by a covered source of concern.
Evaluating each covered source of concern to determine whether to issue a designated order with respect to the covered source of concern or a covered article sold, produced, or developed by the covered source of concern.
Evaluating sources of concern to determine whether to issue a recommended order with respect to the source of concern, or any covered article sold, produced, or developed by the source of concern.
Monitoring and evaluating compliance by the Secretary of Homeland Security, Secretary of Defense, and Director of National Intelligence with the requirement to issue designated orders under subsection (c)(6)(B).
Reporting to Congress annually on the security risks associated with the acquisition and use of covered articles sold, produced, or developed by sources of concern.
in subsection (b)—
by striking The Council and inserting the following:
The Council
in paragraph (1), as so redesignated, by striking a program office and; and
by adding at the end the following:
Not later than 45 days after the date of the enactment of this paragraph, the President shall establish a Federal Acquisition Security Council Program Office (referred to in this paragraph as the Program Office) within the Executive Office of the President to carry out the duties described under subparagraph (B).
The Program Office shall provide to the Council, including any committees, working groups, or other constituent bodies established by the Council under paragraph (1)—
administrative, legal, and policy support; and
analysis and subject matter expertise on information communications technology, acquisition security, and supply chain risk.
The head of the Program Office shall be designated by the Chairperson of the Council.
The Program Office may not provide administrative support to the Council for any activities of the Council carried out pursuant to a provision of law other than a provision of law under this subchapter.
The Program Office may use the staff and resources of the Executive Office of the President or maintain dedicated staff and resources, as appropriate, in the performance of the duties of the Office.
The Program Office may accept officers or employees of the United States or members of the Armed Forces on a detail from an element of the intelligence community (as such term is defined in section 3 of the National Security Act of 1947 (50 U.S.C. 3003)) or from another element of the Federal Government on a nonreimbursable basis, as jointly agreed to by the heads of the receiving and detailing elements, for a period not to exceed three years.
Nothing in this subparagraph may be construed as imposing any limitation on any other authority for reimbursable or nonreimbursable details.
A nonreimbursable detail made under this subparagraph shall not be considered an augmentation of the appropriations of the receiving element of the Program Office.
in subsection (c)—
in paragraph (1)—
in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking supply chain risk and inserting acquisition security and supply chain risk associated with the acquisition of covered articles;
in subparagraph (A), by inserting recommended before exclusion orders;
in subparagraph (B), by inserting recommended before removal orders;
in subparagraph (C), by striking ; and and inserting a semicolon;
in subparagraph (D), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and; and
by adding at the end the following:
issuing designated orders.
in paragraph (2)—
in the heading, by striking Recommendations and inserting Recommended orders;
by striking use and inserting , using;
by striking to issue recommendations and inserting , recommend orders;
by striking Such recommendations and inserting Any such order recommended;
by inserting to the officials described under clause (iii) of paragraph (6)(A) for issuance under such paragraph after thereof,;
in subparagraph (D), by striking supply chain risk and inserting acquisition security and supply chain risk associated with the acquisition of covered articles; and
in subparagraph (E), by striking exclusion or removal;
by redesignating paragraphs (3) through (7) as paragraphs (4) through (8), respectively;
by inserting after paragraph (2) the following:
Not later than 270 days after a source of concern is designated as a covered source of concern, the Council—
shall provide to the officials described under clause (iii) of paragraph (6)(B) for issuance under such paragraph orders requiring—
the exclusion of the covered source of concern from any executive agency procurement action, including source selection and consent for a contractor; or
the removal of covered articles sold, produced, or developed by the covered source of concern from the information system of executive agencies; or
report to Congress why the Council has determined to not issue an order described under subclause (I) with respect to the covered source of concern or covered articles sold, produced, or developed by the covered source of concern.
Any order provided under clause (i) shall include—
information regarding the scope and applicability of the order, including any information necessary to positively identify the covered source of concern or covered articles sold, produced, or developed by the covered source of concern required to be excluded or removed under the order;
a summary of any risk assessment reviewed or conducted in support of the order;
a summary of the basis for the order, including a discussion of less intrusive measures that were considered and why such measures were not reasonably available to reduce security risk;
a description of the actions necessary to implement the order; and
where practicable, in the Council’s sole and unreviewable discretion, a description of mitigation steps that could be taken by the covered source of concern that may result in the Council rescinding the order.
In the case that the Council provides an order under subparagraph (A), the Council may also provide an order to the officials described under paragraph (6)(A)(iii) requiring the exclusion of sources or covered articles from executive agency procurement actions or removal of covered articles from executive agency information systems if—
such covered articles or such sources use a covered source of concern in the performance of a contract with the executive agency; or
such sources enter into a contract, the performance of which such source knows or has reason to believe will require, in the performance of a contract with the executive agency, the use of a covered source of concern or the use of a covered article sold, produced, or developed by a covered source of concern.
Any effective date prescribed by the Council for an order issued pursuant to clause (i) shall take into account—
the risk posed by the covered source of concern or the covered article sold, produced, or developed by the covered source of concern to the national security of the United States;
the likelihood of the covered source of concern or the covered article sold, produced, or developed by the covered source of concern causing imminent threat to public health and safety;
the availability of an alternative source or covered article sold, produced, or developed by an alternative source; and
an assessment of the potential direct or quantifiable costs that may be incurred by the Federal Government, a State, local, or Tribal government, or by the private sector, as a result of compliance by the head of an executive agency with such an exclusion or removal order.
in paragraph (4), as so redesignated—
in the heading, by striking of recommendation and review and inserting and review of recommended and designated orders;
by striking the recommendation each place it appears, and inserting the order;
in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking A notice of the Council’s recommendation under paragraph (2) and inserting Before the Council recommends an order under paragraph (2) or issues an order under paragraph (3), a notice;
in subparagraph (A), by striking a recommendation has been made and inserting the order will be recommended or issued;
in subparagraph (D), by striking paragraph (5) and inserting paragraph (6); and
in subparagraph (E), by striking the the recommendation and inserting the order;
in paragraph (5), as so redesignated—
by striking paragraph (3) and inserting paragraph (4);
in subparagraph (A), by striking paragraph (5) and inserting paragraph (6);
in subparagraph (B), by striking paragraph (6) and inserting paragraph (7);
by striking Any notice and inserting (A) In general.—Any notice; and
by inserting at the end the following:
Any information collected from a source after notice under paragraph (4) shall be exempt from public disclosure and disclosure under subsection (b)(3)(B) of section 552 of title 5 (commonly referred to as the Freedom of Information Act), until an order is issued pursuant to paragraph (6).
in paragraph (6), as so redesignated—
by amending subparagraph (A) to read as follows:
After considering any response properly submitted by a source under paragraph (4) related to an order to be recommended under paragraph (2), the Council shall—
make such modifications to the order as the Council considers appropriate; and
provide the order (together with any information submitted by a source under paragraph (4) related to such order) to the officials described under clause (iii).
Not later than 90 days after receiving a recommended order, the officials described under clause (iii) shall—
issue the order to the heads of the applicable agencies; or
submit a notification to the Council that the order will not be issued, that includes in the notification to the Council, all the reasons for why the order will not be issued.
The officials described in this clause are as follows:
The Secretary of Homeland Security, for exclusion and removal orders applicable to civilian agencies, to the extent not covered by subclause (II) or (III).
The Secretary of Defense, for exclusion and removal orders applicable to the Department of Defense and national security systems other than sensitive compartmented information systems.
The Director of National Intelligence, for exclusion and removal orders applicable to the intelligence community and sensitive compartmented information systems, to the extent not covered by subclause (II).
by redesignating subparagraphs (B) through (E) as subparagraphs (C) through (F), respectively;
by inserting after subparagraph (A) the following:
After considering any response properly submitted by a source under paragraph (4) related to a designated order, the Council shall—
make any such modifications to the order as the Council considers appropriate; or
if the Council determines that the issuance of a designated order is not warranted, rescind the designated order and notify the source of the rescission; and
except in the case that the Council rescinds the designated order under subclause (I)(bb), provide the designated order (including any modifications made to such order by the Council) to the officials described in clause (iii).
The officials described in clause (iii) shall, not later than 90 days after receiving a designated order, issue the order to the heads of the applicable agencies.
The officials described in this clause are as follows:
The Secretary of Homeland Security, for exclusion and removal orders applicable to civilian agencies, to the extent not covered by subclause (II) or (III).
The Secretary of Defense, for exclusion and removal orders applicable to the Department of Defense and national security systems other than sensitive compartmented information systems.
The Director of National Intelligence, for exclusion and removal orders applicable to the intelligence community and sensitive compartmented information systems, to the extent not covered by subclause (II).
An official described under clause (iii) may waive for a period of not more than 365 days the application of an order issued by such official under clause (ii) with respect to a covered source of concern or a covered article sold, produced, or developed by a covered source of concern if the official submits, not later than 30 days after making such waiver, a written notification to the Council, appropriate congressional committees, the Speaker and Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, and the Majority and Minority Leaders of the Senate that contains the justification for such waiver.
An official described under clause (iii) may renew a waiver under clause (iv) for an additional period of not more than 180 days if—
the renewal of the waiver is in the national security interests of the United States; and
the official submits, not later than 30 days after renewing such waiver, a written notification to the Council, appropriate congressional committees, the Speaker and Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, and the Majority and Minority Leaders of the Senate that includes the justification for renewing the wavier.
An official described under clause (iii) may waive the application of an order issued by such official under clause (ii) with respect to a covered source of concern or a covered article sold, produced, or developed by a covered source of concern for any activity subject to the reporting requirements under title V of the National Security Act of 1947 (50 U.S.C. 3091 et seq.) or any authorized intelligence activities of the United States.
An exclusion or removal order issued under this subparagraph by an official may be rescinded only by the Council.
in subparagraph (C), as so redesignated—
by striking subparagraph (A) and inserting subparagraph (A)(iii) or (B)(iii);
by striking this subparagraph and inserting subparagraph (A)(iii) or (B)(iii); and
by striking , except and all that follows before the period at the end;
in subparagraph (D), as so redesignated—
by striking this paragraph and inserting subparagraph (A)(iii) or (B)(iii); and
by striking help;
in subparagraph (E), as so redesignated, by striking this paragraph and inserting subparagraph (A); and
by adding after subparagraph (F), as so redesignated, the following:
The effective date of an order issued under this paragraph may not be more than 365 days after the order is issued.
in paragraph (7), as so redesignated, by striking paragraph (5)(A) and inserting subparagraph (A) or (B) of paragraph (6); and
in paragraph (8), as so redesignated, by striking paragraph (5) and inserting paragraph (6);
in subsection (e), by inserting the Chief Data Officers Council, before the Chief Acquisition; and
in subsection (f)(2), by striking the period at the end and inserting , unless such source is a covered source of concern..
Section 1324(a) of title 41, United States Code, is amended—
by inserting , and periodically thereafter after 2018;
in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by inserting acquisition security and before supply chain risks;
in paragraph (8), by inserting acquisition security and before supply chain risks; and
in paragraph (9)(A), by inserting acquisition security and before supply chain risk.
Section 1326 of title 41, United States Code, is amended—
in subsection (a)—
in paragraph (1), by striking ; and and inserting a semicolon;
in paragraph (2), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and; and
by adding at the end the following:
providing any information requested by the Chairperson of the Council for the purpose of carrying out activities of this subchapter, subject to applicable law or policy on the control and handling of classified, sensitive, or proprietary information.
by striking supply chain each place it appears and inserting security and supply chain; and
in subsection (b)(6), by striking supply chain and inserting security or supply chain.
Section 1327(b) of title 41, United States Code, is amended—
in paragraph (1), by striking section 1323(c)(6) and inserting section 1323(c)(7);
in paragraph (3), by striking sections 1323(c)(5) and inserting sections 1323(c)(6); and
in paragraph (4), by amending subparagraph (B)(i) to read as follows:
The United States shall file with the court an administrative record, which shall consist of—
in the case of a designated order issued under section 1323(c)(6) by the appropriate official, the information the Council relied upon in providing such order to such official; and
the information that the appropriate official relied upon in issuing an exclusion or removal order under section 1323(c)(6) or a covered procurement action under section 4713.
Section 1328 of title 41, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:
In implementing this subchapter, the Council shall coordinate, as applicable and practicable, with the head of an agency to assist with compliance by the agency with—
section 889 of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act of 2019 (Public Law 115–232; 41 U.S.C. 3901 note);
section 5949 of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act of 2023 (Public Law 117–263; 41 U.S.C. 4713 note); and
the American Security Drone Act of 2023 (Public Law 118–31; 41 U.S.C. 3901 note).
The Federal Acquisition Security Council shall update, not later than two years after the date of the enactment of this section, any regulations of the Council as necessary.
The term statutorily designated covered article pursuant to section 1321(5)—
means a vehicle or a mechanical device commonly known as an unmanned ground vehicle system that—
is capable of locomotion, navigation, or movement on the ground; and
operates at a distance from one or more operators or supervisors based on commands or in response to sensor data, or through any combination thereof; and
includes—
humanoid robots, mobile robotics, remote surveillance vehicles, and autonomous patrol technologies; and
the vehicle, its payload, and any external device used to control the vehicle.
Section 5949(l)(1) of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Public Law 117–263) is amended by inserting before the period at the end the following: and the Federal Acquisition Security Council Program Office established under section 1323(b)(2) of title 41, United States Code.
Not later than 30 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall provide to the congressional defense committees a notification of the designation of the officials of the Department of Defense who shall serve on the Council in accordance with clause (b)(1)(C)(ii) of section 1322 of title 41, United States.
The Secretary shall ensure that the officials designated—
regularly participate in the activities of the Council;
ensure that any information requested by the Council from the agency represented by the such official or officials is provided to the Council in a timely manner; and
establish procedures to ensure that Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering, the Chair of the Joint Requirements Oversight Council, the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Industrial Base Policy, and other appropriate personnel of the Department of Defense are informed of the activities of the Council in a timely manner.
Subchapter III of chapter 13 of title 41, United States Code, is amended—
in the table of sections for the subchapter by adding after the item related to section 1327 the following:
by striking of this title each place the term appears.
Section 835 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (Public Law 119–60; 10 U.S.C. 4651 note prec.) is amended—
by redesignating subsection (e) as subsection (f); and
by inserting after subsection (d) the following new subsection:
The Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a written certification—
not later than June 30, 2027, that implementation of the strategy required by this section has begun; and
not later than January 1, 2030, that the strategy required by this section has eliminated the reliance of the Department on any covered nation to acquire computer displays.
Section 857(c) of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Public Law 117–263; 136 Stat. 2727) is amended—
in paragraph (3)(A) by inserting , including any recommendations that the Comptroller General considers appropriate before the period at the end; and
in subsection (c)(5) by striking the date that is 5 years after the date of the enactment of this Act and inserting the date that is 12 years after the date of the enactment of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027.
Section 818(c)(3) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012 (Public Law 112–81; 10 U.S.C. 3241 note prec.) is amended—
in subparagraph (C), by striking and at the end;
in subparagraph (D)(iii), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and; and
by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
require that, for purchases made in accordance with procedures applicable to purchases below micro-purchase threshold (as defined in section 3573 of title 10, United States Code) or in accordance with procedures applicable to purchases below simplified acquisition threshold (as defined in section 3571 of such title), Department personnel—
obtain electronic parts that are in production or currently available in stock from the original manufacturer or an authorized dealer for such electronic part, or from a supplier that obtains such electronic parts exclusively from the original manufacturer or an authorized dealer for such electronic part; and
obtain electronic parts that are not in production or currently available in stock in accordance with regulations prescribed pursuant to subparagraph (C) or (D).
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall revise the Department of Defense Supplement to the Federal Acquisition Regulation to carry out the amendments made by this section.
Not later than 30 days after the revision required under subsection (b) has been finalized, the Secretary shall update the guidance required under section 818(c) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012 (Public Law 112–81; 10 U.S.C. 3241 note prec.)) as amended by this section, including practices and procedures to be used under part 8 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation.
Not later than 270 days after the date of the enactment of this section, the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report that reviews of use of government purchase cards by the Department of Defense to obtain electronic parts (as defined in section 818 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012 (Public Law 112–81; 10 U.S.C. 3241 note prec.)) and components for such electronic parts using multiple award contracts or using full and open competition, along with any recommendations to improve procurement procedures to reduce the risk posed by counterfeit electronic parts and components.
The Secretary of Defense, acting through the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment and other appropriate officials, shall conduct an analysis of each item described in subsection (c) and shall make recommendations for action, consistent with the policies, programs, and activities required under chapters 381 through 385 and chapter 389 of title 10, United States Code, chapter 83 of title 41, United States Code, and the Defense Production Act of 1950 (50 U.S.C. 4501 et seq.), including—
actions for restricting procurement of each such item (with appropriate waivers for cost, emergency requirements, and nonavailability of suppliers), including such restrictions applicable to—
domestic suppliers;
suppliers in the national technology and industrial base (as defined in section 4801 of title 10, United States Code); or
suppliers in other allied country;
actions for increasing Federal Government investment in research and development or using other available authorities such as contracts, grants, loans, cooperative agreements, or other transaction authorities, including actions to—
expand sourcing, processing, production, manufacturing capability, or production capacity of each such item;
diversify sources of supply of each such item; or
promote alternative approaches for addressing military requirements for each such item;
actions for prohibiting procurement each such item from selected sources or countries;
stockpiling actions for each such item, including creating incentives for domestic suppliers to expand and retain capacity such as—
use of long-term purchasing agreements; or
restrictions related to provenance of each such item purchased for such stockpile;
actions for increasing availability of each such item through recycling or reuse; or
a combination of actions described under subparagraphs (A) through (E).
In conducting the analysis described in paragraph (1), the Secretary shall consider how any actions taken under the analysis would enhance or improve—
national security;
the economy;
current and potential suppliers of the items in subsection (c), including the ability of such suppliers to meet anticipated surge production requirements of the Department of Defense; and
implementation of any existing treaties or international agreements to which the United States is a party.
Not later than October 1, 2027, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report containing the following:
A summary of the findings of the analyses undertaken for each item pursuant to subsection (a).
Relevant findings and recommendations for action resulting from such analyses.
Descriptions of specific actions undertaken or planned to be taken as a result of the analyses, including schedule and resources allocated for any planned actions.
Any relevant findings or recommendations from such analyses, as appropriate, that should be incorporated into one or more of the following:
The biennial report to Congress on the national technology and industrial base required under section 4814 of title 10, United States Code.
The annual report on unfunded priorities of the national technology and industrial base required under section 4815 of such title.
The Department of Defense national security strategy for the national technology and industrial base and associated policy guidance prescribed under section 4811(c) of such title.
Activities to modernize acquisition processes to ensure integrity of industrial base pursuant to section 4819 of such title.
Activities and associated expenditures related to defense supply chains, including for material, material production, components, subassemblies, and finished products, testing and qualification, infrastructure, facility construction and improvement, and equipment needed in accordance with 4817 of such title.
Activities of the Office of Strategic Capital.
Defense memoranda of understanding and related agreements between the Secretary of Defense, acting on behalf of the United States, and one or more foreign countries considered in accordance with section 4851 of such title.
Activities of the Industrial Analysis Group (or successor group) of the Defense Contract Management Agency.
Activities of the Warstopper Program (or successor program) of the Defense Logistics Agency.
Industrial base or acquisition policy changes.
Legislative proposals for modifications to relevant statutes.
The items described in this subsection are the following:
A material or other item of supply for which the Secretary or another designated official has issued a waiver or exception to a statutory sourcing restriction, or for which a domestic non-availability determination has been applied.
Strategic and critical materials (as defined in section 12(1) of the Strategic and Critical Materials Stock Piling Act (50 U.S.C. 98h–3(1)), including rare earth materials.
Strategic and critical minerals derived from recycled or reused minerals and metals.
Printed circuit boards and components of printed circuit boards.
Microelectronic, semiconductor, and data storage components.
Neodymium-iron-boron permanent magnets.
Samarium and samarium-cobalt permanent magnets.
Neodymium oxide and metal, praseodymium oxide and metal, and neodymium-praseodymium oxide and metal.
Additive powders for specialty metals such as titanium-based and nickel-based alloys.
Tantalum, including tantalum metal, tantalum powder, and tantalum alloys.
Gallium, gallium nitride, and gallium oxide.
Niobium, including niobium metal, niobium powder, and niobium alloys.
Tungsten, tungsten carbide, and tungsten precursors, including tungsten ores and concentrates, ammonium paratungstate, ammonium metatungstate, tungstic acid, sodium tungstate, and tungsten oxides.
Heavy rare earth oxides, namely oxides of erbium, gadolinium, lutetium, samarium, scandium, dysprosium, terbium, ytterbium, and yttrium.
Rare earth metals and alloys, namely metals and alloys of erbium, gadolinium, lutetium, neodymium, praseodymium, samarium, scandium, dysprosium, terbium, ytterbium, and yttrium.
Rare earth fluorides, namely fluorides of erbium, gadolinium, lutetium, neodymium, praseodymium, samarium, scandium, dysprosium, terbium, ytterbium, and yttrium.
Magnesium alloy parts.
High-purity iron suitable for rare earth magnet manufacturing, naval shipbuilding alloys, electrical steel, and other specialty alloys.
Aluminum and aluminum-based alloys.
Graphene and graphene-based materials.
Mesophase pitch, isotropic pitch, and other critical precursor materials for carbon-carbon composites and synthetic graphite.
Boron carbide powder or any finished or semi-finished product containing boron carbide powder.
Optical glass or optical glass systems, as defined in section 834 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026, and weapon sights made from such glass.
Optical transmission equipment, including optical fiber, optical transmitters, and optical cable equipment.
Continuous filament glass fiber yarn.
Ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene fiber production capacity.
Copper foil and copper clad laminate (including woven glass mat and glass fibers necessary to produce such laminate).
Chemicals critical to defense applications, as determined by the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment.
Non-rare earth permanent magnets composed of materials such as iron nitride, iron-nickel, or manganese bismuth.
Synthetic diamond and super abrasive materials used in defense applications.
Section 849 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (Public Law 116–283) is repealed.
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report that includes—
an assessment of the extent to which the Department of Defense relies on foreign sources, including sources of concern, for synthetic diamond materials and related super abrasive materials used in defense-critical applications;
a description of the defense systems, subsystems, and manufacturing processes for which such materials are critical, including their role in the production, sustainment, repair, sensing, guidance, navigation, communications, electronic warfare, and precision manufacturing functions of covered systems;
an evaluation of the current and projected capacity of capable domestic sources and capable sources located in allied or partner countries to meet Department of Defense requirements for such materials;
an assessment of risks to the defense industrial base associated with supply disruption, including risks arising from single points of failure, limited qualified suppliers, and reliance on sources of concern; and
recommendations to mitigate identified risks and to strengthen domestic production capability where the Secretary determines such capability is necessary to address national security risks.
Not later than 90 days after submittal of the report under subsection (a), the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a plan—
to reduce reliance on foreign sources of concern for synthetic diamond materials and related super abrasive materials; and
to increase the use of capable domestic sources and, only where such capable domestic sources are not available, capable sources located in allied or partner countries, for such materials in designated defense-critical applications.
In this section:
The term allied or partner country means a country that the Secretary of Defense determines, based on national security considerations, does not pose an undue risk to the defense industrial base or the security of defense supply chains.
The term capable domestic source means a source located in the United States that the Secretary of Defense determines has the technical capability, production capacity, quality controls, security posture, and ability to meet designated defense requirements at program scale.
The term covered system means such defense systems or platforms as the Secretary of Defense determines appropriate.
The term source of concern means a covered nation as defined in section 4872(f)(2) of title 10, United States Code.
The term super abrasive material includes cubic boron nitride and other ultra-hard materials used in defense manufacturing or defense system applications.
The term synthetic diamond materials means synthetic or laboratory-engineered diamond materials, including grit, powders, wafers, films, optical components, electronic components, and other functional diamond forms, used in defense-critical applications.
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense, acting through the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Industrial Base Policy, shall establish a Department of Defense-wide program to be known as the Defense Supply Chain Intelligence and Risk Response Program (in this section referred to as the Program) to enhance the Department’s ability to illuminate, assess, anticipate, and respond to risks across the defense industrial base supply chain.
The purpose of the Program shall be to provide a coordinated, holistic framework for the Department of Defense to effectively identify and manage the risks within and across the broader defense supply chain, including risks associated with microelectronics, semiconductors, counterfeit items, diminishing manufacturing sources and material shortages, obsolescence, supply chain disruptions, cyber vulnerabilities, foreign sourced components, foreign investments, financial distress, and sourcing of critical technologies from entities within or associated with covered nations.
The Program shall—
identify and characterize supplier concentration, single-point dependencies, structural vulnerabilities, and risks arising from foreign ownership, control, or influence;
inform Department of Defense policy and funding decisions intended to enable rapid, scalable response to supply chain vulnerabilities, including creation of stockpiles and identification of alternative domestic suppliers and surge capacity; and
support and inform Department of Defense efforts to reduce reliance on covered nations for supply chains essential to the national defense.
In implementing this section, the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Industrial Base Policy shall, in consultation with the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Sustainment and not later than 365 days after the date of the enactment of this Act—
perform an identification and assessment of the supply chain illumination efforts, supply chain risk management activities, and policies of the Department of Defense, along with annual funding profiles associated with such efforts, activities and policies;
develop a common framework across the Department of Defense and with contractors of the Department to enable a holistic and coordinated approach for identifying managing risks within defense supply chains; and
provide the Secretary of Defense the following:
Findings and recommendations based on the assessment performed under paragraph (1), including recommendations related to expansion, consolidation, or cancellation of identified supply chain illumination efforts and supply chain risk management activities.
A plan of action for successful implementation of the framework developed under paragraph (2).
Recommendations for employment of advanced data analytics and artificial intelligence capabilities or tools to support and enable Program activities, including capabilities such as—
mapping of multi-tier supply chains across the defense industrial base, including domestic and international supplier networks;
identifying and linking entities across public records, corporate registries, trade data, and other commercial datasets to identify foreign ownership, control, or influence;
highlighting supplier concentration, single-point dependencies, and other structural risk indicators; and
modeling and forecasting of supply chain disruptions and economic security risks.
The Secretary shall ensure that any advanced data analytics and artificial intelligence capabilities or tools to support the Program are procured—
in accordance with the preference for commercial products and commercial services under section 3453 of title 10, United States Code;
in accordance with the requirements to use competitive procedures under applicable law and the Department of Defense Supplement to the Federal Acquisition Regulation; and
in a manner that provides the Department with flexibility to adapt procurement strategies to Program needs, evolving market conditions, and advances in technology throughout the life of the Program.
Not later than April 1, 2027, the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report describing—
progress made in implementing the Program;
integration of Program activities with existing Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment activities and supply chain risk management activities; and
resource requirements, including funding, personnel, data access, and technical infrastructure.
Not later than one year after the date on which the Program is established, and annually thereafter for five years, the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report that includes—
an assessment of the effectiveness of the Program in improving the Department’s ability to illuminate, assess, anticipate, and respond to risks across the defense industrial base supply chain; and
any additional legislative, regulatory, or policy recommendations necessary to strengthen defense industrial base resilience.
In this section:
The term covered nation has the meaning given such term in section 4872 of title 10, United States Code.
The term foreign ownership, control, or influence refers to ownership structures, governance arrangements, financial relationships, or other mechanisms through which a foreign person or entity may direct, materially influence, or control a supplier or sub-tier entity within the defense industrial base.
The term economic security risks means risks arising from supply chain fragility, economic coercion by a covered nation including financing by a covered nation, or other vulnerabilities in a commercial supply chain that may adversely affect national security.
Not later than March 1, 2028, and annually thereafter until 2032, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees an unclassified report with a classified annex that assesses, during the year preceding the date of the report, the extent to which the supply chains for biotechnology equipment and services obtained or funded by the Department of Defense through covered transactions contain critical supply dependencies.
The unclassified report required under paragraph (1) shall, for biotechnology equipment and services described in such paragraph—
describe the supply chains for such biotechnology equipment and services, including an analysis of critical supply dependencies for such supply chains and the overall vulnerability of such supply chains to geopolitical risk stemming from critical supply dependencies;
identify the value of such biotechnology equipment and services, both in absolute numbers and as a percentage of the total value of such biotechnology equipment and services, where the supply chain for such biotechnology equipment or service contained at least one critical supply dependency;
list the types of such biotechnology equipment or services with critical supply dependencies in defense industrial base supply chains that, if compromised, would cause significant potential disruption to military readiness; and
identify the top five percent of covered transactions for biotechnology equipment and services, as measured by the total expected value over the life of the transaction for biotechnology equipment or services obtained or funded by the Department of Defense for which the supply chains contain at least one critical supply dependency.
The classified annex required under paragraph (1) shall, for biotechnology equipment and services described in paragraph (1)—
identify any covered foreign entities analyzed in the report that the Secretary of Defense has recommended or is considering recommending to the Office of Management and Budget for designation as a biotechnology company of concern to inform that recommendation;
describe any additional legislative authorities or resource requirements necessary to adequately assess the vulnerability of supply chains for biotechnology equipment and services that contributes to the defense industrial base, including funding, personnel, data access, and technical infrastructure; and
elaborate as necessary on the contents of the unclassified report.
In this section:
The term appropriate congressional committees means—
the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives; and
the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate.
The terms biotechnology company of concern, biotechnology equipment or service, and foreign adversary have the meaning givens, respectively, in section 851 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (Public Law 119–60).
The term covered foreign entity means an entity including any subsidiary thereof, organized under the laws of a foreign country if either the principal place of business of such entity is in a foreign adversary or the equity securities of the entity are primarily traded on one or more exchanges based in a foreign adversary.
The term covered transaction means any Department of Defense contract, subcontract, cooperative agreement, grant, or other transaction with a value greater than $10,000,000.
The term critical supply dependency means a step in a supply chain for a biotechnology equipment or service characterized by a limited supplier base consisting entirely or almost entirely of covered foreign entities, such that disruption from a single covered foreign entity or a small set of covered foreign entities is likely to materially impair the availability of functionally interchangeable biotechnology equipment or services.
In this section:
The term CMC List means the list of Chinese military companies operating in the United States under section 1260H of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (10 U.S.C. 113 note).
The term covered article has the meaning given such term in section 1321 of title 41, United States Code.
The term exclusion order means an order referred to in section 1323(c)(1)(A) of title 41, United States Code.
The term Council means the Federal Acquisition Security Council established under section 1322(a) of title 41, United States Code.
Not later than 90 days after determining to add an entity to the CMC List, the Secretary of Defense shall transmit to the Council a written referral recommending that the Council recommend an exclusion order for covered articles produced or provided by such entity.
Each referral shall include—
identification of the entity, including known subsidiaries and affiliates;
the basis for the determination under such section 1260H, consistent with protection of intelligence sources and methods; and
any additional information relevant to the Council’s assessment of whether to recommend an exclusion order for covered articles produced or provided by such entity.
Upon receipt of a referral under subsection (b), the Council shall use the information provided in the referral and any other information the Council determines appropriate under section 1323(c) of title 41, United States Code, to review whether to issue a recommendation to the President for an exclusion order prohibiting executive agencies from procuring covered articles produced or provided by the designated entity. The Council shall complete such review not later than 270 days after the date on which the Council receives the referral.
If, as a result of the review, the Council determines to issue such a recommendation, the Council shall transmit the recommendation to the President not later than 90 days after the date on which the Council completes the review.
The recommendation shall apply Government-wide and include subsidiaries and affiliates identified in the referral.
Not later than 90 days after determining to remove an entity from the CMC List, the Secretary of Defense shall notify the Council of the determination and provide the basis for the determination.
Upon receipt of such a notice, the Council shall review whether to transmit to the President a recommendation to rescind or modify the exclusion order.
Removal from the CMC List shall not automatically rescind an exclusion order.
Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall transmit to the Council a written referral under subsection (b)(1) for each entity already appearing on the CMC List for which no exclusion order is in effect.
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall revise the Department of Defense Supplement to the Federal Acquisition Regulation to ensure that with respect to contracts for the procurement of professional services, a contracting officer—
shall establish a preference for offerors that are United States companies, to the maximum extent practicable and consistent with the interests of national security; and
may elect not to apply such preference if the contracting officer provides documentation, including a rationale, for not applying the preference, which may include evidence—
that the Secretary of Defense prioritized the urgency of the procurement or delivery of professional services over such preference;
that no United States company is capable of fulfilling the requirements of the contract in a timely or cost-effective manner; or
of other circumstances determined by the Secretary.
The preference established under subsection (a) shall not take priority over any preference for procurement from the procurement list established pursuant to section 8503 of title 41, United States Code, the Federal Prison Industries catalog described under section 4124(d) of title 18, United States Code, or under the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 631 et seq.).
Beginning on March 1, 2028, and annually thereafter through March 1, 2031, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report that includes—
a description of the effectiveness of the preference described in subsection (a) in improving acquisition outcomes in the procurement of professional services;
the effect of such preference on the number of domestic entities providing professional services to the Department of Defense; and
a summary of instances during the calendar year preceding the date of submission of the report where such preference was not applied, along with rationale for not applying such preference.
In this section:
The term foreign entity has the meaning given in section 225.772–1 of the Department of Defense Supplement to the Federal Acquisition Regulation (or a successor regulation).
The term United States company—
means a business entity that—
is organized under the laws of a State, the District of Columbia, or a territory or possession of the United States;
has its principal place of business located in the United States, the District of Columbia, or a territory or possession of the United States; and
is not directly or indirectly owned and controlled by a foreign entity; and
includes a joint venture for which a business entity described in subparagraph (A) holds an ownership interest greater than or equal to 50 percent.
The term professional services includes one or more of the following services:
Engineering.
Architecture.
Design.
Environmental consulting.
Financial consulting.
Program management.
Legal.
The Secretary of Defense may not procure or obtain optical fiber and optical fiber cable produced, manufactured, or assembled by an entity that is owned by, controlled by, or subject to the jurisdiction or direction of the People’s Republic of China for use in Department of Defense information networks or communications systems.
In this section, the term covered optical fiber means single-mode or multi-mode optical fiber and optical fiber cable.
The Secretary of Defense may waive the prohibition under subsection (a) on a case-by-case basis if the Secretary determines that—
the waiver is necessary for the national security interests of the United States; and
no practicable alternative exists from a source not described in subsection (a).
A waiver granted under this subsection shall be limited in time and in scope to the minimum extent necessary.
Not later than 30 days after granting a waiver, the Secretary shall submit written notice to the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate and the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives describing—
the justification for the waiver;
the duration and scope of the waiver; and
the plan to transition to compliant materials.
This section shall apply to contracts awarded on and after October 1 of the first fiscal year beginning after the date of the enactment of this Act.
Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall direct the Department of Defense official serving on the Federal Acquisition Security Council to formally recommend that the Council—
evaluate optical fiber and optical fiber cable (including fiber optic cable assemblies) sold, produced, or developed by any entity that constitutes a source of concern due to the relationship of the entity to the People’s Republic of China; and
determine, based on such evaluation, whether to issue a recommended order with respect to such source of concern, or any covered article sold, produced, or developed by such source of concern.
The recommendation under subsection (b) shall specifically request that the Federal Acquisition Security Council evaluation under paragraph (1) of such subsection consider, at a minimum—
whether an entity that produces or assembles optical fiber and optical fiber cable in the People’s Republic of China would meet the definition of source of concern; and
potential vectors for intelligence collection, disruption, or degradation of national security communications through optical fiber infrastructure procured from such an entity.
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report that includes—
an assessment by the Secretary regarding national security risks posed by the procurement or use of optical fiber and optical fiber cable produced or assembled by an entity that is a source of concern based on such entity’s affiliation with the People’s Republic of China;
an assessment of the extent to which such optical fiber is present in, or procured for information networks or communications systems of the Department of Defense, or the networks of Department of Defense contractors and subcontractors;
an assessment of the availability of alternative sources of optical fiber from domestic suppliers or suppliers from a country that is not a foreign adversary;
an update on the status of the recommendation for evaluation made in accordance with subsection (b);
an update on any recommended order or designated order issued or under consideration by the Federal Acquisition Security Council with respect to optical fiber or optical fiber cable from any source of concern affiliated with the People’s Republic of China; and
any actions taken or recommended to be taken by the Secretary to mitigate risks identified under subparagraph (A), including any proposed amendments to the Department of Defense Supplement to the Federal Acquisition Regulation.
The report required under this subsection shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may include a classified annex.
In this section, the terms covered article, designated order, Federal Acquisition Security Council, foreign adversary, recommended order, and source of concern have the meanings given, respectively, in section 1322 of title 41, United States Code (as amended by section 1804 of this Act) in that term in section 1321(3) of title 41, United States Code (as amended by section 1804 of this Act).
Upon enactment of this Act, the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment shall transmit to the congressional defense committees the report titled Primary Aluminum Sector Industrial Base Assessment Report issued by the Industrial Analysis Division of the Defense Contract Management Agency and submitted to the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Industrial Base Policy on April 9, 2025.
Not later than March 1, 2027, the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Industrial Base Policy shall provide to the congressional defense committees a briefing detailing—
the reliance of the United States on imports or scrap for aluminum production, including reliance on foreign adversaries or other foreign sources that are at risk of supply chain disruption;
the current alumina and primary aluminum production capacity in the United States and a near- and long-term assessment of the robustness of such capacity;
the status and risks facing advanced aluminum fabrication facilities that are an essential part of the defense industrial base;
insights and findings from the Aluminum Wargame executed by the Defense Logistics Agency under the Defense Logistics Agency Industrial Base Campaign of Learning series;
an assessment of the need for large-scale aluminum extrusion capabilities in the United States to support current and projected national defense requirements;
an assessment of workforce, permitting, infrastructure, and energy considerations associated with sustaining or expanding large-scale aluminum extrusion capabilities in the United States;
opportunities for increased secondary aluminum production in the United States to increase domestic defense-grade aluminum production; and
policy, acquisition, or investment options the Secretary of Defense is undertaking or considering to mitigate identified risks or gaps in domestic aluminum extrusion capacity, including potential public-private partnerships or other industrial base support mechanisms, as appropriate.
Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall designate an office within the Office of Industrial Base Policy with primary responsibility for assessing and mitigating risks related to the use of adversarial capital by the entities in the national technology and industrial base (as defined in section 4801 of title 10, United States Code).
The Secretary shall ensure the office designated under subsection (a) is responsible for the following:
Facilitating collaboration among elements of the Department of Defense and with other stakeholders, including private sector entities and academia, to identify and mitigate such risks, including—
by coordinating, deconflicting, and synchronizing adversarial capital risk management activities;
by facilitating timely sharing with entities in the national technology and industrial base of threat information, vulnerability assessments, and risk indicators; and
by establishing relationships, including through cooperative research and development agreements, to support shared informational understanding of the commercial and economic domain to advance the economic security interests of the Department.
Tracing the flow of adversarial capital from its source to entities in the national and technological industrial base.
Identifying and monitoring dependencies of entities in the national and technological industrial base on foreign adversaries by identifying—
single points of failure, critical chokepoints, and foreign adversary-controlled aspects of relevant supply chains that could vulnerable to adversarial capital; and
tactics, techniques, and procedures used by foreign adversaries to gain influence or control over such entities.
Providing specific recommendations to Secretary of Defense on actions or policies necessary to reduce adversarial capital flows for mission-critical weapons systems, technologies, and materials.
Working with stakeholders to develop and implement clear legal, contractual, and technical procedures to—
support and enable identification of beneficial ownership data of subcontractors (at any tier) and suppliers in the national and technological industrial base that is relevant to national security;
ensure appropriate liability protections for such subcontractors and suppliers making good-faith disclosures of data described in subparagraph (A);
implement a voluntary risk-sharing framework under which national and technological industrial base entities may share supplier risk information and receive validated risk assessments of the supply chain of such entity in return, with safeguards for proprietary data.
Implementing and maintaining continuous automated monitoring of entities in the national and technological industrial base for changes in corporate control, beneficial ownership, geographic sourcing, and supply chain structure.
Issuing automated alerts to appropriate members of the acquisition workforce and affected stakeholders upon detection of significant risk indicators of adversarial capital.
Applying corroboration protocols requiring validation of significant risk indicators of adversarial capital across not fewer than two independent data sources before forming the basis for risk-tier elevation, mitigation action, or referral to appropriate law enforcement or regulatory authorities.
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the head of the office designated under subsection (a) shall establish and maintain a capability to be known as the Economic Security Risk Assurance capability, which shall—
consolidate and analyze information related to adversarial capital flows to entities in the national and technological industrial base, supplier identifiers, links between programs of the Department of Defense and suppliers, and other information as determined by such head;
enable analysis and reporting to support the assessment and risk mitigation of adversarial capital in the national technology and industrial base;
provide visualization of the risk of adversarial capital on entities in the national and technological industrial base;
enable federated access by program managers, portfolio acquisition executives, and other appropriate officials of the Department of Defense to supply chain illumination efforts of the Department; and
enable the office to better perform the duties outlined by this subsection.
The Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees a notification of the designation of an office under subsection (a) and the establishment of the Economic Security Risk Assurance tool in accordance with subsection (c).
Not later than December 1, 2027, and annually thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees an annual report analyzing the activities of the office designated under subsection (a). The report may be provided in classified form and may include any recommendations of the Secretary to reduce or further mitigate risks related to adversarial capital in the national and technological industrial base.
In this section, the term adversarial capital means loans or other forms of financial assistance provided to entities in the national and technological industrial base.
The Secretary of Defense shall include projected demand for foreign military sales, including any foreign military sales that are in progress, in—
Any industrial base assessments conducted by the Secretary.
Munitions production planning documents.
Sustainment planning for major defense acquisition programs (as defined in section 4201 of title 10, United States Code).
Decisions of the Secretary regarding production rate increases and capacity expansion of defense articles (as defined in section 644 of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2403)).
In carrying out subsection (a), the Secretary shall seek to achieve the following objectives with respect to the defense industrial base:
Expand production capacity.
Stabilize critical suppliers and of the defense industrial base.
Incentivize capital investment in critical production lines.
Not later than 270 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the following:
The feasibility of including requirements for Bills of Materials, including software, hardware, artificial intelligence, and cryptography, within DoD Instruction 5000.87 and the Software Acquisition Pathway.
The expected value of the information gained through Bills of Materials as it relates to risk management and supply chain integrity.
The necessity of establishing a new system or consolidating existing systems to perform asset management within the Department to house the information in Bills of Materials as it relates to weapon system components currently in use across the Armed Forces.
The report required by subsection (a) shall be submitted in unclassified form and may include a classified annex.
Section 4817(g)(1) of title 10, United States Code, as added by section 867 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (Public Law 119–60), is amended—
by amending subparagraph (L) to read as follows:
Ships or submarines, including technologies and capabilities supporting the assembly or automation of ships or submarines, new or modernized infrastructure for the construction of ships or submarines, and infrastructure or capabilities for the maintenance, sustainment, or battle-damage repair of ships or submarines (including private-sector drydock and ship repair infrastructure components and systems).
by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
Advanced microelectronics packaging, including substrates, interposers, heterogeneous integration, and related manufacturing capability and capacity.
The Secretary of Defense may not use funds made available before the date of the enactment of this Act to carry out activities under the authority of subsection (g)(1)(L) or (g)(1)(P) of section 4817 of title 10, United States Code, as added by this Act.
Section 4817(g)(1) of title 10, United States Code, as amended by section 1831, is further amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
Biotechnology and biomanufacturing.
The Secretary of Defense may not use amounts made available before the date of the enactment of this Act to carry out activities under the authority of subparagraph (Q) of section 4817(g)(1) of title 10, United States Code, as added by this section.
Section 3136(d) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
For developing alternative material sources, through technologies including reverse engineering, reengineering, and advanced manufacturing (as defined in section 4841 of this title), to meet operational requirements.
Section 4324(b)(1)(C) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by inserting before the period at the end the following: , where such considerations shall include the application of alternative methods to support sustainment, including reverse engineering, reengineering, and advanced manufacturing (as defined in section 4841 of this title).
Section 1842 of the National Defense Authorization Act of Fiscal Year 2026 (Public Law 119–60) is amended—
by inserting after subsection (b) the following new subsections:
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this subsection, the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment shall submit the plan required by subsection (a) to—
the collaborative forum established under section 1844 of this Act (Public Law 119–60; 10 U.S.C. 4811 note);
the Defense Logistics Agency; and
the congressional defense committees.
Following receipt of the plan described in paragraph (1), members of the collaborative forum established under such section 1844 shall establish a working group (or other appropriate organization) to implement such plan by developing or identifying advanced manufacturing solutions to increase the production of critical readiness items of supply identified under subsection (a)(1), where such solutions are likely ensure the production of such items not later than 24 months after the date of the establishment of the working group.
Not later than 60 days after receipt of the plan described in paragraph (1), the Director of the Defense Logistics Agency shall update the No Bid Solicitation List to include a notation for items that have been identified under subsection (a)(1) as critical readiness items of supply.
in subsection (e), by adding at the end the following new paragraphs:
The term No Bid Solicitation List means the list maintained by the Defense Logistics Agency identifying solicitations that have received no bids or no responsive offers within required procurement timelines.
The term covered system has the meaning given in section 4324 of title 10, United States Code.
Section 1846(b)(2) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (Public Law 119–60) is amended—
in subparagraph (F), by striking the word and;
in subparagraph (G)(ii), by striking the period and inserting ; and; and
by adding the following new subparagraph:
risk-based policies and best practices to prevent the dissemination of information or capabilities that enable influence of entities located in China, Russia, Iran, or North Korea over the production of parts, including a preference for the use of parts produced through secure, domestic advanced manufacturing processes.
Section 1846(b)(2) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (Public Law 119–60; 10 U.S.C. 4841 note) is amended—
by striking September 30, 2027 and inserting February 28, 2027;
in subparagraph (F), by striking and at the end;
in subparagraph (G)(ii), by striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon; and
by adding at the end the following:
a methodology for establishing common part numbering system for AM materials, processes, and parts; and
a methodology for qualification testing for small run critical parts.
Section 835(b) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Public Law 118–31; 137 Stat. 338; 10 U.S.C. note prec. 4201) is amended—
in paragraph (4)(B), by inserting except as provided in paragraph (5), before shall not apply; and
by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
Paragraph (4)(B) shall not apply to manufactured articles procured in connection with a shipbuilding program.
The Assistant Secretary of Defense for Industrial Base Policy shall triennially review merger and acquisition activity associated with major defense suppliers, including assessing the resulting financial health of such suppliers and whether resulting mergers and acquisitions have affected the supply of an essential good or service needed to support the Department of Defense’s mission to provide national security and defense.
Not later than December 31, 2027, and triennially thereafter, the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Industrial Base Policy shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the findings of the review conducted for the previous three fiscal years, including a description of the effects of completed mergers and acquisitions on the health of the defense industrial base and actions taken to mitigate any risks identified.
Subject to the provisions of section 3501 of title 10, United States Code, specified in subsection (c), the head of an agency may enter into one or more multiyear contracts for more than one but not more than seven program years, beginning in fiscal year 2027, for the procurement of the following systems (including items, services, and logistics support associated with those systems and their subsystems):
Standard Missile–3 (SM–3) Block IB missile systems.
Standard Missile–3 (SM–3) Block IIA missile systems.
Precision Strike Missiles (PrSM).
Standard Missile–6 Missiles (SM–6).
Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM).
Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missiles (JASSM).
Long Range Anti-Ship Missiles (LRASM).
Tomahawk Land Attack Missile (TLAM) and Maritime Strike Tomahawk (MST).
Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) systems.
Patriot Advanced Capability–3 (PAC–3) Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) systems.
Low-cost hypersonic strike systems.
Family of Affordable Mass Munitions (FAMM), Extended-Range Attack Munition (ERAM), Enterprise Test Vehicle (ETV), and ground-launched low-cost cruise missile systems.
Joint Advanced Tactical Missiles (JATM).
The systems authorized to be procured under subsection (a) may be procured as an addition to an existing contract relating to such systems.
The provisions of section 3501 of title 10, United States Code, specified in this subsection are as follows:
Subsection (f).
Subsection (g), applied by substituting contract awarded pursuant to the authority of this section for contract described in subsection (a) each place it appears.
Subsection (i)(1).
Subsection (1)(3).
The head of an agency may enter into a multiyear contract under subsection (a) only if the head of the agency certifies to the congressional defense committees in writing, not later than seven days before entering into such a contract, each of the following:
That the use of such a contract is consistent with the projected force structure requirements for the applicable program.
That the use of such a contract will result in significant savings compared to the total anticipated costs of carrying out the program through annual contracts.
That there is a reasonable expectation that throughout the contemplated contract period the head of the agency will request funding for the contract at the level required to avoid contract cancellation.
That there is a stable design for the property to be acquired and the technical risks associated with such property are not excessive.
That the estimates of both the cost of the contract and the anticipated cost avoidance through the use of a such a contract are realistic.
That the use of such a contract will promote the national security of the United States.
That during the fiscal year in which the contract is to be awarded, sufficient funds will be available to perform the contract in such fiscal year, and the future-years defense program (as defined in section 221 of title 10, United States Code) for such fiscal year will include the funding required to execute the program without cancellation.
The head of an agency may enter into one or more contracts for advance procurement associated with a program for which authorization to enter into a multiyear contract is provided under subsection (a) and for systems and subsystems associated with such program, in economic order quantities when cost savings are achievable.
A multiyear contract entered into under subsection (a) shall provide that any obligation of the United States to make a payment under the contract for a fiscal year after fiscal year 2027 is subject to the availability of appropriations for that purpose for such later fiscal year.
In this section, the term head of an agency means—
the Secretary of Defense;
the Secretary of the Army;
the Secretary of the Navy; or
the Secretary of the Air Force.
Subject to the provisions of section 3501 of title 10, United States Code, specified in subsection (c), the head of an agency may enter into one or more multiyear contracts for more than one but not more than seven program years, beginning in fiscal year 2027, for the procurement of the following systems (including items, services, and logistics support associated with those systems and their subsystems):
Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS).
6.8mm ammunition.
Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) (AGR–20 A/B), II / Fixed-Wing, Air Launched, Counter-Unmanned [Aircraft Systems] Ordnance (FALCO) (AGR–20F).
Lower Tier Air and Missile Defense Sensor (LTAMDS).
Small Diameter Bomb II (SDB II).
Air Intercept Missile–9X (AIM–9X).
Patriot Guidance Enhanced Missile-Tactical (GEM–T).
Integrated Battle Command System (IBCS).
Air-Launched Rapid Response Weapon Increment 1 (ARRW Inc 1).
Army/Navy Transportable Radar Surveillance (TPY–2).
Javelin CLU (Command Launch Unit).
FGM–148 Javelin.
Coyote Block 2C (C–UAS interceptor).
Sonobuoys (SSQ–36, SSQ–53, SSQ–62, SSQ–101, SSQ–125).
RIM–162 Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile (ESSM).
RIM–116 Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM).
Remote Modular Terminal (RMT).
Counter Communications System (CCS).
The systems authorized to be procured under subsection (a) may be procured as additions to existing contracts covering such systems.
In applying section 3501 of title 10, United States Code, to subsection (a), only the following provisions of that section shall apply:
Subsection (f).
Subsection (g), in which the term contract described in subsection (a) shall mean a contract awarded pursuant to the authority of this section.
Subsection (i)(1).
Subsection (l)(3).
The head of an agency may enter into a multiyear contract under subsection (a) only if the head of the agency certifies to the congressional defense committees in writing, not less than 7 days before entry into the contract, each of the following:
That the use of such a contract is consistent with the projected force structure requirements for the respective program.
That the use of such a contract will result in—
savings of the total anticipated costs of carrying out the program through annual contracts; or
necessary defense industrial base stability not otherwise achievable through annual contracts.
That there is a reasonable expectation that throughout the contemplated contract period the head of the agency will request funding for the contract at the level required to avoid contract cancellation.
That there is a stable design for the property to be acquired and the technical risks associated with such property are not excessive.
That the estimates of both the cost of the contract and the anticipated cost avoidance through the use of a such a contract are realistic.
That the use of such a contract will promote the national security of the United States.
That during the fiscal year in which the contract is to be awarded, sufficient funds will be available to perform the contract in such fiscal year, and the future-years defense program (as defined in section 221 of title 10, United States Code) for such fiscal year will include the funding required to execute the program without cancellation.
The head of an agency may enter into one or more contracts for advance procurement associated with a program for which authorization to enter into a multiyear contract is provided under subsection (a) and for systems and subsystems associated with such program, in economic order quantities when cost savings are achievable.
A multiyear contract entered into under subsection (a) shall provide that any obligation of the United States to make a payment under the contract for a fiscal year after fiscal year 2027 is subject to the availability of appropriations for that purpose for such later fiscal year.
In this section, the term head of an agency means—
the Secretary of Defense;
the Secretary of the Army;
the Secretary of the Navy; or
the Secretary of the Air Force.
In meeting the requirements of the Department of Defense for major munitions programs, the Secretary of Defense shall consider alternative designs, including designs such as low-cost, mass-produced munitions or other capabilities that could complement existing munitions capabilities.
In this section—
the term major munitions program means—
any major munitions program within the meaning given such term in section 4172 of title 10, United States Code; and
any munitions program that is identified as a critical munitions requirement by the Munitions Acceleration Council in the budget justification materials submitted to Congress in support of the Department of Defense budget for fiscal year 2027; and
the term low-cost, mass-produced munition means any munition that can be produced and delivered by a single contractor—
in quantities two or more times greater than the quantities that the relevant existing munition can be produced and delivered in a single fiscal year using production capacity that is currently available to the contractor; and
at a cost to the Department at least 25 percent lower per unit than the relevant existing munition.
The Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct one or more assessments of how the Secretary of Defense can improve procurement of weapon systems and technologies.
Any assessment under subsection (a) shall include the following:
An evaluation of the extent to which the members of the acquisition workforce (as defined in section 101 of title 10, United States Code) have the knowledge, skills, and expertise necessary to negotiate a fair deal for weapon systems and technologies for the Department of Defense.
With respect to a procurement described in subsection (a), a determination of whether the Secretary—
has sufficient understanding and data on the incentives and motivations of defense contractors necessary to negotiate a fair deal for the Department of Defense;
has and uses mechanisms to assess contractor performance and tools for accountability for meeting contractual obligations;
understands the data rights needed to maintain, sustain, and upgrade weapon systems and effectively uses contracting approaches to facilitate iterative development and to adopt commercial technologies;
has sufficient understanding of, and can monitor changes in, the defense industrial base, including the effect of mergers and acquisitions and tracking as new entrants; and
evaluates the effectiveness of efforts to reduce supply chain risks and measure the effects of available industrial policy tools.
Not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of this section, the Comptroller General shall provide to the congressional defense committees a briefing on plans for any assessments required under subsection (a) and a timeline and format for delivery of the final results of such assessments.
Section 2466(d)(1) of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
by striking each Defense Agency, the percentage and inserting each Defense Agency—
the percentage
in subparagraph (A), as so redesignated, by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and; and
by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
the dollar amount of such expended and projected funds, respectively, disaggregated by covered depot.
Chapter 146 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 2470 the following new section:
With respect to any covered depot, the Secretary of Defense may write off, for accounting purposes, any depreciated cost or debt associated with capital that does not generate revenue as a result of a Government-directed mission change.
The Secretary may delegate the authority under subsection (a) to the Secretary of a military department.
In this section, the term covered depot has the meaning given such term in section 2476 of this title.
Chapter 146 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section:
The Secretary of the Army shall take such steps as may be necessary to accelerate the modernization of the organic industrial base of the Army to meet the requirements of the Army, including by carrying out the following:
Ensuring the production of additional materials by, or the expanded use of capabilities of, such organic industrial base.
Establishing an updated structure for the governance of such organic industrial base, under which—
decisions regarding resourcing and site operations overseen by the Army Materiel Command shall be delineated from, and reconciled with, workload and acquisition requirements overseen by the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics, and Technology; and
the relationship between the Army Sustainment Command and the Joint Energetics Transition Office established under section 148 of this title shall be delineated with respect to such organic industrial base.
Establishing an updated resourcing model for such organic industrial base, for the purpose of—
reducing production costs associated with each covered Army depot; and
ensuring such costs are, to the maximum extent practicable, competitive with commercial capabilities.
Ensuring the updated resourcing model established under paragraph (3)—
details any modification to a working-capital fund of the Army necessary to achieve a purpose specified in such paragraph; and
accounts for the use of funds appropriated for the Army or relevant elements of the Department of Defense, including the Army Contracting Command, the Civilian Human Resources Agency of the Army, the Defense Finance and Accounting Service, and the Defense Information Systems Agency, or for base operating services.
Establishing key training pipelines, and desired throughput with respect to such pipelines, necessary to support each covered Army depot in accordance with this subsection, including by identifying appropriations necessary for such support.
The Secretary of the Army may not carry out any action that would decrease the workload performed by any covered Army depot for a year by more than 10 percent as compared with the workload performed by that covered Army depot five years prior unless—
the Secretary of the Army submits to the congressional defense committees a notification that includes an explanation for such decrease and a plan to shift other workload requirements of the Army to the covered Army depot, to maintain workforce capability; and
a period of 30 days has elapsed following such notification.
Concurrent with the submission of each plan required by section 2473 of this title, the Secretary of the Army shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report detailing, with respect to the five-year period covered by the plan, the efforts of the Army over such period to modernize covered Army depots consistent with this section, including the criteria used to allocate funds available for such modernization between such depots.
On an annual basis, the Secretary of the Army shall disseminate to each covered Army depot, and submit to the congressional defense committees, a report that includes—
with respect to the year preceding the date of the submission of the report, detailed information on—
the type and quantity of production activities and depot-level maintenance and repair activities performed by each such depot during such year; and
how such activities were coordinated with other production activities and depot-level maintenance and repair activities across the Department of Defense; and
with respect to the three-year period following the date of the submission of the report, a comprehensive plan for the production activities and depot-level maintenance and repair activities to be performed by each such depot during such period, including detailed information on—
the type and quantity of such activities;
how such activities would be coordinated with other production activities and depot-level maintenance and repair activities across the Department of Defense;
for each fiscal year within such period, how the projected use of funds for the depot-level maintenance and repair workload of each covered Army depot would contribute to the percentage limitation under section 2466 of this title; and
the current and projected needs of the Army, the other military departments, and foreign partners, that may be addressed through such activities.
In this section:
The term covered Army depot means a covered depot listed in section 2476(f)(1) of this title.
The term organic industrial base of the Army means each covered Army depot.
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Army shall issue guidance to implement section 2477 of title 10, United States Code, as added by subsection (a).
The Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct a review of plans of the Army for sustainment with respect to the development and fielding of new weapon systems. Such review shall include the following:
An identification of key weapon systems expected to be fielded by the Army for the first time during the five-year period following the date of the commencement of such review.
An assessment of the plans of the Army for the maintenance and repair of, and the logistics, supply chain, and other sustainment functions for, such weapon systems.
An assessment of the extent to which the Army is developing and investing in the sustainment functions specified in subparagraph (B) concurrent with the fielding of such weapon systems.
Not later than April 1, 2027, the Comptroller General shall provide to the congressional defense committees a briefing on preliminary observations relating to the review under paragraph (1), including on planned reporting formats and schedules.
Not later than August 1, 2027, the Comptroller General shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report containing the results of the review under paragraph (1).
Section 377(2) of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Public Law 117–263; 10 U.S.C. 2476 note) is amended by inserting any manufacturing arsenal workload and after calculated carryover amount.
Notwithstanding subsection (c) of section 2208 of title 10, United States Code, the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of a military department may use funds available for operations and maintenance to pay expenses necessary to train prevailing rate employees, as defined by section 5342(a)(2)(A) of title 5, United States Code, who perform services or work funded by a working-capital fund.
The authority under subsection (a) shall expire on October 1, 2032.
Not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall establish a demonstration and prototyping program, to be known as the Organic Industrial Base Qualification Program for Castings and Forgings for Legacy Aircraft, to develop, test, and qualify the organic industrial base as an alternate source for the manufacture of casts and forged components for fixed wing or rotary wing legacy aircraft.
The Secretary shall select one or more covered depots at which to carry out the Program.
The Secretary shall ensure that any covered depot selected under paragraph (1) has a foundry capable of manufacturing casts and forged components.
In carrying out the Program, the Secretary of Defense may conduct at any covered depot selected pursuant to subsection (b) one or more of the following activities:
Such activities as may be necessary to certify or otherwise accredit the covered depot to meet industry standards relating to the manufacturing of casts and forged components for legacy aircraft, including the processing of raw materials for such manufacturing.
The identification of candidate casts or forged components to be manufactured at a covered depot for legacy aircraft.
The manufacture of test articles for such candidate casts or forged components.
The analysis, test, demonstration, and qualification of such candidate casts and forged components for use with respect to legacy aircraft.
The manufacture, in limited production quantities, of such candidate casts and forged components for use as reserve stock for such legacy aircraft.
The development or acquisition of such workforce, equipment, or materials as may be necessary to accomplish any activity under paragraphs (1) through (5).
Under the Program, each covered depot selected under subsection (b) shall seek to enter into at least one public-private partnership with an original manufacturer of legacy aircraft for the purpose of such manufacturer supporting the activities conducted at the covered depot under subsection (c).
As part of any partnership entered into between an original manufacturer of legacy aircraft and a covered depot under paragraph (1), such original manufacturer may analyze requirements and specifications relating to legacy aircraft, and update related technical data, to identify the minimum requirements for raw material, processing of such raw material, and manufacturing, relating to casts and forged components for legacy aircraft.
Not later than two years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the activities carried out under the Program, including—
an identification of any certification or accreditation achieved pursuant to subsection (c)(1);
a description of the number and type of casts and forged components manufactured by each covered depot under the Program and whether such casts or forged components have been qualified for use with respect to legacy aircraft;
a description of any operational or funding barriers to implementation of the Program;
any recommendations for legislative, regulatory, or policy modifications necessary to reduce such barriers, including with respect to the receipt of funds to carry out the Program; and
any other recommendations for improving the Program, including whether to extend the or make permanent the Program.
The authority to carry out the Program shall terminate on the date that is five years after the date of the enactment of this Act.
In this section:
The term covered depot has the meaning given such term in 2476 of title 10, United States Code.
The term organic industrial base means each covered depot.
The term Program means the program established under subsection (a).
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Industrial Base Policy shall provide to the congressional defense committees a briefing and report that include each of the following:
An identification of supply chain chokepoints for each covered strategic component, including—
the defense articles and systems dependent on the chokepoint, particularly for components necessary to produce multiple critical defense articles;
the current domestic and foreign sources of supply, including identification of any covered nation sources and any single points of failure;
the consequences to defense production of a disruption of the chokepoint; and
the estimated time required to restore or replace the capability in the event of a disruption.
A categorization of identified supply chain chokepoints into the following approaches best suited for expanding domestic production, including a description of the criteria used for each category:
Government production.
Government-supported commercial production.
Commercially viable production with de-risked private entry.
An evaluation of production and financing models and mechanisms best suited to expand domestic production for each identified supply chain chokepoint, including each of the following:
Government-owned, government-operated, or other forms of government production;
Government-owned, contractor-operated production;
Contractor-owned, contractor-operated production, or other forms of commercial production;
Pre-qualifying additional commercial production sources;
Strategic stockpiling;
Government lending, grants, and other financing; and
Offtake agreements, price-floor commitments, multiyear procurement, or other government commitments to ensure predictable demand aggregation.
Such recommendations, including legislative recommendations and recommendations for new or expanded production or financing authorities, as the Assistant Secretary considers appropriate to expand organic industrial base and other production needs identified in the briefing and report.
In this section:
The term covered strategic component means each of the following:
High-strength steel and titanium castings and forgings and other components supporting the submarine industrial base.
Subcomponents required for long-range fires and air and missile defense systems, including—
solid rocket motors;
energetics and their precursors; and
sensitive electronics.
Batteries, rare earth magnets, and other energy storage platforms.
Castings and forgings.
Printed circuit boards.
Subcomponents for attritable, unmanned, and autonomous systems, including—
optical sensors;
motors; and
cameras.
Such other components as designated by the Assistant Secretary pursuant to a determination that the sector is critical to the ability of the United States to deter or prevail in a high-end conflict.
The term supply chain chokepoint means any component or subcomponent that—
is a necessary input to the production of one or more defense articles within a covered strategic sector; and
is—
produced by a limited number of domestic suppliers, a single domestic supplier, or no domestic supplier; or
is sourced in significant part from a covered nation, as such term is defined in section 4872(f)(2) of title 10, United States Code, the disruption of which would materially impair the production of one or more defense articles.
Section 4175 of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
in subsection (c), by striking A contract entered into and inserting Except as provided in subsection (e), a contract entered into;
in subsection (d), by inserting or subsection (e) after subsection (c);
by redesignating subsections (e) and (f) as subsections (f) and (g), respectively;
by inserting after subsection (d) the following new subsection:
Notwithstanding subsection (c), a contract entered into under subsection (a) with a covered contractor may include a provision authorizing a commercial entity using a Major Range and Test Facility Installation under the contract to reimburse the Department of Defense for a cost that is less than the amount of all direct costs to the United States associated with the test and evaluation activities conducted by the covered contractor under the contract if the Secretary determines, and certifies in writing, that—
such test and evaluation activities are for a promising science and technology concept with a low technology readiness level;
the contract is expected to yield to the Department of Defense a significant, long-term technological benefit or benefit relating to the defense industrial base; and
such test and evaluation activities will not delay or displace previously scheduled test activities associated with an existing program of record or the Portfolio Acquisition Executive of such program of record has provided written agreement to the delay or displacement.
The Secretary of Defense may delegate the authority under paragraph (1) to the commander of a Major Range and Test Facility Installation.
in subsection (g), as redesignated by paragraph (3), by adding at the end the following new paragraphs:
The term covered contractor means a small business concern or nontraditional defense contractor, that, during the preceding fiscal year, received not greater than $50,000,000 in contracts or agreements from the Department of Defense.
The term nontraditional defense contractor has the meaning given such term in section 3014 of this title.
The term small business concern has the meaning given such term under section 3 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 632).
Section 4952(1) of title 10, United States Code, as amended by section 861 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (Public Law 119–60), is amended by striking furnishing procurement technical assistance and inserting furnishing confidential procurement technical assistance .
Section 4955 of title 10, United States Code, as amended by section 861(c) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (Public Law 119–60), is amended—
in subsection (a)—
in paragraph (1), by striking $1,500,000 and inserting $2,000,000;
in paragraph (2), by striking $750,000 and inserting $1,000,000; and
in paragraph (4), by striking 1,500,000 and inserting $2,000,000; and
by adding at the end the following new subsection:
The Secretary may waive or modify the dollar amounts in subsection (a) on a case-by-case basis, if the Secretary—
determines that it would be in the best interest of the program; and
provides the congressional defense committees notice of such modification or waiver not later than 30 days after making such modification or issuing such waiver.
Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Director of the Defense Logistics Agency, in coordination with the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Sustainment and the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Industrial Base Policy, shall establish a pilot program to leverage small business concerns to address supply chain gaps associated with parts, components, and assemblies listed on the No Bid Solicitation List.
In carrying out the pilot program established under subsection (a), the Director shall—
identify each part, component, or assembly listed on the No Bid Solicitation List that—
is a critical readiness item of supply;
is associated with a solicitation made at least 18 months in the past that has received no bids or no responsive offers; and
is suitable to be produced by advanced manufacturing;
for each part, component, or assembly identified under paragraph (1), identify one or more small business concerns with capabilities to produce or contribute to the production of the part, component, or assembly, including capabilities such as—
utilization of digital engineering, digital twins, or model-based engineering;
employment of advanced manufacturing technologies, including additive manufacturing;
rapid prototyping or reverse engineering;
ability to produce low-volume or legacy parts, components, or assemblies; or
specialization in—
development of engineering and technical data packages;
validated manufacturing processes and materials; or
support testing, certification, and qualification activities of parts, components, or assemblies; and
use available authorities to enter into contracts or agreements with small business concerns identified under paragraph (2) for the manufacture of parts, components, or assemblies identified under paragraph (1).
The authority to carry out the pilot program under this section shall terminate on the date that is five years after the date on which the Director establishes the pilot program.
Not later than 180 days after the date on which the Director establishes the pilot program, and annually thereafter for the duration of the program, the Director shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report that includes—
the number and type of parts, components, and assemblies addressed under the program;
the number of small business concerns participating in the program;
the number of small business concerns for which the contract or agreement entered into under the program is their first contract or agreement with the Department of Defense;
improvements in lead times and readiness metrics as a result of the program; and
recommendations of the Director regarding continuation, modification, or expansion of the program.
In this section—
the term advanced manufacturing has the meaning given such term in section 4841(f) of title 10, United States Code;
the term critical readiness item of supply has the meaning given such term in section 4324 of title 10, United States Code;
the term No Bid Solicitation List means the list maintained by the Defense Logistics Agency identifying solicitations that have received no bids or no responsive offers within required procurement timelines; and
the term small business concern means a small business concern as defined under section 3 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 632).
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall establish a pilot program to improve participation by small business concerns (as defined under section 3 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 632)) seeking to submit offers for Department of Defense contracts relating to artificial intelligence, software modernization, cybersecurity, quantum technologies, autonomous systems, advanced software development, and related dual-use technologies.
The pilot program established by subsection (a) shall include the following:
Alternative acquisition pathways, including commercial solutions openings, simplified proposal requirements, accelerated acquisition timelines, and other streamlined acquisition procedures.
Coordination with existing Department of Defense innovation organizations, including the Defense Innovation Unit, AFWERX, NavalX, Army Applications Laboratory, Strategic Capabilities Office, or similar organizations.
Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this section, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees, the Committee on Small Business of the House of Representatives, and the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship of the Senate a report describing implementation of the pilot program established by subsection (a), including participation outcomes for small business concerns, barriers to submitting contracts described in subsection (a) identified by participants, and recommendations for improving participation of small business concerns in Department of Defense emerging technology acquisition programs.
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall establish a process to provide timely guidance to covered entities and Department of Defense personnel to ensure protection of covered information during covered preaward engagements.
The process established under subsection (a) shall provide the following:
Standard procedures and guidance to Department of Defense personnel for structuring a covered preaward engagement to reduce the risk of inadvertent disclosure or improper receipt of classified or controlled information.
Development and use of standard templates, request procedures, and best practices for use by covered entities and Department of Defense officials during covered preaward engagements.
Timely notification to a covered entity on measures to ensure proper handling of sensitive information including—
whether the proposed covered preaward engagement may involve covered information;
whether a solicitation-stage Department of Defense Form 254, security classification guide, nondisclosure agreement, controlled unclassified information guidance, or other security instrument may be required before the engagement proceeds;
appropriate procedures for marking, transmitting, storing, or discussing covered information during the engagement;
referral, where appropriate, to existing mechanisms of the Department of Defense for access to classified facilities, secure workspaces, secure networks, or shared classified commercial infrastructure; and
points of contact for resolving unresolved classification, disclosure, or safeguarding questions.
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this section, the Secretary of Defense shall provide to the congressional defense committees a briefing on the implementation of this section, including—
steps taken to coordinate the process established under this section with existing mechanisms of the Department of Defense for facility clearances, secure workspaces, classified networks, shared classified commercial infrastructure, and each solicitation-stage Department of Defense Form 254; and
any recommendations for improving the ability of covered entities to engage with the Department before award of a contract, grant, cooperative agreement, other transaction agreement, or other agreement while protecting classified and controlled information.
In this section:
The term covered entity means—
a small business concern, as defined under section 3 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 632); or
a nontraditional defense contractor, as defined in section 3014 of title 10, United States Code.
The term covered information means information that is or may be—
classified information;
controlled unclassified information;
controlled technical information;
export-controlled technical data;
government-furnished information; or
other technical, operational, or security-sensitive information that may require safeguarding under law, regulation, or Department of Defense policy.
The term covered preaward engagement means an engagement between the Department of Defense and a covered entity before the award of a contract, grant, cooperative agreement, other transaction agreement, or other agreement, including market research, technical exchange, concept development, demonstration planning, request for information activity, broad agency announcement activity, commercial solutions opening activity, prototype discussions, or other preaward acquisition or technology-transition activity.
Chapter 223 of title 10, United States Code, as amended by section 802, is further amended by inserting after section 3244 the following new section:
A solicitation, or a task order or delivery order under an indefinite delivery-indefinite quantity contract, issued by the Department for any procurement of property or services may not set forth any minimum education requirement for proposed contractor personnel in order for an offeror to be eligible for award of a contract (or task or delivery order, as applicable) unless the contracting officer includes in the solicitation (or task order or delivery order, as applicable) a written justification that explains why the needs of the Department cannot be met without any such requirement and clarifies how the requirement ensures the needs are met.
In this section:
The term education means an associate, baccalaureate, graduate, or professional degree, specified coursework, or other form of educational attainment awarded by a junior or community college, baccalaureate, graduate, or professional degree or other form of educational attainment awarded by a junior or community college, college, or university that is accredited as a collegiate institution by a recognized accrediting agency or approved by the appropriate State education authority under State law (or the appropriate education authority of the District of Columbia) to grant associate or higher degrees.
The term education requirement includes a requirement that can be met through—
education alone;
either education or experience; or
a combination of education and experience.
Section 3245 of title 10, United States Code, as added by subsection (a), shall apply to solicitations, and to task or delivery orders, issued on or after the date that is 18 months after the date of the enactment of this Act.
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall revise the Department of Defense Supplement to the Federal Acquisition Regulation to carry out such section 3245, including—
instructions for contracting officers regarding the written justifications required under such section, including a standardized format or template for such justifications;
instructions encouraging the use of alternatives to education requirements, including skills assessments, relevant work experience, professional certifications, apprenticeship completion, and demonstrated competencies; and
requirements for data collection on the use of education requirements in solicitations, including the number and type of justifications issued and the rate at which education requirements are used relative to alternative qualifications.
Effective at the close of the date on which the Department of Defense Supplement to the Federal Acquisition Regulation is revised as required by subsection (c), section 813 of the Floyd D. Spence National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2001 (Public Law 106–398; 114 Stat. 1654A–214) is repealed.
Section 1843(c) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (Public Law 119–60) is amended—
in paragraph (2), by striking skills and abilities that are required for such fields; and and inserting skills, abilities, training, and certifications that are required for such fields in the defense industrial base;;
by redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph (4);
by inserting after paragraph (2) the following new paragraph:
identify limitations to the capacity of entities in the defense industrial base to recruit, train, and certify a sufficient workforce in advanced manufacturing career fields in the defense industrial base; and
in paragraph (4) (as so redesignated)—
in subparagraph (B), by striking ; and and inserting a semicolon;
by redesignating subparagraph (C) as subparagraph (D); and
by inserting after subparagraph (B) the following new subparagraph:
approaches to expand the capacity to develop and sustain a sufficient workforce in advanced manufacturing career fields in the defense industrial base; and
Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report, which may be included along with or as an addendum to the report required under section 1843(d) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (Public Law 119–60), that includes—
an assessment of the extent to which existing pilot programs or initiatives, such as the Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing program, demonstrate the ability to train and certify individuals in advanced manufacturing career fields in the defense industrial base;
options for increasing the capacity to train and certify the advanced manufacturing workforce, including options to institutionalize existing pilot programs or initiatives or to establish new programs to address workforce shortages;
options for supporting the long-term sustainability and continuous improvement of workforce training and certification programs, including through public-private partnerships and other funding or cost-sharing mechanisms; and
any recommendations the Secretary may have to accelerate training, credentialing, and qualification of workers supporting the defense industrial base, including recommendations related to improving the Department’s planning and resourcing of such activities.
In order to support and enable the development of domestic critical mineral supply chains to meet defense industrial base requirements, the Secretary of Defense shall use existing authorities, including authorities under title III of the Defense Production Act of 1950 (50 U.S.C. 4531 et seq.) and under section 4817 of title 10, United States Code, to ensure that the workforce development initiatives of the Department of Defense for the defense industrial base include workforce development initiatives to support the mining industry.
The initiatives required by subsection (a) may include—
contracts, grants, cooperative agreements, or other transactions with accredited mining schools for the purpose of recruiting and educating the next generation of mining engineers, faculty, and other qualified professionals;
scholarship, stipend, or tuition assistance programs designed to reduce financial barriers to entry into fields related to critical minerals;
workforce development pathways, such as cooperative education, apprenticeships, internships, and work-based learning opportunities, in fields related to critical minerals;
industry-driven senior design projects, applied research opportunities, faculty development, and other experiential learning activities directly related to production and processing of critical minerals; and
activities to recruit, train, qualify, and place individuals into the mining profession or occupations supporting the supply chains for critical minerals.
In carrying out this section, the Secretary shall prioritize initiatives that—
align with current and projected defense industrial base requirements for critical minerals; and
demonstrate the ability to expand workforce training, credentialing, and placement into the mining profession or occupations supporting the supply chains for critical minerals.
The Secretary shall ensure that activities carried out under this section are coordinated with other workforce development initiatives of the Department of Defense for the defense industrial base and with institutions and entities participating in such initiatives.
Not later than September 1, 2027, the Secretary shall complete an assessment of the feasibility and advisability of requiring, as a condition of award, that the prime awardee of a covered project award actively participate in one or more workforce development initiatives to support the mining industry, including the feasibility and advisability of requiring that the prime awardee—
establish and maintain a partnership with an accredited mining school as described in subsection (b)(1);
establish and maintain one or more workforce development pathways as described in subsection (b)(3) that are aligned with the workforce needs of the project and are for United States veterans and members of the Armed Forces who are transitioning to civilian life; and
implement any other workforce development initiative identified by the Secretary for inclusion in the assessment.
Not later than March 1, 2028, the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the assessment, including the results of the assessment and any recommendations the Secretary may have to expand domestic mining, processing, refining, recycling, or related production capacity for critical minerals.
Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, and each year thereafter through 2030, the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report describing—
the activities carried out under this section;
the number of participants supported through workforce development initiatives described in this section and the workforce placement outcomes for those participants; and
any recommendations the Secretary may have to improve the development of mining schools to meet the future workforce needs.
In this section:
The term covered project award means an award for a project to expand domestic mining, processing, refining, recycling, or related production capacity for critical minerals made by the Department of Defense under title III of the Defense Production Act of 1950 (50 U.S.C. 4531 et seq.) or under section 4817 of title 10, United States Code.
The term mining industry means the mining industry of the United States, consisting of the search for, and extraction, beneficiation, refining, smelting, processing, reprocessing, and recycling of, naturally occurring metal and nonmetal minerals from the earth.
The term mining profession means the body of jobs directly relevant to—
the exploration, planning, execution, and remediation of metal and nonmetal mining sites; and
the extraction, including the separation, refining, alloying, smelting, concentration, processing, beneficiation, reprocessing, and recycling, of mineral ores.
The term mining school means—
a mining, metallurgical, geological, or mineral engineering program accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology that is located at an institution of higher education, including a Tribal College or University; or
a geology or engineering program or department that is located at a 4-year public institution of higher education located in a State the gross domestic product of which in 2024 was not less than $2,000,000,000 in the combined categories of Mining (except oil and gas) and Support activities for mining, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis.
The term Tribal College or University has the meaning given the term in section 316(b) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1059c(b)).
Section 2260 of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
in subsection (a), by striking and may retain and inserting and may, except as provided in subsection (f), retain;
in subsection (b), by striking The Secretary concerned and inserting Except as provided in subsection (f), the Secretary concerned;
by redesignating subsection (f) as subsection (g); and
by inserting after subsection (e) the following new subsection:
The Secretary concerned may not require contractor performing a contract of one year or longer with a military exchange—
to be subject to any fee described in subsection (a) or (b);
to obtain approval from the trademark and licensing office of a military department for the production or sale of items sold through such exchange; or
to pay a royalty or other licensing fee to the trademark and licensing office of a military department, including any royalty or other licensing fee collected pursuant to a licensing agreement authorized under this section, in connection with the production or sale of items through such exchange or a Morale, Welfare, and Recreation program.
In this subsection, the term Morale, Welfare, and Recreation program means a nonappropriated fund activity providing community support, recreational, and quality-of-life services to members of the armed forces and dependents of such members, as authorized under chapter 147 of title 10.
Section 4374 of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
in subsection (a), by striking When a unit cost report and inserting Not later than 30 days after a unit cost report;
in subsection (b), by striking When a unit cost report and inserting Not later than 30 days after a unit cost report; and
in subsection (c), by amending paragraph (2) to read as follows:
In the case of a determination based on a quarterly report submitted in accordance with section 4372 of this title or a report submitted in accordance with section 4373 of this title, the Secretary shall submit the notification to Congress within 30 days after the date on which the determination was made.
Section 4203(a)(1) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
If the Secretary of Defense determines that a major defense acquisition program requires the delivery of two or more end items that are each estimated to require an eventual total expenditure for research, development, test, evaluation, operation, and support of more than $500,000,000, the Secretary shall designate each such end item as a major subprogram for the purposes of acquisition reporting under this subpart.
Section 4214(a)(2) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by inserting for the life cycle of such major defense acquisition program or designated major subprogram before the period at the end.
Section 4376 of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
in subsection (b), by adding at the end the following new paragraphs:
The Secretary may not delegate the submission of a written certification under paragraph (1).
in subsection (c)—
in paragraph (2), by striking and at the end;
in paragraph (3), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and; and
by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
consideration of termination plans that maximize value, including—
immediate termination of the program with no further action;
termination of the program after completion of the end items in production and for which funds have been obligated or expended under the program as of the date that is the last day of the applicable 60-day period described in subsection (b)(1) for the program;
termination of the program after completion of the end items described in subparagraph (B) for which the resale value exceeds the cost of completing such end items; and
any other course of action to maximize the value to the Government of the funds that have been obligated or expended under the program as of the date that is the last day of the applicable 60-day period described in subsection (b)(1) for the program.
Section 4862 of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
by amending subsection (g) to read as follows:
Subsection (a) does not apply to items purchased for resale purposes in commissaries, exchanges, or nonappropriated fund instrumentalities operated by the Department of Defense.
by inserting after subsection (k) the following new subsection:
The exceptions in subsections (c) through (h) of this section shall not apply with respect to procurement of any fish, shellfish, or seafood product.
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense, acting through each Secretary of a military department, shall revise any regulations governing commercial solicitation during initial entry training at military installations, including section 552.60(d) of title 32, Code of Federal Regulations and any similar provisions specific to a military department, to provide the following:
Such regulations shall not apply to preorders for cycle-commemorative or unit-specific merchandise organized at the initiative of members of the Armed Forces or dependents of such members, provided that no financial commitment, payment, or other consideration is made by or collected from a member until delivery of the product occurs after completion of the applicable training cycle.
Such regulations shall not apply to photography services provided by photographers operating under a contract or other agreement with a military installation, a Morale, Welfare, and Recreation program, or a military exchange, for the sale of graduation ceremony photographs to members of the Armed Forces or dependents of such members during or immediately following graduation ceremonies.
Each Secretary of a military department shall ensure that any military installation-specific policies—
are applied uniformly across military installations under the jurisdiction of such Secretary; and
do not impose restrictions more stringent than those established by the regulations described in subsection (a), as revised by this section.
In this section:
The term military exchange means the Army and Air Force Exchange Service, the Navy Exchange Service Command, the Marine Corps Exchange, the Coast Guard Exchange, or any successor organization, as applicable.
The term Morale, Welfare, and Recreation program means a nonappropriated fund activity providing community support, recreational, and quality-of-life services to members of the armed forces and their families, as authorized under chapter 147 of title 10, United States Code.
This division may be cited as the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027.
Except as provided in subsection (b), all authorizations contained in titles XXI through XXVII for military construction projects, land acquisition, family housing projects and facilities, and contributions to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization Security Investment Program (and authorizations of appropriations therefor) shall expire on the later of—
October 1, 2029; or
the date of the enactment of an Act authorizing funds for military construction for fiscal year 2030.
Subsection (a) shall not apply to authorizations for military construction projects, land acquisition, family housing projects and facilities, and contributions to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization Security Investment Program (and authorizations of appropriations therefor), for which appropriated funds have been obligated before the later of—
October 1, 2029; or
the date of the enactment of an Act authorizing funds for fiscal year 2030 for military construction projects, land acquisition, family housing projects and facilities, or contributions to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization Security Investment Program.
Titles XXI through XXVII shall take effect on the later of—
October 1, 2026; or
the date of the enactment of this Act.
Using amounts appropriated pursuant to the authorization of appropriations in section 2103(a) and available for military construction projects inside the United States as specified in the funding table in section 4601, the Secretary of the Army may acquire real property and carry out military construction projects for the installations or locations inside the United States, and in the amounts, set forth in the following table:
Using amounts appropriated pursuant to the authorization of appropriations in section 2103(a) and available for military construction projects outside the United States as specified in the funding table in section 4601, the Secretary of the Army may acquire real property and carry out military construction projects for the installations or locations outside the United States, and in the amounts, set forth in the following table:
Using amounts appropriated pursuant to the authorization of appropriations in section 2103(a) and available for military family housing functions as specified in the funding table in section 4601, the Secretary of the Army may construct or acquire family housing units (including land acquisition and supporting facilities) at the installations or locations, in the number of units, and in the amounts set forth in the following table:
Using amounts appropriated pursuant to the authorization of appropriations in section 2103(a) and available for military family housing functions as specified in the funding table in section 4601, the Secretary of the Army may carry out architectural and engineering services and construction design activities with respect to the construction or improvement of family housing units in an amount not to exceed $39,079,000.
Funds are hereby authorized to be appropriated for fiscal years beginning after September 30, 2026, for military construction, land acquisition, and military family housing functions of the Department of the Army as specified in the funding table in section 4601.
Notwithstanding the cost variations authorized by section 2853 of title 10, United States Code, and any other cost variation authorized by law, the total cost of all projects carried out under sections 2101 and 2102 of this Act may not exceed the total amount authorized to be appropriated under subsection (a), as specified in the funding table in section 4601.
Notwithstanding section 2002 of the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (division B of Public Law 116–283; 134 Stat. 4294), the authorization set forth in the table in subsection (b), as provided in section 2101(a) of that Act (134 Stat. 4295) and most recently extended by section 2104 of the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (division B of Public Law 119–60; 139 Stat. 1266), shall remain in effect until October 1, 2027, or the date of the enactment of an Act authorizing funds for military construction for fiscal year 2028, whichever is later.
The table referred to in subsection (a) is as follows:
Notwithstanding section 2002 of the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (division B of Public Law 117–81; 135 Stat. 2161), the authorization set forth in the table in subsection (b), as provided in section 2101 of that Act (135 Stat. 2163) and most recently extended by section 2105 of the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (division B of Public Law 119–60; 139 Stat. 1267), shall remain in effect until October 1, 2027, or the date of the enactment of an Act authorizing funds for military construction for fiscal year 2028, whichever is later.
The table referred to in subsection (a) is as follows:
In the case of the authorization contained in the table in section 2101 of the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (division B of Public Law 117–81; 135 Stat. 2161) for Fort Stewart, Georgia for construction of a barracks, the Secretary of the Army may construct a facility consisting of 193,347 square feet.
Notwithstanding section 2002 of the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (division B of Public Law 117–263; 136 Stat. 2970), the authorizations set forth in the table in subsection (b), as provided in section 2101 of that Act (136 Stat. 2971), and extended by section 2106 of the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (division B of Public Law 119–60; 139 Stat. 1267), shall remain in effect until October 1, 2027, or the date of the enactment of an Act authorizing funds for military construction for fiscal year 2028, whichever is later.
The table referred to in subsection (a) is as follows:
Notwithstanding section 2002 of the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (division B of Public Law 118–31; 137 Stat. 709), the authorizations set forth in the table in subsection (b), as provided in section 2101 of that Act (137 Stat. 710), shall remain in effect until October 1, 2027, or the date of the enactment of an Act authorizing funds for military construction for fiscal year 2028, whichever is later.
The table referred to in subsection (a) is as follows:
In the case of the authorization contained in the table in section 2101 of the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (Division B of Public Law 118–159; 138 Stat. 2211) for U.S. Garrison Bavaria, Germany, for construction of an Operational Readiness Training Complex (ORTC) underground electric line as specified in the funding table in section 4601 of such Act, the Secretary of the Army may construct an Operational Readiness Training Complex (ORTC) underground electric line at Grafenwoehr, Germany.
In the case of the authorization contained in the table in section 2101 of the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (division B of Public Law 119–60; 139 Stat. 1265) for Joint Region Marianas, Guam, for construction of PDI: Guam Defense System, EIAMD, Phase 2 (Inc), at that location, the Secretary of the Army may construct a 2,496 square foot pump house and 648,000 gallon non-portable water storage tank.
Using amounts appropriated pursuant to the authorization of appropriations in section 2203(a) and available for military construction projects inside the United States as specified in the funding table in section 4601, the Secretary of the Navy may acquire real property and carry out military construction projects for the installations or locations inside the United States, and in the amounts, set forth in the following table:
Using amounts appropriated pursuant to the authorization of appropriations in section 2203(a) and available for military construction projects outside the United States as specified in the funding table in section 4601, the Secretary of the Navy may acquire real property and carry out military construction projects for the installations or locations outside the United States, and in the amounts, set forth in the following table:
Using amounts appropriated pursuant to the authorization of appropriations in section 2203(a) and available for military family housing functions as specified in the funding table in section 4601, the Secretary of the Navy may carry out architectural and engineering services and construction design activities with respect to the construction or improvement of family housing units in an amount not to exceed $14,971,000.
Funds are hereby authorized to be appropriated for fiscal years beginning after September 30, 2026, for military construction, land acquisition, and military family housing functions of the Department of the Navy, as specified in the funding table in section 4601.
Notwithstanding the cost variations authorized by section 2853 of title 10, United States Code, and any other cost variation authorized by law, the total cost of all projects carried out under sections 2201 and 2202 of this Act may not exceed the total amount authorized to be appropriated under subsection (a), as specified in the funding table in section 4601.
Notwithstanding section 2002 of the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (division B of Public Law 117–263; 136 Stat. 2970), the authorizations set forth in the table in subsection (b), as provided in section 2201 of that Act (136 Stat. 2975) and extended by section 2206 of the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (division B of Public Law 119–60; 139 Stat. 1271), shall remain in effect until October 1, 2027, or the date of the enactment of an Act authorizing funds for military construction for fiscal year 2028, whichever is later.
The table referred to in subsection (a) is as follows:
Notwithstanding section 2002 of the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (division B of Public Law 118–31; 137 Stat. 709), the authorizations set forth in the table in subsection (b), as provided in section 2201 of that Act (137 Stat. 714), shall remain in effect until October 1, 2027, or the date of the enactment of an Act authorizing funds for military construction for fiscal year 2028, whichever is later.
The table referred to in subsection (a) is as follows:
In the case of the authorization contained in the table in section 2201 of the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (division B of Public Law 118–31; 137 Stat. 714) for construction of a Water Treatment Plant at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, the Secretary of the Navy may construct 20,000 linear feet of water supply lines, three pump houses (non-occupied), and one 2,300 square foot pump station/multi-purpose building (occupied) in lieu of a water treatment plant at the installation.
Such authorization shall remain in effect until October 1, 2027, or the date of the enactment of an Act authorizing funds for military construction for fiscal year 2028, whichever is later.
In the case of the authorization contained in the table in section 2201 of the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (division B of Public Law 119–60; 139 Stat. 1268) for construction of PDI: Airfield Pavement Upgrades at Pacific Missile Range Facility Barking Sands, Hawaii, the Secretary of the Navy may expand airfield pavement areas to 280,000 square meters to mitigate the risk of aircraft hydroplane.
Not later than one year after the date of enactment of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027, the Secretary of the Navy shall transfer $42,000,000 of amounts authorized to be appropriated for fiscal year 2027 to the Secretary of the Navy to carry out the P454 military construction project (as authorized in the table in section 2201 of this Act) to an account for mitigation efforts not otherwise authorized by law relating to the projects known as Multi-Mission Drydock and Pier 2 located at or near the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Bremerton, Washington, as described in the memorandum of the Assistant Secretary of the Navy signed on April 29, 2026.
Using amounts appropriated pursuant to the authorization of appropriations in section 2303(a) and available for military construction projects inside the United States as specified in the funding table in section 4601, the Secretary of the Air Force may acquire real property and carry out military construction projects for the installations or locations inside the United States, and in the amounts, set forth in the following table:
Using amounts appropriated pursuant to the authorization of appropriations in section 2303(a) and available for military construction projects outside the United States as specified in the funding table in section 4601, the Secretary of the Air Force may acquire real property and carry out military construction projects for the installations or locations outside the United States, and in the amounts, set forth in the following table:
Using amounts appropriated pursuant to the authorization of appropriations in section 2303(a) and available for military family housing functions as specified in the funding table in section 4601, the Secretary of the Air Force may construct or acquire family housing units (including land acquisition and supporting facilities) at the installations or locations and in the amounts set forth in the following table:
Using amounts appropriated pursuant to the authorization of appropriations in section 2303(a) and available for military family housing functions as specified in the funding table in section 4601, the Secretary of the Air Force may carry out architectural and engineering services and construction design activities with respect to the construction or improvement of family housing units in an amount not to exceed $25,854,000.
Funds are hereby authorized to be appropriated for fiscal years beginning after September 30, 2026, for military construction, land acquisition, and military family housing functions of the Department of the Air Force, as specified in the funding table in section 4601.
Notwithstanding the cost variations authorized by section 2853 of title 10, United States Code, and any other cost variation authorized by law, the total cost of all projects carried out under sections 2301 and 2302 of this Act may not exceed the total amount authorized to be appropriated under subsection (a), as specified in the funding table in section 4601.
Notwithstanding section 2002 of the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (division B of Public Law 115–232; 132 Stat. 2240), the authorizations set forth in the table in subsection (b), as provided in section 2903 of that Act (132 Stat. 2287) and most recently extended by section 2305 of the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (division B of Public Law 119–60; 139 Stat. 1274), shall remain in effect until October 1, 2027, or the date of the enactment of an Act authorizing funds for military construction for fiscal year 2028, whichever is later.
The table referred to in subsection (a) is as follows:
Notwithstanding section 2002 of the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 (division B of Public Law 116–92; 133 Stat. 1862), the authorizations set forth in the table in subsection (b), as provided in sections 2301(a) and 2912(a) of that Act (133 Stat. 1867, 1913), and most recently extended by section 2306 of the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (division B of Public Law 119–60; 139 Stat. 1275), shall remain in effect until October 1, 2027, or the date of the enactment of an Act authorizing funds for military construction for fiscal year 2028, whichever is later.
The table referred to in subsection (a) is as follows:
Notwithstanding section 2002 of the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (division B of Public Law 117–263; 136 Stat. 2970), the authorizations set forth in the table in subsection (b), as provided in section 2301 of that Act (136 Stat. 2978), and extended by section 2308 of the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (division B of Public Law 119–60; 139 Stat. 1272), shall remain in effect until October 1, 2027, or the date of the enactment of an Act authorizing funds for military construction for fiscal year 2028, whichever is later.
The table referred to in subsection (a) is as follows:
Notwithstanding section 2002 of the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (division B of Public Law 118–31; 137 Stat. 709), the authorizations set forth in the table in subsection (b), as provided in sections 2301 and 2302 of that Act (136 Stat. 719), shall remain in effect until October 1, 2027, or the date of the enactment of an Act authorizing funds for military construction for fiscal year 2028, whichever is later.
The table referred to in subsection (a) is as follows:
The Secretary of the Air Force may carry out a military construction project to construct a 6,934 square meter Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2) and Air Battle Management Systems (ABMS) Test Facility at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, in the amount of $87,800,000 using funds made available in fiscal year 2027, or any subsequent fiscal year, for research, development, test, and evaluation.
Using amounts appropriated pursuant to the authorization of appropriations in section 2403(a) and available for military construction projects inside the United States as specified in the funding table in section 4601, the Secretary of Defense may acquire real property and carry out military construction projects for the installations or locations inside the United States, and in the amounts, set forth in the following table:
Using amounts appropriated pursuant to the authorization of appropriations in section 2403(a) and available for military construction projects outside the United States as specified in the funding table in section 4601, the Secretary of Defense may acquire real property and carry out military construction projects for the installations or locations outside the United States, and in the amounts, set forth in the following table:
Using amounts appropriated pursuant to the authorization of appropriations in section 2403(a) and available for energy conservation projects as specified in the funding table in section 4601, the Secretary of Defense may carry out energy conservation projects under chapter 173 of title 10, United States Code, for the installations or locations inside the United States, and in the amounts, set forth in the following table:
Using amounts appropriated pursuant to the authorization of appropriations in section 2403(a) and available for energy conservation projects as specified in the funding table in section 4601, the Secretary of Defense may carry out energy conservation projects under chapter 173 of title 10, United States Code, for the installations or locations outside the United States, and in the amounts, set forth in the following table:
Funds are hereby authorized to be appropriated for fiscal years beginning after September 30, 2026, for military construction, land acquisition, and military family housing functions of the Department of Defense (other than the military departments), as specified in the funding table in section 4601.
Notwithstanding the cost variations authorized by section 2853 of title 10, United States Code, and any other cost variation authorized by law, the total cost of all projects carried out under sections 2401 and 2402 of this Act may not exceed the total amount authorized to be appropriated under subsection (a), as specified in the funding table in section 4601.
Notwithstanding section 2002 of the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (division B of Public Law 117–263; 136 Stat. 2970), the authorizations set forth in the table in subsection (b), as provided in section 2402 of that Act (136 Stat. 2983) and most recently extended by section 2406 of the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (division B of Public Law 119–60; 139 Stat. 1281), shall remain in effect until October 1, 2027, or the date of the enactment of an Act authorizing funds for military construction for fiscal year 2028, whichever is later.
The table referred to in subsection (a) is as follows:
Notwithstanding section 2002 of the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (division B of Public Law 118–31; 137 Stat. 709), the authorizations set forth in the table in subsection (b), as provided in sections 2401 and 2402 of that Act (137 Stat. 726, 727), shall remain in effect until October 1, 2027, or the date of the enactment of an Act authorizing funds for military construction for fiscal year 2028, whichever is later.
The table referred to in subsection (a) is as follows:
The Secretary of Defense may make contributions for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization Security Investment Program as provided in section 2806 of title 10, United States Code, in an amount not to exceed the sum of the amount collected from the North Atlantic Treaty Organization as a result of construction previously financed by the United States, and in the amounts, set forth in the following table:
Funds are hereby authorized to be appropriated for fiscal years beginning after September 30, 2026, for contributions by the Secretary of Defense under section 2806 of title 10, United States Code, for the share of the United States of the cost of projects for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization Security Investment Program authorized by section 2501 as specified in the funding table in section 4601.
Pursuant to agreement with the Republic of Korea for required in-kind contributions, the Secretary of Defense may accept military construction projects for the installations or locations in the Republic of Korea, and in the amounts, set forth in the following table:
Pursuant to agreement with the Republic of Poland for required in-kind contributions, the Secretary of Defense may accept military construction projects for the installations or locations in the Republic of Poland, and in the amounts, set forth in the following table:
Using amounts appropriated pursuant to the authorization of appropriations in section 2606 and available for the National Guard and Reserve as specified in the funding table in section 4601, the Secretary of the Army may acquire real property and carry out military construction projects for the Army National Guard locations inside the United States, and in the amounts, set forth in the following table:
Using amounts appropriated pursuant to the authorization of appropriations in section 2606 and available for the National Guard and Reserve as specified in the funding table in section 4601, the Secretary of the Army may acquire real property and carry out military construction projects for the Army Reserve locations inside the United States, and in the amounts, set forth in the following table:
Using amounts appropriated pursuant to the authorization of appropriations in section 2606 and available for the National Guard and Reserve as specified in the funding table in section 4601, the Secretary of the Navy may acquire real property and carry out military construction project for the Navy Reserve and Marine Corps Reserve location inside the United States, and in the amount, set forth in the following table:
Using amounts appropriated pursuant to the authorization of appropriations in section 2606 and available for the National Guard and Reserve as specified in the funding table in section 4601, the Secretary of the Air Force may acquire real property and carry out military construction projects for the Air National Guard locations inside the United States, and in the amounts, set forth in the following table:
Using amounts appropriated pursuant to the authorization of appropriations in section 2606 and available for the National Guard and Reserve as specified in the funding table in section 4601, the Secretary of the Air Force may acquire real property and carry out military construction projects for the Air Force Reserve locations inside the United States, and in the amounts, set forth in the following table:
Funds are hereby authorized to be appropriated for fiscal years beginning after September 30, 2026, for the costs of acquisition, architectural and engineering services, and construction of facilities for the Guard and Reserve Forces, and for contributions therefor, under chapter 1803 of title 10, United States Code (including the cost of acquisition of land for those facilities), as specified in the funding table in section 4601.
Notwithstanding section 2002 of the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (division B of Public Law 117–263; 136 Stat. 2970), the authorizations set forth in the table in subsection (b), as provided in sections 2601, 2602, 2603 and 2604 of that Act (136 Stat. 2986–2987) and extended by section 2607 of the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (division B of Public Law 119–60; 139 Stat. 1287), shall remain in effect until October 1, 2027, or the date of the enactment of an Act authorizing funds for military construction for fiscal year 2028, whichever is later.
The table referred to in subsection (a) is as follows:
Notwithstanding section 2002 of the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (division B of Public Law 118–31; 137 Stat. 709), the authorizations set forth in the table in subsection (b), as provided in sections 2601, 2602, 2604, and 2605 of that Act (137 Stat. 735–737), shall remain in effect until October 1, 2027, or the date of the enactment of an Act authorizing funds for military construction for fiscal year 2028, whichever is later.
The table referred to in subsection (a) is as follows:
In the case of the authorization contained in the table in section 2601 of the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (Division B of Public Law 119–60; 139 Stat. 1264) for Albany, New York, for construction of a readiness center as specified in the funding table in section 4601 of such Act, the Secretary of the Army may construct a readiness center at Colonie, New York.
Funds are hereby authorized to be appropriated for fiscal years beginning after September 30, 2026, for base realignment and closure activities, including real property acquisition and military construction projects, as authorized by the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Act of 1990 (part A of title XXIX of Public Law 101–510; 10 U.S.C. 2687 note) and funded through the Department of Defense Base Closure Account established by section 2906 of such Act (as amended by section 2711 of the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013 (division B of Public Law 112–239; 126 Stat. 2140)), as specified in the funding table in section 4601.
Section 2350q of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
in subsection (d), by striking The construction agent and all that follows through to execute and inserting The head of the contracting activity for the Department of Defense executing; and
in subsection (e), by striking construction agent designated by the Department of Defense and inserting head of the contracting activity.
Section 2391 of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
in subsection (d)—
in paragraph (1)(A), by inserting Indian tribes, after local governments,; and
in paragraph (2)(B), by striking or local government each place such term appears and inserting government, local government, or Indian tribe,; and
in subsection (e)—
in paragraph (4)(A)(ii)(I), by striking or local government and inserting government, local government, or Indian tribe; and
by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
The term Indian tribe has the meaning given that term in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304).
Section 2392 of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
by redesignating subsection (f) as subsection (g); and
by inserting after subsection (e) the following new subsection:
Not later than 15 days after any date on which the Secretary notifies the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate of a covered basing action, the Secretary shall provide to Congress a briefing with respect to the covered basing action that includes—
an identification of the affected basing action, military installation, and unit or weapons system;
an identification of the authority of the Secretary pursuant to which the covered basing action will be carried out;
an explanation of the reasons the covered basing action is not in compliance with the process for strategic basing actions under this section;
an assessment of potential consequences of the covered basing action, including how the covered basing decision may conflict with—
planning of the Department of the Air Force; and
timelines for other military installations, units, or weapons systems;
an assessment of the military installation in receipt of units or weapons systems pursuant to the covered basing action, including—
whether the military installation is in compliance with applicable environmental protection laws;
the amount of appropriations for military construction needed for the military installation;
any deficiencies in infrastructure on the military installation with respect to—
operational capacity;
training capacity and requirements; and
funding.
In this subsection, the term covered basing action means a basing action that—
is not approved by the strategic basing panel and strategic basing executive steering group pursuant to this section; and
the Secretary of the Air Force received direction to implement prior to completing the process for strategic basing actions under this section.
Section 2805(a)(2) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking $9,000,000 and inserting $12,000,000.
Section 2805(d) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking $9,000,000 each place it appears and inserting $15,000,000.
Section 2805(f) of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
by striking for location and all that follows through Each fiscal year and inserting Each fiscal year; and
by striking may exceed and all that follows through the period at the end and inserting the following:
may exceed—
with respect to a project described in subsection (d), 150 percent of the dollar amount specified in such subsection; and
with respect to any other project described in subsection (a)(2), 150 percent of the dollar amount specified in such subsection.
Section 2810(f)(5) of title 10, United States Code, is repealed.
The amendment made by subsection (a) shall apply with respect to amounts made available for research, development, test, and evaluation on or after the date of the enactment of this section.
Section 2811(b) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking $7,500,000 and inserting $20,000,000.
Subchapter I of chapter 169 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 2815a the following new section:
The Secretary of Defense shall carry out a program to be known as the Military Installation Stormwater Project Acceleration Program (in this section referred to as the Program).
Under the Program, the Secretary shall—
establish procedures to accelerate the planning for and implementation of military construction projects described in subsection (c); and
provide supplemental funding to military construction projects described in such subsection.
A military construction project described in this subsection is a military construction project that is—
specified in the military installation resilience component of a military installation master plan developed pursuant to section 2864(a);
identified as a potential military installation resilience project under section 2815 of this title;
identified as a stormwater management project under section 2815a of this title; or
identified as suitable to preserve or enhance defense access roads in accordance with section 210 of title 23.
The Secretary shall establish merit-based criteria for use in the selection of military construction projects to receive funding under the Program.
Nothing in this section shall be construed to require or enable any official of the Department of Defense to provide funding under this section pursuant to—
a community project funding request; or
a congressionally directed spending item (as defined in the Standing Rules of the Senate).
Not later than March 1 of the first calendar year beginning after the date of the enactment of this section, and on an annual basis thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report on the Program. Each such report shall include the following:
A description of the nature and status of the military construction projects or actions undertaken in whole or part with funds appropriated for the Program.
An assessment of the effectiveness of such military construction projects or actions as part of a long-term strategy—
to prevent flooding on—
military installations;
key supporting civilian infrastructure; and
and defense access roads; and
to improve the management of stormwater on or related to a military installation.
An evaluation of the methodology and criteria used to select and establish priorities for military construction projects and actions funded in whole or part with funds appropriated for the Program.
Such recommendations as the Secretary determines appropriate for legislative or administrative actions to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the Program.
The table of sections at the beginning of such subchapter is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 2815a the following new item:
Section 2806 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (Public Law 115–91; 10 U.S.C. 222a note) is amended—
by striking The Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering and inserting the following:
The Chief of Staff of the Army, the Chief of Naval Operations, and the Chief of Staff of the Air Force, in coordination with the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering
by striking order and all that follows through the end of the section and inserting order.; and
by adding at the end the following new subsections:
Each report required under subsection (a) shall include, for each military construction project listed in the report—
a description that identifies the objectives of the national defense strategy required under section 113(g) of this title and the National Military Strategy required under section 139(b) of this title that would be advanced if the military construction project were funded, in whole or in part;
a detailed assessment of each specific risk to the execution of the national defense strategy and the National Military Strategy that would be reduced the military construction project were funded, in whole or in part; and
a Department of Defense Form 1391.
Information regarding project scope, cost estimate, and design maturity for military construction projects included in a report under subsection (a) shall be prepared and validated in a manner consistent with the requirements applicable to military construction projects included in the budget of the President submitted to Congress under section 1105(a) of title 31.
The Secretary of the military department concerned shall certify each military construction project under the jurisdiction of the Secretary that is listed in a report required under subsection (a) as—
a valid unfunded military construction requirement of the military department; and
appropriate for consideration by Congress as part of the unfunded priorities of the military department.
Section 2857(d) of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
by striking The Secretary concerned and inserting (1) The Secretary concerned;
by inserting or any other individual after minor child; and
by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
Not later than 72 hours after any date on which an incident in which a minor child or any other individual falls from a window in a unit of military family housing under the jurisdiction of the Secretary concerned occurs, the Secretary concerned shall submit to the congressional defense committees a notification that includes, with respect to such incident—
the date;
the location;
the associated circumstances; and
whether injury or death resulted.
Section 2890 of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
in subsection (b)(7), by striking and housing management office and inserting housing management office, the Chief Housing Officer of the Department of Defense, the Inspector General of the Department of Defense, the Inspector General of the military department concerned, or a Member of Congress; and
in subsection (e)—
in paragraph (1), by striking for reporting an issue relating to a housing unit and inserting the following:
who reports an issue relating to a housing unit to any of the following:
The landlord.
The chain of command.
The applicable housing management office.
The Chief Housing Officer of the Department of Defense.
The Inspector General of the Department of Defense.
The Inspector General of the military department concerned.
A Member of Congress.
in paragraph (2)—
by redesignating subparagraphs (A) and (B) as subparagraphs (B) and (C), respectively;
by inserting before subparagraph (B), as so redesignated, the following new subparagraph (A):
provide notice of that determination to the Secretary of the military department concerned;
in subparagraph (C), as so redesignated, by striking the Inspector General has taken final action and inserting the Secretary of the military department concerned has notified the Inspector General that the Secretary has taken final action.
Section 2890(f) of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
in paragraph (1), in the first sentence—
by striking A tenant or prospective tenant of a housing unit may not be required to sign and inserting A landlord may not request that a tenant, former tenant, or prospective tenant of a housing unit sign; and
by inserting or in connection with the provision of services related to the housing unit before the period; and
by striking paragraphs (2) and (3) and inserting the following:
The prohibition under paragraph (1) shall apply to all housing units, including military family housing and military unaccompanied housing.
In this subsection, the term tenant includes any party (other than a landlord) to a lease for a housing unit.
Section 2835 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (Public Law 118–31; 10 U.S.C. 2821 note) is amended—
in the heading, by striking covered military unaccompanied housing and inserting Department of Defense; and
in subsection (a)—
by striking , to replace a covered military unaccompanied housing facility;
by redesignating paragraphs (1) and (2) as subparagraphs (A) and (B), respectively;
by inserting before subparagraph (A), as so redesignated, the following new paragraph (1):
to replace a covered military unaccompanied housing facility—
in subparagraph (B), as so redesignated, by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and; and
by adding at the end the following new paragraph (2):
to replace a Department of Defense laboratory at which—
research with respect to science and technology is carried out; or
test and evaluation activities are conducted.
Section 2835 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (Public Law 118–31; 10 USC 2821 note) is amended—
in subsection (a)—
by striking a covered military unaccompanied housing facility;
in paragraph (1), by striking that such Secretary determines is and inserting covered military housing facilities that such Secretary determines are; and
by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following:
facilities in a failed or failing condition which are located within covered depots, or which are directly related to the function or activity managed through the Army Working Capital Fund.
in subsection (d), by adding at the end the following new sentence: Charges for goods and services provided through a working capital fund may not include amounts necessary to recover costs of military construction projects funded under the pilot program.;
in subsection (f), by striking shall terminate on and all that follows through this Act and inserting shall terminate on October 1, 2032; and
in subsection (g)—
by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (3); and
by inserting after paragraph (1) the following new paragraph (2):
The term covered depot means a depot specified in paragraph (1) of section 2476(f) of title 10, United States Code.
Section 2839 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (Public Law 118–31) is amended—
in the heading, by inserting ; Work order timeliness standards after covered military unaccompanied housing;
by redesignating subsections (c) through subsection (e) as subsections (d) through (f), respectively; and
by inserting after subsection (b) the following new subsection:
Not later than July 1, 2027, the Secretary of Defense shall establish Department of Defense-wide timeliness standards for the resolution of work orders for covered military unaccompanied housing.
In conjunction with the submission of the report under subsection (a) for fiscal year 2028, and on an annual basis thereafter during the reporting requirement under such subsection is effective, the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report that includes, for each military installation under the jurisdiction of the Secretary, with respect to the fiscal year that precedes the fiscal year during which the report is submitted, an identification of—
the total number of work orders for covered military unaccompanied housing resolved within a period that complied with the timeliness standards under paragraph (1);
the total number of such work orders resolve within a period that did not comply with such timeliness standards;
the total number of such work orders that remain open at the end of the fiscal year covered by the report;
the total number of work orders comprising the total numbers under subparagraphs (A) through (C), respectively, that relate to the health and safety of covered military unaccompanied housing;
the total number of employees with duties that include the maintenance and administration of military unaccompanied housing authorized;
the total number of authorized positions for employment with such duties that remain open at the end of the fiscal year covered by the report; and
the total amount obligated or expended on service contracts for the maintenance and administration of covered military unaccompanied housing.
Section 2839(b) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (Public Law 118–31) is amended—
by redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph (6); and
by inserting after paragraph (3) the following new paragraphs:
A list of whether each such covered military unaccompanied housing facility located on each military installation under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of the military department concerned complies with the uniform minimum habitability standards for covered military unaccompanied housing as required under section 2856b of title 10, United States Code.
For such facilities that do not comply with uniform minimum habitability standards—
a list of elements that are not in compliance;
the funding required to conduct improvements to meet uniform minimum habitability standards; and
a five-year plan for carrying out such improvements.
Section 2814 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (Public Law 117–81) is amended—
in subsection (a)—
by striking a covered fiscal year and inserting the fiscal years specified in subsection (e); and
by striking five percent and inserting ten percent;
by amending subsection (b)(1) to read as follows:
The term military unaccompanied housing has the meaning given in section 2871 of title 10, United States Code.
by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (e);
by inserting after subsection (b) the following new subsections:
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall establish a Department-wide standard for tracking the use of facilities sustainment, restoration, and modernization funds for military unaccompanied housing.
Along with the submission of the budget of the President to Congress under section 1105(a) of title 31, United States Code, the Secretary of Defense shall report on the extent to which each Secretary of a military department is meeting the minimum requirements of this section.
in subsection (e), by striking 2026 and inserting 2031.
This section and the amendments made by this section shall apply with respect to amounts reserved pursuant to section 2814 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (Public Law 117–81) on or after October 1, 2026.
Subchapter I of chapter 134 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 2246 the following new section:
Subject to subsection (b) and amounts made available in advance for such purpose, and pursuant to such regulations as the Secretary of Defense may prescribe, the Superintendent of a Service Academy may seek to enter into a contract with a covered foundation for the planning, design, construction, equipping, and maintenance of facilities and other projects that support the mission of such Service Academy.
Contractual agreements under subsection (a) may be provided only if such agreements—
are without any liability of the United States to the covered foundation;
do not affect the ability of any official or employee of the military department concerned to carry out any responsibility or duty in a fair and objective manner;
do not compromise the integrity or appearance of integrity of any program of the military department concerned, or any individual involved in such a program;
comply with the Joint Ethics Regulation; and
have been reviewed and approved by an attorney of the military department concerned.
In any fiscal year during which the Superintendent of a Service Academy exercises the authority under subsection (a), the Secretary of the military department concerned shall provide a briefing not later than the last day of that fiscal year to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House of Representatives regarding the campus improvement projects initiated during such fiscal year.
In this section:
The term covered foundation means a charitable, educational, or civic nonprofit organization under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, that the Secretary concerned determines operates exclusively to support, with respect to a Service Academy, any of the following:
Recruiting.
Parent or alumni development.
Academic, leadership, or character development.
Institutional development.
Athletics.
The term Service Academy has the meaning given such term in section 347 of this title.
Section 2849(f) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (Public Law 118–159; 10 U.S.C. 2802 note) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
Military installations undergoing a mission transition as of the date of the enactment of this paragraph.
With respect to a grant, cooperative agreement, or supplementary financial assistance provided to a State or local educational agency for a project to construct, renovate, repair, or expand an elementary or secondary public school on a military installation pursuant to section 8109 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022 (Public Law 117–103; 136 Stat. 201), the Secretary of Defense shall ensure that the terms of such grant, cooperative agreement, or financial assistance do not require the recipient State or local educational agency to provide a matching contribution in an amount greater than the amount that is equal to 20 percent of the total cost of the project.
The Secretary of Defense shall revise the notice titled Department of Defense Program for Construction, Renovation, Repair or Expansion of Public Schools Located on Military Installations (76 Fed. Reg. 55883 et seq.; published September 9, 2011) to carry out the requirements of this section.
Subsection (a) shall apply with respect to a grant awarded, cooperative agreement entered into, or financial assistance provided on or after the date of the enactment of this Act.
The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that, at all military installations located inside the United States—
not fewer than one open gate always has the capability and procedures to process visitors for access to the military installation, regardless of whether the installation’s primary visitor control center is open; and
personnel at the military installation responsible for security at all open gates are able to direct visitors to the military installation to the appropriate office on the military installation for visitor processing.
In this section, the term military installation has the meaning given such term in section 2801 of title 10, United States Code.
The Secretary of Defense shall not to enter into an enhanced use lease unless the lease terms prohibit the lessee (and any sublessor or operator thereof) from installing or operating data facility equipment that contains one or more significant components manufactured in, or by an entity domiciled in or subject to the jurisdiction of, a covered nation.
In this section:
The term covered nation shall mean—
China;
Russia;
Iran; or
North Korea.
The term data facility shall mean any data center, supercomputer, or other facility for the mass storage, processing, or transmission of data.
The term enhanced use lease means a lease entered into under section 2667 of title 10, United States Code, or any other similar authority.
The term significant component shall mean—
any covered printed circuit board, as that term is defined in section 4873 of title 10, United States Code;
advanced semiconductors and chipsets, including any integrated circuit—
manufactured using a non-planar transistor architecture; or
manufactured using a production technology node of 14 nanometers or smaller; and
any other component that provides a unique functionality to the data facility that the Secretary of Defense determines to be a risk to national security of the United States.
The military installation under the jurisdiction of the Department of the Army located in Augusta, Georgia, shall after the date of the enactment of this Act be known and designated as Fort Shughart Gordon. Any reference to such military installation in any law, regulation, map, document, record, or other paper of the United States shall be considered a reference to Fort Shughart Gordon.
The military installation under the jurisdiction of the Department of the Army located in Muscogee County and Chattahoochee County, Georgia, shall on and after the date of the enactment of this Act be known and designated as Fort Moore, in commemoration of Lieutenant General Harold G. Moore, Jr., United States Army, and Mrs. Julia Compton Moore. Any reference to such military installation in any law, regulation, map, document, record, or other paper of the United States shall be considered a reference to Fort Moore.
Upon the enactment of this section, the Secretary of Defense shall rename military installations as set forth in the following table:
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Army shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate a report on the land withdrawal at Yuma Proving Ground, Arizona.
The report required under subsection (a) shall include—
a description of effects on operational and testing capabilities if the land withdrawal authorization at Yuma Proving Ground were not renewed or extended; and
recommendations of the Secretary with respect to modifications of the land withdrawal at Yuma Proving Ground that the Secretary determines would require an Act of Congress.
The Secretary of the Army (in this section referred to as the Secretary) may convey to the Utah National Guard, Lehi, Utah, all right, title, and interest of the United States in and to a parcel of real property, including any improvements thereon, consisting of three parcels described in subsection (b).
The conveyance of the property under paragraph (1) shall be subject to any easement, restriction, or covenant of record applicable to the property and in existence on the date of the enactment of this Act.
The property, including all land, improvements, and appurtenances, described in this subsection is the following:
A strip of land of varying width situated in Section 35, Township 4 South, Range 1 West, Salt Lake Base and Meridian. Such strip of land extending 25 feet each side and parallel with the following described center line: Beginning at a point in the East line of section 35, 1298 feet East and 1808 feet North 44° 59′′ West from the Southwest corner of Section 36, Township 4 South, Range 1 West, Salt Lake Base and Meridian; thence North 45° 9′′ West 1999 feet, describing a 75 foot strip of land extending 25 feet Eastwardly and 50 feet Westwardly and Parallel with such center line; thence continuing on same bearing 1368.1 feet to the PC of a 5° spiralled curve to the right. Describing a 100 foot strip of land extending 50 feet each side and parallel with said center line, thence Northwesterly along said 5° curve to the right 507.9 feet more or less to a point in the South line of the Northeast quarter of the Northwest quarter of said Section 35, describing a 100 foot strip of land extending 50 feet each side and parallel with such center line.
An irregular shaped parcel of land situated in the Northeast quarter of the Northwest quarter of Section 35, Township 4 South Range 1 West, Salt Lake Base and Meridian. Beginning at the Northwest corner of the herein described land, said point bears West 194 feet from the North quarter corner of Section 35, thence South 5° 47′′ West 587 feet more or less, thence along the line of the 5° spiralled curve to the left a distance of 767.4 feet to a point in the South line of the Northeast quarter of the Northwest quarter of said Section 35; thence East 50 feet to the west right of way line of the Utah Lake Irrigation Company’s canal, thence North 1° 24′′ East along said West right of way line in distance of 1180 feet more or less; thence North 3° 2′′ West 128 feet; thence West 115 feet to the point of beginning.
A parcel of land situated in Southwest quarter of Section 26, Township 4 South, Range 1 West, Salt Lake Base and Meridian: Commencing 144 feet West from South quarter corner of Section 26; a strip of land 200 feet wide extending 100 feet each side and parallel with the following described center line: Commencing from said point of beginning North 5° 47′′ East 861.1 feet more or less, along the line of a 7° spiral cure to left a distance of 464.4 feet more of less to a point in North line of Southeast, quarter of Southwest quarter of Section 26, extending 100 feet each side and parallel with side center line.
The exact acreage and legal description of the parcels described in paragraph (1) shall be determined by a survey satisfactory to the Secretary.
If the Secretary determines at any time that the property conveyed under subsection (a) is not being used for activities of the Utah National Guard relating to training and readiness, all right, title, and interest in and to the property, including any improvements thereto, may, at the option of the Secretary, revert to and become the property of the United States, and the United States may have the right of immediate entry onto such property.
A determination by the Secretary under paragraph (1) may be made on the record after an opportunity for a hearing.
The Secretary may require the State of Utah to cover all costs (except costs for environmental remediation of the property) to be incurred by the Secretary, or to reimburse the Secretary for costs incurred by the Secretary, to carry out the conveyance under subsection (a), including costs for environmental and real estate due diligence and any other administrative costs related to the conveyance.
If amounts are collected from the State under paragraph (1) in advance of the Secretary incurring the actual costs, and the amount collected exceeds the costs actually incurred by the Secretary to carry out the conveyance under subsection (a), the Secretary shall refund the excess amount to the State.
The State may not use Federal funds to cover any portion of the costs required to be paid by the State under this section.
The Secretary may require such additional terms and conditions in connection with the conveyance under subsection (a) as the Secretary considers appropriate to protect the interests of the United States.
The Secretary of the Army may convey, without consideration, to the University of Tennessee System (in this section referred to as the University) all right, title, and interest of the United States in and to parcels of real property, including any improvements thereon, at Milan Army Ammunition Plant, Tennessee, that consist of a total of approximately 5,000 acres for the purpose of permitting the University to use the parcels for education research.
If the Secretary of the Army determines at any time that the property conveyed to the University under subsection (a) is not being used in accordance with the purpose of the conveyance specified in such subsection, all right, title, and interest in and to the conveyed property, including any improvements thereon, shall, at the option of the Secretary, revert to and become the property of the United States, and the United States shall have the right of immediate entry onto the property.
A determination by the Secretary of the Army under subparagraph (A) shall be made on the record after an opportunity for a hearing.
In lieu of exercising the reversionary interest retained under paragraph (1), the Secretary of the Army may accept an offer by the University to pay to the Secretary an amount equal to the fair market value of the property conveyed under subsection (a), excluding the value of any improvements on the conveyed property constructed without Federal funds after the date the conveyance is completed, as determined by the Secretary.
The Secretary of the Army shall require the University to pay costs (except costs for environmental remediation of the property) to be incurred by the Secretary, or to reimburse the Secretary for such costs incurred by the Secretary, to carry out the conveyance authorized under subsection (a), including survey costs, appraisal costs, costs for environmental documentation related to the conveyance, and any other administrative costs related to the conveyance.
Amounts received as reimbursement under subsection (c) or as alternative consideration under subsection (b)(2) shall be credited to the fund or account that was used to pay the costs incurred by the Secretary of the Army in carrying out the conveyance under subsection (a) or, if the period of availability of obligation for appropriations to that fund or account has expired, to the fund or account that is currently available to the Secretary for the same purpose.
Amounts credited to a fund or account under paragraph (1) shall be merged with amounts in such fund or account and shall be available for the same purposes, and subject to the same conditions and limitations, as amounts in such fund or account.
The exact acreage and legal description of the parcels of real property to be conveyed under subsection (a) shall be determined by a survey satisfactory to the Secretary of the Army.
The Secretary of the Army may require such additional terms and conditions in connection with the conveyance authorized by subsection (a) as the Secretary considers appropriate to protect the interests of the United States.
Not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Secretaries of the military departments, shall carry out a three-year pilot program to implement digital twin models at not less than five covered military installations for the purposes of identifying any vulnerabilities or interdependencies of such covered military installations.
The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that each digital twin model represents a virtual model of the infrastructure systems of the respective covered military installation, including—
the energy systems;
the water systems;
the transportation systems;
the communications systems; and
any other critical mission-support systems.
The Secretary of Defense shall use such digital twin models to—
conduct an assessment of—
the infrastructure system of each covered military installation represented by such digital twin models; and
any public infrastructure systems, including local facilities of the bulk-power system, transportation systems, local systems for the distribution of fuel, and public water systems, that are used by such covered military installations; and
to evaluate, during a disruption scenario, the resilience and continuity of operations of such covered military installations, including during—
a cyber attack;
a kinetic attack;
a natural disaster; or
an interruption of the supply chains of such covered military installations.
In this section, the term covered military installation means a military installation that would be critical to a contingency operation in the Indo-Pacific region, as determined by the Secretary of Defense.
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this section, the Secretary of Defense shall carry out a pilot program under which the Secretary shall develop and implement a comprehensive wastewater monitoring system at not fewer than four military installations at which the Secretary seeks to identify the prevalence of infectious diseases among members of the Armed Forces at the installation (in this section referred to as the pilot program).
Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this section, the Secretary shall carry out a second pilot program under which the Secretary shall develop and implement a pathogen-agnostic monitoring system that leverages emerging biotechnologies for early detection of novel pathogens (in this section referred to as the pathogen-agnostic pilot program).
The purpose of the pathogen-agnostic pilot program shall aim to—
improve detection, identification, and analysis of infectious disease prevalence among members of the Armed Forces and other relevant Department of Defense personnel; and
strengthen early-warning capabilities for novel pathogens.
In carrying out the pilot program under subsection (a), the Secretary shall ensure all systems developed and implemented under such subsection is comprised of appropriate technologies, standardized analytical tools, and a uniform data system.
The pilot program shall be carried out during a two-year period beginning on the date of the commencement of the pilot program and the pathogen-agnostic pilot program, respectively.
Not later than 90 days after the termination of the pilot program and the pathogen-agnostic pilot program, respectively, the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report that includes the following:
A summary of the findings from all monitoring systems under the pilot program and pathogen-agnostic pilot program.
Recommendations for interventions or policy changes based on trends observed under the pilot program.
An assessment of the effectiveness of the pilot program in enhancing force health protection, readiness, and early pathogen detection.
Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this section, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a strategic plan that—
defines requirements for implementing a scalable, pathogen-agnostic monitoring capability;
identifies technologies and risk-based methodologies to achieve mission requirements; and
demonstrates coordination with the Biodefense Council ensuring compliance with Privacy Act and Department regulations.
The Secretary of Defense shall establish a pilot program for the development of an online real estate tool to identify the existing inventory of space available at the military installations selected by the Secretary under paragraph (2) for the purposes specified in subsection (b).
The Secretary shall evaluate the online inventory tool at not less than five, but not more than ten, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps and Space Force military installations selected by the Secretary as appropriate locations for evaluation of the online inventory tool.
In addition to the military installations selected under paragraph (2), the Secretary shall include in the pilot program—
all military installations under the jurisdiction of the Department of the Army that participated in the pilot program established under section 2866 of the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (division B of Public Law 116–283; 10 U.S.C. 7771 note prec.); and
entries included in the online real estate tool of the Department of Army as of the date on which such pilot program terminated.
The Secretary shall establish the pilot program and develop the online inventory tool in consultation with the Administrator of General Services and each of the service Secretaries.
The purposes of the online inventory tool are—
to achieve efficiencies in real estate property management consistent with the National Defense Strategy goal of finding greater efficiencies within Department of Defense operations and leveraging commercial off-the-shelf technologies to better enable members of the Armed Forces;
to provide a means to better market to the public information regarding space available at all Department of Defense military installations for better utilization of such space; and
to provide a means to better quantify existing space available at all Department of Defense military installations and how it is utilized for current missions and requirements.
To establish the pilot program, the Secretary of Defense shall—
consider innovative approaches, including the use of other transaction authorities consistent with section 2371 of title 10, United States Code, and the use of commercial off- the-shelf technologies;
develop appropriate protections of sensitive or classified information from being included with the online inventory tool; and
develop appropriate levels of access for private sector users of the online inventory tool;
in developing these considerations shall include lessons learned from the Secretary of the Army on the development of the pilot program for the online real estate tool under 2866 of the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021.
In connection with the development of the online inventory tool, the Secretary of the Defense shall develop policy requiring the use of the online inventory tool at all Department of Defense military installations selected under subsection (a)(2) to query for existing inventory at such military installations before any military construction or off-post leases are agreed to for such military installations. The Secretary shall prescribe guidelines that will be implemented by each respective service secretary. Further, the Secretary shall ensure that all relevant notifications to congressional defense committees include certification that the online inventory tool was used.
In this section, the term online inventory tool means the online real estate tool developed under the pilot program to identify existing inventory of space available at Department of Defense military installations selected to participate in the pilot program.
Nothing in this section shall be construed to effect the application of title V of the McKinney- Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 11411 et seq.).
Not later than February 15, 2027, the Secretary of the Defense shall submit to Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report evaluating the success of the pilot program in achieving the purposes specified in subsection (b). At a minimum, the report also shall identify and contain the following:
The Department of Defense military installations selected under subsection (a)(2) to participate in the pilot program broken out by respective service.
The number of real estate agreements entered into by each of the respective service secretaries that were facilitated by use of the online inventory tool, including for each agreement the installation, amount of space, value, and purpose of the agreement.
An evaluation of the extent to which use of the online inventory tool reduced the need for military construction or off-post leases.
An evaluation of any impediments to efficient use of the online inventory tool.
The recommendations of the Secretary of Defense regarding whether the pilot program should be extended, expanded, or made permanent.
The authority of the Secretary of the Defense to carry out the pilot program shall expire on September 30, 2031.
The Secretary of Defense, acting through the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Energy, Installations, and Environment, shall establish and carry out a pilot program to provide integrated connectivity service to a covered population—
stationed at five covered military installations in the Middle East, as determined by the Secretary; and
at no cost to such covered population.
The Assistant Secretary shall enter into a contract with an American contracted entity to act as telecommunications operator for the covered military installation—
to provision the integrated connectivity service with a private network management system or a hybrid-capable network management system;
to ensure the integrated connectivity service can support multiple tenant commands, or activity present on such covered military installations with individualized commitments, such as separate network slices and security policies that can be tailored to the tenant command requirements; and
to provision and ensure operation of the integrated connectivity service.
The integrated connectivity service provided under the pilot program established pursuant to subsection (a) shall—
provide broadband internet access service as the baseline service and meet or exceed any speed benchmarks established by the Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission for broadband internet access services, including—
a minimum download speed of 100-Mbps; and
a minimum upload speed of 20-Mbps; and
support the integration of P5G data services with broadband internet access service over a common integrated connectivity service, where such mobile services are identified as required by the covered military installation tenant command.
Any goods procured under the contract described under paragraph (1) shall be the property of the Department of Defense.
Infrastructure setup and operation of the integrated connectivity service—
shall be based on National Institute of Standards and Technology standards specified in NIST SP 800-171 Rev. 3, or successor standards, including any future revisions, updates, or successor publications to ensure the availability and security of such integrated connectivity service; and
shall exclude hybrid-capable network management systems with availability and security risks, such as pure public cloud only network management systems.
In carrying out the pilot program, the Assistant Secretary shall account for the full life cycle costs of such pilot program, including—
the initial build and setup;
a refresh, every five years during the period the authority to carry out the pilot program is effective, of the integrated connectivity service, including a refresh of the underlying infrastructure of the entire integrated connectivity service, to ensure long-term—
availability;
security; and
usability; and
monthly recurring costs, including services provided by—
the host nation carrier for bandwidth; and
the telecommunications operator.
When carrying out the pilot program, the Assistant Secretary shall use industry standard life cycle methodologies and broadly adopted practices, including the NIST Cybersecurity Framework, NIST SP 800-53, Information Technology infrastructure library and the Plan, Prepare, Design, Implement, Operate, Optimize methodology to deliver a cost-effective, secure, sustainable, right-sized network infrastructure.
Any articles, materials, or supplies procured by the American contracted entity for the purpose of providing integrated connectivity service, as described under paragraph (1), shall be made in the United States.
Not later than five years after the date of the enactment of this section, and annually thereafter, the Assistant Secretary shall submit to Congress a report on the pilot program carried out under this section, including—
an analysis of the cost; and
a determination of which additional military installations located outside the contiguous United States should be provided with integrated connectivity service.
In this section:
The term 5G means fifth generation mobile network technology, including higher-speed and lower latency device connectivity over mobile radio networks.
The term Assistant Secretary means the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Energy, Installations, and Environment.
The term American contracted entity means an entity—
organized in the United States and with its principal place of business located within the United States;
majority-owned and controlled by a United States citizen, a lawful permanent resident, or publicly traded on a United States stock exchange and subject to United States laws and jurisdiction;
that employs primarily personnel based in the United States to perform management, engineering, operations, and customer support functions, including staffing key operational and decision-making roles within the United States;
that procures equipment and technology through a supply chain compliant with sections 889 and 1260H of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (Public Law 116–283), including the avoidance of prohibited or restricted telecommunications and video surveillance equipment and services; and
that complies with section 8302 of title 41, United States Code, whenever practicable, prioritizing United States manufactured products, United States sourced components, and United States based subcontractors and suppliers wherever and whenever possible, consistent with project requirements, availability and cost reasonableness.
The term broadband internet access service has the meaning given such term in section 8.1(b), title 47, Code of Federal Regulations, or any successor regulation.
The term cloud only deployment model means a deployment model in which the network management system is delivered solely as a vendor-managed software-as-a-service offering, with no option for self-hosted, on-premises, or private cloud deployment.
The term covered military installation means a military installation as defined in section 2801 of title 10, United States Code, under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of the Army, the Secretary of the Air Force, or the Secretary of the Navy and located in the Middle East.
The term covered population means active duty members of the Armed Forces, as defined in section 101(d)(1) of title 10, United States Code, but may be expanded to include employees of a Defense Agency as defined in section 101(a)(11) of title 10, United States Code, by the tenant command of a covered military installation through the telecommunications officer of the covered military installation.
The term host nation carrier means a telecommunications provider that is—
licensed or authorized to operate in the foreign nation in which the covered military installation is located; and
provides broadband internet access, data, or mobile communication services within the foreign nation.
The term hybrid-capable network management system means a common architectural framework that supports both broadband internet access service and private or hybrid public and P5G mobile connectivity services, as required and is not limited to a public only deployment model or a cloud only deployment model.
The term integrated connectivity service means a fixed, high-speed broadband internet access service, and may include private or hybrid mobile connectivity, including P5G, as required by the Secretary to meet operational requirements.
The term Mbps means one million bits per second.
The term P5G means a private mobile network service using 5G mobile network technology and available only to members of the Armed Forces stationed on covered military installations participating in the pilot program established in subsection (a).
The term private network management system means a network management system that is compliant with the requirements for a cyber security maturity model certification and which is not cloud-based.
The term public only deployment model means a deployment model in which the network management system is hosted exclusively in a third-party public cloud environment, including AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud and cannot be deployed or operated on customer-owned or on-premises infrastructure.
the term pure public cloud only network management system means a network management platform hosted and operated exclusively within a third-party public cloud environment and delivered solely as a cloud-based service, with no capability for deployment, operation, or control within on-premises or private cloud infrastructure.
The term telecommunications operator means an American contracted entity responsible for the design, installation, and ongoing operations and maintenance of the broadband internet access service and P5G mobile network access to be provided on a covered military installation.
Chapter 159 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by inserting before section 2674 the following new section:
Notwithstanding section 2682 of this title, the Secretary of Defense may acquire real property and facilities in the National Capital Region for an element of the Department of Defense other than a military department.
If the cost to acquire real property or facilities under subsection (a) exceeds the limitations specified in section 2663(c) of this title for an acquisition of interests in land, the Secretary may acquire the real property or facilities only if the acquisition is specifically authorized by law.
In this section, the terms National Capital Region and Pentagon Reservation have the meanings given those terms in section 2674(f) of this title.
Section 2674(f)(1) of such title is amended by striking means the and all that follows and inserting the following:
means the following:
The Pentagon.
The Mark Center Campus.
The Raven Rock Mountain Complex.
Any real property or facility acquired under section 2673 of this title.
Not later than one year after the enactment of this section, the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering, in coordination with each Secretary of a military department, shall establish a central dashboard to monitor and track Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation facility data related to military construction planning, design, and execution metrics across the military departments.
The database shall—
use existing financial management tools;
display relevant data for Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation facilities including, at a minimum, facility location, manager of the facility, building number, plant replacement value, age, size, building condition index, mission dependency index, civil engineering projects programmed for the facility, and value of each such projects;
track unfunded facility requirements;
summarize laboratory real property and non-real property data and metrics;
use Real Property Unique Identifiers (or a similar identifier for real property or other assets authorized by the Secretary of Defense) for Equipment Replacement Value of equipment that is not real property; and
display trends across any data included in the database.
Not later than 30 days after the date on which the dashboard required by subsection (a) is established, the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering shall submit to the congressional defense committees a certification that the dashboard is operational and meets the requirements of subsection (b).
Not later than three years after the enactment of this section, the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering shall submit to the Secretary of Defense a recommendation on whether use of the dashboard should be continued. Not later than 15 days after making such submission, the Under Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees a notice of such recommendation.
The authority under this section terminates on December 30, 2030.
In this section:
The term Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation facility means a laboratory facility or a test and evaluation facility.
The term Equipment Replacement Value means the estimated cost to replace the non-real property installed test equipment within a ground test infrastructure asset.
Using amounts authorized to be appropriated on or after the date of enactment of this Act for such purposes, the Department of Defense is authorized to reimburse the Federal States of Micronesia for land acquisition costs for defense sites in Yap.
The Secretary of the Navy shall recognize the National Navy SEAL Museum Memorial, the Memorial Garden and Living Beach, and the Naval Special Warfare K9 Memorial of the National Navy UDT–SEAL Museum, located at 3300 North Highway A1A, North Hutchinson Island, in Fort Pierce, Florida, as a national memorial, national memorial garden, and national K9 memorial, respectively, of the Navy SEALs.
Subchapter III of chapter 169 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 2851a the following new section:
Not later than the date on which the budget of the President for fiscal year 2028 is submitted to Congress pursuant to section 1105 of title 31, and on an annual basis thereafter, the Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Energy, Installations, and Environment, shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report with respect to supervision, inspection, and overhead costs for military construction projects during the fiscal year immediately preceding the fiscal year in which the report is submitted.
Each report required under subsection (a) shall include, with respect to the period covered by the report, the following:
The total amount of supervision, inspection, and overhead costs accrued, disaggregated by—
military department; and
construction agent.
A description of how amounts appropriated for supervision, inspection, and overhead for military construction projects were expended during such period, disaggregated by—
direct project supervision and inspection costs;
field office overhead;
regional office overhead; and
headquarters overhead.
The supervision, inspection, and overhead rate in effect during the fiscal year immediately preceding such period.
If the supervision, inspection, and overhead rate in effect as of the date of the submission of the report is different than the rate described in paragraph (3)—
a summary of the changes to such rate; and
the justification for such changes.
A summary that compares the total amount of supervision, inspection, and overhead costs accrued to the total amount of supervision, inspection, and overhead funds expended, including—
an identification of any surplus or shortfall in such funds; and
a description of how any surplus of such funds was used.
The total amount of any similar overhead cost assessed on operation and maintenance funds used for facility sustainment, restoration, and modernization projects, disaggregated by military department, and a description of the facility sustainment, restoration, and modernization projects for which such operation and maintenance funds were expended.
Any recommendations of the Secretary with respect to adjustments to the supervision, inspection, and overhead rate for the fiscal year immediately succeeding the fiscal year during which such report is submitted, including the justification for any such recommendations.
Not later than 90 days before the deadline for each report required under subsection (a), the Chief of Engineers of the United States Army Corps of Engineers and the Commander of the Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command shall submit to the Secretary of Defense such data as the Secretary determines necessary to prepare such report, in such form as the Secretary determines appropriate.
In this section, the term construction agent means—
the United States Army Corps of Engineers;
the Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command; or
any other entity designated to supervise a military construction project pursuant to section 2851 of this title.
The Secretary of the Navy shall designate the Multi-Mission Dry Dock military construction project at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, Washington, authorized under section 2201 of the Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027, to be a subprogram of a major defense acquisition program (as defined in section 4201 of title 10, United States Code).
Not later than six months after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Navy shall submit to the congressional defense committees—
a Baseline Estimate (as defined in section 4371(a)(4) of title 10, United States Code) for the project described in subsection (a); and
the report described in section 4351 of title 10, United States Code, for the most recently concluded fiscal year quarter for such project.
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually until Jan 1, 2031, the Comptroller General of the United States shall review the following:
The costs, timeframes, risks, and progress of the Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Program of the Department of the Navy.
The status of each project conducted under the Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Program.
Not later than March 1, 2027, and annually thereafter until March 1, 2031, the Comptroller General shall provide to the congressional defense committees a briefing on findings from the review required under subsection (a).
Not later than June 1, 2031, the Comptroller General shall provide to the congressional defense committees a report on the findings from the review required under subsection (a).
The Secretary of Defense may not transfer ownership of any power generation infrastructure or power transmission infrastructure located in Guam to the Guam Power Authority until the Secretary certifies to the congressional defense committees that such infrastructure is sufficient to meet projected mission requirements of the Department of Defense for power generation and transmission capacity in Guam through fiscal year 2036.
Not less than 50 percent of the total linear miles of power transmission lines transferred to the Guam Power Authority pursuant to any agreement with the Secretary of Defense shall consist of underground transmission lines. For purposes of this subsection, transmission lines supported by above-ground concrete poles shall not be considered to be underground transmission lines.
The Secretary of Defense may use amounts authorized to be appropriated or otherwise made available in fiscal year 2027 or subsequent fiscal years for Operation and Maintenance accounts and for Military Construction accounts to carry out upgrades, repairs, modernization, hardening, or undergrounding of transmission lines, capacity expansion, or other improvements necessary to ensure that power generation infrastructure and power transmission infrastructure in Guam meets the requirements set forth in this section before the Secretary transfers ownership of any such infrastructure to the Guam Power Authority. This paragraph shall apply to infrastructure owned by the Secretary of Defense, including infrastructure that is currently leased to, operated by, or otherwise made available for use by the Guam Power Authority.
Amounts described in paragraph (1) may be obligated or expended for planning, design, environmental review, construction, recapitalization, equipment procurement, cybersecurity enhancements, resiliency measures, and related project management costs for power generation infrastructure and power transmission infrastructure necessary to achieve compliance with this section, regardless of whether such infrastructure is under direct control of the Secretary of Defense or subject to a lease or operating agreement with the Guam Power Authority at the time such funds are obligated.
The authority provided by this subsection is in addition to any other authority available to the Secretary of Defense and shall not be construed to limit the availability or use of amounts otherwise authorized to be appropriated or otherwise made available by law for Operation and Maintenance accounts and for Military Construction accounts.
In this section, the term Guam Power Authority means the public corporation of the Government of Guam responsible for electric generation and transmission services in Guam.
Not later than December 31 of the first calendar year beginning after the date of the enactment of this section, and on an annual basis thereafter for five years, the Commander of Joint Region Marianas, in consultation with the Governor of Guam, shall submit to the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives a report on military construction projects in progress as of the date of the enactment of this Act that support military readiness and public interests in Guam. Such report shall include military construction projects carried out—
pursuant to—
section 2802 of title 10, United States Code;
section 2805 of such title;
section 2815 of such title;
section 2391(d) of such title; or
any other provision of law granting authority to the Commander to carry out such a military construction project;
using amounts authorized to be appropriated for the fiscal year covered by the report for operation and maintenance; and
under any authority under which the Department of Defense transfers funds to other Federal agencies.
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, and on an annual basis thereafter, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on vulnerabilities to military installations and combatant commander requirements resulting from extreme weather.
In developing the first report required under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall—
consider the report submitted under section 335(c) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (Public Law 115–91; 131 Stat. 1358); and
expand upon the elements described in subsection (c) of such section that were included in such report.
The report required by subsection (a) shall include the following:
An assessment of how extreme weather affects—
low-lying military installations;
military installations under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of the Navy;
military installations located outside the United States;
the ability of members of the Armed Forces to use training ranges on military installations; and
housing safety and food security on military installations.
With respect to military installations located outside the United States, an assessment of the collaboration between the Department and the military or civilian agencies of the government of that country or nongovernmental organizations operating in that country to adapt to risks from extreme weather.
An assessment of the strategic benefits to the national defense of the United States derived from—
the segregation of Department infrastructure located in the United States from the national electric grid; and
the use of energy-efficient, distributed, and smart power grids by the Armed Forces in the United States and overseas to ensure affordable access to electricity.
For each military department, a list of the ten military installations under the jurisdiction of the department that are most vulnerable to extreme weather based on the effects of—
geographic location;
rising sea tides and sea levels;
increased flooding;
drought;
desertification;
wildfires;
thawing permafrost; and
such other categories as the Secretary determines necessary.
A summary of efforts to mitigate the effects listed in subparagraphs (A) through (H) of paragraph (4), in addition to efforts undertaken by the Department as of the date of the enactment of this section, that the Secretary determines may be necessary to—
ensure the continued operational viability of the military installations identified under such paragraph; and
increase the resilience of such military installations.
An estimation of the costs to the United States of such the efforts described in paragraph (5).
An assessment of how adapting to extreme weather affects the readiness of the Armed Forces to address the threats posed by Russia, China, Iran, North Korea, and violent extremism.
Each report required by subsection (a) shall be submitted in unclassified form but may contain a classified annex.
Upon submission of a report required by subsection (a), the Secretary of Defense shall publish the unclassified portion of the report on a publicly-available Internet website of the Department of Defense.
In this section, the term United States means the several States, the District of Columbia, and any territory or possession of the United States.
Prior to the completion of each decennial census, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Director of the Census a report that identifies, with respect to each military installation located in the contiguous United States, the number of—
military personnel who reside on such installation; and
civilian personnel who reside on such installation.
In carrying out subsection (a), the Secretary of Defense shall coordinate with the Secretaries of the military departments.
In this section, the term military installation has the meaning given that term in section 2801 of title 10, United States Code.
Funds are hereby authorized to be appropriated to the Department of Energy for fiscal year 2027 for the activities of the National Nuclear Security Administration in carrying out programs as specified in the funding table in section 4701.
From funds referred to in subsection (a) that are available for carrying out plant projects, the Secretary of Energy may carry out new plant projects for the National Nuclear Security Administration as follows:
Funds are hereby authorized to be appropriated to the Department of Energy for fiscal year 2027 for defense environmental cleanup activities in carrying out programs as specified in the funding table in section 4701.
Funds are hereby authorized to be appropriated to the Department of Energy for fiscal year 2027 for other defense activities in carrying out programs as specified in the funding table in section 4701.
Funds are hereby authorized to be appropriated to the Department of Energy for fiscal year 2027 for nuclear energy as specified in the funding table in section 4701.
Section 6128 of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
by amending subsection (a) to read as follows:
Consistent with the requirements of the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of Energy shall ensure that, by not later than 2050, the nuclear security enterprise has the capability to reliably produce no fewer than 180 war reserve plutonium pits annually.
in subsection (e)—
in paragraph (1), by striking each year and inserting each odd numbered year; and
in paragraph (2)(D), by striking as compared to the report submitted during the previous year and inserting as compared to the preceding report.
Section 6156(b)(2) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking 50 percent of the per-device cost and inserting 100 percent of the cost.
Chapter 608 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 6328 the following new section:
In addition to other acquisition authorities, the Administrator may exercise the acquisition authorities referred to in sections 4021 and 4022 of this title to enhance the mission effectiveness of the Administration or to improve the nuclear security enterprise, subject to the provisions of this section.
In carrying out this section, section 4021 and 4022 of this title shall be applied as follows:
By substituting Administrator for Secretary of Defense, Secretary, and covered official.
By substituting Administration for Department of Defense and agency.
By substituting nontraditional government contractor for nontraditional defense contractor.
By substituting construction for military construction.
The Administrator may not delegate the authority under subsection (a) to any official other than the Principal Deputy Administrator.
Not later than March 1, 2028, and annually thereafter, the Administrator shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report detailing the use by the Administrator of the authority under subsection (a).
Each report under paragraph (1) shall contain the following:
The number of transactions entered into using the authority under subsection (a).
The participants to each such transaction.
The purpose of each such the transaction.
The amount of each such transaction.
Any recommendations by the Administrator for legislative changes to improve the use of such authority.
Section 3116 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (Public Law 115–91; 50 U.S.C. 2441 note prec.) is—
amended in subsection (a)(1), by striking until the date that is 10 years after the date of the enactment of this Act and inserting through December 31, 2032;
transferred to subtitle C of the National Nuclear Security Administration Act (50 U.S.C. 2441 et seq.);
inserted after section 3241A of such Act; and
redesignated as section 3242.
Section 3127(a)(1) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (Public Law 118–31; 137 Stat. 794) is amended by striking 2034 and inserting 2032.
The Administrator of the National Nuclear Security Administration, in coordination with the Secretary of Defense, may seek to enter into contractual arrangements with private entities to acquire services to test the effects of radiation in support of National Nuclear Security Administration and Department of Defense mission requirements for—
nuclear deterrence;
strategic systems survivability; and
weapons component qualification testing.
Not later than 180 days after the first contractual agreement is executed under this section, and annually thereafter, the Administrator, in coordination with the Secretary, shall submit to Congress a report that includes—
an assessment on the contractual arrangements best suited for accelerating timelines and delivering capabilities, to include, with respect to the number of parts to be tested, the—
cost per radiation shot;
cost per qualification; or
cost per dose rate or fluence;
testing capabilities acquired under the contractual agreement and the cost of such testing capabilities;
an identification of the entities that will use such testing capabilities;
cost comparison analysis relative to Government-owned facilities;
test execution timelines compared to Government-owned facilities; and
an assessment of how commercial entities can complement ongoing Government-owned facilities; and
any recommendations for additional authorities or resources that the Administrator or the Secretary determines is necessary to support the implementation of this section.
None of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise made available for fiscal year 2027 for the Department of Energy may be obligated or expended by the Secretary of Energy to apply the interpretation of high-level radioactive waste described in the notice published by the Secretary titled Supplemental Notice Concerning U.S. Department of Energy Interpretation of High-Level Radioactive Waste (84 Fed. Reg. 26835), or successor notice, with respect to such waste located in the State of Washington.
Section 6114 of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
in subsection (c)(9), by striking summary or; and
in subsection (d)(1)(A)—
in clause (i), by striking subsection (d)(4)(A)(i) and inserting subsection (c)(4)(A)(i); and
in clause (ii)—
by striking subsection (d)(4) and inserting subsection (c)(4); and
by striking subparagraph (B) and inserting subparagraph (C).
Section 6125 of such title is amended in the section heading by striking acquisition reports and inserting Acquisition Reports.
Section 6171 of such title is amended in the section heading by striking environmental cleanup account and inserting Environmental Cleanup Account.
Section 6180(c) of such title is amended to read as follows:
In carrying out this section, the Secretary shall act through the Deputy Secretary of Energy, in coordination with such other officials of the Department as the Deputy Secretary determines appropriate.
Section 6222(c)(2)(D) of such title is amended by inserting pursuant after completed.
Section 6226 of such title is amended in the section heading by striking Annual and inserting Biennial.
Section 6272(a) of such title is amended by striking sections 5791 and 5792 and inserting sections 6281 and 6282.
Section 6322 of such title is amended in the section heading by striking and report.
Section 6332 of such title is amended—
by striking Of the funds and inserting (a) Authority.—Of the funds;
by striking in this Act or subsequent and inserting in any;
by striking Acts, and inserting Act,;
by striking : Provided, That the and inserting . The;
by striking : Provided further, That and inserting a period; and
by striking notwithstanding Department and inserting the following:
Notwithstanding Department
Section 6334 of such title is amended—
by striking Of the funds and inserting Beginning October 1, 2015, of the funds;
by striking this or any subsequent Act and inserting any Act; and
by striking the colon and all that follows through 2015.
Section 6353 of such title is amended—
by striking The Administrator may and inserting (a) Authority.—The Administrator may;
by striking : Provided, and inserting a period;
by striking That of the amount and inserting the following:
Of the amount
in subsection (b), as so designated—
by striking these activities and inserting the activities under subsection (a);
by striking : Provided further, That and inserting a period; and
by striking for purposes of this section, and inserting the following:
In this section:
in paragraph (5) of subsection (c), as so designated, by striking Nevada Test Site and inserting Nevada National Security Site.
Section 6125(a)(1) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking At the end of the first quarter of each fiscal year and inserting Not later than 30 days after the date on which the President transmits to Congress the budget for the following fiscal year pursuant to section 1105 of title 31.
There are authorized to be appropriated for fiscal year 2027, $45,000,000 for the operation of the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board under chapter 21 of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (42 U.S.C. 2286 et seq.).
There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of Energy $13,000,000 for fiscal year 2027 for the purpose of carrying out activities under chapter 869 of title 10, United States Code, relating to the naval petroleum reserves.
Funds appropriated pursuant to the authorization of appropriations in subsection (a) shall remain available until expended.
There are authorized to be appropriated to the Department of Transportation for fiscal year 2027, for programs associated with maintaining the United States Merchant Marine, the following amounts:
For expenses necessary to support the United States Merchant Marine Academy, $873,500,000 of which—
$129,500,000 shall be for Academy operations;
$120,000,000 shall be for construction of facilities and infrastructure at the United States Merchant Marine Academy in accordance with the Campus Modernization Plan and for facilities maintenance and repair and equipment; and
$624,000,000 shall be for construction of capital improvement projects at the United States Merchant Marine Academy, provided that such authorization shall expire on the later of—
October 1, 2031; or
the date of the enactment of an Act authorizing funds for the United States Merchant Marine Academy for fiscal year 2032.
For expenses necessary to support the State maritime academies, $53,400,000, of which—
$9,400,000 shall be for the Student Incentive Payment Program;
$7,000,000 shall be for direct payments for State maritime academies;
$12,000,000 shall be for training ship fuel assistance;
$4,000,000 shall be for offsetting the costs of training ship sharing; and
$21,000,000 shall be for maintenance and repair of State maritime academy training vessels.
For expenses necessary to support the National Security Multi-Mission Vessel program, including funds for construction and necessary expenses to construct shoreside infrastructure to support such vessels, $75,000,000.
For expenses necessary to support Maritime Administration operations and programs, $105,760,000, of which—
$15,000,000 shall be for the maritime environmental and technical assistance program under section 50307 of title 46, United States Code;
$15,000,000 shall be for the United States marine highway program, including to make grants authorized under section 55601 of title 46, United States Code;
$2,000,000 shall be for the Office of Environment and Compliance, including to assist in the environmental review of grant and permit programs administered by the Maritime Administration; and
$73,760,000 shall be for headquarters operations expenses.
For expenses necessary for the disposal of obsolete vessels in the National Defense Reserve Fleet of the Maritime Administration, $6,000,000.
For expenses necessary to maintain and preserve a United States flag merchant marine to serve the national security needs of the United States under chapter 531 of title 46, United States Code, $400,500,000.
For expenses necessary to maintain a Cable Security Fleet to serve the national security needs of the United States under chapter 532 of title 46, United States Code, $30,000,000.
For expenses necessary to maintain and preserve a United States flag merchant marine to serve the national security needs of the United States under chapter 534 of title 46, United States Code, $167,600,000.
For expenses necessary for the loan guarantee program authorized under chapter 537 of title 46, United States Code, $33,700,000, of which—
$30,000,000 may be used for the cost (as such term is defined in section 502(5) of the Federal Credit Reform Act of 1990 (2 U.S.C. 661a(5)) of loan guarantees under the program; and
$3,700,000 may be used for administrative expenses relating to loan guarantee commitments under the program.
For expenses necessary to provide assistance to small shipyards and for maritime training programs authorized under section 54101 of title 46, United States Code, $105,000,000.
For expenses necessary to implement the port infrastructure development program, as authorized under section 54301 of title 46, United States Code, subject to the limitation under subsection (b), $550,000,000, to remain available until expended.
For maritime incentive payments to centers of excellence designated under section 51706 of title 46, United States Code, $300,000,000.
No funds may be obligated or expended for the port infrastructure development program pursuant to subsection (a)(10) to make a grant to be used for the purchase of fully automated cargo handling equipment that is remotely operated or remotely monitored with or without the exercise of human intervention or control, if the Secretary of Transportation determines such equipment would result in a net loss of jobs within a port or port terminal.
If the Secretary makes a determination pursuant to paragraph (1), not later than three days after the date on which such determination is made, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report that includes the data and analysis used by the Secretary in making such determination.
Chapter 513 of title 46, United States Code, is amended—
in section 51301(c)(1), by striking of the Maritime Administrator under the and inserting and;
in section 51307—
in subsection (b)—
in paragraph (1) by striking if available and inserting if assigned to such vessel by the Superintendent of the Academy; and
in paragraphs (2) and (3) by striking Maritime Administrator each place it appears and inserting Secretary; and
in subsection (c)(1) by striking if available and inserting if assigned to such vessel by the Superintendent of the Academy;
in section 51309—
in subsection (a)(1) by striking United States Merchant Marine; and
in subsection (b) by striking Maritime Administration’s Operations and Training and inserting Superintendent of the Academy’s;
in section 51310 by striking of the military department that has jurisdiction over the service and inserting concerned, as defined in section 101(a)(9) of title 10,;
in section 51312(g)(3) by striking Maritime Administrator and;
in section 51313(a) by striking the Maritime Administrator and;
in section 51314(b) by striking Maritime Administration’s Operations and Training and inserting Superintendent of the Academy’s;
in section 51315—
by striking Maritime Administrator in each place it appears and inserting Superintendent of the Academy;
in subsection (a)—
by striking Merchant Marine and inserting such; and
by striking Administrator’s and inserting Superintendent’s; and
in subsection (b) by striking Academy Gift Fund and inserting United States Merchant Marine Academy Gift Fund each place it appears;
in section 51316 by striking Maritime Administrator and inserting Secretary;
in section 51317 by striking Maritime Administrator and inserting Superintendent of the Academy each place it appears;
in section 51318—
in subsection (a)(3)(A) by striking Maritime Administrator and inserting Secretary;
in subsection (b)—
in paragraph (1) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A) by striking Maritime Administrator and inserting Secretary;
in paragraph (2)(A) by striking Maritime Administrator and inserting Secretary; and
in paragraph (3)(A) by striking Maritime Administrator and inserting Superintendent; and
by striking Office of Civil Rights of the Maritime Administration and inserting Office of the Secretary Office of Civil Rights;
in section 51319—
in subsection (a)—
in paragraph (4)(A)—
by striking Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018, the Maritime Administrator and inserting The Superintendent; and
by striking Office of Civil Rights of the Maritime Administration and inserting Office of the Secretary Office of Civil Rights; and
in paragraph (5)(H) by striking Director of the Maritime Administration Office of Civil Rights and inserting Director of the Office of the Secretary Office of Civil Rights;
in subsection (b)(1)—
by amending subparagraph (A) to read as follows:
Each sexual assault response coordinator shall report directly—
to the Superintendent; or
upon belief that the Superintendent is acting inappropriately regarding sexual assault prevention and response matters, to the Secretary.
in subparagraph (B) by striking Maritime Administration and inserting Office of the Secretary; and
in subsection (e) by striking Administrator of the Maritime Administration and inserting Secretary;
in sections 51320, 51321, 51322, 51325, and 51328 by striking Maritime Administrator and inserting Secretary each place it appears;
in section 51322(c)(2) by striking with the international Convention of Safety of Life at Sea, 1974 (32 UST 47) and sections 8106 and 70103(c) and inserting the following:
with
section 8106;
section 70103(c); and
the International Convention of Safety of Life at Sea, 1974 (32 UST 47); or
with a certificate of inspection issued under section 3309.
in section 51322(e) by striking or staff of the Maritime Administration each place it appears; and
in section 51326—
in subsection (a) by striking Maritime Administrator and inserting Secretary;
in subsection (c) by striking Maritime Administrator and inserting Secretary;
in subsection (d) by striking Maritime Administrator and inserting Secretary each place it appears;
in subsection (e) by striking Maritime Administrator and inserting Superintendent;
in subsection (f)(3) by striking Maritime Administrator and inserting Superintendent; and
in subsection (h) by striking Maritime Administrator and inserting Superintendent.
Section 102 of title 49, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
There is established in the Department an Office of the United States Merchant Marine Academy to—
operate the United States Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, New York; and
monitor the service obligations of Academy graduates established under chapter 513 of title 46.
The head of the Office shall be the Superintendent of the Academy appointed under section 51301(c)(2) of title 46.
The Superintendent shall report directly to the Secretary of Transportation to carry out the duties prescribed by the Secretary.
A Deputy Superintendent of the Academy shall be appointed in the competitive service by the Secretary.
The Deputy Superintendent shall carry out the duties and powers prescribed by the Superintendent.
The Secretary may eliminate or consolidate any office or office function within the Department into the Office of the United States Merchant Marine Academy that the Secretary determines has duties, responsibilities, resources, or expertise that support the purposes of the Office.
The Secretary shall ensure that the Office of the United States Merchant Marine Academy is adequately staffed and funded.
The Secretary may transfer to the Office of the United States Merchant Marine Academy a position within the Department from any office that is eliminated or consolidated under this subsection if the Secretary determines that the position is necessary to carry out the purposes of the Office.
If the Secretary transfers a position to the Office under clause (i), the Secretary, in coordination with the appropriate modal administration, shall ensure that the transfer of the positions does not adversely affect the obligations of such modal administration under any Federal law.
Chapter 513 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
The Secretary may, in accordance with the laws of the State of New York, establish a corporation (in this section referred to as the corporation) to support the athletic programs of the United States Merchant Marine Academy. All stock of the corporation shall be owned by the United States and held in the name of and voted by the Secretary.
The corporation shall operate exclusively for charitable, educational, and civic purposes to support the athletic programs of the United States Merchant Marine Academy.
The corporation shall be organized and operated—
as a nonprofit corporation under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986;
in accordance with this section; and
pursuant to the laws of the State of New York, its articles of incorporation, and its bylaws.
The members of the board of directors of the corporation shall serve without compensation as members of the board, except for reasonable travel and other related expenses for attendance at meetings of the board.
The Secretary may authorize employees of the Department of Transportation to serve, in their official capacities, as members of the board of directors of the corporation, but such employees shall not hold more than one-third of the directorships. Such authorization to participate in the management of the corporation shall be without compensation and may be made only for the purpose of providing oversight and advice to, and coordination with, the corporation. Participation of the employee in the activities of the corporation may not extend to participation in the day-to-day operations of the corporation.
The Secretary may enter contract and cooperative agreements with the corporation for the purpose of supporting the athletic programs of the United States Merchant Marine Academy.
Notwithstanding section 3105 of title 41, the Secretary may enter into such contracts and cooperative agreements on a sole source basis pursuant to section 3304(a) of title 41.
Notwithstanding chapter 63 of title 31, a cooperative agreement under this section may be used to acquire property, services, or travel for the direct benefit or use of the United States Merchant Marine Academy.
For the purpose of supporting the athletic programs of the United States Merchant Marine Academy, in consultation with the General Services Administration, the Secretary may rent or lease real property located at the United States Merchant Marine Academy, under such terms and conditions as are deemed advisable, for a period not exceeding 5 years, such real property as may not be required for immediate use by the United States Merchant Marine Academy, to the corporation, and that proceeds from such a lease shall be retained and expended in accordance with subsection (j).
To the extent required by a contract or cooperative agreement under subsection (a), the Secretary may provide support services to the corporation while the corporation conducts support activities at the United States Merchant Marine Academy only if the Secretary determines that the provision of such services is essential for the support of the athletic programs of the United States Merchant Marine Academy.
Support services may only be provided without any liability of the United States to the corporation.
In this subsection, the term support services includes utilities, office furnishings and equipment, communications services, records staging and archiving, audio and video support, and security systems, in conjunction with the leasing or licensing of property.
Except as provided in paragraph (2), the Secretary may, subject to the acceptance of the corporation, transfer to the corporation all title to and ownership of the assets and liabilities of the United States Merchant Marine Academy nonappropriated fund instrumentality, the function of which includes providing support for the athletic programs of the United States Merchant Marine Academy, including bank accounts and financial reserves in the accounts of such fund instrumentality, equipment, supplies, and other personal property.
The Secretary may not transfer under paragraph (1) any interest in real property.
Notwithstanding section 1342 of title 31, the Secretary may accept from the corporation funds, supplies, and services for the support of the athletic programs of the United States Merchant Marine Academy.
For purposes of this section, employees or personnel of the corporation may not be considered to be employees of the United States.
The Secretary may charge fees for the support of athletic programs of the United States Merchant Marine Academy. To support the athletic programs of the United States Merchant Marine Academy, the Secretary may accept funds from the National Collegiate Athletic Association, funds from athletic conferences, game guarantees from other educational institutions, fees for ticketing and licensing, and other consideration provided incidental to the execution of the athletic programs of the United States Merchant Marine Academy.
The Secretary shall ensure that contributions under this subsection and expenditure of funds pursuant to subsection (j) do not—
reflect unfavorably on the ability of the Department of Transportation or any employee of the Department of Transportation to carry out any responsibility or duty in a fair and objective manner; or
compromise the integrity or appearance of integrity of any program of the Department of Transportation, or any individual involved in such a program.
An agreement under subsection (d) may, consistent with section 51330, authorize the corporation to enter into licensing, marketing, and sponsorship agreements relating to trademarks and service marks identifying the United States Merchant Marine Academy, subject to the approval of the Secretary.
A licensing, marketing, or sponsorship agreement may not be entered into under paragraph (1) if—
such agreement would reflect unfavorably on the ability of the Department of Transportation or any employee of the Department of Transportation to carry out any responsibility or duty in a fair and objective manner; or
the Secretary determines that the use of the trademark or service mark would compromise the integrity or appearance of integrity of any program of the Department of Transportation or any individual involved in such a program.
Funds received by the Secretary under this section may be retained for use to support the athletic programs of the United States Merchant Marine Academy and shall remain available until expended.
The Secretary may license trademarks and service marks owned or controlled by the Secretary with respect to the United States Merchant Marine Academy and may retain and expend fees received from such licensing in accordance with this section.
The Secretary shall designate the trademarks and service marks regarding which the Secretary will exercise the authority to retain licensing fees under this section.
The Secretary shall use fees retained under this section for the following purposes:
For payment of costs incurred by the Secretary of securing trademark registrations and of operating the licensing program under this section.
For support of athletic programs and recruiting activities of the United States Merchant Marine Academy under the jurisdiction of the Secretary, to the extent (if any) that the total amount of the licensing fees available under this section for a fiscal year exceed the total amount needed for such fiscal year under paragraph (1).
Fees received in a fiscal year and retained under this section shall be available until expended.
In this section, the terms trademark and service mark have the meanings given such terms in section 45 of the Act of July 5, 1946 (commonly referred to as the Trademark Act of 1946; 15 U.S.C. 1127).
The table of sections at the beginning of such chapter is amended by adding at the end the following new items:
Section 501 of title 46, United States Code, is amended—
by redesignating subsection (d) as subsection (e); and
by inserting after subsection (c) the following new subsection:
No vessel may operate under a waiver issued under this section until—
the owner or operator of the vessel and the individual requesting such waiver (if not the owner or operator of the vessel) submits to the Maritime Administrator sufficient proof that the vessel is not owned, operated, or crewed by a foreign entity of concern, as such term is defined in section 10612 of the CHIPS Act of 2022 (Public Law 117–167; 42 U.S.C. 19221); and
the Maritime Administrator confirms the validity of the proof submitted under paragraph (1).
The amendments made by subsection (a) shall apply with respect to vessels operating on or after the date of the enactment of this Act, regardless of whether a waiver governing such operation has been issued under section 501 of title 46, United States Code, prior to such date of enactment.
Section 53701 of title 46, United States Code, is amended—
by redesignating paragraphs (5) through (15) as paragraphs (6) through (16), respectively;
by inserting after paragraph (4) the following:
The term fishing has the meaning given such term in section 3 of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (16 U.S.C. 1802).
in paragraph (14), as so redesignated, by inserting used before fishing vessels.
Section 53702(b) of title 46, United States Code, is amended—
in the subsection heading by striking DIRECT LOANS FOR FISHERIES and inserting DIRECT LOANS;
in paragraph (1) by inserting used before fishing vessel; and
in paragraph (4) by striking the purpose of and all that follows through financing the purchase and inserting the purpose of financing the purchase.
Section 53704(a) of title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking obligations related to fishing vessels and fishery facilities and inserting obligations by the Secretary related to fishing facilities, and used fishing vessels.
Section 53706(a)(1)(A) of title 46, United States Code, is amended—
in clause (iv) by striking the second or;
in clause (v) by striking the period and inserting ; or; and
by adding at the end the following:
in the fishing industry or seafood related trade.
Section 53707(c) of title 46, United States Code, is amended by inserting or Administrator after Secretary.
Section 53708 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
The Administrator may not guarantee or make a commitment to guarantee an obligation under this chapter if the Secretary determines such guarantee or commitment is inconsistent with the wise use of the fisheries resources and the development, advancement, management, conservation, and protection of the fisheries resources consistent with the Magnuson Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.).
Section 53709 of title 46, United States Code, is amended—
in subsection (b)(3)—
by striking For a fishing vessel or fishery facility and inserting the following:
For a used fishing vessel or fishery facility
by adding at the end the following:
For a fishing vessel for which the Administrator guarantees an obligation, the principal amount may not exceed 87.5 percent of the actual cost or depreciated cost.
in subsection (e) by inserting or Administrator after Secretary.
Section 53734 of title 46, United States Code, is amended—
in subsection (a)(1) by inserting fishing, or other seafood related, before coastwise, intercoastal, or foreign trade;
in subsection (b)(2) by striking construction or reconstruction of the vessel and inserting construction or refinancing and reconstruction of the vessel; and
by adding at the end the following:
Guarantees made under subsection (a) for the construction or refinancing and reconstruction of a vessel designed and to be used in fishing or seafood related trade shall be made only with funds, including funds for the cost of guaranteed loans, appropriated on or after the date of enactment of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026.
Notwithstanding any requirements that such vessel be reconstructed, reconditioned, or repaired to qualify for a guarantee of an obligation, for a period of 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, a fishing vessel greater than 79 feet overall in length built and documented after January 1, 2021, shall be eligible for a guarantee of an obligation from the Administrator under chapter 537 of title 46, United States Code.
Nothing in this section, or the amendments made by this section, shall limit the authority of the Secretary of Commerce to provide direct loan obligations authorized by section 211(e) of the American Fisheries Act (Public Law 105–277).
Section 54301 of title 46, United States Code, is amended—
in subsection (a)(3)(A)(ii)(III)—
by striking including projects to improve port resilience; and inserting including—; and
by adding at the end the following:
projects to improve port resilience; and
projects to upgrade port cranes or parts of port cranes (including hardware and software) that—
were installed or provided by the People's Republic of China or any department, ministry, center, agency, or instrumentality of the Government of the People's Republic of China; or
are maintained, controlled, or sponsored by the People's Republic of China or any department, ministry, center, agency, or instrumentality of the Government of the People's Republic of China;
by adding at the end the following new subsection:
In making port infrastructure development grants under this section, the Secretary shall treat a project described in paragraph (2) as—
having met the requirements of paragraphs (1) and (6)(A)(i); and
being an eligible project under subsection (a)(3).
A project described in this paragraph is a project to provide shore power at a port that services both of the following:
Passenger vessels described in section 3507(k).
Vessels that move goods or freight.
Section 55305 of title 46, United States Code, is amended—
in subsection (a) by striking When the United States Government and inserting Except as provided in subsection (c), when the United States Government;
by redesignating subsections (c) through (f) as subsections (d) through (g), respectively; and
by inserting after subsection (b) the following:
When the Department of Transportation procures, contracts for, or otherwise obtains for its own account, or provides financing in any way with Federal funds or advances funds or credits, for the furnishing or obtaining of the equipment, materials, or commodities, the Secretary of Transportation or recipient of such financing shall take steps necessary and practicable to ensure that 100 percent of the gross tonnage of the equipment, materials, or commodities (computed separately for dry bulk carriers, dry cargo liners, and tankers) which may be transported on ocean vessels is transported on privately-owned commercial vessels of the United States, as provided under subsection (b), to the extent such vessels are available at fair and reasonable rates for commercial vessels of the United States, in a manner that will ensure a fair and reasonable participation of commercial vessels of the United States in those cargoes by geographic areas.
Section 54101 of title 46, United States Code, is amended—
in subsection (c)(1)—
in subparagraph (A) by inserting , including through the acquisition of advanced digital manufacturing capabilities, after improvements; and
in subparagraph (B) by inserting , including digital training technologies, after training; and
in subsection (h)—
by striking Small shipyard defined and all that follows through the term and inserting the following:
Definitions.—In this section:
The term
by adding at the end the following:
The term advanced digital manufacturing capabilities means commercially available integrated software and hardware used to plan, design, schedule, execute, and assure quality in ship construction and repair, including—
product lifestyle management;
3-dimensional computer aided design;
computer aided manufacturing;
manufacturing execution systems;
quality management systems;
digital twin and internet of things sensors and gateways;
automation systems;
open data standards for interoperability;
cybersecurity controls; and
integration, commissioning, and data-migration services necessary for operational use.
The term digital training technologies means the use of digital tools and platforms, such as simulation, augmented or virtual reality, digital work instructions, e-learning, and learning management systems, to deliver and assess training in shipbuilding and ship repair competencies.
Section 50401 of title 46, United States Code, is amended—
by redesignating and transferring such section to appear after subsection (k) of section 102 of title 49, United States Code (as added by this Act), as subsection (j), including by redesignating each subordinate provision appropriately to reflect the transfer and by amending the enumerator, subsection catchline, typeface, and typestyle to conform to those appearing in other subsections of such section;
in paragraph (1), as so redesignated, by inserting in the Department within the Office of the Deputy Secretary after established; and
in paragraph (4), as so redesignated—
in subparagraph (A), as so redesignated, by adding at the end the following:
The Coordinating Board shall approve annually a yearly work plan and to carry out the activities of the Committee.
in subparagraph (B)—
by striking The Secretary of Transportation and inserting the following:
The Secretary of Transportation
by adding at the end the following:
The Executive Director report directly to the Deputy Secretary.
by adding at the end the following:
The Executive Secretariat shall provide administrative, analytical, and operational support to the Executive Director to accomplish the purpose and activities of the Committee. The Secretary of Transportation, the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of Homeland Security, and the Secretary of Commerce, shall each provide a minimum of one full-time staff member to the Executive Secretariat. Any head of any other member agency may provide additional staff support.
Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the President shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representative and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate a proposal to improve coordination between the Army Corps of Engineers, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the Coast Guard with respect to the measurement and publication of channel depths and real time physical oceanographic data with respect to Federal navigation channels and the timely marking of such channels with aids to navigation especially after any changes to such channels as a result of construction or a natural disaster.
Section 501 of title 46, United States Code, is amended—
in subsection (a)(2) by inserting , and the waiver after without such a waiver; and
in subsection (b)(4)(B) by inserting the waiver and after subparagraph (A)(ii).
Chapter 151 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
There is established a National Maritime Workforce Advisory Committee (in this section referred to as the Committee).
The Committee shall advise the Secretary on matters relating to the skills, training, and numbers of workers necessary to maintain the United States maritime industrial base workforce, including the merchant marine, shipyards, and associated activities.
The Committee shall consist of not more than 25 members appointed by the Secretary in accordance with this section and section 15109 of this chapter.
Each member of the Committee shall have particular expertise, knowledge, and experience in matters relating to the function of the Committee.
At least 1 member of the Committee shall represent 1 of the following:
Ocean Common Carriers.
State Maritime Academies.
Centers of excellence designated under section 54101.
Unlicensed Merchant Mariner Labor Unions.
Licensed Merchant Mariner Labor Unions.
Shipyard Labor Unions.
Shipyards.
Vessel design and construction entities.
Post-Secondary Education Vocational Training.
Secondary Education Vocational Training.
Offshore Energy Production.
Offshore Support.
Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the President shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees proposals to implement the recommendations set forth in the Maritime Action Plan issued by the White House and dated February, 2026, with respect to—
maximizing the credits for military training and sea service eligible to count toward merchant mariner credential endorsements and expanding associated fee exemptions to all members of the Armed Forces;
in consultation with the National Merchant Marine Personnel Advisory Committee established under section 15103 of title 46, United States Code, formalizing equivalency guidance with respect to such credits and credentials;
continuing to approve reciprocity for military courses to meet training requirements for such credentials;
strengthening outreach and counseling to enable members of the Armed Forces eligible for preseparation counseling under section 1142 of title 10, United States Code, to efficiently convert relevant skills of such members to qualifications necessary for such credentials;
streamlining and clarifying the processes for merchant mariner credentialing;
streamlining training approvals for such credentials, including with respect to the approval of training involving simulators and other modern innovations, to safely accelerate the acquisition of skills and qualifications necessary for such credentials; and
streamlining training requirements and provider accreditation to accelerate merchant mariner credentialing.
In this section:
The term appropriate congressional committees means—
the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives; and
the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate.
The term merchant mariner credential has the meaning given such term in section 2101 of title 46, United States Code.
Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the President shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees proposals to implement the recommendations set forth in the Maritime Action Plan issued by the White House and dated February, 2026, with respect to—
blending Federal and private resources for durable shipyards and shipbuilding component fabrication;
simplifying and standardizing requirements relating to applications, eligibility, and compliance across programs of the Federal Government that provide assistance or financing for shipyards or shipbuilding;
employing commercially available technologies and solutions in shipbuilding by the Federal Government;
establishing a Federal Government-wide shipbuilding plan;
expanding eligibility, improving efficiency, and streamlining program administration with respect to Federal funding and other incentives for shipbuilding, to align such funding and incentives with modern program management and business practices; and
promulgating, revising, or rescinding such regulations as may be necessary to prioritize shipbuilding in the United States and repairs at domestic shipyards.
In this section, the term appropriate congressional committees means—
the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives; and
the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate.
Not later than March 1, 2026, the Secretary of Transportation, in consultation with the Secretary of Commerce, the Chair of the Federal Maritime Commission, and the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report including ways to ensure vessels of the United States operating in foreign commerce are privileged in regulation, taxation, fees, insurance, and policy compared to foreign vessels conducting trade with a United States domiciled entity, while remaining consistent with the international obligations of the United States.
In submitting the report under subsection (a), the Secretary of Transportation shall include options for regulating trade with foreign vessels in order to sustain and grow the Maritime Security Fleet under chapter 531 of title 56, United States Code, the Cable Security Fleet under chapter 532 of such title, the Tanker Security Fleet under chapter 534 of such title, and other vessels of the United States operating in foreign commerce.
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Commander of the United States Transportation Command, in coordination with the Secretary of the Navy and the Maritime Administrator, shall devise a tabletop exercise to test the effective control of the Maritime Security Fleet under chapter 531 of title 46, United States Code, and the Tanker Security Fleet under chapter 534 of such title, in case of crisis or war.
After completion of the tabletop exercise under subsection (a), the Commander shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a briefing on the results of such tabletop exercise.
Beginning not later than 1 year after the briefing is submitted under subsection (b), the Commander shall—
carry out tabletop drills to test effective control of the Maritime Security Fleet under chapter 531 of title 46, United States Code, and the Tanker Security Fleet under chapter 534 of such title; and
provide to the appropriate committees of Congress a briefing after each such drill on the results of such drill.
The Secretary of the Navy, in coordination with the Secretary of Transportation and the Secretary of the Department in which the Coast Guard is operating, shall—
conduct an assessment of best practices used in the construction and repair of commercial, oceangoing maritime vessels; and
identify—
opportunities for the Navy and Coast Guard to leverage those best practices to make ship construction and repair efforts of combatant and non-combatant vessels more efficient; and
advanced technologies that can be leveraged to improve the overall readiness and dominance of the United States maritime fleet (both commercial and military), to specifically include small modular reactors for ship power and propulsion.
The assessment required by paragraph (1) shall include the following:
An evaluation of the best practices described in subparagraph (A) of such paragraph, including best practices used by commercial shipyards in foreign allied countries, consideration of commercial design standards, and the vessel construction manager model used to construct the National Security Multi Mission Vessel Program, that could improve the efficiency of shipbuilding and repair by the Navy and Coast Guard.
An identification of commercial-grade components and capabilities being used in state-of-the-art commercial, oceangoing maritime vessels and an assessment of whether the Navy and Coast Guard could better use commercial off-the-shelf components or capabilities to reduce costs, improve efficiencies, or enhance capabilities in the construction of new naval vessels and cutters, and in repair of naval vessels and cutters.
A determination as to whether shipbuilding and acquisition programs of the Navy and Coast Guard use modern best practices from the commercial maritime industry in terms of contracting, ship design, construction, overhaul, and maintenance.
An identification of technologies and procedures that are used in commercial shipbuilding that, if used by the Navy and Coast Guard, would improve the efficiency of designing and constructing new naval vessels.
An identification of technologies and procedures that are used in commercial shipbuilding and repair that, if used by the Navy and Coast Guard, would improve the efficiency of repairing naval vessels.
An identification of opportunities to improve commonality in ship design, ship components, and shipbuilding procedures between commercial, oceangoing maritime vessels, naval vessels, and cutters that could lead to improved efficiencies and a more resilient industrial base to support shipbuilding and repair for military and civil maritime vessels.
An identification of advanced nuclear technologies that are under development for use in commercial shipbuilding that, if used by the Navy and Coast Guard, would improve the operational capability of naval vessels and cutters.
An identification of the barriers preventing or making prohibitive the use of small modular reactors in naval or commercial, oceangoing maritime vessels, including—
ambiguity in regulations governing nuclear propulsion restricting the commercial maritime industry from utilizing nuclear propulsion or collaborating between United States and foreign entities under export controls requirements, including section 744.5 of title 15, Code of Federal Regulations (or a similar successor regulation); and
a lack of clarity in the meaning of maritime (civil) nuclear propulsion plant projects contained in the Export Administration Regulations and Naval Nuclear Propulsion contained in the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (Cat VI).
An evaluation of education and technology development best practices used by commercial shipyards in foreign allied countries, and an identification of education and technology development opportunities, that could improve the efficiency of shipbuilding and repair by the Navy and Coast Guard.
An evaluation of whether adoption of the best practices evaluated under subparagraph (A) for the construction and repair of naval vessels and cutters would support the domestic commercial maritime shipbuilding industry, the commercial maritime industrial base, and the merchant marine of the United States.
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Navy shall provide to the congressional defense committees a briefing on—
the results of the assessment required by subsection (a); and
a plan to execute any measures pursuant to such assessment.
Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, and biennially thereafter, the Secretary of the Navy and Secretary of the Department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall—
provide to the appropriate committees of Congress strategies describing how measures identified as a result of the assessment required by subsection (a) will be incorporated into shipbuilding programs for the Navy and Coast Guard; and
publish a public version of the strategies.
The Secretary of the Navy is authorized to offer government merchant mariners employed by Military Sealift Command paid leave accrual at a faster rate than provided pursuant to the standard General Schedule (GS) system to make government seafaring jobs more competitive with the commercial sector.
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the Secretary of the Navy, in coordination with the Commander of the Military Sealift Command and the Maritime Security Board, and in consultation with the Commander of United States Transportation Command, the Commander of United States Fleet Forces Command, and the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development and Acquisition, shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report on efforts to improve recruitment and retention of Military Sealift Command Mariners.
The report required under paragraph (1) shall consider—
opportunities to enhance the integration of Military Sealift Command civilian mariners into the military command structure;
providing training on the roles and significance of Military Sealift Command civilian mariner workforce to relevant military commands; and
authorities required to improve recruitment and retention of civilian mariners in Military Sealift Command.
Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Navy shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report assessing the merits of extending the maximum charter durations of commercial and specialty vessels for the Military Sealift Command.
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Maritime Administrator shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report on the status and resources and authorities needed to execute and complete necessary vessels, harborcraft, port, shipyard, and other infrastructure improvements to ensure the national security interests of the United States and support the domestic and foreign commerce of the United States.
The report under subsection (a) shall include—
consideration of existing literature and reporting from Federal and non-Federal sources;
an assessment of the number of commercial shipping vessels by class required to sustain a peace-time and wartime national economy;
an assessment of opportunities to leverage private sector funding to enhance the capability of marine infrastructure of the United States;
an evaluation of future infrastructure needs to support alternative fuels for vessels and harborcraft;
an assessment of an ability to construct and repair seaports and shipyards during national security emergencies, including readiness to construct temporary facilities, and carry out marine salvage and firefighting operations; and
an evaluation of the possible effects on the commercial operations of United States ports and other critical infrastructure of prohibiting any entity that owns or operates a port or terminal in the United States from using or sharing data with—
LOGINK;
any logistics platform controlled by, affiliated with, or subject to the jurisdiction of the Chinese Communist Party or the Government of the People’s Republic of China; or
any logistics platform that shares data with a system described in subparagraph (A) or (B).
The term appropriate congressional committees means—
the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on Commerce of the Senate; and
the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives.
The term critical infrastructure has the meaning given the term in section 721(a) of the Defense Production Act of 1950 (50 U.S.C. 4565(a)).
The term LOGINK means the public, open, shared logistics information network known as the National Public Information Platform for Transportation and Logistics by the Ministry of Transport of the People’s Republic of China.
Congress finds the following:
The United States Merchant Marine Academy plays a critical role in training service-obligated licensed merchant mariners to operate commercial vessels, in peacetime and during times of conflict.
The United States Merchant Marine Academy is 1 of the 5 Federal service academies and plays a critical role in maintaining a domestic, commercial maritime industry, with each graduate having a commitment to serve not less than 8 years in the foreign and domestic commerce and the national defense of the United States, which may include service on a merchant vessel documented under chapter 121 of title 46, and graduates make up more than 80 percent of the United States Navy’s Strategic Sealift Officer Program.
The United States defense readiness and economic security relies on a strong investment in training and cultivating United States Merchant Marine officers at the United States Merchant Marine Academy.
Most of the facilities at the United States Merchant Marine Academy date back to the Academy’s founding, have not been modernized since, and are not conducive to the immersive training and demanding coursework today’s Midshipmen are required to complete.
Rehabilitating and modernizing the campus infrastructure at the United States Merchant Marine Academy is necessary to ensuring current and future generations of Midshipmen receive a first-class education.
It is the sense of Congress that—
the United States Merchant Marine Academy, one of our Nation’s 5 Federal service academies, is vital to our national security, and modernizing the Academy's aging infrastructure and investing in faculty and students must be congressional priorities;
sufficient funding must be provided to enable the maximum student enrollment that the campus infrastructure of the United States Merchant Marine Academy can support; and
considering the Academy’s role as a co-equal military service academy, the United States Merchant Marine Academy should be included in the rotation of presidential attendance at graduations.
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Maritime Administrator shall submit a report to the appropriate committees of Congress identifying the additional resources needed to increase enrollment at the United States Merchant Marine Academy.
Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Maritime Administrator shall submit a report to Congress containing the results of a study to evaluate the additional resources needed to allow State maritime academies to increase enrollment and produce additional mariners.
Such study shall consider whether there is a need for additional State maritime academies in States that do not operate a maritime academy.
The Maritime Administrator shall ensure that—
each citizen who is appointed as a cadet at the United States Merchant Marine Academy and signs a cadet commitment agreement under section 51306 of title 46, United States Code, meets the service obligation requirements of that agreement; and
each individual that signs a student incentive payment agreement under section 51509 of title 46, United States Code, meets the service obligation requirements under that agreement.
The Maritime Administrator shall establish an electronic system through which each individual with a service obligation under such section 51306 or 51509 (referred to in this section as a service-obligated mariner) shall annually demonstrate that they are meeting their service obligation or have a valid deferment consistent with section 51310 of title 46, United States Code, or section 51510 of title 46, United States Code, as applicable.
The Maritime Administrator shall transmit a written notice to each service-obligated mariner who fails to meet the reporting requirement of subsection (b), notifying such individual of the applicable penalties established under section 51306 of title 46, United States Code, or section 51509 of title 46, United States Code, for failure to carry out the applicable service requirements, including cost recovery.
Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this section, and annually thereafter, the Maritime Administrator shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report on the status of all service-obligated mariners, which shall include—
information about how each service-obligated mariner is meeting their service obligation requirement, which shall be based on the results of the data collected under subsection (b);
the number of service-obligated mariners who have not met their service obligation and have not complied with the reporting requirement under subsection (b); and
the number of actions taken by the Maritime Administrator under sections 51306(b), 51306(d), 51306(f), and 51509(g) to recover costs from service-obligated mariners who have not demonstrated that they have met their service obligation requirements.
Chapter 515 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
The Maritime Administrator shall work with private entities in the maritime industry to establish a scholarship program—
for students at State maritime academies to offset expenses associated with completion of a summer sea term to receive sea-time required to earn a Coast Guard license; and
which is entirely or predominantly funded through contributions from a private entity.
The Maritime Administrator shall enter into a cooperative agreement, or other agreement, with private entities in the maritime industry to accept funding from private entities for the purpose of establishing such a scholarship program. The cooperative agreement may include any terms considered necessary by the Maritime Administrator.
The Maritime Administrator may provide certain privileges to a private entity who contributes funds for a scholarship program under this section, including opportunities to provide information about employment opportunities with the private entity to students enrolled in the scholarship program.
In establishing a scholarship program to offset expenses associated with a summer sea term—
the Maritime Administrator may enter into an agreement with a student at a State maritime academy that has an agreement with the Secretary of Transportation under section 51505 of this title, to offset expenses associated with completion of a summer sea term; or
the Maritime Administrator may enter into an agreement with a State maritime academy that has an agreement with the Secretary of Transportation under section 51505 of this title, to offset expenses for all students who participate in a summer sea term program.
Recognizing the need for licensed merchant mariners, the Maritime Administrator shall encourage participants of the financial assistance programs under part C of this subtitle, to enter into agreements under this section to establish scholarship programs to offset expenses associated with summer sea term.
Any student who benefits from a scholarship program under this section shall enter into an agreement with the Maritime Administrator which requires the student to—
complete the course of instruction at the academy the individual is attending;
obtain a merchant mariner license, without limitation as to tonnage or horsepower, from the Coast Guard as an officer in the merchant marine of the United States, accompanied by the appropriate national and international endorsements and certification required by the Coast Guard for service aboard vessels on domestic and international voyages, without limitation, within 3 months of completion of the course of instruction at the academy the individual is attending;
serve in a position that supports the foreign and domestic commerce and the national defense of the United States for at least 1 year after graduation from the academy—
as a merchant marine officer on a documented vessel or a vessel owned and operated by the United States Government or by a State; or
as a commissioned officer on active duty in an Armed Force of the United States, as a commissioned officer in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or in other maritime-related Federal employment which serves the national security interests of the United States, as determined by the Maritime Administrator; and
report to the Maritime Administrator on compliance with this subsection.
The table of sections for chapter 515 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
Not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Maritime Administrator and the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall each submit to the appropriate committees of Congress and the Maritime Security Board a separate implementation plan for carrying out this title, and the amendments made by this title.
Each implementation plan required under subsection (a) shall include, for each action required of the Maritime Administrator and the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating (as applicable) in this title, including the amendments made by this title—
an identification of all administrative restructuring requirements;
an identification of each office or division within the Maritime Administration or Coast Guard principally responsible for each relevant section of this title;
an identification of additional personnel needed to sufficiently implement this title, a hiring plan, and a training plan;
an identification of any barrier (including any policy, law, or regulation) to implementation of any section of this title, and recommendations to address those barriers;
a descriptive implementation timeline, taking into account the administrative needs of the Maritime Administration or the Coast Guard; and
any additional components determined appropriate by the Maritime Administrator or such Secretary to ensure the success of implementation of this title.
Not later than 15 days after submitting each implementation plan required under subsection (a), the Maritime Administrator and the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall provide a briefing to the appropriate committees of Congress on the status of that implementation plan required under subsection (a).
Not less frequently than biannually following the submission of the plans under subsection (a) and for 2 years thereafter, the Maritime Administrator and the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress separate reports containing any updates on the implementation of such plans.
The Comptroller General of the United States shall—
not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, and biennially thereafter for 10 years, conduct a review of the activities carried out in accordance with this title, and the amendments made by this title; and
submit to the appropriate committees of Congress the results of each review.
Whenever a funding table in this division specifies a dollar amount authorized for a project, program, or activity, the obligation and expenditure of the specified dollar amount for the project, program, or activity is hereby authorized, subject to the availability of appropriations.
A decision to commit, obligate, or expend funds with or to a specific entity on the basis of a dollar amount authorized pursuant to subsection (a) shall—
be based on merit-based selection procedures in accordance with the requirements of sections 3201 and 4024 of title 10, United States Code, or on competitive procedures; and
comply with other applicable provisions of law.
An amount specified in the funding tables in this division may be transferred or reprogrammed under a transfer or reprogramming authority provided by another provision of this Act or by other law. The transfer or reprogramming of an amount specified in such funding tables shall not count against a ceiling on such transfers or reprogrammings under section 1001 of this Act or any other provision of law, unless such transfer or reprogramming would move funds between appropriation accounts.
This section applies to any classified annex that accompanies this Act.
No oral or written communication concerning any amount specified in the funding tables in this division shall supersede the requirements of this section.