S. 2296

119 S2296 ES: National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026
 U.S. Senate
 text/xml
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 Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.
 119th CONGRESS  1st Session
 S. 2296
 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
 AN ACT
To authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2026 for military activities of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes.
1.
Short title
This Act may be cited as the   National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026  .
2.
Organization of Act into divisions; table of contents
(a)
Divisions
This Act is organized into ten divisions as follows:
(1)
Division A—Department of Defense Authorizations.
(2)
Division B—Military Construction Authorizations.
(3)
Division C—Department of Energy National Security Authorizations and Other Authorizations.
(4)
Division D—Funding Tables.
(5)
Division E—Additional Provisions.
(6)
Division F—Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026.
(7)
Division G—Department of State Matters.
(8)
Division H—Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025.
(9)
Division I—ROAD to Housing Act.
(10)
Division J—Department of State Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026.
(b)
Table of contents
The table of contents for this Act is as follows:
Sec. 1. Short title.
Sec. 2. Organization of Act into divisions; table of contents.
Sec. 3. Congressional defense committees.
Sec. 4. Budgetary effects of this Act.
DIVISION A—Department of Defense authorizations
TITLE I—Procurement
Subtitle A—Authorization of appropriations
Sec. 101. Authorization of appropriations.
Subtitle B—Army programs
Sec. 111. Strategy for Army tactical wheeled vehicle program.
Subtitle C—Navy programs
Sec. 121. Procurement authority for Columbia-class submarine program.
Sec. 122. Procurement authorities for Medium Landing Ships.
Sec. 123. Recapitalization of Navy waterborne security barriers; modification of prohibition on availability of funds for legacy waterborne security barriers.
Sec. 124. Modification to limitations on Navy medium and large unmanned surface vessels.
Sec. 125. Limitation on availability of funds for TAGOS ship program.
Sec. 126. Limitation on availability of funds relating to amphibious warfare ship requirement.
Sec. 127. Temporary unavailability of amphibious warfare ships.
Subtitle D—Air Force programs
Sec. 131. B–21 bomber aircraft program accountability matrices.
Sec. 132. Bomber aircraft force structure and transition roadmap.
Sec. 133. Requirement for an intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance roadmap for the Air Force.
Sec. 134. Annual report on Department of Defense unified datalink strategy.
Sec. 135. Plan for open mission systems of F–35 aircraft.
Sec. 136. Modification of prohibition on retirement of F–15E aircraft.
Sec. 137. Prohibition on retirement of A–10 aircraft.
Sec. 138. Extension of limitations and minimum inventory requirement relating to RQ–4 aircraft.
Sec. 139. Expansion of air refueler fleet.
Sec. 140. Requirements relating to C–130 aircraft.
Sec. 141. Information on future large and oversized air cargo transportation services.
Sec. 142. Extension of prohibition on certain reductions to B–1 bomber aircraft squadrons.
Sec. 143. Prohibition on certain reductions to inventory of E–3 airborne warning and control system aircraft.
TITLE II—Research, development, test, and evaluation
Subtitle A—Authorization of appropriations
Sec. 201. Authorization of appropriations.
Subtitle B—Program requirements, restrictions, and limitations
Sec. 211. Modifications to defense research capacity building program.
Sec. 212. Program for the enhancement of the research, development, test, and evaluation centers of the Department of Defense.
Sec. 213. Extension of authority for assignment to Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency of private sector personnel with critical research and development expertise.
Sec. 214. Limitation on use of funds for certain Navy software.
Sec. 215. Limitation on availability of funds for Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering.
Sec. 216. Prohibition on contracts between certain foreign entities and institutions of higher education conducting Department of Defense-funded research.
Sec. 217. Western regional range complex demonstration.
Sec. 218. Modification of requirement for Department of Defense policies for management and certification of Link 16 military tactical data link network.
Sec. 219. Advanced robotic automation for munitions manufacturing.
Sec. 220. Dual-use and defense advanced manufacturing innovation hubs.
Sec. 220A. Advanced manufacturing and additive manufacturing programs.
Sec. 220B. Improvements relating to advanced manufacturing.
Sec. 220C. Limitation on availability of funds for fundamental research collaboration with certain academic institutions.
Subtitle C—Plans, reports, and other matters
Sec. 221. Catalyst Pathfinder Program.
Sec. 222. Extension of period for annual reports on critical technology areas supportive of the National Defense Strategy.
Sec. 223. Evaluation of additional test corridors for hypersonic and long-range weapons.
Sec. 224. Technical correction.
Sec. 225. Congressionally directed programs for test and evaluation oversight.
Sec. 226. Prohibition on modification of indirect cost rates for institutions of higher education and nonprofit organizations.
Sec. 227. Enhance international coordination for advanced manufacturing techniques, technologies, and adoption.
Subtitle D—Biotechnology
Sec. 231. Biotechnology Management Office.
Sec. 232. Department of Defense biotechnology strategy.
Sec. 233. Defining guidelines and policies on the use of biotechnology for the Armed Forces.
Sec. 234. Enhancement of international biodefense capacity.
TITLE III—Operation and Maintenance
Subtitle A—Authorization of Appropriations
Sec. 301. Authorization of appropriations.
Subtitle B—Energy and Environment
Sec. 311. Department of Defense guidelines regarding implementation of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969.
Sec. 312. Requirement to support training on wildfire prevention and response.
Sec. 313. Use of solid waste disposal systems by Department of Defense.
Sec. 314. Modification of availability and use of energy cost savings.
Sec. 315. Authority of Department of Defense to destroy or dispose of perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substances.
Sec. 316. Modification to restriction on procurement or purchasing of personal protective equipment for firefighters containing perfluoroalkyl substances or polyfluoroalkyl substances.
Sec. 317. Provision of bottled water to communities with private drinking water contaminated with perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances from activities of Department of Defense.
Sec. 318. Repeal of prohibition on procurement by Department of Defense of certain items containing perfluorooctane sulfonate or perfluorooctanoic acid.
Sec. 319. Repeal of temporary moratorium on incineration by Department of Defense of perfluoroalkyl substances, polyfluoroalkyl substances, and aqueous film forming foam.
Sec. 320. Interim responses to address releases or threatened releases of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances.
Subtitle C—Logistics and Sustainment
Sec. 321. Surface ship sustainment and readiness.
Sec. 322. Technology enhancement for surface ship maintenance.
Sec. 323. Delegation to United States Transportation Command of mitigating vulnerabilities and risks associated with contested logistics for Department of Defense.
Sec. 324. Requirements for Department of Defense aircraft operations near commercial airports.
Sec. 325. Extension and modification of semiannual briefings on operational status of amphibious warship fleet.
Sec. 326. Prohibition on closure of Army organic industrial base sites.
Sec. 327. Establishment of Defense Personal Property Management Office under Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness.
Sec. 328. Integration of commercially available artificial intelligence capabilities into logistics operations.
Sec. 329. Pilot program on arsenal workload sustainment.
Subtitle D—Reports
Sec. 331. Modification of report on improved oversight for implementation of Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Program of the Navy.
Sec. 332. Modification of readiness report to include summary count of certain mishaps.
Sec. 333. Annual report on funding and status of interim remedial actions of Department of Defense relating to perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances.
Subtitle E—Other Matters
Sec. 341. Provision of sports foods and third-party certified dietary supplements to members of the United States Special Operations Command.
Sec. 342. Limitation on use of funds to establish or expand Space Force Special Operations Component Command.
Sec. 343. Requirements for contracts relating to permanent change of station moving process.
Sec. 344. Limitation on transformation by the Army of primary helicopter training program at Fort Rucker, Alabama.
Sec. 345. Conveyance of certain aircraft from Air Force to Arizona Aviation Historical Group, Phoenix, Arizona.
Sec. 346. Limitation on use of funds by the Army until submittal of plan to integrate Joint Munitions Command and Army Sustainment Command.
Sec. 347. Limitation on use of certain funds of the Air Force until acquisition strategy submitted to maintain Airborne Command Post capability.
Sec. 348. Pilot program for contracted amphibious air resources for the area of responsibility of the United States Indo-Pacific Command.
Sec. 349. Naming of certain assets of the Department of Defense in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Sec. 350. Modification of protection of certain facilities and assets from incursions.
TITLE IV—Military personnel authorizations
Subtitle A—Active Forces
Sec. 401. End strengths for active forces.
Subtitle B—Reserve forces
Sec. 411. End strengths for selected reserve.
Sec. 412. End strengths for reserves on active duty in support of the reserves.
Sec. 413. End strengths for military technicians (dual status).
Sec. 414. Maximum number of reserve personnel authorized to be on active duty for operational support.
Subtitle C—Authorization of appropriations
Sec. 421. Military personnel.
TITLE V—Military Personnel Policy
Subtitle A—Officer Personnel Policy
Sec. 501. Statutory adjustment to reflect transfer of certain general officer billets from the Air Force to the Space Force.
Sec. 502. Notice of removal of Judge Advocates General.
Sec. 503. Qualifications for judge advocates.
Sec. 504. Modification of waiver authority related to joint qualified officer requirement prior to promotion to general or flag grade.
Sec. 505. Notification of removal of officers from selection board reports and promotion lists.
Sec. 506. Space Force general officer management.
Sec. 507. Temporary increase in fiscal year percentage limitation for reduction or waiver of service-in-grade requirement for general and flag officers to be retired in pay grades O-7 and O-8.
Subtitle B—Reserve Component Management
Sec. 511. Expansion of authority to waive limitations on release of reserves from active duty within two years of retirement eligibility.
Sec. 512. Disestablishment of Navy Reserve Center system.
Sec. 513. National Guard personnel authorities.
Sec. 514. National Guard personnel disaster response duty.
Sec. 515. Treatment of funds received by National Guard Bureau as reimbursement from States.
Sec. 516. Limitations applicable to the authority to transfer space functions of the Air National Guard to the Space Force.
Subtitle C—General Service Authorities and Military Records
Sec. 521. Chief of Naval Personnel.
Sec. 522. Enhanced efficiency and service discretion for Disability Evaluation System reviews.
Sec. 523. Technical correction related to convalescent leave for academy cadets and midshipmen.
Sec. 524. Recognition of remotely piloted aircraft crew.
Subtitle D—Military Justice and Other Legal Matters
Sec. 531. Notification of military sex offenders at military installations.
Sec. 532. Quarterly reports on sexual assault prevention and response efforts.
Subtitle E—Member Education, Training, and Transition
Sec. 541. Military service academy nominations.
Sec. 542. Asynchronous instruction in distance education option for professional military education.
Sec. 543. Army University.
Sec. 544. Integration of the Secretary of Defense Strategic Thinkers Program.
Sec. 545. Improvements to information-sharing to support individuals retiring or separating from the Armed Forces.
Sec. 546. Mandatory training on government ethics and national security law.
Sec. 547. Prohibition on consideration of race, sex, color, ethnicity, national origin, or religion in service academy admissions decisions.
Sec. 548. Prohibition on participation of males in athletic programs or activities at the military service academies that are designated for women or girls.
Sec. 549. Pathway for cadets and midshipmen to play professional sports.
Sec. 550. Factors for counseling pathways under Transition Assistance Program.
Subtitle F—Military Family Readiness and Dependents' Education
PART I—Dependents' Education
Sec. 551. Certain assistance to local educational agencies that benefit dependents of military and civilian personnel.
Sec. 552. Management of special education in schools operated by Department of Defense Education Activity.
Sec. 553. Enrollment of children of certain American Red Cross employees in defense dependents' education system.
Sec. 554. Regulations on the use of portable electronic mobile devices in Department of Defense Education Activity schools.
Sec. 555. Administration of college admissions tests by the Department of Defense Education Activity.
Sec. 556. Support for expanding early child care options for members of the Armed Forces and their families.
Sec. 557. Improved counseling and access to information relating to foster care for military families.
Sec. 558. Pilot program on recruitment and retention of employees for child development programs.
Sec. 559. Report on unmet need for child care in areas with significant populations of members of the Armed Forces.
PART II—Other Matters
Sec. 561. Legal assistance for guardianship transfers.
Subtitle G—Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps
Sec. 571. Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps instructor qualifications.
Sec. 572. Temporary authority to provide bonuses to Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps instructors.
Sec. 573. Number of Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps units.
Subtitle H—Decorations and Other Awards, Miscellaneous Reports, and Other Matters
Sec. 581. Honorary promotions on the initiative of the Department of Defense.
Sec. 582. National Week of Military Recruitment.
Sec. 583. Clarifying the calculation of enlistments for persons whose score on the Armed Forces Qualification Test is below a prescribed level for the future servicemember preparatory course.
Sec. 584. Recruiter access to secondary schools.
Sec. 585. Compliance with travel charge card deactivation requirements.
TITLE VI—COMPENSATION AND OTHER PERSONNEL BENEFITS
Subtitle A—Pay and Allowances
Sec. 601. Modifications to calculation of basic allowance for subsistence for enlisted members.
Sec. 602. Inclusion of descriptions of types of pay on pay statements.
Sec. 603. Increased awareness and improved calculation of rates for basic allowance for housing.
Sec. 604. Military compensation educational campaign.
Subtitle B—Special and Incentive Pay
Sec. 611. Reviews of designations of imminent danger pay areas.
Sec. 612. Implementation of aviation incentive pay for members of reserve components.
Sec. 613. Pilot program on improving retention of members with degrees in their fields of specialty.
Subtitle C—Other Matters
Sec. 621. Extension of enhanced authority for selective early retirement and early discharges.
Sec. 622. Extension of temporary early retirement authority.
Sec. 623. Extension of authority to provide voluntary separation pay and benefits.
Sec. 624. Designation of United States Army Garrison Kwajalein Atoll as remote and isolated military installation.
Sec. 625. Designation of Creech Air Force Base as a remote or isolated installation.
Sec. 626. Provision of counseling on housing for members of the Armed Forces.
Sec. 627. Program to provide Government-funded transportation for certain members of the Armed Forces stationed overseas.
Sec. 628. Prohibition on procurement and commissary sales of seafood originating or processed in the People's Republic of China.
Sec. 629. Government Accountability Office study on casualty assistance and long-term care programs.
TITLE VII—Health Care Provisions
Subtitle A—TRICARE, Brain Health, and Other Health Care Benefits
Sec. 701. Inclusion of additional requirements in notifications to modify scope of services provided at military medical treatment facilities.
Sec. 702. Expansion of eligibility for hearing aids to include children of retired members of the Uniformed Services enrolled in family coverage under TRICARE Select.
Sec. 703. Assessment of behavioral health and social health conditions of military personnel and their families assigned to Creech Air Force Base, Nevada.
Sec. 704. Authority to provide sexual assault medical forensic examinations on a nonreimbursable basis to certain otherwise ineligible individuals.
Sec. 705. Fertility treatment for certain members of the uniformed services and dependents.
Sec. 706. Restriction on performance of sex change surgeries.
Subtitle B—Health Care Administration
Sec. 711. Codification of position of Director of the Defense Health Agency.
Sec. 712. Establishment of policies for priority assignment of medical personnel of Department of Defense.
Sec. 713. Graduate medical education partnership demonstration program.
Sec. 714. Modification of administration of medical malpractice claims by members of the uniformed services.
Sec. 715. Improvement of transition of medics in the Armed Forces to the civilian workforce in health care occupations.
Sec. 716. Improvement of provider directory accuracy for specialty care providers under the TRICARE program.
Sec. 717. Review of disclosure requirements under processes and forms relating to health care provider credentialing and privileging of Department of Defense.
Sec. 718. Provision of health care services at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri.
Subtitle C—Reports and Other Matters
Sec. 721. Strategic infectious disease medical research plan.
Sec. 722. Extension of authority for Joint Department of Defense–Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Facility Demonstration Fund.
Sec. 723. Pilot program on wastewater surveillance system of Department of Defense.
Sec. 724. Improvement of availability of care for veterans from facilities and providers of the Department of Defense.
Sec. 725. Military-civilian medical surge program.
TITLE VIII—Acquisition policy, acquisition management, and related matters
Subtitle A—Acquisition policy and management
Sec. 801. Transition of program executive officer role to portfolio acquisition executive.
Sec. 802. Capstone requirements.
Sec. 803. Modification to acquisition strategy.
Sec. 804. Modifications to modular open systems approach.
Sec. 805. Alternative test and evaluation pathway for designated defense acquisition programs.
Sec. 806. Department of Defense member of Cost Accounting Standards Board.
Sec. 807. Combatant command experimentation authority.
Subtitle B—Amendments to general contracting authorities, procedures, and limitations
Sec. 821. Modification to nontraditional defense contractor definitions.
Sec. 822. Financing for covered activities.
Sec. 823. Exemptions for nontraditional defense contractors.
Sec. 824. Modifications to treatment of certain products and services as commercial products and commercial services.
Sec. 825. Modifications to commercial products and commercial services.
Sec. 826. Modifications to commercial solutions openings.
Sec. 827. Modifications to other transactions.
Sec. 828. Modifications to procurement for experimental purposes.
Sec. 829. Consumption-based solutions.
Sec. 830. Modifications to prohibition on contracting with persons that have fossil fuel operations with the Government of the Russian Federation or the Russian energy sector.
Sec. 831. Modifications to relationship of other provisions of law to procurement of commercial products and commercial services.
Sec. 832. Limitation on required flowdown of contract clauses to subcontractors providing commercial products or commercial services.
Sec. 833. References in contracts to Department of Defense policy documents, instructions, and manuals.
Sec. 834. Uninsurable risk on certain contracts.
Sec. 835. Reporting of price increases.
Sec. 836. Instructions for continued operational readiness.
Sec. 837. Indemnification of contractors against nuclear and unusually hazardous risks.
Sec. 838. Late submission of cost and pricing data as invalid defense to contract price reductions for defective cost or pricing data.
Sec. 839. Modifications to submissions of cost or pricing data.
Subtitle C—Industrial base matters
Sec. 841. Repeal of limitations on certain Department of Defense Executive Agent authority.
Sec. 842. Small unmanned aircraft system industrial base remediation plan.
Sec. 843. Application of national security waiver for strategic materials sourcing requirement to sensitive materials.
Sec. 844. Prohibition on acquisition of clothing and fabric from countries of concern under domestic-sourcing waivers.
Sec. 845. Mitigation of risks related to foreign ownership, control, or influence of Department of Defense contractors or subcontractors.
Sec. 846. Prohibition of procurement of molybdenum, gallium, or germanium from non-allied foreign nations and authorization for production from recovered material.
Sec. 847. Sourcing options for certain critical products.
Sec. 848. Prohibiting the purchase of photovoltaic modules or inverters from Foreign Entities of Concern.
Sec. 849. Modernization of Army arsenals.
Sec. 849A. Modifications to Defense Industrial Base Fund.
Sec. 849B. Report on United States boot industrial base and Berry Amendment compliance.
Subtitle D—Small business matters
Sec. 851. APEX Accelerators.
Subtitle E—Other matters
Sec. 861. Clarification of procurement prohibition related to acquisition of materials mined, refined, and separated in certain countries.
Sec. 862. Independent study on the acquisition workforce of the Department of Defense.
Sec. 863. Expedited acceptance program for supply chain illumination.
Sec. 864. Simultaneous conflicts critical munitions report.
Sec. 865. Permanent extension and modification of demonstration and prototyping program to advance international product support capabilities in a contested logistics environment.
Sec. 866. Estimate of ally and partner demand for United States-produced munitions and specified expendables.
Sec. 867. Reform of contractor performance information requirements.
Sec. 868. Repeals of existing law to streamline the defense acquisition process.
Sec. 869. Enhancement of defense supply chain resilience and secondary source qualification.
Sec. 870. Enhanced product support management for integrated sustainment of weapon systems.
Sec. 871. Modifications to current defense acquisition requirements.
Sec. 872. Minimum production levels for munitions.
Sec. 873. Processes for incentivizing contractor expansion of sources of supply.
Sec. 874. Duty-free entry of supplies procured by Department of Defense.
Sec. 875. Other transaction authority reporting.
Sec. 876. Assessment of competitive effects of defense contractor transactions.
Sec. 877. Evaluation of TP-Link telecommunications equipment for designation as covered telecommunications equipment or services.
Sec. 878. Country-of-origin disclosure requirements for generic drugs purchased by the Department of Defense.
Sec. 879. Phase-out of computer and printer acquisitions involving entities owned or controlled by China.
Sec. 880. Prohibition on operation, procurement, and contracting related to foreign-made additive manufacturing machines.
Sec. 881. Prohibition on contracting with certain biotechnology providers.
Sec. 882. SkyFoundry Program.
TITLE IX—DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE ORGANIZATION AND MANAGEMENT
Subtitle A—Office of the Secretary of Defense and Related Matters
Sec. 901. Economic Defense Unit.
Sec. 902. Additional authorities for Office of Strategic Capital.
Sec. 903. Modifications to responsibilities of Director for Operational Test and Evaluation.
Sec. 904. Directive authority for matters for which Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering has responsibility.
Sec. 905. Modification of energetic materials strategic plan and investment strategy of Joint Energetics Transition Office.
Sec. 906. Limitation on availability of funds pending establishment of Joint Energetics Transition Office.
Sec. 907. Modification of covered technology categories for Office of Strategic Capital.
Sec. 908. Modification of organization and authorities of Assistant Secretaries of Defense with duties relating to industrial base policy and readiness.
Subtitle B—Other Department of Defense Organization and Management Matters
Sec. 911. Modifications to Joint Requirements Oversight Council.
Sec. 912. Transfer of responsibility for countering small unmanned aircraft systems.
Sec. 913. Study on feasibility and advisability of establishing a Joint Capabilities and Programming Board.
Sec. 914. Briefing on restructuring of Army Futures Command and Training and Doctrine Command.
Sec. 915. Designation of senior official for military-to-civilian transition.
Sec. 916. Removal of members of Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Sec. 917. Longer term and eligibility for appointment to rank of Admiral of Commander of Naval Sea Systems Command.
Sec. 918. Delay of disestablishment of Navy Expeditionary Combat Command Pacific.
Sec. 919. Limitation on use of funds for consolidation, disestablishment, or elimination of geographic combatant commands.
Sec. 920. Elimination of statutory provisions relating to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the Department of Defense.
Sec. 921. Defense Science Board study on optimal organizational structure for digital engineering solutions.
Sec. 922. Establishment of Advanced Nuclear Transition Working Group.
TITLE X—General provisions
Subtitle A—Financial matters
Sec. 1001. General transfer authority.
Sec. 1002. Amendments and repeals to budgetary requirements for defense acquisition.
Sec. 1003. Briefing on beginning balance issues for audit purposes.
Sec. 1004. Defense Business Audit Remediation Plan reporting.
Subtitle B—Naval vessels
Sec. 1011. Requirements related to Medium Landing Ships and Light Replenishment Oilers.
Sec. 1012. Modification of authority to purchase used vessels under the National Defense Sealift Fund.
Sec. 1013. Exemption of unmanned surface vessels and unmanned underwater vehicles from certain technical authority requirements.
Sec. 1014. Prohibition on retiring and decommissioning oceanographic research vessels of the Navy.
Sec. 1015. Report accompanying requests for new flights or blocks of major shipbuilding programs.
Sec. 1016. Report on auxiliary vessel co-production.
Sec. 1017. Report on vessel leasing program.
Sec. 1018. Pilot program on use of automated shipbuilding technologies and capabilities.
Subtitle C—Counterterrorism
Sec. 1021. Extension of prohibition on use of funds for transfer or release of individuals detained at United States Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to the United States.
Sec. 1022. Extension of prohibition on use of funds to construct or modify facilities in the United States to house detainees transferred from United States Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
Sec. 1023. Extension of prohibition on use of funds for transfer or release of individuals detained at United States Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to certain countries.
Sec. 1024. Extension of prohibition on use of funds to close or relinquish control of United States Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
Sec. 1025. Clarification regarding definition of individual detained at Guantanamo.
Subtitle D—Miscellaneous authorities and limitations
Sec. 1031. Prohibition on use of funds to support entertainment projects with ties to the Government of the People’s Republic of China.
Sec. 1032. Prohibition on destruction or scrapping of World War II–era aircraft.
Sec. 1033. Support for counterdrug activities and activities to counter transnational organized crime.
Sec. 1034. Senior leaders of the Department of Defense and other specified persons: authority to provide protection.
Sec. 1035. Notification of the use of military aircraft for immigration enforcement operations.
Sec. 1036. Modification of requirements relating to support of civil authorities by Armed Forces.
Sec. 1037. Prohibition on operation of connected vehicles designed, developed, manufactured, or supplied by persons owned by, controlled by, or subject to the jurisdiction of a foreign entity of concern on Department of Defense property.
Sec. 1038. Continued implementation of anti-trafficking programs for children.
Subtitle E—Studies and reports
Sec. 1041. Annual report on contract cancellations.
Sec. 1042. Streamlining of total force reporting requirements.
Sec. 1043. Report on National Guard sexual assault prevention and response training.
Sec. 1044. Reports to Congress on Department of Defense support for immigration enforcement operations.
Sec. 1045. Military Sealift Command.
Sec. 1046. Report on aliens held at installations of Department of Defense.
Sec. 1047. Briefing on expenditures or planned expenditures of funds allocated for exploration and development of existing Arctic infrastructure.
Subtitle F—Other matters
Sec. 1051. Modification of limitation on assistance in support of Department of Defense accounting for missing United States Government personnel.
Sec. 1052. Extension of admission to Guam or the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands for certain H–2B nonimmigrants.
Sec. 1053. Prohibiting Secretary of Defense from developing voting technology or methodology.
Sec. 1054. Assessment of the feasibility and advisability of using personnel of the Department of Defense to support U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Sec. 1055. Limitation on availability of funds for travel expenses of the Office of the Secretary of Defense.
Sec. 1056. Department of Defense sensitive activities.
Sec. 1057. Irregular Warfare Exercise Laboratory.
Sec. 1058. Semiannual report on Department of Defense operations at the southern land border.
Sec. 1059. University-based secure innovation incubator program of Department of Defense.
Sec. 1060. Priority consideration of energy projects that are likely to experience significant temporal impact due to seasonal Arctic climate conditions.
Sec. 1061. Non-Reimbursable Support for Afghanistan War Commission.
Sec. 1062. Contracting authority for Afghanistan War Commission.
Sec. 1063. Commission on the National Defense Strategy.
Sec. 1064. Provision by Air Force of meteorological and environmental services for intelligence community.
Sec. 1065. Expansion of Individual Longitudinal Exposure Record.
Sec. 1066. Classification of Nevada Test and Training Range as location where contamination occurred and members of the Armed Forces were exposed to toxic substances.
Sec. 1067. Review of and reporting on national security sensitive sites for purposes of reviews of real estate transactions by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States.
Sec. 1068. Eligibility of spouses for services under the disabled veterans’ outreach program.
Sec. 1069. Authority of Marshal of the Supreme Court and Supreme Court Police.
Sec. 1070. Second Chance Act Reauthorization.
Sec. 1071. Application of leave provisions for members of the Armed Forces to members of the Public Health Service.
Sec. 1072. Study of national security risks posed by certain routers and modems.
Sec. 1073. Fairness in issuance of tactical equipment to Diplomatic Security Service personnel.
Sec. 1074. Commercial Space Activity Advisory Committee.
Sec. 1075. Review and prohibitions by Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States of certain transactions relating to agriculture.
Sec. 1076. Finding opportunities for resource exploration.
Sec. 1077. Requirement to provide certain services to veterans in the Freely Associated States.
Sec. 1078. Protecting covered information in public records.
Sec. 1079. Improving coordination between Federal and State agencies and the Do Not Pay working system.
Sec. 1080. Agent membership.
Sec. 1081. Exemption from immigrant visa limit.
Sec. 1082. Feasibility study on removal of oil from sunken World War II vessels in waters near the Federated States of Micronesia and the Republic of Palau.
Sec. 1083. Mapping America's Pharmaceutical Supply.
Subtitle G—Defense Workforce Integration
Sec. 1081. Integration of military and civilian hiring processes.
Sec. 1082. Provision of information on career opportunities in the defense industrial base to persons ineligible for military service.
Sec. 1083. Provision to Navy personnel of information on career opportunities at Military Sealift Command.
Sec. 1084. Report on defense workforce integration.
Subtitle H—Law Enforcement and Crime Victims Support Package
Sec. 1091. Preventing first responder secondary exposure to fentanyl.
Sec. 1092. Reauthorizing support and treatment for officers in crisis.
Sec. 1093. PROTECT Our Children Act of 2008 Reauthorization.
Sec. 1094. Inclusion of certain retired public safety officers in the public safety officers’ death benefits program.
Sec. 1095. Strong Communities Program.
Sec. 1096. Retired law enforcement officers continuing service.
Sec. 1097. Trauma kit standards.
Sec. 1098. Honoring our fallen heroes.
Subtitle I—FISH Act of 2025
Sec. 1091. Short title.
Sec. 1092. Definitions.
Sec. 1093. Statement of policy.
Sec. 1094. Establishment of an IUU vessel list.
Sec. 1095. Visa sanctions for foreign persons.
Sec. 1096. Agreements.
Sec. 1097. Enforcement provisions.
Sec. 1098. Improved management at the regional fisheries management organizations.
Sec. 1099. Strategies to optimize data collection, sharing, and analysis.
Sec. 1099A. Investment and technical assistance in the fisheries sector.
Sec. 1099B. Strategy to identify seafood and seafood products from foreign vessels using forced labor.
Sec. 1099C. Reports.
Sec. 1099D. Authorization of appropriations for National Sea Grant College Program.
Sec. 1099E. Exception related to the importation of goods.
Sec. 1099F. Rule of construction.
TITLE XI—Civilian personnel matters
Sec. 1101. Educational travel authority for dependents of certain employees.
Sec. 1102. One-year extension of authority to waive annual limitation on premium pay and aggregate limitation on pay for Federal civilian employees working overseas.
Sec. 1103. One-year extension of temporary authority to grant allowances, benefits, and gratuities to civilian personnel on official duty in a combat zone.
Sec. 1104. Modifications to Defense Civilian Training Corps.
Sec. 1105. Modifications to requirements for the President of the Defense Acquisition University.
Sec. 1106. Modification of direct hire authority for domestic defense industrial base facilities.
Sec. 1107. Cyber workforce recruitment and retention.
Sec. 1108. Prohibition on use of funds to reduce the workforce at public shipyards.
TITLE XII—Matters relating to foreign nations
Subtitle A—Assistance and training
Sec. 1201. Modification of authorities.
Sec. 1202. Modification of payment of costs for Regional Centers for Security Studies.
Sec. 1203. Modification of authority for Naval Small Craft Instruction and Technical Training School.
Sec. 1204. Permanent extension of acceptance and expenditure of contributions for multilateral security cooperation programs and activities.
Sec. 1205. Building capacity of the armed forces of Mexico to counter transnational criminal organizations.
Sec. 1206. Cybersecurity cooperation with the Government of Panama and the Panama Canal Authority.
Sec. 1207. State Partnership Program selection analysis.
Sec. 1208. Modification of authority to build capacity of foreign security forces.
Sec. 1209. Extension and modification of pilot program to improve cyber cooperation with foreign military partners in Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands.
Subtitle B—Matters relating to Syria, Iraq, and Iran
Sec. 1211. Extension of authority for reimbursement of certain coalition nations for support provided to United States military operations.
Sec. 1212. Extension and modification of authority to support operations and activities of the Office of Security Cooperation in Iraq.
Sec. 1213. Extension of authority to provide assistance to vetted Syrian groups and individuals.
Sec. 1214. Extension and modification of authority to provide assistance to counter the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria.
Sec. 1215. Extension and modification of authority to provide certain support.
Sec. 1216. Security and oversight of al-Hol and Roj camps.
Sec. 1217. Limitation on use of funds for reduction or consolidation of United States Armed Forces bases in Syria.
Sec. 1218. Limitation on availability of funds for the Office of Security Cooperation in Iraq.
Sec. 1219. Repeal of authorizations for use of military force against Iraq.
Subtitle C—Matters relating to Europe and the Russian Federation
Sec. 1221. Extension of prohibition on availability of funds relating to sovereignty of the Russian Federation over internationally recognized territory of Ukraine.
Sec. 1222. Extension of annual report on military and security developments involving the Russian Federation.
Sec. 1223. Extension and modification of Ukraine security assistance initiative.
Sec. 1224. Weapons depot maintenance strategic plan for Ukraine.
Sec. 1225. Oversight of United States military posture in Europe.
Sec. 1226. Acceptance back into stock of equipment procured under Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative.
Sec. 1227. Statement of policy relating to Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative.
Sec. 1228. Intelligence support for Ukraine.
Sec. 1229. International Security Cooperation Program funding for United States European Command.
Sec. 1230. Promotion of the Joint Ukrainian Multinational Program—Services, Training and Articles Rapid Timeline (JUMPSTART).
Sec. 1230A. Modification of United States basing and training, and exercises in North Atlantic Treaty Organization member countries.
Sec. 1230B. Modification of requirements for transfers of United States defense articles and defense services among Baltic states.
Sec. 1230C. Baltic Security Initiative.
Subtitle D—Matters relating to the Indo-Pacific region
Sec. 1231. Extension of Pacific Deterrence Initiative.
Sec. 1232. Extension of authority to transfer funds for Bien Hoa dioxin cleanup.
Sec. 1233. Oversight of United States military posture on the Korean Peninsula.
Sec. 1234. Limitation on availability of funds for travel expenses of the Office of the Secretary of Defense.
Sec. 1235. Bolstering industrial resilience with allies in Indo-Pacific region.
Sec. 1236. Modification of Taiwan security cooperation initiative.
Sec. 1237. Joint program with Taiwan to enable fielding of uncrewed systems and counter-uncrewed systems capabilities.
Sec. 1238. Report on critical digital infrastructure of Taiwan.
Sec. 1239. Report on Japanese counterstrike capabilities.
Sec. 1240. Report on enhanced security cooperation with the Philippines.
Sec. 1241. Modification to annual report on military and security developments involving the People’s Republic of China.
Sec. 1242. Strategic partnership on defense industrial priorities between the United States and Taiwan.
Sec. 1243. Invitation to Taiwan to Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise.
Sec. 1244. Extension of Indo-Pacific extended deterrence education pilot program.
Sec. 1245. Inclusion on list of Chinese military companies of entities added to certain other lists.
Sec. 1246. Preventing circumvention by Chinese military companies in third-party countries.
Sec. 1247. Sense of Congress on defense alliances and partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region.
Subtitle E—Other matters
Sec. 1251. Middle East integrated air and missile defense architecture.
Sec. 1252. Modification of program and processes relating to foreign acquisition.
Sec. 1253. Enhancing security partnership with Jordan and Lebanon.
Sec. 1254. Joint Program Office for Non-Programs of Record to support foreign acquisition.
Sec. 1255. Extension and modification of United States-Israel anti-tunnel cooperation.
Sec. 1256. Extension and modification of United States-Israel cooperation to counter unmanned aerial systems.
Sec. 1257. Guidance for coordination of international arms transfers.
Sec. 1258. Requirement to update the National Disclosure Policy.
Sec. 1259. Improvements to security cooperation workforce and defense acquisition workforce.
Sec. 1260. Expansion of country prioritization.
Sec. 1261. Streamlining and expediting sales of defense articles and services.
Sec. 1262. Redesignation of the Africa Center for Strategic Studies as the James M. Inhofe Center for Africa Security Studies.
Sec. 1263. Establishment of program to promote participation of foreign students in the Senior Reserve Officers' Training Corps.
Sec. 1264. Modification of authority for assistance in support of Department of Defense accounting for missing United States Government personnel.
Sec. 1265. Strategy for United States security assistance to Mexico.
Sec. 1266. Supporting the identification and recovery of abducted Ukrainian children.
Subtitle F—Western Balkans democracy and prosperity
Sec. 1271. Short title.
Sec. 1272. Findings.
Sec. 1273. Sense of Congress.
Sec. 1274. Definitions.
Sec. 1275. Codification of sanctions relating to the Western Balkans.
Sec. 1276. Democratic and economic development and prosperity initiatives.
Sec. 1277. Promoting cross-cultural and educational engagement.
Sec. 1278. Young Balkan Leaders Initiative.
Sec. 1279. Supporting cybersecurity and cyber resilience in the Western Balkans.
Sec. 1280. Relations between Kosovo and Serbia.
Sec. 1280A. Reports on Russian and Chinese malign influence operations and campaigns in the Western Balkans.
Subtitle G—DFC Modernization and Reauthorization Act of 2025
Sec. 1270. Short title.
PART I—Definitions and less developed country focus
Sec. 1271. Definitions.
Sec. 1272. Less developed country focus.
PART II—Management of Corporation
Sec. 1273. Structure of Corporation.
Sec. 1274. Board of Directors.
Sec. 1275. Chief Executive Officer.
Sec. 1276. Chief Risk Officer.
Sec. 1277. Chief Development Officer.
Sec. 1278. Chief Strategic Investment Officer.
Sec. 1279. Officers and employees.
Sec. 1280. Development Advisory Finance Council.
Sec. 1281. Strategic Advisory Group.
Sec. 1282. Five-year Strategic Priorities Plan.
Sec. 1283. Development finance education.
Sec. 1284. Internships.
Sec. 1285. Independent accountability mechanism.
PART III—Authorities relating to provision of support
Sec. 1286. Equity investment.
Sec. 1287. Special projects.
Sec. 1288. Terms and conditions.
Sec. 1289. Termination.
PART IV—Other matters
Sec. 1290. Operations.
Sec. 1291. Corporate powers.
Sec. 1292. Maximum contingent liability.
Sec. 1293. Performance measures, evaluation, and learning.
Sec. 1294. Annual report.
Sec. 1295. Publicly available project information.
Sec. 1296. Notifications to be provided by the Corporation.
Sec. 1297. Limitations and preferences.
Sec. 1298. Repeal of European Energy Security and Diversification Act of 2019.
Subtitle H—Defending international security by restricting unacceptable partnerships and tactics
Sec. 1271. Short title.
Sec. 1272. Findings.
Sec. 1273. Statement of policy.
Sec. 1274. Task forces and reports.
TITLE XIII—COOPERATIVE THREAT REDUCTION
Sec. 1301. Cooperative Threat Reduction funds.
TITLE XIV—Other authorizations
Subtitle A—Military programs
Sec. 1401. Working capital funds.
Sec. 1402. Chemical agents and munitions destruction, defense.
Sec. 1403. Drug interdiction and counter-drug activities, defense-wide.
Sec. 1404. Defense Inspector General.
Sec. 1405. Defense Health Program.
Subtitle B—National Defense Stockpile
Sec. 1411. Modifications to Strategic and Critical Materials Stock Piling Act.
Subtitle C—Other matters
Sec. 1421. Authorization of appropriations for Armed Forces Retirement Home.
TITLE XV—Space activities, strategic programs, and intelligence matters
Subtitle A—Space activities
Sec. 1501. Delay in implementation of environmental assessment for rocket cargo test and demonstration at Johnston Atoll.
Sec. 1502. Study on future space launch capacity.
Sec. 1503. Acquisition and operation of space systems for space warfighting and control.
Sec. 1504. Blast damage assessment guide for space vehicles at Air Force launch complexes.
Sec. 1505. Acquisition of space-based tactical data capability.
Sec. 1506. Use of middle tier acquisition program for proliferated warfighter space architecture of the Space Development Agency.
Sec. 1507. Continuation of operation of Defense Meteorological Satellite Program.
Subtitle B—Nuclear Forces
Sec. 1511. Matters relating to intercontinental ballistic missiles of the United States.
Sec. 1512. Matters relating to Air Force Global Strike Command.
Sec. 1513. Adjustment to bomber aircraft nuclear certification requirement.
Sec. 1514. Limitation on availability of funds pending establishment of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Nuclear Deterrence, Chemical, and Biological Defense Policy and Programs.
Sec. 1515. Adjustment to responsibilities of Nuclear Weapons Council.
Sec. 1516. Limitation on availability of funds pending notification of tasking authority delegation.
Sec. 1517. Modification of requirement for nuclear-armed, sea-launched cruise missile initial operational capability.
Sec. 1518. Pilot program for unmanned aerial vehicle resupply to launch control facilities.
Sec. 1519. Limitation on availability of funds pending commencement of annual briefings on implementation of recommendations by the Congressional Commission on the Strategic Posture of the United States.
Sec. 1520. Deep cleaning of launch control centers of the Air Force Global Strike Command.
Sec. 1521. Limitation on compensation caps.
Subtitle C—Missile defense
Sec. 1531. Matters relating to the Golden Dome missile defense system.
Sec. 1532. Inclusion of Hawaii and Alaska in plans for Iron Dome for America.
Sec. 1533. Inclusion of air and missile defense in unconstrained total munitions requirements.
Sec. 1534. Iron Dome short-range rocket defense system and Israeli cooperative missile defense program co-development and co-production.
Sec. 1535. Requirement for Aegis Combat Systems operationally deployed under United States Indo-Pacific Command.
Sec. 1536. Amendments to technical authority of Director of Missile Defense Agency regarding integrated air and missile defense activities and programs.
Sec. 1537. Assessment of the Ronald Reagan Ballistic Missile Defense Test Site.
Sec. 1538. Biennial assessments of the Ronald Reagan Ballistic Missile Defense Test Site.
Sec. 1539. Limitation on availability of funds for Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment pending commencement of annual briefings on missile defense of Guam.
Sec. 1540. Limitation on availability of funds for Missile Defense Agency pending arrangement for independent analysis of space-based missile defense capability.
Sec. 1541. Limitation on authority to reduce sustainment for or halt operation of the AN/FPS–108 COBRA DANE radar.
Sec. 1542. Accelerating development of autonomous agents to defend against cruise missiles and unmanned systems.
Sec. 1543. Missile defense testing requirements.
Sec. 1544. Improving United States missile defense capabilities.
Subtitle D—Other matters
Sec. 1551. Independent assessment of the Department of Defense National Industrial Security Program.
Sec. 1552. Reforms relating to inactive security clearances.
Sec. 1553. Annual review of the Joint Electromagnetic Battle Management Software Program.
Sec. 1554. Integration of electronic warfare into Tier 1 and Tier 2 joint training exercises.
Sec. 1555. Briefings on intercepts of unidentified anomalous phenomena by North American Aerospace Defense Command and United States Northern Command.
Sec. 1556. Consolidated security classification guidance matrix for programs relating to unidentified anomalous phenomena.
Sec. 1557. Plan for increasing utility of user activity monitoring capabilities.
Sec. 1558. Support by the 350th Spectrum Warfare Wing to EA–37B Compass Call Aircraft.
Sec. 1559. Report on the technical collection capabilities of the People's Republic of China and the Russian Federation in the Republic of Cuba.
Sec. 1560. Extension of protection of certain facilities and assets from unmanned aircraft.
Sec. 1561. Consolidation of reporting requirements applicable to All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office.
Sec. 1562. Limitation on the divestment, consolidation, and curtailment of certain electronic warfare test and evaluation activities.
Sec. 1563. Modification of functions of Electromagnetic Spectrum Enterprise Operational Lead for Joint Electromagnetic Spectrum Operations to include dynamic spectrum sharing technologies.
Sec. 1564. Limitation on modification of certain electromagnetic spectrum relied on by Department of Defense.
TITLE XVI—Cyberspace-related matters
Subtitle A—Matters relating to cyber operations and cyber forces
Sec. 1601. Comprehensive cyber workforce strategy.
Sec. 1602. United States Cyber Command artificial intelligence industry collaboration roadmap.
Sec. 1603. Strategy for deterrence against cyberattacks against defense critical infrastructure of the United States.
Sec. 1604. Amendment to annual assessments and reports on assignment of certain budget control responsibility to Commander of the United States Cyber Command.
Sec. 1605. Report on reserve component integration into cyber mission force and cyberspace operations.
Sec. 1606. Evaluation of cyber range management and funding.
Sec. 1607. Modification to reporting requirements for Senior Military Advisor for Cyber Policy.
Sec. 1608. Planning, programming, and budget coordination for operations of cyber mission force.
Sec. 1609. Expansion of scope of affirmation of authority for cyber operations to include defense of critical infrastructure of the Department of Defense.
Sec. 1610. Review of future force employment concepts and associated personnel policy needs for evolving cyber forces.
Sec. 1610A. Evaluation of Joint Task Force–Cyber in support of geographic combatant commands.
Sec. 1610B. Prohibition on availability of funds to modify authorities of the Commander of United States Cyber Command.
Sec. 1610C. Program for talent management of cyber personnel through active and reserve transitioning.
Sec. 1610D. Designation of Assistant Secretary of Defense for Cyber Policy as principal staff assistant.
Subtitle B—Matters relating to Department of Defense cybersecurity and information technology
Sec. 1611. Modernization program for full content inspection.
Sec. 1612. Assessment regarding real-time monitoring of defense weapons platforms for cyber threats.
Sec. 1613. Assessment of feasibility and advisability of establishing an operational technology cybersecurity training center of excellence.
Sec. 1614. Framework for integration of information technology technical debt assessment into annual budget process.
Sec. 1615. Mission Infrastructure Resilience Task Force.
Sec. 1616. Plan for deploying private fifth generation Open Radio Access Networks on Department of Defense bases.
Sec. 1617. Limitation on funds for travel pending briefing on process for best-in-class cyber data products and services.
Sec. 1618. Limitation of funds for travel expenses for the Office of the Chief Information Officer.
Sec. 1619. Limitation on availability of funds for the Combined Joint All-Domain Command and Control initiative.
Sec. 1620. Review of Joint Fires Network program transition.
Sec. 1620A. Prohibition on the elimination of certain cyber assessment capabilities for test and evaluation.
Sec. 1620B. Modification to certification requirement regarding contracting for military recruiting.
Sec. 1620C. Department of Defense working group, strategy, and report on ensuring the security, resiliency, and integrity of undersea cables.
Sec. 1620D. Audit and updated guidance to reduce, mitigate, or eliminate risk from cloud computing contracts with foreign exposure.
Subtitle C—Data and artificial intelligence
Sec. 1621. Public-private cybersecurity partnership for highly capable artificial intelligence systems.
Sec. 1622. Digital sandbox environments for artificial intelligence.
Sec. 1623. Artificial intelligence model assessment and oversight.
Sec. 1624. Department of Defense Ontology Governance Working Group.
Sec. 1625. Modification of high-performance computing roadmap.
Sec. 1626. Artificial General Intelligence Steering Committee.
Sec. 1627. Physical and cybersecurity procurement requirements for artificial intelligence systems.
Sec. 1628. Guidance and prohibition on use of certain artificial intelligence.
Sec. 1629. Roadmap for advancing digital content provenance standards.
Sec. 1630. Enhanced protection of data affecting operational security of Department of Defense personnel.
TITLE XVII—FIGHT China Act of 2025
Sec. 1701. Short title.
Sec. 1702. Secretary defined.
Sec. 1703. Severability.
Sec. 1704. Authorization of appropriations.
Sec. 1705. Termination.
Subtitle A—Imposition of sanctions
Sec. 1711. Imposition of sanctions.
Sec. 1712. Definitions.
Subtitle B—Prohibition and notification on investments relating to covered national security transactions
Sec. 1721. Prohibition and notification on investments relating to covered national security transactions.
Subtitle C—Securities and related matters
Sec. 1731. Requirements relating to the Non-SDN Chinese Military-Industrial Complex Companies List.
Subtitle D—General provisions
Sec. 1741. Exception relating to importation of goods.
DIVISION B—Military Construction Authorizations
Sec. 2001. Short title.
Sec. 2002. Expiration of authorizations and amounts required to be specified by law.
Sec. 2003. Effective date.
TITLE XXI—Army Military Construction
Sec. 2101. Authorized Army construction and land acquisition projects.
Sec. 2102. Family housing.
Sec. 2103. Authorization of appropriations, Army.
Sec. 2104. Extension of authority to carry out fiscal year 2021 project at Fort Gillem, Georgia.
Sec. 2105. Extension of authority to carry out certain fiscal year 2022 projects.
Sec. 2106. Extension of authority to carry out certain fiscal year 2023 projects.
Sec. 2107. Modification of authority to carry out certain fiscal year 2025 projects.
TITLE XXII—Navy Military Construction
Sec. 2201. Authorized Navy construction and land acquisition projects.
Sec. 2202. Family housing.
Sec. 2203. Authorization of appropriations, Navy.
Sec. 2204. Extension of authority to carry out certain fiscal year 2022 projects.
Sec. 2205. Extension of authority to carry out certain fiscal year 2023 projects.
TITLE XXIII—Air Force Military Construction
Sec. 2301. Authorized Air Force construction and land acquisition projects.
Sec. 2302. Family housing.
Sec. 2303. Authorization of appropriations, Air Force.
Sec. 2304. Extension of authority to carry out fiscal year 2017 project at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany.
Sec. 2305. Extension of authority to carry out certain fiscal year 2019 projects.
Sec. 2306. Extension of authority to carry out certain fiscal year 2020 projects.
Sec. 2307. Extension of authority to carry out certain fiscal year 2022 projects.
Sec. 2308. Extension of authority to carry out certain fiscal year 2023 projects.
Sec. 2309. Modification of authority to carry out fiscal year 2025 project at F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyoming.
TITLE XXIV—Defense Agencies Military Construction
Sec. 2401. Authorized Defense Agencies construction and land acquisition projects.
Sec. 2402. Authorized Energy Resilience and Conservation Investment Program projects.
Sec. 2403. Authorization of appropriations, Defense Agencies.
Sec. 2404. Extension of authority to carry out fiscal year 2019 project at Iwakuni, Japan.
Sec. 2405. Extension of authority to carry out certain fiscal year 2022 projects.
Sec. 2406. Extension of authority to carry out certain fiscal year 2023 projects.
Sec. 2407. Modification of authority to carry out certain fiscal year 2024 projects.
Sec. 2408. Modification of authority to carry out certain fiscal year 2025 projects.
TITLE XXV—International Programs
Subtitle A—North Atlantic Treaty Organization Security Investment Program
Sec. 2501. Authorized NATO construction and land acquisition projects.
Sec. 2502. Authorization of appropriations, NATO.
Subtitle B—Host Country In-kind Contributions
Sec. 2511. Republic of Korea funded construction projects.
Sec. 2512. Republic of Poland funded construction projects.
TITLE XXVI—Guard and Reserve Forces Facilities
Sec. 2601. Authorized Army National Guard construction and land acquisition projects.
Sec. 2602. Authorized Army Reserve construction and land acquisition projects.
Sec. 2603. Authorized Navy Reserve and Marine Corps Reserve construction and land acquisition projects.
Sec. 2604. Authorized Air National Guard construction and land acquisition projects.
Sec. 2605. Authorized Air Force Reserve construction and land acquisition projects.
Sec. 2606. Authorization of appropriations, National Guard and Reserve.
Sec. 2607. Extension of authority to carry out certain fiscal year 2023 projects.
Sec. 2608. Modification of authority to carry out fiscal year 2023 project at Tucson International Airport, Arizona.
TITLE XXVII—Base Realignment and Closure Activities
Sec. 2701. Authorization of appropriations for base realignment and closure activities funded through Department of Defense Base Closure Account.
TITLE XXVIII—Military Construction General Provisions
Subtitle A—Military Construction Program
Sec. 2801. Requirement for the military departments to develop and annually update a 20-year infrastructure improvement plan.
Sec. 2802. Increase of maximum amount for restoration or replacement of damaged or destroyed facilities.
Sec. 2803. Reauthorization and modification of special design-build authority for military construction projects.
Sec. 2804. Modification of pilot program on increased use of sustainable building materials in military construction to include sustainable building technologies identified by the Comptroller General of the United States.
Sec. 2805. Implementation of Comptroller General recommendations relating to information sharing to improve oversight of military construction.
Sec. 2806. Extension of requirement for contract for obligation and execution of design funds for military construction projects.
Sec. 2807. Extension of authorization of depot working capital funds for unspecified minor military construction.
Sec. 2808. Extension of authority for temporary expanded land acquisition for equine welfare.
Sec. 2809. Prohibition on designation of military construction projects as part of military intelligence program.
Sec. 2810. Expansion of Defense Community Infrastructure Program to include installations of the Coast Guard.
Subtitle B—Military Housing
Sec. 2821. Improvements to annual reports of Department of Defense on waivers of privacy and configuration standards for covered military unaccompanied housing.
Sec. 2822. Modification of Housing Requirements and Market Analysis to account for impact of civilians and contractors.
Sec. 2823. Authority for unaccompanied housing project under pilot authority for use of other transactions for installation or facility prototyping.
Sec. 2824. Elimination of indoor residential mold in housing of Department of Defense.
Sec. 2825. Requirement for disclosure of information relating to liability insurance and dispute resolutions relating to privatized military housing.
Sec. 2826. Treatment of nondisclosure agreements with respect to privatized military housing.
Sec. 2827. Implementation of Comptroller General recommendations relating to critical military housing supply and affordability.
Subtitle C—Land Conveyances
Sec. 2831. Authorization to acquire through exchange or lease certain land used by the Armed Forces in Hawaii.
Sec. 2832. Report on land withdrawals.
Subtitle D—Other Matters
Sec. 2841. Modifications to Defense Community Infrastructure Program.
Sec. 2842. Designation of Ronald Reagan Space and Missile Test Range at Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands.
Sec. 2843. Joint base facility management of Department of Defense.
Sec. 2844. Limitation on use of amounts for travel based on compliance with requirements related to minimum capital investment.
Sec. 2845. Extension of prohibition on joint use of Homestead Air Reserve Base with civil aviation.
Sec. 2846. Pilot program on procurement of utility services for installations of the Department of Defense through areawide contracts.
Sec. 2847. Authorization for monetary contributions to the conveyees of utility systems for infrastructure improvements.
Sec. 2848. Prohibition on use of funds for development of Greenbury Point Conservation Area at Naval Support Activity Annapolis, Maryland.
Sec. 2849. Application of certain authorities and standards to historic military housing and associated historic properties of the Department of the Navy and the Department of the Air Force.
DIVISION C—Department of Energy national security authorizations and other authorizations
TITLE XXXI—Department of Energy national security programs
Subtitle A—National security programs and authorizations
Sec. 3101. National Nuclear Security Administration.
Sec. 3102. Defense environmental cleanup.
Sec. 3103. Other defense activities.
Sec. 3104. Nuclear energy.
Subtitle B—Program authorizations, restrictions, and limitations
Sec. 3111. Organization and codification of provisions of law relating to atomic energy defense activities.
Sec. 3112. Adjustment to plutonium pit production capacity.
Sec. 3113. National Nuclear Security Administration Rapid Capabilities Development Office.
Sec. 3114. Review and assessment of the National Nuclear Security Administration Enterprise Blueprint.
Sec. 3115. Notification of cost overruns for certain Department of Energy projects.
Sec. 3116. Protection of certain nuclear facilities and assets from unmanned aircraft.
Sec. 3117. Extension of authority for appointment of certain scientific, engineering, and technical personnel.
Sec. 3118. Appropriate scoping of artificial intelligence research within the National Nuclear Security Administration.
Subtitle C—Other matters
Sec. 3121. National security positions within the Department of Energy.
Sec. 3122. Office of Environmental Management program-wide performance metrics for reducing risk.
Sec. 3123. Office of Environmental Management integrated radioactive waste disposal planning and optimization.
Sec. 3124. Report on future activities and resources for the delivery of specialized infrastructure.
Sec. 3125. Plan to modernize nuclear security enterprise.
TITLE XXXII—Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board
Sec. 3201. Authorization.
DIVISION D—Funding tables
Sec. 4001. Authorization of amounts in funding tables.
TITLE XLI—PROCUREMENT
Sec. 4101. Procurement.
TITLE XLII—RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, TEST, AND EVALUATION
Sec. 4201. Research, development, test, and evaluation.
TITLE XLIII—OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE
Sec. 4301. Operation and maintenance.
TITLE XLIV—MILITARY PERSONNEL
Sec. 4401. Military personnel.
TITLE XLV—OTHER AUTHORIZATIONS
Sec. 4501. Other Authorizations.
TITLE XLVI—MILITARY CONSTRUCTION
Sec. 4601. Military Construction.
TITLE XLVII—DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY NATIONAL SECURITY PROGRAMS
Sec. 4701. Department of Energy National Security Programs.
DIVISION E—Additional provisions
TITLE LII—Research, development, test, and evaluation
Subtitle B—Program requirements, restrictions, and limitations
Sec. 5211. Avoiding duplication of hypersonic testing efforts.
Subtitle C—Plans, reports, and other matters
Sec. 5221. Evaluation of additional test corridors for hypersonic and long-range weapons.
TITLE LIII—Operation and maintenance
Subtitle D—Reports
Sec. 5331. Report on adoption of graphite oxide-based firefighting foams.
TITLE LVI—Compensation and other matters
Subtitle B—Special and incentive pay
Sec. 5611. One-year extension of certain expiring bonus and special pay authorities.
Subtitle C—Other matters
Sec. 5621. Pilot program to provide coupons to junior enlisted members to purchase food at commissaries.
TITLE LVII—Health care provisions
Subtitle C—Reports and other matters
Sec. 5721. Briefing on use of other transaction agreements for development of medical prototypes.
Sec. 5722. Report on integration of lifestyle and performance medicine and behaviors to support health and military readiness.
Sec. 5723. Evaluation of certain research related to menopause, perimenopause, or mid-life women’s health.
TITLE LVIII—Acquisition policy, acquisition management, and related matters
Subtitle E—Other matters
Sec. 5861. Repeals of existing laws to streamline the defense acquisition process.
Sec. 5862. Duty-free entry of supplies procured by Department of Defense.
TITLE LX—General provisions
Subtitle D—Miscellaneous authorities and limitations
Sec. 6011. Support for counterdrug activities and activities to counter transnational organized crime.
Subtitle F—Other matters
Sec. 6021. Taking or transmitting video of defense information prohibited.
Sec. 6022. Study and report.
Sec. 6023. International nuclear energy.
Sec. 6024. National registry of Korean American divided families.
Sec. 6025. Reports on food insecurity in Armed Forces.
Sec. 6026. Alignment of updates of strategic plan for the Manufacturing USA Program with updates to National Strategy for Advanced Manufacturing.
Sec. 6027. Extension of Defense Production Act of 1950.
Sec. 6028. Informational materials under the Foreign Agents Registration Act.
Sec. 6029. Credit monitoring.
Sec. 6030. Treatment of exemptions under the Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938.
Sec. 6031. Drinking water well replacement for Chincoteague, Virginia.
Sec. 6032. Report on implementation of artificial intelligence into certain anti-money laundering investigations.
Sec. 6033. Keeping drugs out of schools.
Sec. 6034. Disclosures by directors, officers, and principal stockholders.
Sec. 6035. Requirement to testify.
Sec. 6036. CDFI bond guarantee program improvement.
Sec. 6037. Capitalization assistance to enhance liquidity.
Sec. 6038. Native CDFI relending program.
Subtitle G—Sentencing enhancements for certain criminal offenses directed by or coordinated with foreign governments
Sec. 6071. Short title.
Sec. 6072. Kidnapping.
Sec. 6073. Use of interstate commerce facilities in the commission of murder-for-hire.
Sec. 6074. Influencing, impeding, or retaliating against a federal official by threatening or injuring a family member.
Sec. 6075. Stalking.
Sec. 6076. Protection of officers and employees of the United States.
Sec. 6077. Presidential and Presidential staff assassination, kidnapping, and assault.
Subtitle H—Export controls for advanced artificial intelligence chips
Sec. 6081. Short title.
Sec. 6082. Sense of Congress.
Sec. 6083. Prohibition on prioritizing countries of concern over United States persons for exports of advanced integrated circuits.
TITLE LXI—Civilian personnel matters
Sec. 6101. Definition of defense industrial base facility for purposes of direct hire authority.
Sec. 6102. Public shipyard apprentice program.
TITLE LXII—Matters relating to foreign nations
Subtitle B—Matters relating to Syria, Iraq, and Iran
Sec. 6211. Repeal of Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act of 2019.
Sec. 6212. Countering Captagon production and distribution.
Subtitle C—Matters relating to Europe and the Russian Federation
Sec. 6221. Sense of Congress on Russia's illegal abduction of Ukrainian children.
Sec. 6222. Modification of annual report on military and security developments involving the Russian Federation to include an assessment on use of chemical weapons.
Subtitle D—Matters relating to the Indo-Pacific region
Sec. 6231. Modernizing the defense capabilities of the Philippines.
Sec. 6232. Strategy to respond to the PRC's global basing intentions.
Sec. 6233. Strategy to strengthen multilateral deterrence in the Indo-Pacific region.
Subtitle E—AUKUS Improvement Act of 2025
Sec. 6240A Short title.
Sec. 6240B Flexibility with respect to certain Arms Export control Act and other arms transfer requirements.
Sec. 6240C Elimination of certification requirement for commercial technical assistance or manufacturing license agreements involving Australia and the United Kingdom.
Subtitle F—Other matters
Sec. 6241. Modification of certain temporary authorizations related to munitions replacement.
Sec. 6242. Disposition of weapons and materiel in transit from Iran to Houthis in Yemen.
Subtitle G—Treatment of Taiwan at international financial institutions
Sec. 6251. Short title.
Sec. 6252. Findings.
Sec. 6253. Sense of the Congress.
Sec. 6254. Support for Taiwan admission to the IMF.
Sec. 6255. Testimony requirement.
TITLE LXV—Space activities, strategic programs, and intelligence matters
Subtitle A—Space activities
Sec. 6501. Enhancement of space domain awareness through ground-based sensor development.
Sec. 6502. Continuation of operation of Defense Meteorological Satellite Program.
Subtitle B—Other matters
Sec. 6551. Transfer of Foreign Languages Program to Department of Defense.
TITLE LXVI—Cyberspace-related matters
Subtitle B—Matters relating to Department of Defense cybersecurity and information technology
Sec. 6611. Strategy on quantum readiness.
Sec. 6612. Secure and interoperable defense collaboration technology.
Sec. 6613. Prohibition on access to Department of Defense cloud-based resources by individuals who are not citizens of the United States or allied countries.
Subtitle C—Data and artificial intelligence
Sec. 6621. Comptroller General of the United States review of Department of Defense governance processes for adoption of artificial intelligence tools.
TITLE LXXVIII—Military construction general provisions
Subtitle A—Military construction program
Sec. 7801. Inclusion of demolition projects in Defense Community Infrastructure Program.
Subtitle B—Military housing
Sec. 7811. Report on indoor mold, pathogens, and airborne toxins within housing units at installations of the Air Force.
Sec. 7813. Modification of semi-annual report on privatized military housing.
Sec. 7814. Improvement of administration of military unaccompanied housing.
TITLE LXXXI—Department of Energy national security authorizations and other authorizations
Subtitle B—Program authorizations, restrictions, and limitations
Sec. 8111. Sense of Congress on ground-based leg of nuclear triad.
DIVISION F—Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. Definitions.
TITLE I—Intelligence activities
Sec. 101. Authorization of appropriations.
Sec. 102. Classified Schedule of Authorizations.
Sec. 103. Increase in employee compensation and benefits authorized by law.
TITLE II—Central Intelligence Agency retirement and disability system
Sec. 201. Authorization of appropriations.
TITLE III—Intelligence community matters
Sec. 301. Unauthorized access to intelligence community property.
Sec. 302. Annual survey of analytic objectivity among officers and employees of elements of the intelligence community.
Sec. 303. Annual training requirement and report regarding analytic standards.
Sec. 304. Estimate of cost to ensure compliance with Intelligence Community Directive 705.
Sec. 305. Amendments regarding Presidential appointments for intelligence community positions.
Sec. 306. Counterintelligence support for Department of the Treasury networks and systems.
Sec. 307. Report on Director's Initiatives Group personnel matters.
Sec. 308. Higher Education Act of 1965 special rule.
Sec. 309. Annual Central Intelligence Agency workplace climate assessment.
Sec. 310. Report on secure mobile communications systems available to employees and of the intelligence community.
Sec. 311. Plan for implementing an integrated system spanning the intelligence community for accreditation of sensitive compartmented information facilities.
Sec. 312. Counterintelligence threats to United States space interests.
Sec. 313. Chaplain Corps and Chief of Chaplains of the Central Intelligence Agency.
Sec. 314. Prohibition on contractors collecting or selling location data of individuals at intelligence community locations.
Sec. 315. Technical amendment to procurement authorities of Central Intelligence Agency.
Sec. 316. Threat briefing to protect Federal Reserve information.
Sec. 317. Plan to establish commercial geospatial intelligence data and services program management office.
Sec. 318. Inspector General review of adequacy of policies and procedures governing use of commercial messaging applications by intelligence community.
Sec. 319. Authority for National Security Agency to produce and disseminate intelligence products.
Sec. 320. Prohibiting discrimination in the intelligence community.
Sec. 321. Annual report on Federal Bureau of Investigation case data.
TITLE IV—Intelligence community efficiency and effectiveness
Sec. 401. Short title.
Sec. 402. Modification of responsibilities and authorities of the Director of National Intelligence.
Sec. 403. Reforms relating to the Office of the Director of National Intelligence.
Sec. 404. Appointment of Deputy Director of National Intelligence and Assistant Directors of National Intelligence.
Sec. 405. Reform of the National Intelligence Council and National Intelligence Officers.
Sec. 406. Transfer of National Counterintelligence and Security Center to Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Sec. 407. Redesignation and reform of National Counterterrorism Center.
Sec. 408. Transfer of National Counterproliferation and Biosecurity Center.
Sec. 409. National Intelligence Task Forces.
Sec. 410. Repeal of various positions, units, centers, councils, and offices.
TITLE V—Matters concerning foreign countries
Subtitle A—Foreign countries generally
Sec. 501. Declassification of information relating to actions by foreign governments to assist persons evading justice.
Sec. 502. Enhanced intelligence sharing relating to foreign adversary biotechnological threats.
Sec. 503. Threat assessment regarding unmanned aircraft systems at or near the international borders of the United States.
Sec. 504. Assessment of the potential effect of expanded partnerships among western hemisphere countries.
Subtitle B—People's Republic of China
Sec. 511. Countering Chinese Communist Party efforts that threaten Europe.
Sec. 512. Prohibition on intelligence community contracting with Chinese military companies engaged in biotechnology research, development, or manufacturing.
Sec. 513. Report on the wealth of the leadership of the Chinese Communist Party.
Sec. 514. Assessment and report on investments by the People's Republic of China in the agriculture sector of Brazil.
Sec. 515. Identification of entities that provide support to the People's Liberation Army.
Sec. 516. Establishing a China Economics and Intelligence cell to publish China Economic Power Report.
Sec. 517. Modification of annual reports on influence operations and campaigns in the United States by the Chinese Communist Party.
Subtitle C—The Russian Federation
Sec. 521. Assessment of Russian destabilization efforts.
Subtitle D—Other foreign countries
Sec. 531. Plan to enhance counternarcotics collaboration, coordination, and cooperation with the Government of Mexico.
Sec. 532. Enhancing intelligence support to counter foreign adversary influence in Sudan.
Sec. 533. Ukraine lessons learned working group.
Sec. 534. Improvements to requirement for monitoring of Iranian enrichment of uranium-235.
Sec. 535. Duty to warn United States persons threatened by Iranian lethal plotting.
TITLE VI—Emerging technologies
Sec. 601. Intelligence Community Technology Bridge Program.
Sec. 602. Enhancing biotechnology talent within the intelligence community.
Sec. 603. Enhanced intelligence community support to secure United States genomic data.
Sec. 604. Ensuring intelligence community procurement of domestic United States production of synthetic DNA and RNA.
Sec. 605. Report on identification of intelligence community sites for advanced nuclear technologies.
Sec. 606. Addressing intelligence gaps relating to China's investment in United States-origin biotechnology.
Sec. 607. Additional functions and requirements of Artificial Intelligence Security Center.
Sec. 608. Artificial intelligence development and usage by intelligence community.
Sec. 609. High-impact artificial intelligence systems.
Sec. 610. Application of artificial intelligence policies of the intelligence community to publicly available models used for intelligence purposes.
Sec. 611. Revision of interim guidance regarding acquisition and use of foundation models.
Sec. 612. Strategy on intelligence coordination and sharing relating to critical and emerging technologies.
TITLE VII—Classification reform, security clearances, and whistleblowers
Sec. 701. Notification of certain declassifications.
Sec. 702. Elimination of cap on compensatory damages for retaliatory revocation of security clearances and access determinations.
Sec. 703. Reforms relating to inactive security clearances.
Sec. 704. Study on protection of classified information relating to budget functions.
Sec. 705. Report on executive branch approval of access to classified intelligence information outside of established review processes.
Sec. 706. Whistleblower protections relating to psychiatric testing or examination.
TITLE VIII—Anomalous health incidents
Sec. 801. Standard guidelines for intelligence community to report and document anomalous health incidents.
Sec. 802. Review and declassification of intelligence relating to anomalous health incidents.
TITLE IX—Other matters
Sec. 901. Declassification of intelligence and additional transparency measures relating to the COVID–19 pandemic.
Sec. 902. Counterintelligence briefings for members of the Armed Forces.
Sec. 903. Policy toward certain agents of foreign governments.
Sec. 904. Tour limits of accredited diplomatic and consular personnel of certain nations in the United States.
Sec. 905. Strict enforcement of travel protocols and procedures of accredited diplomatic and consular personnel of certain nations in the United States.
Sec. 906. Repeal of certain report requirements.
Sec. 907. Requiring penetration testing as part of the testing and certification of voting systems.
Sec. 908. Independent security testing and coordinated cybersecurity vulnerability disclosure program for election systems.
Sec. 909. Foreign material acquisitions.
DIVISION G—Department of State Matters
Sec. 6001. Table of contents.
TITLE LXI—BUST FENTANYL Act
Sec. 6101. Short titles.
Sec. 6102. International Narcotics Control Strategy Report.
Sec. 6103. Study and report on efforts to address fentanyl trafficking from the People's Republic of China and other relevant countries.
Sec. 6104. Prioritization of identification of persons from the People's Republic of China.
Sec. 6105. Expansion of sanctions under the Fentanyl Sanctions Act.
Sec. 6106. Imposition of sanctions with respect to agencies or instrumentalities of foreign states.
Sec. 6107. Annual report on efforts to prevent the smuggling of methamphetamine into the United States from Mexico.
TITLE LXII—Countering Wrongful Detention Act of 2025
Sec. 6201. Short title.
Sec. 6202. Designation of a foreign country as a State Sponsor of Unlawful or Wrongful Detention.
Sec. 6203. Notification of international travel advisories.
Sec. 6204. Congressional Report on components related to hostage affairs and recovery.
Sec. 6205. Rule of construction.
TITLE LXIII—International Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2025
Sec. 6301. Short title.
Subtitle A—Combating human trafficking abroad
Sec. 6311. United states support for integration of anti-trafficking in persons interventions in multilateral development banks.
Sec. 6312. Counter-trafficking in persons efforts in development cooperation and assistance policy.
Sec. 6313. Technical amendments to tier rankings.
Sec. 6314. Modifications to the Program to End Modern Slavery.
Sec. 6315. Clarification of nonhumanitarian, nontrade-related foreign assistance.
Sec. 6316. Expanding protections for domestic workers of official and diplomatic persons.
Sec. 6317. Effective dates.
Subtitle B—Authorization of appropriations
Sec. 6321. Extension of authorizations under the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act of 2000.
Sec. 6322. Extension of authorizations under the International Megan’s Law.
Subtitle C—Briefings
Sec. 6331. Briefing on annual trafficking in person’s report.
Sec. 6332. Briefing on use and justification of waivers.
DIVISION H—Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025
Sec. 5001. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 5002. Commandant defined.
TITLE LI—Coast Guard
Subtitle A—Authorization of appropriations
Sec. 5101. Authorization of appropriations.
Sec. 5102. Authorized levels of military strength and training.
Subtitle B—Acquisition
Sec. 5111. Modification of prohibition on use of lead systems integrators.
Sec. 5112. Service life extension programs.
Sec. 5113. Consideration of life-cycle cost estimates for acquisition and procurement.
Sec. 5114. Great Lakes icebreaking.
Sec. 5115. Regular Polar Security Cutter updates.
Sec. 5116. Floating drydock for United States Coast Guard Yard.
Subtitle C—Organization and authorities
Sec. 5131. Modification of treatment of minor construction and improvement project management.
Sec. 5132. Preparedness plans for Coast Guard properties located in tsunami inundation zones.
Sec. 5133. Public availability of information.
Sec. 5134. Delegation of ports and waterways safety authorities in Saint Lawrence Seaway.
Sec. 5135. Additional Pribilof Island transition completion actions.
Sec. 5136. Policy and briefing on availability of naloxone to treat opioid, including fentanyl, overdoses.
Sec. 5137. Great Lakes and Saint Lawrence River cooperative vessel traffic service.
Sec. 5138. Policy on methods to reduce incentives for illicit maritime drug trafficking.
Sec. 5139. Procurement of tactical maritime surveillance systems.
Sec. 5140. Plan for joint and integrated maritime operational and leadership training for United States Coast Guard and Taiwan Coast Guard Administration.
Sec. 5141. Modification of authority for special purpose facilities.
Sec. 5142. Timely reimbursement of damage claims for Coast Guard property.
Sec. 5143. Enhanced use property pilot program.
Sec. 5144. Coast Guard property provision.
Subtitle D—Personnel
Sec. 5151. Direct hire authority for certain personnel.
Sec. 5152. Temporary exemption from authorized end strength for enlisted members on active duty in Coast Guard in pay grades E–8 and E–9.
Sec. 5153. Additional available guidance and considerations for reserve selection boards.
Sec. 5154. Family leave policies for the Coast Guard.
Sec. 5155. Authorization for maternity uniform allowance for officers.
Sec. 5156. Housing.
Sec. 5157. Uniform funding and management system for morale, well-being, and recreation programs and Coast Guard Exchange.
Sec. 5158. Coast Guard embedded behavioral health technician program.
Sec. 5159. Expansion of access to counseling.
Sec. 5160. Command sponsorship for dependents of members of Coast Guard assigned to Unalaska, Alaska.
Sec. 5161. Travel allowance for members of Coast Guard assigned to Alaska.
Sec. 5162. Consolidation of authorities for college student precommissioning initiative.
Sec. 5163. Tuition Assistance and Advanced Education Assistance Pilot Program.
Sec. 5164. Modifications to career flexibility program.
Sec. 5165. Recruitment, relocation, and retention incentive program for civilian firefighters employed by Coast Guard in remote locations.
Sec. 5166. Reinstatement of training course on workings of Congress; Coast Guard Museum.
Sec. 5167. Modification of designation of Vice Admirals.
Sec. 5168. Commandant Advisory Judge Advocate.
Sec. 5169. Special Advisor to Commandant for Tribal and Native Hawaiian affairs.
Sec. 5170. Notification.
Subtitle E—Coast Guard Academy
Sec. 5171. Modification of Board of Visitors.
Sec. 5172. Study on Coast Guard Academy oversight.
Sec. 5173. Electronic locking mechanisms to ensure Coast Guard Academy cadet room security.
Sec. 5174. Coast Guard Academy student advisory board and access to timely and independent wellness support services for cadets and candidates.
Sec. 5175. Report on existing behavioral health and wellness support services facilities at Coast Guard Academy.
Sec. 5176. Required posting of information.
Sec. 5177. Installation of behavioral health and wellness rooms.
Sec. 5178. Coast Guard Academy room reassignment.
Sec. 5179. Authorization for use of Coast Guard Academy facilities and equipment by covered foundations.
Sec. 5180. Concurrent jurisdiction at Coast Guard Academy.
Subtitle F—Reports
Sec. 5181. Maritime domain awareness in Coast Guard sector for Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands.
Sec. 5182. Report on condition of Missouri River dayboards.
Sec. 5183. Study on Coast Guard missions.
Sec. 5184. Annual report on progress of certain homeporting projects.
Sec. 5185. Report on Bay class icebreaking tug fleet replacement.
Sec. 5186. Feasibility study on supporting additional port visits and deployments in support of Operation Blue Pacific.
Sec. 5187. Study and gap analysis with respect to Coast Guard Air Station Corpus Christi aviation hangar.
Sec. 5188. Report on impacts of joint travel regulations on members of Coast Guard who rely on ferry systems.
Sec. 5189. Report on Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps program.
Sec. 5190. Report on and expansion of Coast Guard Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps Program.
TITLE LII—Shipping and navigation
Subtitle A—Merchant mariner credentials
Sec. 5201. Merchant mariner credentialing.
Sec. 5202. Nonoperating individual.
Sec. 5203. Merchant mariner licensing and documentation system requirements.
Subtitle B—Vessel safety
Sec. 5211. Grossly negligent operations of a vessel.
Sec. 5212. Administrative procedure for security risks.
Sec. 5213. Study of amphibious vessels.
Sec. 5214. Performance driven examination schedule.
Sec. 5215. Ports and waterways safety.
Sec. 5216. Study on Bering Strait vessel traffic projections and emergency response posture at ports of the United States.
Sec. 5217. Underwater inspections brief.
Sec. 5218. St. Lucie River railroad bridge.
Sec. 5219. Authority to establish safety zones for special activities in exclusive economic zone.
Sec. 5220. Improving Vessel Traffic Service monitoring.
Sec. 5221. Designating pilotage waters for the Straits of Mackinac.
Sec. 5222. Receipts; international agreements for ice patrol services.
Sec. 5223. Requirements for certain fishing vessels and fish tender vessels.
Subtitle C—Matters involving uncrewed systems
Sec. 5231. Establishment of National Advisory Committee on Autonomous Maritime Systems.
Sec. 5232. Pilot program for governance and oversight of small uncrewed maritime systems.
Sec. 5233. Coast Guard training course.
Sec. 5234. NOAA membership on Autonomous Vessel Policy Council.
Sec. 5235. Technology pilot program.
Sec. 5236. Uncrewed systems capabilities report and briefing.
Sec. 5237. Definitions.
Subtitle D—Other matters
Sec. 5241. Controlled substance onboard vessels.
Sec. 5242. Information on type approval certificates.
Sec. 5243. Clarification of authorities.
Sec. 5244. Anchorages.
Sec. 5245. Amendments to passenger vessel security and safety requirements.
Sec. 5246. Cyber-incident training.
Sec. 5247. Extension of pilot program to establish a cetacean desk for Puget Sound region.
Sec. 5248. Suspension of enforcement of use of devices broadcasting on AIS for purposes of marking fishing gear.
Sec. 5249. Classification societies.
Sec. 5250. Abandoned and derelict vessel removals.
TITLE LIII—Oil pollution response
Sec. 5301. Salvage and marine firefighting response capability.
Sec. 5302. Use of marine casualty investigations.
Sec. 5303. Timing of review.
Sec. 5304. Online incident reporting system.
Sec. 5305. Investment of Exxon Valdez oil spill court recovery in high yield investments and marine research.
TITLE LIV—Sexual assault and sexual harassment response
Sec. 5401. Independent review of Coast Guard reforms.
Sec. 5402.   Comprehensive policy and procedures on retention and access to evidence and records relating to sexual misconduct and other misconduct.
Sec. 5403. Consideration of request for transfer of a cadet at the Coast Guard Academy who is the victim of a sexual assault or related offense.
Sec. 5404. Designation of officers with particular expertise in military justice or healthcare.
Sec. 5405. Safe-to-Report policy for Coast Guard.
Sec. 5406. Modification of reporting requirements on covered misconduct in Coast Guard.
Sec. 5407. Modifications to the officer involuntary separation process.
Sec. 5408. Review of discharge characterization.
Sec. 5409. Convicted sex offender as grounds for denial.
Sec. 5410. Definition of covered misconduct.
Sec. 5411. Notification of changes to Uniform Code of Military Justice or Manual for Courts Martial relating to covered misconduct.
Sec. 5412. Complaints of retaliation by victims of sexual assault or sexual harassment and related persons.
Sec. 5413. Development of policies on military protective orders.
Sec. 5414. Coast Guard implementation of independent review commission recommendations on addressing sexual assault and sexual harassment in the military.
Sec. 5415. Policy relating to care and support of victims of covered misconduct.
Sec. 5416. Establishment of special victim capabilities to respond to allegations of certain special victim offenses.
Sec. 5417. Members asserting post-traumatic stress disorder, sexual assault, or traumatic brain injury.
Sec. 5418. Participation in CATCH a Serial Offender program.
Sec. 5419. Accountability and transparency relating to allegations of misconduct against senior leaders.
Sec. 5420. Confidential reporting of sexual harassment.
Sec. 5421. Report on policy on whistleblower protections.
Sec. 5422. Review and modification of Coast Guard Academy policy on sexual harassment and sexual violence.
Sec. 5423. Coast Guard and Coast Guard Academy access to defense sexual assault incident database.
Sec. 5424. Director of Coast Guard Investigative Service.
Sec. 5425. Modifications and revisions relating to reopening retired grade determinations.
Sec. 5426. Inclusion and command review of information on covered misconduct in personnel service records.
Sec. 5427. Flag officer review of, and concurrence in, separation of members who have reported sexual misconduct.
Sec. 5428. Expedited transfer in cases of sexual misconduct or domestic violence.
Sec. 5429. Access to temporary separation program for victims of alleged sex-related offenses.
Sec. 5430. Policy and program to expand prevention of sexual misconduct.
Sec. 5431. Continuous vetting of security clearances.
Sec. 5432. Training and education programs for covered misconduct prevention and response.
TITLE LV—Comptroller General reports
Sec. 5501. Comptroller General report on Coast Guard research, development, and innovation program.
Sec. 5502. Comptroller General study on vessel traffic service center employment, compensation, and retention.
Sec. 5503. Comptroller General review of quality and availability of Coast Guard behavioral health care and resources for personnel wellness.
Sec. 5504. Comptroller General study on Coast Guard efforts to reduce prevalence of missing or incomplete medical records and sharing of medical data with Department of Veterans Affairs and other entities.
Sec. 5505. Comptroller General study on Coast Guard training facility infrastructure.
Sec. 5506. Comptroller General study on facility and infrastructure needs of Coast Guard stations conducting border security operations.
Sec. 5507. Comptroller General study on Coast Guard basic allowance for housing.
Sec. 5508. Comptroller General report on safety and security infrastructure at Coast Guard Academy.
Sec. 5509. Comptroller General study on athletic coaching at Coast Guard Academy.
Sec. 5510. Comptroller General study and report on permanent change of station process.
TITLE LVI—Amendments
Sec. 5601. Amendments.
TITLE LVII—National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Subtitle A—National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps
Sec. 5701. Title and qualifications of head of National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps and Office of Marine and Aviation Operations; promotions of flag officers.
Sec. 5702. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration vessel fleet.
Sec. 5703. Cooperative Aviation Centers.
Sec. 5704. Eligibility of former officers to compete for certain positions.
Sec. 5705. Alignment of physical disqualification standard for obligated service agreements with standard for veterans’ benefits.
Sec. 5706. Streamlining separation and retirement process.
Sec. 5707. Separation of ensigns found not fully qualified.
Sec. 5708. Repeal of limitation on educational assistance.
Sec. 5709. Disposal of survey and research vessels and equipment of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Subtitle B—South Pacific Tuna Treaty matters
Sec. 5721. References to South Pacific Tuna Act of 1988.
Sec. 5722. Definitions.
Sec. 5723. Prohibited acts.
Sec. 5724. Exceptions.
Sec. 5725. Criminal offenses.
Sec. 5726. Civil penalties.
Sec. 5727. Licenses.
Sec. 5728. Enforcement.
Sec. 5729. Findings by Secretary of Commerce.
Sec. 5730. Disclosure of information.
Sec. 5731. Closed area stowage requirements.
Sec. 5732. Observers.
Sec. 5733. Fisheries-related assistance.
Sec. 5734. Arbitration.
Sec. 5735. Disposition of fees, penalties, forfeitures, and other moneys.
Sec. 5736. Additional agreements.
Subtitle C—Other matters
Sec. 5741. North Pacific Research Board enhancement.
DIVISION I—ROAD to Housing Act
Sec. 5001. Short title.
Sec. 5002. Table of contents.
TITLE I—Improving Financial Literacy
Sec. 5101. Reforms to housing counseling and financial literacy programs.
TITLE II—Building More in America
Sec. 5201. Rental assistance demonstration program.
Sec. 5202. Increasing housing in opportunity zones.
Sec. 5203. Housing Supply Frameworks Act.
Sec. 5204. Whole-Home Repairs Act.
Sec. 5205. Community Investment and Prosperity Act.
Sec. 5206. Build Now Act.
Sec. 5207. Better Use of Intergovernmental and Local Development (BUILD) Housing Act.
Sec. 5208. Unlocking Housing Supply Through Streamlined and Modernized Reviews Act.
Sec. 5209. Innovation Fund.
Sec. 5210. Accelerating Home Building Act.
Sec. 5211. Build More Housing Near Transit Act.
Sec. 5212. Revitalizing Empty Structures Into Desirable Environments (RESIDE) Act.
Sec. 5213. Housing Affordability Act.
TITLE III—Manufactured Housing for America
Sec. 5301. Housing Supply Expansion Act.
Sec. 5302. Modular Housing Production Act.
Sec. 5303. Property Improvement and Manufactured Housing Loan Modernization Act.
Sec. 5304. Price Act.
TITLE IV—Accessing the American Dream
Sec. 5401. Creating incentives for small dollar loan originators.
Sec. 5402. Small dollar mortgage points and fees.
Sec. 5403. Appraisal Industry Improvement Act.
Sec. 5404. Helping More Families Save Act.
Sec. 5405. Choice in Affordable Housing Act.
TITLE V—Program Reform
Sec. 5501. Reforming Disaster Recovery Act.
Sec. 5502. HOME Investment Partnerships Reauthorization and Improvement Act.
Sec. 5503. Rural Housing Service Reform Act.
Sec. 5504. New Moving to Work cohort.
Sec. 5505. Reducing Homelessness Through Program Reform Act.
Sec. 5506. Incentivizing local solutions to homelessness.
TITLE VI—Veterans and Housing
Sec. 5601. VA Home Loan Awareness Act.
Sec. 5602. Veterans Affairs Loan Informed Disclosure (VALID) Act.
Sec. 5603. Housing Unhoused Disabled Veterans Act.
TITLE VII—Oversight and Accountability
Sec. 5701. Requiring annual testimony and oversight from housing regulators.
Sec. 5702. FHA reporting requirements on safety and soundness.
Sec. 5703. United States Interagency Council on Homelessness oversight.
Sec. 5704. NeighborWorks Accountability Act.
Sec. 5705. Appraisal Modernization Act.
TITLE VIII—Coordination, Studies, and Reporting
Sec. 5801. HUD-USDA-VA Interagency Coordination Act.
Sec. 5802. Streamlining Rural Housing Act.
Sec. 5803. Improving self-sufficiency of families in HUD-subsidized housing.
DIVISION J—Department of State Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026
Sec. 5001. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 5002. Definitions.
TITLE LXI—Workforce matters
Sec. 5101. Report on vetting of Foreign Service Institute language instructors.
Sec. 5102. Training limitations.
Sec. 5103. Language incentive pay for civil service employees.
Sec. 5104. Options for comprehensive evaluations.
Sec. 5105. Job share and part-time employment opportunities.
Sec. 5106. Promoting reutilization of language skills in the Foreign Service.
TITLE LXII—Organization and operations
Sec. 5201. Periodic briefings from Bureau of Intelligence and Research.
Sec. 5202. Support for congressional delegations.
Sec. 5203. Notification requirements for authorized and ordered departures.
Sec. 5204. Strengthening enterprise governance.
Sec. 5205. Establishing and expanding the Regional China Officer program.
Sec. 5206. Report on China's diplomatic posts.
Sec. 5207. Notification of intent to reduce personnel at covered diplomatic posts.
Sec. 5208. Foreign affairs manual changes.
TITLE LXIII—Information security and cyber diplomacy
Sec. 5301. Supporting Department of State data analytics.
Sec. 5302. Post Data Pilot Program.
Sec. 5303. Authorization to use commercial cloud enclaves overseas.
Sec. 5304. Reports on technology transformation projects at the Department of State.
Sec. 5305. Commercial spyware.
Sec. 5306. Review of science and technology agreement with the People’s Republic of China.
TITLE LXIV—Public diplomacy
Sec. 5401. Foreign information manipulation and interference strategy.
Sec. 5402. Lifting the prohibition on use of Federal funds for World's Fair pavilions and exhibits.
TITLE LXV—Diplomatic security and consular affairs
Sec. 5501. Report concerning Department of State consular officers joining Coast Guard and Navy missions to Pacific island countries.
Sec. 5502. Report on security conditions in Damascus, Syria, required for the reopening of the United States diplomatic mission.
Sec. 5503. Embassies, consulates, and other diplomatic installations return to standards report.
Sec. 5504. Visa operations report.
Sec. 5505. Reauthorization of overtime pay for protective services.
TITLE LXVI—Miscellaneous
Sec. 5551. Submission of federally funded research and development center reports to Congress.
Sec. 5552. Quarterly report on diplomatic pouch access.
Sec. 5553. Report on utility of instituting a processing fee for ITAR license applications.
Sec. 5554. HAVANA Act payment fix.
Sec. 5555. Establishing an inner Mongolia section within the United States embassy in Beijing.
Sec. 5556. Report on United States Mission Australia staffing.
Sec. 5557. Facilitating regulatory exchanges with allies and partners.
Sec. 5558. Pilot program to audit barriers to commerce in developing partner countries.
Sec. 5559. Strategy for promoting supply chain diversification.
Sec. 5560. Extensions.
Sec. 5561. Permitting for international bridges and land ports of entry.
Sec. 5562. Updating counterterrorism reports.
3.
Congressional defense committees
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.
4.
Budgetary effects of this Act
The budgetary effects of this Act, for the purposes of complying with the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010, shall be determined by reference to the latest statement titled  Budgetary Effects of PAYGO Legislation  for this Act, jointly submitted for printing in the Congressional Record by the Chairmen of the House and Senate Budget Committees, provided that such statement has been submitted prior to the vote on passage in the House acting first on the conference report or amendment between the Houses.
A
Department of Defense authorizations
I
Procurement
A
Authorization of appropriations
101.
Authorization of appropriations
Funds are hereby authorized to be appropriated for fiscal year 2026 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.
B
Army programs
111.
Strategy for Army tactical wheeled vehicle program
Section 112(a) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 ( 10 U.S.C. 7013  note;  Public Law 118–31 ) is amended by inserting  2027,  after  fiscal years 2025, .
C
Navy programs
121.
Procurement authority for Columbia-class submarine program
(a)
Procurement authority
Beginning in fiscal year 2026, the Secretary of the Navy may enter into one or more contracts for the procurement of not more than five Columbia-class submarines.
(b)
Condition for out-year contract payments
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 2026 is subject to the availability of appropriations or funds for that purpose for such later fiscal year.
(c)
Limitation on termination liability
A contract for the construction of Columbia-class submarines entered into under subsection (a) shall include a clause that limits the liability of the United States to the contractor for any termination of the contract. The maximum liability of the United States under the clause shall be limited to the total amount of funding obligated to the contract at the time of termination.
122.
Procurement authorities for Medium Landing Ships
(a)
Contract authority
(1)
In general
During fiscal years 2026 and 2027, the Secretary of the Navy may enter into one or more contracts for the procurement of not more than 15 Medium Landing Ships.
(2)
Procurement in conjunction with existing contracts
The ships authorized to be procured under paragraph (1) may be procured as additions to existing contracts covering the Medium Landing Ship program.
(b)
Certification required
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 (as defined in section 4251(e) of title 10, United States Code) for the Medium Landing Ship program:
(1)
The use of such a contract is consistent with the Department of the Navy’s projected force structure requirements for such ships.
(2)
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.
(3)
There is a reasonable expectation that throughout the contemplated contract period the Secretary of the Navy will request funding for the contract at the level required to avoid contract cancellation.
(4)
There is a stable design for the property to be acquired and the technical risks associated with such property are not excessive.
(5)
The estimates of the cost of the contract and the anticipated cost avoidance through the use of the contract are realistic.
(6)
During the fiscal year in which the contract is to be awarded—
(A)
sufficient funds will be available to perform the contract in such fiscal year; and
(B)
the future-years defense program submitted to Congress under section 221 of title 10, United States Code, for such fiscal year will include the funding required to execute the program without cancellation.
(c)
Authority for advance procurement
The Secretary of the Navy may enter into one or more contracts for advance procurement associated with the ships for which authorization to enter into a contract is provided under subsection (a), and for systems and subsystems associated with such ships in economic order quantities when cost savings are achievable.
(d)
Condition for out-year contract payments
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.
123.
Recapitalization of Navy waterborne security barriers; modification of prohibition on availability of funds for legacy waterborne security barriers
(a)
In general
Section 130 of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 ( Public Law 115–232 ; 132 Stat. 1665), as most recently amended by section 123 of the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 ( Public Law 118–159 ), is further amended—
(1)
in the section heading, by inserting
; recapitalization   after
barriers  ;
(2)
in subsection (a)—
(A)
by striking  subsections (b) and (c)  and inserting  subsection (b) ; and
(B)
by striking  through 2025  and inserting  through 2026 ;
(3)
by striking subsection (b);
(4)
by redesignating subsections (c) and (d) as subsections (b) and (c), respectively;
(5)
in subsection (c), as so redesignated, by striking  subsection (c)(2)  and inserting  subsection (b)(2) ; and
(6)
by adding at the end the following new subsection (d):
(d)
Recapitalization
(1)
Plan submission
(A)
In general
Not later than April 1, 2026, the Secretary of the Navy shall submit to the congressional defense committees a recapitalization plan to replace legacy waterborne security barriers for Navy ports.
(B)
Elements
The plan required by subparagraph (A) shall include the following:
(i)
A Navy requirements document that specifies key performance parameters and key system attributes for new waterborne security barriers for Navy ports.
(ii)
A certification that the level of capability specified under clause (i) will exceed that of legacy waterborne security barriers for Navy ports.
(iii)
The acquisition strategy for the recapitalization of waterborne security barriers for Navy ports, which shall meet or exceed the requirements specified under clause (i).
(iv)
A certification that any contract for new waterborne security barriers for a Navy port will be awarded in accordance with the requirements for full and open competition set forth in sections 3201 through 3205 of title 10, United States Code.
(2)
Implementation
The Secretary of the Navy shall implement the plan required by paragraph (1) by not later than September 30, 2027.
 .
(b)
Clerical amendments
The table of contents in section 2(b) of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019, and at the beginning of title I of division A of such Act, are each amended by striking the item relating to section 130 and inserting the following new item:
Sec. 130. Prohibition on availability of funds for Navy port waterborne security barriers; recapitalization.
  .
124.
Modification to limitations on Navy medium and large unmanned surface vessels
(a)
Repeal
Section 122 of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 ( Public Law 116–283 ; 134 Stat. 3425) is repealed.
(b)
Requirement
The Secretary of the Navy may not award a detail design or construction contract or other agreement, or obligate funds from a procurement account, for a covered program unless such contract or other agreement includes a requirement for an operational demonstration of not less than 720 continuous hours without preventative maintenance, corrective maintenance, emergent repair, or any other form of repair or maintenance, on any of the following:
(1)
The main propulsion system, including the fuel and lube oil systems.
(2)
The electrical generation and distribution system.
(c)
Certification
The Secretary of the Navy may not accept delivery of articles constructed under a contract or other agreement for a covered program until the Secretary certifies to the congressional defense committees that the operational demonstration described in subsection (b) has been successfully completed.
(d)
Limitation
The Secretary of the Navy may not make contract financing payments for a contract or other agreement entered into for a covered program greater than 90 percent for small businesses and 80 percent for all other businesses until the certification described in subsection (c) is submitted.
(e)
Definitions
In this section:
(1)
Covered program
The term  covered program  means a program for—
(A)
medium unmanned surface vessels; or
(B)
large unmanned surface vessels.
(2)
Operational demonstration
The term  operational demonstration  means a land-based or sea-based test of the systems concerned in vessel-representative form, fit, and function.
125.
Limitation on availability of funds for TAGOS ship program
(a)
Limitation
None of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise made available for fiscal year 2026 for the Navy may be obligated or expended for the scope of work, including priced or unpriced options, for the construction, advance procurement, or long-lead material of any ships in the TAGOS surveillance towed-array sensor system ship program unless the Secretary of the Navy submits the report described in subsection (b) to the Committee on Armed Service of the Senate and the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act.
(b)
Report
The Secretary of the Navy shall submit to the Committee on Armed Service of the Senate and the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives a report on the following:
(1)
Progress made on basic and functional design completion for TAGOS surveillance towed-array sensor system ships and how compliance with section 8669c of title 10, United States Code, will be maintained.
(2)
The accuracy, timeliness, and completeness of the Navy’s provisioning of contract baseline design, general arrangement drawings, and other government-furnished information to the prime contractor for such ships.
(3)
The ability of the functional design of such ships to meet program requirements, including speed requirements.
(4)
The adherence of the Navy to performance-based requirements and the ability of the prime contractor for such ships to make design choices to meet those requirements, commensurate with its responsibility for cost and schedule in the contract structure.
(5)
Alternative solutions to meeting the general set of Navy requirements for anti-submarine warfare covered by such ships, including unmanned solutions.
126.
Limitation on availability of funds relating to amphibious warfare ship requirement
(a)
Plan required
The Secretary of the Navy shall submit with the defense budget materials for fiscal year 2027 (as submitted to Congress in support of the budget of the President under section 1105(a) of title 31, United States Code) a 30-year shipbuilding plan that meets the requirement under section 8062(b) of title 10, United States Code, to maintain 31 amphibious warfare ships.
(b)
Certification required
The Secretary of Defense shall submit with the defense budget materials for fiscal year 2027 (as submitted to Congress in support of the budget of the President under section 1105(a) of title 31, United States Code) a certification as to whether such materials support the requirement under section 8062(b) of title 10, United States Code, to maintain 31 amphibious warfare ships.
(c)
Limitation
(1)
Plan
If the Secretary of the Navy does not submit the 30-year shipbuilding plan described in subsection (a) as required by such subsection, not more than 75 percent of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise made available for fiscal year 2026 for Administration and Service-Wide Activities, Operation and Maintenance, Navy, may be obligated or expended until the date on which the Secretary of the Navy submits to the congressional defense committees such plan.
(2)
Certification
If the Secretary of Defense does not submit the certification described in subsection (a) as required by such subsection, or certifies that the materials described in such subsection do not support the requirement described in such subsection, not more than 75 percent of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise made available for fiscal year 2026 for Office of the Secretary of Defense, Operation and Maintenance, Defense-Wide, may be obligated or expended until the date on which the Secretary of Defense submits to the congressional defense committees defense budget materials that support the requirement under section 8062(b) of title 10, United States Code, to maintain 31 amphibious warfare ships.
(d)
Amphibious warfare ship defined
In this section, the term  amphibious warfare ship  has the meaning given that term in section 8062(h) of title 10, United States Code.
127.
Temporary unavailability of amphibious warfare ships
Section 8062(b) of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
by inserting  (1)  before  The naval ; and
(2)
by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
(2)
For purposes of this subsection, the term  temporarily unavailable  with respect to an amphibious warfare ship means that the ship has not surpassed its planned availability by a margin of—
(A)
greater than 100 percent of the nominal duration of that availability in 2026 or 2027;
(B)
greater than 75 percent of the nominal duration of that availability in 2028 or 2029;
(C)
greater than 50 percent of the nominal duration of that availability in 2030 or 2031; and
(D)
greater than 25 percent of the nominal duration of that availability in 2032 or any year thereafter.
 .
D
Air Force programs
131.
B–21 bomber aircraft program accountability matrices
(a)
Submittal of matrices
Concurrent with the President’s annual budget request submitted to Congress under section 1105 of title 31, United States Code, for fiscal year 2027, the Secretary of the Air Force shall submit to the congressional defense committees and the Comptroller General of the United States—
(1)
the matrices described in subsection (b) relating to the B–21 bomber aircraft program; and
(2)
the estimate, as of the date of such submission, for the program's average procurement unit cost, acquisition unit cost, and life-cycle costs.
(b)
Matrices described
The matrices described in this subsection are the following:
(1)
Program goals and execution
A matrix that identifies, in six-month increments, plans for and progress in achieving key milestones and events, and specific performance metric goals and actuals for the development, production, and sustainment of the B–21 bomber aircraft program, which shall be subdivided, at a minimum, according to the following:
(A)
Technology readiness levels of major components, and associated risks and key demonstration events through maturity (technology readiness level 7) for baseline and modernization efforts.
(B)
Engine design maturity, and plans and progress of engine test events.
(C)
Software development progress and related metrics, including—
(i)
percent of capabilities complete and system features complete; and
(ii)
software quality metrics.
(D)
Manufacturing progress and related metrics for the prime contractor and key suppliers, including—
(i)
manufacturing readiness levels through level 8;
(ii)
touch labor hours; and
(iii)
scrap, rework, and repair.
(E)
System verification and key ground and flight test events for developmental and operational testing, including—
(i)
percent complete;
(ii)
time on condition;
(iii)
sorties; and
(iv)
test points.
(F)
Aircraft reliability, availability, and maintainability metrics, including—
(i)
mean time to repair;
(ii)
operational availability;
(iii)
mission capable; and
(iv)
cost per flying hour.
(G)
Operations and sustainment plans and progress, including—
(i)
main operating base setup;
(ii)
training system deliveries;
(iii)
depot maintenance; and
(iv)
technology data packages.
(2)
Cost
A matrix expressing, in six-month increments, the total cost for the Air Force service cost position for the engineering and manufacturing development phase and production lots of the B–21 bomber aircraft, and a matrix expressing the total cost for the prime contractor’s estimate for such phase and production lots, each of which shall be phased over the entire engineering and manufacturing development period and subdivided according to the costs of the following:
(A)
Air vehicle.
(B)
Propulsion.
(C)
Mission systems.
(D)
Vehicle subsystems.
(E)
Air vehicle software.
(F)
Systems engineering.
(G)
Program management.
(H)
System test and evaluation.
(I)
Support and training systems.
(J)
Contract fee.
(K)
Engineering changes.
(L)
Direct mission support, including congressional general reductions.
(M)
Government testing.
(c)
Semiannual update of matrices
(1)
In general
Not later than 180 days after the date on which the Secretary of the Air Force submits the matrices required by subsection (a), concurrent with the submittal of each annual budget request to Congress under section 1105 of title 31, United States Code, thereafter, and not later than 180 days after each such submittal, the Secretary of the Air Force shall submit to the congressional defense committees and the Comptroller General updates to the matrices described in subsection (b).
(2)
Elements
Each update submitted under paragraph (1) shall detail progress made toward the goals identified in the matrix described in subsection (b)(1) and provide updated cost estimates.
(d)
Assessment by Comptroller General of the United States
Not less frequently than annually, the Comptroller General shall—
(1)
review the sufficiency of each matrix received under this section; and
(2)
submit to the congressional defense committees an assessment of such matrix, including by identifying cost, schedule, or performance trends.
(e)
Repeal
Section 238 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 ( Public Law 114–328 ; 130 Stat. 2067) is repealed.
132.
Bomber aircraft force structure and transition roadmap
(a)
In general
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 comprehensive roadmap detailing the planned force structure, basing, modernization, and transition strategy for the bomber aircraft fleet of the Air Force through fiscal year 2040.
(b)
Elements
The roadmap required by subsection (a) shall include the following:
(1)
A detailed schedule and rationale for the planned divestment of B–1 bomber aircraft, including location-specific retirements, infrastructure disposition, and mitigation of any resulting capability gaps.
(2)
A transition plan for the operational fielding of B–21 bomber aircraft, including basing decisions, training and sustainment plans, operational concepts, and anticipated initial operational capability and full operational capability timelines.
(3)
A strategy for integrating units of the Air National Guard and the Air Force Reserve into B–21 bomber aircraft operations, including planned force structure, association, training, and mobilization models.
(4)
An update on—
(A)
modernization efforts for B–52 bomber aircraft, including engine replacement, radar upgrades, and digital integration efforts; and
(B)
the expected service life and mission profile of B–52 bomber aircraft through the 2050s.
(5)
A detailed timeline with key milestones for each of the elements described in paragraphs (1) through (4), including programmatic decision points, resourcing requirements, risk assessments, and coordination with other components of the Air Force Global Strike Command and the Air Combat Command.
(c)
Objective
The roadmap required by subsection (a) shall support a deliberate and balanced transition to a modernized, dual-capable bomber aircraft force that ensures long-range strike capacity, survivability, and deterrence in both nuclear and conventional mission sets, with a minimum of 100 B–21 bomber aircraft as directed by prior Acts of Congress.
(d)
Form
The roadmap required by subsection (a) shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may include a classified annex.
133.
Requirement for an intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance roadmap for the Air Force
(a)
In general
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 comprehensive roadmap detailing the strategic plan for the development, acquisition, modernization, and integration of intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities of the Air Force.
(b)
Elements
The roadmap required by subsection (a) shall include the following:
(1)
A strategic assessment of current (as of the date on which the roadmap is submitted) and projected intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance requirements for the Air Force across all domains, including air, space, and cyberspace.
(2)
An inventory of current (as of the date on which the roadmap is submitted) intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance platforms, sensors, and associated data-processing systems, including the mission capabilities, operational status, and expected service life for each.
(3)
A plan for the modernization or divestment of legacy airborne intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance systems, with justification for each decision.
(4)
A detailed outline of planned investments and capabilities in emerging intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance technologies, including—
(A)
artificial intelligence;
(B)
machine learning;
(C)
space-based intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance; and
(D)
autonomous or remotely piloted platforms.
(5)
An assessment of the integration of intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance data into command and control networks, including interoperability with joint, interagency, and allied partners.
(6)
A risk assessment identifying potential capability gaps, threats, and mitigation strategies.
(7)
A description of the roles and responsibilities of the components of the intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance effort of the Air Force in implementing the roadmap.
(8)
A proposed timeline and milestones for the implementation of the roadmap over the next ten fiscal years.
(c)
Form
The roadmap required by subsection (a) shall be submitted in unclassified form, but shall include a classified annex.
134.
Annual report on Department of Defense unified datalink strategy
Section 1527 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 ( Public Law 118–31 ;  10 U.S.C. 2223  note) is amended—
(1)
by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (d); and
(2)
by inserting after subsection (b) the following new subsection (c):
(c)
Annual reports
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of the  National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 , and not less frequently than once each year thereafter through December 31, 2032, the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees an annual report on the implementation of the strategy.
 .
135.
Plan for open mission systems of F–35 aircraft
(a)
In general
The Secretary of Defense shall develop a plan to establish an open mission systems computing environment that is controlled by the Federal Government on the F–35 aircraft of the Department of Defense.
(b)
Elements
The plan required under subsection (a) shall do the following:
(1)
Enable the portability of software applications between the F–35 aircraft, the F–22 aircraft, and the Next Generation Air Dominance initiative of the Air Force.
(2)
Enable the integration of new open mission system software, or changes to existing open mission system software, with minimal integration work required by the prime contractor of the air vehicle.
(3)
Eliminate or minimize aircraft airworthiness impacts due to software changes within the open mission systems computing environment.
(4)
Enable the rapid upgrade of onboard processors.
(5)
Leverage a Federal Government reference architecture.
(6)
Ensure control by the Federal Government over the airworthiness and security processes, as well as ownership by the Federal Government of the open mission system technical documentation and data rights.
(7)
Be capable of connection to all relevant aircraft apertures sufficient to meet current and future combat requirements, including cockpit connectivity via ethernet.
(8)
Leverage modern commercial software languages and techniques necessary to support reliable, high-throughput, and low-latency use-cases.
(9)
Be applicable across all blocks and variants of the F–35 aircraft.
(c)
Report
(1)
In general
Not later than July 1, 2026, the Secretary of the Air Force shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report that includes the plan required under subsection (a).
(2)
Form
The report required under paragraph (1) shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may contain a classified annex.
136.
Modification of prohibition on retirement of F–15E aircraft
(a)
In general
Section 9062(l)(1) of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking  September 30, 2029  and inserting  September 30, 2027 ; and
(2)
in subparagraph (A), by striking  68 F–15E aircraft  and inserting  34 F–15E aircraft .
(b)
Repeal
Section 150 of the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 ( Public Law 118–159 ; 138 Stat. 1812) is amended—
(1)
by striking subsection (a);
(2)
by redesignating subsections (b) and (c) as subsections (a) and (b), respectively; and
(3)
in the section heading, by striking
Prohibition on retirement of F–15E aircraft and  .
137.
Prohibition on retirement of A–10 aircraft
(a)
Prohibition
None of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise made available for fiscal year 2026 for the Department of Defense may be obligated or expended to retire, prepare to retire, or otherwise divest A–10 aircraft to an inventory level below 103.
(b)
Waiver authority
The Secretary of the Air Force may waive the prohibition under subsection (a) with respect to a specific unit if—
(1)
the Secretary submits to the congressional defense committees a written certification that a detailed recapitalization plan has been developed for the affected unit, including follow on mission assignments, aircraft reallocation, personnel adjustments, and community impact mitigation; and
(2)
a period of 30 days has elapsed following the date of such submission.
(c)
Definitions
In this section:
(1)
A–10 aircraft
The term  A–10 aircraft  means any aircraft of the Air Force designated A–10 Thunderbolt II.
(2)
Retire
The term  retire  includes the permanent removal of an aircraft from the operational inventory, reassignment to storage, or placement into backup aircraft inventory or excess status.
138.
Extension of limitations and minimum inventory requirement relating to RQ–4 aircraft
Section 9062(m)(1) of title 10, United States Code, is amended, in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking  September 30, 2029  and inserting  September 30, 2030 .
139.
Expansion of air refueler fleet
(a)
Primary mission aircraft inventory
Notwithstanding any limit on primary mission aircraft inventory established before the date of the enactment of this Act, Secretary of the Air Force shall retain operational KC–135 Stratotankers as primary mission aircraft inventory as such aircraft are replaced by KC–46 aircraft in order to meet air refueling requirements of the Air Force and the United States Transportation Command.
(b)
Reassignment
(1)
In general
The Secretary of the Air Force shall reassign KC–135 Stratotankers that are retained as primary mission aircraft inventory and replaced by KC–46 aircraft to Air Refueling Wings that have the capacity to expand their primary mission aircraft inventory fleet of KC–135 Stratotankers.
(2)
Criteria
The Secretary of the Air Force shall reassign KC–135 Stratotankers under paragraph (1) based on the ability of an Air Refueling Wing to—
(A)
man the additional aircraft; and
(B)
support pilot training requirements.
140.
Requirements relating to C–130 aircraft
(a)
Extension of minimum inventory requirement
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 Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 ( Public Law 118–159 ; 138 Stat. 1810 ), is further amended by striking  2025  and inserting  2028 .
(b)
Extension of prohibition on reduction of C–130 aircraft assigned to National Guard
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 Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 ( Public Law 118–159 ; 138 Stat. 1810), is further amended by striking  2025  and inserting  2028 .
(c)
Report requirement
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter through fiscal year 2028, the Secretary of the Air Force shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report detailing the following:
(1)
The total number and variant types of C–130 aircraft in the inventory of the Air Force.
(2)
Any planned retirements, divestments, or reductions to the fleet of such aircraft.
(3)
Modernization and recapitalization efforts, including block upgrades and procurement schedules.
(4)
Planned basing actions for fielding C–130J aircraft to recapitalize C–130H aircraft.
141.
Information on future large and oversized air cargo transportation services
(a)
In general
The Secretary of Defense shall solicit from industry information on acquiring services of an airplane that—
(1)
is, as of June 2025, under development as a civilian aircraft;
(2)
would be capable of carrying space launch vehicles and other Department of Defense articles not more than 300 feet long that cannot be or, as of June 2025, are not readily transported in an airplane due to cargo dimensions;
(3)
could enter service not later than December 31, 2035;
(4)
could provide and supplement large and oversized fixed wing air cargo transportation services to support the readiness and logistical needs of the Department by December 31, 2035, and thereafter; and
(5)
could provide to the Department at least 2,000 hours and not more than 7,500 hours of airplane time for at least two and not more than five years beginning when such airplane could enter service.
(b)
Report
Not later than April 1, 2026, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the results of the solicitation required by subsection (a).
142.
Extension of prohibition on certain reductions to B–1 bomber aircraft squadrons
Subsection (d)(1) of section 133 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 ( Public Law 117–81 ; 135 Stat. 1574), as most recently amended by section 146 of the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 ( Public Law 118–159 ; 138 Stat. 1810), is further amended by striking  September 30, 2026  and inserting  September 30, 2030 .
143.
Prohibition on certain reductions to inventory of E–3 airborne warning and control system aircraft
(a)
Prohibition
None of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise made available for fiscal year 2026 for the Air Force may be obligated or expended to retire, prepare to retire, or place in storage or in backup aircraft inventory any E–3 aircraft if such actions would reduce the total aircraft inventory for such aircraft below 16.
(b)
Exception for plan
If the Secretary of the Air Force submits to the congressional defense committees a plan for maintaining readiness and ensuring there is no lapse in mission capabilities, the prohibition under subsection (a) shall not apply to actions taken to reduce the total aircraft inventory for E–3 aircraft to below 16, beginning 30 days after the date on which the plan is so submitted.
(c)
Exception for E–7 aircraft procurement
If the Secretary of the Air Force procures enough E–7 Wedgetail aircraft to accomplish the required mission load, the prohibition under subsection (a) shall not apply to actions taken to reduce the total aircraft inventory for E–3 aircraft to below 16 after the date on which such E–7 Wedgetail aircraft are delivered.
II
Research, development, test, and evaluation
A
Authorization of appropriations
201.
Authorization of appropriations
Funds are hereby authorized to be appropriated for fiscal year 2026 for the use of the Department of Defense for research, development, test, and evaluation, as specified in the funding table in section 4201.
B
Program requirements, restrictions, and limitations
211.
Modifications to defense research capacity building program
(a)
In general
For fiscal year 2026 and each fiscal year thereafter, the Secretary of Defense shall ensure that all funding opportunities executed in Program Element 0601228D8Z, or successor program element, shall include separate funding solicitations each focused toward—
(1)
Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Tribal Colleges and Universities; and
(2)
Minority-Serving Institutions that are not described in paragraph (1).
(b)
Definitions
In this section:
(1)
The term  Historically Black College or University  has the meaning given the term  part B institution  in section 322 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 1061 ).
(2)
The term  Minority-Serving Institution  means an eligible institution described in section 371(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 1067q(a) ).
(3)
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) ).
212.
Program for the enhancement of the research, development, test, and evaluation centers of the Department of Defense
(a)
Making permanent and improving pilot program for the enhancement of the research, development, test, and evaluation centers of the Department of Defense
 Chapter 305  of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section:
4145.
Program for the enhancement of the research, development, test, and evaluation centers of the Department of Defense
(a)
In general
The Secretary of Defense and the Secretaries of the military departments shall jointly carry out a program to demonstrate methods for the more effective development of technology and management of functions at eligible centers.
(b)
Eligible centers
For purposes of the program, the eligible centers are—
(1)
the science and technology reinvention laboratories, as designated by section 4121(b) of this title;
(2)
the test and evaluation centers which are activities specified as part of the Major Range and Test Facility Base in Department of Defense Directive 3200.11;
(3)
the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency;
(4)
the Defense Innovation Unit;
(5)
the Strategic Capabilities Office (SCO); and
(6)
the Office of Strategic Capital.
(c)
Participation in program
(1)
In general
Subject to paragraph (2), the head of each eligible center shall submit to the Assistant Secretary concerned a proposal on, and implement, alternative and innovative methods of effective management and operations of eligible centers, rapid project delivery, support, experimentation, prototyping, and partnership with universities and private sector entities—
(A)
to generate greater value and efficiencies in research and development activities;
(B)
to enable more efficient and effective operations of supporting activities, such as—
(i)
facility management, construction, and repair;
(ii)
business operations;
(iii)
personnel management policies and practices; and
(iv)
intramural and public outreach; and
(C)
to enable more rapid deployment of warfighter capabilities.
(2)
Implementation
(A)
The head of an eligible center described in paragraph (1) or (2) of subsection (b) shall implement each method proposed under paragraph (1) of this subsection unless such method is disapproved in writing by the Assistant Secretary concerned within 60 days of receiving a proposal from an eligible center.
(B)
The Director of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, the Defense Innovation Unit, the Strategic Capabilities Office and the Office of Strategic Capital shall implement each method proposed under paragraph (1) unless such method is disapproved in writing by the Deputy Secretary of Defense within 60 days of receiving a proposal from the Director.
(C)
In this paragraph, the term  Assistant Secretary concerned  means—
(i)
the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, with respect to matters concerning the Air Force;
(ii)
the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics, with respect to matters concerning the Army; and
(iii)
the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development, and Acquisition, with respect to matters concerning the Navy.
(d)
Waiver authority for demonstration and implementation
The head of an eligible center may waive any regulation, restriction, requirement, guidance, policy, procedure, or departmental instruction that would affect the implementation of a method proposed under subsection (c)(1), unless such implementation would be prohibited by a provision of a Federal statute or common law.
 .
(b)
Conforming repeal
Section 233 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 ( Public Law 114–328 ;  10 U.S.C. 4141  note prec.) is repealed.
213.
Extension of authority for assignment to Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency of private sector personnel with critical research and development expertise
Section 232(e) of the Carl Levin and Howard P.  Buck  McKeon National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015 ( Public Law 113–291 ;  10 U.S.C. 4091  note prec.) is amended by striking  September 30, 2025  and inserting  September 30, 2030 .
214.
Limitation on use of funds for certain Navy software
None of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act may be obligated or expended for the autonomy baseline manager or the common control system of the Navy unless—
(1)
the Secretary of the Navy submits to the congressional defense committees—
(A)
the original baseline schedule of key capability deliverables and the current schedule as of the date of submission;
(B)
the original cost estimate and the current cost estimate as of the date of submission, including the total funding received for the program;
(C)
all reports of test and experimentation events, including a comparison of performance to alternative industry capabilities;
(D)
the unaltered assessment of the Defense Innovation Unit on a market assessment of industry capabilities compared to the capabilities of the autonomy baseline manager and the common control system of the Navy; and
(E)
an assessment that the program is delivering new capabilities at a pace and quality that meets or exceeds industry capabilities; and
(2)
the Chief of Naval Operations validates to the congressional defense committees that the program meets operational user needs of the Navy.
215.
Limitation on availability of funds for Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering
Of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise made available for fiscal year 2026 for operation and maintenance, Defense-wide, and available to the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering for travel purposes, not more than 80 percent may be obligated or expended until the date on which the Under Secretary submits to the congressional defense committees the report required by section 245(d) of the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 ( Public Law 118–159 ).
216.
Prohibition on contracts between certain foreign entities and institutions of higher education conducting Department of Defense-funded research
(a)
Prohibition
Beginning on January 1, 2027, a covered institution may not enter into a contract with a covered nation or a foreign entity of concern.
(b)
Waivers
(1)
Authority
Subject to the provisions of this subsection and subsection (c), the Secretary of Defense may, or their designee, pursuant to a request submitted under paragraph (2) of this subsection, issue a waiver of the prohibition set forth in subsection (a).
(2)
Submission
(A)
First waiver requests
(i)
In general
A covered institution that desires to enter into a contract with a foreign entity of concern or a covered nation may submit to the Secretary of Defense, not later than 120 days before the institution enters into such a contract, a request to waive the prohibition set forth in subsection (a) with respect to such contract.
(ii)
Contents of waiver request
A waiver request submitted by a covered institution under clause (i) shall include—
(I)
the complete and unredacted text of the proposed contract for which the waiver is being requested, and if such original contract is not in English, a translated copy of the text into English (in a manner that complies with subsection (e)); and
(II)
a statement that—
(aa)
is signed by the President or compliance officer of the institution designated in accordance with subsection (f); and
(bb)
includes information that demonstrates that such contract is for the benefit of the institution’s mission and students and will promote the security, stability, and economic vitality of the United States.
(B)
Renewal waiver requests
(i)
In general
A covered institution that has entered into a contract pursuant to a waiver issued under this section, the term of which is longer than the 1-year waiver period and the terms and conditions of which remain the same as the proposed contract submitted as part of the request for such waiver, may submit, not later than 120 days before the expiration of such waiver period, a request for a renewal of such waiver for the remainder of the contract term, but not to exceed a 4-year period (which shall include any information requested by the Secretary).
(ii)
Termination
If a covered institution fails to submit a request under clause (i) or is not granted a renewal under such clause, such institution shall terminate such contract on the last day of the original 1-year waiver period.
(3)
Waiver issuance
The Secretary of Defense—
(A)
not later than 60 days before a covered institution enters into a contract pursuant to a waiver request under paragraph (2)(A), or before a contract described in paragraph (2)(B)(i) is renewed pursuant to a renewal request under such paragraph, shall notify the covered institution—
(i)
if the waiver or renewal will be issued by the Secretary; and
(ii)
in a case in which the waiver or renewal will be issued, the date on which the 1-year waiver period starts;
(B)
may only issue a waiver under this subsection to a covered institution if the Secretary of Defense determines that the contract for which the waiver is being requested will both—
(i)
benefit the institution’s mission and students; and
(ii)
promote the security, stability, and economic vitality of the United States; and
(C)
shall, when making the determination described in subparagraph (B)(ii), base such determination on the following factors:
(i)
The reasons for which the foreign entity of concern or covered nation has been so designated, and why those reasons do not apply to the contract for which waiver is being sought.
(ii)
The foreign entity of concern or covered nation’s history of involvement with covered institutions.
(iii)
The degree to which such a contract could provide access to information or technology which could materially benefit the national security of a covered nation or harm the national security of the United States.
(4)
Notification to Congress
Not later than 15 calendar days prior to issuing a waiver under this subsection, 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 written notice of the intent of the Secretary to issue such waiver together with a justification for such waiver.
(5)
Application of waivers
A waiver issued under this subsection to a covered institution with respect to a contract shall only—
(A)
waive the prohibition under subsection (a) for a 1-year period, or for the remainder of the term of the contract, but not to exceed 4 years; and
(B)
apply to the terms and conditions of the proposed contract submitted as part of the request for such waiver.
(c)
Contracts prior to date of enactment
(1)
In general
In the case of a covered institution that entered into contract with a covered nation or foreign entity of concern prior to January 1, 2027, and which contract remains in effect on such date, the Secretary shall notify the congressional defense committees within 90 days of enactment of this Act.
(2)
Renewal
A covered institution that has entered into a contract described in paragraph (1), the term of which is longer than the waiver period described in subparagraph (B) of such paragraph and the terms and conditions of which remain the same as the contract submitted as part of the request required under subparagraph (A) of such paragraph, may submit a request for renewal of the waiver issued under such paragraph in accordance with subsection (c)(2)(B).
(d)
Designation during contract term
In the case of a covered institution that enters into a contract with a foreign source that is not a covered nation or a foreign entity of concern but which, during the term of such contract, is redesignated as a covered nation or foreign entity of concern, such institution shall terminate such contract not later than 120 days after the Secretary notifies the covered institution of such designation or immediately requests a waiver.
(e)
Translation requirement
Any information required to be disclosed under this section with respect to a contract that is not in English shall be translated, for purposes of such disclosure, by a person that is not an affiliated entity or agent of the covered nation or foreign entity of concern involved with such contract.
(f)
Compliance officer
Each covered institution applying for a waiver under subsection (c), shall identify a compliance officer, who shall—
(1)
be a current employee or legally authorized agent of such institution; and
(2)
be responsible, on behalf of such institution, for personally certifying—
(A)
compliance with the prohibition under this section; and
(B)
the truth and accuracy of any information contained in such a waiver request.
(g)
Annual reports
Section 1286(f) of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 ( Public Law 115–232 ; 10 U.S.C. 4001  note) is amended—
(1)
in paragraph (1), by striking  and on the periodic reviews conducted pursuant to subsection (e)  and inserting  , on the periodic reviews conducted pursuant to subsection (e), and the waivers issued under section 216 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 ; and
(2)
in paragraph (2), by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
(C)
With respect to waivers described in paragraph (1), the following:
(i)
The terms and contents of any waivers issued under section 216 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 in the period covered by the report;
(ii)
any trends in—
(I)
the number of waivers issued under such section over time; and
(II)
the types of contracts to which such waivers pertain; and
(iii)
the processes used by the Secretary to verify that covered institutions (as defined in such section) are in compliance with the requirements of such section.
 .
(h)
Definitions
In this section:
(1)
(A)
Except as provided in subparagraph (B), the term  contract  means—
(i)
any agreement or memorandum of understanding for the acquisition, by purchase, lease, or barter, of property or services by or from a covered nation or foreign entity of concern; or
(ii)
any affiliation, agreement, or similar transaction with a covered nation or foreign entity of concern that involves the use or exchange of the name, likeness, time, services, or resources of a covered institution.
(B)
The term  contract  does not include—
(i)
an agreement solely or primarily for the purposes of conducting a study-abroad program wherein students at covered institutions in the United States travel to a covered nation to study;
(ii)
an arms-length agreement for the acquisition by purchase, lease, or barter of property or services for the covered institution from a foreign entity of concern; or
(iii)
an agreement pertaining to a pre-existing campus or other satellite facility of a covered institution located in a covered nation or a joint facility of a covered institution and another entity located in a covered nation, unless that facility could provide access to information or technology which could materially benefit the national security of a covered nation or harm the national security of the United States.
(2)
The term  covered institution  means an institution of higher education that conducts research funded by the Department of Defense.
(3)
The term  covered nation  has the meaning given that term in section 4872(d) of title 10, United States Code.
(4)
The term  foreign entity of concern  means any person or entity—
(A)
listed on the Department of Commerce's Entity List (Supplement No. 4 to part 744 of the Export Administration Regulations), or successor list;
(B)
included in the list of Chinese military companies operating in the United States most recently submitted under section 1260H(b)(1) of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 ( Public Law 115–283 ; 10 U.S.C. 113  note); or
(C)
identified on the list published under section 1286(c)(9)(A) of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 ( Public Law 115–232 ; 10 U.S.C. 4001  note).
(5)
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 ).
217.
Western regional range complex demonstration
(a)
Demonstration required
The Secretary shall carry out a demonstration of a joint multi-domain kinetic and non-kinetic testing and training environment across military departments by interconnecting existing ranges and training sites in the western States to improve joint multi-domain training and further testing, research, and development.
(b)
Use of existing ranges and capabilities
The demonstration carried out pursuant to subsection (a) shall use existing ranges and range capability, unless capability gaps are identified in the process of planning specific demonstration activities.
(c)
Activities
The demonstration carried out pursuant to subsection (a) shall include the following:
(1)
Electromagnetic spectrum operations.
(2)
Electromagnetic warfare.
(3)
Operations that blend kinetic and non-kinetic effects.
(4)
Operations in the information environment.
(5)
Joint All Domain Command and Control (JADC2).
(6)
Information warfare, including the following:
(A)
Intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance.
(B)
Offensive and defense cyber operations.
(C)
Electromagnetic warfare.
(D)
Space operations.
(E)
Psychological operations.
(F)
Public affairs.
(G)
Weather operations.
(d)
Timeline for completion of initial demonstration
In carrying out subsection (a), the Secretary shall seek to complete an initial demonstration, interconnecting two or more ranges or testing sites of two or more military departments in the western States, subject to availability of appropriations, not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act.
(e)
Briefing
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall provide the congressional defense committees a briefing on—
(1)
a phased implementation plan and design to connect ranges and testing sites in the western States, including the initial demonstration required by subsection (d);
(2)
how the design architecture of the plan is in alignment with recommendations of the 2020 Department of Defense Electromagnetic Spectrum Superiority Strategy; and
(3)
how the design architecture will support high-periodicity training, testing, research, and development.
(f)
Definitions
In this section:
(1)
Information environment
The term  information environment  means the aggregate of individuals, organizations, and systems that collect, process, and disseminate, or act on information.
(2)
Secretary
The term  Secretary  means the Secretary of Defense.
(g)
Termination
This section shall terminate on September 30, 2028.
218.
Modification of requirement for Department of Defense policies for management and certification of Link 16 military tactical data link network
Section 228(b) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 ( Public Law 118–31 ;  10 U.S.C. 4571  note) is amended—
(1)
in paragraph (1)(A), by striking  the Nevada Test and Training Range, Restricted Area 2508, Warning Area 151/470, Warning Area 386, and the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex  and inserting  military special use airspace including all prohibited areas, restricted areas, warning areas, and military operational areas ;
(2)
in paragraph (2), in the matter before subparagraph (A), by striking  training, and large-scale exercises.  and inserting  regular training, and large-scale exercises. Under such processes, approval of Link 16 operations shall be presumed and denial of Link 16 operations shall be accompanied with substantiated evidence demonstrating compromise of safety due to electromagnetic interference. ; and
(3)
in paragraph (5), by inserting  regular  before  training .
219.
Advanced robotic automation for munitions manufacturing
(a)
Program required
The Secretary of the Army shall carry out a program to support the maturation and expansion of robotic automation capabilities for munitions manufacturing at government-owned, contractor-operated production facilities.
(b)
Objectives
The objectives of the program under subsection (a) shall include the following:
(1)
The design and integration of inherently safe, scalable robotic load, assemble, and pack (LAP) systems for munitions production.
(2)
The demonstration of increased throughput and production capacity, while reducing manual handling of energetic materials.
(3)
The development of cyber-hardened data infrastructure for secure integration of factory-floor operations with enterprise systems.
(4)
Support for workforce upskilling and training in robotics, automation, and advanced manufacturing technologies.
(5)
The evaluation of applicability across multiple munition types and organic industrial base sites.
(c)
Coordination
In carrying out the program under subsection (a), the Secretary of the Army shall coordinate with the Joint Program Executive Office Armaments and Ammunition and other relevant components of the Department of the Army.
(d)
Briefing
Not later than March 1, 2026, the Secretary of Defense shall provide the congressional defense committees a briefing on the program carried out under subsection (a). Such briefing shall cover—
(1)
the progress made under the program;
(2)
lessons learned; and
(3)
recommendations for the wider adoption of robotic automation technologies within the defense industrial base.
220.
Dual-use and defense advanced manufacturing innovation hubs
(a)
Establishment
The Secretary of Defense shall establish one or more dual-use advanced manufacturing hubs that co-locate and share resources among public and private stakeholders from industry, academia, government, nongovernment agencies, and workforce and economic development resources. The hub or hubs should span the full spectrum of advanced manufacturing capabilities and cover the full development timeline between prototyping and fielding.
(b)
Requirements
A hub established under subsection (a) shall—
(1)
utilize, to the maximum extent possible, the Department of Defense Manufacturing Innovation Institutes (MII) and encourage the MIIs to coordinate efforts in a joint manner;
(2)
provide shared advanced manufacturing infrastructure and equipment, such as high-speed metal printers and material testing laboratories;
(3)
establish a process to provide advanced manufacturing capability, including on shared classified space as needed;
(4)
utilize, to the maximum extent possible, the Defense Logistics Agency’s Joint Additive Manufacturing Model Exchange (JAMMEX) as a central data repository for technical data packages for advanced manufacturing;
(5)
build on the Defense Innovation Unit’s Blue Manufacturing Initiative and Blue Manufacturing Marketplace to match hardware and software manufacturers in defense technology with advanced manufacturing providers; and
(6)
meet annual production benchmarks for defense applications.
(c)
Recommendation
Not later than September 30, 2026, the Under Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a recommendation for the appropriate number of regional hubs to be established under subsection (a) for the Department of Defense to meet its sustainment needs and such requirements, specifications, and capabilities as the regional hubs may require.
220A.
Advanced manufacturing and additive manufacturing programs
(a)
Department of Defense Advanced Manufacturing Program
Not later than December 31, 2027, the Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Secretaries of the military departments, shall aim to qualify and approve for manufacturing and delivery not fewer than 1,000,000 parts or components of the Department of Defense that use advanced manufacturing techniques, with funding subject to the availability of appropriations or other funds. In doing so, the Secretary shall ensure that expedited processes for adoption of advanced manufacturing products are utilized across the components of the Department of Defense and lifecycle phases for new and existing systems.
(b)
Program to additively manufacture certain types of unmanned aerial systems
Not later than September 30, 2026, the Secretary of Defense shall carry out a program to certify new materials and processes to manufacture 25 to100 percent of the parts of one of each type of the following unmanned aerial system (UAS) categories using advanced or additive manufacturing techniques:
(1)
Small unmanned aerial systems used as tactical loitering munitions.
(2)
Small unmanned aerial systems used for surveillance and reconnaissance missions.
(3)
Small unmanned aerial systems used for logistics missions.
(c)
Program to certify additively manufactured parts for military systems with diminishing manufacturing sources and material shortages
(1)
Program required
Not later than September 30, 2026, the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment shall, in coordination with the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering and the Secretaries of the military departments, carry out a program to produce replacement parts for military systems with diminishing manufacturing sources and material shortages using advanced or additive manufacturing techniques.
(2)
Tested parts
In carrying out the program required by paragraph (1), the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment shall select not less than five parts for test, evaluation, and certification under the program.
(3)
Test and evaluation
(A)
In general
In carrying out the program required by paragraph (1), the Under Secretary shall use additive manufacturing techniques to manufacture the parts selected pursuant to paragraph (2) and then test and evaluate the manufactured parts.
(B)
Evaluation
Evaluation under subparagraph (A) shall be based on performance rather than specifications.
(4)
Sharing of results and data
In carrying out the program required by paragraph (1), the Under Secretary shall share test data across all military departments and establish mechanisms for data reciprocity for test and evaluation results for additively manufactured parts across all military departments.
(5)
List of obsolete parts
The Under Secretary shall, in coordination with the Secretaries of the military departments, make a list of all parts for military systems with diminishing manufacturing sources and material shortages.
(6)
New licensing agreements
The Under Secretary shall, in coordination with the Secretaries of the military departments, create new licensing agreements with owners of intellectual property for the platforms with parts included in the list required by paragraph (5) that allow additive manufacture of the parts.
(d)
Program to additively manufacture metal parts
(1)
Program required
The Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment shall carry out a program across all military departments to additively manufacture three commonly used metal parts of each military department, such as titanium, stainless steel, and aluminum.
(2)
Assessment required
Not later than September 30, 2026, the Under Secretary shall—
(A)
complete an assessment to determine how to additively manufacture 10 metal parts of each military department, with a preference for parts that require long lead times to manufacture or have sole-source suppliers; and
(B)
submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the findings of the Under Secretary with respect to the assessment completed under subparagraph (A).
(e)
Program to additively manufacture parts for ground combat systems
The Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment shall, in coordination with the Secretary of the Army and the Director of the Defense Logistics Agency—
(1)
identify sustainment vulnerabilities in the ground equipment supply chain of the Army, including at the manufacturing arsenals and maintenance depots of the Army that comprise the Organic Industrial Base, where additive manufacturing could be used to repair, upgrade, or modernize ground combat systems;
(2)
choose not less than five parts that have long lead times for fabricating the greatest degree of customized specifications or have the most limited quantity in inventory and additively manufacture replacement parts for them;
(3)
create a critical parts list identifying parts and components across ground combat systems with long lead times eligible to be additively manufactured; and
(4)
develop plans, in coordination with Army Development Command, to integrate additive manufacturing techniques and technologies in the design, production, and sustainment of next-generation combat vehicles and their technologies. The developed technologies should prioritize interoperability across military platforms and integration with other military services.
220B.
Improvements relating to advanced manufacturing
(a)
Leadership changes
(1)
Joint Defense Manufacturing Technology Panel
Section 4842(b)(1) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking  The Chair of  and all that follows through  programs.  and inserting the following:  The Panel shall be co-chaired by the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment and the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering. .
(2)
Joint Additive Manufacturing Working Group
The Joint Additive Manufacturing Working Group shall be co-chaired by the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment and the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering.
(3)
Consortium on Additive Manufacturing for Defense Capability Development
Section 223 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 ( 10 U.S.C. 4841  note) is amended—
(A)
by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (d); and
(B)
by inserting after subsection (b) the following new subsection (c):
(c)
Co-chairs
The Consortium shall be co-chaired by the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment and the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering.
 .
(b)
Advanced manufacturing guidance and manual
(1)
Guidance, DOD I update, and manual required
Not later than September 30, 2026, the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment and the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering, in consultation with the Secretaries of the military departments, shall—
(A)
develop guidance to incorporate innovations in advanced manufacturing in such a way that the Department of Defense can better and faster deliver capabilities, sustain operations, and protect the warfighter with the latest technology while still ensuring quality, reliability, and compatibility;
(B)
update Department of Defense Instruction 5000.93 (relating to use of additive manufacturing in the Department of Defense) dated June 10, 2021, to waive the requirement to maintain records of all additively produced end-items put into operational use where the additively produced part meets or exceeds performance of the traditionally manufactured end-item;
(C)
create a manual in accordance with such instruction that gets at the technical standards required to qualify parts, components, or products that use advanced manufacturing technologies and techniques; and
(D)
not later than March 1, 2026, provide the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a briefing on plans to update the guidance developed under subparagraph (A) and the updates made under subparagraph (B).
(2)
Considerations
In carrying out paragraph (1), the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment and the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering shall consider the 2016 Department of Defense Additive Manufacturing Roadmap, the 2021 Department of Defense Additive Manufacturing Strategy, the 2022 National Strategy for Advanced Manufacturing, and Department of Defense Instruction 5000.93.
(3)
Alignment
The Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment and the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering shall ensure that the guidance on the use of advanced manufacturing required by paragraph (1)(A)—
(A)
aligns with Department of Defense acquisition to prioritize flexibility, interoperability, and domestic sourcing; and
(B)
requires the Department to prefer United States manufacturers and equipment and document a justification whenever the Department uses a foreign source; and
(C)
requires the Department to partner with and direct funds to the Department’s Manufacturing Innovation Institutes whenever feasible.
(4)
Elements
(A)
Guidance
The guidance required by paragraph (1)(A) shall include guidance for all types of advanced manufacturing, including the following:
(i)
Additive manufacturing.
(ii)
Advanced materials.
(iii)
Advanced composite materials.
(iv)
Robotics and automation.
(v)
Laser, machining, and welding.
(vi)
Nanotechnology.
(vii)
Network and information technology integration.
(B)
Manual
(i)
The guidance required by subparagraph (A) of paragraph (1) shall utilize expedited qualification and testing procedures established in section 865 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 and result in a manual under subparagraph (C) of such paragraph to establish standardized processes to qualify parts and components produced by advanced manufacturing techniques and technologies based on performance, rather than specifications for testing and evaluation.
(ii)
The process described in clause (i) shall include a methodology for standardizing technical production specifications, testing processes, and data reciprocity to share and accept test results of the same additively manufactured parts across all military departments.
(iii)
The process described in clause (i) shall include test and evaluation results that facilitate data reciprocity across military departments, removing the need for each military department to independently validate the same parts another military department has already validated.
(iv)
The manual shall include steps to allow for streamlined incremental qualification, rather than complete requalification, when the design and manufacturing process incorporates changes.
(v)
The process described in clause (i) shall explore the option for third-party, external certification for companies that cannot afford or do not have the in-house expertise to do this on their own but have the technology that the Department needs.
(C)
Advanced materials and advanced composite materials research
The guidance required by paragraph (1)(A) and the manual required by paragraph (1)(C)—
(i)
shall cover requirements for development, test, and evaluation of the material properties of advanced materials and advanced composite materials used in advanced manufacturing, including metals, polymers, ceramics, composites, and hybrid metals;
(ii)
should include how to incorporate integrated computational materials engineering to predict the material properties and the distribution of those properties in additively manufactured parts and scale-up additive manufacturing; and
(iii)
shall include a list of recommendations for the types of amounts of critical metals to stockpile for the Department’s use in additive manufacturing, which should be accessible to users of the Defense Logistics Agency’s Joint Additive Manufacturing Model Exchange (JAMMEX).
(D)
Cybersecurity
(i)
The guidance required by paragraph (1)(A) and the manual required by paragraph (1)(C) shall include cybersecurity standards and guidelines for advanced manufacturing developed in consultation with the Chief Information Officer.
(ii)
The guidance and manual should address the unique challenges that advanced manufacturing poses to Department information networks.
(iii)
The guidance and manual shall include matters relating to cybersecurity compliance.
(iv)
The guidance and manual shall call for periodic security and compliance reviews.
(E)
Modeling and simulation
The guidance and manual required by paragraph (1)—
(i)
shall include software-driven, artificial intelligence-enabled modeling and simulation techniques for design, development, test, and evaluation to the maximum extent possible; and
(ii)
should include integrating modeling and simulation at every level, from enterprise to individual operation, including utilizing digital engineering.
(F)
Intellectual property
(i)
The guidance required by paragraph (1)(A) and the manual required by paragraph (1)(C) shall include processes and contracting mechanisms to protect and manage intellectual property.
(ii)
The processes and contracting mechanisms described in clause (i) shall be designed to incentivize innovation while allowing the Department to additively manufacture parts and products for military systems at scale and on demand in case of contingency or crisis. This can include new licensing agreements with terms and conditions that allow for innovative intellectual property strategies.
(iii)
The guidance and manual shall include considerations to incorporate the Defense Logistics Agency’s Joint Additive Manufacturing Model Exchange (JAMMEX).
(G)
Quality assurance
(i)
The guidance required by paragraph (1)(A) and the manual required by paragraph (1)(C) shall include processes, materials, and technologies to ensure continuous quality control throughout the entire manufacturing process and post-production.
(ii)
The guidance and manual shall incorporate the process window qualification methodology, which is designed to be machine-agnostic, or independent of specific machine brands or software providers, as well as the following:
(I)
Real-time process monitoring leveraging machine sensors and software analytics to detect and instantly mitigate deviations prevents defects and unauthorized parameter changes.
(II)
Integration of machine learning algorithms that analyze production data in real-time allows the identification of anomalies indicative of potential quality or security threats, enabling proactive mitigation.
(III)
Software-defined quality assurance protocols enforce standardized, repeatable verification processes, greatly improving reliability and simplifying security audits.
(H)
Proliferation of additive manufacturing capabilities
The guidance required by paragraph (1) shall include a plan that includes phasing and funding requirements to proliferate advanced manufacturing technologies and techniques across the entire Department, at the enterprise level to tactical operational units. This guidance shall—
(i)
identify end-user access and operational needs for advanced manufacturing and associated resourcing, infrastructure, and basing requirements;
(ii)
establish logistics models for production of additively manufactured parts in the continental United States and at forward operating locations;
(iii)
improve supply chain risk management; and
(iv)
stimulate supply chain agility within the Department.
(I)
Training
The guidance required by paragraph (1)(A) shall include training program requirements, phasing, and sequencing to ensure each warfighter is equipped with the knowledge and skills to use advanced manufacturing techniques and technologies efficiently and safely. The guidance shall—
(i)
outline which military occupational specialty career fields to train in advanced manufacturing equipment, techniques, and procedures with each military service and the degree of proficiency and training time required;
(ii)
explore partnerships to establish apprenticeships and skilled technician training pipelines to support Department of Defense research and development programs and programs of record; and
(iii)
consider creating new initiatives within existing transition assistance programs to create pathways for members of the Armed Forces to receive the training necessary to adapt their military skills to civilian jobs in advanced manufacturing.
(5)
Manual required
The manual created under paragraph (1)(C) shall be a service-agnostic, vendor-agnostic manual on advanced manufacturing techniques and technologies for the Department of Defense—
(A)
to standardize across the military departments the technical parameters for manufacturing parts and products using advanced manufacturing techniques;
(B)
to outline the categories and levels of risk associated with such parts and products, including distinguishing between safety-critical and non-safety-critical parts and providing expedited approvals for low-risk parts through standardized material datasets and pre-qualified manufacturing protocols;
(C)
to lay out the processes for qualification and certification across categories of such parts and products;
(D)
to establish data reciprocity for test and evaluation data across all military departments with respect to qualifying such parts and products;
(E)
to utilize the Defense Logistics Agency’s Joint Additive Manufacturing Model Exchange (JAMMEX) as the central data repository for technical data packages for advanced manufacturing; and
(F)
to incorporate new proposed qualification approaches proposed by industry consortiums, Manufacturing Innovation Institutes, and Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs.
(6)
Timeline
(A)
Initial
The Secretary shall ensure that the guidance required by paragraph (1)(A) goes into effect in fiscal year 2026 by providing guidance with respect to the top three essential metals each military department needs to maintain its operational platforms.
(B)
Subsequent
The Secretary shall ensure that the guidance required by paragraph (1)(A) goes into effect not later than January 1, 2027, for all essential metals not covered by subparagraph (A).
(7)
Advanced manufacturing defined
In this subsection, the term  advanced manufacturing  means a manufacturing process using the following:
(A)
Additive manufacturing.
(B)
Wire-arc additive manufacturing.
(C)
Powder bed fusion manufacturing.
(D)
Other manufacturing capabilities similar to those listed in subparagraphs (A) through (C).
220C.
Limitation on availability of funds for fundamental research collaboration with certain academic institutions
(a)
Limitation
Except as provided in subsection (b), none of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise made available for the Department of Defense for fiscal year 2026 may be obligated or expended to award a grant or contract to an institution of higher education for the specific purposes of conducting fundamental research in collaboration with a covered entity.
(b)
Waiver
(1)
In general
The Assistant Secretary of Defense for Science and Technology may waive the limitation under subsection (a), on a case-by-case basis, with respect to an individual grant or contract for an institution of higher education if the Assistant Secretary determines that such a waiver is in the national security interests of the United States.
(2)
Congressional notice
Not later than 30 days after the date on which an award is made by the Department of Defense involving an institution of higher education with respect to which a waiver is made under paragraph (1), the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Science and Technology shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives notice of such waiver.
(c)
Report annex
(1)
In general
On an annual basis, as a classified or controlled unclassified information annex to the annual report required by section 1286(f) of the John S McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 ( Public Law 115–232 ;  10 U.S.C. 4001  note), the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report annex on the compliance of the Department of Defense and institutions of higher education with the requirements of this section.
(2)
Contents
Each report annex submitted pursuant to paragraph (1) shall include, for each waiver issued under subsection (b) during the period covered by the report—
(A)
a justification for the waiver; and
(B)
a detailed description of the type and extent of any collaboration between an institution of higher education and a covered entity allowed pursuant to the waiver, including identification of the institution of higher education and the covered entities involved, the type of technology involved, the duration of the collaboration, and terms and conditions on intellectual property assignment, as applicable, under the collaboration agreement.
(d)
Definitions
In this section:
(1)
The term  collaboration  means coordinated activity between an institution of higher education and a covered entity and includes—
(A)
sharing of research facilities, resources, or data;
(B)
sharing of technical know-how;
(C)
any financial or in-kind contribution intended to produce a research product;
(D)
sponsorship or facilitation of research fellowships, visas, or residence permits;
(E)
joint ventures, partnerships, or other formalized agreements for the purpose of conducting research or sharing resources, data, or technology;
(F)
inclusion of researchers as consultants, advisors, or members of advisory or review boards; and
(G)
such other activities as may be determined by the Secretary of Defense.
(2)
The term  covered entity —
(A)
means an academic institution that is included in the most recently updated list developed pursuant to 1286(c)(9) of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 ( Public Law 115–232 ;  10 U.S.C. 4001  note); and
(B)
includes any individual employed by such an academic institution.
(3)
The term  fundamental research  has the meaning given that term in National Security Decision Directive-189 (NSSD-189), National Policy on the Transfer of Scientific, Technical and Engineering Information, dated September 21, 1985, or any successor document.
(4)
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 ) and includes—
(A)
any department, program, project, faculty, researcher, or other individual, entity, or activity of such institution; and
(B)
any branch of such institution within or outside the United States.
C
Plans, reports, and other matters
221.
Catalyst Pathfinder Program
(a)
Establishment
Not later than January 1, 2027, the Secretary of the Army shall establish a soldier-inspired innovation program—
(1)
that creates partnerships between operational units of the Army and leading national research universities to provide a unique platform for university-based researchers and small businesses to collaborate directly with soldiers on cutting-edge applied research and development; and
(2)
to integrate soldiers into the early-stage problem identification process and include them in the solution development process to ensure technical solutions are meeting soldier needs and enhancing lethality.
(b)
Designation
The program established pursuant to subsection (a) shall be known as the  Catalyst Pathfinder Program  (in this section the  Program ).
(c)
Activities
In carrying out the Program, the Secretary shall—
(1)
establish activities at all active-duty divisions of the Army to accelerate the incorporation of soldier insights into capability development;
(2)
establish policies that streamline collaboration between soldiers, Army Futures Command, and academic institutions;
(3)
establish a governance board that includes representatives from the research, development, test, and evaluation, acquisition, requirements, industry, and academic communities;
(4)
promote transition of successful Program projects to Army programs; and
(5)
implement an adaptive experimentation force capability to support technology experimentation activities throughout the solution development cycle
(d)
Treatment of program
The Program shall be treated as a research, development, test, and evaluation activity in the Army’s input to the Future Year Defense Program.
222.
Extension of period for annual reports on critical technology areas supportive of the National Defense Strategy
Section 217(c)(1) of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 ( Public Law 116–283 ;  10 U.S.C. 4001  note) is amended, in the matter before subparagraph (A), by striking  December 1, 2025  and inserting  December 1, 2030 .
223.
Evaluation of additional test corridors for hypersonic and long-range weapons
(a)
Evaluation required
To assess impact effectiveness and increase the cadence of testing and training for long-range and hypersonic systems, the Secretary of Defense shall, acting through the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering and the Director of the Test Resource Management Center and in consultation with requirements owners of long-range and hypersonic systems of the Armed Forces, evaluate—
(1)
the comparative advantages of episodic and permanent special activity airspace designated by the Federal Aviation Administration for use by the Department of Defense suitable for the test and training of long-range and hypersonic systems; and
(2)
requirements for continental test ranges, including—
(A)
attributes, including live, virtual, and constructive capabilities;
(B)
scheduling and availability;
(C)
safety;
(D)
end strength;
(E)
facilities, infrastructure, radar, and related systems;
(F)
launch locations including—
(i)
Bearpaw Air Traffic Control Assigned Airspace, Montana;
(ii)
Mountain Home Range Complex, Idaho;
(iii)
Fallon Range Training Complex, Nevada;
(iv)
Utah Test and Training Range, Utah;
(v)
Nevada Test and Training Range, Nevada;
(vi)
Green River Test Complex, Utah; and
(vii)
White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico;
(G)
impact areas within the White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico; and
(H)
such other characteristics as the Secretary considers appropriate.
(b)
Briefing
Not later than December 1, 2026, the Secretary shall provide to the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate and the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives a briefing on the findings of the Secretary with respect to the evaluation conducted pursuant to subsection (a), including an assessment of the completion date.
(c)
Definitions
In this section:
(1)
The term  impact area  means the point at which a test terminates.
(2)
The term  launch location  means the point from which a test is initiated.
224.
Technical correction
 Chapter 9  of title 10, United States Code, is amended by redesignating the section 222e that was added by section 211 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 ( Public Law 118–31 ) as section 222f.
225.
Congressionally directed programs for test and evaluation oversight
(a)
Requirement
The Director of Operational Test and Evaluation shall include in the annual report required by section 139(h) of title 10, United States Code, an assessment of the operational and live fire test and evaluation activities for—
(1)
Golden Dome software development;
(2)
the Joint Fires Network; and
(3)
the Cryptographic Modernization Program.
(b)
Alternate pathway
For any effort under subsection (a) assigned to the software acquisition pathway pursuant to section 3603 of title 10, United States Code, the Director of Operational Test and Evaluation shall assess the effort in accordance with the alternative test and evaluation pathway established in this Act.
226.
Prohibition on modification of indirect cost rates for institutions of higher education and nonprofit organizations
(a)
Prohibition
The Secretary of Defense may not change or modify indirect cost rates (otherwise known as facilities and administration cost rates) for Department of Defense grants and contracts awarded to institutions of higher education and nonprofit organizations (as those terms are defined in part 200 of title 2, Code of Federal Regulations) until the Secretary makes the certification described under subsection (b).
(b)
Certification
A certification under this subsection is a certification to the congressional defense committees that the Department of Defense—
(1)
working with the extramural research community, including representatives from universities, university associations, independent research institutes, and private foundations, has developed an alternative indirect cost model that has—
(A)
reduced the indirect cost rate for all applicable institutions of higher education and nonprofit organizations (compared to indirect rates for fiscal year 2025); and
(B)
optimized payment of legitimate and essential indirect costs involved in conducting Department of Defense research to ensure transparency and efficiency for Department of Defense-funded grants and contracts; and
(2)
established an implementation plan with adequate transition time to change budgeting and accounting processes for affected institutions of higher education and nonprofit organizations.
227.
Enhance international coordination for advanced manufacturing techniques, technologies, and adoption
The Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment and the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering shall establish a working group to coordinate and support international activities that facilitate information-sharing, enhance interoperability, explore joint research and development opportunities, identify technology licensing requirements, incorporate advanced manufacturing capabilities into combined trainings and exercises, and set technical expertise and training standards for advanced manufacturing techniques, technologies, and adoption. The countries involved should be those with which the United States has reciprocal defense procurement agreements or security of supply arrangements.
D
Biotechnology
231.
Biotechnology Management Office
(a)
Designation of senior official
Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall designate a senior official, with relevant biotechnology experience, from a position within the Department of Defense that was in effect on the day before the date of the enactment of this Act—
(1)
to be the senior official for biotechnology issues;
(2)
to be the head the Biotechnology Management Office established under subsection (b); and
(3)
to carry out the responsibilities for the office in subsection (c).
(b)
Establishment of Biotechnology Management Office
Not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall, with input from the senior official designated under subsection (a), charter and establish, under the authority, direction, and control of the Deputy Secretary of Defense, a Biotechnology Management Office to foster the development, acquisition and sustainment of broad-based biotechnology capabilities for the Department.
(c)
Responsibilities
The office established under subsection (b) shall be responsible for the following:
(1)
Maintaining and executing the Defense Biotechnology Strategy required by section  BAG25949 , including development and execution of a long-term research, development, acquisition, and sustainment roadmap.
(2)
Updating policies and guidance within the Department relating to the acquisition, adoption, and transition of biotechnology-based products into Department use.
(3)
Coordinating with activities across the Department, the Federal Government, industry, academia, and international partners relating to biotechnology.
(4)
Proposing options for streamlining the regulatory or acquisition process of the Department.
(5)
Conducting, as may be needed, global competition analyses, net assessment or forecasting to support decisionmakers on biotechnology advances.
(6)
Supporting the development of public-private partnerships with academia, industry, and other State and local government partners, including through the development or fostering of regionally focused innovation ecosystems.
(7)
Identifying biotechnology workforce and training gaps across the workforce of the Department.
(8)
Such other responsibilities as the Secretary considers appropriate.
(d)
Sunset
The office established pursuant to subsection (a) shall terminate on September 30, 2035.
(e)
Briefing
Not later than 30 days after the designation of the senior official pursuant to subsection (a), the Secretary shall provide to the congressional defense committees a briefing on the proposed scope of the charter for the office to be established pursuant to subsection (b), as well as implementation plans for preliminary activities the office will pursue during the proceeding one-year period.
232.
Department of Defense biotechnology strategy
(a)
In general
Not later than June 1, 2026, the Secretary of Defense shall, in coordination with the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering and the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, submit to the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate and the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives a strategy on the national security implications of emerging biotechnologies, including the future role that biotechnology will play in defense, and means to improve industry, interagency, and international relationships in this sector.
(b)
Elements
The strategy required pursuant to subsection (a) shall include the following elements:
(1)
How the Department of Defense will develop and expand a network of commercial facilities for the biomanufacture of products that are critical for defense needs.
(2)
Review and update of military specifications in order to better incorporate or substitute current products with biotechnology-based products.
(3)
Updated plans and policies for the Department to enter into advance market commitments and offtake agreements for biotechnology products that have defense applications.
(4)
A description of how the Department could better incorporate military-relevant applications of emerging biotechnology into wargaming exercises, tabletop exercises, or other net assessment analyses.
(5)
The benefits and costs of issuing a research grand challenge, or a series of challenges, that focus on making biotechnology predictably engineerable and how the Department would implement such research grand challenge, or challenges.
(6)
Development of a biotechnology regulation science and technology program within the Department, including development of digital infrastructure to support simplified regulation and the development of biometrology tools.
(7)
Updated plans and policies for inter-governmental support that the Department could provide in encouraging member countries of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) to aggregate demand and pool purchasing power for biotechnology products.
(8)
Review of plans and guidance on how the Department can work to develop, integrate, and disseminate biotechnology research initiatives across member countries of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, and how the Department might coordinate with international stakeholders to utilize the combined research capabilities of such member countries to drive a biotechnology development approach.
233.
Defining guidelines and policies on the use of biotechnology for the Armed Forces
(a)
Guidelines and policies required
Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall, after coordinating with the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering, the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy and external stakeholders, including representation from industry and academia, develop guidelines and policies on the ethical and responsible development and deployment of biotechnology within the Department of Defense and the Armed Forces.
(b)
Elements
The guidelines and policies developed pursuant to subsection (a) shall include the following:
(1)
Definitions of ethical and responsible development and use of biotechnology.
(2)
Guidelines relating to ethical and responsible development and use of biotechnology.
(3)
Policies relating to informed consent of members of the Armed Forces participating in biotechnology development.
(4)
Policies relating to reversibility and heritable treatment of potential biotechnology applications.
(5)
Policies relating to biotechnologies and their potential effects on the environment.
(6)
Policies relating to human performance enhancement.
(7)
Policies relating to the compliance and obligations of the Department to the United Nations Biological Weapons Convention, and other international agreements pertaining to the laws of armed conflict.
(8)
Such other matters as the Secretary considers appropriate.
(c)
Report
(1)
In general
No later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report outlining the guidelines and policies developed pursuant to subsection (a), including the methodologies through which the guidelines and policies were developed.
(2)
Form
The report submitted pursuant to paragraph (1) shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may include a classified annex.
(d)
Biennial briefings
(1)
In general
Not later than two years after the date of the enactment of this Act and not less frequently than once every two years thereafter until November 1, 2031, the Secretary shall provide to the congressional defense committees a briefing on the implementation of the guidelines and policies developed pursuant to subsection (a), including a discussion of any adjustments made to the policies and such recommendations for legislative or administrative action as the Secretary may have to ensure their successful implementation.
(2)
Final briefing
The final briefing provided pursuant to paragraph (1) shall be provided during the 60-day period ending on November 1, 2031.
234.
Enhancement of international biodefense capacity
(a)
Clarification of roles and responsibilities
(1)
In general
The Secretary of Defense shall direct the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Nuclear Deterrence, Chemical and Biological Defense Programs, in consultation with the Director of the Defense Threat Reduction Agency, to enter into memoranda of understanding with other departments and agencies of the Federal Government to clarify the roles and responsibilities of those departments and agencies for building biodefense capabilities internationally in execution of national security and other policies of the Federal Government, with the Secretary focused on working with defense counterparts in countries that are allies of the United States.
(2)
Elements of memoranda of understanding
The memoranda of understanding entered into under paragraph (1) shall address how each relevant department or agency selects partner countries and the feasibility of coordinating efforts with each such country.
(b)
Development of biodefense capabilities
The Secretary of Defense, acting through the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Nuclear Deterrence, Chemical and Biological Defense programs, shall provide to the Director of the Defense Threat Reduction Agency global authority to support development of biodefense capabilities and capacities in countries that are allies of the United States, subject to review and input on an as-needed basis by leadership of the Department of Defense and the relevant combatant commands.
III
Operation and Maintenance
A
Authorization of Appropriations
301.
Authorization of appropriations
Funds are hereby authorized to be appropriated for fiscal year 2026 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.
B
Energy and Environment
311.
Department of Defense guidelines regarding implementation of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969
(a)
In general
Not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall rescind all existing Department of Defense directives regarding the implementation of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 ( 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq. ) (in this section referred to as  NEPA ) and replace those directives with a new directive with uniform guidance that the military departments and other agencies of the Department of Defense must implement.
(b)
Elements of new NEPA directive
The new directive required under subsection (a) shall ensure that all components of the Department of Defense comply with the requirements under NEPA, including the updated guidelines established under title III of division C of the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023 ( Public Law 118–5 ; 137 Stat. 38).
(c)
Designation required
Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall designate an appropriate official of the Department of Defense responsible for implementing the NEPA directive established under subsection (a) and ensuring the timely execution of all reviews required under NEPA without unnecessary regulatory delays.
(d)
Rule of construction
Nothing in this section shall be construed to amend or override any provision of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 ( 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq. ).
312.
Requirement to support training on wildfire prevention and response
Section 351 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 ( Public Law 115–91 ;  32 U.S.C. 501  note) is amended, in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking  may  and inserting  shall .
313.
Use of solid waste disposal systems by Department of Defense
(a)
Expeditionary solid waste disposal systems
(1)
In general
The Secretary of Defense may use expeditionary solid waste disposal systems for the destruction of illicit contraband, including seized counterfeit materials, unauthorized military gear, and classified materials.
(2)
Availability of systems
The expeditionary solid waste disposal systems units deployed under subsection (a) shall be—
(A)
equipped to support operations related to border security and the elimination of contraband; and
(B)
made available to military installations, forward operating bases, and partner security forces as needed to assist in countering infiltration and unauthorized use of military assets of the United States.
(b)
Prohibition on use of open-air burn pits to dispose of certain material
The Secretary of Defense may not use open-air burn pits for the disposal of illicit contraband, classified military equipment, or hazardous waste materials.
314.
Modification of availability and use of energy cost savings
Section 2912 of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
in subsection (c)—
(A)
by striking  The amount  and inserting  (1) The amount ;
(B)
by striking  additional operational energy  and all that follows through the period at the end and inserting  operational energy initiatives. ; and
(C)
by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
(2)
The Secretary of Defense shall design operational energy initiatives under paragraph (1) to advance the objectives of the Department in the areas of energy resilience and fuel efficiency.
(3)
Operational energy initiatives carried out under paragraph (1) may directly contribute to enhanced mission and combat capabilities, fund operational environment training activities, or establish programs to incentivize demonstrable reductions in energy expenditures within the department, agency, or instrumentality credited with achieving the energy cost savings under subsection (a).
 ;
(2)
in subsection (e)(1), by striking  The Secretary of Defense may transfer amounts described in subsection (a) that remain available for obligation  and inserting  Not later than 60 days after being notified of amounts described in subsection (a) that remain available for obligation, the Secretary of Defense shall transfer such amounts ; and
(3)
by adding at the end the following new subsection:
(f)
Operational energy cost savings defined
In this section, the term  operational energy cost savings  means the monetary savings achieved through measures to reduce energy expenditures relative to the amount that would have been necessary to sustain an equivalent level of capability in the absence of such measures.
 .
315.
Authority of Department of Defense to destroy or dispose of perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substances
(a)
In general
The Secretary of Defense may destroy or dispose of a perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substance using innovative technologies that—
(1)
are cost effective; and
(2)
are permitted or approved by a Federal or State agency that regulates the destruction or disposal of such a substance.
(b)
Update of guidance
The Secretary shall update the PFAS Destruction and Disposal Guidance of the Department of Defense, or any successor similar guidance, to reflect the requirements under subsection (a).
316.
Modification to restriction on procurement or purchasing of personal protective equipment for firefighters containing perfluoroalkyl substances or polyfluoroalkyl substances
Section 345 of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 ( Public Law 117–263 ;  10 U.S.C. 3201  note prec.) is amended—
(1)
in subsection (a), by striking  if such equipment contains an intentionally added perfluoroalkyl substance or polyfluoroalkyl substance  and inserting  unless such equipment meets the specifications set forth in Standard 1970 of the National Fire Protection Association ; and
(2)
in subsection (d)—
(A)
in paragraph (1), by striking  does not contain intentionally added perfluoroalkyl substances or polyfluoroalkyl substances  and inserting  meets the specifications set forth in Standard 1970 of the National Fire Protection Association ; and
(B)
in paragraph (2), by striking  does not contain intentionally added perfluoroalkyl substances or polyfluoroalkyl substances  and inserting  meets the specifications set forth in Standard 1970 of the National Fire Protection Association .
317.
Provision of bottled water to communities with private drinking water contaminated with perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances from activities of Department of Defense
(a)
In general
Subject to subsection (b), on and after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall provide bottled water to communities with private drinking water wells where contamination from perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances resulting from activities of the Department of Defense has, at one point in time, exceeded the maximum contaminant level for such substances established by the Environmental Protection Agency if the Secretary, as of the day before the date of the enactment of this Act, provided bottled water to the community because of such contamination.
(b)
Termination of requirement
The Secretary is not required to provide bottled water to a community under subsection (a) if all impacted households in the community are connected to a municipal drinking water distribution system or the Secretary has successfully remediated the contamination from perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances to meet or exceed both Federal and state drinking water standards for such substances.
318.
Repeal of prohibition on procurement by Department of Defense of certain items containing perfluorooctane sulfonate or perfluorooctanoic acid
Section 333 of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 ( Public Law 116–283 ;  10 U.S.C. 3062  note) is repealed.
319.
Repeal of temporary moratorium on incineration by Department of Defense of perfluoroalkyl substances, polyfluoroalkyl substances, and aqueous film forming foam
Section 343 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 ( Public Law 117–81 ;  10 U.S.C. 2701  note) is repealed.
320.
Interim responses to address releases or threatened releases of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances
(a)
In general
The Secretary of Defense, consistent with the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 ( 42 U.S.C. 9601 et seq. ), shall take actions specified in subsection (b) to address any release or threatened release of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances at a covered facility.
(b)
Actions to be taken
(1)
Conduct of preliminary assessment and site inspection
(A)
In general
If a preliminary assessment or site investigation for perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances has not been conducted at a covered facility, the Secretary shall conduct expeditiously such assessment or investigation, as the case may be, to determine whether there has been a release or there is a threatened release of perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substances at the facility.
(B)
Presumed release
Each covered facility that has or has had a fire training pit or similar facility shall be presumed, for purposes of subparagraph (A), to have had a release of perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substances.
(2)
Consideration of interim response actions
(A)
Determination of potential interim response actions
A preliminary assessment or site investigation under paragraph (1)(A) shall include, along with any other matters required pursuant to the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 ( 42 U.S.C. 9601 et seq. ), a description and analysis of potential interim response actions that can be taken to reduce immediate public exposure to the release of perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substances, including preventing an imminent and substantial endangerment.
(B)
Actions included
Interim response actions to be considered under subparagraph (A) shall include the following:
(i)
Provision of bottled water.
(ii)
Connection to public water systems for members of the public using private wells.
(iii)
Provision of filtration systems for public water systems.
(iv)
Provision of filtration systems for private residences.
(3)
Review
(A)
In general
The Secretary shall make the preliminary assessment or site investigation conducted under paragraph (1)(A) with respect to a covered facility available for review to the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, the relevant State environmental regulatory agencies, any Indian tribal government whose tribal lands may be affected by the release or threatened release of perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substances, and members of the public.
(B)
Review period
The period for review under subparagraph (A) shall be not less than 60 days and shall be extended if the Administrator requests additional review time.
(4)
Expedited implementation
The Secretary of Defense shall expedite the implementation of any interim response actions selected by the Secretary for implementation pursuant to the consideration conducted under paragraph (2) and the review under paragraph (3), with special priority provided to covered facilities located within a sole or principal drinking water source as designated by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency under section 1424(e) of the Safe Drinking Water Act ( 42 U.S.C. 300h–3(e) ).
(c)
Reports to Congress
(1)
Initial report
Not later than 270 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 containing an identification of the following:
(A)
Which covered facilities have had a preliminary assessment or site investigation completed pursuant to subsection (b)(1)(A).
(B)
Which covered facilities have had a preliminary assessment or site investigation initiated pursuant to subsection (b)(1)(A) but not completed by the time the report is due to be submitted, and when such assessment or investigation is projected to be completed.
(C)
Which covered facilities have not had a preliminary assessment or site investigation initiated pursuant to subsection (b)(1)(A) but are required to have one pursuant to such subsection.
(D)
Which covered facilities are not required to have a preliminary assessment or site investigation conducted pursuant to subsection (b)(1)(A).
(2)
Final report
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 the House of Representatives a report on—
(A)
which covered facilities have had interim response actions selected for implementation under subsection (b);
(B)
what those interim response actions are;
(C)
the projected initiation dates for those interim response actions;
(D)
the projected completion dates for those interim response actions; and
(E)
an explanation as to why any interim response action considered in the preliminary assessment or site investigation conducted pursuant to subsection (b)(1)(A) was not adopted.
(d)
Definitions
In this section:
(1)
Covered facility
The term  covered facility  means a facility subject to section 2701(c) of title 10, United States Code.
(2)
Release; response
The terms  release  and  response  have the meanings given those terms in section 101 of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 ( 42 U.S.C. 9601 et seq. ).
C
Logistics and Sustainment
321.
Surface ship sustainment and readiness
(a)
In general
In accordance with this section, the Secretary of the Navy shall implement processes to improve the materiel condition and combat readiness of Navy surface ships maintained and repaired at private shipyards by ensuring a stable and responsive industrial base capable of meeting operational and combat surge demands.
(b)
Requirements and authorities
(1)
Type commander leadership
(A)
Designation
The Secretary of the Navy shall designate type commanders as the primary authorities for surface ship maintenance.
(B)
Responsibilities
Type commanders designated under subparagraph (A) shall—
(i)
lead the sustainment of surface ships;
(ii)
oversee all maintenance and repair activities at private shipyards; and
(iii)
be responsible for setting priorities, approving contracts, and ensuring fleet readiness.
(C)
Regional maintenance centers
The Secretary of the Navy shall ensure that regional maintenance centers act in a supporting role under the direction of type commanders.
(2)
Decision-making by key personnel
(A)
In general
For each ship undergoing maintenance at a private shipyard, the project manager, the port engineer, and the ship commanding officer—
(i)
may jointly decide what work is done during the maintenance period, including the ability to adjust priorities within agreed budgets and schedules; and
(ii)
shall report directly to the type commander concerned.
(B)
Contracting officers
Contracting officers shall support the decisions described in subparagraph (A)(i) by managing funds and contracts.
(3)
Stable workforce and infrastructure
The Secretary of the Navy shall provide a stable, predictable workload to private shipyards and other critical suppliers through a multi-year, multi-ship contract by ship class—
(A)
to allow the shipyard and other critical suppliers to maintain a stable workforce;
(B)
to promote investment in the necessary facilities; and
(C)
to prevent layoffs and rehiring cycles that reduce efficiency.
(4)
Ship-specific assignments
The Secretary of the Navy shall ensure that specific shipyards shall have multi-year contracts for specified ships for repeated maintenance work to improve knowledge of ship condition and accelerate repairs, with excusable deviations such as homeport changes.
(5)
Collaborative planning
The Secretary of the Navy shall ensure that shipyards, alterations installation teams (when assigned), and Navy teams, including project managers and port engineers, work together in continuous maintenance activities to plan maintenance and ensure realistic schedules and priorities.
(6)
Roles for large and small shipyards
The Secretary of the Navy shall ensure that—
(A)
criteria for multi-year awards place heavy emphasis on strong teaming between large and small shipyard businesses;
(B)
large and small shipyards establish multi-year teaming relationships and work in both the planning and execution phases of scheduled availabilities and emergency repairs; and
(C)
small shipyards have guaranteed work percentages and planning responsibilities.
(7)
Parts availability
The Secretary of the Navy shall establish rotatable pools and procure spare parts ahead of time to create a pool of parts that can be quickly used for repairs.
(8)
Training
The Secretary of the Navy shall train program managers and port engineers for specific ship classes prior to assigning such individuals to complex maintenance availabilities.
(9)
Funding for workforce and facilities
The Secretary of the Navy may allocate funds annually to private shipyards to sustain a minimum workforce and maintain repair facilities, in such amounts and under such conditions as the Secretary determines appropriate.
(10)
Small business requirements
The Secretary of the Navy shall issue guidance to address set-aside requirements for small businesses that enables the roles for large and small shipyards described in paragraph (6).
(c)
Implementation flexibility
In carrying out this section, the Secretary of the Navy may—
(1)
determine specific methods, contract types, funding levels, and operational details consistent with the requirements and authorities under this section; and
(2)
adapt existing processes or develop new approaches to carry out such requirements and authorities.
(d)
Report required
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 report detailing the following:
(1)
How the Navy will implement the requirements of this section, including with respect to the roles of type commanders, regional maintenance centers, project managers, port engineers, ship commanding officers, and contracting officers.
(2)
The planned funding approach for workforce stability, shipyard assignments, and spare parts procurement.
(3)
A timeline for initial implementation, including any pilot programs, and full deployment across all regional maintenance centers.
(4)
Metrics to measure success, such as on-time completion of maintenance, cost control, and readiness improvements.
(e)
Definitions
In this section:
(1)
Port engineer
The term  port engineer  means the technical expert on a ship’s condition who advises on repairs and standards.
(2)
Project manager
The term  project manager  means the individual responsible for overseeing a ship’s maintenance period.
(3)
Regional maintenance center
The term  regional maintenance center  means an organization of the Navy that supports ship maintenance in a specific region, such as in Norfolk, Virginia, San Diego, California, Mayport, Florida, Everett, Washington, and Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
(4)
Ship commanding officer
The term  ship commanding officer  means the commanding officer of a Navy surface ship undergoing maintenance.
(5)
Type commander
The term  type commander  means the flag officer in charge of a surface force, such as Commander, Naval Surface Force Atlantic, and Commander, Naval Surface Force, Pacific Fleet.
(f)
Sunset
This section shall terminate on January 1, 2031.
322.
Technology enhancement for surface ship maintenance
(a)
In general
The Secretary of the Navy shall investigate, and, as feasible, qualify, approve, integrate, and fully adopt into contract requirements advanced technologies and processes for Navy surface ship maintenance on an expedited timeline to enhance readiness, reduce costs, and address delays in maintenance and repair activities.
(b)
Specified advanced technologies and processes
In carrying out subsection (a), the Secretary of the Navy shall prioritize qualification of the following:
(1)
Automated weld inspection for robotic weld defect detection.
(2)
Real-time sustainment monitoring for sensor-based health tracking.
(3)
Advanced blast and painting for automated hull coating systems.
(4)
Press connect fittings for no-hot-work pipe repairs.
(5)
Robotic tank inspection for confined space condition assessments.
(6)
Additive manufacturing for on-demand 3D-printed parts.
(7)
Augmented reality support for augmented reality-guided repairs.
(8)
Cold spray repair for metal surface restoration.
(9)
Predictive maintenance algorithms for artificial intelligence-driven failure prediction.
(10)
Automated nondestructive testing for robotic material evaluation.
(11)
Autonomous underwater vehicles for hull inspection submersibles.
(12)
Digital twin technology for virtual ship modeling.
(13)
High-pressure waterjet cleaning for rust and paint removal.
(14)
Modular maintenance platforms for standardized repair setups.
(15)
Smart coatings for self-healing, anti-fouling surfaces.
(16)
Laser ablation for laser-based surface preparation.
(17)
Drone-based inspection for uncrewed structural surveys.
(18)
Electrochemical corrosion mitigation for corrosion prevention systems.
(19)
Smart pigging for internal pipe diagnostics.
(20)
Modular overhaul kits for pre-packaged repair solutions.
(21)
Plasma coating for durable surface protection.
(22)
High-velocity oxygen fuel coating for high-velocity wear protection.
(23)
Portable diagnostics for handheld troubleshooting tools.
(c)
Open qualification process
(1)
In general
The Secretary of the Navy shall establish a process for private entities to submit proposals for advanced technologies or processes not specified in subsection (b).
(2)
Evaluation
The Secretary of the Navy shall evaluate any proposal submitted pursuant to the process established under paragraph (1) not later than 90 days after the date of such submission.
(3)
Proposal requirements
A proposal submitted pursuant to the process established under paragraph (1) shall demonstrate potential to improve maintenance efficiency, safety, or cost-effectiveness.
(4)
Qualification decision
The Secretary of the Navy shall make a qualification decision with respect to a proposal submitted pursuant to the process established under paragraph (1) based on technical merit and the need of the Navy.
(d)
Third-party review
(1)
In general
For any advanced technology or process included in a proposal submitted pursuant to the process established under subsection (c) and not selected for qualification or approval, the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment shall enter into a contract with an independent third-party reviewer to assess the decision.
(2)
Report to Congress
A contract entered into under paragraph (1) shall require the independent third-party reviewer to, not later than 90 days after the date of the decision concerned, submit to Congress an unaltered report that—
(A)
evaluates the rationale of the Secretary;
(B)
states agreement or disagreement with the decision and rationale; and
(C)
includes recommendations if applicable.
(e)
Priority
The Secretary of the Navy may prioritize advanced technologies and processes under this section based on operational needs, budget constraints, and compatibility with existing systems, if the Secretary includes justifications for such prioritization in the report required by subsection (g).
(f)
Updates
The Secretary of the Navy shall update policies, specifications, guidance, and contracts to integrate and fully adopt advanced technologies and processes as required by subsection (a).
(g)
Report required
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Navy shall submit to Congress a report detailing timelines to qualify and approve each advanced technology or process specified in subsection (b) and any additional advanced technologies or processes identified pursuant to the process established under subsection (c), including estimated implementation dates or justifications for non-pursuit.
323.
Delegation to United States Transportation Command of mitigating vulnerabilities and risks associated with contested logistics for Department of Defense
(a)
In general
On and after the date recommended under subsection (c)(2)(B)(v), the United States Transportation Command shall be responsible for—
(1)
mitigating vulnerabilities and risks associated with contested logistics for the Department of Defense on a global basis; and
(2)
planning and operations of the Joint Deployment and Distribution Enterprise (in this section referred to as the  JDDE ) relating to contested logistics across all domains, including the movement of forces and material from the source of supply to the designated point of need of the commander of the combatant command receiving support.
(b)
Required coordination
In carrying out the responsibilities under subsection (a), the Commander of the United States Transportation Command shall coordinate with the Secretary of Defense, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the secretaries of the military departments, the commanders of the combatant commands, the Director of the Defense Logistics Agency, the Director of National Intelligence, the Secretary of Homeland Security, and the Secretary of Transportation.
(c)
Reporting requirement
(1)
In general
Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Commander of the United States Transportation Command, in coordination with the Secretary of Defense, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Secretary of each military department, the commanders of the combatant commands, the Director of the Defense Logistics Agency, the Director of National Intelligence, the Secretary of Homeland Security, and the Secretary of Transportation shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report that provides an in-depth gap assessment on the ability of the JDDE to project, maneuver, and sustain the joint force in contested environments and provide recommendations to resolve or mitigate those gaps.
(2)
Elements of report
The report required under paragraph (1) shall—
(A)
be oriented on—
(i)
mitigating risks;
(ii)
improving the ability of the JDDE to operate in contested environments; and
(iii)
establishing the Commander of United States Transportation Command to be the element responsible for global contested logistics; and
(B)
include—
(i)
a description of the organizational responsibilities of elements of the JDDE as of the date of the report and the ability of the JDDE to project, maneuver, and sustain the joint force;
(ii)
a description of the intent and capability of adversaries to the United States to disrupt the ability of the JDDE to project, maneuver, and sustain the joint force;
(iii)
a description of the responsibilities to protect the operations of the JDDE, to include physical protection and protection of command and control systems of the JDDE from cyber threats;
(iv)
recommendations for changes in statutes, authorities, resources, responsibilities, and processes within the JDDE to establish the Commander of United States Transportation Command to be the element responsible for global contested logistics; and
(v)
a recommended date, not later than one year after the date on which the report is submitted to the congressional defense committees, for the United States Transportation Command to assume responsibility for contested logistics from the source of supply to the designated point of need of the commander of the combatant command receiving support.
(3)
Form
The report required under paragraph (1) may be submitted in classified form, but if so, shall include an unclassified executive summary.
(d)
Briefings
(1)
Interim briefing
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Commander of the United States Transportation Command shall provide to the congressional defense committees an interim briefing on the development of the report required under subsection (c).
(2)
Final briefing
Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Commander of the United States Transportation Command shall provide to the congressional defense committees a final briefing on the report required under subsection (c).
(e)
Rule of construction
Except to the extent that, before January 1, 2026, a responsibility specified in subsection (a) was a specific function of one of agencies or components specified in subsection (b), nothing under this section shall be construed as—
(1)
limiting any other function of those agencies or components; or
(2)
requiring the transfer of any function, personnel, or asset from those agencies or components to the United States Transportation Command.
(f)
Contested logistics defined
In this section, the term  contested logistics  means logistics that occur under conditions in which an adversary or competitor deliberately seeks or has sought to deny, disrupt, destroy, or defeat friendly force logistics operations, facilities, and activities across any of the multiple domains.
324.
Requirements for Department of Defense aircraft operations near commercial airports
(a)
Risk mitigation
The Secretary of Defense shall require all aircraft of the Department of Defense that operate near commercial airports to be equipped with position broadcast technology and shall direct the development of standard operating procedures that maximize the use of such technology.
(b)
Coordination with Federal Aviation Administration
The Secretary of Defense shall develop a program for sharing aviation safety data for aircraft of the Department of Defense, to include near misses and mishaps, with the Federal Aviation Administration.
(c)
Reports on near misses
(1)
Initial report
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 Senate and the House of Representatives a report on the number of near misses that aircraft of the Department have had with commercial aircraft during the 10-year period preceding such date of enactment.
(2)
Annual report
Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter through 2030, the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report on the number of near misses that aircraft of the Department have had with commercial aircraft during the previous fiscal year.
(3)
Elements
Each report under this subsection shall include, with respect to each near miss covered under the report, the following:
(A)
The date, time, and location of the near miss.
(B)
A description of all aircraft involved in the near miss.
(C)
Any changes to protocols, standard operating procedures, or policy, as appropriate, that were made based on the near miss.
(4)
Form of report
Each report under this subsection shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may include a classified annex.
325.
Extension and modification of semiannual briefings on operational status of amphibious warship fleet
Section 352 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 ( Public Law 118–31 ; 137 Stat. 229) is amended—
(1)
in subsection (a), by striking  September 30, 2026  and inserting  September 30, 2028 ; and
(2)
in subsection (b), by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
(6)
Details regarding the maintenance and service life extension plan for the amphibious warship that retains an operationally available amphibious warship until the end of the Obligation and Work Limiting Date for the construction contract for a replacement amphibious warship, as necessary to meet the requirements under section 8062 of title 10, United States Code.
 .
326.
Prohibition on closure of Army organic industrial base sites
(a)
Prohibition
The Secretary of Defense shall not take any action to close, mothball, divest, deactivate, or otherwise render inoperable any facility that is part of the organic industrial base of the Army, including any depot, arsenal, ammunition plant, manufacturing center, or facility of a center of industrial and technical excellence, unless—
(1)
a similar or replacement facility has already been created; and
(2)
the action is authorized—
(A)
in accordance with the provisions of this section; or
(B)
pursuant to an Act of Congress.
(b)
Scope
The prohibition in subsection (a) applies to all facilities operated or maintained as part of the organic industrial base of the Army, whether Government-owned and Government-operated or Government-owned and contractor-operated.
(c)
Exception for safety
(1)
In general
The Secretary of Defense may suspend operations or limit access to a facility covered by this section if such action is necessary to address an imminent threat to the health and safety of personnel or to mitigate substantial environmental hazards.
(2)
Report required
The Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report that describes any action taken under paragraph (1) not later than 15 days after the date on which such suspension of operations or limitation of access is initiated.
(d)
National security waiver
(1)
In general
The Secretary of Defense may waive the prohibition under subsection (a) if the Secretary determines that such a waiver is necessary to address a critical national security interest of the United States.
(2)
Notification required
Not later than 30 days prior to exercising the waiver under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees—
(A)
a written notification of the intent to waive the prohibition;
(B)
a detailed justification for the waiver, including an assessment of the national security interest at stake;
(C)
an evaluation of potential impacts to the readiness, industrial base capacity, and surge requirements of the Army; and
(D)
a description of any mitigation measures to be implemented.
(e)
Reports required
(1)
In general
Not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter for five years, the Secretary of the Army shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the status of all facilities in the organic industrial base of the Army.
(2)
Elements
Each report required by paragraph (a) shall include—
(A)
a list of all facilities in the organic industrial base of the Army and the operational status of each facility;
(B)
any planned changes in mission, workload, or operating status of each facility;
(C)
any planned investments or divestments that may affect the capability or capacity of any such facility; and
(D)
 a description of any action by the Secretary of Defense taken pursuant to subsection (c) or (d) during the one-year period preceding submission of the report.
(f)
Definitions
In this section:
(1)
Mothball
The term  mothball  means placing a facility in inactive status while maintaining it in a condition such that it could be reactivated at some future time.
(2)
Organic industrial base of the Army
 The term  organic industrial base of the Army  means the network of Government-owned facilities that provide manufacturing, maintenance, storage, and readiness support for Army materiel and munitions, including the facilities listed in the Army Organic Industrial Base Modernization Implementation Plan, dated April 12, 2022.
327.
Establishment of Defense Personal Property Management Office under Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness
(a)
In general
Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act—
(1)
the Defense Personal Property Management Office of the Department of Defense shall be established within the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness; and
(2)
the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness shall assume responsibility for all functions, personnel, and other matters of the Defense Personal Property Management Office.
(b)
Regulations
Not later than 30 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall prescribe regulations to implement subsection (a).
(c)
Briefing
Not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness shall brief the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives on the plan and timeline for the implementation of subsection (a).
328.
Integration of commercially available artificial intelligence capabilities into logistics operations
(a)
In general
The Secretary of Defense shall facilitate the integration of currently available and suitable commercial artificial intelligence capabilities specifically designed to assist with logistics tracking, planning, operations, and analytics into two relevant and suitable exercises of the Department of Defense to be conducted during fiscal year 2026.
(b)
Commercial product
(1)
In general
The Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the commander of the combatant command or commands overseeing the exercise selected under subsection (a), shall identify for such exercise a commercially available artificial intelligence product that is specifically designed to address logistics needs of the Department of Defense and meets the critical data security protocols outlined in subsection (c).
(2)
Capability of partner
In selecting a commercial product under paragraph (1), the Secretary of Defense and the commander of the combatant command or commands concerned shall—
(A)
ensure that the commercial product acquired for such demonstration includes provision of capability to respond to potential software changes in an agile and rapid manner to ensure seamless integration and adaptability during the exercise; and
(B)
prioritize the consideration of a product provided by a small or nontraditional software focused firm.
(c)
Data security
The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that all necessary approvals are expedited to facilitate the secure use of data of the Department of Defense by commercial artificial intelligence providers during the exercises selected under subsection (a), including—
(1)
compliance with applicable cybersecurity policies and regulations of the Department; and
(2)
verification of measures to protect classified and sensitive information.
(d)
Interim briefing
Not later than March 1, 2026, the Secretary of Defense shall provide an interim briefing to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives that includes—
(1)
identification of the specific exercises selected for demonstration, including the combatant commanders participating in this demonstration and identification of a point of contact within the combatant command responsible;
(2)
identification of the specific commercial artificial intelligence tool or tools to be demonstrated, including the contractual mean or other agreement used to facilitate the use of the commercial artificial intelligence tool;
(3)
notional timelines and resource needs for each demonstration; and
(4)
metrics to be used to assess the efficacy of such tools used in each demonstration.
(e)
Briefing
Not later than 30 days after the conclusion of the exercises selected under subsection (a), the commander of the combatant command overseeing the exercise shall provide the congressional defense committees a briefing that includes the following:
(1)
An overview of the integration and use of commercial artificial intelligence capabilities during the exercise.
(2)
An assessment of the impact of such technologies on unit readiness and operational success.
(3)
Recommendations for further integration or development of artificial intelligence capabilities in future exercises and operations of the Department of Defense.
329.
Pilot program on arsenal workload sustainment
(a)
Establishment of pilot program
Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall establish a pilot program to be known as the  Arsenal Workload Sustainment Pilot Program  (in this section referred to as the  pilot program ).
(b)
Duration
The pilot program shall be conducted for a period of five years.
(c)
Preferences for procurement actions or solicitations
(1)
In general
In carrying out the pilot program, the Secretary of Defense shall give a preference to any procurement action or solicitation by a non-public partner who will enter into a public-private partnership with the Secretary in the source selection process if such non-public partner will use an arsenal of the Department of the Army that is owned and operated by the United States Government as a partner in any type of contractual agreement with the United States Government.
(2)
Further preference
In selecting non-public partners under paragraph (1), the Secretary of Defense shall give a preference to non-public partners that ensure an equitable workshare is performed under the partnership by employees of the Department of Defense to protect critical skills in the organic industrial base.
(d)
Regulations
Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall prescribe regulations governing how a non-public partner shall be given a preference required under subsection (c).
(e)
Report required
(1)
In general
Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report on the activities carried out under the pilot program, including a description of any operational challenges identified.
(2)
Elements
The report required under paragraph (1) shall include the following:
(A)
A breakout, by relevant budget accounts, of workload at an arsenal of the Department of the Army that is owned and operated by the United States Government that was achieved in the prior fiscal year, whether directly or through public-private partnerships under the pilot program.
(B)
An assessment of relevant budget accounts where such an arsenal can be utilized to meet future procurement needs of the Department of Defense, irrespective of cost.
(C)
An outlook of expected workload at each such arsenal during the period covered by the future-years defense program submitted to Congress under section 221 of title 10, United States Code.
(D)
The capital investments required to be made at each such arsenal to ensure compliance and operational capacity.
(f)
Definitions
In this section:
(1)
Appropriate congressional committees
The term  appropriate congressional committees  means—
(A)
the Committee on Armed Services and the Subcommittee on Defense of the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate; and
(B)
the Committee on Armed Services and the Subcommittee on Defense of the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives.
(2)
Non-public partner
The term  non-public partner  means a corporation, individual, university, or nonprofit organization that is not part of the United States Government.
D
Reports
331.
Modification of report on improved oversight for implementation of Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Program of the Navy
Section 355(c)(2)(A) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 ( Public Law 117–81 ;  10 U.S.C. 8013  note) is amended by inserting before the semicolon the following:  , and the incorporation of digital infrastructure (including hardware, software, and cloud storage) and platforms into such program .
332.
Modification of readiness report to include summary count of certain mishaps
Section 482(b)(8) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking  Class A, Class B, and Class C mishaps  and inserting  Class A and Class B mishaps, and a summary count of all Class C mishaps, .
333.
Annual report on funding and status of interim remedial actions of Department of Defense relating to perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances
(a)
Annual report
(1)
In general
 Chapter 160  of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section:
2717.
Annual report on perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances
(a)
In general
Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this section, 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 on the funding and status of interim remedial actions of the Department of Defense relating to perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (in this section referred to as  PFAS ).
(b)
Elements
Each report required by subsection (a) shall include information regarding the following:
(1)
The total amounts budgeted and obligated, for the current fiscal year and for any prior fiscal year, per site at each installation of the Department of Defense, for interim remedial actions of the Department relating to PFAS.
(2)
In the case of each report after the initial report, the total amounts budgeted, obligated, and expended, per site at each installation, on such actions since the previous report.
(3)
The general and operating status of interim remedial actions related to PFAS per site at each installation, including—
(A)
a list of all announced or selected interim remedial actions, and for each such action, the function and role of the action with respect to addressing PFAS at the installation;
(B)
for each action listed, a phase-specific status update, including whether—
(i)
the design is pending, in progress, or completed;
(ii)
contracting is pending, in solicitation, awarded, or delayed;
(iii)
construction or execution has begun, is in progress, is completed, or is delayed;
(iv)
the action is currently operating, including an assessment of the duration of such action and any performance metrics available;
(C)
identification of actions that are one-time in nature (such as soil removal and disposal), and the status of each action;
(D)
timelines for completion of each phase, including original projected timelines and any updates;
(E)
for any phase delayed by more than one year beyond the original projection, a site-specific explanation for the delay; and
(F)
identification of any administrative, regulatory, funding, or other barriers contributing to delays or budgetary effects, along with the plan of the Secretary to address each such barrier.
 .
(2)
Clerical amendment
The table of sections at the beginning of such chapter is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 2716 the following:
2717. Annual report on perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances.
  .
(b)
Required remediation acceleration strategy
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 perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances remediation acceleration strategy, which shall include—
(1)
criteria for prioritizing military installations based on risk to human health, environmental impact, and proximity to affected communities;
(2)
timelines for completing each phase of the cleanup process under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 ( 42 U.S.C. 9601 et seq. );
(3)
a plan for deploying additional resources, technologies, or personnel to reduce delays, including an identification of—
(A)
the number of laboratories that are accredited by the Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program of the Department of Defense to test for PFAS; and
(B)
the number of laboratories that are in the process of being so accredited; and
(4)
benchmarks for evaluating performance of each military department or defense agency on response efforts relating to perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances.
(c)
Public transparency
(1)
Dashboard
Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall make publicly available an accessible online dashboard that includes the actions of the Department of Defense relating to perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances.
(2)
Elements
The dashboard required under paragraph (1) shall include a summary of—
(A)
site-by-site funding levels and expenditures at each installation of the Department;
(B)
the status of remediation and investigation efforts;
(C)
projected and actual completion timelines; and
(D)
points of contact for community engagement.
(3)
Update
The Secretary shall update the dashboard required under paragraph (1) not less frequently than semiannually.
E
Other Matters
341.
Provision of sports foods and third-party certified dietary supplements to members of the United States Special Operations Command
(a)
Use of amounts
The Secretary of Defense may use amounts appropriated to the Department of Defense for Major Force Program 11 for the procurement of sports foods and third-party certified dietary supplements and the distribution of such foods and supplements to members of the United States Special Operations Command (in this section referred to as the  USSOCOM ).
(b)
Acquisition and distribution
(1)
In general
The Secretary shall authorize the USSOCOM to acquire sports foods and third-party certified dietary supplements and to distribute such foods and supplements to members of the USSOCOM, subject to the requirements under subsection (c).
(2)
Rule of construction
Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to—
(A)
augment morale, welfare, and recreation funds or activities; or
(B)
augment or replace the budget or services of dining facilities of the Department.
(c)
Criteria
The Secretary shall ensure the Commander of the USSOCOM establishes requirements for the procurement and distribution of sports foods and third-party certified dietary supplements under this section and shall require compliance with Department of Defense Instruction 6130.06 (relating to the use of use of dietary supplements in the Department of Defense) and the Prohibited Dietary Supplement Ingredients List of the Department of Defense, or successor similar instruction or list, to ensure that—
(1)
dietary supplements procured under this section are certified by a non-Department third-party certifying organization that has been vetted by the Operation Supplement Safety program of the Department for end-product quality assurance, confirming no contaminants, ingredients, substances, or their synonyms prohibited by the Department;
(2)
sports foods procured under this section are free of ingredients, substances, and their synonyms prohibited by the Department; and
(3)
under the program guidance and oversight of a primary care sports medicine physician, sports foods and third-party certified dietary supplements are acquired by units of the USSOCOM and distributed by credentialed and privileged registered (performance) dietitians or medical clinicians with prescribing authority (such as a medical doctor, doctor of osteopathic medicine, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner) assigned to or supporting the USSOCOM at the operational unit level.
(d)
Report
Not later than September 30, 2026, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report that assesses the feasibility and advisability of expanding the authority under this section for the procurement and distribution of sports foods and third-party certified dietary supplements to include the military departments.
(e)
Definitions
In this section:
(1)
Dietary supplement
The term  dietary supplement  has the meaning given that term in section 201(ff) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act ( 21 U.S.C. 321(ff) ) and requires nutrition labeling in the form of a  Supplement Facts Panel .
(2)
Sports foods
The term  sports foods  means food products—
(A)
intended to deliver essential energy (calories) and nutrients at the right time to members of the USSOCOM to ensure critical combat and medical readiness; and
(B)
containing nutrition labeling in the form of a  Nutrition Facts Panel .
342.
Limitation on use of funds to establish or expand Space Force Special Operations Component Command
(a)
In general
None of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise made available for Major Force Program 11 for the United States Special Operations Command shall be obligated or expended to establish or expand a Space Force Special Operations Component Command until the date that is 30 days after the date on which the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low-Intensity Conflict and the Commander of the United States Special Operations Command, in consultation with the Chief of Space Operations, jointly submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives the report required by subsection (b).
(b)
Report
The report required under this subsection shall include, at a minimum, the following:
(1)
An articulation of the requirement for a Space Force Special Operations Component Command.
(2)
A funding profile, across the future-years defense program submitted under section 221 of title 10, United States Code, for the establishment of a Space Force Special Operations Component Command, including a delineation of funds required under Major Force Program 2 and Major Force Program 11.
(3)
A timeline and conditions for achieving initial and full operational capability for a Space Force Special Operations Component Command.
(4)
An identification of the military, civilian, and contractor personnel required for a Space Force Special Operations Component Command at initial and full operational capability.
(5)
An identification of the facilities requirements for a Space Force Special Operations Component Command at initial and full operational capability.
(6)
An explanation of how and when the Secretary of Defense and the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low-Intensity Conflict have documented approval for the establishment of a Space Force Special Operations Component Command.
(7)
An explanation of the administrative and command relationships between a Space Force Special Operations Component Command and the United States Special Operations Command, United States Space Command, and the Space Force.
(8)
Any other matters determined relevant by the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low-Intensity Conflict and the Commander of the United States Special Operations Command.
343.
Requirements for contracts relating to permanent change of station moving process
(a)
In general
For any renegotiation of the contract under the Global Household Goods Contract in place as of the date of the enactment of this Act, or negotiation of a new contract under the Global Household Goods Contract or any successor program or contract, the Secretary of Defense shall require that the following oversight mechanisms are included in the final contract agreement:
(1)
The prime contractor shall submit to the Secretary a summary document outlining the key terms and conditions of each subcontract agreement related to capacity, performance, and compliance with the contract requirements, which shall include the following:
(A)
The guaranteed capacity of each subcontractor (including location, volume, and peak season commitment).
(B)
Performance metrics and service level agreements applicable to each subcontractor.
(C)
Provisions for monitoring and enforcing subcontractor performance.
(D)
Termination clauses and penalties for noncompliance.
(E)
Data sharing and security requirements.
(2)
Each subcontractor shall provide to the prime contractor, upon request, certifications and copies of training completion relating to compliance with requirements under the contract.
(3)
The prime contractor shall submit to the Secretary regular performance reports on its subcontractors, including metrics related to on-time pickup, on-time delivery, damage claim rates, customer satisfaction, and compliance with contract requirements.
(4)
The prime contractor shall submit to the Secretary a subcontractor management plan outlining its processes for selecting, monitoring, and managing subcontractors, including a description of how the prime contractor ensures subcontractor compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and contract requirements.
(5)
The prime contractor shall maintain a robust risk management plan that addresses potential disruptions to the subcontractor network, such as financial instability, natural disasters, or labor disputes.
(6)
Not less frequently than monthly, the prime contractor shall submit to the Secretary the subcontractor rating system used by the prime contractor, with current scoring results under such system.
(7)
The prime contractor shall submit to the Secretary the subcontractor rates for each move under the contract.
(8)
The prime contractor shall establish clear escalation procedures for addressing subcontractor performance issues, including steps for resolving disputes, implementing corrective actions, and terminating non-performing subcontractors.
(9)
The Federal Government shall be permitted to audit subcontractor records with reasonable notice to the prime contractor.
(10)
The contract shall incorporate a fixed-price contract line item number for monthly overhead, separating it from the rates associated with the costs of moves.
(11)
The prime contractor shall establish a database that the Secretary can access on a real-time basis to ensure compliance with this section.
(b)
Considerations for successor contracts
For any successor contract to the Global Household Goods Contract entered into after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall consider, during development of an acquisition strategy and execution strategy, in addition to the requirements under subsection (a), the following:
(1)
The incorporation of a fixed-price contract line item number for monthly overhead, separating it from the rates associated with the costs of moves.
(2)
Contracts under the Federal Acquisition Regulation for lanes that account for more than one percent of total permanent change of station move volume and tender of service contracts for the remaining lanes.
(3)
Tiered incentive awards for higher levels of capacity.
(4)
The establishment of a database that the Secretary can access on a real-time basis to ensure compliance with this section.
(c)
Incorporation of proposals
The Secretary may incorporate any proposal of the prime contractor into a final contract negotiated or renegotiated under this section that ensures advertised performance capabilities are met.
344.
Limitation on transformation by the Army of primary helicopter training program at Fort Rucker, Alabama
None of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act for fiscal year 2026 to the Army may be obligated or expended for the solicitation for proposals or to award a contract for the implementation of any transformation of the Initial Entry Rotary Wing training program at Fort Rucker, Alabama, until—
(1)
the completion of the Part 141 Helicopter Flight School Training Pilot proof of concept plan conducted by the Department of the Army and the Federal Aviation Administration, including—
(A)
all three phases of Initial Entry Rotary Wing Training Phases 1 & 2 and Phase 3 Warfighter Tactical Training Phase; and
(B)
the evaluation of the effectiveness of the training pilot, which shall include the results of six classes of eight students each (48 students total) and is scheduled to be completed in May 2026;
(2)
the Secretary of the Army (in this section referred to as the  Secretary ) has fully assessed and validated the outcomes of such training pilot, including cost, operational effectiveness, safety, and training efficacy;
(3)
the Secretary submits to the congressional defense committees a report detailing the results of such training pilot and the rationale for any proposed changes to training systems or platforms resulting from such training pilot;
(4)
an independent assessment of the business case analysis and implementation plan for such transformation has been conducted by the Office of Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation of the Office of the Secretary of Defense, which shall include—
(A)
an analysis of the cost to produce an aviator qualified under Initial Entry Rotary Wing Training Phases 1 & 2 utilizing the current training model and aircraft as well as the cost to produce such an aviator utilizing the helicopter flight school training proof of concept model and aircraft;
(B)
an assessment of the risks and benefits of outsourcing Initial Entry Rotary Wing training requirements;
(C)
total costs for the existing training ecosystem for Initial Entry Rotary Wing; and
(D)
an identification of measures taken to mitigate costs and enhance training within the existing training ecosystem;
(5)
the Secretary submits to the congressional defense committees a report containing the results of such assessment and a detailed justification of how the findings from such assessment support proceeding with any such transformation; and
(6)
the Secretary briefs the congressional defense committees on—
(A)
the outcomes and findings of the training pilot specified in paragraph (1);
(B)
an assessment of the cost-effectiveness and operational and training readiness resulting from the training pilot;
(C)
any recommendations for future procurement or contracting activity related to training initiatives similar to the training pilot; and
(D)
the course of action proposed by the Secretary relating to any such transformation.
345.
Conveyance of certain aircraft from Air Force to Arizona Aviation Historical Group, Phoenix, Arizona
(a)
Authority
The Secretary of the Air Force (in this section referred to as the  Secretary ) may convey to the Arizona Aviation Historical Group, Phoenix, Arizona (in this section referred to as the  Group ), all right, title, and interest of the United States in five T–37B trainer aircraft and any available spare parts for such aircraft that the Secretary has determined are surplus to need.
(b)
Conveyance at no cost to the United States
The conveyance of an aircraft 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 Group.
346.
Limitation on use of funds by the Army until submittal of plan to integrate Joint Munitions Command and Army Sustainment Command
(a)
In general
None of the funds authorized to be appropriated to the Army for fiscal year 2026 may be used to restructure the commands of the Army until the Secretary submits to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report regarding the proposed plan of the Secretary to integrate the Joint Munitions Command and the Army Sustainment Command.
(b)
Elements
The report required by subsection (a) shall include the following:
(1)
A detailed comparison of the old organizational structures of the commands of the Army compared with the proposed new integration construct for such organizational structures, including any changes to reporting chains, leadership roles, and workforce.
(2)
The planned timeline for implementation of such integration.
(3)
Any plans for changing the numbers, duty locations, or responsibilities of personnel under the Joint Munitions Command and the Army Sustainment Command.
(4)
A mission justification for the proposed integration.
(5)
An assessment of the short-term and long-term impacts of the proposed integration on the readiness of the Army and the Department of Defense to conduct the missions of the Joint Munitions Command and the Army Sustainment Command and the plan of the Army for mitigating those impacts.
347.
Limitation on use of certain funds of the Air Force until acquisition strategy submitted to maintain Airborne Command Post capability
Of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise made available for fiscal year 2026 for operation and maintenance, Air Force, and available to the Office of the Secretary of the Air Force for travel purposes, not more than 80 percent may be obligated or expended until the date on which the Secretary, in consultation with the Commander of the United States Strategic Command, submits to the congressional defense committees a report on the acquisition strategy of the Air Force to maintain the Airborne Command Post capability, including—
(1)
options to expand production of the C–130J–30 Super Hercules to provide additional airframes to preserve the Airborne Command Post capability; and
(2)
an outline of the future relationship of the Airborne Command Post capability with the Secondary Launch Platform–Airborne effort.
348.
Pilot program for contracted amphibious air resources for the area of responsibility of the United States Indo-Pacific Command
(a)
In general
The Secretary of Defense, in conjunction with the Secretary of the Navy and the Commander of the United States Indo-Pacific Command, may establish and maintain a pilot program for the contracted operation of a fleet of commercial amphibious aviation resources to be made available to the commanders of the combatant commands and the commanders of other components of the Department of Defense for mission tasking within the area of responsibility of the United States Indo-Pacific Command.
(b)
Fielding and adjudicating mission requests
The Commander of the United States Indo-Pacific Command shall establish a process to field and adjudicate mission requests pursuant to the pilot program under subsection (a) in a timely manner.
(c)
Sunset
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.
349.
Naming of certain assets of the Department of Defense in the Commonwealth of Virginia
(a)
In general
Not later than 30 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall implement the naming recommendations for assets of the Department of Defense in the Commonwealth of Virginia that were adopted by the Commission.
(b)
Prohibition relating to overriding recommendations
The Secretary of Defense may not change the name of an asset of the Department of Defense in the Commonwealth of Virginia that was adopted by the Commission to any name other than the name that was adopted.
(c)
Commission defined
In this section, the term  Commission  means the commission established under section 370(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).
350.
Modification of protection of certain facilities and assets from incursions
Section 130i of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
in subsection (a)—
(A)
by striking  any provision of title 18  and inserting  sections 32, 1030, and 1367 and chapters 119 and 206 of title 18 ; and
(B)
by striking  officers and civilian employees  and inserting  officers, civilian employees, and contractors ;
(2)
in subsection (b)(1)—
(A)
in subparagraph (A), by striking  Detect  and inserting  During the operation of the unmanned aircraft system or unmanned aircraft, detect ; and
(B)
in subparagraph (B), by inserting before the period at the end the following:  , including through the use of remote identification broadcast or other means ;
(3)
in subsection (c)—
(A)
by striking  Any unmanned  and inserting  (1) Any unmanned ; and
(B)
by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
(2)
Any forfeiture conducted under paragraph (1) shall be made subject to the requirements for civil, criminal, or administrative forfeiture, as the case may be, under applicable law or regulation.
 ;
(4)
in subsection (d), by adding at the end the following:
(3)
(A)
The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that the regulations prescribed or guidance issued under paragraph (1) require that, when taking an action described in subsection (a)(1), all due consideration is given to—
(i)
mitigating impacts on privacy and civil liberties under the First and Fourth Amendments to the Constitution of the United States;
(ii)
mitigating damage to, or loss of, real and personal property;
(iii)
mitigating any risk of personal injury or death; and
(iv)
when practicable, obtaining the identification of or issuing a warning to the operator of an unmanned aircraft system or unmanned aircraft prior to taking action under subparagraphs (C) through (F) of subsection (b)(1), unless doing so would—
(I)
endanger the safety of members of the armed forces or civilians;
(II)
create a flight risk or result in the destruction of evidence; or
(III)
seriously jeopardize an investigation, criminal proceeding, or legal proceeding pursuant to subsection (c).
(B)
Nothing in this paragraph may be construed to limit the inherent right to self defense of a member of the armed forces.
 ;
(5)
in subsection (e)—
(A)
by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following:
(1)
the interception, acquisition, maintenance, or use of, or access to, communications to or from an unmanned aircraft system under this section is conducted in a manner consistent with the First and Fourth Amendments to the Constitution of the United States and applicable provisions of Federal law;
 ;
(B)
in paragraph (2), by striking  a function of the Department of Defense  and inserting  an action described in subsection (b)(1) ;
(C)
by striking paragraph (3) and inserting the following:
(3)
records of such communications are maintained only for as long as necessary, and in no event for more than 180 days unless the Secretary of Defense determines that maintenance of such records—
(A)
is necessary to investigate or prosecute a violation of law or to directly support an ongoing security operation; or
(B)
is required under Federal law or for the purpose of any litigation;
 ; and
(D)
in paragraph (4)—
(i)
by striking subparagraph (A) and inserting the following:
(A)
is necessary to support an ongoing action described in subsection (b)(1);
 ;
(ii)
in subparagraph (B), by striking  ; or  and inserting a semicolon;
(iii)
by redesignating subparagraph (C) as subparagraph (D);
(iv)
by inserting after subparagraph (B) the following new subparagraph:
(C)
is necessary to support the counter unmanned aircraft systems activities of another Federal agency with authority to mitigate the threat of unmanned aircraft systems or unmanned aircraft in mitigating such threats; or
 ; and
(v)
in subparagraph (D), as redesignated by clause (iii), by striking the period at the end and inserting  ; and ;
(6)
by redesignating subsections (f), (g), (h), (i), and (j) as subsections (g), (h), (j), (k), (l), respectively;
(7)
by inserting after subsection (e) the following:
(f)
Claims
Claims for loss of property, injury, or death pursuant to actions under subsection (b) may be made consistent with  chapter 171  of title 28, and chapter 163 of this title, as applicable.
 ;
(8)
in subsection (h), as redesignated by paragraph (6), by striking  March 1, 2018  and inserting  March 1, 2026 ;
(9)
by inserting after subsection (h), as so redesignated, the following:
(i)
Annual report
(1)
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this subsection, and annually thereafter, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees and publish on a publicly available website a report summarizing all detection and mitigation activities conducted under this section during the previous year to counter unmanned aircraft systems.
(2)
Each report under paragraph (1) shall include—
(A)
information on any violation of, or failure to comply with, this section by personnel authorized to conduct detection and mitigation activities, including a description of any such violation or failure;
(B)
data on the number of detection activities conducted, the number of mitigation activities conducted, and the number of instances of communications interception from an unmanned aircraft system;
(C)
whether any unmanned aircraft that experienced mitigation was engaged in or attempting to engage in activities protected under the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States;
(D)
whether any unmanned aircraft or unmanned aircraft system was properly or improperly seized, disabled, damaged, or destroyed and an identification of any methods used to seize, disable, damage, or destroy such aircraft or system; and
(E)
a description of the efforts of the Federal Government to protect privacy and civil liberties when carrying out detection and mitigation activities under this section to counter unmanned aircraft systems.
(3)
Each report required under paragraph (1) shall be submitted and published in unclassified form, but may include a classified annex.
 .
(10)
by striking subsection (k), as so redesignated, and inserting the following:
(k)
Sunset
This section shall terminate on December 31, 2030.
 ; and
(11)
in subsection (l), as so redesignated—
(A)
in paragraph (1)—
(i)
in subparagraph (B), by inserting  the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs,  after  the Committee on the Judiciary, ; and
(ii)
in subparagraph (C), by inserting  the Committee on Homeland Security,  after  the Committee on the Judiciary, ; and
(B)
in paragraph (3)—
(i)
in subparagraph (C), by redesignating clauses (i) through (ix) as subclauses (I) through (IX), respectively, and moving those subclauses, as so redesignated, two ems to the right;
(ii)
by redesignating subparagraphs (A) through (C) as clauses (i), (ii), and (iii), respectively, and moving those clauses, as so redesignated, two ems to the right; and
(iii)
in the matter preceding clause (i), as redesignated by clause (ii), by striking  means any facility or asset that—  and inserting “means—
(A)
any facility or asset that—
 ;
(iv)
in clause (iii), as redesignated by clause (ii)—
(I)
in subclause (VIII), as redesignated by clause (i), by striking  ; or  and inserting a semicolon;
(II)
in subclause (IX), as so redesignated, by striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon; and
(III)
by adding at the end the following new subclauses:
(X)
protection of the buildings, grounds, and property to which the public are not permitted regular, unrestricted access and that are under the jurisdiction, custody, or control of the Department of Defense and the persons on that property pursuant to section 2672 of this title;
(XI)
assistance to Federal, State, or local officials in responding to incidents involving nuclear, radiological, biological, or chemical weapons, high-yield explosives, or related materials or technologies, as well as support pursuant to section 282 of this title or the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq); or
(XII)
activities listed in section 2692(b) of this title; or
  ; and
(v)
by adding at the end the following:
(B)
any personnel associated with a facility or asset specified under subparagraph (A) while engaged in direct support of a mission of the Department of Defense specified in clause (iii) of such subparagraph.
 .
IV
Military personnel authorizations
A
Active Forces
401.
End strengths for active forces
The Armed Forces are authorized strengths for active duty personnel as of September 30, 2026, as follows:
(1)
The Army, 454,000.
(2)
The Navy, 344,600.
(3)
The Marine Corps, 172,300.
(4)
The Air Force, 321,500.
(5)
The Space Force, 10,400.
B
Reserve forces
411.
End strengths for selected reserve
(a)
In general
The Armed Forces are authorized strengths for Selected Reserve personnel of the reserve components as of September 30, 2026, as follows:
(1)
The Army National Guard of the United States, 328,000.
(2)
The Army Reserve, 172,000.
(3)
The Navy Reserve, 57,500.
(4)
The Marine Corps Reserve, 33,600.
(5)
The Air National Guard of the United States, 106,300.
(6)
The Air Force Reserve, 67,500.
(7)
The Coast Guard Reserve, 7,000.
(b)
End strength reductions
The end strengths prescribed by subsection (a) for the Selected Reserve of any reserve component shall be proportionately reduced by—
(1)
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
(2)
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.
(c)
End strength increases
Whenever units or individual members of the Selected Reserve for 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.
412.
End strengths for reserves on active duty in support of the reserves
Within the end strengths prescribed in section 411(a), the reserve components of the Armed Forces are authorized, as of September 30, 2026, 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:
(1)
The Army National Guard of the United States, 30,845.
(2)
The Army Reserve, 16,511.
(3)
The Navy Reserve, 10,132.
(4)
The Marine Corps Reserve, 2,400.
(5)
The Air National Guard of the United States, 25,982.
(6)
The Air Force Reserve, 6,311.
413.
End strengths for military technicians (dual status)
(a)
In general
The minimum number of military technicians (dual status) as of the last day of fiscal year 2026 for the reserve components of the Army and the Air Force (notwithstanding section 129 of title 10, United States Code) shall be the following:
(1)
For the Army National Guard of the United States, 22,294.
(2)
For the Army Reserve, 6,492.
(3)
For the Air National Guard of the United States, 10,744.
(4)
For the Air Force Reserve, 6,697.
(b)
Limitation on number of temporary military technicians (dual status)
The number of temporary military technicians (dual status) employed under the authority of subsection (a) may not exceed 25 percent of the total authorized number specified in such subsection.
(c)
Limitation
Under no circumstances may a military technician (dual status) employed under the authority of this section be coerced by a State into accepting an offer of realignment or conversion to any other military status, including as a member of the Active, Guard, and Reserve component. If a military technician (dual status) declines to participate in such realignment or conversion, no further action will be taken against the individual or the individual’s position.
414.
Maximum number of reserve personnel authorized to be on active duty for operational support
During fiscal year 2026, 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:
(1)
The Army National Guard of the United States, 17,000.
(2)
The Army Reserve, 13,000.
(3)
The Navy Reserve, 6,200.
(4)
The Marine Corps Reserve, 3,000.
(5)
The Air National Guard of the United States, 16,000.
(6)
The Air Force Reserve, 14,000.
C
Authorization of appropriations
421.
Military personnel
(a)
Authorization of appropriations
Funds are hereby authorized to be appropriated for fiscal year 2026 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.
(b)
Construction of authorization
The authorization of appropriations in the subsection (a) supersedes any other authorization of appropriations (definite or indefinite) for such purpose for fiscal year 2026.
V
Military Personnel Policy
A
Officer Personnel Policy
501.
Statutory adjustment to reflect transfer of certain general officer billets from the Air Force to the Space Force
Section 526(a) of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
in paragraph (3), by striking  171  and inserting  168 ; and
(2)
in paragraph (5), by striking  21  and inserting  24 .
502.
Notice of removal of Judge Advocates General
(a)
Army
Section 7037 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
(f)
If the Judge Advocate General is removed from office before the end of the term of the Judge Advocate General as specified in subsection (a), the Secretary of Defense shall, not later than five days before the removal takes effect, submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives notice that the Judge Advocate General is being removed and a statement of the reason for the removal.
 .
(b)
Navy
Section 8088 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
(f)
If the Judge Advocate General is removed from office before the end of the term of the Judge Advocate General as specified in subsection (b), the Secretary of Defense shall, not later than five days before the removal takes effect, submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives notice that the Judge Advocate General is being removed and a statement of the reason for the removal.
 .
(c)
Air force
Section 9037 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
(g)
If the Judge Advocate General is removed from office before the end of the term of the Judge Advocate General as specified in subsection (a), the Secretary of Defense shall, not later than five days before the removal takes effect, submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives notice that the Judge Advocate General is being removed and a statement of the reason for the removal.
 .
503.
Qualifications for judge advocates
(a)
In general
Section 806 of title 10, United States Code (article 6 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice) is amended—
(1)
by redesignating subsections (a) through (d) as subsections (b) through (e), respectively;
(2)
by inserting before subsection (b), as redesignated by paragraph (1), the following new subsection:
(a)
(1)
Judge advocates subject to this chapter must be—
(A)
admitted to the practice of law before the highest court of a State, Territory, Commonwealth, or the District of Columbia, and maintain an active license to practice before such court;
(B)
subject to the jurisdiction’s disciplinary review process; and
(C)
in compliance with such other requirements as the cognizant authority has set to remain eligible to practice law.
(2)
The Judge Advocates General of the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard and the Staff Judge Advocate to the Commandant of the Marine Corps may suspend the authority of judge advocates in their respective services to perform legal duties if such officers become noncompliant with the requirements in paragraph (1). Judge advocates and legal officers suspended or disbarred from the practice of law within a jurisdiction shall not perform legal duties.
 .
(3)
Conforming amendments
(A)
Trial counsel and defense counsel
Section 827(b) of title 10, United States Code (article 27(b) of the Uniform Code of Military Justice) is amended by amending paragraph (1) to read as follows:
(1)
must be a judge advocate who is qualified under section 806(a)(1) of this title (article 6(a)(1)); and
 .
(B)
Special trial counsel
Section 824a(b)(1) of title 10, United States Code (article 24a(b)(1) of the Uniform Code of Military Justice) is amended by amending subparagraph (A) to read as follows:
(A)
is a judge advocate who is qualified under section 806(a)(1) of this title (article 6(a)(1)); and
 .
504.
Modification of waiver authority related to joint qualified officer requirement prior to promotion to general or flag grade
Section 619a(b)(3) of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
by striking subparagraph (A); and
(2)
redesignating subparagraphs (B) and (C) as subparagraphs (A) and (B), respectively.
505.
Notification of removal of officers from selection board reports and promotion lists
(a)
Regular components
(1)
Selection board reports
Section 618(d) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
(3)
The Secretary of Defense shall notify the congressional defense committees of the removal of the name of an officer from the report of a selection board by the President or the Secretary or Deputy Secretary of Defense under paragraph (1) or paragraph (2), respectively, for any reason other than misconduct—
(A)
not later than 30 days after the name of an officer is removed; and
(B)
prior to submission to the Senate of a promotion list with respect to such report pursuant to section 624(c) of this title.
 .
(2)
Promotion lists
Section 629(a) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:  The President shall notify the congressional defense committees not later than 30 days after removing the name of an officer from such list for any reason other than misconduct. .
(b)
Reserve components
Section 14111(b) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
(3)
The Secretary of Defense shall notify the congressional defense committees of the removal of the name of an officer from the report of a selection board by the President or the Secretary or Deputy Secretary of Defense under paragraph (1) or paragraph (2), respectively, for any reason other than misconduct—
(A)
not later than 30 days after the name of an officer is removed; and
(B)
prior to submission to the Senate of a promotion list with respect to such report pursuant to section 12203 of this title.
 .
506.
Space Force general officer management
(a)
Distribution of commissioned officers on active service in general officer grades
Section 525 of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
in subsection (a)—
(A)
in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by inserting  or the Space Force officer list  after  officer on the active duty list ; and
(B)
in paragraph (5)—
(i)
in subparagraph (A), by striking  officers in the grade of general  and inserting  officers on sustained duty orders in the grade of general ;
(ii)
in subparagraph (B), by striking  officers in a grade above  and inserting  officers on sustained duty orders in a grade above ; and
(iii)
in subparagraph (C), by striking  officers in the grade  and inserting  officers on sustained duty orders in the grade ; and
(2)
in subsection (h), by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
(3)
The limitations of this section do not apply to a Space Force general officer serving in a Space Force active status but not on sustained duty orders, and who is on active service for a period in excess of 365 days but not to exceed three years. Unless authorized by the Secretary of Defense, the number of Space Force general officers covered by this subsection and not serving in a joint duty assignment for purposes of chapter 38 of this title may not exceed two. Not later than 30 days after authorizing more than two Space Force general officers covered by this subsection, the Secretary of Defense shall provide the notification required in accordance with paragraph (2).
 .
(b)
Authorized strength of Space Force general officers on active service
Section 526 of such title is amended—
(1)
in subsection (c)—
(A)
in the subsection heading, by inserting
and of the Space Force   after
components  ;
(B)
in paragraph (1), by inserting  or of the Space Force  after  a reserve component ;
(C)
in paragraph (2), by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
(D)
The Secretary of the Air Force may authorize not more than two of the general officers authorized to serve in the Space Force under section 20110 of this title to serve on active service for a period of at least 180 days and not longer than 365 days.
 ; and
(D)
in paragraph (3)(A), by inserting  , or a Space Force general officer in a Space Force active status not on sustained duty,  after  a reserve component ; and
(2)
in subsection (d)—
(A)
in paragraph (1), by striking  officer; or  and inserting  officer; ;
(B)
in paragraph (2), by striking the period at the end and inserting  ; or ; and
(C)
by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
(3)
a Space Force officer in the grade of brigadier general or above who is pending transition off of sustained duty orders, but only during the 60-day period preceding the end date of such orders.
 .
(c)
Strength in grade: Space Force general officers in a Space Force active status not on sustained duty
Chapter 2003 of such title is amended by adding at the end the following new section:
20110.
Strength in grade: Space Force general officers in a Space Force active status, not on sustained duty
(a)
Authorized strength
The authorized strength of general officers in the Space Force serving in a Space Force active status but not on sustained duty is five.
(b)
Exclusions
The following Space Force general officers shall not be counted for purposes of this section:
(1)
Those counted under section 526 of this title.
(2)
Those serving in a joint duty assignment for purposes of chapter 38 of this title, except that the number of officers who may be excluded under this paragraph may not exceed two.
(c)
Permanent grade
A Space Force general officer may not be reduced in permanent grade because of a reduction in the number authorized under subsection (a).
(d)
Temporary exclusion
The limitations of subsection (a) do not apply to an officer released from a joint duty assignment or other non-joint active service assignment, but only during the 60-day period beginning on the date the officer departs the joint duty or other active service assignment. The Secretary of Defense may authorize the Secretary of the Air Force to extend the 60-day period by an additional 120 days, except that not more than three Space Force officers may be covered by an extension under this subsection at the same time.
 .
507.
Temporary increase in fiscal year percentage limitation for reduction or waiver of service-in-grade requirement for general and flag officers to be retired in pay grades O-7 and O-8
During the period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act and ending on September 30, 2027, the percentage limitation in section 1370(b)(5)(C) of title 10, United States Code, shall be equal to 15 percent of the authorized active-duty strength for that fiscal year for officers of that Armed Force in the applicable grade.
B
Reserve Component Management
511.
Expansion of authority to waive limitations on release of reserves from active duty within two years of retirement eligibility
Section 12686(b) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking  an order to active duty that specifies a period of less than 180 days  and inserting  an order to active duty that specifies a period of less than 365 days .
512.
Disestablishment of Navy Reserve Center system
The Secretary of the Navy (or a designee of the Secretary) shall—
(1)
direct the disestablishment of the Navy Reserve Center system;
(2)
transfer all Navy reserve administrative readiness functions to the responsibility and cognizance of Navy reserve unit commanding officers or Navy reserve community directors, as appropriate; and
(3)
reassign each member of an active or reserve component of the Navy assigned to the Navy Reserve Center system as of the date of the enactment of this Act within the active or reserve component of the member or transfer the member to the inactive reserve, as applicable.
513.
National Guard personnel authorities
(a)
Army National Guard
Under regulations prescribed by the Secretary of the Army—
(1)
an officer of the Army National Guard who fills a vacancy in a federally recognized unit of the Army National Guard may be transferred from the active Army National Guard to the inactive Army National Guard;
(2)
an officer of the Army National Guard transferred to the inactive Army National Guard pursuant to paragraph (1) may be transferred from the inactive Army National Guard to the active Army National Guard to fill a vacancy in a federally recognized unit;
(3)
a warrant officer of the Army National Guard who fills a vacancy in a federally recognized unit of the Army National Guard may be transferred from the active Army National Guard to the inactive Army National Guard; and
(4)
a warrant officer of the Army National Guard transferred to the inactive Army National Guard pursuant to paragraph (1) may be transferred from the inactive Army National Guard to the active Army National Guard to fill a vacancy in a federally recognized unit.
(b)
Air National Guard
Under regulations prescribed by the Secretary of the Air Force—
(1)
an officer of the Air National Guard who fills a vacancy in a federally recognized unit of the Air National Guard may be transferred from the active Air National Guard to the inactive Air National Guard; and
(2)
an officer of the Air National Guard transferred to the inactive Air National Guard pursuant to paragraph (1) may be transferred from the inactive Air National Guard to the active Air National Guard to fill a vacancy in a federally recognized unit.
514.
National Guard personnel disaster response duty
 Chapter 3  of title 32, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
by redesignating section 329 as section 330; and
(2)
by inserting after section 328 the following new section:
329.
Active Guard and Reserve duty: disaster response duty
(a)
Disaster response authority
When a Governor has declared an emergency due to a disaster, the Secretary of Defense may authorize the Governor to direct National Guard personnel serving under section 328 of this title to perform duties in response to, or in preparation for, such disaster.
(b)
Requirements
The disaster response duty described in subsection (a)—
(1)
may be performed to the extent that the performance of the duty does not interfere with the performance of the member’s primary Active Guard and Reserve duties of organizing, administering, recruiting, instructing, and training the reserve components; and
(2)
shall not exceed 14 days per person per calendar year unless the President has declared a disaster under title IV of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act ( 42 U.S.C. 5170 et seq. ).
(c)
Liability
A member described in subsection (a) is not an instrumentality of the United States with respect to any act or omission in carrying out a disaster response duty pursuant to this section. The United States shall not be responsible for any claim or judgment arising from the use of National Guard personnel under this section.
(d)
Definitions
In this section:
(1)
The term  disaster response duty  means duty performed by a member of the National Guard at the direction of the Governor of the State and pursuant to an emergency declaration by such Governor in response to a disaster or in preparation for an imminent disaster.
(2)
The term  State  means each of the several States, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, and the United States Virgin Islands.
 .
515.
Treatment of funds received by National Guard Bureau as reimbursement from States
Section 710 of title 32, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
(g)
Treatment of reimbursed funds
Any funds received by the National Guard Bureau from a State, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the District of Columbia, Guam, or the Virgin Islands as reimbursement under this section for the use of military property—
(1)
shall be credited to—
(A)
the appropriation, fund, or account used in incurring the obligation; or
(B)
an appropriate appropriation, fund, or account currently available for the purposes for which the expenditures were made; and
(2)
may only be used by the Department of Defense for the repair, maintenance, or other similar functions related directly to assets used by National Guard units while operating under State active duty status.
 .
516.
Limitations applicable to the authority to transfer space functions of the Air National Guard to the Space Force
Section 514 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 ( Public Law 118–159 ;  10 U.S.C. 20001  note) is amended—
(1)
by redesignating subsection (k) as subsection (l); and
(2)
by inserting after subsection (j) the following new subsection:
(k)
Rule of construction
Nothing in this section shall be construed as—
(1)
authorizing the transfer of a member of the Air National Guard of the United States other than on a one-time basis as specified in subsection (c); or
(2)
setting future precedent with respect to waiving the applicability of any provision of title 32.
 .
C
General Service Authorities and Military Records
521.
Chief of Naval Personnel
Section 8081 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
(c)
The Chief of Naval Personnel shall be responsible for overall management, oversight, and administration of Navy military and civilian employees.
 .
522.
Enhanced efficiency and service discretion for Disability Evaluation System reviews
(a)
Secretarial discretion and statements of contention for appeals to physical evaluation board determinations of fitness for duty
Section 524 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 ( Public Law 117–81 ;  10 U.S.C. 1071  note) is amended—
(1)
in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking  Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary  and inserting  The Secretary ;
(2)
in paragraph (1), by adding at the end the following:  The Secretary concerned may require submission of a statement of contention as part of the appeal submission. ; and
(3)
by amending paragraph (2) to read as follows:
(2)
If the member submits a formal appeal, the Secretary concerned shall conduct a fitness for duty determination consisting of either a records review or an impartial appellate hearing, as determined by the Secretary.
 .
(b)
Statements of contention for physical evaluation boards
Section 1214 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking  if he demands it.  and inserting  if the member demands it. The Secretary concerned may require submission of a statement of contention as part of the demand. .
523.
Technical correction related to convalescent leave for academy cadets and midshipmen
Section 702 of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
by redesignating subsections (c), (d), and (e) as subsections (d), (e), and (f), respectively;
(2)
by inserting after subsection (b) the following new subsection:
(c)
Convalescent leave
An academy cadet or midshipman diagnosed with a medical condition is allowed convalescent leave under section 701(m) of this title.
 ; and
(3)
in subsection (d), as redesignated by paragraph (1), by striking  Sections 701  and inserting  Except as provided under subsection (c), sections 701 .
524.
Recognition of remotely piloted aircraft crew
(a)
In general
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretaries of the military departments, in consultation with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, shall establish a status identifier or equivalent recognition to denote the combat participation of remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) crew members who conduct operations in direct support of combat missions. The identifier shall be designed to enable appropriate consideration by the Department of Veterans Affairs in the administration of benefits and services that account for combat-related service, consistent with how traditional combat designators are treated.
(b)
Rule of construction
Nothing in this section shall be construed to require the Department of Defense to categorize service described in subsection (a) as equivalent to service involving physical presence in a combat zone.
D
Military Justice and Other Legal Matters
531.
Notification of military sex offenders at military installations
(a)
In general
Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall establish and implement a policy to ensure that registered sex offenders that reside or work on military installations are identified to the respective military community, including, as necessary, through agreements with State and local law enforcement agencies.
(b)
Report on designation of Department of Defense as jurisdiction under SORNA
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 the House of Representatives a report assessing the advisability and desirability of designating the Department of Defense as a jurisdiction for purposes of notification requirements under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (title I of  Public Law 109–248 ;  42 U.S.C. 16901 et seq. ).
532.
Quarterly reports on sexual assault prevention and response efforts
(a)
Quarterly reports required
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 on the activities, progress, and performance metrics of the Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office (SAPRO) for the preceding quarter.
(b)
Elements
Each report submitted under subsection (a) shall include the following elements:
(1)
Updates on the implementation status of ongoing and new SAPRO initiatives, including any reforms mandated by statute, executive order, or internal Department of Defense directive.
(2)
Metrics on reported sexual assault cases, broken down by military service and component, including status of case processing and outcomes.
(3)
Updates on the staffing, resourcing, and activities of the Office of Special Trial Counsel.
(4)
Performance metrics and outcome-based evaluations of prevention programs and training effectiveness.
(5)
Progress towards meeting the Department’s goals related to survivor care, victim advocacy, and commander accountability.
(6)
Interagency coordination and alignment with civilian best practices or recommendations from external advisory bodies.
(7)
Any challenges, shortfalls, or recommendations for legislative or policy changes to improve effectiveness.
(c)
Form
Each report shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may contain a classified annex if necessary.
E
Member Education, Training, and Transition
541.
Military service academy nominations
(a)
United States Military Academy
Section 7442(a) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking  9 ranked or unranked alternates  and inserting  up to 14 ranked or unranked alternates .
(b)
United States Naval Academy
Section 8454 of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
in the section heading, by striking
number   and inserting
appointment; numbers, territorial distribution  ; and
(2)
in subsection (a), by striking  9 ranked or unranked alternates  and inserting  up to 14 ranked or unranked alternates .
(c)
United States Air Force Academy
Section 9442(a) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking  9 ranked or unranked alternates  and inserting  up to 14 ranked or unranked alternates .
542.
Asynchronous instruction in distance education option for professional military education
Subsection (c)(1) of section 2154 of title 10, United States Code, as added by section 555 of the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 ( Public Law 118–159 ; 138 Stat. 1896), is amended by inserting  asynchronously and  after  course of instruction .
543.
Army University
 Chapter 751  of title 10, United States Code, is amended by inserting after  section 7406  the following new section:
7407.
Army University
(a)
In general
There is an Army University. The Army University shall integrate all of the professional military education institutions within the Army into a single educational structure to provide economic policy, governance, and innovation to such institutions.
(b)
Component centers and schools
Component centers and schools of the Army University include the following:
(1)
The Army War College.
(2)
The United States Army Command and General Staff College.
(3)
The Army Warrant Officer Career College.
(4)
The Army Management Staff College.
(5)
The Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation.
(6)
Any additional colleges, centers of excellence, and schools that the Secretary of the Army determines appropriate.
 .
544.
Integration of the Secretary of Defense Strategic Thinkers Program
(a)
Integration with professional military education
(1)
In general
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 detailing the Department of Defense’s plan to obtain Military Education Level One (MEL–1) credit for the Strategic Thinkers Program (STP).
(2)
Elements
The report required under paragraph (1) shall include—
(A)
a detailed assessment of how the STP enhances strategic thought and decision-making among military and civilian leaders;
(B)
a history of the utilization of past graduates of the STP;
(C)
a plan to identify specific positions in the Department that will best utilize the skills and abilities of future program graduates;
(D)
a description of the measures to obtain MEL–1 credit for completing STP, including recommendations on current authorities that could be utilized to grant MEL–1 credit to program graduates;
(E)
recommendations for expanding participation among military officers and civilian officials; and
(F)
an implementation timeline and associated resourcing requirements.
(b)
Implementation and oversight
The Secretary of Defense shall designate an appropriate office within the Department to manage the STP and implement MEL–1 credit for STP completion. The designated office shall provide an annual briefing to the congressional defense committees on the status of awarding MEL–1 credit, program effectiveness, and any legislative or funding adjustments necessary to support continued program success.
545.
Improvements to information-sharing to support individuals retiring or separating from the Armed Forces
(a)
Opt-out sharing
Section 570F of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 ( Public Law 116–92 ;  10 U.S.C. 1142  note) is amended—
(1)
in subsection (c)—
(A)
by striking  out the form to indicate an email address  and inserting the following: “out the form to indicate—
(1)
an email address
 ;
(B)
in paragraph (1), as designated by subparagraph (A), by striking the period at the end and inserting  ; and ;
(C)
by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
(2)
if the individual would like to opt-out of the transmittal of the individual’s information to and through a State veterans agency as described in subsection (a).
 ; and
(2)
by amending subsection (d) to read as follows:
(d)
Opt-out of information sharing
Information on an individual shall be transmitted to and through a State veterans agency as described in subsection (a) unless the individual indicates pursuant to subsection (c)(2) that the individual would like to opt out of such transmittal.
 .
(b)
Storage and transfer of information
Such section is further amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
(e)
Storage and transfer of information
(1)
In general
The Secretary of Defense shall seek to enter into memoranda of understanding or other agreements with the State veterans agencies described in subsection (a) to create or modify a Department system to store and transfer information under this section to information systems of such State veterans agencies.
(2)
Compliance
The Secretary shall ensure that any agreement entered into under paragraph (1) is in compliance with—
(A)
applicable provisions of law relating to privacy and personally identifiable information; and
(B)
applicable policies relating to cybersecurity of Department information systems and State information systems.
 .
(c)
Limitation on use of information
Such section is further amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
(f)
Limitation on use of information
Information transferred under this section may only be used by a State for the purpose of providing or connecting veterans to benefits or services as described in subsection (a).
 .
546.
Mandatory training on government ethics and national security law
(a)
Annual training on government ethics and standards of conduct
The Secretaries of the military departments shall ensure that all members of the Armed Forces in their respective departments are trained annually in government ethics and standards of conduct.
(b)
Training on the law of armed conflict and rules of engagement
The Secretaries of the military departments shall ensure that all members of the Armed Forces in their respective departments are trained on the following topics, including within 90 days of a mobilization or deployment, as applicable:
(1)
The law of armed conflict.
(2)
Rules of engagement.
(3)
Defense support for civil authorities.
(4)
Standing rules for the use of force.
(5)
The Code of Conduct.
547.
Prohibition on consideration of race, sex, color, ethnicity, national origin, or religion in service academy admissions decisions
(a)
In general
The Service Academies may not consider race, sex, color, ethnicity, national origin, or religion in admissions decisions.
(b)
Service Academy defined
In this section, the term  Service Academy  has the meaning given the term in section 347 of title 10, United States Code.
548.
Prohibition on participation of males in athletic programs or activities at the military service academies that are designated for women or girls
(a)
In general
The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that the United States Military Academy, the United States Naval Academy, and the United States Air Force Academy do not permit a person whose sex is male to participate in an athletic program or activity that is designated for women or girls.
(b)
Rule of construction
Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit a recipient from permitting males to train or practice with an athletic program or activity that is designated for women or girls so long as no female is deprived of a roster spot on a team or sport, opportunity to participate in a practice or competition, scholarship, admission to an educational institution, or any other benefit that accompanies participating in the athletic program or activity.
(c)
Definitions
In this section—
(1)
the term  athletic programs and activities  includes all programs or activities that are provided conditional upon participation with any athletic team; and
(2)
the term  sex  means a person’s reproductive biology and genetics at birth.
549.
Pathway for cadets and midshipmen to play professional sports
(a)
Repeal of certain restrictions
Section 553 of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 ( Public Law 117–263 ; 136 Stat. 2592), and the amendments made by such section, are repealed.
(b)
Authority
(1)
United States Military Academy
Section 7448(a) of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
(A)
in paragraph (2), by inserting  , except as provided under paragraph (5),  after  That ; and
(B)
by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
(5)
That, upon graduation, a cadet may seek employment as a professional athlete or Olympic athlete if the cadet is drafted or signs a free agent contract with a professional sports entity, in which case the cadet will incur a five-year service obligation upon employment as a professional or Olympic athlete and will, if no longer employed as a professional or Olympic athlete, return as a regular officer in the active component for a five-year service obligation. If the cadet is ineligible to return to active service, the cadet shall repay the government for the cost of his or her education.
 .
(2)
United States Naval Academy
Section 8459(a) of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
(A)
in paragraph (2), by inserting  , except as provided under paragraph (5),  after  That ; and
(B)
by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
(5)
That, upon graduation, a midshipman may seek employment as a professional athlete or Olympic athlete if the midshipman is drafted or signs a free agent contract with a professional sports entity, in which case the midshipman will incur a five-year service obligation upon employment as a professional or Olympic athlete and will, if no longer employed as a professional or Olympic athlete, return as a regular officer in the active component for a five-year service obligation. If the midshipman is ineligible to return to active service, the midshipman shall repay the government for the cost of his or her education.
 .
(3)
United States Air Force Academy
Section 9448(a) of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
(A)
in paragraph (2), by inserting  , except as provided under paragraph (5),  after  That ; and
(B)
by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
(5)
That, upon graduation, a cadet may seek employment as a professional athlete or Olympic athlete if the cadet is drafted or signs a free agent contract with a professional sports entity, in which case the cadet will incur a five-year service obligation upon employment as a professional or Olympic athlete and will, if no longer employed as a professional or Olympic athlete, return as a regular officer in the active component for a five-year service obligation. If the cadet is ineligible to return to active service, the cadet shall repay the government for the cost of his or her education.
 .
550.
Factors for counseling pathways under Transition Assistance Program
Section 1142(c)(1) of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
by redesignating subparagraph (M) as subparagraph (R); and
(2)
by inserting after subparagraph (L) the following new subparagraphs:
(M)
Child care requirements of the member (including whether a dependent of the member is enrolled in the Exceptional Family Member Program).
(N)
The employment status of other adults in the household of the member.
(O)
The location of the duty station of the member (including whether the member was separated from family while on duty).
(P)
The effects of operating tempo and personnel tempo on the member and the household of the member.
 .
F
Military Family Readiness and Dependents' Education
I
Dependents' Education
551.
Certain assistance to local educational agencies that benefit dependents of military and civilian personnel
(a)
Continuation of authority to assist local educational agencies that benefit dependents of members of the Armed Forces and Department of Defense civilian employees
(1)
Assistance to schools with significant numbers of military dependent students
Of the amount authorized to be appropriated for fiscal year 2026 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 ).
(2)
Local educational agency defined
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) ).
(b)
Impact aid for children with severe disabilities
(1)
In general
Of the amount authorized to be appropriated for fiscal year 2026 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 ).
(2)
Additional amount
Of the amount authorized to be appropriated for fiscal year 2026 pursuant to section 301 and available for operation and maintenance for Defense-wide activities as specified in the funding table in section 4301, $20,000,000 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.
(3)
Report
Not later than September 30, 2026, the Secretary shall brief the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives on the Department’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.
552.
Management of special education in schools operated by Department of Defense Education Activity
(a)
Improvements to staffing
The Secretary of Defense, acting through the Director of the Department of Defense Education Activity, shall implement the following measures to improve staffing of special education teachers and staff at schools operated by the Activity:
(1)
Require the inclusion, in the staffing model for a school, of service minutes required by the individualized education programs of students attending the school to more effectively determine appropriate staffing for the school.
(2)
Collect the following data on underutilized special education staff members:
(A)
When such staff members are requested to transfer to a school with greater needs for such staff members.
(B)
How many requests for such transfers the Activity receives.
(C)
Whether such requests are approved or denied, and at what locations.
(D)
Once such a request is received, the likelihood that the transfer occurs.
(3)
Collect data on the turnover of special education teachers and staff, including reasons for departure.
(4)
Review access to and requirements for crisis training, publicize Activity-wide policies with respect to such training for consistency, and expand such training to relevant special education teachers and staff, such as paraeducators, who are not required, as of the date of the enactment of this Act, to receive such training.
(5)
Require district and regional administrators to track training requirements for special education teachers and staff to ensure that such teachers and staff are meeting such requirements.
(b)
Clarification of guidance
The Secretary, acting through the Director, shall implement the following measures to improve and clarify guidance relating to special education provided by schools operated by the Department of Defense Education Activity:
(1)
Review the list of types of disabilities recognized by the Activity as of the date of the enactment of this Act and determine if that list meets the most recent best practices for special education.
(2)
Standardize and implement instructions for providing special education materials to students across schools operated by the Activity.
(3)
Develop and implement a plan for standardizing special education training across the Activity.
(4)
Standardize reading intervention guidance and requirements across schools operated by the Activity, including by requiring each school and district operated by the Activity to have the same resources and instructions, and provide clear guidance on how to access additional support materials if required.
(c)
Briefings required
(1)
Initial briefing
Not later than April 1, 2026, the Director shall brief the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives on the following:
(A)
Coordination by the Department of Defense Education Activity with the Educational and Developmental Intervention Services programs of the military departments to determine what medical services the military departments are required to provide based on the needs of students attending schools operated by the Activity.
(B)
A description of the process in effect as of the date of the briefing, if any, to resolve a dispute with respect to required services under a student’s individualized education program.
(C)
A description of issues pending, and resolutions of previous issues, under that process.
(D)
An assessment of how support instructional specialists can better assist teachers with developing curriculum for special education students.
(E)
A description of how the Activity provides services in the case of civilian or military dependents with severe medical or special education requirements that a school cannot meet, including any data on how many such cases arise an annual basis and in what locations.
(F)
A description of the process in effect as of the date of the briefing for reassigning a family from a school located outside the United States if the education needs of a child in the family cannot be met at that school and data, for the 5 school years preceding the briefing, on where such reassignments have been done and the frequency of such reassignments.
(G)
An assessment of the pay scale for special education teachers and staff in effect as of the date of the briefing, an identification of the last time the pay scale was updated, a description of how the pay scale is determined, and a statement of how often the pay scale is updated.
(H)
Data on school and district-level requests for additional reading intervention curriculum, including the locations of such requests and whether such requests were approved or denied.
(2)
Semi-annual briefings
The Director shall brief the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives on the progress made in implementing the measures described in subsection (a)—
(A)
not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act; and
(B)
every 180 days thereafter until the Director certifies that each such measure has been implemented.
553.
Enrollment of children of certain American Red Cross employees in defense dependents' education system
Section 1404(d)(1) of the Defense Dependents’ Education Act of 1978 ( 20 U.S.C. 923(d)(1) ) is amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
(D)
Children of employees of the American Red Cross who—
(i)
are performing, on a full-time basis, services for the Armed Forces, including emergency services; and
(ii)
reside in an overseas area supported by a school of the defense dependents' education system.
 .
554.
Regulations on the use of portable electronic mobile devices in Department of Defense Education Activity schools
(a)
Regulations required
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense, acting through the Director of the Department of Defense Education Activity, shall update existing regulations on student use of portable electronic mobile devices in Department of Defense Education Activity (DODEA) schools to prohibit disruption in the learning environment by minimizing the use of such mobile devices to the greatest extent practicable and to standardize such regulations across all DODEA schools.
(b)
Briefing required
Not later than 60 days after completion of the updated regulations required under subsection (a), the Secretary of Defense shall brief the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives on the updated regulations, including—
(1)
relevant evidence taken into consideration on the use of portable electronic mobile devices in and around the classroom on learning outcomes and social dynamics;
(2)
a description of how the regulations have standardized policies across all DODEA schools;
(3)
an assessment of the influence, if any, of public-school policies on mobile devices at school or in the classroom; and
(4)
any other matters the Secretary determines relevant.
555.
Administration of college admissions tests by the Department of Defense Education Activity
The Director of the Department of Defense Education Activity shall require schools operated by the Activity—
(1)
to offer to administer and, if such an offer is accepted, administer at least one college admissions test to each student in the eleventh grade; and
(2)
to provide the parents of each such student with the option for the student to take a college admissions test of the parents' choice, including any test that the Secretary determines to be appropriate.
556.
Support for expanding early child care options for members of the Armed Forces and their families
(a)
In general
The Secretary of Defense may—
(1)
direct the Secretaries of the military departments—
(A)
to identify gaps between existing early child care needs and available eligible child care providers;
(B)
to use resources of the Department of Defense to support eligible child care providers in recruitment and retention of employees, including through professional development and financial incentives for such employees; and
(C)
to seek to enter into an interagency partnership with a Federal agency with the ability to place national service participants and volunteers trained in education services, including senior volunteer programs, at military child development centers in accordance with applicable national service laws and with all the benefits accorded to such participants and volunteers; and
(2)
provide training and resource subsidies to eligible child care providers and networks of such providers.
(b)
Definitions
In this section:
(1)
Eligible child care provider
The term  eligible child care provider  has the meaning given that term in section 658P of the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 ( 42 U.S.C. 9858n ).
(2)
Military child development center
The term  military child development center  has the meaning given that term in section 1800 of title 10, United States Code.
557.
Improved counseling and access to information relating to foster care for military families
(a)
Training for counselors
(1)
In general
The Secretary of Defense shall require all counselors assigned to a Family Advocacy Program or Military and Family Life program at a military installation in the United States to be trained in the requirements and resources relating to foster care of the State in which the installation is located.
(2)
Foster care liaisons
A counselor who has received training under paragraph (1) shall be known as a  foster care liaison .
(b)
Inclusion of foster care information on Military OneSource
The Secretary shall require Military OneSource to include a mechanism for military families to obtain information on foster care, including the requirements and resources relating to foster care of each State.
(c)
Consultation with Administration for Children and Families
The Secretary shall seek guidance from the Administration for Children and Families of the Department of Health and Human Services with respect to obtaining resources relating to foster care for military families, including curricula for training under paragraph (1).
558.
Pilot program on recruitment and retention of employees for child development programs
(a)
In general
The Secretary of Defense may develop and implement a pilot program to assess the effectiveness of increasing compensation or other benefits for employees of child development programs on military installations in improving the ability of such programs to recruit and retain such employees.
(b)
Compensation
If the Secretary implements the pilot program authorized by subsection (a), the Secretary shall provide for the payment of compensation to employees of child development programs under the pilot program at a fair and competitive wage that maintains sustainable and high-quality child care conditions.
(c)
Selection of locations
(1)
In general
If the Secretary implements the pilot program authorized by subsection (a), the Secretary shall select not fewer than three military installations for purposes of carrying out the pilot program.
(2)
Considerations
In selecting military installations under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall consider military installations with child development programs—
(A)
with a shortage of qualified employees; or
(B)
subject to other conditions identified by the Secretary that affect the ability of the programs to operate at full capacity.
(d)
Regulations
The Secretary may prescribe such regulations as are necessary to carry out this section.
(e)
Duration of pilot program
If the Secretary implements the pilot program authorized by subsection (a), the pilot program shall—
(1)
commence on the date on which the Secretary prescribes regulations under subsection (d); and
(2)
terminate on the date that is 3 years after the date described in paragraph (1).
(f)
Briefings required
(1)
Initial briefing
If the Secretary implements the pilot program authorized by subsection (a), the Secretary shall, when the pilot program commences in accordance with subsection (e)(1), brief the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives on—
(A)
the military installations selected under subsection (c) for purposes of carrying out the pilot program;
(B)
the data that informed those selections; and
(C)
the compensation or other benefits to be offered under the pilot program.
(2)
Final briefing
If the Secretary implements the pilot program authorized by subsection (a), the Secretary shall, not later than 180 days before the pilot program terminates in accordance with subsection (e)(2), brief the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives on the outcomes and findings of the pilot program, including—
(A)
data collected and analyses conducted under the pilot program with respect to the relationship between increased compensation for employees of child development programs and improved recruitment or retention of those employees; and
(B)
any recommendations with respect to increases in compensation or other benefits for employees of child development programs across the Department of Defense as a result of the pilot program.
(g)
Child development program defined
In this section, the term  child development program  means a program to provide child care services for children, between birth through 12 years of age, of members of the Armed Forces and civilian employees of the Department of Defense.
559.
Report on unmet need for child care in areas with significant populations of members of the Armed Forces
(a)
In general
Not later than September 30, 2027, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report on the unmet need for child care in areas with populations of members of the Armed Forces that includes—
(1)
an assessment of—
(A)
the unmet need for each military installation, specifically those families who have no childcare at all;
(B)
the military families on the waitlist for a child development center on an installation who may be using a family childcare home or fee assistance until they can get off of the waitlist; and
(C)
areas where there may be significant challenges providing care to dependents under the age of 5;
(2)
a review of the efforts of the Department of Defense to recruit and retain eligible child care providers; and
(3)
a plan for meeting the unmet need for child care.
(b)
Appropriate committees of congress defined
In this section, the term  appropriate committees of Congress  means—
(1)
the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate; and
(2)
the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives.
II
Other Matters
561.
Legal assistance for guardianship transfers
(a)
In general
The Secretary of each military department shall provide to members of the Armed Forces serving on active duty access to legal services provided by an attorney specializing in guardianship transfers in each State in which a military installation is located.
(b)
Briefing required
Not later than September 1, 2026, the Secretary of each military department shall brief the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives on the following:
(1)
A plan for implementing the requirement to provide access to legal services described in subsection (a).
(2)
Any challenges associated with implementation of that requirement.
(3)
Data on the number of members of the Armed Forces with guardianship of incapacitated adult dependents or a plan to gather such data.
(4)
Any other matters the Secretary considers relevant.
G
Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps
571.
 Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps instructor qualifications
The Secretary concerned may not issue a policy under section 2031(d)(1)(B) of title 10, United States Code, that requires a former officer or noncommissioned officer to have more than 8 years of service to serve as a Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps instructor.
572.
Temporary authority to provide bonuses to Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps instructors
(a)
In general
The Secretary concerned may pay to a member or former member of the Armed Forces under the jurisdiction of the Secretary a one-time bonus of not more than $10,000 if the member or former member—
(1)
agrees to be an instructor for the Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps under section 2031(d) of title 10, United States Code; and
(2)
serves as such an instructor for not less than one academic year.
(b)
Briefing required
Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter until the termination date described in subsection (c), the Secretary of Defense shall brief the congressional defense committees on—
(1)
the use of the authority provided by subsection (a); and
(2)
the effectiveness of bonuses provided under subsection (a) on increasing the number of instructors for the Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps.
(c)
Termination
The authority provided by subsection (a) terminates on the date that is five years after the date of the enactment of this Act.
(d)
Secretary concerned defined
In this section, the term  Secretary concerned  has the meaning given that term in section 101 of title 10, United States Code.
573.
Number of Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps units
Section 545(a) of the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 ( Public Law 118–159 ) is amended to read as follows:
(a)
In general
Section 2031 of title 10, United States Code, is amended, in the first subsection designated subsection (i), by striking  support not fewer than 3,400, and not more than 4,000, units  and inserting  support not fewer than 3,600, and not more than 4,200, units .
 .
H
Decorations and Other Awards, Miscellaneous Reports, and Other Matters
581.
Honorary promotions on the initiative of the Department of Defense
Section 1563a of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
in subsection (a)—
(A)
in paragraph (1)—
(i)
by striking  the Secretary may make an honorary promotion (whether or not posthumous) of a former  and inserting  the Secretary of a military department is authorized to make an honorary promotion, including a posthumous honorary promotion, for a former ; and
(ii)
by striking  if the Secretary determines that the promotion is merited ; and
(B)
by striking paragraph (2) and inserting the following:
(2)
The honorary grade given to a member described in paragraph (1) shall be commensurate with such member’s contributions to the armed forces or the national defense.
(3)
The authority shall not be used to award an honorary promotion solely on the basis that an individual described in paragraph (1) was recommended for such promotion prior to separating from service.
(4)
The Secretaries of the military departments are only authorized to make an honorary promotion under paragraph (1) upon receipt of a favorable recommendation by a board of at least three independent officers convened specifically for the purpose of reviewing the proposed honorary promotion.
 ;
(2)
in subsection (b), by striking  The Secretary  and inserting  The Secretaries of the military departments ; and
(3)
in subsection (c), by striking  Secretary  and inserting  Secretaries of the military departments .
582.
National Week of Military Recruitment
(a)
Designation
 Chapter 1  of title 36, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section:
149.
National Week of Military Recruitment
(a)
Designation
The last full week of September is the National Week of Military Recruitment.
(b)
Proclamation
The President is requested to issue each year a proclamation calling on the people of the United States to observe the National Week of Military Recruitment with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
 .
(b)
Clerical amendment
The table of sections for  chapter 1  of title 36, United States Code, is amended by inserting after the item relating to  section 148  the following new item:
149. National Week of Military Recruitment.
  .
583.
Clarifying the calculation of enlistments for persons whose score on the Armed Forces Qualification Test is below a prescribed level for the future servicemember preparatory course
Section 546 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 ( Public Law 118–31 ;  10 U.S.C. 520  note) is amended—
(1)
in subsection (c), by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
(4)
Effect of course graduation
The Secretary concerned may exclude from the population to be considered for purposes of determining the percentage limitations imposed by section 520(a) of title 10, United States Code, any enlisted person who has graduated from a future servicemember preparatory course established pursuant to this section with a score on the Armed Forces Qualification Test that is at or above the thirty-first percentile, provided that—
(A)
the Armed Forces Qualifications Test score that is at or above the thirty-first percentile is obtained within the same fiscal year in which the individual was originally enlisted to serve on active duty; and
(B)
such score is obtained during the period the individual was originally enlisted to serve on active duty, as determined by the Secretary concerned.
 ; and
(2)
in subsection (d)—
(A)
by redesignating paragraphs (1) through (6) as paragraphs (3) through (8), respectively;
(B)
by inserting before paragraph (3), as redesignated by subparagraph (A), the following new paragraphs:
(1)
Percentage of nonprior service enlisted accessions scoring below the thirty-first percentile on the Armed Forces Qualification Test upon original enlistment.
(2)
Percentage of nonprior service enlisted accessions scoring below the thirty-first percentile on the Armed Forces Qualification Test following graduation from the preparatory course or subsequent reclassification, as applicable.
 ; and
(C)
in paragraph (5), as so redesignated, by striking  prepatory  and inserting  preparatory .
584.
Recruiter access to secondary schools
Section 503(c)(1)(A) of  chapter 31  of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
by amending clause (i) to read as follows:
(i)
shall provide military recruiters the same access to the campus of each secondary school served by the local educational agency for the purpose of recruiting students who are at least 17 years of age that is provided to any prospective employer, institution of higher education, or other recruiter;
 ;
(2)
in clause (ii), by striking  provide to military recruiters access to  and inserting  facilitate upon request made by military recruiters for military recruiting purposes not fewer than four in-person recruitment events per academic year, across different grading periods, which may include ; and
(3)
by amending clause (iii) to read as follows:
(iii)
shall provide to military recruiters within 60 days of the commencement of the academic year, and thereafter within 30 days of a recruiter request, access to secondary school student names, academic grade, addresses, electronic mail addresses (which shall be the electronic mail addresses provided by the school, if available), and telephone and mobile phone listings, notwithstanding subsection (a)(5) of section 444 of the General Education Provisions Act ( 20 U.S.C. 1232g ).
 .
585.
Compliance with travel charge card deactivation requirements
(a)
Policy compliance
Not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall ensure that Department of Defense policies and procedures are consistent with section 3(h)(1)(H) of the Government Charge Card Abuse Prevention Act of 2012 ( Public Law 112–194 ;  5 U.S.C. 5701  note) and related implementing guidance, regarding the prompt deactivation and closure of government-issued travel charge card accounts upon the separation, retirement, or termination of military or civilian personnel.
(b)
Comptroller review
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller) shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report describing—
(1)
actions taken to verify consistent implementation of deactivation and closure policies for government-issued travel charge cards across the military departments and defense agencies;
(2)
any gaps or inconsistencies identified in the execution of current policy; and
(3)
recommendations, if any, to improve compliance, oversight, or prevention of unauthorized card use following personnel separation.
VI
COMPENSATION AND OTHER PERSONNEL BENEFITS
A
Pay and Allowances
601.
Modifications to calculation of basic allowance for subsistence for enlisted members
Section 402 of title 37, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
in subsection (b)—
(A)
by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following new paragraph (1):
(1)
(A)
The monthly rate of basic allowance for subsistence to be in effect for an enlisted member for a year (beginning on January 1 of that year) shall be—
(i)
except as provided by clause (ii), equal to the monthly cost of a liberal food plan for a male in the United States who is between 19 and 50 years of age, as determined by the Secretary of Agriculture each October 1; and
(ii)
in the case of such a member who is subject to monthly deduction from pay for meals under section 1011(b) of this title, the amount computed under clause (i) reduced by the amount of such deduction from pay, in accordance with policies prescribed by the Secretary of Defense.
(B)
The monthly rate of basic allowance for subsistence to be in effect for an enlisted member for a year under subparagraph (A)(i) may not decrease relative to the rate in effect for the preceding year.
 ; and
(B)
by striking paragraph (3); and
(2)
in subsection (d), in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking  subsection (b)(1)  and inserting  subsection (b)(1)(A)(i) .
602.
Inclusion of descriptions of types of pay on pay statements
(a)
In general
 Chapter 19  of title 37, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section:
1016.
Pay statements: descriptions of types of pay
(a)
In general
The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that each pay statement issued to a member of the Armed Forces includes, for each type of pay, allowance, and deduction listed on the statement, a brief and plain-language description of—
(1)
the statutory or regulatory authority under which the pay, allowance, or deduction is made;
(2)
the purpose of the pay, allowance, or deduction;
(3)
the criteria for determining eligibility of the member for the pay, allowance, or deduction; and
(4)
possible changes in the eligibility of the member for the pay, allowance, or deduction, including the circumstances under which the pay, allowance, or deduction may be suspended, expire, or modified.
(b)
Requirements
The descriptions required to be included on a pay statement under paragraph (1) shall be—
(1)
accessible directly on the pay statement; and
(2)
presented in language easily understood by individuals without specialized knowledge of military finance, accounting, or law.
 .
(b)
Applicability
The requirements of section 1016 of title 37, United States Code, as added by subsection (a), shall apply with respect to pay statements issued on or after the date that is 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act.
603.
Increased awareness and improved calculation of rates for basic allowance for housing
(a)
Increasing awareness
The Secretary of Defense shall seek to improve transparency of the calculation of the basic allowance for housing under section 403 of title 37, United States Code, by—
(1)
developing a clear, accessible document that explains how rates of the basic allowance for housing are determined, including methodology and types of data sources used, which shall be—
(A)
reviewed and updated not less frequently than annually and as rates and calculation methods change; and
(B)
made available on a publicly accessible internet website and distributed across all relevant components of the Department of Defense; and
(2)
providing to members of the Armed Forces when such members experience a permanent change of station, permanent change of assignment, change in dependency status, change in grade, or any other event that may impact their eligibility for or rate of basic allowance for housing—
(A)
the information included in the document developed under paragraph (1); and
(B)
an explanation of the type of rental housing the rate of basic allowance for housing received by such members is intended to support in each locality.
(b)
Development of alternative methodology
Consistent with the recommendations of the 14th Quadrennial Review of Military Compensation issued under section 1008(b) of title 37, United States Code, the Secretary shall—
(1)
develop a methodology to compute rates of the basic allowance for housing using an approach based on the number of bedrooms in a housing unit and incorporating available and verified occupied rental market data;
(2)
conduct a pilot program using the methodology developed under paragraph (1); and
(3)
using that methodology, set notional rates for the basic allowance for housing for 2026 and 2027 for a minimum of 10 military housing areas.
(c)
Briefing required
Not later than February 1, 2027, the Secretary shall provide a briefing to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives that includes—
(1)
a comparison of the notional rates set under subsection (b)(3) with the actual rates for basic allowance for housing for 2026 and 2027;
(2)
a comparison of the advantages and disadvantages of—
(A)
the methodology used as of the date of the enactment of this Act for setting rates for the basic allowance for housing; and
(B)
using the methodology developed under subsection (b)(1) for setting such rates;
(3)
a determination of whether the methodology developed under subsection (b)(1) is more or less likely than the methodology described in paragraph (2)(A) to ensure that rates for the basic allowance for housing are set based upon a 95 percent statistical confidence that the estimated median rent is within 10 percent of the actual median rent in local military housing areas;
(4)
a cost estimate for 2027 under both the methodology described in paragraph (2)(A) and the methodology developed under subsection (b)(1);
(5)
an identification of any additional legislative authority required to fully implement the methodology developed under subsection (b)(1); and
(6)
the recommendation of the Secretary with respect to whether to implement the use of the methodology developed under subsection (b)(1) and the timing for such implementation.
604.
Military compensation educational campaign
(a)
In general
Consistent with the recommendations of the 14th Quadrennial Review of Military Compensation issued under section 1008(b) of title 37, United States Code, and not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall commence a 12-month educational campaign to improve the understanding and awareness of members of the Armed Forces and their families with respect to the major components of monetary and nonmonetary military compensation.
(b)
Elements
At a minimum, the campaign required by subsection (a) shall address—
(1)
the elements of regular military compensation (RMC), as defined in section 101(25) of title 37, United States Code;
(2)
special and incentive pays;
(3)
the calculation of retired pay for length of service;
(4)
educational assistance programs and benefits;
(5)
health care for members of the Armed Forces serving in active components and their families; and
(6)
nonmonetary benefits.
B
Special and Incentive Pay
611.
Reviews of designations of imminent danger pay areas
(a)
Initial review
Not later than March 1, 2026, the Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Secretaries of the military departments, shall—
(1)
commence a review of each area designated under section 351(a)(3) of title 37, United States Code, to determine whether the area is one in which a member of the uniformed services is subject to imminent danger of physical injury due to threat conditions; and
(2)
submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report on the review, including any changes to designations under that section that result from the review.
(b)
Subsequent reviews
(1)
In general
Not later than March 1, 2031, and every 5 years thereafter, the Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Secretaries of the military departments, shall conduct a review described in subsection (a)(1).
(2)
Reports required
Not later than 60 days after completing a review under paragraph (1), the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report on the review, including any changes to designations under that section that result from the review.
(c)
Reports on designation changes between reports
If, at any time between the submission of reports required by subsections (a)(2) and (b)(2), the Secretary of Defense or the Secretary of a military department conducts a review of areas designated under section 351(a)(3) of title 37, United States Code, and makes a change to any such designation, that Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report on the review and the change not later than 60 days after the change is made.
612.
Implementation of aviation incentive pay for members of reserve components
Section 602(d) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 ( Public Law 117–81 ;  37 U.S.C. 357  note) is amended—
(1)
in paragraph (2)—
(A)
by striking  In making  and inserting the following:
(A)
In general
In making
 ; and
(B)
by adding at the end the following new subparagraphs:
(B)
Aviation incentive pay evaluation
Not later than June 1, 2026, the Secretary shall complete the evaluation required by subparagraph (A) with respect to aviation incentive pay under section 334 of title 37, United States Code. In conducting that evaluation, the Secretary shall make a specific determination with respect to the percentage of such aviation incentive pay, if any, that is paid specifically to maintain skill certification or proficiency under section 357 of title 37, United States Code.
(C)
Special and incentive pay framework
Not later than June 1, 2026, the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a detailed report on the special and incentive pay assessment framework, required by the Senate report accompanying the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 ( Public Law 118–31 ), that includes the Secretary’s plan and timeline for implementing such framework.
 ; and
(2)
by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
(3)
Initiation of payments
Not later than January 1, 2027, the Secretary concerned shall begin making aviation incentive payments under section 357 of title 37, United States Code, pursuant to the determination made under paragraph (2)(B).
 .
613.
Pilot program on improving retention of members with degrees in their fields of specialty
(a)
In general
The Secretary of Defense shall establish a pilot program to assess the feasibility and advisability of paying incentive pay to certain enlisted members of the Armed Forces with degrees in their fields of specialty to improve the retention of such members.
(b)
Payment of incentive pay
Under the pilot program required by subsection (a), the Secretary concerned may pay monthly incentive pay to a member of the Armed Forces who—
(1)
is an enlisted member;
(2)
has less than 4 years of service in the Armed Forces;
(3)
has a degree in the member's field of specialty, as determined by the Secretary concerned; and
(4)
commits to reenlisting.
(c)
Termination
The pilot program required by subsection (a) shall terminate on the date that is 5 years after the date of the enactment of this Act.
(d)
Report required
After the termination under subsection (c) of the pilot program required by subsection (a), the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the effectiveness of the pilot program in retaining highly qualified members that includes an assessment of—
(1)
the effect of the pilot program on retention rates;
(2)
satisfaction of members with the pilot program; and
(3)
the overall cost-effectiveness of the pilot program.
(e)
Secretary concerned defined
In this section, the term  Secretary concerned  has the meaning given that term in section 101 of title 10, United States Code.
C
Other Matters
621.
Extension of enhanced authority for selective early retirement and early discharges
Section 638a(a)(2) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking  December 31, 2025  and inserting  December 31, 2030 .
622.
Extension of temporary early retirement authority
Section 4403(i) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1993 ( Public Law 102–484 ;  10 U.S.C. 1293  note) is amended by striking  December 31, 2025  and inserting  December 31, 2030 .
623.
Extension of authority to provide voluntary separation pay and benefits
Section 1175a(k)(1) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking  December 31, 2025  and inserting  December 31, 2030 .
624.
Designation of United States Army Garrison Kwajalein Atoll as remote and isolated military installation
(a)
Designation
Not later than 30 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness and the Secretary of the Army, in coordination with the Commander of the United States Army Pacific, shall designate United States Army Garrison Kwajalein Atoll as a remote and isolated military installation.
(b)
Notification
Not later than 30 days after the date on which the designation described in subsection (a) is completed, the Secretary of the Army shall submit a notification to the congressional defense committees confirming completion of the designation.
(c)
Briefing required
Not later than 90 days after the date on which the Secretary of the Army submits the notification described in subsection (b), the Commander of the United States Army Pacific shall brief the congressional defense committees on adjustments to Department of Defense resourcing for and support to United States Army Garrison Kwajalein Atoll as a result of the designation described in subsection (a).
(d)
Definition
In this section, the term  remote and isolated military installation  means a military installation determined to be remote and isolated pursuant to the criteria set forth in Department of Defense Instructions 1015.10 and 1015.18, dated July 6, 2009, and May 30, 2024, respectively.
625.
Designation of Creech Air Force Base as a remote or isolated installation
The Secretary of Defense shall designate Creech Air Force Base, Indian Springs, Nevada, as a remote or isolated installation.
626.
Provision of counseling on housing for members of the Armed Forces
Section 992 of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
in subsection (b)(2), by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
(C)
The Secretary concerned may, subject to the applicable requirements of this section, enter into contracts to provide counseling under this paragraph with individuals and organizations that provide counseling with respect to housing, including—
(i)
organizations that are certified under section 106(e) of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968 ( 12 U.S.C. 1701x(e) ); and
(ii)
other individuals and organizations the Secretary concerned determines are qualified to provide helpful, unbiased counseling with respect to housing.
 ; and
(2)
in subsection (f)(3), by striking  and mortgages  and inserting  mortgages, and other financial products related to the purchase or lease of a primary residence (and information on fees related to such products) .
627.
Program to provide Government-funded transportation for certain members of the Armed Forces stationed overseas
(a)
In general
The Secretary of Defense shall establish a program to provide Government-funded transportation for unaccompanied members of the Armed Forces from designated overseas locations to the members' homes of record, or to other locations of comparable or lesser cost, in accordance with this section.
(b)
Eligibility
Transportation under this section may be provided to a member of the Armed Forces who—
(1)
is assigned to an overseas duty location designated by the Secretary for purposes of this section;
(2)
is serving an unaccompanied tour of at least 24 consecutive months at such location, including any authorized extensions; and
(3)
is otherwise eligible in accordance with implementing regulations prescribed by the Secretary.
(c)
Transportation mode
Transportation under this section may be provided using military air in accordance with established space-available policies or through commercial air travel, as determined appropriate by the Secretary.
(d)
Limitations
The Secretary may prescribe limitations on the number of authorized trips per overseas tour, and may restrict travel during certain periods at the beginning or end of such tours.
(e)
Implementation
The Secretary shall prescribe regulations to implement this section, including the designation of eligible overseas duty locations and specified destinations.
(f)
Additional limitations
Transportation provided under this section shall be subject to applicable restrictions, including compliance with the Department of Defense Foreign Clearance Guide, and limitations on the use of Government travel cards for any leisure-related expenses.
628.
Prohibition on procurement and commissary sales of seafood originating or processed in the People's Republic of China
(a)
Prohibition on procurement of seafood originating or processed in the People's Republic of China for military dining facilities
(1)
In general
Except as provided by paragraph (2) or (3), the Secretary of Defense may not enter into a contract for the procurement of seafood that originates or is processed in the People’s Republic of China for use in military dining facilities, including galleys onboard United States naval vessels.
(2)
Exceptions
(A)
Undue burden
The Secretary of Defense, or a designee of the Secretary, may grant exceptions to the prohibition under paragraph (1) to facilities on military installations located outside of the United States if such prohibition would unduly burden or prevent seafood from being served at such facility.
(B)
United states vessels visiting foreign ports
The Secretary of Defense, or a designee of the Secretary, may grant exceptions to the prohibition under paragraph (1) to United States vessels visiting foreign ports.
(3)
Waiver
The Secretary of Defense may waive the prohibition under paragraph (1).
(b)
Prohibition on sales of seafood originating in the people’s republic of china at commissary stores
(1)
In general
Section 2484 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
(l)
Prohibition on sales of seafood originating in the People’s Republic of China
(1)
In general
Except as provided by paragraph (2), raw or processed seafood or seafood products originating in the People’s Republic of China may not be sold at commissary stores.
(2)
Waiver
The Secretary of Defense may waive the prohibition under paragraph (1).
 .
(2)
Briefing on compliance
Section 2481(c)(4) of such title is amended—
(A)
in subparagraph (D), by striking  ; and  and inserting a semicolon;
(B)
by redesignating subparagraph (E) as subparagraph (F); and
(C)
by inserting after subparagraph (D) the following new subparagraph (E):
(E)
an assessment of compliance with the prohibition under section 2484(l) of this title; and
 .
(3)
Transition rules
(A)
Applicability
The prohibition under subsection (l) of section 2484 of title 10, United States Code, as added by paragraph (1), shall apply on and after the date that is 30 days after the date of the enactment of this Act.
(B)
Disposal of remaining stock
The Director of the Defense Commissary Agency may determine how to dispose of any stock covered by the prohibition under subsection (l) of section 2484 of title 10, United States Code, as added by paragraph (1), that remains as of the date described in subparagraph (A).
(c)
Effective date
The prohibitions under this section, and the amendments made by this section, shall take effect 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act.
629.
Government Accountability Office study on casualty assistance and long-term care programs
(a)
In general
Not later than January 1, 2027, the Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct a study on the structure and execution of the casualty assistance and long-term care programs of the Armed Forces.
(b)
Elements
In conducting the study required by subsection (a), the Comptroller General shall assess options—
(1)
to improve the standardization of the selection and management of casualty assistance officers across the Armed Forces, including standardized tour lengths similar to military recruiters;
(2)
to improve the standardization, quality, and proficiency of training for casualty assistance officers across the Armed Forces in requisite policies, procedures, and knowledge of entitlements, benefits, and financial obligations surviving families may encounter;
(3)
to develop a Defense-wide survivor contact registry allowing surviving families to voluntarily provide contact information to ensure periodic check-ins with surviving families during significant milestones following the death of a member of the Armed Forces; and
(4)
to develop an integrated Defense-wide long-term care program for surviving families, modeled on the Army’s Survivor Outreach Services, that provides information about survivor entitlements and access to expert case managers and counselors.
(c)
Report required
Not later than 180 days after completing the study required by subsection (a), the Comptroller General shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report that includes—
(1)
the results of the study;
(2)
recommendations relating to the options assessed under subsection (b); and
(3)
a plan for implementing those recommendations.
VII
Health Care Provisions
A
TRICARE, Brain Health, and Other Health Care Benefits
701.
Inclusion of additional requirements in notifications to modify scope of services provided at military medical treatment facilities
Section 1073d(f)(2) of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
by striking  information demonstrating ;
(2)
by striking  the extent  and all that follows through the period at the end and inserting  the following: ; and
(3)
by adding at the end the following:
(A)
An endorsement from the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff that the proposed modification will have no effect on operational requirements of the armed forces.
(B)
An endorsement from the Surgeon General of the military department concerned that the proposed modification will have no effect on the training or readiness of military medical personnel in the military department concerned.
(C)
An assessment from the Director of the Defense Health Agency that explains how members of the armed forces and covered beneficiaries receiving services at the facility will continue to receive care.
 .
702.
Expansion of eligibility for hearing aids to include children of retired members of the Uniformed Services enrolled in family coverage under TRICARE Select
Section 1077(a)(16)(B)(ii) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by inserting  or TRICARE Select  before the period at the end.
703.
Assessment of behavioral health and social health conditions of military personnel and their families assigned to Creech Air Force Base, Nevada
(a)
In general
The Secretary of the Air Force, in coordination with the Director of the Defense Health Agency, shall assess the behavioral health and social health conditions of members of the Air Force assigned to Creech Air Force Base, Nevada, and their families related to such assignment.
(b)
Tools used
In carrying out the assessment required under subsection (a), the Secretary of the Air Force shall use tools such as site assistance visits, behavioral health epidemiological consultations, and community-wide assessments.
(c)
Elements of assessment
The assessment required under subsection (a) shall—
(1)
establish the behavioral health and social health outcomes that impact individual, family, and unit readiness at Creech Air Force Base;
(2)
identify factors, to include unique social and occupational stressors, affecting the behavioral health and social health of members of the Air Force and their families stationed at Creech Air Force Base; and
(3)
make recommendations to address those factors and to improve the health and readiness of members of the Air Force and their families stationed at Creech Air Force Base, and in doing so, advancing the readiness of the Air Force.
(d)
Briefing
Not later than March 1, 2026, the Secretary of the Air Force shall brief the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives on the methods used to conduct the assessment required under subsection (a) and on the findings and recommendations of the assessment.
704.
Authority to provide sexual assault medical forensic examinations on a nonreimbursable basis to certain otherwise ineligible individuals
(a)
Authority To provide forensic examinations
The Secretary of Defense, in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary, shall authorize medical personnel of the Department of Defense to provide sexual assault medical forensic examinations, in a military medical treatment facility on a nonreimbursable basis, to an individual who—
(1)
is not otherwise eligible for health care from the Department;
(2)
reports a sexual assault offense for which the Defense Criminal Investigative Service may initiate an investigation; and
(3)
is eligible for a forensic examination in accordance with those regulations.
(b)
Additional elements
The regulations prescribed under subsection (a) may provide for the handling, storage, and transfer to law enforcement of a completed sexual assault medical forensic examination kit.
705.
Fertility treatment for certain members of the uniformed services and dependents
(a)
Fertility treatment
 Chapter 55  of title 10, United States Code, is amended by inserting after  section 1074o  the following new section:
1074p
Fertility treatment for certain active duty members of the uniformed services and their dependents
(a)
Coverage
The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that fertility-related care for a member of the uniformed services on active duty (or a dependent of such a member) shall be covered under TRICARE Prime and TRICARE Select.
(b)
In vitro fertilization
In the case of in vitro fertilization treatment furnished to an individual pursuant to subsection (a), coverage under such subsection shall include—
(1)
not fewer than three completed oocyte retrievals; and
(2)
unlimited embryo transfers provided in accordance with the guidelines of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, using single embryo transfer when recommended and medically appropriate.
(c)
Definitions
In this section:
(1)
The term  infertility  means a disease, condition, or status characterized by—
(A)
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;
(B)
the inability of an individual to reproduce without medical intervention either as a single individual or with the partner of the individual; or
(C)
the findings of a licensed physician based on the medical, sexual, and reproductive history, age, physical findings, or diagnostic testing of the individual.
(2)
The term  fertility-related care  means—
(A)
the diagnosis of infertility; and
(B)
fertility treatment.
(3)
The term  fertility treatment  includes the following:
(A)
In vitro fertilization or other treatments or procedures in which human oocytes, embryos, or sperm are handled when clinically appropriate.
(B)
Sperm retrieval.
(C)
Egg retrieval.
(D)
Preservation of human oocytes, embryos, or sperm.
(E)
Artificial insemination, including intravaginal insemination, intracervical insemination, and intrauterine insemination.
(F)
Transfer of reproductive genetic material.
(G)
Medications as prescribed or necessary for fertility.
(H)
Fertility treatment coordination.
(I)
Such other information, referrals, treatments, procedures, testing, medications, laboratory services, technologies, and services facilitating reproduction as determined appropriate by the Secretary of Defense.
 .
(b)
Program on fertility treatment coordination
 Chapter 55  of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section:
1110c
Program on fertility-related care coordination
(a)
In general
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.
(b)
Training and support
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 uniformed services and the dependents of such members.
(c)
Fertility-Related care defined
In this section, the term  fertility-related care  has the meaning given that term in section 1074p(c) of this title.
 .
(c)
Conforming amendment
Section 1079(a) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
(21)
Fertility-related care shall be provided in accordance with section 1074p of this title.
 .
(d)
Exclusion from contracts for former members and their dependents
Section 1086 of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
in subsection (c), in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking  subsection (d)  and inserting  subsections (d) and (j) ; and
(2)
by adding at the end the following new subsection:
(j)
A plan contracted for under subsection (a) may not include coverage for services under section 1074p of this title for former members of the uniformed services or dependents of former members of the uniformed services.
 .
(e)
Regulations
Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall prescribe regulations or subregulatory guidance regarding the implementation of the amendments made by this section.
(f)
Application
The amendments made by this section shall apply with respect to services provided on or after October 1, 2027.
(g)
Rules of construction
Nothing in this section or the amendments made by this section shall be construed—
(1)
to provide new benefits to or alter existing benefits for former members of the uniformed services or the dependents of former members of the uniformed services; or
(2)
to authorize the Secretary of Defense to make payments related to human cloning, artificial womb technology, or international surrogacy.
706.
Restriction on performance of sex change surgeries
(a)
In general
 Chapter 55  of title 10, United States Code, is amended by inserting after  section 1093  the following new section:
1093a
Performance of sex change surgeries: restrictions
(a)
Restriction on use of funds
Funds available to the Department of Defense may not be used to perform or facilitate sex change surgeries.
(b)
Restriction on use of facilities
No military medical treatment facility or other facility of the Department of Defense may be used to perform or facilitate a sex change surgery.
 .
(b)
Clerical amendment
The table of sections at the beginning of such chapter is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 1093 the following new item:
1093a. Performance of sex change surgeries: restrictions.
  .
B
Health Care Administration
711.
Codification of position of Director of the Defense Health Agency
(a)
In general
Section 1073c of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
by redesignating subsections (a) through (j) as subsections (b) through (k), respectively;
(2)
by inserting before subsection (b), as redesignated by paragraph (1), the following:
(a)
Director of the Defense Health Agency
(1)
There is in the Defense Health Agency a Director.
(2)
The Director of the Defense Health Agency shall—
(A)
be a military officer and hold a rank that is the same or greater than the rank of any officer serving as the Surgeon General of a military department under section 7036, 8031, or 9036 of this title; and
(B)
be a joint qualified officer in accordance with section 661 of this title.
 ;
(3)
in subsection (b), as redesignated by paragraph (1)—
(A)
in paragraph (1), in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking  , by not later than September 30, 2021 ;
(B)
in paragraph (2), in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking  , commencing when the Director begins to exercise responsibilities under that paragraph, ; and
(C)
in paragraph (6), by striking  subsections (b) and (c)  and inserting  subsections (c) and (d) ;
(4)
in subsection (f), as so redesignated, in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking  Not later than September 30, 2024, and subject to subsection (f)  and inserting  Subject to subsection (g) ;
(5)
in subsection (g), as so redesignated, in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking  subsection (e)  and inserting  subsection (f) ; and
(6)
in subsection (h), as so redesignated, by striking  subsection (e)(1)  and inserting  subsection (f)(1) .
(b)
Conforming amendment
Section 1091a(b)(2) of such title is amended by striking  section 1073c(i)  and inserting  section 1073c(k) .
712.
Establishment of policies for priority assignment of medical personnel of Department of Defense
(a)
In general
The Secretary of Defense shall establish policies for the priority assignment of medical personnel of the Department of Defense.
(b)
Application to military departments
The Secretary of each military department shall assign medical personnel within that military department consistent with the policies established under subsection (a) and in coordination with the Director of the Defense Health Agency.
(c)
Reassignment
(1)
In general
If, in the judgment of the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of a military department fails to comply with the assignment priorities established under subsection (a), the Secretary may authorize the Director of the Defense Health Agency to reassign medical personnel of that military department in accordance with the policies established under subsection (a).
(2)
Briefing
Not later than 90 days after the effective date of any reassignment under paragraph (1), the Director of the Defense Health Agency shall brief the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives on such reassignment.
713.
Graduate medical education partnership demonstration program
(a)
Demonstration program required
Notwithstanding section 1104 of title 10, United States Code, the Secretary of Defense shall seek to establish a demonstration program to expand partnerships between covered medical facilities of the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs.
(b)
Purpose
The purpose of the demonstration program under subsection (a) is to increase case volume for graduate medical education programs of the Department of Defense.
(c)
Parameters
In seeking to establish a demonstration program under subsection (a), the Secretary of Defense shall make efforts to ensure the following:
(1)
Credentialing and privileging of medical personnel as necessary to work in any covered medical facility.
(2)
Expedited access to installations of the Department of Defense for the purpose of providing medical care under the demonstration program to non-Department of Defense beneficiaries.
(3)
Inclusion of  in-kind  or non-cash payment or reimbursement for expenses incurred under the demonstration program.
(d)
Annual briefing
Not later than December 1, 2026, and annually thereafter, 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 this section.
(e)
Covered medical facility defined
In this section, the term  covered medical facility  means—
(1)
a medical facility of the Department of Defense with a certified graduate medical education program; and
(2)
any medical facility of the Department of Veterans Affairs.
(f)
Sunset
This section shall terminate on September 30, 2032.
714.
Modification of administration of medical malpractice claims by members of the uniformed services
(a)
In general
Section 2733a of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
in subsection (a), by striking  subsection (h)  and inserting  subsection (i) ;
(2)
in subsection (b)(6), by striking  subsection (h)  and inserting  subsection (i) ;
(3)
in subsection (d)(1), by striking  subsection (h)  and inserting  subsection (i) ;
(4)
by re-designating subsections (g) through (k) as subsections (h) through (l), respectively; and
(5)
by inserting after subsection (f) the following new subsection:
(g)
Appeals
(1)
Any appeal from the denial of a claim under this section shall be considered by a third-party review board jointly established by the Judge Advocates General of the Army, the Navy, and the Air Force.
(2)
The third-party review board established under paragraph (1) shall consist of not more than five members, all of whom possess sufficient legal or medical background, or both.
(3)
A claimant under this section that seeks an appeal under paragraph (1) may submit the appeal directly to the third-party review board established under such paragraph.
(4)
In considering an appeal from the denial of a claim under this section, the third-party review board established under paragraph (1) shall, at the request of the claimant, allow for a hearing on the merits of the appeal in an adversarial nature.
(5)
The Secretary of Defense shall provide to a claimant seeking an appeal under paragraph (1) a copy of any response to the appeal that is submitted on behalf of the Department of Defense.
(6)
The third-party review board established under paragraph (1) shall not consist of any member of the uniformed services or civilian employee of the Department of Defense.
 .
(b)
Appointment of members
Not later than 180 days after the effective date described in subsection (d), the Judge Advocates General of the Army, the Navy, and the Air Force shall jointly appoint members to the board established under subsection (g)(1) of section 2733a of title 10, United States Code, as added by subsection (a)(5).
(c)
Report
Not later than 180 days after the establishment of the board required under subsection (g)(1) of section 2733a of title 10, United States Code, as added by subsection (a)(5), the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report indicating—
(1)
the membership of the board;
(2)
the qualifying background of each member of the board; and
(3)
a statement indicating the independence of each member of the board from the Department of Defense.
(d)
Effective date
This section, and the amendments made by this section, shall take effect on the date that is 10 years after the date of the enactment of this Act.
715.
Improvement of transition of medics in the Armed Forces to the civilian workforce in health care occupations
(a)
Recommendations required
The Secretary concerned, 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, 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.
(b)
Considerations
In carrying out subsection (a), the Secretary concerned shall—
(1)
identify any barriers—
(A)
to improving the ability of the Secretary concerned to determine and communicate how the military credentials and experience of a medic separating from the Armed Forces translate to credentialed civilian employment in health care occupations;
(B)
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;
(C)
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;
(D)
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;
(E)
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—
(i)
the approval timeline for separating members to participate in SkillBridge programs in the health care sector; and
(ii)
requirements to return to their duty station for out-processing; and
(F)
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
(2)
consider the potential impact of—
(A)
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;
(B)
implementation, including through State-provided incentives, of accelerated programs to bridge military medic credentials and experience with civilian health care credentials and licenses;
(C)
financial support or incentives by States to increase the availability and accessibility of such programs;
(D)
requiring the military departments to align military health care credentials with civilian equivalents; and
(E)
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.
(c)
Report
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary concerned shall submit to the relevant committees of Congress a report containing—
(1)
the recommendations developed under subsection (a); and
(2)
a plan to implement those recommendations.
(d)
Definitions
In this section:
(1)
Medic
The term  medic  means a member of the Armed Forces acting in a clinical health care-related occupation while serving in the Armed Forces.
(2)
Relevant committees of Congress
The term  relevant committees of Congress  means—
(A)
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; and
(B)
the Committee on Armed Services, the Committee on Education and the Workforce, and the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the House of Representatives.
(3)
Secretary concerned
The term  Secretary concerned  means—
(A)
the Secretary of Defense, with respect to matters concerning the Department of Defense; and
(B)
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.
(4)
State
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.
(5)
Transition Assistance Program
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.
716.
Improvement of provider directory accuracy for specialty care providers under the TRICARE program
(a)
In general
By not later than five years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Director of the Defense Health Agency (in this section referred to as the  Director ) shall ensure that the accuracy of the provider directory under the TRICARE program for all specialty care provider types reaches an average accuracy across all specialty care providers of not less than 70 percent.
(b)
Measurement of accuracy
Average accuracy under subsection (a) shall be measured biannually and shall be disaggregated by provider type for each specialty care provider group.
(c)
Inclusion in contracts
The Director shall ensure that each managed care contract under the TRICARE program includes requirements that the managed care contractor comply with the accuracy requirement under subsection (a), including by requiring each such contractor to—
(1)
conduct comprehensive outreach campaigns, to include electronic and non-electronic means, and mass email campaigns to network providers providing—
(A)
information relating to T–5 Contract penalties associated with inaccurate provider directory information;
(B)
resources; and
(C)
direct links for providers to update their directory information;
(2)
make it a condition of joining the TRICARE network managed by such contractor for providers to validate their provider directory information not less frequently than quarterly;
(3)
ensure that when providers file for reimbursement, such providers are prompted to review and verify their directory accuracy; and
(4)
create a mechanism by which beneficiaries under the TRICARE program can report provider directory inaccuracy to the contractor.
(d)
Other methods
The Director shall carry out any other methods that the Director finds useful for the improvement of provider directory accuracy.
(e)
Testing of directory information
Not less frequently than quarterly, the Inspector General of the Department of Defense shall conduct random tests, encompassing all specialty care provider types, of the accuracy of information relating to specialty care providers contained in the provider directory under the TRICARE program.
(f)
Reports and briefings
(1)
In general
Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the Director shall submit a report and provide a briefing to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives on progress towards reaching the average accuracy target required under subsection (a).
(2)
Elements
Each report under paragraph (1) shall include, at a minimum, the following:
(A)
A description of the techniques that are most effective in improving accuracy of provider directories.
(B)
An identification of the authorities or tools that the Defense Health Agency lacks for improving such accuracy.
(C)
An identification of challenges specific to each specialty care provider type that limit such accuracy.
(D)
An assessment of the impact of efforts of the Defense Health Agency towards improving such accuracy on providers either leaving the TRICARE program or on the willingness of non-network providers to join the TRICARE program.
(g)
Comptroller General review
Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the Comptroller General of the United States shall—
(1)
conduct a holistic review of provider directory accuracy under the TRICARE program to measure the progress of the Director towards meeting the requirement under subsection (a); and
(2)
submit to Congress a report on the review conducted under paragraph (1).
717.
Review of disclosure requirements under processes and forms relating to health care provider credentialing and privileging of Department of Defense
(a)
Review
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall review all processes and forms relating to health care provider credentialing and privileging of covered applicants to—
(1)
identify questions, required disclosures, or other information required to be provided by the applicant that asks or requires the applicant to disclose mental, behavioral, psychological, or other related health conditions of the applicant, including requirements contained in—
(A)
applications for credentialing, peer reference, or competency assessment; and
(B)
employee manuals, guidance, and policies of the Department of Defense governing the requirements for credentialing, privileging, or employment of health care providers;
(2)
review and compare credentialing, peer reference, and competency assessment forms for health care providers across the military departments and the Defense Health Agency, including a review of—
(A)
which forms require disclosure of mental, behavioral, psychological, or other related health conditions; and
(B)
whether such disclosure of mental, behavioral, psychological, or other related health conditions include past and current diagnoses and treatment.
(b)
Report
Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to Congress a report containing the following:
(1)
The findings of the review require under subsection (a).
(2)
A detailed plan outlining steps the Secretary has taken or will take, including a timeline for completion of such steps, to update the processes and forms reviewed under such subsection to refrain from requiring disclosures of mental, behavioral, psychological, or other related health conditions when there is no current impairment, including an identification of the steps the Secretary will take to engage advocates outside the Department of Defense who have subject matter expertise.
(c)
Covered applicant defined
In this section, the term  covered applicant  means an applicant for a position as a health care provider who—
(1)
is required to go through a credentialing and privileging process; and
(2)
provides care—
(A)
at a military medical treatment facility or other clinic of the Department of Defense; or
(B)
through the civilian network of the TRICARE program (as defined in section 1072 of title 10, United States Code).
718.
Provision of health care services at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri
(a)
Assessment
The Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Secretary of the Army, shall conduct an assessment of the adequacy of health care services available to covered beneficiaries under the TRICARE program located at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri.
(b)
Elements
The assessment required by subsection (a) shall include the following elements:
(1)
An evaluation of the ability of the local area to provide adequate access to care for the covered beneficiary population surrounding Fort Leonard Wood.
(2)
An evaluation of potential impacts to access and quality of care for such beneficiaries if the General Leonard Wood Army Community Hospital were to be realigned, downgraded, or have its scope of services reduced.
(3)
An evaluation of the ability to establish additional partnerships with the Department of Veterans Affairs for the provision of health care service at the General Leonard Wood Army Community Hospital.
(4)
Such other matters as the Secretary considers relevant for determining the continued viability of the General Leonard Wood Army Community Hospital.
(c)
Prohibition
The Secretary of Defense may not close, downgrade, or reduce the scope of care offered by the General Leonard Wood Army Community Hospital unless—
(1)
the Secretary—
(A)
completes the assessment required by subsection (a) and delivers such assessment to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives; and
(B)
certifies to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives that any such changes would not reduce or degrade the health care services available to covered beneficiaries and the local community; and
(2)
the Chief of Staff of the Army certifies to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives that there will be no degradation of medical readiness of units assigned to Fort Leonard Wood as a result of any changes to the status of the General Leonard Wood Army Community Hospital.
C
Reports and Other Matters
721.
Strategic infectious disease medical research plan
(a)
Plan
Not later than 90 days after the date on which the President submits a budget for fiscal year 2027 to Congress pursuant to section 1105(a) of title 31, United States Code, the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Secretary of each military department, shall submit to the congressional defense committees a comprehensive, strategic infectious disease medical research plan (referred to in this section as the  Plan ).
(b)
Matters to be included
The Plan shall describe—
(1)
all infectious disease medical research conducted by the Department of Defense, including the coordination process, to ensure that such research is linked to—
(A)
military readiness;
(B)
joint force requirements; and
(C)
relevance to individuals eligible for care at military medical treatment facilities or through the TRICARE program (as defined in section 1072(7) of title 10, United States Code);
(2)
the infectious disease research projects funded under the Defense Health Program Account under section 1100 of title 10, United States Code, including projects under—
(A)
the Congressional Directed Medical Research Program of the Department of Defense;
(B)
the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency;
(C)
the United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases;
(D)
the Chemical and Biological Defense Program; and
(E)
the Defense Threat Reduction Agency;
(3)
the process for ensuring synergy across the military medical research community—
(A)
to address gaps in military infectious disease research;
(B)
to minimize duplication of research;
(C)
to promote collaboration within research focus areas; and
(D)
to leverage and modernize the existing medical research and development infrastructure of the Department of Defense; and
(4)
the efforts of the Secretary to coordinate with other Federal departments and agencies to increase awareness of complementary infectious disease research efforts that are being carried out by the Federal Government.
(c)
Budget display information
The Secretary shall submit to the President, in conjunction with the materials of the Department of Defense supporting the fiscal year 2027 budget request submitted to Congress by the President pursuant to section 1105(a) of title 31, United States Code, and annually thereafter in conjunction with each subsequent budget request through fiscal year 2032, a detailed budget for carrying out the Plan that includes—
(1)
the resources necessary for infectious disease medical research to carry out the activities described in subsection (b) for the applicable fiscal year and the 4 following fiscal years, disaggregated by the activities described in paragraphs (1) through (4) of subsection (b);
(2)
with respect to procurement accounts—
(A)
amounts displayed by account, budget activity, line number, line item, and line item title; and
(B)
a description of the requirements for such amounts specific to the Plan;
(3)
with respect to research, development, test, and evaluation accounts—
(A)
amounts displayed by account, budget activity, line number, program element, and program element title; and
(B)
a description of the requirements for such amounts specific to the Plan;
(4)
with respect to operation and maintenance accounts—
(A)
amounts displayed by account title, budget activity title, line number, and subactivity group title; and
(B)
a description of the specific manner in which such amounts will be used;
(5)
with respect to military personnel accounts—
(A)
amounts displayed by account, budget activity, budget subactivity, and budget subactivity title; and
(B)
a description of the requirements for such amounts specific to the Plan;
(6)
with respect to each project under military construction accounts, the country, location, project title, and project amount by fiscal year;
(7)
with respect to the activities described in subsection (b)—
(A)
amounts displayed by account title, budget activity title, line number, and subactivity group title; and
(B)
a description of the specific manner in which such amounts will be used;
(8)
with respect to each military department—
(A)
amounts displayed by account title, budget activity title, line number, and subactivity group title; and
(B)
a description of the specific manner in which such amounts will be used;
(9)
with respect to the amounts described in each of paragraphs (2)(A), (3)(A), (4)(A), (5)(A), (6), (7)(A), and (8)(A) for a fiscal year—
(A)
a comparison between—
(i)
the amount requested in the budget of the President for such fiscal year; and
(ii)
the amount projected in the previously submitted budget request of the President for such fiscal year;
(B)
a detailed summary of the amounts obligated for the Plan during the most recently concluded fiscal year; and
(C)
a detailed comparison between—
(i)
the amounts obligated for the Plan during the most recently concluded fiscal year; and
(ii)
the amounts requested for the Plan in the budget of the President for the applicable fiscal year.
722.
Extension of authority for Joint Department of Defense–Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Facility Demonstration Fund
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 of the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 ( Public Law 118–159 ), is amended by striking  September 30, 2026  and inserting  September 30, 2027 .
723.
Pilot program on wastewater surveillance system of Department of Defense
(a)
Pilot program required
Commencing not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall carry out a pilot program under which the Secretary shall develop and implement a comprehensive wastewater surveillance system at not fewer than four installations of a military department at which the Secretary seeks to improve the testing, identification, and analysis of usage of covered drugs and 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 ).
(b)
Technologies and data system used
In carrying out the pilot program, the Secretary shall ensure the system developed and implemented under subsection (a) is comprised of appropriate technologies and a uniform data system across the Department of Defense.
(c)
Minimum requirements
In carrying out the pilot program, the Secretary shall establish, at a minimum—
(1)
at least one wastewater surveillance system for monitoring of use of covered drugs at one installation; and
(2)
at least one wastewater surveillance system for monitoring of infectious diseases at one installation.
(d)
Duration
The pilot program shall be carried out during a two-year period beginning on the date of the commencement of the pilot program.
(e)
Report
Not later than 90 days after the termination of the pilot program, the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report that includes the following:
(1)
A summary of the findings from the wastewater surveillance system under the pilot program.
(2)
Recommendations for interventions or policy changes based on trends observed under the pilot program.
(3)
An assessment of the effectiveness of the pilot program in enhancing force health protection and readiness.
(f)
Covered drug defined
In this section, the term  covered drug —
(1)
except as provided in paragraph (2), means a drug included on schedule I or schedule II established under section 202 of the Controlled Substances Act ( 21 U.S.C. 812 ); and
(2)
does not include a drug that—
(A)
was newly included on such schedule I or schedule II;
(B)
was previously approved under section 505 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act ( 21 U.S.C. 355 ); and
(C)
received such approval not later than 20 years before the date of the enactment of this Act.
724.
Improvement of availability of care for veterans from facilities and providers of the Department of Defense
(a)
Outreach on available care
Not less frequently than annually, the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall conduct outreach to increase awareness among veterans enrolled in the system of annual patient enrollment of the Department of Veterans Affairs established and operated under section 1705(a) of title 38, United States Code, of the ability of those veterans to receive care at military medical treatment facilities.
(b)
Training on referrals
The Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall ensure training for staff and contractors involved in scheduling, or assisting in scheduling, appointments for care under the community care program specifically includes training regarding options for referral to facilities and providers of the Department of Defense.
(c)
Preferred providers
Subsection (g) of section 1703 of title 38, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
in the subsection heading, by inserting
and preferred providers   after
network  ; and
(2)
by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
(3)
The Secretary shall consider providers under subsection (c)(2) to be preferred providers under this section.
 .
(d)
Action plans
(1)
In general
The Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall develop and implement action plans at covered facilities—
(A)
to expand the partnership between the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs with respect to the provision of health care;
(B)
to improve communication between the Department of Veterans Affairs and pertinent command and director leadership of military medical treatment facilities;
(C)
to increase utilization of military medical treatment facilities with excess capacity;
(D)
to increase case volume and complexity for graduate medical education programs of the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs;
(E)
to improve resource sharing agreements or permits, as applicable, between the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs, which would also ensure lessened barriers to shared facility spaces; and
(F)
to increase access to care for veterans described in subsection (a) in areas in which a military medical treatment facility is located that is identified by the Secretary of Defense as having excess capacity.
(2)
Matters to be included
The action plans required under paragraph (1) shall include the following:
(A)
Cross-credentialing and privileging of health care providers, including nurses, medical technicians, and other support staff, to jointly care for beneficiaries in medical facilities of the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs.
(B)
Expediting access to installations of the Department of Defense for staff and beneficiaries of the Department of Veterans Affairs.
(C)
Including in-kind or non-cash payment or reimbursement options for expenses incurred by either the Department of Defense or the Department of Veterans Affairs.
(D)
Allowing eligible veterans to seek certain services at military medical treatment facilities without referral or preauthorization from the Department of Veterans Affairs, for which reimbursement to the Department of Defense will be made .
(E)
The designation of a coordinator within each covered facility to serve as a liaison between the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs and to lead the implementation of such action plan.
(F)
A mechanism for monitoring the effectiveness of such action plan on an ongoing basis, to include establishing relevant performance goals and collecting data to assess progress towards those goals.
(G)
Prioritize the integration of relevant information technology and other systems or processes to enable seamless information sharing, referrals and ancillary orders, payment methodologies and billing processes, and workload attribution when Department of Veterans Affairs personnel provide services at Department of Defense facilities or when Department of Defense personnel provide services at Department of Veterans Affairs facilities.
(H)
Any other matter that the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs consider appropriate.
(3)
Approval of action plans
Before implementing any action plan required under paragraph (1) at a covered facility or covered facilities, the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall ensure that approval for the action plan is obtained from—
(A)
the co-chairs of the Department of Veterans Affairs-Department of Defense Joint Executive Committee established under section 320 of title 38, United States Code;
(B)
the local installation commander for the covered facility of the Department of Defense; and
(C)
the director of the relevant medical center of the Department of Veterans Affairs with respect to any covered facility or covered facilities of the Department of Veterans Affairs.
(4)
Reports
(A)
Initial report
Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report containing the action plans required under paragraph (1).
(B)
Subsequent report
Not later than one year after submitting the report required under subparagraph (A), the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report containing—
(i)
a status update on the progress of implementing the action plans required under paragraph (1); and
(ii)
recommendations for developing subsequent action plans for each facility with respect to which there is a sharing agreement in place.
(e)
Requirements relating to sharing agreements
(1)
Lead coordinator
The Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall ensure that there is a lead coordinator at each facility of the Department of Defense or the Department of Veterans Affairs, as the case may be, with respect to which there is a sharing agreement in place.
(2)
List of agreements
The Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall maintain on a publicly available website a list of all sharing agreements in place between medical facilities of the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs.
(f)
Treatment of existing laws regarding sharing of health care resources
The Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall carry out this section notwithstanding any limitation or requirement under section 1104 of title 10, United States Code, or section 8111 of title 38, United States Code.
(g)
Funding
The Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs may use funds available in the DOD–VA Health Care Sharing Incentive Fund established under section 8111(d)(2) of title 38, United States Code, to implement this section.
(h)
Rule of construction
Nothing in this section or the amendments made by this section shall be construed to require veterans to seek care in facilities of the Department of Defense.
(i)
Extension of certain limits on payments of pension
Section 5503(d)(7) of title 38, United States Code, is amended by striking  November 30, 2031  and inserting  April 30, 2032 .
(j)
Definitions
In this section:
(1)
Appropriate committees of Congress
The term  appropriate committees of Congress  means—
(A)
the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on Veterans Affairs of the Senate; and
(B)
the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on Veterans Affairs of the House of Representatives.
(2)
Community care program
The term  community care program  means the Veterans Community Care Program under section 1703 of title 38, United States Code.
(3)
Covered facility
The term  covered facility  means—
(A)
a military medical treatment facility ias defined in section 1073c(j) of title 10, United States Code; or
(B)
a medical facility of the Department of Veterans Affairs located nearby a military medical treatment facility described in subparagraph (A).
(4)
Sharing agreement
The term  sharing agreement  means an agreement for sharing of health-care resources between the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs under section 1104 of title 10, United States Code, or section 8111 of title 38, United States Code.
(5)
Veteran
The term  veteran  has the meaning given that term in section 101 of title 38, United States Code.
725.
Military-civilian medical surge program
Section 1096 of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
in the section heading, by adding at the end the following
; medical surge program  ; and
(2)
by adding at the end the following new subsection:
(e)
Medical surge program
(1)
The Secretary of Defense, in collaboration with the Secretary of Health and Human Services, shall carry out a program of record known as the Military-Civilian Medical Surge Program to—
(A)
support locations that the Secretary of Defense selects under paragraph (3)(B); and
(B)
enhance the interoperability and medical surge capability and capacity of the National Disaster Medical System in response to a declaration or other action described in subparagraphs (A) through (E) of paragraph (4).
(2)
(A)
The Secretary of Defense, acting through the National Center for Disaster Medicine and Public Health at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (or such successor center), shall oversee the operation, staffing, and deployment of the Program.
(B)
In carrying out the Program, the Secretary shall maintain requirements for staffing, specialized training, research, and education regarding patient regulation, movement, definitive care, and other matters the Secretary determines critical to sustaining the health of members of the armed forces.
(3)
(A)
In carrying out the Program, the Secretary shall establish partnerships at locations selected under subparagraph (B) with public, private, and nonprofit health care organizations, health care institutions, health care entities, academic medical centers of institutions of higher education, and hospitals that the Secretary determines—
(i)
are critical in mobilizing a civilian medical response in support of a wartime contingency or other catastrophic event in the United States; and
(ii)
have demonstrated technical proficiency in critical national security domains, including high-consequence infectious disease and special pathogen preparedness, and matters relating to defense, containment, management, care, and transportation.
(B)
(i)
The Secretary shall select not fewer than eight locations that are operationally relevant to the missions of the Department of Defense under the National Disaster Medical System and are aeromedical or other transport hubs or logistics centers in the United States for partnerships under subparagraph (A).
(ii)
The Secretary may select more than eight locations under clause (i), including locations outside of the continental United States, if the Secretary determines such additional locations cover areas of strategic and operational relevance to the Department of Defense.
(4)
The Secretary shall ensure that the partnerships under paragraph (3)(A) allow for civilian medical personnel to quickly and effectively mobilize direct support to military medical treatment facilities and provide support to other requirements of the military health system pursuant to the following:
(A)
A declaration of a national emergency under the National Emergencies Act ( 50 U.S.C. 1621 et seq. ).
(B)
A public health emergency declared under section 319 of the Public Health Service Act ( 42 U.S.C. 247d ).
(C)
A declaration of war by Congress.
(D)
The exercise for the President of executive powers under the War Powers Resolution ( 50 U.S.C. 1541 et seq. ).
(E)
Any other emergency or major disaster as declared by the President.
(5)
(A)
Not later than July 1, 2026, and annually thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate and the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives a report on the status, readiness, and operational capabilities of the Program.
(B)
Each report required under subparagraph (A) shall include an assessment of personnel readiness, resource availability, interagency coordination efforts, and recommendations for continued improvements to the Program.
(6)
Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to authorize the Department of Defense to control, direct, limit, or otherwise affect the authorities of the Secretary of Health and Human Services with respect to leadership and administration of the National Disaster Medical System, public health and medical preparedness and response, staffing levels, or resource allocation.
(7)
In this subsection:
(A)
The term  institution of higher education  means a four-year institution of higher education (as defined in section 101(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 1001(a) )).
(B)
The term  National Disaster Medical System  means the system established under section 2812 of the Public Health Service Act ( 42 U.S.C. 300hh–11 ).
(C)
The term  Program  means the Military-Civilian Medical Surge Program established under paragraph (1).
 .
TITLE VIII—Acquisition policy, acquisition management, and related matters
Subtitle A—Acquisition policy and management
Sec. 801. Transition of program executive officer role to portfolio acquisition executive.
Sec. 802. Capstone requirements.
Sec. 803. Modification to acquisition strategy.
Sec. 804. Modifications to modular open systems approach.
Sec. 805. Alternative test and evaluation pathway for designated defense acquisition programs.
Sec. 806. Department of Defense member of Cost Accounting Standards Board.
Sec. 807. Combatant command experimentation authority.
Subtitle B—Amendments to general contracting authorities, procedures, and limitations
Sec. 821. Modification to nontraditional defense contractor definitions.
Sec. 822. Financing for covered activities.
Sec. 823. Exemptions for nontraditional defense contractors.
Sec. 824. Modifications to treatment of certain products and services as commercial products and commercial services.
Sec. 825. Modifications to commercial products and commercial services.
Sec. 826. Modifications to commercial solutions openings.
Sec. 827. Modifications to other transactions.
Sec. 828. Modifications to procurement for experimental purposes.
Sec. 829. Consumption-based solutions.
Sec. 830. Modifications to prohibition on contracting with persons that have fossil fuel operations with the Government of the Russian Federation or the Russian energy sector.
Sec. 831. Modifications to relationship of other provisions of law to procurement of commercial products and commercial services.
Sec. 832. Limitation on required flowdown of contract clauses to subcontractors providing commercial products or commercial services.
Sec. 833. References in contracts to Department of Defense policy documents, instructions, and manuals.
Sec. 834. Uninsurable risk on certain contracts.
Sec. 835. Reporting of price increases.
Sec. 836. Instructions for continued operational readiness.
Sec. 837. Indemnification of contractors against nuclear and unusually hazardous risks.
Sec. 838. Late submission of cost and pricing data as invalid defense to contract price reductions for defective cost or pricing data.
Sec. 839. Modifications to submissions of cost or pricing data.
Subtitle C—Industrial base matters
Sec. 841. Repeal of limitations on certain Department of Defense Executive Agent authority.
Sec. 842. Small unmanned aircraft system industrial base remediation plan.
Sec. 843. Application of national security waiver for strategic materials sourcing requirement to sensitive materials.
Sec. 844. Prohibition on acquisition of clothing and fabric from countries of concern under domestic-sourcing waivers.
Sec. 845. Mitigation of risks related to foreign ownership, control, or influence of Department of Defense contractors or subcontractors.
Sec. 846. Prohibition of procurement of molybdenum, gallium, or germanium from non-allied foreign nations and authorization for production from recovered material.
Sec. 847. Sourcing options for certain critical products.
Sec. 848. Prohibiting the purchase of photovoltaic modules or inverters from Foreign Entities of Concern.
Sec. 849. Modernization of Army arsenals.
Sec. 849A. Modifications to Defense Industrial Base Fund.
Subtitle D—Small business matters
Sec. 851. APEX Accelerators.
Subtitle E—Other matters
Sec. 861. Clarification of procurement prohibition related to acquisition of materials mined, refined, and separated in certain countries.
Sec. 862. Independent study on the acquisition workforce of the Department of Defense.
Sec. 863. Expedited acceptance program for supply chain illumination.
Sec. 864. Simultaneous conflicts critical munitions report.
Sec. 865. Permanent extension and modification of demonstration and prototyping program to advance international product support capabilities in a contested logistics environment.
Sec. 866. Estimate of ally and partner demand for United States-produced munitions and specified expendables.
Sec. 867. Reform of contractor performance information requirements.
Sec. 868. Repeals of existing law to streamline the defense acquisition process.
Sec. 869. Enhancement of defense supply chain resilience and secondary source qualification.
Sec. 870. Enhanced product support management for integrated sustainment of weapon systems.
Sec. 871. Modifications to current defense acquisition requirements.
Sec. 872. Minimum production levels for munitions.
Sec. 873. Processes for incentivizing contractor expansion of sources of supply.
Sec. 874. Duty-free entry of supplies procured by Department of Defense.
Sec. 875. Other transaction authority reporting.
Sec. 876. Assessment of competitive effects of defense contractor transactions.
Sec. 877. Evaluation of TP-Link telecommunications equipment for designation as covered telecommunications equipment or services.
Sec. 878. Country-of-origin disclosure requirements for generic drugs purchased by the Department of Defense.
Sec. 879. Phase-out of computer and printer acquisitions involving entities owned or controlled by China.
Sec. 880. Prohibition on operation, procurement, and contracting related to foreign-made additive manufacturing machines.
VIII
Acquisition policy, acquisition management, and related matters
A
Acquisition policy and management
801.
Transition of program executive officer role to portfolio acquisition executive
(a)
Definition
Section 1737(a) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking paragraph (4) and inserting the following:
(4)
The term  portfolio acquisition executive  refers to the member of the acquisition workforce responsible for the overall management of requirements, programming, and acquisition of defense acquisition capabilities. These capabilities are assigned by the service acquisition executive or component acquisition executive. The portfolio acquisition executive has direct control over all necessary officials and functional support, including the ability to provide input into performance evaluations, to the maximum extent practicable. This authority provides them with all necessary authority to develop, procure, and sustain military capabilities. For purposes of managing requirements, the portfolio acquisition executive is subject to the authority, direction, and control of the chief of the military service, while remaining under the overall authority, direction, and control of the service acquisition executive or component acquisition executive. The Secretary of Defense shall ensure a minimum of non-statutory guidance and approvals issued by officials external to the portfolio acquisition executives.
 .
(b)
Critical acquisition positions
Section 1731(a)(1)(B)(i) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking  Program executive officer  and inserting  Portfolio acquisition executive .
(c)
Position qualifications
Section 1735(c) of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
in the subsection heading, by striking
Program executive officers   and inserting
Portfolio acquisition executive  ; and
(2)
by striking  program executive officer  and inserting  portfolio acquisition executive .
(d)
Government performance of certain acquisition functions
Section 1706(a) of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
in paragraph (1), by striking  Program executive officer  and inserting  Portfolio acquisition executive ; and
(2)
in paragraph (2), by striking  Deputy program executive officer  and inserting  Deputy portfolio acquisition executive .
(e)
Duties related to cadre of intellectual property experts
Section 1707(c) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking  program executive officer  and inserting  portfolio acquisition executive .
(f)
Portfolio acquisition executive office
Section 1509 of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 ( Public Law 117–263 ;  10 U.S.C. 167b ) is amended—
(1)
by striking  program executive office  each place that it appears and inserting  portfolio acquisition executive office ; and
(2)
in subsection (c), by striking
program executive office   in the subsection heading and inserting
portfolio acquisition executive office  .
(g)
Technology release and foreign disclosure reform initiative
Section 918(a)(2)(D)(ii) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 ( Public Law 118–31 ;  10 U.S.C. 301  note) is amended by striking  program executive officer  and inserting  portfolio acquisition executive .
(h)
Software development and software acquisition training and management programs
Section 862 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 ( Public Law 116–92 ;  10 U.S.C. 1741  note) is amended—
(1)
in subsection (a)(2)(A), by striking  program executive officers  and inserting  portfolio acquisition executives ; and
(2)
in subsection (c)(1)—
(A)
in the paragraph heading, by striking
program executive officer   and inserting
portfolio acquisition executive  ; and
(B)
by striking  program executive officer  and inserting  portfolio acquisition executive .
(i)
Authority to establish different minimum requirements
Section 1764(b)(2) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking  Program executive officer  and inserting  Portfolio acquisition executive .
(j)
Prizes for advanced technology achievements
Section 4025(g)(2)(C) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking  program executive officer  both places it appears and inserting  portfolio acquisition executive .
(k)
Rating chains for system program managers
Section 323 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013 ( Public Law 112–239 ; 126 Stat. 1696) is amended by striking  program executive officer  and inserting  portfolio acquisition executive .
(l)
Space system acquisition and the adaptive acquisition framework
Section 807 of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 ( Public Law 116–283 ;  10 U.S.C. 9081  note) is amended—
(1)
in subsection (b)(1)—
(A)
in the paragraph heading, by striking
Program executive officer   and inserting
Portfolio acquisition executive  ; and
(B)
by striking  program executive officer  and inserting  portfolio acquisition executive ; and
(2)
in subsection (e)(6)—
(A)
in the paragraph heading, by striking
Program executive officer   and inserting
Portfolio acquisition executive  ; and
(B)
by striking  program executive officer  and inserting  portfolio acquisition executive .
802.
Capstone requirements
 Chapter 221  of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section:
3209.
Capstone requirements
(a)
In general
The Secretary of each military department shall establish a capstone requirement approach for three or more portfolio acquisition executives for which that official has responsibility to enable greater speed, agility, and innovation in fielding military capabilities. Each such capstone requirement shall be established in consultation with the Joint Requirements Oversight Council.
(b)
Elements
Under the capstone requirements for an acquisition portfolio, the Secretary of the military department shall—
(1)
develop a general set of requirements for the acquisition portfolio in accordance with subsection (c) under which programs or projects may be initiated;
(2)
authorize the portfolio acquisition executive or similar portfolio manager for the portfolio to change the scope and requirements for programs within the portfolio, subject to subsection (d);
(3)
assign representatives of operational forces to the acquisition portfolio and authorize them to perform the functions specified in subsection (e);
(4)
maximize commercial market research, the use of commercial and nondevelopmental items, and minimum viable products to shape capability scope and requirements;
(5)
authorize the portfolio acquisition executive or similar portfolio manager to resource and acquire commercial or non-developmental items under the capstone requirement by validating the need with the representatives assigned under paragraph (3);
(6)
manage information technology requirements using dynamically prioritized lists of user needs rather than large static requirements documents; and
(7)
iteratively define, prioritize, and refine requirements at the portfolio, program, and iteration levels based on user input, previous deliveries, and continuous commercial market research.
(c)
Capstone set of requirements
The capstone set of requirements for an acquisition portfolio developed under subsection (b)(1) shall be designed—
(1)
to guide the iterative delivery of an integrated suite of capabilities to maximize operational impact;
(2)
to provide enduring themes based on strategic needs and relevant concepts of operation, not system-specific;
(3)
to include measures of force effectiveness for a force mix of capabilities to be measured against; and
(4)
to include kill chains, effects chains, vignettes of operational scenarios, the effect of timely delivery of capability, and related mission engineering initiatives across the Department of Defense.
(d)
Authority to revise programs within a portfolio
The authority under subsection (b)(2)—
(1)
shall be carried out in consultation with operational commands and the Joint Requirements Oversight Council; and
(2)
does not include authority to change key performance parameters for a major defense acquisition program.
(e)
Functions of operational representatives
An operational representative assigned to an acquisition portfolio under subsection (b)(3) shall be provided authority—
(1)
to shape the vision and priorities for key capability areas;
(2)
to provide the acquisition community and developers insights into operations;
(3)
to provide feedback on interim developments;
(4)
to validate the suitability of existing commercial or non-developmental items, or the likelihood that the commercial market may be enticed to produce those items, or, as a last resort, validate that no commercial vendor will ever produce a suitable product and a developmental program is necessary;
(5)
to foster collaboration among the acquisition community, developers, and users of the capability to be fielded; and
(6)
to provide advice to the portfolio acquisition executive or similar portfolio manager.
 .
803.
Modification to acquisition strategy
(1)
Section 4211 of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
in subsection (b), by striking  the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, or the milestone decision authority, when the milestone decision authority is the service acquisition executive of the military department that is managing the program,  and inserting  the portfolio acquisition executive, or the decision authority, when the decision authority is the service acquisition executive of the military department or the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, ;
(2)
in subsection (c)—
(A)
in paragraph (1)—
(i)
by striking  the Under Secretary, or the milestone decision authority, when the milestone decision authority is the service acquisition executive of the military department that is managing the program,  and inserting  the portfolio acquisition executive, or the decision authority, when the decision authority is the service acquisition executive of the military department or the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, ;
(ii)
by amending subparagraph (A) to read as follows:
(A)
the strategy clearly describes the proposed business case and capability management approach for the program or system, and to the maximum extent practicable, describes how a portfolio of capabilities within an enduring set of requirements will be developed, procured, and fielded rather than detailing a specific end-item;
 ; and
(iii)
in subparagraph (B), by striking  how the strategy is designed to be implemented with available resources, such as time, funding, and management capacity  and inserting  the resources, such as time, funding, and management capacity required to deliver the capability ; and
(B)
by amending paragraph (2) to read as follows:
(2)
Each strategy shall, where appropriate, consider the following:
(A)
An approach that delivers required capabilities in increments, each depending on available mature technology, and that recognizes up front the need for future capability improvements or transitions to alternative end-items through use of continuous competition.
(B)
Requirements related to logistics, maintenance, and sustainment in accordance with sections 2464 and 2466 of this title, and the acquisition of technical data, computer software, and associated licenses, to enable such requirements in accordance with sections 3771 through 3775 of this title.
(C)
A process for collaborative interaction and market research with the science and technology community, including Department of Defense science and technology reinvention laboratories, government innovation cells, academia, small businesses, nontraditional defense contractors, and other contractors.
(D)
Identification of enterprise-wide designs and standards in support of an architecture that provides for an integrated suite of capabilities that focuses on simplicity of implementation and speed of delivery.
(E)
Overarching roadmaps that create integrated strategic schedules of legacy systems and new capabilities and a mapping of enduring requirements to elements of the portfolio of capabilities.
(F)
A contracting strategy that develops long-term partnerships with multiple companies to actively contribute to architectures, development, production, and sustainment across the portfolio of capabilities by decomposing large systems into smaller sets of projects across time and technical component.
(G)
An assignment of roles and responsibilities to the acquisition workforce within the portfolio acquisition executive, identification of external stakeholder dependencies, and the need for subject matter expert inputs at critical points in the program, including the need for special hiring authority or advisory and assistance services.
(H)
A process of testing and experimentation with the test community and end users to ensure continuous user feedback, acceptance, and development of concepts of operations.
 ; and
(4)
by striking subsections (d) and (e) and inserting the following:
(d)
Review
The decision authority shall review and approve, as appropriate, the acquisition strategy for a major defense acquisition program or major system prior to the acquisition decision memorandum and ensure that the strategy is updated at regular intervals to incorporate significant changes to program requirements, resourcing, or acquisition decisions.
(e)
Decision authority defined
In this section, the term  decision authority , with respect to a major defense acquisition program or major system, means the official within the Department of Defense designated with the overall responsibility and authority for acquisition decisions for the program or system, including authority to approve entry of the program or system into the next phase of the acquisition process.
 .
804.
Modifications to modular open systems approach
(a)
In general
Section 4401 of title 10, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:
4401.
Definitions
In this chapter:
(1)
The term  authorized third party  means an entity approved by the Department of Defense to access developer resources for integration or sustainment.
(2)
The term  industry standards  means widely adopted technical standards or protocols from recognized organizations.
(3)
The term  machine-readable format  means a format that can be easily processed by a computer without human intervention.
(4)
The term  major system component  —
(A)
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 modular system interfaces; and
(B)
includes a subsystem or assembly 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 major system component.
(5)
The term  major system platform  means the highest level structure of a 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.
(6)
The term  modular open systems approach (MOSA)  means a system design approach using modular systems, enabling innovation and competition in the development, sustainment, or upgrade of weapon systems.
(7)
The term  modular system  refers to a weapon system or weapon system component that—
(A)
is able to execute independently without relying on the execution of other specific systems or components;
(B)
can communicate across component boundaries and through modular system interfaces; and
(C)
functions as a module that can be separated, recombined, and connected with other weapon systems or weapon systems components in order to achieve various effects, missions, or capabilities.
(8)
The term  modular systems interfaces  means a shared boundary between modular systems, defined by various physical, logical, and functional characteristics, such as electrical, mechanical, fluidic, optical, radio frequency, data, networking, or software elements, that is free of proprietary restrictions and documented via a machine-readable format, including—
(A)
software-defined interface syntax and properties, specifically governing how values are validly passed to and received;
(B)
definition of the relationship between the delivered interface and interfaces available in the repositories established pursuant to section 4403 of this title; and
(C)
test cases, including example code, demonstrating the proper use of the modular systems interface.
(9)
The term  operational data  means government-owned data generated by or necessary for system operation, maintenance, or enhancement.
 .
(b)
Requirements
Section 4402 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking subsections (a) through (f) and inserting the following:
(a)
Program compliance and MOSA implementation
(1)
The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that every major defense acquisition program (as defined in section 4201 of this title) submits a modular open systems approach (MOSA) implementation plan within its acquisition strategy, detailing compliance with this section. Other defense acquisition programs shall incorporate MOSA to the maximum extent practicable.
(2)
In the case of a major defense acquisition program that uses a modular open system approach, the acquisition strategy required under section 4211 of this title shall—
(A)
clearly describe the modular open system approach to be used for the program;
(B)
differentiate between the major system platform and major system components being developed under the program, as well as major system components developed outside the program that will be integrated into the major defense acquisition program;
(C)
clearly describe the evolution of major system components that are anticipated to be added, removed, or replaced in subsequent increments;
(D)
clearly describe security classification requirements for each major system component as related to the modular system interface for that component;
(E)
clearly describe how intellectual property and related issues, such as technical data deliverables, that are necessary to support a modular open system approach, will be addressed; and
(F)
clearly describe the approach to systems integration and systems-level configuration management to ensure mission and information assurance.
(3)
Contracts for covered programs shall include enforceable clauses requiring delivery of data rights consistent with sections 3771 through 3775 of this title and modular systems interfaces as specified in subsection (c).
(b)
Waivers and exceptions
The Secretary of Defense may waive specific MOSA requirements, or deviate from the requirements in subsection (c), for a program only if—
(1)
deviation would demonstrably impair national security or operational capability; and
(2)
a detailed justification is submitted to the congressional defense committees not later than 30 days after issuing the waiver.
(c)
MOSA requirements
(1)
All covered programs shall require the use of modular systems, including—
(A)
modular systems interfaces published to the repositories established pursuant to section 4403 of this title;
(B)
delivery of sufficient data rights to share developer resources with authorized third parties for government purposes, as determined by the Secretary of Defense;
(C)
allowing for the use of existing industry standards for interfaces where applicable;
(D)
government ownership of operational data in a usable, nonproprietary format, extractable without original equipment manufacturer dependency; and
(E)
system designs allowing integration of new or substitute modules with minimal manual reconfiguration, provided they conform to relevant modular systems interfaces published to the repositories.
(2)
The Secretary of Defense, secretaries of military departments, and commanders of combatant commands with acquisition authorities shall not—
(A)
unless required for operational compatibility with existing legacy systems, mandate specific internal technical implementations, data structures, defense specific standards, or formats beyond the necessity that there are modular systems with modular systems interfaces published to the relevant repository; or
(B)
permit contracts restricting government control over developer resources or operational data, or locking the government into a single vendor, absent a national security exemption.
(3)
Contractors providing modular systems shall upload required modular systems interface data to an appropriate repository. Contract closeout shall not occur until such uploads are verified by the contracting officer.
(d)
Implementation and flexibility
(1)
Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this subsection, the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment shall issue regulations and guidance to implement this section across military departments, Defense agencies, and combatant commands.
(2)
The requirements of this section shall not apply to programs with approved acquisition strategies at the time of the date of the enactment of this subsection.
(3)
Requirements shall not prescribe specific technologies or limit contractor innovation, provided interface documentation obligations are met, nor exclude new entrants or small businesses capable of compliance.
(4)
Requirements shall not force the use of industry or consensus-based standards except as necessary to interface with existing systems using such standards.
 .
(c)
Repositories and interface access
Section 4403 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking paragraphs (1) and (2) and inserting the following new paragraphs:
(1)
establish a federated set of digital repositories within the Department of Defense to store modular systems interfaces required under subsection (c) of section 4402 of this title, which shall—
(A)
feature authentication and access controls to protect sensitive data;
(B)
enable contractors to publish and manage their contributions (at approved access levels) with accountability and version control;
(C)
be searchable and accessible to authorized Department of Defense components and contractors based on access levels; and
(D)
incorporate cybersecurity measures consistent with Department of Defense standards;
(2)
ensure distribution of interfaces to promote interoperability, consistent with the requirements of section 3771 of this title, by—
(A)
providing access to interfaces and relevant documentation in the repository established in paragraph (1) to authorized Federal Government and nongovernmental entities; and
(B)
restricting nongovernmental entities that receive access under subparagraph (A) from further release, disclosure, or use such data except as authorized;
 .
805.
Alternative test and evaluation pathway for designated defense acquisition programs
(a)
Authority
The Secretary of Defense shall issue guidance to establish an alternative test and evaluation (T&E) pathway for certain Department of Defense acquisition programs to enhance agility, accelerate delivery of capabilities, and ensure data-driven decisionmaking, while maintaining independent oversight of evaluation outcomes.
(b)
Alternative test and evaluation pathway
The Secretary of Defense shall establish an alternative test and evaluation pathway for covered programs that includes the following requirements:
(1)
For each covered program, the military department concerned, through its service test activities, shall—
(A)
design and execute a unified test and evaluation strategy that aligns developmental testing (DT) and operational testing (OT) to a single set of test objectives that build system understanding throughout the test program to more effectively support capability delivery within rapid prototyping and iterative updates with early and continuous operational feedback;
(B)
develop and execute a test data strategy, updated as needed, that includes—
(i)
collection of raw data from system components during test events and operational activities, including submission of industry derived data from their development and testing evolutions;
(ii)
evaluation criteria to assess the mission effects and suitability of the system based on the data to be collected, including from live-fire test events, if applicable;
(iii)
a process for independently validating industry test results, if needed;
(iv)
provision of resources for automated data collection, storage, and access; and
(v)
automated analytics tools to assess performance trends, reliability, and maintenance needs;
(C)
incorporate, to the maximum extent practicable, best practices such as—
(i)
hardware-in-the-loop testing to validate system integration;
(ii)
continuous data collection from prototypes and fielded systems to refine designs and update lifecycle costs;
(iii)
test subsystem prototypes throughout system development to assess their contribution to the mission effect of the fielded system; and
(iv)
integration of supporting or complementary data from digital twins or other model-based systems engineering tools;
(D)
define general test and evaluation objectives and data needs while allowing detailed execution plans to evolve based on test results and emerging requirements, avoiding rigid milestone-driven schedules; and
(E)
ensure all raw test data and associated analytics are owned by the government, stored in accessible repositories, and available to authorized Department entities, including the Director of Operational Test & Evaluation (DOT&E), throughout the program lifecycle.
(2)
Covered programs under this pathway shall be exempt from—
(A)
the requirement to develop and submit a Test and Evaluation Master Plan (TEMP) under Department of Defense Instruction 5000.02 or other policies, provided a unified test and evaluation strategy and data strategy under subparagraphs (A) and (B) of paragraph (1) are implemented;
(B)
milestone-specific operational test events, such as Initial Operational Test and Evaluation (IOT&E), mandated under section 4171 of title 10, United States Code, or related regulations; and
(C)
any other test and evaluation documentation or approval processes that the Secretary determines are inconsistent with the agile and iterative nature of this pathway.
(c)
Role of the Director of Operational Test and Evaluation
For covered programs under the alternative test and evaluation pathway designated for oversight by the Director of Operational Test and Evaluation, the Director of Operational Test and Evaluation shall—
(1)
provide independent evaluation of test data across all phases of the program lifecycle, including—
(A)
assessing the sufficiency of the program’s test and evaluation strategy and data strategy to demonstrate military effectiveness;
(B)
evaluating whether the program collects and analyzes sufficient raw data, learns from test results at a pace relevant to operational needs, and converges on military effectiveness based on data trends;
(C)
identifying deficiencies in test and evaluation strategies that risk system performance, suitability, or survivability; and
(D)
providing continuous oversight through ongoing analysis of test data;
(2)
have unrestricted access to all raw test data, data repositories, and analytics maintained by military departments for covered programs;
(3)
not require of covered programs—
(A)
specific test plans, execution methods, or documentation formats or require pre-approval of test and evaluation activities as a condition of testing, data collection, or evaluation; or
(B)
Director of Operational Test and Evaluation-approved Test and Evaluation Master Plans or other pre-execution documentation under existing policies; and
(4)
include in its annual report to Congress under section 139(h) of title 10, United States Code, a summary of the adequacy of data strategies, rates of learning, and risks that aligns with the evaluation processes established in this section.
(d)
Guidance required
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 and the Director of Operational Test and Evaluation, shall issue guidance to implement the alternative test and evaluation pathway, including standards for data strategies and modern testing practices and procedures to support evaluation by the Director of Operational Test and Evaluation under subsection (c)(2).
(e)
Report
Not later than three years 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 this section, including an assessment of the effectiveness of the pathway in accelerating capability delivery and improving system performance and any recommendations for expanding or modifying the pathway.
(f)
Covered program defined
In this section, the term  covered program  means a defense acquisition program that is—
(1)
designated under the Software Acquisition Pathway pursuant to section 3603 of title 10, United States Code, initiated on or after the date of the enactment of this Act; and
(2)
designated by the Secretary of Defense on or after the issuance of guidance under subsection (d).
806.
Department of Defense member of Cost Accounting Standards Board
The Department of Defense representative on the Cost Accounting Standards Board pursuant to section 1501 of title 41, United States Code, shall be the Director of Defense Pricing, Contracting, and Acquisition Policy or its successor organization.
807.
Combatant command experimentation authority
(a)
Authority
Each commander of a combatant command shall have the authority to conduct experimentation, prototyping, and technology demonstrations to support the development and testing of innovative technologies and capability solutions to address operational needs identified by the combatant command.
(b)
Procedures
For activities carried out under subsection (a), the commander of a combatant command may use—
(1)
operation and maintenance funds, including for the purchase of items having an investment item unit cost not greater than the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller) guidance regarding threshold for determination of expense and investment costs; and
(2)
special contracting authorities described in section 843 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 ( Public Law 118–31 ;  10 U.S.C. 3601  note), provided that the procedures described in such section are followed.
(c)
Recommendation for follow-on production
Upon completion of an experiment, prototype, or technology demonstration, if a combatant command submits a written determination that the demonstrated technology or capability successfully meets the operational need of the combatant command, the written determination may be used to fulfill the following requirements:
(1)
A justification for using other than competitive procedures under section 3204 of title 10, United States Code, or follow-on production authorities under section 4022 of such title, to acquire the technology or capability which was successfully demonstrated.
(2)
A validated capability needs statement or other requirement document.
B
Amendments to general contracting authorities, procedures, and limitations
821.
Modification to nontraditional defense contractor definitions
Section 3014 of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
by striking  means an entity that is not currently performing  and inserting the following: “means an entity that—
(1)
is not currently performing
 ; and
(2)
by striking  such section.  and inserting the following: “such section; or
(2)
does not qualify as a covered segment as defined under the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement 231.205–18 or successor regulation.
 .
822.
Financing for covered activities
(a)
Financing costs
Financing costs incurred for a covered activity shall be allowable and allocable as a direct or an indirect overhead cost for contracts and subcontracts of the Department of Defense, provided such costs are—
(1)
reasonable in amount and consistent with prevailing market rates for similar financing; and
(2)
incurred to pay a financing entity.
(b)
Definitions
In this section:
(1)
The term  covered activity  means an activity taken by a prime contractor or subcontractor—
(A)
to manage an inventory of completed products or components used in production;
(B)
to improve inventory management of products or components necessary for sustainment or maintenance;
(C)
to materially expand the capacity of production or sustainment and maintenance through capital expenditures; or
(D)
to carry out any other purpose identified by the Secretary of Defense.
(2)
The term  financing costs  means interest on borrowings, bond discounts, and costs of financing and refinancing capital.
(3)
The term  financing entity  means any corporation, limited liability company, partnership, trust, or other organization that is created under Federal or State law and that, as part of its regular business activities, extends credit, loans, or other forms of financing to other persons or entities, provided that such legal entity is not owned by, controlled by, or under common control with the person or entity receiving such financing.
823.
Exemptions for nontraditional defense contractors
Nontraditional defense contractors, as defined by section 3014 of title 10, United States Code, shall not be subject to any of the following requirements:
(1)
Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement 252.242–7006, or successor regulation.
(2)
Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement 252.234–7002, or successor regulation.
(3)
Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement 252.215–7002, or successor regulation.
(4)
Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement 252.242–7004, or successor regulation.
(5)
Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement 252.245–7003, or successor regulation.
(6)
Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement 252.244–7001, or successor regulation.
(7)
Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement 252.242–7005, or successor regulation.
(8)
Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement 215.407, or successor regulation.
(9)
Section 3702 of title 10, United States Code.
(10)
Part 31 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation, or successor regulation.
824.
Modifications to treatment of certain products and services as commercial products and commercial services
Section 3457 of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
in subsection (a)—
(A)
by inserting  (1)  before  Notwithstanding ;
(B)
by striking  may be treated  and inserting  shall be treated ; and
(C)
by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
(2)
The requirement under paragraph (1) may be waived or modified with a written determination approved by the head of contracting activity, delegable to no lower than the senior contracting official. The written determination shall include a justification for why commercial procedures should be waived or modified, such as tailored market research demonstrating that potential suppliers could not effectively provide the required product or services under commercial procedures.
 ;
(2)
by striking subsection (b);
(3)
by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (b); and
(4)
by adding at the end the following new subsection:
(c)
Preference inapplicable
The authority under subsection (a)(1) shall not be construed to give preference to the purchase of a product or service pursuant to section 3453 of this title solely on the basis that such offered product or service is deemed commercial as a result of the exercise of such authority.
 .
825.
Modifications to commercial products and commercial services
(a)
In general
Section 3453 of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
in subsection (b), by striking  procurement officials in that agency,  and inserting  acquisition officials in that agency, including consultants, researchers, and any individuals providing advisory services to acquisition officials, ;
(2)
in subsection (c), by redesignating paragraphs (3) through (5) as paragraphs (4) through (6), respectively;
(3)
by inserting after paragraph (2) the following new paragraph:
(3)
The head of an agency shall establish a process for determinations regarding the non-availability of commercial products or services, including that—
(A)
a defense unique-development product or service may not be procured until the head of the agency determines that the market research conducted in accordance with paragraph (2) of this section resulted in no commercial product, commercial service, or nondevelopmental item suitable to meet the agency's needs; and
(B)
prior to acquiring a defense-unique development product or service, a program manager shall, consistent with the policies and regulations of the Department of Defense, submit a written memorandum summarizing why a defense-development unique product is required based on results of the determination in subparagraph (A), which shall be signed by the program executive officer.
 ; and
(4)
by adding at the end the following new subsection:
(f)
Definition
The term  defense-unique development  means a Department of Defense financed product or service to provide a defense-unique capability that does not repurpose a commercial product, commercial service, or nondevelopmental item.
 .
(b)
Determinations
Section 3456 of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
in subsection (a), by amending paragraph (2) to read as follows:
(2)
assist military departments and Defense Agencies with performing market research and satisfying the requirements under section 3453 of this title pertaining to market research and the determination regarding the non-availability of commercial products or services and analysis used to determine the reasonableness of price for the purposes of procurements by the Department of Defense.
 ; and
(2)
in subsection (b)(2), by inserting after the first sentence the following:  The contracting officer should consider the results summarized in the memorandum issued by the program manager in accordance with the requirement in section 3453(c)(3)(B) of this title when issuing the written commercial or noncommercial determination. .
826.
Modifications to commercial solutions openings
Section 3458 of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
by amending subsection (a) to read as follows:
(a)
Authority
The Secretary of Defense and the Secretaries of the military departments may acquire commercial products, commercial services, and nondevelopmental items through a competitive selection of proposals resulting from a general solicitation and the peer review, technical review, or operational review (as appropriate) of such proposals, and may issue, without further justification, follow-on contract awards or agreements, including sole source awards or agreements, to the recipient.
 ;
(2)
by striking subsection (e);
(3)
by redesignating subsection (c) and (d) as subsections (d) and (e), respectively;
(4)
by inserting after subsection (b) the following new subsection:
(c)
Sole-source follow-on
The Secretary of Defense and the Secretaries of the military departments may issue follow-on contract awards or agreements, including sole source awards, for any products, services, or items acquired through the competitive procedures described under subsection (a) subject to approval requirements in sections 3204 or 4022 of this title.
 .
(5)
in subsection (d), as redesignated by paragraph (2) of this section—
(A)
by striking paragraph (1); and
(B)
by redesignating paragraphs (2) and (3) as paragraphs (1) and (2), respectively.
827.
Modifications to other transactions
Section 4022 of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
in subsection (a)(2)(B)(ii), by striking  at least 30 days before  and inserting  at the time ; and
(2)
by adding at the end the following new subsection:
(j)
Authority to award a production transaction to rapidly field an existing capability
A production transaction may be awarded, with or without the use of competitive procedures, to acquire emergent and proven technologies and field production quantities of new or upgraded systems that do not require additional development and have been demonstrated in a relevant environment when the appropriate service or component acquisition executive determines in writing that exceptional circumstances justify the use of such a transaction to address a high priority warfighter need. The Secretary of Defense shall provide the written determination to the congressional defense committees at the time such authority is exercised.
 .
828.
Modifications to procurement for experimental purposes
Section 4023 of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
in subsection (a), by striking  ordnance, signal, chemical activity, transportation, energy, medical, space flight, telecommunications, and aeronautical supplies, including parts and accessories, and designs thereof,  and inserting  demonstrations, prototypes, products, supplies, parts, accessories, auxiliary services, and design for defense-related articles ; and
(2)
in subsection (b)—
(A)
by inserting  or modified  after  may be made ; and
(B)
by inserting  prototyping,  after  greater than necessary for .
829.
Consumption-based solutions
 Chapter 253  of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section:
3605.
Authority to acquire consumption-based solutions
(a)
Authority
The Secretary of Defense and the Secretaries of the military departments may acquire technology-supported capabilities through consumption-based solutions.
(b)
Guidance required
The Secretary of Defense shall amend the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement to implement the authority under subsection (a), including creating a new subcategory of services under part 237 of the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement , entitled  Consumption-based solutions  that—
(1)
is any combination of hardware, equipment, software, labor, or services that together provides a seamless capability;
(2)
has the ability to be metered and billed based on actual usage;
(3)
has predetermined pricing at fixed price units;
(4)
requires the awardee to notify the Department of Defense contracting officer when consumption under the contract reaches 75 percent and 90 percent of the funded amount, respectively, of the contract; and
(5)
treats modifications to a contract entered into under the authority established in subsection (a) to add new features or capabilities in an amount less than or equal to 25 percent of the total value of such contract, as originally awarded, as competitive procurements under chapter 221 of this title.
(c)
Funding
Amounts authorized to be appropriated for acquisitions using the authority under subsection (a)—
(1)
may be used for expenses for—
(A)
research, development, test and evaluation;
(B)
procurement;
(C)
production;
(D)
modification; and
(E)
operation and maintenance; and
(2)
may be used to enter into incrementally funded contracts or other agreements, including advanced payments.
(d)
Consumption-based solution defined
In this section, the term  consumption-based solution  means a model under which a technology-supported capability is provided to the Department of Defense and may utilize 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.
(e)
Rule of construction
Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit the use of the authority created under this section in combination with another contract type provided for under the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement.
 .
830.
Modifications to prohibition on contracting with persons that have fossil fuel operations with the Government of the Russian Federation or the Russian energy sector
Section 804 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 ( Public Law 118–31 ;  10 U.S.C. 4651  note prec.) is amended—
(1)
in subsection (a)(1)—
(A)
by striking  not less than 50 percent  and inserting  majority ; and
(B)
in subparagraph (B), by striking  operates  and inserting  has fossil fuel business operations ;
(2)
in subsection (b)(3), by inserting ", including by general license," after  Department of the Treasury ; and
(3)
in subsection (e)—
(A)
in paragraph (2)—
(i)
by redesignating clauses (ii) and (iii) as clauses (iii) and (iv), respectively; and
(ii)
by inserting after clause (i) the following new clause:
(ii)
activities related to fulfilling contracts with a fossil fuel company that has fossil fuel business operations in the Russian Federation that were entered into prior to the date of the enactment of this section;
  and
(B)
in paragraph (3), by inserting  that has fossil fuel business operations  after  person .
831.
Modifications to relationship of other provisions of law to procurement of commercial products and commercial services
Section 3452 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking subsections (b) through (e) and inserting the following new subsections:
(b)
Applicability of defense-unique statutes to contracts for commercial products and commercial services
The Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement shall include a list of defense-unique contract clause requirements based on statute, executive orders, or acquisition policies that are applicable to contracts for the procurement of commercial products and commercial services entered into by the Department of Defense.
(c)
Applicability of defense-unique statutes to subcontracts for commercial products and commercial services
(1)
The Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement shall include a list of defense-unique contract clause requirements based on statute, executive orders, or acquisition policies that are applicable to subcontracts for the procurement of commercial products and commercial services.
(2)
In this subsection—
(A)
the term  other supply agreements  means any agreement entered into by a contractor or subcontractor for the supply of products, materials, or services that are intended for use in the performance of multiple contracts with the Department of Defense or other parties and are not identifiable to any particular contract; and
(B)
the term  subcontract —
(i)
includes a transfer of commercial products and commercial services between divisions, subsidiaries, or affiliates of a contractor or subcontractor; and
(ii)
does not include other supply agreements.
(3)
This subsection does not authorize the waiver of the applicability of any provision of law or contract clause requirement with respect to any first-tier subcontract under a contract with a prime contractor reselling or distributing commercial products and commercial services of another contractor without adding value.
(d)
Applicability of defense-unique statutes to contracts for commercially available, off-the-shelf items
The Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement shall include a list of defense-unique contract clause requirements based on statute, executive orders, or acquisition policies that are applicable to subcontracts for the procurement of commercially available off-the-shelf items entered into by the Department of Defense.
 .
832.
Limitation on required flowdown of contract clauses to subcontractors providing commercial products or commercial services
 Chapter 247  of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section:
3459.
Limitation on required flowdown of contract clauses to subcontractors providing commercial products or commercial services
(a)
In general
The Secretary of Defense may not require that a clause be included in a subcontract for the acquisition of commercial products or commercial services other than a clause required by a provision of law that is on the lists required by section 3452 of this title or unless otherwise applicable pursuant to subsection (e) of such section.
(b)
Applicability to other supply agreements
The Secretary of Defense shall not require the flowdown of any contract clauses to other supply agreements unless otherwise applicable pursuant to subsection (e) of section 3452 of this title.
(c)
Definitions
In this section, the terms  other supply agreement  and  subcontract  have the meanings provided in subsection (c)(2) of section 3452 of this title.
 .
833.
References in contracts to Department of Defense policy documents, instructions, and manuals
It shall be the policy of the Department of Defense that references to Department of Defense policy documents, instructions, and manuals in contracts shall contain a specific version or date. If the version or date of a policy document, instruction, or manual is not referenced, the contractor will comply with the version of the document in effect at the time the solicitation is issued. Updated versions of referenced policy documents, instructions, and manuals shall not apply unless mutually agreed.
834.
Uninsurable risk on certain contracts
(a)
Consideration of risk of loss
The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that due consideration is given to a contractor for equitable adjustments resulting from the loss of work in process on a covered contract.
(b)
Limitations
Considerations limiting the contractor’s assumption of the risk of loss in subsection (a) shall not apply to loss caused by the willful misconduct or lack of good faith on the part of any of the contractor’s directors or officers, managers, superintendents, or other equivalent representatives.
(c)
Definitions
In this section:
(1)
Covered contract
The term  covered contract  means any classified, fixed-price type contract, entered into with the Department of Defense on or after the date of the enactment of this section where, due to the classified nature of the underlying program—
(A)
the contractor cannot get a third-party commercial insurance provider to insure the work in process; or
(B)
the third-party commercial insurance provider cannot process the contractor’s claim.
(2)
Lack of good faith
The term  lack of good faith  has the meaning given the term in section 252.228–7001 of the Department of Defense Supplement to the Federal Acquisition Regulation, or any successor regulation.
(3)
Willful misconduct
The term  willful misconduct  has the meaning given the term in section 252.228–7001 of the Department of Defense Supplement to the Federal Acquisition Regulation, or any successor regulation.
(4)
Work in process
The term  work in process —
(A)
means an item at any stage of production or manufacture at any time from the initiation of contract performance until delivery to and acceptance by the government; and
(B)
specifically includes a  covered aircraft  as that term is defined in section 252.228–7001 of the Department of Defense Supplement to the Federal Acquisition Regulation, or any successor regulation.
(d)
Conforming regulations
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 to conform with the changes made by this section.
835.
Reporting of price increases
(a)
Reporting of increases above specified prices
 Chapter 271  of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section:
3709.
Reporting of increases above specified prices
(a)
In general
An offeror shall be required to report to the relevant contracting officer not later than 30 days after becoming aware that the price of a product or service under a covered contract reaches or exceeds—
(1)
25 percent above the price specified in the contract bid or the government paid for that product or service the previous calendar year; or
(2)
50 percent above the price paid for such a product or service 5 years earlier.
(b)
Covered contract defined
In this section, the term  covered contract  means a cost-reimbursement contract awarded without competition under section 3204 of this title and as defined under section 6.302 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation.
 .
(b)
Inclusion of noncompliance information in FAPIIS
 Chapter 271  of title 10, United States Code, as amended by subsection (a), is further amended by adding at the end the following new section:
3710.
Inclusion of noncompliance information in Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System
The Director of the Defense Contract Audit Agency or the relevant service acquisition executive shall report in the Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System (FAPIIS) housed within the System for Award Management the following information:
(1)
Contractors who fail to report price increases as required under 3705(a)(2) of this title.
(2)
Updated findings from audits conducted by the Agency regarding noncompliance with the requirement.
(3)
With respect to unreported product or service price increases, the product or service’s National Stock Number, order quantity, unit cost, total cost, purchasing or reimbursing entity, and date of the order.
 .
836.
Instructions for continued operational readiness
(a)
In general
 Chapter 363  of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section:
4664.
Instructions for continued operational readiness
(a)
Requirement to deliver instructions
(1)
The Secretary of Defense (referred to in this section as the  Secretary ) may not enter into a contract or agreement for the procurement, sustainment, or subsequent modifications of covered defense equipment unless the contract or agreement requires that the contractor deliver, or offer as a negotiated price option, Instructions for Continued Operational Readiness ( ICOR ) to the Secretary upon delivery of the equipment.
(2)
The Secretary may grant an exception to paragraph (1) if the product support strategy and associated business case analysis for the covered defense equipment indicates that the Government does not have a justified need for ICOR, consistent, when applicable, with section 3771 of this title.
(3)
The contractor shall deliver the ICOR to the Department of Defense (referred to in this section as the  Department ) and provide the Secretary with the rights to diagnose, maintain, and repair the covered defense equipment.
(4)
The Secretary shall withhold payment to the contractor under the contract or agreement until the Secretary accepts the ICOR as complete under subsection (c)(2).
(5)
When ICOR are required to be delivered under a contract or agreement, the Secretary shall ensure that updated ICOR data is required as necessary in subsequent contracts or agreements or included as priced options to reflect modifications in data deliverables.
(b)
Contents of Instructions for Continued Operational Readiness
A contractor for covered defense equipment shall include in the ICOR, at a minimum, data that is necessary for operations, maintenance, installation, and training, form fit, and function data, and any additional data required for operational readiness, which may include—
(1)
recommended methods, techniques, inspections, processes, procedures, maintenance manuals, service bulletins, diagnostic procedures, proprietary systems, special tooling, special testing procedures, and equipment necessary to maintain, repair, and sustain the covered defense equipment in a condition for safe and effective operation, including diagnostic protocols, troubleshooting guides, and overhaul instructions, consistent with the maintenance practices of the contractor or those of the authorized maintenance providers of the contractor;
(2)
an operational limitations section ( OLS ) that includes mandatory schedules for replacement of life-limited components, inspection intervals, and other sustainment requirements critical to equipment reliability and safety, approved by the Secretary;
(3)
engineering drawings, schematics, software, and wiring diagrams;
(4)
a complete list of replacement parts, components, and specialized equipment required for maintenance and repair, including part numbers, specifications, and sources, to ensure availability to authorized maintenance providers;
(5)
procedures for documenting maintenance actions, life-limited component replacements, and compliance with the OLS, including standardized formats for maintenance logs to ensure traceability and verification of operational readiness; and
(6)
clear identification of maintenance information essential for safe operation, distinguished from non-safety-related service enhancements, to facilitate compliance with operational readiness requirements.
(c)
Submission, acceptance, and updates
(1)
A contractor shall submit the ICOR to the Secretary as a contract deliverable prior to equipment delivery or within a timeframe specified by the contract.
(2)
The Secretary shall review and accept the ICOR, verifying that they provide sufficient information to maintain the operational readiness of the equipment.
(3)
In accordance with design changes and contract modifications approved by the Secretary and in a manner that is in accordance with subsection (a), the contractor shall deliver updates to the ICOR for approval by the Secretary whenever modifications, upgrades, safety issues, or new sustainment requirements are identified.
(d)
Maintenance and repair providers
A contractor shall not impose restrictions on the use of the ICOR by authorized maintenance providers of the Department, including requirements to use only contractor-supplied parts, unless such restrictions are explicitly approved by the Secretary as necessary for safety or operational reliability.
(e)
Conditions for alternative maintenance and repair
(1)
Notwithstanding restrictions approved by the Secretary pursuant to subsection (d), the Secretary may authorize alternative maintenance or repair actions for covered defense equipment, if any of the following conditions are met:
(A)
A program cannot reasonably obtain sufficient data to maintain operational readiness.
(B)
The contractor fails to deliver complete and current ICOR.
(C)
The contractor cannot deliver required parts, repairs, or ICOR within a timeframe that meets operational needs, as defined by the Secretary, resulting in unacceptable readiness degradation.
(D)
The contractor discontinues support for a component or software critical to the equipment’s operation without providing a viable substitute or sufficient ICOR to enable sustainment of the equipment by the Department.
(E)
An urgent operational or logistical circumstance, such as wartime conditions, active combat, or disrupted logistics, necessitates immediate repair or part production to maintain mission readiness.
(F)
The Secretary determines alternative maintenance or repair actions would result in significant cost savings.
(2)
If an alternative action is authorized under paragraph (1), the Secretary may—
(A)
issue a written determination citing the relevant condition described in paragraph (1), including evidence of contractor practices that prevent delivery of or restrict license rights to the ICOR in a manner that may impede competition, consistent with antitrust laws; and
(B)
authorize data delivery for the alternative action.
(3)
If time permits, the Secretary shall notify the contractor if any of the conditions described in paragraph (1) are met and shall provide the contractor with not more than 30 days to address the issue before the alternative action is taken.
(4)
Alternative maintenance or repair actions may include, but is not limited to, reverse engineering, use of existing technical data, fabrication of parts by the Department or third-party providers, or advanced manufacturing, as necessary to restore operational readiness. This provision does not restrict the ability of the Secretary to employ these practices in other contexts.
(f)
Contractor responsibilities
(1)
A contractor shall ensure the ICOR contains sufficient information to maintain the operational readiness of the equipment, including updates to address safety or performance issues and necessary information on systems or components produced by subcontractors.
(2)
A contractor shall promptly notify the Secretary of any safety-related deficiencies in the ICOR and provide corrected materials at no additional cost.
(3)
If a contractor fails to comply with the requirements of this section, the Secretary may withhold contract payment, enforce contract penalties, take corrective action, reduce contractor performance ratings, or exclude the contractor from future contracts or agreements with the Department.
(g)
Oversight
(1)
The Secretary shall establish procedures to verify contractor compliance with the requirements of this section, including periodic audits of the content and availability and maintenance of ICOR.
(2)
The Secretary shall maintain a centralized repository of ICOR for covered defense equipment, accessible to maintenance providers authorized by the Secretary, to ensure consistent application.
(h)
Report
Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this section, and every year thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees a list of the items designated as excluded commercial items to which the requirement to deliver ICOR does not apply.
(i)
Definitions
In this section:
(1)
The term  covered defense equipment  means any system, subsystem, or component procured by the Secretary, including aircraft, ships, ground vehicles, electronic systems, and other systems, that require contractor-provided maintenance or repair data to ensure operational readiness, excluding any excluded commercial items.
(2)
The term  excluded commercial item  means an unmodified product customarily used by the general public or by nongovernmental entities or sold, leased, or licensed to the general public and maintained under standard commercial practices, as designated by the Secretary.
(3)
The terms  Instructions for Continued Operational Readiness  and  ICOR  mean contractor-provided technical data, software, and other information, including maintenance instructions and manuals, operational limitations, parts identification, record-keeping procedures, safety-related provisions, engineering drawings, schematics, software, service bulletins, wiring diagrams, diagnostic procedures, and other data or information necessary to maintain and repair covered defense equipment in a condition for safe and effective operation.
 .
(b)
Compliance oversight
Not later than two years after the date of the enactment of this Act, and every two years thereafter, the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report that assesses—
(1)
the compliance of the Secretary of Defense with section 4664 of title 10, United States Code, as added by subsection (a);
(2)
the effectiveness of the requirements of section 4664 in ensuring operational readiness and reducing sustainment costs;
(3)
contractor compliance with the requirements of section 4664;
(4)
the frequency and impact of the conditions described in section 4664(e)(1); and
(5)
recommendations for improving the maintenance and repair capabilities of the Department of Defense.
(c)
Implementation guidance
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall issue guidance to implement this section that includes—
(1)
procedures for integrating the requirements of section 4664 of title 10, United States Code, as added by subsection (a), into acquisition contracts and agreements of the Department of Defense;
(2)
the criteria for designating items as excluded commercial items, as defined in section 4664(i);
(3)
processes for reviewing, accepting, and updating instructions for continued operational readiness (as defined in section 4664(i)) and operational limitations sections, in accordance with section 4664;
(4)
mechanisms for tracking contractor compliance and resolving disputes over instructions for continued operational readiness and compensation; and
(5)
directions for the operation, repair, and maintenance of defense equipment that government-owned, government-operated entities of the Department of Defense can use if the contract or agreement for the defense equipment does not require the delivery of ICOR.
(d)
Applicability
Section 4664 of title 10, United States Code, as added by subsection (a), applies to contracts and agreements for covered defense equipment, as defined in subsection (i) of that section, entered into on or after one year after the date of the enactment of this Act.
837.
Indemnification of contractors against nuclear and unusually hazardous risks
(a)
In general
The review of requests submitted by a contractor to a Department of Defense contracting officer pursuant to  Public Law 85–804  ( 50 U.S.C. 1431 et seq. ) for indemnification against nuclear and unusually hazardous risks, including those involving the procurement of commercial nuclear technology, shall include, to the maximum extent practicable, input from the Defense Contract Management Agency, including reviews of insurance markets and coverage availability from the Contractor Insurance/Pension Review group.
(b)
Deadline
 The review of all indemnification requests submitted by contractors as described in subsection (a) shall be completed with a final decision on approval or denial, including an executed Memorandum of Decision, within 90 days.
(c)
Delegation
The Secretary of each military department should delegate authority to provide indemnification under  Public Law 85–804  ( 50 U.S.C. 1431 et seq. ) for contracts relating to advanced nuclear energy systems or components to such subordinate officials, commands, or agencies as the Secretary determines appropriate to ensure timely and effective program execution.
838.
Late submission of cost and pricing data as invalid defense to contract price reductions for defective cost or pricing data
Section 3706(c) of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
in paragraph (3), by striking  ; or  and inserting a semicolon;
(2)
in paragraph (4), by striking the period and inserting  ; or ; and
(3)
by adding at the end of the following:
(5)
the cost or pricing data were obtained by or otherwise made available to the prime contractor or subcontractor more than 30 days before, but submitted to the head of the agency after, the date of agreement on the price of the contract or, if applicable consistent with subsection (a)(2), such other date agreed upon between the parties.
 .
839.
Modifications to submissions of cost or pricing data
Section 3702(a) of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
in paragraph (1)—
(A)
by striking  June 30, 2018  each place it appears and inserting  June 30, 2026 ;
(B)
in subparagraph (A), by striking  $2,000,000  and inserting  $10,000,000 ; and
(C)
in subparagraph (B), by striking  $750,000  and inserting  $2,000,000 ;
(2)
in paragraph (2), by striking  $2,000,000  and inserting  $10,000,000 ; and
(3)
in subparagraph (3)(A), by striking  $2,000,000  and inserting  $10,000,000 .
C
Industrial base matters
841.
Repeal of limitations on certain Department of Defense Executive Agent authority
Section 1792 of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 ( Public Law 115–232 ; 132 Stat. 2238;  50 U.S.C. 4531  note) and section 226 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 ( Public Law 115–91 ;  50 U.S.C. 4531  note) are repealed.
842.
Small unmanned aircraft system industrial base remediation plan
(a)
In general
Not later than March 1, 2026, the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, acting through the Director of the Joint Production Accelerator Cell of the Department of Defense and the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Industrial Base Policy, shall submit to the congressional defense committees a strategy for ensuring that the defense industrial base of the United States can meet requirements for small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS).
(b)
Coordination
In developing the strategy required under subsection (a), the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment shall coordinate with the following officials:
(1)
The Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development, and Acquisition.
(2)
The Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics, and Technology.
(3)
The Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics.
(4)
The Director of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency.
(5)
The Director of the Defense Innovation Unit.
(c)
Elements
The strategy under subsection (a) shall include the following elements:
(1)
An assessment of emerging technologies or manufacturing processes that would support the modernization or expansion of the defense industrial base of the United States to meet requirements for production of sUAS components and finished articles.
(2)
A plan to prioritize Government funding for the following:
(A)
Onshoring production for sUAS components.
(B)
Private manufacturing facilities for sUAS components.
(C)
Government-owned, contractor-operated manufacturing facilities for sUAS components.
(D)
Government-owned, Government-operated manufacturing facilities for sUAS components.
(d)
Review and report
(1)
Review
Not later than March 1, 2026, the Secretary of Defense shall seek to enter into a contract with a federally funded research and development center to conduct a review of the defense industrial base of the United States for sUAS components and finished articles that includes the following:
(A)
An assessment of the capacity and capability of the existing sUAS industrial base, including the supply base and personnel of such manufacturers, to support the expansion of the sUAS industrial base.
(B)
The capability and capacity of potential new entrants to the sUAS industrial base, including private entities that might be subsidized by the Federal Government.
(C)
An assessment of the process for qualifying vendors, including potential new entrants and existing vendors proposing new manufacturing processes.
(D)
An assessment of the capacity and capability of the sUAS industrial base to support the demands of existing programs.
(E)
An assessment of the capacity and capability of the sUAS industrial base to support potential future demands of programs.
(F)
A mapping of programs and potential future sUAS programs for manufacturer throughput.
(G)
Identification of current and potential shortfalls in critical materials, such as rare earth elements and lithium.
(H)
A broad assessment of commercial sector, civil sector, and Department of Defense demands on the sUAS industrial base.
(2)
Report
(A)
Secretary of Defense
Not later than September 30, 2026, a federally funded research and development center that enters into a contract under this subsection shall submit to the Secretary of Defense a report on the results of the review conducted under paragraph (1).
(B)
Congress
Not later than 30 days after receipt of the report described in subparagraph (A), the Secretary of Defense shall submit the report, along with any comments of the Secretary, to the congressional defense committees.
(e)
Small unmanned aircraft system components defined
The term  small unmanned aircraft system components  refers to critical components used in the manufacture and operation of unmanned aircraft systems for small unmanned aircraft, as those terms are defined in section 44801 of title 49, United States Code.
843.
Application of national security waiver for strategic materials sourcing requirement to sensitive materials
Section 4872 of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
in subsection (a)—
(A)
by striking  subsection (c) or subsection (e)  and inserting  subsections (c) and (e) ; and
(B)
in paragraph (1), by striking  subsection (c)  and inserting  subsections (c) and (e) ; and
(2)
in subsection (e)—
(A)
in paragraph (1), by striking  of the Secretary ; and
(B)
by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
(3)
Application of national security waiver for strategic materials
If the Secretary of Defense or the authorized delegate has made a determination under subsection (k) of section 4863 of this title for a national security waiver of the restrictions under subsection (a) of that section for a specific end item, the Secretary or authorized delegate may apply that waiver to the restrictions under subsection (a) of this section for the same covered material and end item.
 .
844.
Prohibition on acquisition of clothing and fabric from countries of concern under domestic-sourcing waivers
(a)
In general
Section 4862 of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
in subsection (c), by striking  Subsection (a)  and inserting  (1) Except as provided by paragraph (2), subsection (a) ; and
(2)
by inserting after paragraph (1) the following new paragraph:
(2)
If the Secretary of Defense or the Secretary of the military department concerned applies the exception set forth in this subsection for the procurement of any clothing and the materials and components thereof or any item listed in subsection (b)(1)(D), no contract may be awarded for the procurement of any such items produced in the People's Republic of China, Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, or the Russian Federation.
 .
(b)
Applicability
The amendments made by subsection (a) shall apply only with respect to agreements entered into on or after the date of the enactment of this Act.
845.
Mitigation of risks related to foreign ownership, control, or influence of Department of Defense contractors or subcontractors
Of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise made available for fiscal year 2026 for Operation and Maintenance, Defense-wide, for the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security for travel expenses, not more than 90 percent may be obligated or expended until the Secretary of Defense—
(1)
certifies to the congressional defense committees that the requirements under section 847 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 ( Public Law 116–92 ;  10 U.S.C. 4819  note) have been implemented; and
(2)
submits a plan and timeline for continued implementation of such requirements, including details on how the Department of Defense plans to ensure, beyond self-certification, that contractors and subcontractors are completing any assessment and mitigation requirements, including enforcement penalties if appropriate.
846.
Prohibition of procurement of molybdenum, gallium, or germanium from non-allied foreign nations and authorization for production from recovered material
(a)
Amendments related to molybdenum
(1)
Definition of covered material
Section 4872(f)(1) of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
(A)
in subparagraph (D), by striking  ; and  and inserting a semicolon;
(B)
in subparagraph (E), by striking the period and inserting  ; and ; and
(C)
by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
(F)
molybdenum.
 .
(2)
Exceptions to prohibition
Section 4872(c)(3) of title 10, United States Code, is amended –
(A)
in subparagraph (C), by inserting  or samarium-cobalt magnet  after  neodymium-iron-boron magnet ; and
(B)
by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
(i)
tantalum, tungsten, or molybdenum produced from recycled scrap if the contractor demonstrates that the scrap was produced outside of a covered nation and the melting of the scrap and further processing and manufacturing of the 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.
 .
(b)
Amendments related to gallium and germainum
(1)
Definition of covered material
Section 4872(f)(1) of title 10, United States Code, as amended by subsection (a)(1), is further amended—
(A)
in subparagraph (E), by striking  ; and  and inserting a semicolon;
(B)
in subparagraph (F), as added by subsection (a), by striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon; and
(C)
by adding at the end the following new subparagraphs:
(G)
germanium; and
(H)
gallium.
 .
(2)
Exceptions to prohibition
Section 4872(c)(3)(D) of title 10, United States Code, as added by subsection (a)(2) is amended by striking  or molybdenum  and inserting  molybdenum, gallium, or germanium .
(3)
Effective date
The amendments made by paragraphs (1) and (2) shall take effect on the date that is one year after the date of the enactment of this Act.
847.
Sourcing options for certain critical products
(a)
Multiple sourcing
As soon as practicable, but not later than fiscal year 2031, the Secretary of Defense shall ensure that the Department of Defense maintains multiple sources for products in the following critical sectors:
(1)
Castings and forgings.
(2)
Missiles and munitions.
(3)
Energy storage and batteries.
(4)
Strategic and critical materials.
(5)
Microelectronics.
(6)
Any other critical sector as determined by the Secretary.
(b)
Waiver
The Secretary of Defense may waive the requirement under subsection (a) if the Secretary determines that maintaining multiple sources is unfeasible. The Secretary shall notify the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives not later than 30 days after issuing such a waiver.
848.
 Prohibiting the purchase of photovoltaic modules or inverters from Foreign Entities of Concern
(a)
In general
None of the funds authorized to be appropriated or otherwise made available by this Act may be used to enter into a contract for the procurement of photovoltaic modules manufactured by a foreign entity of concern (as defined by section 9901(8) of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 ( 15 U.S.C. 4651(8) ).
(b)
Waiver authority
The Secretary of Defense may waive subsection (a) if the Secretary—
(1)
determines that there is no alternative source of photovoltaic cells, modules, or inverters other than from a foreign entity of concern;
(2)
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
(3)
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.
(c)
Limitation
(1)
In general
Subsection (a) shall apply only to contracts regarding the direct procurement by the Department of Defense of photovoltaic modules or inverters and shall not apply to contracts involving any third party financing arrangements, including energy savings contracts and those involving privatized military housing or assets that enhance combat capability.
(2)
Delayed effective date for assets that enhance combat capability
The prohibition 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, in order for the Department of Defense to determine alternate supply chains for such assets.
(d)
Exemption for certain activities
The prohibition under subsection (a) shall not apply if the operation, procurement, or contracting action is for the purposes of intelligence, electronic warfare, and information warfare operations, testing, analysis, and training.
849.
Modernization of Army arsenals
(a)
Authority to establish and operate
The Secretary of the Army is authorized and directed to accelerate the modernization of the Army’s organic industrial base to meet the munitions requirements of the Army.
(b)
Facilities and infrastructure
The Secretary of the Army shall prioritize utilizing or modifying existing facilities, as well as existing environmental permits, security arrangements, and personnel required for the production of sensitive military munitions, to establish the production lines for the following items:
(1)
A secondary domestic source of military-grade nitrocellulose.
(2)
Any of 13 precursor chemicals used widely across the Joint Program Executive Office Armaments & Ammunition portfolio that are currently sourced solely from the People's Republic of China.
(3)
Any of the 300 chemicals identified as single point failures by the Joint Program Executive Office Armaments & Ammunition.
(4)
Multiple calibers of ammunition, serviced by a load and pack facility.
(5)
A combination of the above options.
(c)
Location
The production line or lines described in subsection (b) shall be established at each Army organic industrial base installation that—
(1)
has received less than $100,000,000 in cumulative modernization funding across all Army accounts during the two most recent fiscal years; and
(2)
has substantial acreage available and suitable for future industrial or technical development.
(d)
Expedited approvals and waivers
The Secretary is encouraged to expedite the establishment of the production lines and shall utilize to the fullest extent possible the existing environmental permits and work expertise resident at installations described in subsection (c).
(e)
Funds
The Secretary of the Army may use such funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act that are available to establish the production line or lines described in subsection (b).
849A.
Modifications to Defense Industrial Base Fund
Section 4817 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new subsections:
(g)
Eligible uses of authorities
(1)
In general
The Secretary may use the authorities provided by this section with respect to upstream, mid-stream, and downstream supply chains, including material, material production, components, subassemblies, and finished products, testing and qualification, infrastructure, facility construction and improvement, and equipment needed directly for the following:
(A)
Castings and forgings.
(B)
Kinetic capabilities, including sensors, targeting systems, and delivery platforms.
(C)
Microelectronics.
(D)
Machine tools, including but not limited to subtractive, additive, convergent, stamping, forging, abrasives, metrology, and other production equipment.
(E)
Critical minerals, materials, and chemicals.
(F)
Workforce for the defense industrial base.
(G)
Advanced manufacturing capacity, including echelon manufacturing forward in the Indo-Pacific Command theater.
(H)
Unmanned vehicles, including subsurface, surface, land, air one-way, attritables, and launch and recovery platforms.
(I)
Manned aircraft.
(J)
Ground systems.
(K)
Power sources.
(L)
Ship and submarine, including assembly and automation technologies and capabilities, new or modernized infrastructure for new construction or maintenance and sustainment and battle damage repair.
(M)
Other materiel solutions required to support Indo-Pacific Command operational plans as required.
(N)
Defense space systems.
(2)
Prohibition on use in covered countries
The Secretary may not use the authorities provided by this section for any activity in a covered country.
(3)
Use of authorities for other purposes
The Secretary may not use the authorities provided by this section for a purpose not described in paragraph (1) unless, not less than 30 days before doing so, the Secretary—
(A)
determines that—
(i)
the use of the authority for that purpose is essential to the national security interests of the United States; and
(ii)
without the use of the authority for that purpose, United States industry cannot reasonably be expected to provide the capability needed in a timely manner; and
(B)
submits to the congressional defense committees a report on the determination that includes appropriate explanatory material.
(h)
Grants and other incentives for domestic industrial base capabilities
To create, maintain, protect, expand, or restore domestic industrial base capabilities essential for the national security interests of the United States, the Secretary may make provision for—
(1)
use of contracts, grants, or other transaction authorities, including cooperative agreements;
(2)
incentives for the private sector to develop capabilities in areas of national security interest;
(3)
making awards to third party entities to support investments in small- and medium-sized entities working in areas of national security interest, including debt and equity investments, that would benefit missions of the Department of Defense; and
(4)
subsidies to offset market manipulation or ensure allied and domestic viability of grants made from other market uncertainties.
(i)
Defense industrial base purchase commitment program
(1)
In general
To create, maintain, protect, expand, or restore industrial base capabilities essential for the national security interests of the United States, the Secretary may make provision for purchase commitments for—
(A)
Federal Government use or resale of an industrial resource or a critical technology item;
(B)
the encouragement of exploration, development, and mining of strategic and critical materials;
(C)
development of other materials and components;
(D)
the development of production capabilities; and
(E)
the increased use of emerging technologies in defense program applications and the rapid transition of emerging technologies—
(i)
from Federal Government-sponsored research and development to commercial applications; and
(ii)
from commercial research and development to national defense applications.
(2)
Exemption for certain limitations
(A)
Purchases
Except as provided by subparagraph (B), purchase commitments under paragraph (1) may be made without regard to the limitations of existing law (other than section 1341 of title 31), for such quantities, and on such terms and conditions, including advance payments, and for such periods, but not extending beyond a date that is not more than 10 years from the date on which such purchase was initially made, as the Secretary deems necessary.
(B)
Limitation
Purchases commitments under paragraph (1) involving higher than established ceiling prices (or if no such established ceiling prices exist, currently prevailing market prices) or that result in an anticipated loss on resale shall not be made, unless it is determined that supply of the materials could not be effectively increased or provisioned at lower prices or on terms more favorable to the Federal Government, or that such purchases are necessary to assure the availability to the United States of overseas supplies.
(3)
Findings of Secretary
(A)
In general
The Secretary may take the actions described in subparagraph (B), if the Secretary finds that—
(i)
under generally fair and equitable ceiling prices, for any raw or nonprocessed material or component, there will result a decrease in supplies from high-cost sources of such material and that the continuation of such supplies is necessary to carry out the objectives of this section; or
(ii)
an increase in cost of transportation is temporary in character and threatens to impair maximum production or supply in any area at stable prices of any materials.
(B)
Subsidy payments authorized
Upon a finding under subparagraph (A), the Secretary may make provision for subsidy payments on any such produced material from other than covered countries, in such amounts and in such manner (including purchase commitments of such material or component and its resale at a loss, and on such terms and conditions, as the Secretary determines to be necessary to ensure that supplies from such high-cost sources are continued, or that maximum production or supply in such area at stable prices of such materials is maintained, as the case may be.
(4)
Installation of equipment in industrial facilities
If the Secretary determines that such action will aid the national security interests of the United States, the Secretary is authorized—
(A)
to procure and install additional equipment, facilities, processes or improvements to plants, factories, and other industrial facilities owned by the Federal Government;
(B)
to procure and install equipment including owned by the Federal Government in plants, factories, and other industrial facilities owned by private persons;
(C)
to provide for constructing new facilities, the modification, or expansion of privately owned facilities, including the modification or improvement of production processes, when taking actions under this subsection or subsection (h);
(D)
to sell or otherwise transfer equipment owned by the Federal Government and installed under this subsection to the owners of such plants, factories, or other industrial facilities;
(E)
to construct facilities for the purposes described in section subsection (g)(1); and
(F)
to apply contracts, grants, or other transactions authorities.
(5)
Excess metals, minerals, materials, and components
(A)
In general
Metals, minerals, materials, and components acquired pursuant to this subsection which, in the judgment of the Secretary, are excess to the needs of programs under this section, shall be transferred to the National Defense Stockpile established by the Strategic and Critical Materials Stock Piling Act ( 50 U.S.C. 98 et seq. ), or other national reserves if available, when the Secretary deems such action to be in the public interest.
(B)
Transfers at no charge
Transfers made pursuant to this paragraph shall be made without charge against or reimbursement from funds appropriated for the purposes of the Strategic and Critical Materials Stock Piling Act ( 50 U.S.C. 98 et seq. ), or other national reserves if available, except that costs incident to such transfer, other than acquisition costs, shall be paid or reimbursed from such funds.
(6)
Substitutes
When, in the judgment of the Secretary, it will aid the national security interests of the United States, the Secretary may make provision for the development and qualification a of substitutes for strategic and critical materials, components, critical technology items, and other industrial resources.
(j)
Strengthening domestic productive capacity
(1)
In general
The Secretary may provide appropriate incentives to develop, maintain, modernize, restore, and expand the productive capacities of sources for strategic and critical materials, components, critical technology items, and industrial resources essential for the execution of the national security strategy of the United States.
(2)
Strategic and critical materials, components, and critical technology items
(A)
Maintenance of reliable sources of supply
The Secretary shall take appropriate actions to ensure that strategic and critical materials, components, critical technology items, and industrial resources are available from reliable sources when needed to meet defense requirements during peacetime, graduated mobilization, and national emergency.
(B)
Appropriate action
For purposes of this paragraph, appropriate action may include—
(i)
restricting contract solicitations to reliable sources;
(ii)
stockpiling or placing into reserve strategic and critical materials, components, and critical technology items;
(iii)
planning for necessary long-lead times for acquiring such materials, components, and items; or
(iv)
developing and qualifying substitutes for such materials, components, and items.
(k)
Annual report
(1)
In general
Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026, and annually thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committee a report evaluating investments made and any other activities carried out using amounts in the Fund during the year preceding submission of the report.
(2)
Elements
Each report required by paragraph (1) shall include—
(A)
measures of effectiveness of the investments and activities described in that paragraph in meeting the needs of the Department of Defense and the defense industrial base;
(B)
an evaluation of the return on investment of all ongoing investments from the Fund; and
(C)
a description of efforts to coordinate activities carried out using amounts in the Fund with activities to support the defense industrial base carried out under other authorities.
(3)
Advice
In preparing a report required by paragraph (1), the Secretary shall take into account the advice of the defense industry and such other individuals as the Secretary considers relevant.
(l)
Coordination with other defense industrial base activities
Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026, the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report detailing how activities carried out under this section will be coordinated with—
(1)
activities carried out using amounts in the Defense Production Act Fund under section 304 of the Defense Production Act of 1950 ( 50 U.S.C. 4534 );
(2)
activities of the Office of Strategic Capital; and
(3)
any other efforts designed to enhance the defense industrial base.
(m)
Definitions
In this section:
(1)
Chokepoint
The term  chokepoint  means a situation in which—
(A)
components of the munitions supply chains, including all elements of the munitions supply chain such as chemicals, casings, or other materials, are produced by only one reliable source; or
(B)
the increased production of a component would significantly increase total output of munitions.
(2)
Covered country
The term  covered country  means—
(A)
the Russian Federation;
(B)
the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea;
(C)
the Islamic Republic of Iran; and
(D)
the People’s Republic of China.
(3)
Reliable source
The term  reliable source  means a citizen or business entity organized under the laws of—
(A)
the United States or any territory or possession of the United States;
(B)
a country of the national technology and industrial base, as defined in section 4801; or
(C)
a qualifying country, as defined in section 225.003 of the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement or any successor document.
(4)
Secretary
The term  Secretary  means the Secretary of Defense.
(5)
Strategic and critical materials
The term  strategic and critical materials  has the meaning given that term in section 12(1) of the Strategic and Critical Materials Stock Piling Act ( 50 U.S.C. 98h–3(1) ).
 .
849B.
Report on United States boot industrial base and Berry Amendment compliance
(a)
Report required
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 United States boot industrial base, including a comprehensive plan for the Department of Defense to fully comply with the requirements under section 4862 of title 10, United States Code (commonly referred to as the  Berry Amendment ) by not later than fiscal year 2028.
(b)
Elements
The report required under subsection (a) shall include the following elements:
(1)
A detailed description of current and surge manufacturing capacity for Berry-compliant, government-issued boots, including suppliers of leather, textiles, soles, and components, as well as risks to supply chain resilience and small business participation. Surge manufacturing capacity includes all major domestic manufacturers of boots including those not currently supplying Berry-compliant boots.
(2)
A market survey of domestic boot manufacturers regarding interest in producing Berry-compliant boots if there were to be a requirement that all members of the Armed Forces are required to only wear Berry-compliant boots.
(3)
A time-phased schedule of actions, milestones, and resources required to achieve full Berry Amendment compliance for combat footwear across all military services by fiscal year 2028.
(4)
An assessment of how current policies allowing the wear of  optional combat boots  that are not Berry-compliant undermine the intent of the Berry Amendment and weaken the United States industrial base, and recommendations for coming into compliance.
(5)
A plan to implement and enforce narrowly tailored availability and medical exemptions, as authorized under section 4862(c) of title 10, United States Code, with controls to prevent overuse.
(6)
Steps to expand industrial capacity for Berry-compliant government-issued boots through multiyear contracting, demand forecasting, inventory planning, and attracting new Berry-compliant suppliers by requiring that optional boots must be Berry-compliant.
D
Small business matters
851.
APEX Accelerators
(a)
Purposes
Section 4952 of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
in paragraph (1), by striking  ; and  and inserting a semicolon;
(2)
in paragraph (2), by striking the period at the end and inserting  ; and ; and
(3)
by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
(3)
to foster innovation for the defense industrial base and to diversify and expand the defense industrial base.
 .
(b)
Increased funding limit for Bureau of Indian Affairs service areas
Section 4955(a)(4) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking  $1,000,000  and inserting  $1,500,000 .
(c)
APEX centers of excellence
The Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment may establish APEX centers of excellence to allow APEX centers to provide specialized expertise to business entities outside of the geographic bounds of the center. In carrying out this program, the Under Secretary may utilize the cost sharing waiver to enter into a cooperative agreement under section 4954 of title 10, United States Code.
E
Other matters
861.
Clarification of procurement prohibition related to acquisition of materials mined, refined, and separated in certain countries
Section 844(a) of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 ( Public Law 116–283 ; 134 Stat. 3766) is amended—
(1)
by striking  Section 2533c  and inserting  Section 4872 ; and
(2)
by amending paragraph (1) to read as follows:
(1)
in subsection (a)—
(A)
in paragraph (1), by striking  ; or  and inserting a semicolon;
(B)
in paragraph (2)(B), by striking the period at the end and inserting  ; or ; and
(C)
by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
(3)
enter into a contract for any covered material mined, refined, or separated in any covered nation.’
 .
862.
Independent study on the acquisition workforce of the Department of Defense
(a)
Study
Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall seek to enter into a contract or other agreement with a qualified organization to conduct an independent examination of the acquisition workforce of the Department of Defense.
(b)
Purpose
The study required under subsection (a) shall include an assessment and comprehensive review of—
(1)
the effectiveness of the acquisition workforce in managing procurements and facilitating positive acquisition outcomes for the warfighter, including through the use of process performance measures or other business health metrics;
(2)
the process and authorities for recruiting and retaining the workforce, including a comparison of pay scales with other Federal agency and commercial analogues, the use of specialization within the acquisition field, and the use of career incentives or other specialized opportunities, such as job-broadening assignments or external training opportunities;
(3)
current training of the workforce, including training offered by and the structure of Defense Acquisition University and the Eisenhower School at National Defense University, as well as commercially available training or identification of certification or stackable micro-certification opportunities;
(4)
the size and mix of the acquisition workforce, including for acquisition-adjacent fields such as industrial security, counterintelligence, and finance;
(5)
the workload and span of control over contracting actions, based on contract award value and total number of individual awards;
(6)
the dependencies between contracting actions and the impact on the industrial security needs to support National Industrial Security Program requirements, including additional compliance costs, increased workload for security-related action, transparency on needs and requirements between the acquisition and security communities, and mechanisms to improve communication on needs and requirements between acquisition and security professionals;
(7)
the role of the acquisition workforce and its communication and integration with the requirements and budget communities; and
(8)
the data, productivity tools, and other information systems available to support acquisition workloads, including the availability of commercial tools.
(c)
Final report
Following the completion of the study under subsection (a), the qualified organization that conducts the study shall submit to the Secretary of Defense a report on the results of the study. The report shall include—
(1)
a summary of the research and other activities carried out as part of the study; and
(2)
recommendations to improve all aspects of acquisition workforce, including recruiting, retention, training, management, and workforce mix.
(d)
Report to Congress
Not later than December 31, 2027, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives an unaltered version of the report required under subsection (c), together with the Secretary’s assessment of the findings and recommendations of the study, including a plan for implementing the recommendations.
863.
Expedited acceptance program for supply chain illumination
(a)
Eligibility for expedited interim national security waiver
(1)
In general
If a contractor, through the use of supply chain illumination policies, procedures, or analytical tools, discovers an item in the supply chain that is non-compliant with the restrictions outlined in subsection (d) but promptly discloses that discovery to the program office, the contractor shall be eligible for an expedited interim national security waiver in accordance with subsection (b) to deliver a capability, provided that the program manager is satisfied with the contractor’s corrective plan described in subsection (e).
(2)
Disclosures
Disclosures that are eligible under paragraph (1) include any disclosures made by the contractor to the program office, including disclosures resulting from supply chain illumination efforts conducted by the contractor, a sub-contractor, or by a third-party entity acting on behalf of the contractor or sub-contractor to increase supply chain transparency. Discoveries of non-compliance by the United States Government do not constitute eligible disclosures under paragraph (1).
(b)
Interim national security waiver
(1)
In general
A waiver described under this subsection is a waiver issued by the Secretary of Defense or the Secretary concerned (as defined in section 101 of title 10, United States Code) to a restriction outlined under subsection (d) allowing a contractor to—
(A)
accept delivery of an end item that contains non-conforming items if the program manager determines the non-confirming part does not represent a security, safety, or flight risk; and
(B)
make payment for the delivery of the end item.
(2)
Delegation
The authority to issue a waiver under paragraph (1) may be delegated—
(A)
in the case of a waiver for one or more acquisition programs within a military department, to the senior acquisition executive of that military department; and
(B)
in the case of a waiver applicable to more than one military department, to the Deputy Secretary of Defense or the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment.
(c)
Requirements for interim national security waivers
(1)
Written determination
An interim national security waiver shall be issued through a written determination that includes the following:
(A)
The preliminary facts and circumstances regarding the identified non-compliant parts and the likely cause for non-compliance.
(B)
The types of parts to which the interim waiver applies, including any additional parts currently being evaluated for potential non-compliance with the defense sourcing restriction statutes based on the findings in subparagraph (A).
(C)
A determination that the non-compliant parts and any additional parts being evaluated for potential non-compliance do not represent a security, safety, or flight risk.
(D)
An assessment of program risk due to non-compliance to include an overall risk level determination that if exceeded would require a new interim national security waiver.
(2)
Submission to Congress
Any interim national security waiver determination shall be submitted to the congressional defense committees within five days of the date of issuance.
(3)
Duration
The authority to issue an interim national security waiver under this subsection shall expire not later than January 1, 2027.
(d)
Supply chain restrictions
For the purposes of this section, non-compliant components are those that are covered by the following provisions of law:
(1)
Section 4863 of title 10, United States Code, relating to a requirement to buy strategic materials critical to national security from American sources.
(2)
 Section 1211 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2006 ( Public Law 109–163 ; 10 U.S.C. note prec. 4651), relating to a prohibition on procurements from Chinese military companies.
(3)
Section 4873 of title 10, United States Code, relating to additional requirements pertaining to printed circuit boards.
(4)
Section 154 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 ( Public Law 118–31 ; 10 U.S.C. note prec. 4651), relating to a prohibition on availability of funds for procurement of certain batteries.
(5)
Section 244 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 ( Public Law 118–31 ; 10 U.S.C. note prec. 4651), relating to a limitation on sourcing chemical materials for munitions from certain countries.
(6)
Section 805 the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 ( Public Law 118–31 ; 10 U.S.C. note prec. 4651), relating to a prohibition on procurements related to entities identified as Chinese military companies operating in the United States.
(e)
Contractor responsibility
A contractor receiving a waiver under this section shall retain the responsibility to develop and implement a corrective plan to ensure future compliance and demonstrate the noncompliance was neither willful nor knowing. The contractor shall use reasonably expedient means to qualify an alternative compliant supplier, where available, for procurements of items that are to be incorporated into future deliveries of end items.
(f)
Sunset
The authority under this section shall expire on January 1, 2027.
(g)
Briefings
Not later than April 1, 2026, and April 1, 2027, the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment shall provide a briefing to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House of Representatives on expedited acceptances authorized under this section and corrective action plans of contractors to ensure future compliance with existing authorities.
864.
Simultaneous conflicts critical munitions report
(a)
Report
(1)
In general
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 details the stockpiles of critical munitions required to fight simultaneous conflicts in different theaters.
(2)
Elements
The report required under paragraph (1) shall include the following elements:
(A)
An estimate of the amount of each critical munition that would be required over the course of simultaneous conflicts, modeled on the assumption that a contingency operation in any one of the western Pacific, Europe, Middle East, or Korean Peninsula theaters would increase the likelihood of a contingency operation in the other theaters, including consideration of the prepositioning of stockpiles and the risk posed by moving stocks out of each theater.
(B)
The number of days before the joint force would exhaust its current stockpiles of critical munitions during simultaneous conflicts.
(C)
An estimate of the time required for the industrial base to replenish critical munition inventories during a simultaneous conflict, taking into account the Out-Year Unconstrained Total Munitions Requirement directed by section 222c of title 10, United States Code, and the study required by section 1705 of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 ( Public Law 117–263 ; 136 Stat. 2968), but not the assumptions mandated by Department of Defense Instruction 3000.04, entitled ‘‘DoD Munitions Requirements Process”.
(D)
Production requirements for each critical munition needed to address the shortfall between current production rates and those required to meet the requirements determined pursuant to subparagraph (A).
(E)
The lessons learned from the war in Ukraine with respect to munition consumption rates.
(F)
Consideration of the projected munitions stockpiles of the military forces of the Russian Federation, the People's Republic of China, Iran, and the Democratic Republic of Korea, and forces affiliated with such military forces.
(G)
An exploration of the projected munitions stockpiles of the relevant United States allies in each theater and opportunities for them to enhance their contributions to burden-sharing.
(b)
Plan
(1)
In general
Not later than 90 days after the Secretary of Defense submits the report required by subsection (a), the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees a plan to implement critical munitions requirements to fight simultaneous conflicts in the next budget cycle. The plan shall include a description of what would be required of industry and United States arsenals and depots to meet such requirements.
(2)
Waiver
The Secretary may waive the requirement under paragraph (1) if the Secretary submits to the congressional defense committees a report with a justification for the decision not to implement the results of the report required by subsection (a) into the requirements process for the next budget cycle. The report shall include an assessment of the gap between current requirements for critical munitions and those requirements identified in the report required by subsection (a).
(c)
Critical munitions defined
In this section, the term  critical munitions  includes those designated on the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff’s critical munitions list.
865.
Permanent extension and modification of demonstration and prototyping program to advance international product support capabilities in a contested logistics environment
Section 842 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 ( Public Law 118–31 ;  10 U.S.C. 2341  note) is amended—
(1)
in subsection (b)(2)—
(A)
in subparagraph (A), by striking  ; and  and inserting a semicolon;
(B)
by redesignating subparagraph (B) as subparagraph (C);
(C)
by inserting after subparagraph (A) the following new subparagraph:
(B)
commercially advanced digital manufacturing facilities for rapid, distributed parts production closer to the point of use; and
 ;
(2)
by striking subsection (g); and
(3)
by redesignating subsection (h) as subsection (g).
866.
Estimate of ally and partner demand for United States-produced munitions and specified expendables
(a)
In general
The Secretary of Defense shall establish an annual requirement for the production of an estimate of the demand by United States allies and partners for United States-produced munitions and specified expendables across the future-years defense plan.
(b)
Elements
Each estimate required under subsection (a)—
(1)
shall be disaggregated by specific munitions type and ally or partner; and
(2)
shall include analytical inputs, such as—
(A)
information set forth in all approved letters of offer and acceptance from foreign military sales cases;
(B)
assessments of all letters of request from foreign military sales cases;
(C)
estimates based on an operational analysis of foreign partner munitions needs for critical operational or contingency planning scenarios;
(D)
estimates based on an analysis of wargaming results that include foreign partner contributions in the relevant scenario; and
(E)
estimates based on bilateral or multilateral discussions between the United States Government and foreign governments.
(c)
Guidance
(1)
In general
Not later than March 1, 2026, the Secretary of Defense shall issue guidance for the development and collection of data necessary to support the production of the estimate required by subsection (a).
(2)
Elements
The guidance required by paragraph (1) shall include—
(A)
a consideration of the manner in which the requirement for such an estimate may be leveraged to support operational and contingency planning activities, wargaming, and net assessment activities; and
(B)
an analysis of the effect of the addition of such an estimate to the Out-Year Unconstrained Total Munitions Requirement required by section 222c of title 10, United States Code.
(d)
Assessment of information systems
(1)
In general
Not later than March 30, 2026, the Secretary of Defense shall conduct an assessment of existing relevant Department of Defense information systems of record to determine whether any such system, or combination of such systems, may be used or modified to collect and analyze data necessary to support the production of the estimate required by subsection (a) on an ongoing basis.
(2)
Consideration
The assessment required by paragraph (1) shall take into consideration—
(A)
the cost and technical challenges of adopting or adapting a system described in that paragraph, or combination of such systems, for the purpose described in that paragraph; and
(B)
the estimated cost and technical challenges of establishing a new information system of record for such purpose.
(e)
Specified expendables defined
In this section, the term  specific expendables  includes—
(1)
chaff;
(2)
flares;
(3)
sonobouys;
(4)
decoys;
(5)
disposable jammers; and
(6)
any other expendable the Secretary of Defense considers appropriate.
867.
Reform of contractor performance information requirements
(a)
In general
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall revise subpart 242.15 of the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) to modify contractor performance information requirements to establish an objective, fact-based, and simplified system for reporting contractor performance. The revised system shall—
(1)
focus exclusively on negative performance events that are verifiable and measurable to reduce subjectivity and inconsistency in evaluations;
(2)
reduce the administrative burden on contracting officers by limiting reporting to prior contractor failures or poor performance; and
(3)
ensure the government can identify and avoid contractors with a history of poor performance or bad actions.
(b)
Revision of contractor performance information requirements
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall revise subpart 242.15 of the DFARS and related guidance, including the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) to provide for the following requirements related to contract performance information:
(1)
Elimination of subjective performance ratings
(A)
Subjective performance ratings for contracts subject to this section shall be eliminated.
(B)
Performance evaluations shall be limited to the reporting and scoring of negative performance events as described in subsections (c) and (d).
(2)
Scope of reporting
(A)
Contracting officers shall report only negative performance events with verifiable data which have a material impact on contract performance or government interests, including events involving subcontractors.
(B)
Reporting shall exclude positive or neutral performance assessments, except as necessary to provide context for a negative performance event.
(3)
Frequency and timing
(A)
Contracting officers shall report negative performance events within 30 days of identifying and verifying the event.
(B)
Annual or periodic performance evaluations shall not be required unless a negative performance event occurs.
(4)
Use in source selection
(A)
Negative performance events and their associated scores, as calculated under subsection (c), shall be considered in source selection evaluations to assess contractor risk and responsibility.
(B)
The absence of negative performance events for a contractor, including nontraditional defense contractors or new entrants, shall not be considered a deficiency in past performance evaluations. Such contractors shall be evaluated based on technical capability, price, and other relevant factors.
(c)
Scoring mechanism for negative performance events
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall revise subpart 242.15 of the DFARS and related guidance, including the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) to provide for the following requirements related to a scoring mechanism for negative performance events:
(1)
Standardized scoring mechanism
To ensure fair and equitable evaluation of contractors, a standardized scoring mechanism shall normalize negative performance events based on the number of transactions and the dollar volume of contracts performed by the contractor.
(2)
Application of scores
(A)
The composite score shall be reported in CPARS alongside the negative performance events and used in source selection to assess past performance risk.
(B)
Scores shall be calculated automatically by the CPARS system based on data entered by contracting officers, including the number of transactions and contract dollar value.
(3)
Transparency
(A)
Contractors shall have access to their composite scores and the underlying data (number of events, transactions, and dollar volume) through CPARS.
(B)
Contractors may submit comments or rebuttals to reported events or scores, which shall be maintained in CPARS for consideration in source selection.
(d)
Key issues of negative performance
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall revise subpart 242.15 of the DFARS and related guidance, including the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) to provide for the following requirements related to key issues of negative performance:
(1)
Mandatory reporting
Contracting officers shall report the following negative performance events, based on verifiable data or objective evaluations:
(A)
Delivery of defective products
Delivery of products failing to meet contract requirements, as verified by government inspection reports, quality assurance records, or testing results.
(B)
Delinquent deliveries
Failure to meet contract delivery schedules, as documented in contract milestones, delivery orders, or government correspondence.
(C)
Improper markings or rights assertions on technical data deliveries
Incorrect or unauthorized markings on technical data or software, or improper assertions of restrictive rights, as verified by government review or legal findings.
(D)
Defective pricing
Submission of inaccurate, incomplete, or misleading cost or pricing data, as identified through audits by the Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) or other authorities.
(E)
Failure to flow down required clauses to subcontractors
Failure to include mandatory contract clauses in subcontracts, as verified by contract reviews or audits.
(F)
False claims or misrepresentations
Submission of false claims, fraudulent invoices, or misrepresentations, as substantiated by investigations, legal findings, or government records.
(G)
Non-compliance with safety or regulatory requirements
Failure to comply with safety, environmental, or other regulatory requirements, as documented by government inspections or citations.
(H)
Significant cybersecurity breaches or failures
Failure to meet cybersecurity requirements or significant breaches caused by contractor negligence, as verified by government assessments or incident reports.
(e)
Additional performance indicators
The Secretary of Defense may establish additional negative performance indicators, provided they are—
(1)
based on verifiable data or objective evaluations; and
(2)
published in the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) with clear criteria for identification and reporting.
(f)
Implementation
(1)
Templates
 Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall issue revised regulations under revise subpart 242.15 of the DFARS to include standardized templates for reporting negative performance events and calculating composite scores.
(2)
Training and guidance
(A)
Training
The Secretary of Defense shall develop and provide training for contracting officers on—
(i)
identifying, verifying, and reporting negative performance events; and
(ii)
entering data for transaction counts and contract dollar values to support the scoring mechanism.
(B)
Guidance
Guidance shall emphasize the use of objective evidence and the exclusion of subjective judgments, including—
(i)
standardized templates for reporting negative performance events;
(ii)
guidelines for weighting negative performance scores in source selection; and
(iii)
procedures for quality assurance reviews and contractor dispute resolution.
(3)
System modifications
Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall modify the CPARS system to—
(A)
support the categorization of negative performance events;
(B)
eliminate fields for subjective ratings;
(C)
automatically calculate composite scores based on reported data;
(D)
include a mechanism for contractors to review and respond to reported events and scores; and
(E)
integrate with the Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information System (FAPIIS) for seamless data sharing.
(4)
Transition period
(A)
Existing CPARS evaluations
For contracts awarded prior to the effective date of the revised regulations, contracting officers may complete existing CPARS evaluations under the prior system until the contract is closed or terminated.
(B)
New evaluations
New evaluations for contracts awarded after the date of the revised implementing regulations shall comply with this section.
(g)
Reporting and oversight
(1)
Report
Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit a report to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives on the implementation of the revised Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System required by this section.
(2)
Government accountability office review
Not later than 3 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct a review of the revised contractor performance information system to assess—
(A)
its effectiveness in achieving the purposes outlined in subsection (a);
(B)
the accuracy and fairness of the scoring mechanism; and
(C)
the system’s impact on competition and nontraditional defense contractor participation.
(h)
Definitions
In this section:
(1)
Negative performance event
The term  negative performance event  means a verifiable instance of contractor failure or poor performance, as described in subsection (d).
(2)
Nontraditional defense contractor
The term  nontraditional defense contractor  has the meaning given the term in section 3014 of title 10, United States Code.
(3)
Verifiable data
The term  verifiable data  means objective evidence documented in contract records, inspection reports, audits, correspondence, or other government records.
868.
Repeals of existing law to streamline the defense acquisition process
The following provisions are hereby repealed:
(1)
Section 3070 of title 10, United States Code.
(2)
Section 874 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 ( Public Law 115–91 ; 10 U.S.C. note prec. 3101).
(3)
Section 810 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016 ( Public Law 114–92 ; 10 U.S.C. note prec. 3101).
(4)
Section 3106 of title 10, United States Code.
(5)
Section 8688 of title 10, United States Code.
(6)
Subsections (a)–(c) of section 804 of the Duncan Hunter National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009 ( Public Law 110–417 ; 122 Stat. 4356).
(7)
Section 822 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1996 ( Public Law 104–106 ; 10 U.S.C. note prec. 3201).
(8)
Section 892 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 ( Public Law 110–181 ;  10 U.S.C. 3201  note).
(9)
Section 805 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2004 ( Public Law 108–136 ;  10 U.S.C. 3201  note).
(10)
Section 823 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 ( Public Law 116–92 ;  10 U.S.C. 3204  note).
(11)
Section 802 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 ( Public Law 116–92 ;  10 U.S.C. 3206  note).
(12)
Section 3208 of title 10, United States Code.
(13)
Section 852 of the Carl Levin and Howard P.  Buck  McKeon National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015 ( Public Law 113–291 ; 10 U.S.C. note prec. 3241).
(14)
Subsections (a)–(f) of section 866 of the Ike Skelton National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011 ( Public Law 111–383 ; 10 U.S.C. note prec. 3241).
(15)
Section 143 of the Duncan Hunter National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009 ( Public Law 110–417 ; 10 U.S.C. note prec. 3241).
(16)
Section 254 of the Duncan Hunter National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009 ( Public Law 110–417 ; 10 U.S.C. note prec. 3241).
(17)
Section 886 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 ( Public Law 110–181 ; 10 U.S.C. note prec. 3241).
(18)
Section 851 of the Ronald W. Reagan National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2005 ( Public Law 108–375 ; 10 U.S.C. note prec. 3241).
(19)
Section 314 of the Bob Stump National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2003 ( Public Law 107–314 ; 10 U.S.C. note prec. 3241).
(20)
Section 826 of the Floyd D. Spence National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2001 ( Public Law 106–398 ; 10 U.S.C. note prec. 3241).
(21)
Section 806 of the Strom Thurmond National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1999 ( Public Law 105–261 ; 10 U.S.C. note prec. 3241).
(22)
Section 368 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012 ( Public Law 112–81 ;  10 U.S.C. 3303  note).
(23)
Section 875 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 ( Public Law 117–81 ; 10 U.S.C. note prec. 3344 ).
(24)
Section 816 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2006 ( Public Law 109–163 ; 10 U.S.C. note prec. 3344).
(25)
Section 3373 of title 10, United States Code.
(26)
Section 883 of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 ( Public Law 117–263 ;  10 U.S.C. 3372  note).
(27)
Section 3455 of title 10, United States Code.
(28)
Section 3678 of title 10, United States Code.
(29)
Section 133 of the Bob Stump National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2003 ( Public Law 107–314 ;  10 U.S.C. 3678  note).
(30)
Section 891 of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 ( Public Law 116–283 ;  10 U.S.C. 3804  note).
(31)
Section 380 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 ( Public Law 117–81 ;  10 U.S.C. 4001  note).
(32)
Section 1056 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016 ( Public Law 114–92 ;  10 U.S.C. 4001  note).
(33)
Section 1603 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014 ( Public Law 113–66 ;  10 U.S.C. 4007  note).
(34)
Section 1089 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 ( Public Law 115–91 ;  10 U.S.C. 4025  note).
(35)
Section 812 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2000 ( Public Law 106–65 ; 10 U.S.C. note prec. 4061).
(36)
Section 235 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 ( Public Law 114–328 ;  10 U.S.C. 4126  note).
(37)
Section 227 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 ( Public Law 118–31 ; 10 U.S.C. note prec. 4141).
(38)
Section 252 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 ( Public Law 116–92 ; 10 U.S.C. note prec. 4141).
(39)
Section 1043 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010 ( Public Law 111–84 ;  10 U.S.C. 4174  note).
(40)
Section 828 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016 ( Public Law 114–92 ; 10 U.S.C. note prec. 4201).
(41)
Section 1252 of the Defense Procurement Reform Act of 1984 ( Public Law 98–525 ;  10 U.S.C. 4205  note).
(42)
Section 812 of the Ike Skelton National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011 ( Public Law 111–383 ; 10 U.S.C. note prec. 4211).
(43)
Section 806 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2006 ( Public Law 109–163 ; 10 U.S.C. note prec. 4211).
(44)
Section 818 of the John Warner National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2007 ( Public Law 109–364 ; 10 U.S.C. note prec. 4231).
(45)
Section 802(d)(2) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016 ( Public Law 114–92 ;  10 U.S.C. 4251  note).
(46)
Section 4271 of title 10, United States Code.
(47)
Section 814 of the Duncan Hunter National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009 ( Public Law 110–417 ;  10 U.S.C. 4271  note).
(48)
Section 925(b) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 ( Public Law 114–328 ;  10 U.S.C. 4271  note).
(49)
Section 812 of the John Warner National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2007 ( Public Law 109–364 ;  10 U.S.C. 4325  note).
(50)
Section 4423 of title 10, United States Code.
(51)
Section 831(b) of the Ike Skelton National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011 ( Public Law 111–383 ; 10 U.S.C. note prec. 4501).
(52)
Section 863(a)–(h) of the Ike Skelton National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011 ( Public Law 111–383 ; 10 U.S.C. note prec. 4501).
(53)
Section 832 of the John Warner National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2007 ( Public Law 109–364 ; 10 U.S.C. note prec. 4501).
(54)
Section 883(e) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016 ( Public Law 114–92 ; 10 U.S.C. note prec. 4571).
(55)
Section 938 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014 ( Public Law 113–66 ; 10 U.S.C. note prec. 4571).
(56)
Section 1272 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 ( Public Law 115–91 ;  10 U.S.C. 4571  note).
(57)
Section 2867 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012 ( Public Law 112–81 ;  10 U.S.C. 4571  note).
(58)
Section 215 of the Ike Skelton National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011 ( Public Law 111–383 ;  10 U.S.C. 4571  note).
(59)
Section 881 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 ( Public Law 110–181 ;  10 U.S.C. 4571  note).
(60)
Section 804 of the Bob Stump National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2003 ( Public Law 107–314 ;  10 U.S.C. 4571  note).
(61)
 Chapter 345  of title 10, United States Code.
(62)
Section 378 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 ( Public Law 117–81 ;  10 U.S.C. 113  note).
(63)
Section 846(a) of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 ( Public Law 116–283 ;  10 U.S.C. 4811  note).
(64)
Section 932 of the Ike Skelton National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011 ( Public Law 111–383 ;  10 U.S.C. 2224  note).
(65)
Section 849 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 ( Public Law 115–91 ; 131 Stat. 1487).
(66)
Section 804 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010 ( Public Law 111–84 ; 123 Stat. 2402).
(67)
Section 881 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016 ( Public Law 114–92 ; 10 U.S.C. note prec. 4601).
(68)
Section 802 of the Ronald W. Reagan National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2005 ( Public Law 108–375 ; 10 U.S.C. note prec. 3062).
(69)
Section 913 of the Department of Defense Authorization Act, 1986 ( Public Law 99–145 ; 10 U.S.C. note prec. 3201).
(70)
Section 821 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 ( Public Law 110–181 ; 10 U.S.C. note prec. 3451).
(71)
Section 824(a) of the Ike Skelton National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011 ( Public Law 111–383 ;  10 U.S.C. 3774  note).
(72)
Section 805 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 ( Public Law 110–181 ; 10 U.S.C. note prec. 3451).
(73)
Section 844(b) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016 ( Public Law 114–92 ;  10 U.S.C. 3453  note).
(74)
Section 238(b) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 ( Public Law 110–181 ;  10 U.S.C. 4841  note).
(75)
Subtitle D of title II of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2006 ( Public Law 109–163 ; 119 Stat. 3175).
(76)
Section 214 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 ( Public Law 110–181 ;  10 U.S.C. 4841  note).
(77)
Section 218 of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 ( Public Law 116–283 ;  10 U.S.C. 8013  note).
(78)
Section 229 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 ( Public Law 116–92 ;  10 U.S.C. 4001  note).
(79)
Section 232 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 ( Public Law 116–92 ;  10 U.S.C. 4001  note).
(80)
Section 222 of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 ( Public Law 115–232 ;  10 U.S.C. 4014  note).
(81)
Section 230 of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 ( Public Law 115–232 ; 10 U.S.C. note prec. 4061).
(82)
Section 843 of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 ( Public Law 115–232 ; 10 U.S.C. note prec. 4171).
(83)
Section 938 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014 ( Public Law 113–66 ; 10 U.S.C. note prec. 4571).
(84)
Section 1651 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 ( Public Law 116–92 ;  10 U.S.C. 4571  note).
(85)
Section 1064 of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 ( Public Law 115–232 ;  10 U.S.C. 4571  note).
(86)
Section 854 of the Carl Levin and Howard P.  Buck  McKeon National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015 ( Public Law 113–291 ;  10 U.S.C. 4571  note).
869.
Enhancement of defense supply chain resilience and secondary source qualification
Section 865 of the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 ( Public Law 118–159 ;  10 U.S.C. 4811  note) is amended—
(1)
in subsection (b)—
(A)
in paragraph (2), by striking  ; and  and inserting a semicolon;
(B)
by redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph (4); and
(C)
by inserting after paragraph (2) the following new paragraph:
(3)
produce all critical readiness parts and systems, including those identified as having sole-source dependencies, excessive lead times, unreasonable pricing, or other supply chain deficiencies; and
 ;
(2)
in subsection (d)—
(A)
in paragraph (7), by striking  ; and  and inserting a semicolon;
(B)
in paragraph (8), by striking the period at the end and inserting  ; and ; and
(C)
by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
(9)
the Department of Defense avoids duplication of review processes for the approval of aircraft parts and components and repairs that have already been approved by a civil aviation authority under a Parts Manufacturer Approval (PMA) or Designated Engineering Representative (DER) spare or repair certification and approval processes unless a written justification is approved by the commander of a systems command of a military service and reported to the congressional defense committees.
 ;
(3)
by redesignating subsections (f) through (j) as subsections (g) through (k), respectively;
(4)
by inserting after subsection (e) insert the following new subsection:
(f)
Expedited qualification panels
Each military department shall establish an Expedited Qualification Panel (EQP). The EQP shall develop standardized templates for Source Approval Requests (SARs) and review expedited SARs or PMAs within 14 days, issuing conditional approvals (valid for 12 months) or full approvals based on tiered risk criteria, and leverage designated engineering representatives or equivalent third-party certified engineers when appropriate.
 ; and
(5)
by adding at the end the following new subsection:
(l)
Definitions
In this section:
(1)
The term  critical readiness parts and systems  has the meaning given the term in section 4324 of title 10, United States Code.
(2)
The term  non-safety critical items, or non-mission critical items  includes the following items:
(A)
Major risk parts or systems whose failure causes structural damage or significant mission degradation and requires finite element modeling, fracture analysis, comparison to similar parts, or similar methods.
(B)
Minor risk parts and systems that only have form, fit, and function requirements verified by dimensional coordinate measuring machines, go/no-go gauges, or similar methods.
(C)
Low risk parts and systems that are consumable or non-critical, requiring material certification, visual inspections, or similar methods.
(3)
The term  safety critical items or mission critical items  means parts or systems whose failure causes loss of control, catastrophic failure, or loss of life, and require full qualification, simulation, and physical testing with Engineering Support Activity witnessing.
 .
870.
Enhanced product support management for integrated sustainment of weapon systems
(a)
In general
Section 4324 of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
in subsection (b)(1)—
(A)
in subparagraph (B), by inserting  in coordination with operational commands and users  after  appropriate metrics ; and
(B)
by striking subparagraph (I) and redesignating subparagraph (J) as subparagraph (I);
(2)
in subsection (c)—
(A)
by amending paragraph (1) to read as follows:
(1)
Requirement
The Secretary of Defense shall require that each covered system be supported by a product support manager that shall integrate sustainment activities across the Portfolio Acquisition Executive, materiel and systems commands, sustainment working capital funds, and other elements of the sustainment enterprise by establishing a coordinated process to ensure weapon system readiness and affordability throughout the lifecycle.
 ;
(B)
in paragraph (2) by striking subparagraphs (B) through (I) and inserting the following new subparagraphs:
(B)
adopt predictive analytics and simulation and modeling tools to improve material availability and reliability, increase operational availability rates, and reduce operation and sustainment costs;
(C)
select, transfer, direct, and coordinate product support integrators and product support providers across materiel commands, depots, sustainment working capital funds, and commercial entities to execute the product support strategy and maintain updated parts cataloging and provisioning;
(D)
review and recommend resource allocations across product support integrators and product support providers to meet performance requirements of the product support strategy;
(E)
prevent and resolve all diminishing manufacturing supply and material shortages and critical readiness parts and systems issues;
(F)
manage the end-to-end coordination of qualification, certification, and test of alternative sources of supply;
(G)
ensure evaluation of offerors on a solicitation includes—
(i)
a parts selection plan that enables interoperability, maintainability, and commercially supportable designs;
(ii)
updated logistics product data and maintenance manuals; and
(iii)
data rights and data ordering consistent with the intellectual property management plan in the life cycle sustainment plan;
(H)
inspect, accept, and manage data deliveries and conformance of such data with configuration changes in consultation with Defense Contract Management Agency; and
(I)
update the product support strategy continuously as required, at a minimum every five years.
 ; and
(C)
by adding at the end the following paragraphs:
(3)
Organization
Each Portfolio Acquisition Executive shall establish a Major Program Manager to manage sustainment activities for in-service systems and oversee all product support managers of covered systems to ensure an expert focus on sustainment.
(4)
Career management
The Secretary of Defense shall establish a formal career path for product support managers, including selection criteria, training programs, and certification requirements, aligned with the standards set forth in chapter 87 of this title. Product support managers shall be selected from military and civilian personnel with demonstrated expertise in sustainment, logistics, supply chain, or engineering, and incentivized with career progression opportunities equivalent to acquisition program managers.
(5)
Liaison officer program
Each sustainment working capital fund entity shall establish a liaison officer program to serve as the dedicated point of contract to align working capital fund management with product support manager activities for all covered systems.
 ; and
(3)
in subsection (d)—
(A)
in paragraph (5) by inserting  any acquisition or in-service program that is  after  The term  covered system  means ; and
(B)
by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
(9)
Critical readiness parts and systems
The term  critical readiness parts and systems  means all parts and systems causing parts causing Mission Impaired Capability Awaiting Parts (MICAP), Not Mission Capable Supply (NMCS), or Casualty Report (CASREP) Category 3 or 4 status, as defined by the Department of Defense and respective military services, or other parts or systems designated by the Secretary of Defense as impacting readiness.
 .
871.
Modifications to current defense acquisition requirements
(a)
Modifications to title 10
Title 10, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
in section 1749(f)(1), by striking  on a reimbursable basis ;
(2)
in section 2222(i)(1)(A)—
(A)
in clause (vi), by adding  or real estate system  after  An installations management ; and
(B)
by adding at the end the following new clauses:
(ix)
A budget system.
(x)
A retail system.
(xi)
A health care system.
(xii)
A travel and expense system.
(xiii)
A payroll system.
(xiv)
A supply chain management system.
(xv)
A enterprise resource planning system.
(xvi)
A contractor management system.
 ;
(3)
in section 3012(3)(B), by striking  lowest overall cost alternative  and inserting  best value ;
(4)
in section 3069—
(A)
in subsection (a), by striking  if that head of an agency  and all that follows through  a complete end item ;
(B)
by striking subsections (b) and (d); and
(C)
by redesignating—
(i)
subsection (c) as subsection (b); and
(ii)
subsection (e) as subsection (c);
(5)
in section 3204(e)—
(A)
in paragraph (1), by striking subparagraph (B) and inserting the following:
(B)
the justification is approved—
(i)
in the case of a contract for an amount exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold (but not more than $100,000,000)—
(I)
by the competition advocate for the contracting activity (without further delegation); or
(II)
by an official referred to in clause (ii) or (iii);
(ii)
in the case of a contract for an amount exceeding $100,000,000 (but not more than $500,000,000)—
(I)
by the head of the contracting activity (without further delegation);
(II)
by an official referred to in clause (iii); or
(III)
for the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, the Defense Innovation Unit, or the Missile Defense Agency, by the director of the agency; or
(iii)
in the case of a contract for an amount exceeding $500,000,000—
(I)
by the senior procurement executive for the agency as designated for the purpose of section 1702(c) of title 41 (without further delegation);
(II)
in the case of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, acting in the capacity as the senior procurement executive for the Department of Defense, by the delegate of the Under Secretary as designated pursuant to paragraph (6); or
(III)
for the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, the Defense Innovation Unit, or the Missile Defense Agency, by the director of the agency; and
 ; and
(B)
in paragraph (6)—
(i)
by striking  (A) The authority of the head  and all that follows through  (B) The authority of the Under Secretary  and inserting  The authority of the Under Secretary ;
(ii)
by redesignating clauses (i) and (ii) as subparagraphs (A) and (B), respectively; and
(iii)
by redesignating subclauses (I) and (II) as clauses (i) and (ii), respectively;
(6)
in section 3226(d), by amending paragraph (2) to read as follows:
(2)
Funds described in paragraph (1) may be used—
(A)
to cover any increased program costs identified by a revised cost analysis or target developed pursuant to subsection (b);
(B)
to acquire additional end items in accordance with section 3069 of this title; or
(C)
to cover the cost of risk reduction and process improvements.
 ;
(7)
in section 3243(d)—
(A)
in paragraph (1)(B), by striking  subject to paragraph (2), ;
(B)
by striking paragraph (2); and
(C)
by redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph (2);
(8)
in section 3374(a)—
(A)
in the heading, by striking
certain reduced   after
Allowed profit to reflect  ;
(B)
in paragraph (1), by striking  and ;
(C)
in paragraph (2), by striking the period and inserting  ; and ; and
(D)
by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
(3)
the increased cost risk of the contractor with respect to any costs incurred prior to the award of the undefinitized contractual action when such costs—
(A)
would otherwise have been directly chargeable under the contract post-award; and
(B)
were incurred to meet—
(i)
the anticipated contract delivery schedule of the agency; or
(ii)
the anticipated contract price targets of the agency.
 ;
(9)
in section 3703(a)(1)(A), by striking  competition that results in at least two or more responsive and viable competing bids  and inserting  price competition ;
(10)
in section 3705, by amending subsection (b) to read as follows:
(b)
Alternative sources required
In the event the contracting officer is unable to determine proposed prices are fair and reasonable by any other means, an offeror who fails to make a good faith effort to comply with a reasonable request to submit data in accordance with subsection (a) is ineligible for award unless the head of the agency initiates the assessment of the offeror as a source of supply for industrial capabilities under the authorities provided by sections 865 and 882 of the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 ( Public Law 118–159 ).
 ;
(11)
in section 4201—
(A)
in subsection (a)(2)—
(i)
in subparagraph (A), by striking  $300,000,000 (based on fiscal year 1990 constant dollars)  and inserting  $1,000,000,000 (based on fiscal year 2024 constant dollars) ; and
(ii)
in subparagraph (B), by striking  $1,800,000,000 (based on fiscal year 1990 constant dollars)  and inserting  $5,000,000,000 (based on fiscal year 2024 constant dollars) ; and
(B)
in subsection (b), by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
(3)
An acquisition program for software and covered hardware as described by section 3603 of this title.
 ;
(12)
in section 4882, by striking  the President, through the head of any department,  each place it appears and inserting  the Secretary of Defense ; and
(13)
in section 4884, by striking  The President  and inserting  The Secretary of Defense .
(14)
in section 4231—
(A)
by striking subsection (a);
(B)
by redesignating subsections (b) and (c) as subsections (c) and (d), respectively;
(C)
by inserting before subsection (c), as redesignated by subparagraph (B), the following new subsections:
(a)
Conditions with respect to certain low-rate initial production
(1)
The number of low-rate initial production lots associated with a major defense acquisition program may not be more than one if—
(A)
the milestone decision authority authorized the use of a fixed-price type contract at the time of Milestone B approval; and
(B)
the scope of the work covered by the fixed-price type contract includes the development and the low-rate initial production of items for the major defense acquisition program.
(2)
The acquisition executive of the applicable service, or a designee of the executive, may waive the limitation under paragraph (1) if—
(A)
the waiver authority is not delegated to the contracting officer; and
(B)
written notification of the waiver, which includes the associated rationale, is provided to the congressional defense committees not later than 30 days after the date on which the waiver is issued.
(b)
Conditions with respect to certain shipbuilding contracts
(1)
With respect to a fixed-price type contract for the procurement of shipbuilding associated with a major defense acquisition program, the number of ships to be procured under the contract, including all options, may not be more than two ships if the scope of the work covered by the contract includes the detail design for the ship and the construction of items for the launch and eventual delivery of the completed ship.
(2)
The Secretary concerned may waive the limitation under paragraph (1) if, not later than 30 days after the date on which the waiver is issued, the Secretary submits to the congressional defense committees a written notification of the waiver that includes a certification that the basic and functional design of any ship to be procured under the contract described in paragraph (1) is complete.
 ; and
(D)
by adding at the end the following new subsection:
(e)
Definitions
In this section:
(1)
The term  basic and functional design  has the meaning given such term in section 8669c of this title.
(2)
The term  construction  means steel cutting, module fabrication, assembly, outfitting, keel laying, and module erection.
(3)
The term  detail design  means design using computer-aided modeling to enable the generation of work instructions that show detailed system information and support construction, including—
(A)
guidance for subcontractors and suppliers;
(B)
installation drawings;
(C)
schedules;
(D)
material lists; and
(E)
lists of prefabricated materials and parts.
(4)
The term  major defense acquisition program  has the meaning given such term in section 4201 of this title.
(5)
The term  Milestone B approval  has the meaning given such term in section 4172 of this title.
(6)
The term  milestone decision authority  has the meaning given such term in section 4211 of this title.
 .
(b)
Modifications to National Defense Authorization Acts
(1)
John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019
Section 890 of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 ( Public Law 115–232 ; 10 U.S.C. note prec. 3701) is amended—
(A)
in the heading, by striking
pilot  ;
(B)
by striking  pilot  each place it appears;
(C)
in subsection (b)(2), by striking  minimal reporting  and inserting  no unique reporting ; and
(D)
by striking subsections (c) and (d).
(2)
Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025
Section 864(d) of the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 ( Public Law 118–159 ) is amended—
(A)
in the subsection heading, by striking
Capacity-Based   and inserting
Capability-Based  ; and
(B)
in paragraph (4), by striking  increased capacity  and inserting  increased capability .
872.
Minimum production levels for munitions
Section 222c of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
in subsection (a), by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
(3)
The minimum production levels.
 ;
(2)
by redesignating subsection (f) as subsection (g); and
(3)
by inserting after subsection (e) the following new subsection:
(f)
Minimum production levels
(1)
The Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment and the chiefs of staff of the armed forces, shall annually determine the minimum production level for each variant of munitions required to meet the Out-Year Unconstrained Total Munitions Requirement reported under subsection (a)(1).
(2)
The minimum production level for each munition shall be calculated based on the Total Out-Year Unconstrained Total Munitions Requirement, as specified in subsection (c)(6), and shall account for the following:
(A)
The inventory objective requirements for each category listed in paragraphs (1) through (5) of subsection (c) and paragraph (8) of such subsection.
(B)
The out-year worldwide inventory reported under subsection (c)(7).
(C)
The time required to meet the Out-Year Unconstrained Total Munitions Requirement, as reported pursuant to paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (e).
(3)
The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that the minimum production levels determined under this subsection are incorporated into the planning, programming, budgeting, and execution process of the Department of Defense to align munitions procurement with the Out-Year Unconstrained Total Munitions Requirement.
 .
873.
Processes for incentivizing contractor expansion of sources of supply
(a)
In general
For critical readiness parts and systems, the Secretary of Defense shall enhance military readiness by incentivizing the design activity to expand sources of supply for critical readiness parts and systems, through expedited qualification processes, advanced manufacturing techniques, and risk-informed certification.
(b)
Contractual requirements for supplier diversification
(1)
Requirement
The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that all new or modified contracts with a prime contractor shall include contracting incentives to expand sources of supply with each design activity at any tier of the supply chain for systems with critical readiness parts and systems.
(2)
Mandatory AMSC reclassification
For any identified critical readiness part or system, the design activity shall, not later than 60 days after notification by the Department of Defense, conduct a review and propose reclassification of the Acquisition Method Suffix Code (AMSC) to reduce sole-source dependency for any part or system with a lead time greater than, unless the Secretary of Defense grants a waiver based on national security or operational necessity.
(3)
Implementation
The design activity shall submit supplier diversification plans not later than 90 days after contract award, detailing proposed supplier qualifications and projected benefits.
(4)
Enforcement
Noncompliance shall result in corrective action requests, reduced contractor performance ratings, or contract termination.
(c)
Expedited qualification
(1)
In general
The Secretary of Defense shall expedite qualification procedures for critical readiness parts and systems in collaboration with the design activity at any tier of the contract supply chain.
(2)
Delegation
The Secretary of Defense may delegate authority to designated engineering representatives (DERs) of the Federal Aviation Administration or equivalent third-party certified engineers for specific tasks for parts approved through the Federal Aviation Administration’s Parts Manufacturer Approval (PMA) processes.
(d)
Enhanced use of simulation for certification
(1)
In general
The Secretary of Defense shall mandate the use of simulation-based verification for certifying critical readiness parts and systems, reducing reliance on physical testing for non-safety critical items, or non-mission critical items, as those terms are defined in section 865 of the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 ( Public Law 118–159 ;  10 U.S.C. 4811  note).
(2)
Submission of simulation-based evidence
Design activities or DERs shall submit to the Department upon request simulation-based evidence, such as structural/strength analysis reports and fault trees.
(3)
Acceptance of simulation-based evidence
Engineering Support Activities (ESAs) shall accept simulation data as primary evidence for non-safety critical items, or non-mission critical items, with conditional approvals issued within 14 days for critical readiness parts and systems.
(4)
Simulation validation framework
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall establish a Department-wide simulation validation framework incorporating third-party lab testing.
(e)
Data rights enforcement and reverse engineering
If a design activity is unwilling or unable to initiate expedited qualification or source alternative suppliers for critical readiness parts and systems within 30 days of notification, the Secretary of Defense shall—
(1)
review and enforce government access to technical data deliverables to enable alternative sourcing under subchapter I of  chapter 275  of title 10, United States Code; or
(2)
initiate reverse engineering to qualify new suppliers using the pilot program established under section 882 of the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 ( Public Law 118–159 ;  10 U.S.C. 3771  note).
(f)
Report
Not later than December 31, 2027, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees report detailing—
(1)
the number of critical readiness parts and systems addressed through AMSC reclassification, supplier diversification, and reverse engineering;
(2)
the implementation status of expedited templates, simulation use, and fast-track processes;
(3)
compliance by design activities, including enforcement actions and data rights disputes; and
(4)
the impact on critical readiness parts and system resolution times and readiness metrics.
(g)
Definitions
In this section:
(1)
The term  critical readiness parts and systems  has the meaning given the term in section 4324 of title 10, United States Code.
(2)
The term  design activity  has the meaning given the term in Revision C to Military Standard 31000 (MIL–STD–31000C), entitled  Technical Data Packages , or successor document.
874.
Duty-free entry of supplies procured by Department of Defense
(a)
Issuance of duty-free entry certificates
(1)
In general
Except as provided by paragraph (2), the Secretary of Defense shall issue a duty-free entry certificate for any of the following supplies imported pursuant to a procurement contract entered into by the Department of Defense:
(A)
An end product or component imported from a country with which the United States has a memorandum of understanding for reciprocal procurement of defense items in effect under section 4851 of title 10, United States Code.
(B)
A defense item that is an eligible product as defined in section 308 of the Trade Agreements Act of 1979 ( 19 U.S.C. 2518 ).
(2)
Exceptions
Paragraph (1) does not apply with respect to a product or component described in that paragraph if—
(A)
the product or component is eligible for duty-free treatment under the column 1 special rate of duty column of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States; or
(B)
the product or component has already entered the customs territory of the United States and the contractor already has paid the duty with respect to the product or component.
(b)
Tracking of supply chain
The Secretary shall—
(1)
track the impact of economic fluctuations, include tariffs, supply chain disruptions and inflation, on all major prime contracts entered into by the Department of Defense; and
(2)
not later than January 30, 2026, submit to the congressional defense committees a report that includes—
(A)
an assessment of cost increases to both the Department and contractors as a result of tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act ( 50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq. ) and section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 ( 19 U.S.C. 1862 );
(B)
an assessment of the effects of such tariffs on supply chains and lead times for major defense platforms; and
(C)
a summary of agreements entered into under section 4851 of title 10, United States Code, and an assessment of the application of those agreements to the defense supply chain.
(c)
Report on duty-free entry certificates
Not later than January 30, 2026, and annually thereafter until January 30, 2030, the Secretary, acting through the Director of the Defense Contract Management Agency, shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on articles classified under subheading 9808.00.30 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States that includes—
(1)
a summary of such articles for which the Secretary issued a duty-free entry certificate; and
(2)
a summary of such articles for which a duty-free entry certificate was requested and denied.
875.
Other transaction authority reporting
Any project carried out by the Department of Defense using other transaction authority under section 4021 of title 10, United States Code, shall be reported in the same manner as other Department of Defense expenditures for inclusion in the searchable public website established by the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006 ( 31 U.S.C. 6101  note;  Public Law 109–282 ).
876.
Assessment of competitive effects of defense contractor transactions
(a)
Definition
In this section, the term  Department  means the Department of Defense.
(b)
Retrospective reviews of approved mergers
The Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct an assessment of the competitive effects of defense contractor mergers and acquisitions during the 10-year period ending on the date of enactment of this Act that includes—
(1)
company compliance with recommended remedies;
(2)
effectiveness of remedies to address competition concerns, industrial base sustainability, and national security risks raised by the Department of Justice, Federal Trade Commission, and Department in the merger review process;
(3)
information sharing between the Department of Justice, Federal Trade Commission, and the Department in the merger and acquisition review process;
(4)
Department processes for measuring the impacts of vertical integration on competition, including data collection and ability to access industry information to assess anticompetitive practices; and
(5)
implementation of previous Government Accountability Office, Department, and Defense Science Board recommendations to enhance competition.
877.
Evaluation of TP-Link telecommunications equipment for designation as covered telecommunications equipment or services
(a)
Evaluation required
The Secretary of Defense shall evaluate telecommunications equipment and services manufactured or provided by TP-Link Technologies Co., Ltd. and its subsidiaries to determine whether such equipment and services should be designated as covered telecommunications equipment or services under section 889 of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 ( Public Law 115–232 ;  41 U.S.C. 3901  note prec.).
(b)
Briefing required
Not later than December 1, 2026, the Secretary of Defense shall brief the congressional defense committees on the determination made under subsection (a).
878.
Country-of-origin disclosure requirements for generic drugs purchased by the Department of Defense
The Department of Defense may not procure for resale any generic drug unless the seller of such generic drug discloses the country the generic drug was manufactured in and the country of origin for all active pharmaceutical ingredients and key starting materials.
879.
Phase-out of computer and printer acquisitions involving entities owned or controlled by China
(a)
In general
The Secretary of Defense may not directly or indirectly acquire any computer or printer if the manufacturer is a covered Chinese entity.
(b)
Prohibition on indirect sales
The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that the prohibition under subsection (a) also applies to indirect sales through exempt subsidiaries. No covered entity may use an exempt subsidiary to circumvent the prohibition on the acquisition of computers, unified communication devices, or printers.
(c)
Applicability
This section shall apply only with respect to contracts or other agreements entered into, renewed, or extended in accordance with the percentage thresholds specified in subsection (d), for end user computing devices such as laptops, desktops, and other physical computing equipment. This section shall not apply to contracts or other agreements for cloud-based services, including virtual desktops, or cellular telephones.
(d)
Required percentages
The percentage thresholds referred to in subsection (c) are, for both computers and printers, as follows:
(1)
Not less than 10 percent of the Department’s total procurement beginning in fiscal year 2026.
(2)
Not less than 25 percent of the Department’s total procurement beginning in fiscal year 2027.
(3)
Not less than 50 percent of the Department’s total procurement beginning in fiscal year 2028.
(4)
100 percent of the Department’s total procurement beginning in fiscal year 2029.
(e)
Waiver
The Secretary of Defense may allow acquisition of items not for operational use, to conduct testing, evaluation, exfiltration, and reverse engineering missions on adversarial products and capabilities.
(f)
Definitions
In this section:
(1)
Computer
The term  computer —
(A)
means an electronic, magnetic, optical, electrochemical, or other high speed data processing device performing logical, arithmetic, or storage functions, and includes any data storage facility or communications facility directly related to or operating in conjunction with such device; and
(B)
does not include an automated typewriter or typesetter, a portable handheld calculator, or other similar device.
(2)
Country of concern
The term  country of concern  means the Government of the People's Republic of China.
(3)
Covered Chinese entity
The term  covered Chinese entity  means an entity that the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Director of the National Intelligence or the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, determines to be—
(A)
an entity whose ultimate parent company is domiciled in the People's Republic of China and therefore required to comply with China's 2015 National Security Law, China's 2017 National Intelligence Law, and other Chinese laws that require such ultimate parent company to cooperate with Chinese national defense and national intelligence agencies; or
(B)
an entity or parent company of any entity in which a country of concern has an ownership stake.
(4)
Manufacturer
The term  manufacturer  means—
(A)
the entity that transforms raw materials, miscellaneous parts, or components into the end item;
(B)
any entity that subcontracts with the entity described in subparagraph (A) for the entity described in such subparagraph to transform raw materials, miscellaneous parts, or components into the end item;
(C)
any entity that otherwise directs the entity described in subparagraph (A) to transform raw materials, miscellaneous parts, or components into the end item; or
(D)
any parent company, subsidiary, or affiliate of the entity described in subparagraph (A).
(5)
Printer
The term  printer —
(A)
means desktop printers, multifunction printer copiers, and printer/fax combinations taken out of service that may or may not be designed to reside on a work surface, and include various print technologies, including laser and light-emitting diode (electrographic), ink jet, dot matrix, thermal, and digital sublimation, and  multi-function  or  all-in-one  devices that perform different tasks, including copying, scanning, faxing, and printing;
(B)
includes floor-standing printers, printers with optional floor stand, or household printers; and
(C)
does not include point of sale (POS) receipt printers, calculators with printing capabilities, label makers, or non-standalone printers that are embedded into products that are not covered by the definition in subparagraphs (A) and (B).
880.
Prohibition on operation, procurement, and contracting related to foreign-made additive manufacturing machines
(a)
Prohibition on agency operation or procurement
The Secretary of Defense may not operate, or enter into or renew a contract for the procurement of—
(1)
a covered additive manufacturing machine that—
(A)
is manufactured in a covered foreign country or by an entity domiciled in a covered foreign country;
(B)
uses operating software developed in a covered foreign country or by an entity domiciled in a covered foreign country; or
(C)
uses network connectivity or data storage located in or administered by an entity domiciled in a covered foreign country; or
(2)
a system or systems that incorporates, interfaces with, or otherwise uses additive manufacturing systems or machines described in paragraph (1).
(b)
Exception
The prohibition under subsection (a) does not apply to the operation or procurement of additive manufacturing systems or machines for the purposes of testing, analysis, and training related to intelligence, electronic warfare, and information warfare operations.
(c)
Waiver
The Secretary of Defense may waive the prohibition under subsection (a) on a case-by-case basis by certifying in writing to the congressional defense committees that the operation or procurement of additive manufacturing systems or machines is required in the national interest of the United States.
(d)
Definitions
In this section:
(1)
Additive manufacturing machine
The term  additive manufacturing machine  means a system of integrated hardware and software used to realize an additive manufacturing process, including the deposition of material and the associated post-processing steps as applicable.
(2)
Additive manufacturing process
The term  additive manufacturing process  means a process of joining materials to make parts from 3D model data, usually layer upon layer, as opposed to subtractive manufacturing methodologies.
(3)
Covered additive manufacturing company
The term  covered additive manufacturing company  means any of the following:
(A)
Any entity that produces or provides additive manufacturing machines and is included on—
(i)
the Consolidated Screening List maintained by the International Trade Administration of the Department of Commerce; or
(ii)
the civil-military fusion list maintained 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).
(B)
Any entity that produces or provides additive manufacturing machines and—
(i)
is domiciled in a covered foreign country; or
(ii)
is subject to unmitigated foreign ownership, control, or influence by a covered foreign country, as determined by the Secretary of Defense in accordance with the National Industrial Security Program or any successor to such program.
(4)
Covered additive manufacturing machine
The term  covered additive manufacturing machine  means additive manufacturing machines and any related services and equipment manufactured by a covered additive manufacturing company.
(5)
Covered foreign country
The term  covered foreign country  means the People’s Republic of China, Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, and the Russian Federation.
881.
Prohibition on contracting with certain biotechnology providers
(a)
In general
The head of an executive agency may not—
(1)
procure or obtain any biotechnology equipment or service produced or provided by a biotechnology company of concern; or
(2)
enter into a contract or extend or renew a contract with any entity that—
(A)
uses biotechnology equipment or services produced or provided by a biotechnology company of concern and acquired after the applicable effective date in subsection (c) in performance of the contract with the executive agency; or
(B)
enters into any contract the performance of which such entity knows or has reason to believe will require, in performance of the contract with the executive agency, the use of biotechnology equipment or services produced or provided by a biotechnology company of concern and acquired after the applicable effective date in subsection (c).
(b)
Prohibition on loan and grant funds
The head of an executive agency may not obligate or expend loan or grant funds to, and a loan or grant recipient may not use loan or grant funds to—
(1)
procure, obtain, or use any biotechnology equipment or services produced or provided by a biotechnology company of concern; or
(2)
enter into a contract or extend or renew a contract with an entity described in subsection (a)(2).
(c)
Effective dates
(1)
Certain entities
With respect to the biotechnology companies of concern covered by subsection (f)(2)(A), the prohibitions under subsections (a) and (b) shall take effect 60 days after the Federal Acquisition Regulation is revised pursuant to subsection (h).
(2)
Other entities
With respect to the biotechnology companies of concern covered by subsection (f)(2)(B), the prohibitions under subsections (a) and (b) shall take effect 180 days after the Federal Acquisition Regulation is revised pursuant to subsection (h).
(3)
Rules of construction
(A)
Exclusions
Prior to the date that is 5 years after a revision to the Federal Acquisition Regulation pursuant to subsection (h) that identifies a biotechnology company of concern covered by subsection (f)(2), subsections (a)(2) and (b)(2) shall not apply to biotechnology equipment or services produced or provided under a contract or agreement, including previously negotiated contract options, entered into before the effective date under paragraph (2).
(B)
Safe harbor
The term  biotechnology equipment or services produced or provided by a biotechnology company of concern  shall not be construed to refer to any biotechnology equipment or services that were formerly, but are no longer, produced or provided by biotechnology companies of concern.
(d)
Waiver authorities
(1)
Specific biotechnology exception
(A)
Waiver
The head of the applicable executive agency may waive the prohibition under subsections (a) and (b) on a case-by-case basis—
(i)
with the approval of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, in coordination with the Secretary of Defense; and
(ii)
if such head submits a notification and justification to the appropriate congressional committees not later than 30 days after granting such waiver.
(B)
Duration
(i)
In general
Except as provided in clause (ii), a waiver granted under subparagraph (A) shall last for a period of not more than 365 days.
(ii)
Extension
The head of the applicable executive agency, with the approval of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, and in coordination with the Secretary of Defense, may extend a waiver granted under subparagraph (A) one time, for a period up to 180 days after the date on which the waiver would otherwise expire, if such an extension is in the national security interests of the United States and if such head submits a notification and justification to the appropriate congressional committees not later than 10 days after granting such waiver extension.
(2)
Overseas health care services
The head of an executive agency may waive the prohibitions under subsections (a) and (b) with respect to a contract, subcontract, or transaction for the acquisition or provision of health care services overseas on a case-by-case basis—
(A)
if the head of such executive agency determines that the waiver is—
(i)
necessary to support the mission or activities of the employees of such executive agency described in subsection (e)(2)(A); and
(ii)
in the interest of the United States;
(B)
with the approval of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense; and
(C)
if such head submits a notification and justification to the appropriate congressional committees not later than 30 days after granting such waiver.
(e)
Exceptions
The prohibitions under subsections (a) and (b) shall not apply to—
(1)
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;
(2)
the acquisition or provision of health care services overseas for—
(A)
employees of the United States, including members of the uniformed services (as defined in section 101(a) of title 10, United States Code), whose official duty stations are located overseas or are on permissive temporary duty travel overseas; or
(B)
employees of contractors or subcontractors of the United States—
(i)
who are performing under a contract that directly supports the missions or activities of individuals described in subparagraph (A); and
(ii)
whose primary duty stations are located overseas or are on permissive temporary duty travel overseas;
(3)
the acquisition, use, or distribution of human multiomic data, lawfully compiled, that is commercially or publicly available; or
(4)
the procurement of medical countermeasures, medical products, and related supplies, including ancillary medical supplies, in direct response to a public health emergency declared pursuant to section 319 of the Public Health Service Act ( 42 U.S.C. 247d ).
(f)
Evaluation of certain biotechnology entities
(1)
Entity consideration
Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget shall publish a list of the entities that constitute biotechnology companies of concern based on a list of suggested entities that shall be provided by the Secretary of Defense in coordination with the Attorney General, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, the Secretary of Commerce, the Director of National Intelligence, the Secretary of Homeland Security, the Secretary of State, and the National Cyber Director.
(2)
Biotechnology companies of concern defined
In this section, the term  biotechnology company of concern  means—
(A)
an entity that is identified in the annual list published in the Federal Register by the Department of Defense of Chinese military companies operating in the United States pursuant to section 1260H of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 ( Public Law 116–283 ; 134 Stat. 3965;  10 U.S.C. 113  note);
(B)
any entity that is determined by the process established in paragraph (1) to meet the following criteria—
(i)
is subject to the administrative governance structure, direction, control, or operates on behalf of the government of a foreign adversary;
(ii)
is to any extent involved in the manufacturing, distribution, provision, or procurement of a biotechnology equipment or service; and
(iii)
poses a risk to the national security of the United States based on—
(I)
engaging in joint research with, being supported by, or being affiliated with a foreign adversary’s military, internal security forces, or intelligence agencies;
(II)
providing multiomic data obtained via biotechnology equipment or services to the government of a foreign adversary; or
(III)
obtaining human multiomic data via the biotechnology equipment or services without express and informed consent; and
(C)
any subsidiary, parent, affiliate, or successor of an entity described in subparagraphs (A) or (B), provided it meets the criteria set forth in subparagraph (B)(i).
(3)
Guidance
Not later than 180 days after publication of the list pursuant to paragraph (1), and any update to the list pursuant to paragraph (4), the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, in coordination with the Secretary of Defense, the Attorney General, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, the Secretary of Commerce, the Director of National Intelligence, the Secretary of Homeland Security, the Secretary of State, and the National Cyber Director, shall establish guidance as necessary to implement the requirements of this section.
(4)
Updates
The Director of the Office of Management and Budget, in coordination with or based on a recommendation provided by the Secretary of Defense, the Attorney General, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, the Secretary of Commerce, the Director of National Intelligence, the Secretary of Homeland Security, the Secretary of State, and the National Cyber Director, shall periodically, though not less than annually, review and, as appropriate, modify the list of biotechnology companies of concern, and notify the appropriate congressional committees of any such modifications.
(5)
Notice of a designation and review
(A)
In general
A notice of a designation as a biotechnology company of concern under paragraph (2)(B) shall be issued to any biotechnology company of concern named in the designation—
(i)
advising that a designation has been made;
(ii)
identifying the criteria relied upon under such subparagraph and, to the extent consistent with national security and law enforcement interests, the information that formed the basis for the designation;
(iii)
advising that, within 90 days after receipt of notice, the biotechnology company of concern may submit information and arguments in opposition to the designation;
(iv)
describing the procedures governing the review and possible issuance of a designation pursuant to paragraph (1); and
(v)
where practicable, identifying mitigation steps that could be taken by the biotechnology company of concern that may result in the rescission of the designation.
(B)
Congressional notification requirements
(i)
Notice of designation
The Director of the Office of Management and Budget shall submit the notice required under subparagraph (A) to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform of the House of Representatives.
(ii)
Information and argument in opposition to designations
Not later than 7 days after receiving any information and arguments in opposition to a designation pursuant to subparagraph (A)(iii), the Director of the Office of Management and Budget shall submit such information to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform of the House of Representatives.
(6)
No immediate public release
Any designation made under paragraph (1) or paragraph (4) shall not be made publicly available until the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, in coordination with appropriate agencies, reviews all information submitted under paragraph (5)(A)(iii) and issues a final determination that a company shall remain listed as a biotechnology company of concern.
(g)
Evaluation of national security risks posed by foreign adversary acquisition of American multiomic data
(1)
Assessment
Not later than 270 days after the enactment of this Act, the Director of National Intelligence, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense, the Attorney General of the United States, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, the Secretary of Commerce, the Secretary of Homeland Security, the Secretary of State, and the National Cyber Director, shall complete an assessment of risks to national security posed by human multiomic data from United States citizens that is collected or stored by a foreign adversary from the provision of biotechnology equipment or services.
(2)
Report requirement
Not later than 30 days after the completion of the assessment developed under paragraph (1), the Director of National Intelligence shall submit a report with such assessment to the appropriate congressional committees.
(3)
Form
The report required under paragraph (2) shall be in unclassified form, but may include a classified annex.
(h)
Regulations
Not later than one year after the date of establishment of guidance required under subsection (f)(3), and as necessary for subsequent updates, the Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council shall revise the Federal Acquisition Regulation as necessary to implement the requirements of this section.
(i)
Reporting on intelligence on nefarious activities of biotechnology companies with human multiomic data
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the Director of National Intelligence, in consultation with the heads of executive agencies, shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report on any intelligence in possession of such agencies related to nefarious activities conducted by biotechnology companies with human multiomic data. The report shall include information pertaining to potential threats to national security or public safety from the selling, reselling, licensing, trading, transferring, sharing, or otherwise providing or making available to any foreign country of any forms of multiomic data of a United States citizen.
(j)
No additional funds
No additional funds are authorized to be appropriated for the purpose of carrying out this section.
(k)
Definitions
In this section:
(1)
Appropriate congressional committees
The term  appropriate congressional committees  means—
(A)
the Committee on Armed Services, the Select Committee on Intelligence, the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, and the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate; and
(B)
the Committee on Armed Services, the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, the Committee on Foreign Affairs, the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and the Select Committee on Strategic Competition between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party of the House of Representatives.
(2)
Biotechnology equipment or service
The term  biotechnology equipment or service  means—
(A)
equipment, including genetic sequencers, or any other instrument, apparatus, machine, or device, including components and accessories thereof, that is designed for use in the research, development, production, or analysis of biological materials as well as any software, firmware, or other digital components that are specifically designed for use in, and necessary for the operation of, such equipment;
(B)
any service for the research, development, production, analysis, detection, or provision of information, including data storage and transmission related to biological materials, including—
(i)
advising, consulting, or support services with respect to the use or implementation of an instrument, apparatus, machine, or device described in subparagraph (A); and
(ii)
disease detection, genealogical information, and related services; and
(C)
any other service, instrument, apparatus, machine, component, accessory, device, software, or firmware that is designed for use in the research, development, production, or analysis of biological materials that the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, in consultation with the heads of executive agencies, as determined appropriate by the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, determines appropriate in the interest of national security.
(3)
Contract
Except as the term is used under subsection (b)(2) and subsection (c)(3), the term  contract  means any contract subject to the Federal Acquisition Regulation issued under section 1303(a)(1) of title 41, United States Code.
(4)
Control
The term  control  has the meaning given to that term in section 800.208 of title 31, Code of Federal Regulations, or any successor regulations.
(5)
Executive agency
The term  executive agency  has the meaning given the term  Executive agency  in section 105 of title 5, United States Code.
(6)
Foreign adversary
The term  foreign adversary  has the meaning given the term  covered nation  in section 4872(f) of title 10, United States Code.
(7)
Multiomic
The term  multiomic  means data types that include genomics, epigenomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics.
(8)
Overseas
The term  overseas  means any area outside of the United States, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or a territory or possession of the United States.
882.
SkyFoundry Program
(a)
Establishment
(1)
Program required
The Secretary of Defense shall establish a program to encourage the rapid development, testing, and scalable manufacturing of small unmanned aircraft systems and components, with potential expansion to associated energetics and other autonomous systems as determined by the Secretary, leveraging existing competencies within the commercial sector and the Department of Defense organic industrial base.
(2)
Designation
The program established pursuant to paragraph (1) shall be known as the  SkyFoundry Program  (in this section the  Program ).
(3)
Administration
The Secretary of Defense shall—
(A)
administer the Program through the Secretary of the Army; and
(B)
establish the Program as part of the Defense Industrial Resilience Consortium.
(b)
Alternative acquisition mechanism
In carrying out the Program, the Secretary of Defense shall prioritize alternative acquisition mechanisms to accelerate development and production, including—
(1)
other transaction authority under section 4022 of title 10, United States Code;
(2)
middle tier of acquisition pathway for rapid prototyping and rapid fielding as authorized by section 3602 of such title; and
(3)
software acquisition pathway as authorized by section 3603 of such title.
(c)
Components
The Program shall have two components as follows:
(1)
Innovation facility
An innovation facility for the development of small unmanned aircraft systems. The facility may be operated by United States Special Operations Command in collaboration with United States Army Materiel Command, serving as the research, development, and testing hub, integrating lessons learned from global conflicts to rapidly evolve United States small unmanned aircraft systems designs in partnership with contractor entities.
(2)
Production facility
The Commander of United States Army Materiel Command shall identify a production facility with the competencies for producing various forms of small unmanned aircraft systems and components of small unmanned aircraft systems. The facility shall be operated by United States Army Materiel Command in collaboration with industry partners to enable scalable production as needed.
(d)
Public-private partnership model
To support the Program, the Secretary may leverage authorities, including section 2474 of title 10, United States Code, to foster voluntary public-private partnerships. Such partnerships may include—
(1)
agreements with private industry, academic institutions, and nonprofit organizations in support of the Program; and
(2)
innovative arrangements that allow industry partners to utilize government facilities and equipment, such as co-located hybrid teams of military, civilian, and contractor personnel, to promote technology transfer, workforce development, and surge capacity.
(e)
Facilities and infrastructure
(1)
In general
In carrying out the Program, the Secretary shall prioritize utilizing or modifying existing Army Depot facilities and select at least two separate sites for the Program, one to house the innovation facility required by paragraph (1) of subsection (c) and one to house the production facility required by paragraph (2) of such subsection.
(2)
Authority to renovate, expand, and construct
The Secretary may renovate, expand, or construct facilities for the Program using available funds, notwithstanding  chapter 169  of title 10, United States Code.
(3)
Selection of sites
When selecting sites for the Program, the Secretary shall consider that the production facility required by subsection (c)(2) shall be housed at an existing Army Depot.
(f)
Intellectual property rights
The Secretary shall ensure that any public-private partnership established under this section provides the United States delivery of technical data and rights in technical data for any systems or technologies developed under the Program using Federal Government funding in accordance with sections 3771 through 3775 of title 10, United States Code.
(g)
Defense Production Act designation
The President (or the Secretary of Defense under delegated authority) may use authorities under title III of the Defense Production Act of 1950 ( 50 U.S.C. 4531 et seq. ) to support domestic industrial base capacity for small unmanned aircraft systems and associated energetics and autonomous systems.
IX
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE ORGANIZATION AND MANAGEMENT
A
Office of the Secretary of Defense and Related Matters
901.
Economic Defense Unit
(a)
In general
 Chapter 4  of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section:
149a.
Economic Defense Unit
(a)
Establishment
There is established in the Department of Defense an Economic Defense Unit (in this section referred to as the  Unit ).
(b)
Director
(1)
In general
The head of the Unit shall be the Director (in this section referred to as the  Director ).
(2)
Appointment
The Director shall be appointed by the Secretary of Defense from among—
(A)
employees in Senior Executive Service positions (as defined in section 3132 of title 5); or
(B)
individuals from outside the civil service who have successfully held equivalent positions.
(3)
Authority of Director
The Director—
(A)
shall serve as a principal staff assistant to the Secretary of Defense on matters within the responsibilities of the Unit;
(B)
shall report directly to the Deputy Secretary of Defense without intervening authority; and
(C)
may communicate views on matters within the responsibilities of the Unit directly to the Deputy Secretary without obtaining the approval or concurrence of any other official within the Department of Defense.
(c)
Responsibilities
The Unit shall be responsible for the following:
(1)
Coordinating among, and harmonizing economic competition activities by, components of the Department of Defense, including by serving as a co-chair of the National Defense Economic Competition Research Council.
(2)
Developing and maintaining requirements for economic competition activities to reinforce military advantage, including requirements described in subsection (d).
(3)
Developing and maintaining a campaign plan for economic competition activities to reinforce military advantage.
(4)
Conducting or sponsoring analyses and other net assessment activities to scope economic competition activities, gaps, needs, or requirements related to activities of the United States, allies of the United States, or adversaries.
(5)
Directing the execution of economic competition activities.
(6)
Developing programming and budget submissions for economic competition activities.
(7)
Advising the Secretary and the Deputy Secretary with respect to economic competition activities, including with respect to coordinating integration of economic competition requirements or programs into joint and interagency planning activities.
(8)
Acting as the principal interlocutor for interagency activities related to economic competition activities.
(9)
Leading outreach of the Department of Defense to relevant private actors engaged in economic competition activities, including by liaising with private actors under section 1047 of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 ( Public Law 117–263 ;  10 U.S.C. 113  note).
(10)
Sponsoring or conducting regular tabletop exercises related to economic competition activities in order to—
(A)
assess the economic impacts of decisions of the Department of Defense during crises and conflicts;
(B)
evaluate the economic tools available to the United States Government to augment the capabilities of the Department of Defense in competition, crises, and conflicts; or
(C)
evaluate planning scenarios or concept development, including to test proposed doctrine, tactics, or other nonmaterial approaches for economic competition activities that might be used by the Department of Defense.
(11)
Selecting economic competition activities projects to be carried out using funds made available to the Unit, allocating funds to organizations to carry out such projects, and monitoring the execution of such projects.
(12)
Serving as the co-chair of the National Security Capital Forum.
(13)
Carrying out such other activities as the Deputy Secretary of Defense determines appropriate.
(14)
Regularly updating the National Security Council and relevant Federal agencies with respect to the economic competition activities of the Department of Defense.
(d)
Economic competition requirements
(1)
In general
The requirements for economic competition activities developed and maintained by the Unit under subsection (c)(2) may include requirements for—
(A)
access, basing, and overflight;
(B)
countering mobilization of adversaries;
(C)
countering defense industrial base activities by adversaries;
(D)
ensuring the access of the United States to critical materials and capabilities; and
(E)
such other matters as the Director considers appropriate.
(2)
Consultations
In developing requirements for economic competition activities under subsection (c)(2), the Director shall consult—
(A)
integrated priorities lists from combatant commanders derived from operational plans or theater campaign plans;
(B)
integrated priorities lists of defense industrial base shortfalls or investment opportunities; and
(C)
the outcomes of experimentation events, science and technology activities, and examinations of issues of economic competition by concept development organizations.
(e)
Reporting requirements
(1)
Quarterly briefings
Not less frequently than quarterly, the Director shall provide to the Secretary of Defense and the congressional defense committees a briefing on, for the quarter preceding the briefing—
(A)
the activities of the Unit;
(B)
the outcomes of and advances resulting from such activities; and
(C)
work product of the Unit.
(2)
Annual reports
Not less frequently than annually, the Director shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the matters described in subparagraphs (A), (B), and (C) of paragraph (1) for the year preceding submission of the report.
(f)
Economic competition activities defined
In this section, the term  economic competition activities  means actions that are taken to reinforce military advantage in and through the economic domain, including such actions taken—
(1)
to leverage private capital and market actors;
(2)
to acquire or procure items;
(3)
to protect or enhance the economic or technological advantage of the United States or allies of the United States;
(4)
in the information environment or cyber environment or as other sensitive operations; or
(5)
to leverage interagency authorities.
 .
(b)
National Defense Economic Competition Research Council
Section 228(c) of the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 ( Public Law 118–159 ;  10 U.S.C. 4001  note) is amended—
(1)
by amending paragraph (1) to read as follows:
(1)
Chair
The Director of the Economic Defense Unit shall be the chair of the Council.
 ; and
(2)
in paragraph (2)—
(A)
by redesignating subparagraphs (A) through (N) as clauses (i) through (xiv), respectively, and by moving such clauses, as so redesignated, two ems to the right; and
(B)
by striking  The co-chairs  and all that follows through  the following:  and inserting in the following: “The Council shall include the following:
(A)
 The Under Secretary of Defense for Policy.
(B)
The Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering.
(C)
The Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment.
(D)
Representatives from each of the following:
 .
(c)
National Security Capital Forum
Section 1092(b) of the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 ( Public Law 118–159 ;  10 U.S.C. 149  note) is amended to read as follows:
(b)
Co-chairs
The Director of the Office of Strategic Capital and the Director of the Economic Defense Unit shall serve as co-chairs of the forum established under subsection (a).
 .
902.
Additional authorities for Office of Strategic Capital
(a)
In general
Section 149 of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
by redesignating subsection (f) as subsection (j); and
(2)
by inserting after subsection (e) the following new subsections:
(f)
Fees
(1)
In general
The Director may—
(A)
charge and collect fees for the costs of services provided by the Office and associated with administering programs under this section, including for project-specific transaction costs and direct costs relating to such services; and
(B)
establish those fees at amounts that will ensure recovery of the full costs of administering those programs.
(2)
Deposit into Credit Program Account
(A)
In general
Amounts collected as fees under paragraph (1) shall—
(i)
be deposited into the Credit Program Account established under subsection (e)(5); and
(ii)
remain available until expended.
(B)
Limitation on use of fees
Notwithstanding subsection (e)(5)(B), none of the fees collected under paragraph (1) may be used to pay salaries or expenses of civilian employees of the Department of Defense.
(3)
Termination of authority
(A)
In general
Except as provided by subparagraph (B), the authority under paragraph (1) to charge and collect fees shall expire on the date specified in paragraph (9)(A) of subsection (e) for the expiration of the authority of the Director to make new loans and provide new loan guarantees under paragraph (3)(A)(i) of that subsection.
(B)
Treatment of certain assets
With respect to a loan or loan guarantee provided under this section that is outstanding as of the expiration date under subparagraph (A), the authority of the Director under paragraph (1) to charge and collect fees for services relating to the loan or loan guarantee shall remain in effect for the duration of the loan or loan guarantee.
(4)
Reports required
(A)
Annual report
Not later than March 1 of each year, the Director shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report that includes—
(i)
a detailed summary of the fees collected under paragraph (1) in the preceding fiscal year; and
(ii)
a description of how those fees were allocated.
(B)
Audit
The Inspector General of the Department of Defense shall—
(i)
conduct an audit of fees charged and collected under paragraph (1) not less frequently than once every two years; and
(ii)
not later than June 1 of the year in which an audit is conducted under clause (i), submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the results of the audit.
(g)
Authority to accept services
Notwithstanding section 1342 of title 31, the Director may accept services, such as legal, financial, technical, or professional services, associated with administering programs under this section, including accepting such services as payment in kind for services provided by the Office.
(h)
Presumption of compliance
Each agreement for a loan or loan guarantee executed by the Director shall be conclusively presumed to be issued in compliance with the requirements of this section.
(i)
Authority to collect debts
In the case of a default on a loan or loan guarantee provided under this section, the Director may exercise any priority of the United States in collecting debts relating to the default.
 .
(b)
Determinations of loan default under pilot program on capital assistance to support defense investment in industrial base
Subsection (e)(3)(A)(ii)(VI) of such section is amended by striking  Secretary  and inserting  Director .
(c)
Conforming amendment to Credit Program Account
Subsection (e)(5)(A)(ii) of such section is amended—
(1)
by striking  consist of amounts  and inserting the following: “consist of—
(I)
amounts
  ;
(2)
by striking the period at the end and inserting  ; and ; and
(3)
by adding at the end the following new subclause:
(II)
fees deposited under subsection (f)(2).
  .
903.
Modifications to responsibilities of Director for Operational Test and Evaluation
Section 139(b) of title 10, United States Code is amended—
(1)
in paragraph (5), by striking  ; and  and inserting a semicolon;
(2)
in paragraph (6), by striking the period at the end and inserting  ; and ; and
(3)
by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
(7)
maintain, on behalf of the Secretary of Defense, enabling and cross-cutting activities that support operational test and evaluation across the Department, including—
(A)
the Cyber Assessment Program;
(B)
the Center for Countermeasures;
(C)
the Test and Evaluation Threat Resource Activity;
(D)
the Joint Technical Coordinating Group for Munitions Effectiveness Program;
(E)
the Joint Aircraft Survivability Program;
(F)
the Joint Test and Evaluation Program; and
(G)
the Test and Evaluation Transformation Program.
 .
904.
Directive authority for matters for which Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering has responsibility
Section 133a(b) of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
in paragraph (2)—
(A)
by inserting  elements of the Department relating to  after  supervising, all ; and
(B)
by inserting  and to enhance jointness  after  and engineering efforts ; and
(C)
by striking  ; and  and inserting a semicolon;
(2)
in paragraph (3), by striking the period at the end and inserting  ; and ; and
(3)
by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
(4)
directing the Secretaries of the military departments and the heads of all other elements of the Department with regard to matters for which the Under Secretary has responsibility.
 .
905.
Modification of energetic materials strategic plan and investment strategy of Joint Energetics Transition Office
Section 148(c)(1) of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
in subparagraph (B)(ii), by striking  ; and  and inserting a semicolon;
(2)
in subparagraph (C), by striking the period at the end and inserting  ; and ; and
(3)
by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
(D)
identifying raw material waste produced during the explosives manufacturing process and developing plans to reduce waste and optimize production.
 .
906.
Limitation on availability of funds pending establishment of Joint Energetics Transition Office
Of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise made available for fiscal year 2026 for Operation and Maintenance, Defense-wide, for the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment and the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering for travel expenses, not more than 90 percent may be obligated or expended until the Secretary of Defense notifies the congressional defense committees that the Department of Defense has established the Joint Energetics Transition Office as required by section 148 of title 10, United States Code, and provided that Office with the staff and other resources necessary to effectively carry out the responsibilities specified in subsection (c) of that section.
907.
Modification of covered technology categories for Office of Strategic Capital
Paragraph (2) of subsection (j) of section 149 of title 10, United States Code, as redesignated by section 902(a)(1), is amended—
(1)
by redesignating subparagraphs (U) through (GG) as subparagraphs (V) through (HH), respectively; and
(2)
by inserting after subparagraph (T) the following new subparagraph:
(U)
Nuclear fission and fusion energy, and associated infrastructure, including advanced nuclear reactors.
 .
908.
Modification of organization and authorities of Assistant Secretaries of Defense with duties relating to industrial base policy and readiness
(a)
Establishment of Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Armaments Cooperation
Section 138(b) of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
by redesignating paragraphs (7) and (8) as paragraphs (8) and (9), respectively; and
(2)
by inserting after paragraph (6) the following new paragraph (7):
(7)
One of the Assistant Secretaries is the Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Armaments Cooperation, who shall report directly to the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment. The principal duty of the Assistant Secretary shall be to carry out section 133b(b)(10) of this title.
 .
(b)
Renaming of Assistant Secretary of Defense for Strategy, Plans, and Capabilities as Assistant Secretary of Defense for Strategy, Plans, Capabilities, and Readiness
On and after the date of the enactment of this Act—
(1)
the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Strategy, Plans, and Capabilities shall be known as the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Strategy, Plans, Capabilities, and Readiness; and
(2)
any reference in any law or regulation to the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Strategy, Plans, and Capabilities shall be deemed to be a reference to the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Strategy, Plans, Capabilities, and Readiness.
(c)
Elimination of Assistant Secretary of Defense for Readiness
The position of Assistant Secretary of Defense for Readiness is eliminated.
B
Other Department of Defense Organization and Management Matters
911.
Modifications to Joint Requirements Oversight Council
(a)
Mission
Subsection (b) of section 181 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking paragraphs (1) through (7) and inserting the following:
(1)
evaluating global trends, threats, and adversary capabilities to inform understanding of joint operational problems and shape a joint force design;
(2)
coordinating with commanders of combatant commands with respect to compiling, refining, and prioritizing joint operational problems;
(3)
continuously reviewing and assessing military capabilities of the armed forces, Defense Agencies, or other entities of the Department of Defense to meet applicable requirements in the national defense strategy under section 113(g) of this title;
(4)
identifying and prioritizing gaps and opportunities in military capabilities to meet such requirements, including making recommendations for changes to address such gaps and leverage such opportunities;
(5)
identifying advances in technology, innovative commercial solutions, and concepts of operation that could improve the ability of the joint force in achieving military advantage for the United States;
(6)
designing the joint force in a manner that addresses joint operational problems and, in doing so, evaluating force design initiatives of the armed forces to recommend acceptance, mitigation, or alternative force designs;
(7)
maintaining a repository of joint operational problems and identification of military capabilities that are addressing those problems; and
(8)
evaluating impact to joint military capability requirements for the purposes of section 4375(b).
 .
(b)
Composition
Subsection (c)(1) of such section is amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
(G)
In any case in which the Council is considering a topic of significant interest to a combatant command, the commander of the combatant command or a designee of the commander who is a general or flag officer.
 .
(c)
Advisors
Subsection (d) of such section is amended—
(1)
in paragraph (2), by striking  paragraphs (1) and (2) of ;
(2)
in paragraph (3)—
(A)
by striking  , and strongly consider,  and inserting  and consider ; and
(B)
by striking  under subsection (b)(2) and joint performance requirements pursuant to subsection (b)(3) ;
(3)
in paragraph (4), by striking  , and strongly consider,  and inserting  and consider ; and
(4)
by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
(5)
Input from industry
The Council may seek views from industry on commercially available technology to address joint operational problems or capability gaps.
 .
(d)
Performance requirements
Subsection (e) of such section is amended by striking  and, except  and all that follows through  Council .
(e)
Definitions
Subsection (h) of such section is amended—
(1)
by striking paragraphs (2) and (3);
(2)
by redesignating paragraph (1) as paragraph (2);
(3)
by inserting before paragraph (2), as so redesignated, the following new paragraph (1):
(1)
The term  capability requirement  means a capability that is critical or essential to address a joint operational problem.
 ; and
(4)
by inserting after paragraph (2), as so redesignated, the following new paragraph (3):
(3)
The term  joint operational problem —
(A)
means a challenge across the joint force faced by a combatant command in achieving an assigned military objective; and
(B)
may include limitations in capabilities, resources, or the ability to effectively and efficiently coordinate across the joint force, with another combatant command, or among joint military capabilities.
 .
(f)
Conforming amendments
(1)
Acquisition-related functions of chiefs of the armed forces
Section 3104(a)(1) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking  (subject, where appropriate, to validation by the Joint Requirements Oversight Council pursuant to section 181 of this title) .
(2)
Limitations on Defense Modernization Account
Section 3136(e)(1)(A) of such title is amended—
(A)
by striking  in excess of—  and all that follows through  (i) a specific limitation  and inserting  in excess of a specific limitation ; and
(B)
by striking clause (ii).
(3)
Factors to be considered for Milestone A approval
Section 4251(e)(1) of such title is amended by striking  approved by the Joint Requirements Oversight Council .
(4)
Factors to be considered for Milestone B approval
Section 4252(b) of such title is amended—
(A)
by striking paragraph (9); and
(B)
by redesignating paragraphs (10) through (15) as paragraphs (9) through (14), respectively.
(5)
Breach of critical cost growth threshold
Section 4376 of such title is amended—
(A)
in subsection (a), by striking  , after consultation with the Joint Requirements Oversight Council regarding program requirements, ;
(B)
in subsection (b)(2)(B), by striking  to meet the joint military requirement (as defined in section 181(g)(1) of this title) ; and
(C)
in subsection (c)(3), by striking  joint .
(6)
Acquisition accountability on missile defense system
Section 5514(b)(2)(C)(ii) of such title is amended by striking  approved  and inserting  reviewed .
912.
Transfer of responsibility for countering small unmanned aircraft systems
(a)
Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment as executive agent
Section 133b(b)(5) of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
in subparagraph (D), by striking  ; and  and inserting a semicolon;
(2)
in subparagraph (E), by striking the semicolon and inserting  ; and ; and
(3)
by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
(F)
the executive agent for the Department of Defense for oversight of efforts to counter small unmanned aircraft;
 .
(b)
Elimination of Joint Counter-Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Office
(1)
In general
Effective on the date that is 60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act—
(A)
the Joint Counter-Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Office of the Army is terminated; and
(B)
the functions, assets, and civilian employees of the Joint Counter-Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Office of the Army shall be transferred to the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment.
(2)
References
On and after the date that is 60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, any reference in any law or regulation to the Joint Counter-Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Office of the Army shall be deemed to be a reference to the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment.
(c)
Conforming amendments
(1)
Plan for additional kinetic effectors for low, slow, small unmanned aircraft integrated defeat system
Section 113 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 ( Public Law 118–159 ) is amended—
(A)
in the section heading, by striking
of the Army  ;
(B)
in subsection (a)—
(i)
by striking  Secretary of the Army  and inserting  Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment ; and
(ii)
by striking  of the Army ; and
(C)
in subsection (b), by striking  September 30, 2025, the Secretary of the Army  and inserting  September 30, 2026, the Under Secretary .
(2)
Counter unmanned aerial system threat library
Section 353 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 ( Public Law 118–159 ;  10 U.S.C. 130i  note) is amended—
(A)
in subsection (a), by striking  Not later  and all that follows through  Office,  and inserting  Not later than June 30, 2027, the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment ; and
(B)
in subsection (c)—
(i)
by striking  The Secretary  and all that follows through  Office,  and inserting  The Under Secretary ; and
(ii)
by striking  the Secretary of the Army  and inserting  the Under Secretary .
913.
Study on feasibility and advisability of establishing a Joint Capabilities and Programming Board
(a)
Study required
The Secretary of Defense shall conduct a study on the feasibility and advisability of establishing a Joint Capabilities and Programming Board (in this section referred to as the  Board ) within the Department of Defense to serve as a consolidated forum for addressing joint military capabilities and program budgeting for investments.
(b)
Elements of study
The study required by subsection (a) shall assess and provide recommendations on the following elements for the proposed Board:
(1)
The potential for the Board to act as the primary joint forum for—
(A)
reviewing and recommending actions on joint military capabilities spanning multiple components of the Department of Defense to address priority capability needs; and
(B)
evaluating and recommending actions on investment portfolio evaluation and budgeting matters to prioritize joint military capabilities and optimize lethality based on available resources.
(2)
The feasibility of the Board being co-chaired by the Director of Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation and the Chairman of the Joint Requirements Oversight Council, including the roles, authorities, and responsibilities of the co-chairpersons.
(3)
The advisability of a Board composition that includes—
(A)
core membership consisting of—
(i)
the co-chairpersons;
(ii)
representatives from the Joint Requirements Oversight Council;
(iii)
representatives from the Office of the Director of Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation;
(iv)
representatives from the Armed Forces and combatant commands to reflect military user perspectives; and
(v)
representatives of portfolio acquisition executives or equivalent managers to reflect program execution perspectives;
(B)
a flexible structure permitting the establishment of ad hoc or standing committees to address specific areas or issues, drawing from the core membership;
(C)
separate staff directly accountable to each co-chairperson to assist in identifying, reviewing, coordinating, and analyzing matters brought before the Board; and
(D)
mission engineering and integration analysis cells that evaluate the effectiveness of current and proposed value chains of the Department of Defense and inform the assessment of alternative courses of action for capability and resource investments.
(4)
The potential structure for decision-making by the Board, including—
(A)
maintaining autonomy for the Armed Forces and portfolio acquisition executives to make decisions and execute programs without requiring approval by or the submission of documentation to the Board;
(B)
issuing recommendations by majority vote of members of the Board, to be forwarded to the Deputy Secretary of Defense unless unanimously rejected by the co-chairpersons; and
(C)
allowing the members or representatives of the Board to submit dissenting opinions alongside recommendations for consideration by the Deputy Secretary of Defense or the Secretary of Defense.
(5)
The feasibility of operational procedures, including—
(A)
issue identification processes prioritizing issues—
(i)
nominated by members of the Board, the Armed Forces, the combatant commands, or portfolio acquisition executives; and
(ii)
addressing capability gaps, resource constraints, or programmatic challenges requiring joint or departmental action; and
(B)
flexible quorum and voting procedures to ensure efficient decision-making and requiring participation from representatives of military users and program acquisition executives directly impacted by any recommendation.
(6)
The provision of sufficient staff, directly accountable to the co-chairpersons, to support the Board’s operations and analysis of issues.
(7)
The impact of the proposed Board on existing entities of the Department of Defense, including the Joint Requirements Oversight Council and the Office of the Director of Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation, including potential overlaps, redundancies, or synergies between the missions and responsibilities of those entities and the Board.
(8)
The anticipated benefits of enhanced joint capability prioritization and resource allocation, including the ability to consolidate or remove existing processes and decision forums.
(9)
Potential barriers to establishing the Board, including resource requirements and alignment with existing acquisition and budgeting processes.
(c)
Report required
(1)
In general
Not later than July 1, 2026, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the results of the study required by subsection (a).
(2)
Elements
The report required by paragraph (1) shall include—
(A)
a comprehensive analysis of the feasibility and advisability of establishing the Board, addressing each element specified in subsection (b);
(B)
if establishing the Board is deemed feasible and advisable—
(i)
specific recommendations for the organizational structure, governance, voting mechanisms, quorum requirements, and operational procedures of the Board; and
(ii)
an estimation of the costs, resource requirements, and timeline for establishing and operating the Board; and
(C)
any additional findings or recommendations to improve joint capability development, program budgeting, and resource allocation within the Department of Defense.
(d)
Rule of construction
Nothing in this section shall be construed to prevent the establishment of a Joint Capabilities and Programming Board before the completion and review of the study required by subsection (a).
914.
Briefing on restructuring of Army Futures Command and Training and Doctrine Command
(a)
In general
Not less than 60 days before executing any plan to merge, consolidate, or otherwise reorganize the Army Futures Command and the Training and Doctrine Command of the Army, the Secretary of the Army and the Chief of Staff of the Army shall provide to the congressional defense committees a comprehensive briefing on the merger, consolidation, or other reorganization.
(b)
Elements
The briefing required by subsection (a) shall include the following:
(1)
A description of the proposed merger, consolidation, or other reorganization, including affected commands, subordinate entities, and organizational structures.
(2)
The strategic, operational, and fiscal rationale for the proposed merger, consolidation, or other reorganization.
(3)
An assessment of potential impacts of the proposed merger, consolidation, or other reorganization on the readiness and mission effectiveness of the Army.
(4)
An identification of resource reallocations, including installation realignment or closures and personnel movements.
(5)
A timeline for implementation of the proposed merger, consolidation, or other reorganization.
915.
Designation of senior official for military-to-civilian transition
(a)
Designation
(1)
In general
Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, 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—
(A)
civilian life; or
(B)
reserve components.
(2)
Qualifications
The official designated under paragraph (1) shall be designated from among individuals with—
(A)
extensive experience with veterans services; and
(B)
knowledge of the transition from active duty to—
(i)
 civilian life; and
(ii)
reserve components.
(b)
Role, responsibility, and authority
(1)
In general
The Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense, shall prescribe the roles, responsibilities, and authorities of the official designated under subsection (a)(1).
(2)
Roles, responsibilities, and authorities required
The roles, responsibilities, and authorities prescribed pursuant to paragraph (1) shall include, with respect to the transition of members of the Armed Forces and their families from active duty to civilian life and reserve components—
(A)
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;
(B)
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;
(C)
working, in coordination 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;
(D)
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;
(E)
overseeing the Military-Civilian Transition Office and the implementation of transition programs across the Department of Defense;
(F)
conducting a review and assessment of all transition programs and services offered by the Department of Defense, including the Transition Assistance Program and Skillbridge Program, and proposing legislative or administrative action—
(i)
to improve the efficacy and efficiency of the programs; and
(ii)
to ensure compliance with all legal requirements related to transition assistance; and
(G)
working with Federal agencies, State and local governments, and nongovernmental organizations to improve the delivery of transition support services.
(c)
Briefing on designation and implementation
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—
(1)
the status of the designation of the official under subsection (a); and
(2)
the implementation of the roles, responsibilities, and authorities of the official under subsection (b).
916.
Removal of members of Joint Chiefs of Staff
Section 151 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
(h)
Removal of members of Joint Chiefs of Staff
(1)
If the President removes a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff from office or transfers a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to another position or location before the end of the term of the member as specified in statute, the President shall, not later than five days after the removal or transfer takes effect, submit to Congress, including the congressional defense committees, notice that the member is being removed or transferred and a statement of the reason for the removal or transfer.
(2)
Nothing in this subsection prohibits a personnel action authorized by another provision of law.
 .
917.
Longer term and eligibility for appointment to rank of Admiral of Commander of Naval Sea Systems Command
(a)
Term
Section 526 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
(k)
(1)
An individual serving as the Commander of the Naval Sea Systems Command—
(A)
subject to paragraph (2), shall serve for a term of eight years; and
(B)
is eligible to be appointed to the rank of Admiral during the final three years of that term.
(2)
The Secretary of the Navy may terminate the term of an individual serving as the Commander of the Naval Sea Systems Command before the end of the eight-year term specified in paragraph (1)(A) if the Secretary notifies the congressional defense committees of the termination.
 .
(b)
Extension of time period for retirement for years of service
Section 636(c) of such title is amended—
(1)
by striking  In the administration  and inserting  (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), in the administration ; and
(2)
by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
(2)
The officer serving as the Commander of the Naval Sea Systems Command—
(A)
may continue to serve after 40 years of active commissioned service in order to complete the term of the Commander specified in section 526(k)(1)(A) of this title; and
(B)
may in no case serve more than 45 years of active commissioned service.
 .
(c)
Report on options for new private shipyards
(1)
In general
Not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Navy, acting through the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development, and Acquisition and in coordination with the Commander of the Naval Sea Systems Command, shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on incentives that would promote private investment in the creation of two new private shipyards on the Pacific Coast. The incentives should be focused on new construction shipyards. The report may include suggested locations based on strategic laydown or other relevant defense industrial base matters.
(2)
Requirements
In preparing the report required by paragraph (1), the Secretary shall—
(A)
give consideration to locations in noncontiguous States; and
(B)
assess the potential for investment in or establishment of a United States subsidiary of a foreign-owned shipbuilding company, with special preference to companies based in Japan and the Republic of Korea.
(3)
Form
(A)
In general
The report required by paragraph (1) shall be submitted in unclassified form but may include a classified annex.
(B)
Public availability
The unclassified portion of the report required by paragraph (1) shall be made available to the public.
918.
Delay of disestablishment of Navy Expeditionary Combat Command Pacific
(a)
In general
During the one-year period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Navy may not take any action to disestablish the Navy Expeditionary Combat Command Pacific located at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam.
(b)
Briefing required
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary (or a designee of the Secretary) shall brief the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives on—
(1)
the status of the decision of the Secretary with respect to the disestablishment of the Navy Expeditionary Combat Command Pacific; and
(2)
the strategic rationale, cost, and benefits of such disestablishment.
919.
Limitation on use of funds for consolidation, disestablishment, or elimination of geographic combatant commands
None of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise made available for fiscal year 2026 for the Department of Defense may be obligated or expended to consolidate, disestablish, or otherwise eliminate a geographic combatant command of the Department of Defense until not earlier than 90 days after the Secretary of Defense submits to the congressional defense committees a report that, at a minimum, addresses the following:
(1)
A detailed plan for consolidation, disestablishment, or elimination of the geographic combatant command, including associated timelines and detailed accounting of the associated costs.
(2)
A detailed analysis of the anticipated impact of the consolidation, disestablishment, or elimination on the ability of the Department of Defense to accomplish objectives in the affected area of responsibility, including the ability of the Department to effectively deter conflict, maintain peace and security, and conduct military operations, exercises, and security cooperation activities with allies and partners.
920.
Elimination of statutory provisions relating to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the Department of Defense
(a)
Duties of Secretary of Defense
Section 113 of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
in subsection (c)—
(A)
by striking paragraph (2); and
(B)
by redesignating paragraphs (3) and (4) as paragraphs (2) and (3), respectively;
(2)
in subsection (g)(1)(B)—
(A)
by striking clause (vii); and
(B)
by redesignating clauses (viii), (ix), and (x) as clauses (vii), (viii), and (ix), respectively;
(3)
in subsection (l)—
(A)
in paragraph (1), by striking  to measure—  and all that follows through  (C) the efforts  and inserting  to measure the efforts : and
(B)
in paragraph (2)—
(i)
by striking  shall—  and all that follows through  (A) ensure that  and inserting  shall ensure that ;
(ii)
by striking the semicolon after  extent practicable  and inserting a period: and
(iii)
by striking subparagraphs (B) through (F); and
(4)
in subsection (m)—
(A)
by striking  , disaggregated by gender, race, and ethnicity,  each place it appears;
(B)
in paragraph (1), by striking  disaggregated by gender, race, and ethnicity, ; and
(C)
in paragraph (9), by striking  , gender, race, and ethnicity .
(b)
Chief diversity officer of the department of defense
Section 147 of title 10, United States Code, is repealed.
(c)
Diversity in selection boards
(1)
Promotion selection boards
Title 10, United States Code, is amended—
(A)
in section 573(b), by striking  The members of a selection  and all that follows through  extent practicable. ;
(B)
in section 612(a)(1), by striking  The members of a selection  and all that follows through  extent practicable. ; and
(C)
in section 14102(b), by striking  The members of a selection  and all that follows through  extent practicable. .
(2)
Other selection boards
Section 503(c) of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 ( Public Law 116–283 ;  10 U.S.C. 573  note) is repealed.
(d)
Diversity in military leadership
Section 656 of title 10, United States Code, is repealed.
(e)
Identification of gender or personal pronouns in official correspondence
Section 986 of title 10, United States Code, is repealed.
(f)
Human relations training
Section 2001(a)(1)(B) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking  include  and all that follows through the period and inserting  shall include honor, excellence, courage, and commitment. .
(g)
Strategic plan for diversity and inclusion
Section 529 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 ( Public Law 116–92 ;  10 U.S.C. 656  note) is repealed.
(h)
Senior advisors for diversity and inclusion for the military departments and coast guard
Section 913(b) of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 ( Public Law 116–283 ;  10 U.S.C. 147  note) is repealed.
(i)
Conforming amendment
Section 118(a) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking  to carry out—  and all that follows through  (2) guidance  and inserting  to carry out guidance .
921.
Defense Science Board study on optimal organizational structure for digital engineering solutions
(a)
Study required
The Secretary of Defense shall direct the Defense Science Board to conduct a comprehensive study to evaluate and recommend the most optimal organizational structure within the Office of the Secretary of Defense to support digital solutions engineering activities across the Office of the Secretary of Defense and the military departments.
(b)
Elements
The study required under subsection (a) shall include the following elements:
(1)
An assessment of existing organizational structures and organizations supporting digital solutions engineering across the Office of the Secretary of Defense and the military departments, including—
(A)
current responsibilities, requirements, and deliverables of service-based software delivery organizations;
(B)
responsibilities or authorities imposed by statutory requirements;
(C)
limitations based on current enterprise data management platforms;
(D)
effectiveness and efficiency of current approaches;
(E)
optimization of resource allocation and utilization processes; and
(F)
integration challenges and opportunities with Department-wide digital initiatives.
(2)
An evaluation of potential organizational courses of action for supporting digital solutions engineering within the Office of the Secretary of Defense, including—
(A)
establishment of a new defense agency or Department of Defense field activity;
(B)
integration into an existing defense agency or Department of Defense field activity;
(C)
consolidation of digital development functions within existing Office of the Secretary of Defense staff organizations;
(D)
optimization of current organizational structures and authorities;
(E)
hybrid approaches combining elements of the options described in subparagraphs (A), (B), (C), and (D); and
(F)
any other organizational structures deemed appropriate by the Defense Science Board.
(3)
Recommendations on the selection of the optimal organizational structure, including—
(A)
analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of each course of action evaluated under paragraph (2);
(B)
assessment of capability requirements and gaps;
(C)
evaluation of cost-effectiveness and resource implications;
(D)
application of lessons from similar industry or academic entities performing similar work;
(E)
consideration of governance and execution framework requirements;
(F)
assessment of the implementation of and execution of governance structures, including artificial intelligence model management;
(G)
coordination mechanisms with existing Department components and combatant commands;
(H)
recommendations for unique hiring authorities to support digital solutions engineering workforce requirements; and
(I)
recommendations for unique acquisition authorities to support rapid digital solutions engineering and deployment.
(4)
Transition recommendations for implementing the selected organizational structure, including—
(A)
detailed implementation timeline and milestones;
(B)
organizational and personnel changes required;
(C)
resource requirements and funding mechanisms;
(D)
legislative or regulatory changes needed;
(E)
risk assessment and mitigation strategies; and
(F)
metrics for evaluating implementation success.
(c)
Report
(1)
Transmittal to Secretary
Not later than February 1, 2027, the Board shall transmit to the Secretary of Defense a final report on the study conducted pursuant to subsection (a).
(2)
Transmittal to Congress
Not later than 30 days after the date on which the Secretary receives the final report under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall submit the report to the congressional defense committees, together with such comments as the Secretary considers appropriate.
(d)
Definitions
In this section:
(1)
Digital solutions engineering
The term  digital solutions engineering  means the development, deployment, and sustainment of artificial intelligence systems, software applications, data engineering solutions, data analytics platforms, and other digital technologies for operational and business purposes within the Department of Defense.
(2)
Software delivery organizations
The term  software delivery organizations  means organizational units within the military services dedicated to the rapid development, deployment, and sustainment of software applications and digital solutions.
922.
Establishment of Advanced Nuclear Transition Working Group
(a)
In general
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall establish an Advanced Nuclear Transition Working Group (referred to in this section as the  working group ).
(b)
Membership
The Working Group shall be composed of the following members:
(1)
The Assistant Secretary of Defense for Energy, Installations, and Environment.
(2)
The Assistant Secretary of the Army for Installations, Energy, and Environment.
(3)
The Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Energy, Installations, and Environment.
(4)
The Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Energy, Installations, and Environment.
(5)
The Joint Staff Director for Logistics, J4.
(6)
The Principal Director for Energy Resilience of the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering.
(7)
The Director of the Strategic Capabilities Office.
(8)
The Director of the Defense Innovation Unit.
(9)
The heads of such other components of the Department of Defense, as determined by the Chair.
(c)
Chair
The Assistant Secretary of Defense for Nuclear Deterrence, Chemical, and Biological Defense Policy and Programs, or a designee, shall serve as the Chair of the Working Group.
(d)
Duties
The duties of the Working Group shall include the following:
(1)
To develop and execute a strategy to accelerate the procurement and fielding of commercial advanced nuclear capabilities, in compliance with laws, regulations, and agreements, and consistent with best practices.
(2)
To identify and elevate the critical energy requirements of the combatant commands, United States military installations, and the infrastructure and mission capabilities needs of the combatant commands and military installations that may be addressed with advanced nuclear reactors.
(3)
To connect the combatant commands and military installations with ongoing and planned efforts.
(4)
To create an accelerated pathway to leverage advanced nuclear technologies to address operational gaps.
(5)
To provide a forum for members of the Working Group to coordinate advanced nuclear demonstration and transition efforts, including by increasing opportunities and venues for government and commercial research and development, testing and evaluation, and procurement activities.
(6)
To advocate for appropriate levels of resourcing within planning, programming, budgeting, and execution processes to advance the development and use of nuclear energy technologies across the Department of Defense.
(7)
To coordinate interagency activities and develop best practices on workforce development, regulatory pathways, licensing frameworks, access to fuel sources, safety and security standards, and decommissioning that currently hinder more rapid fielding of advanced nuclear reactors.
(8)
To establish venues through which to engage commercial companies developing advanced reactors so as to review the technology readiness, timeline, and availability of reactor capabilities for defense applications.
(9)
To inform and complete the briefings and reports required in subsection (f).
(e)
Meetings
The Working Group shall meet at the call of the Chair and not less than once per quarter.
(f)
Report
(1)
In general
Not later than September 30, 2026, and annually thereafter until 2029, the Chair shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report describing the status of advanced nuclear projects, associated funding and requirements, planned program transitions, actions, and milestones of the Working Group, and other matters as determined by the Secretary of Defense and the Working Group during the preceding year.
(2)
Contents
Each report required by paragraph (1) shall include the following:
(A)
A summary on the adequacy of existing energy storage and distribution systems to meet mission requirements in a contested or austere operating environment.
(B)
An identification of the critical energy requirements of the combatant commands, United States military installations, and the infrastructure and weapons capabilities needs of the combatant commands and military installations that may be addressed with the use of microreactors or small modular reactors, including through expeditionary, transportable, stationary, space-based, or floating power plants.
(C)
A list of prioritized potential use cases, including—
(i)
base electric power;
(ii)
power for operational systems in austere environments;
(iii)
desalination or other water production systems;
(iv)
synthetic fuel production;
(v)
directed energy weapons;
(vi)
artificial intelligence at the edge;
(vii)
defense support of civil authorities;
(viii)
humanitarian response; and
(ix)
3D/additive manufacturing.
(D)
Recommendations for at least 3 pilot projects.
(3)
Appropriate congressional committees
The term  appropriate congressional committees  means—
(A)
the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate; and
(B)
the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives.
(g)
Termination
The Working Group shall terminate on September 30, 2029.
(h)
Pilot program
The Secretary of Defense shall establish a pilot program for deploying microreactors at United States military installations to strengthen energy resilience and reduce reliance on vulnerable civilian grids.
X
General provisions
A
Financial matters
1001.
General transfer authority
(a)
Authority To transfer authorizations
(1)
Authority
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 2026 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.
(2)
Limitation
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.
(3)
Exception for transfers between military personnel authorizations
A transfer of funds between military personnel authorizations under title IV shall not be counted toward the dollar limitation in paragraph (2).
(b)
Limitations
The authority provided by subsection (a) to transfer authorizations—
(1)
may only be used to provide authority for items that have a higher priority than the items from which authority is transferred; and
(2)
may not be used to provide authority for an item that has been denied authorization by Congress.
(c)
Effect on authorization amounts
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.
(d)
Notice to Congress
The Secretary shall promptly notify Congress of each transfer made under subsection (a).
1002.
Amendments and repeals to budgetary requirements for defense acquisition
(a)
Amendments to existing law
(1)
Body Armor Procurement
Section 141 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010 ( Public Law 111–84 ;  10 U.S.C. 221  note) is amended to read as follows:
141.
Body Armor Procurement
The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that body armor is procured using funds authorized to be appropriated by this title.
 .
(2)
Explosive Ordnance Disposal Defense Program
Section 2284 of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
(A)
by striking subsection (c); and
(B)
by redesignating subsection (d) as subsection (c).
(b)
Repeals of existing law
The following provisions are hereby repealed:
(1)
Evaluation and assessment of the distributed common ground system
Section 219 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013 ( Public Law 113–66 ;  10 U.S.C. 221  note).
(2)
Separate program elements required for research and development of Joint Light Tactical Vehicle
Section 213 of the Ike Skelton National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011 ( Public Law 111–383 ;  10 U.S.C. 221  note).
(3)
Separate procurement line items for Future Combat Systems program
Section 111 of the Duncan Hunter National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009 ( Public Law 110–417 ;  10 U.S.C. 221  note).
(4)
 Separate procurement and research, development, test, and evaluation line items and program elements for Sky Warrior Unmanned Aerial Systems project
Section 214 of the Duncan Hunter National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009 ( Public Law 110–417 ;  10 U.S.C. 221  note).
(5)
Requirement for separate display of budgets for Afghanistan and Iraq
Section 1502 of the Duncan Hunter National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009 ( Public Law 110–417 ;  10 U.S.C. 221  note).
1003.
Briefing on beginning balance issues for audit purposes
(a)
In general
Not later than March 1, 2026, the Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller) shall submit to the congressional defense committees a one-time briefing on any anticipated issues in establishing beginning balances for audits of the financial statements of the Department of Defense.
(b)
Elements
The briefing required under subsection (a) shall include—
(1)
a detailed identification of each budgetary account known to have and anticipated to have unsupported beginning balances;
(2)
a description of the specific issues preventing the establishment of supported beginning balances for each identified account;
(3)
an explanation of whether generally accepted accounting principles provide sufficient authority, processes, and procedures to resolve such issues, and if not, the alternative sources or methods proposed to establish beginning balances; and
(4)
the projected impact to receiving an unmodified audit opinion of that account without a supported beginning balance.
1004.
Defense Business Audit Remediation Plan reporting
Section 240g(b) of title 10, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:
(b)
Reporting requirements
On the same date as the submission of audited financial statements required pursuant to section 240a of this title, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees an updated report on the Defense Business Systems Audit Remediation Plan under subsection (a).
 .
B
Naval vessels
1011.
Requirements related to Medium Landing Ships and Light Replenishment Oilers
(a)
Design standards and construction practices
The Secretary of the Navy shall ensure that covered vessels procured by the Secretary are, to the maximum extent practical, constructed using commercial design standards and commercial construction practices that are consistent with the best interests of the Federal Government.
(b)
Vessel construction manager
The Secretary of the Navy shall provide for an entity other than the Department of the Navy to contract for the construction of covered vessels.
(c)
Covered vessel defined
In this section, the term  covered vessel  means any of the following:
(1)
A medium landing ship.
(2)
A light replenishment oiler (TAO–L).
1012.
Modification of authority to purchase used vessels under the National Defense Sealift Fund
 Section 2218(f)(3)(C) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking  10  and inserting  12  .
1013.
Exemption of unmanned surface vessels and unmanned underwater vehicles from certain technical authority requirements
(a)
Exemption from senior technical authority requirements
Unmanned surface vessels and unmanned underwater vehicles acquired or developed by the Department of the Navy are exempt from any requirement for oversight by a senior technical authority established under section 8669b of title 10, United States Code, except the requirements, specifications, and approvals described in subsection (c).
(b)
Limitation relating to Office of the Chief Engineer
Subject to subsection (c), the Chief Engineer of the Naval Sea Systems Command may not establish any requirement, specification, or approval for an unmanned surface vessel or an unmanned underwater vehicle unless such action is approved in advance by the program manager responsible for the respective unmanned system.
(c)
Exceptions
As the Secretary of the Navy considers appropriate, unmanned surface vessels and unmanned underwater vehicles may be subject to requirements, specifications, and approvals established by technical domain managers or technical warrant holders with responsibility for cybersecurity, ordnance and explosives, or warfare systems, without advanced approval described in subsection (b).
(d)
Definitions
In this section:
(1)
Unmanned surface vessel
The term  unmanned surface vessel  means a vessel designed to operate on the surface of the water without an onboard human crew.
(2)
Unmanned underwater vehicle
The term  unmanned underwater vehicle  means a vehicle designed to operate below the surface of the water without an onboard human crew.
1014.
Prohibition on retiring and decommissioning oceanographic research vessels of the Navy
None of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act for fiscal year 2026 may be obligated or expended to retire or decommission, prepare to retire or decommission, or place in storage any oceanographic research vessel of the Navy unless the Secretary of the Navy has identified and acquired a suitable replacement vessel for conducting the research that has been conducted by the vessel selected for retirement or decommissioning.
1015.
Report accompanying requests for new flights or blocks of major shipbuilding programs
(a)
In general
 Chapter 863  of title 10, United States Code, is amended by inserting after  section 8669c  the following new section:
8669d.
Report accompanying requests for new flights or blocks of major shipbuilding programs
(a)
In general
If the budget justification materials submitted to Congress in support of the budget of the President for a fiscal year pursuant to section 1105 of title 31 includes a request for a new flight or block of ships, the Secretary of the Navy shall submit a report accompanying such request.
(b)
Elements
Each report required by subsection (a) shall include the following:
(1)
The results of any production readiness review, including the following:
(A)
An identification of the degree to which detail design and production design drawings and related documents have been completed in accordance with the shipbuilding contract.
(B)
An identification of the number of changes to the new flight or block of ships from the previous multiyear procurement authorization for the class of ship concerned.
(C)
An identification of the risks associated with any design changes to the new flight or block of ships from the previous multiyear procurement authorization for the class of ship concerned.
(2)
A certification that the findings of any such review support the start of construction.
(3)
An assessment of the readiness of the shipyard facilities and workforce to begin construction.
(4)
The Navy’s estimated delivery date and a description of any risks that could affect such delivery date.
(5)
An assessment of the extent to which adequate processes and metrics are in place to measure and manage program risks.
(6)
With respect to the first ship, a description of the plans of the Navy to oversee and document the construction of the ship to ensure that the detail design supports the construction schedule for the ship.
(c)
Definitions
In this section:
(1)
First ship
The term  first ship  applies to a ship if—
(A)
the ship is the first ship to be constructed under the new flight or block of ships; or
(B)
the shipyard at which the ship is to be constructed has not previously started construction on a ship under the new flight or block of ships.
(2)
Major shipbuilding program; production readiness review
The terms  major shipbuilding program  and  production readiness review  have the meanings given those terms in section 8669c(c) of this title.
(3)
New flight or block of ships
The term  new flight or block of ships  means a new flight, block, or major modification to a current ship class under a major shipbuilding program that was previously authorized and met the previous requirements as a new ship class.
 .
(b)
Clerical amendment
The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 863 of such title is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 8669c the following new item:
8669d. Report accompanying requests for new flights or blocks of major shipbuilding programs.
  .
1016.
Report on auxiliary vessel co-production
(a)
In general
Not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Navy and the Secretary of the Army, in consultation with the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, the Secretary of Transportation, and the Secretary of State, shall jointly submit to the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate and the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives a report on co-production of non-nuclear auxiliary vessels across the Armed Forces.
(b)
Elements
The report required by subsection (a) shall include the following:
(1)
A list of non-nuclear auxiliary vessels suitable for co-production with foreign governments and industry, including details related to operational roles, prospects for co-production, and compatibility with the Navy, the Army, and the Marine Corps.
(2)
A plan for implementing co-production for each type of vessel on the list required by paragraph (1), including estimated timelines and costs.
(3)
A description of authorities needed to co-produce such vessels, including statutory or regulatory changes.
(4)
A description of barriers to co-production, including operational, regulatory, security, and economic challenges and challenges related to international agreements, with recommendations for resolution.
(5)
A description of input from industry and private capital stakeholders on joint venture terms, incentives, and opportunities.
(6)
A list of foreign partners with the willingness and capacity to engage in joint ventures to co-produce each vessel on the list required by paragraph (1) and the associated shipyard.
(c)
Form
The report required by subsection (a) shall be submitted in unclassified form, with a classified annex if necessary.
1017.
Report on vessel leasing program
Not later than December 31, 2025, the Secretary of the Navy, in consultation with the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, shall submit to the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate and the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives a report that includes the following:
(1)
A list of non-nuclear vessels that could be suitable for contracting under a long-term leasing program.
(2)
A plan outlining how the Navy would implement a leasing program for surface vessels.
(3)
A description of authorities necessary for the Navy to lease commercially built and privately owned vessels.
(4)
A description of input from industry and private capital stakeholders on suggested lease terms and incentives to encourage industry to participate in such a leasing program.
1018.
Pilot program on use of automated shipbuilding technologies and capabilities
(a)
In general
Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Navy shall establish a pilot program on the use of automated assembly technologies and capabilities in naval shipbuilding to reduce overall construction times and alleviate workforce constraints (in this section referred to as the  pilot program ).
(b)
Elements of pilot program
In carrying out the pilot program, the Secretary of the Navy shall—
(1)
identify and select available novel automated hull assembly technologies for incorporation and demonstration;
(2)
designate at least one surface ship or submarine program to demonstrate the automated technologies identified under paragraph (1);
(3)
carry out such demonstrations;
(4)
evaluate the demonstrated automated technologies—
(A)
across a range of functions, including plate preparation, welding, and block assembly; and
(B)
for compatibility and ease of adoption into the existing shipbuilding value chain; and
(5)
assess the feasibility and effectiveness of automated approaches in improving subassembly construction times, overall ship construction schedules, and workforce efficiency and safety.
(c)
Reports
(1)
In general
Not later than September 30, 2026, and annually thereafter until the pilot program terminates, the Secretary of the Navy shall submit to the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate and the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives a report on the implementation and results of the pilot program.
(2)
Elements of reports
Each report required by paragraph (1) shall include the following:
(A)
An identification of the time required to adapt specific technologies and processes.
(B)
A description of the impact of the pilot program on workforce and construction schedules.
(d)
Termination
The pilot program shall terminate on the date that is three years after the date of the enactment of this Act.
C
Counterterrorism
1021.
Extension of prohibition on use of funds for transfer or release of individuals detained at United States Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to the United States
Section 1033 of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 ( Public Law 115–232 ; 132 Stat. 1953), as most recently amended by section 1041 of the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 ( Public Law 118–159 ), is further amended—
(1)
in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking  December 31, 2025  and inserting  December 31, 2026 ; and
(2)
in paragraph (2), by striking  is or was held on or after January 20, 2009  and inserting  has been held since any date that is on or before October 1, 2009 .
1022.
Extension of prohibition on use of funds to construct or modify facilities in the United States to house detainees transferred from United States Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba
Section 1034 of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 ( Public Law 115–232 ; 132 Stat. 1954), as most recently amended by section 1042 of the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 ( Public Law 118–159 ), is further amended—
(1)
in subsection (a), by striking  December 31, 2025  and inserting  December 31, 2026 ; and
(2)
in subsection (c), by striking  ( Public Law 114–92 ; 129 Stat. 971;  10 U.S.C. 801  note)  and inserting  ( 10 U.S.C. 801  note;  Public Law 114–92 ) .
1023.
Extension of prohibition on use of funds for transfer or release of individuals detained at United States Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to certain countries
Section 1035 of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 ( Public Law 115–232 ; 132 Stat. 1954), as most recently amended by section 1043 of the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 ( Public Law 118–159 ), is further amended—
(1)
by inserting  (a)
In general .—  before  No amounts ;
(2)
by striking  December 31, 2025  and inserting  December 31, 2026 ;
(3)
by striking  any individual detained in the custody or under the control of the Department of Defense at United States Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba,  and inserting  any individual detained at Guantanamo ; and
(4)
by adding at the end the following new subsection:
(b)
Individual detained at Guantanamo defined
In this section, the term  individual detained at Guantanamo  has the meaning given that term in section 1034(f)(2) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016 ( 10 U.S.C. 801  note;  Public Law 114–92 ).
 .
1024.
Extension of prohibition on use of funds to close or relinquish control of United States Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba
Section 1036 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 ( Public Law 115–91 ; 131 Stat. 1551), as most recently amended by section 1044 of the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 ( Public Law 118–159 ), is further amended by striking  2025  and inserting  2026 .
1025.
Clarification regarding definition of individual detained at Guantanamo
Section 1034(f)(2) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016 ( Public Law 114–92 ; 129 Stat. 971;  10 U.S.C. 801  note) is amended—
(1)
in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by striking  as of  and inserting  on or before ; and
(2)
in subparagraph (B)(i), by inserting  at United States Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba  after  Department of Defense .
D
Miscellaneous authorities and limitations
1031.
Prohibition on use of funds to support entertainment projects with ties to the Government of the People’s Republic of China
(a)
In general
None of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act for the Department of Defense may be used to knowingly provide active and direct support to any film, television, or other entertainment project if the Secretary of Defense has demonstrable evidence that the project has complied or is likely to comply with a demand from the Government of the People’s Republic of China or the Chinese Communist Party, or an entity under the direction of the People’s Republic of China or the Chinese Communist Party, to censor the content of the project in a material manner to advance the national interest of the People’s Republic of China.
(b)
Waiver
The Secretary of Defense may waive the prohibition under subsection (a) if the Secretary submits to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House of Representatives a written certification that such a waiver is in the national interest of the United States.
1032.
Prohibition on destruction or scrapping of World War II–era aircraft
(a)
Prohibition
The Secretary of Defense may not destroy, dismantle, scrap, cannibalize, or otherwise render permanently inoperable any aircraft that—
(1)
was manufactured prior to December 31, 1945; and
(2)
is in the custody or administrative control of the Department of the Air Force as of the date of the enactment of this Act.
(b)
Authorized dispositions
Aircraft described in subsection (a) may only be—
(1)
retained in the inventory of the Department of the Air Force;
(2)
transferred to the National Museum of the United States Air Force or other official Department of Defense museums;
(3)
transferred to qualified Federal agencies, nonprofit institutions, or museums with demonstrated indoor preservation and public display capabilities; or
(4)
de-accessioned under a plan approved by the Secretary of Defense that supports long-term preservation of such aircraft, and consistent with guidelines established in the committee report accompanying this Act.
(c)
Waiver authority
The Secretary of Defense may waive the restriction under subsection (a) on a case-by-case basis only if—
(1)
the aircraft is determined by qualified personnel to be beyond practical restoration or preservation;
(2)
no eligible institution expresses interest in accepting the aircraft within 12 months following public notice of its availability; and
(3)
written notification and justification of the waiver is submitted to the congressional defense committees not less than 30 days prior to execution of any disposal action.
(d)
Aircraft defined
In this section, the term  aircraft  includes any fixed-wing or rotary-wing manned aircraft in military service prior to December 31, 1945.
1033.
Support for counterdrug activities and activities to counter transnational organized crime
(a)
Quarterly reporting
Subsection (h) of section 284 of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
in paragraph (1)—
(A)
by redesignating subparagraphs (A) and (B) as subparagraphs (B) and (C), respectively; and
(B)
by inserting before subparagraph (B), as redesignated by subparagraph (A) of this paragraph, the following new subparagraph:
(A)
In the case of support for a purpose described in subsection (b)—
(i)
the agency to which support is provided;
(ii)
the budget, implementation timeline with milestones, anticipated delivery schedule for support, and completion date for the purpose or project for which support is provided;
(iii)
the source and planned expenditure of funds provided for the project or purpose;
(iv)
a description of the arrangements, if any, for the sustainment of the project or purpose and the source of funds to support sustainment of the capabilities and performance outcomes achieved using such support, if applicable;
(v)
a description of the objectives for the project or purpose and evaluation framework to be used to develop capability and performance metrics associated with operational outcomes for the recipient;
(vi)
information, including the amount, type, and purpose, about the support provided the agency during the three fiscal years preceding the fiscal year for which the support covered by the notice is provided under this section with respect to—
(I)
this section;
(II)
counterdrug activities authorized by section 1033 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1998 ( Public Law 105–85 ; 111 Stat. 1811); or
(III)
any other significant program, account, or activity for the provision of security assistance that the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of State consider appropriate.
 ; and
(2)
in paragraph (3)(B)(i), by striking  the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House of Representatives  and inserting  the congressional defense committees .
(b)
Rule of construction regarding use of authority for immigration enforcement
Such section is further amended—
(1)
by redesignating subsection (i) as subsection (j); and
(2)
by inserting after subsection (h) the following new subsection:
(i)
Rule of construction regarding use of authority for immigration enforcement
No support for the counterdrug activities or activities to counter transnational organized crime of any other department or agency of the Federal Government or of any State, local, tribal, or foreign law enforcement agency may be provided under this section for the detention of an individual at a military installation, Department of Defense facility, or Department of Defense-funded facility unless the Secretary of Defense independently verifies the nexus to drug activities or transnational organized crime prior to the transfer of such individual to such installation or facility.
 .
1034.
Senior leaders of the Department of Defense and other specified persons: authority to provide protection
Section 714 of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
in subsection (a), by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
(8)
Former or retired officials who—
(A)
previously served in the positions identified in paragraphs (1) through (7); and
(B)
face serious and credible threats arising from duties performed while employed by the Department of Defense.
 ;
(2)
in subsection (b)—
(A)
in paragraph (1), by striking  paragraphs (1) through (7) of ;
(B)
in paragraph (4), by inserting  or reimbursement  after  personal security ; and
(C)
in paragraph (6)—
(i)
by amending subparagraph (A) to read as follows:
(A)
In general
 Except as provided in subparagraph (D), the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committee determinations made pursuant to this subsection as follows:
(i)
An initial determination made under paragraph (4), not later than 15 days after the date on which the determination is made, including the justification for such determination and a current threat assessment by an appropriate law enforcement, security, or intelligence organization.
(ii)
A determination to deny the renewal of physical protection and security or reimbursement, not later than 15 days after the date on which the determination is made, including—
(I)
the justification for such determination;
(II)
a current threat assessment by an appropriate law enforcement, security, or intelligence organization; and
(III)
a certification that threats to the individual arising from duties performed while employed by the Department of Defense can be sufficiently mitigated without physical protection and security or reimbursement.
(iii)
A determination to terminate physical protection and security or reimbursement during a previously authorized period of protection, not later than 48 hours after the date on which the determination is made, including—
(I)
the justification for such determination;
(II)
a current threat assessment by an appropriate law enforcement, security, or intelligence organization; and
(III)
a certification that threats to the individual arising from duties performed while employed by the Department of Defense can be sufficiently mitigated without protection and security or reimbursement.
(iv)
A determination to deny a request for reimbursement of an individual described in subsection (a)(8), not later than 15 days after the date on which the determination is made, including—
(I)
the justification for such determination;
(II)
a current threat assessment by an appropriate law enforcement, security, or intelligence organization; and
(III)
a certification that threats to the individual arising from duties performed while employed by the Department of Defense can be sufficiently mitigated without reimbursement.
 ; and
(ii)
in subparagraph (C), by inserting  and a description of any changes to such guidelines  after  paragraph (1) ; and
(3)
by adding at the end the following new subsection:
(f)
Notification to protected personnel
The Secretary of Defense shall provide written notification to individuals receiving physical protection and personal security under subsection (a) or reimbursement under subsection (e) at least 90 days before terminating or denying the renewal of protection and security protection or reimbursement for such individuals.
 .
1035.
Notification of the use of military aircraft for immigration enforcement operations
Not later than seven calendar days after military aircraft, installations, or personnel are used in support of the Department of Homeland Security, the Secretary of Defense shall provide written notification to the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate and the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives of the following:
(1)
The type and variant of military aircraft used to support the enforcement operation.
(2)
The number of individuals on board the military aircraft employed by the Department of Defense.
(3)
The type, variant, and number of any military aircraft utilized to support the military aircraft being used in the enforcement operation, including aerial refueling aircraft.
(4)
The estimated cost of supporting the enforcement operation, including—
(A)
the aircraft utilized to transport those subject to a removal order;
(B)
the number of flights hours required to complete the round-trip mission;
(C)
the use of any supporting aircraft, including aerial refueling aircraft; and
(D)
the number of flight hours required to complete the round-trip mission of the supporting aircraft.
(5)
The destination country of the military aircraft.
(6)
When the destination country of the military aircraft is Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, reporting on both inbound and outbound flights in accordance with the requirements of paragraphs (1) through (5).
(7)
Reassignment of Department of Defense personnel from Joint Task Force Guantanamo or another Department of Defense entity to support alien detention operations.
(8)
Facility maintenance or upgrades to support operations and costs of any Federal agency.
1036.
Modification of requirements relating to support of civil authorities by Armed Forces
(a)
In general
Section 723 of title 10, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
in subsection (a), in the subsection heading, by striking
Requirement   and inserting
Response to civil disturbances  ;
(2)
by redesignating subsection (b) as subsection (c);
(3)
by inserting after subsection (a) the following new subsection (b):
(b)
Support to civilian law enforcement agencies by members of the armed forces
Whenever a member of the armed forces (including the National Guard) provides support to civilian law enforcement agencies, each such member providing such support shall visibly display the name of the armed force in which such member operates.
 ; and
(4)
in subsection (c), as redesignated by paragraph (2)—
(A)
by striking  requirement under subsection (a)  and inserting  requirements under subsections (a) and (b) ; and
(B)
by striking  such subsection  and inserting  any such subsection .
(b)
Conforming and clerical amendments
(1)
Conforming amendment
The heading for section 723 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking
Federal authorities in response to civil disturbances   and inserting
civil authorities  .
(2)
Clerical amendment
The table of sections at the beginning of  chapter 41  of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking the item relating to section 723 and inserting the following new item:
723. Support of civil authorities: requirement for use of members of the Armed Forces and Federal law enforcement personnel.
  .
1037.
Prohibition on operation of connected vehicles designed, developed, manufactured, or supplied by persons owned by, controlled by, or subject to the jurisdiction of a foreign entity of concern on Department of Defense property
(a)
In general
After January 1, 2028, 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.
(b)
List required
(1)
In general
Not later than January 1, 2027, the Secretary of Defense shall establish and publish on a publicly available website of the Department of Defense a list of prohibited connected vehicles that—
(A)
are designed, developed, manufactured, or supplied by persons owned by, controlled by, or subject to the jurisdiction of a foreign entity of concern; and
(B)
pose—
(i)
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;
(ii)
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
(iii)
an unacceptable risk to the national security of the United States or the security and safety of United States persons.
(2)
Incorporation of existing Federal rules
In establishing the list required under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall incorporate existing Federal rules for identifying prohibited connected vehicles.
(3)
Annual review
(A)
In general
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.
(B)
Explanation of subtractions
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.
(4)
Consultation
(A)
In general
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).
(B)
Transmittal of list
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).
(c)
Implementation plan and briefing
(1)
In general
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).
(2)
Elements
The implementation plan required under paragraph (1) shall include—
(A)
an identification of the lead organization within the Department of Defense responsible for implementing and overseeing the prohibition under subsection (a);
(B)
a description of the process by which the Department will identify and assess prohibited connected vehicles;
(C)
a description of the means by which the Department will conduct coordination with appropriate Federal departments and agencies;
(D)
an identification of the metrics by which the Department will assess connected vehicles for threats to national security;
(E)
a description of the means by which military installations will ensure compliance with such prohibition; and
(F)
an assessment of resource requirements necessary to implement and maintain such prohibition.
(d)
Definitions
In this section:
(1)
Connected vehicle
The term  connected vehicle  has the meaning given that term in section 791.301 of title 15, Code of Federal Regulations, or successor regulations.
(2)
Foreign entity of concern
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 ).
(3)
Military installation
The term  military installation  has the meaning given that term in section 2801(c) of title 10, United States Code.
1038.
Continued implementation of anti-trafficking programs for children
(a)
Short title
This section may be cited as the   Preventing Child Trafficking Act of 2025  .
(b)
Defined term
In this section, the term  anti-trafficking recommendations  means the recommendations set forth in the report of the Government Accountability Office entitled  Child Trafficking: Addressing Challenges to Public Awareness and Survivor Support , which was published on December 11, 2023.
(c)
In general
The Office for Victims of Crime of the Department of Justice, in coordination with the Office on Trafficking in Persons of the Administration for Children and Families, shall continue implementing the anti-trafficking recommendations by—
(1)
working together, in accordance with the leading collaboration practices referenced in GAO–24-106038, to develop and implement strategies to prevent child trafficking and support child trafficking survivors; and
(2)
establishing achievable performance goals and targets for anti-trafficking programs for children that reflect leading practices, such as being objective, measurable, and quantifiable, using baseline data from program grantees.
(d)
Report
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Director of the Office for Victims of Crime shall submit a report to the  Committee on the Judiciary of the Senate  and  Committee on the Judiciary of the House of Representatives  that explicitly describes the steps taken pursuant to subsection (c).
E
Studies and reports
1041.
Annual report on contract cancellations
(a)
Report required
(1)
In general
Not later than 10 days after the date on which the President submits a budget of the United States Government for each of fiscal years 2027 through 2031 to Congress pursuant to section 1105 of title 31, United States Code, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on any cancellations of contracts during the preceding fiscal year.
(2)
Reporting on fiscal year 2025 cancellations
The Secretary of Defense shall include in the first report submitted under paragraph (1) reporting on any cancellations of contracts during fiscal year 2025.
(b)
Elements
The report required under subsection (a) shall include the following elements:
(1)
Identification of the Contract Line Item Number affected.
(2)
Total value of such Contract Line Item Number.
(3)
Total existing obligations against that Contract Line Item Number.
(4)
Any fee paid, if applicable, for cancelling the contract.
(5)
A brief justification of the rationale for cancellation, tagged by—
(A)
non-alignment with the priorities of the Secretary of Defense;
(B)
requirement no longer exists;
(C)
requirement has decreased;
(D)
requirement exists, but the contract did not meet requirements for cost or the schedule or performance are unacceptable; or
(E)
any other rationale as determined by the Secretary.
(6)
For any Contract Line Item Number tagged pursuant to paragraph (5)(E), a brief proposed timeline for issuing a new contract to meet the specified requirement.
1042.
Streamlining of total force reporting requirements
(a)
Repeal of annual report on military technicians
Section 115a of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking subsection (g).
(b)
Incorporation of annual civilian personnel management report into annual defense manpower profile report
(1)
In general
Such section is further amended—
(A)
by redesignating subsections (d) through (f) as subsections (e) through (g), respectively; and
(B)
by inserting after subsection (c) the following new subsection:
(d)
(1)
The Secretary shall include in each report required under subsection (a) a detailed discussion of the management of the civilian workforce of the Department of Defense. The discussion shall include the matter specified in paragraph (2) for the civilian workforce of each of the following:
(A)
The Office of the Secretary of Defense and the Defense Agencies and Department of Defense Field Activities.
(B)
The military departments.
 .
(2)
Transfer of reporting requirements
Such title is further amended by transferring paragraph (2) of section 129(c) of such title to section 115a, inserting such paragraph at the end of subsection (d) of such section 115a, as added by paragraph (1)(B) of this subsection, and amending such paragraph (2)—
(A)
by striking  Each report under paragraph (1) shall contain  and inserting  The matter to be included in each discussion under paragraph (1) ; and
(B)
by striking  under the jurisdiction of the official submitting the report  and inserting  of each element of the Department of Defense named in that paragraph .
(3)
Conforming repeal of requirement for separate annual civilian personnel management report
Section 129 of such title is amended by striking subsection (c).
1043.
Report on National Guard sexual assault prevention and response training
The Chief of the National Guard Bureau, in coordination with the Secretary of Defense, shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report containing the number of members of the National Guard, disaggregated by State, that received sexual assault prevention and response training in the preceding calendar year—
(1)
not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act; and
(2)
annually, beginning in 2027 and ending in 2031, by not later than March 30 of each year.
1044.
Reports to Congress on Department of Defense support for immigration enforcement operations
Section 1707 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 ( Public Law 116–92 ; 133 Stat. 1799;  10 U.S.C. 113  note) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:
(c)
Reports on support for immigration enforcement operations
(1)
In general
If the Department of Defense approves a Request for Assistance for support for immigration enforcement operations, the Secretary of Defense shall electronically transmit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report on such support not later than 30 calendar days after the date on which the Secretary approves the Request for Assistance and every 30 calendar days thereafter.
(2)
Elements
Each report required by paragraph (1) shall include information on the following:
(A)
The use of transportation support provided by the Department of Defense, the type of such support, and the cost of such support.
(B)
The use of installation or facility support provided by the Department of Defense, the name of the installation or facility, and the cost of such support.
(C)
The reassignment of Department of Defense personnel to conduct support for immigration enforcement operations, the units from which such personnel were reassigned, the duration of the orders, and the cost of such reassignment.
 .
1045.
Military Sealift Command
(a)
Report on recruiting and retention efforts
(1)
In general
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this section, and annually thereafter, the Secretary of the Navy, in coordination with the Commander of the Military Sealift Command, 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 Committee on Armed Services of the Senate and the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives a report on efforts to improve recruitment and retention of Military Sealift Command Mariners.
(2)
Elements
The report required under paragraph (1) shall consider—
(A)
opportunities to enhance the integration of Military Sealift Command civilian mariners into the military command structure;
(B)
providing training on the roles and significance of Military Sealift Command civilian mariner workforce to relevant military commands; and
(C)
authorities required to improve recruitment and retention of civilian mariners in Military Sealift Command.
(b)
Report on extending charter durations
Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this section, the Secretary of the Navy shall submit to the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate and the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives a report assessing the merits of extending the maximum charter durations of commercial and specialty vessels for the Military Sealift Command.
1046.
Report on aliens held at installations of Department of Defense
(a)
Report
Not later than 30 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, and not less frequently than monthly thereafter, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report containing—
(1)
the number of aliens held at installations of the Department of Defense, disaggregated by location; and
(2)
the total cost of detention of aliens at installations of the Department of Defense, regardless of location.
(b)
Alien defined
In this section, the term  alien  has the meaning given that term in section 101 of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1101 ).
1047.
Briefing on expenditures or planned expenditures of funds allocated for exploration and development of existing Arctic infrastructure
Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, and every 90 days thereafter, the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Commander of the United States Indo-Pacific Command and the Commander of the United States Northern Command, shall provide a briefing to the congressional defense committees on the expenditures or planned expenditures of funds allocated pursuant to section 20009(12) of the Act entitled  An Act to provide for reconciliation pursuant to title II of H. Con. Res. 14  , approved July 4, 2025 ( Public Law 119–21 ), for exploration and development of existing Arctic infrastructure. The briefing should include amount of funds expended to date, a timeline for future use of funds, and an assessment of the feasibility of any viable infrastructure options in the Arctic region.
F
Other matters
1051.
Modification of limitation on assistance in support of Department of Defense accounting for missing United States Government personnel
Section 408(d)(1) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking  $5,000,000  and inserting  $15,000,000 .
1052.
Extension of admission to Guam or the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands for certain H–2B nonimmigrants
 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, 2031 .
1053.
Prohibiting Secretary of Defense from developing voting technology or methodology
The Secretary of Defense may not develop, or facilitate the development of, any voting technology or methodology for voting in Federal and State elections.
1054.
Assessment of the feasibility and advisability of using personnel of the Department of Defense to support U.S. Customs and Border Protection
(a)
Assessment and report
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall, in consultation with the Secretary of Homeland Security—
(1)
conduct an assessment of the advisability, feasibility, and cost of using personnel of the Department of Defense to support U.S. Customs and Border Protection by providing translation and interpretation services in connection with border security operations; and
(2)
submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the findings of the Secretary with respect to the assessment conducted pursuant to paragraph (1).
(b)
Contents
The report submitted pursuant to subsection (a)(2) shall include the following:
(1)
An assessment of the current capabilities and availability of Department personnel with relevant language skills to support the needs of U.S. Customs and Border Protection and assist with interviews, including with respect to Mandarin Chinese, Arabic, Russian, Swahili, Korean, Urdu, Farsi, and other languages that may be encountered at the United States border.
(2)
An evaluation on the potential impact of the use of personnel described in subsection (a)(1) on Department readiness, operations, and personnel.
(3)
An evaluation of the impact of such use of personnel on operations at the United States border.
(4)
A cost estimate for such use of personnel, including administrative, training, deployment, and sustainment costs;
(5)
A summary of any prior or ongoing interagency efforts or agreements relating to foreign language support between the Department of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security and if such support was provided on a reimbursable or nonreimbursable basis.
(6)
Such recommendations as the Secretary of Defense may have for legislative or administrative action to facilitate such use of personnel.
1055.
Limitation on availability of funds for travel expenses of the Office of the Secretary of Defense
Of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise made available for fiscal year 2026 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—
(1)
submits to the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate unredacted copies of documents requested by the committee during the period beginning on January 1, 2024, and ending on June 1, 2024;
(2)
submits to the congressional defense committees overdue notifications regarding sensitive military operations required by section 130f of title 10, United States Code;
(3)
submits to the requesting committee overdue quarterly reports regarding execute orders of the Department of Defense required by section 1744 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 ( Public Law 116–92 ;  10 U.S.C. 113  note);
(4)
submits to the congressional defense committees the plan for integrating signals intelligence capabilities on fielded armed overwatch aircraft required by section 167 of the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 ( Public Law 118–159 );
(5)
issues guidance on the governance and oversight of the contracts of the Department of Defense that support or enable sensitive activities required by section 867 of the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 ( Public Law 118–159 );
(6)
submits to the congressional defense committees the review of authorities relevant to the conduct of irregular warfare activities by the Department of Defense required by section 1065 of the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 ( Public Law 118–159 );
(7)
submits to the congressional defense committees the plan for implementing and institutionalizing the responsibilities of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low-Intensity Conflict, and other matters, required by section 907(b) of the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 ( Public Law 118–159 ); and
(8)
submits to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives the report on Department of Defense efforts to identify, disseminate, and implement throughout the Department lessons learned from the war in Ukraine required by the conference report accompanying the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 ( Public Law 118–159 ).
1056.
Department of Defense sensitive activities
(a)
Oversight of Department of Defense Sensitive Activities
 Chapter 3  of title 10, United States Code, is amended by inserting after  section 130f  the following new section:
103.
Oversight of Department of Defense sensitive activities.
(a)
In general
The Secretary of Defense shall keep the congressional defense committees fully and currently informed of Department of Defense sensitive activities.
(b)
Notification
The Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees notice in writing of a compromise or failure of any Department of Defense sensitive activity not later than 48 hours following the compromise or failure.
(c)
Procedures
The Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the congressional defense committees, shall establish and submit to such committees procedures for complying with the requirements of subsection (a) and (b) consistent with the national security of the United States and the protection of operational integrity. The Secretary shall promptly notify the congressional defense committees in writing of any changes to such procedures at least 14 days prior to the adoption of any such changes.
(d)
Sensitive activity defined
In this section, the term  sensitive activity  means operations, actions, activities, or programs that, if compromised, could have enduring adverse effects on United States foreign policy, Department of Defense activities, or military operations, or cause significant embarrassment to the United States, United States allies, or the Department of Defense.
 .
(b)
Process for coordinating and deconflicting contracts
Consistent with section 867 of the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 ( Public Law 118–159 ; 10 U.S.C. note prec. 4601), the Secretary of Defense shall establish a process for coordinating and deconflicting contracts of the Department of Defense that support or enable sensitive activities with other departments and agencies of the Federal government, as appropriate.
1057.
Irregular Warfare Exercise Laboratory
(a)
In general
The Secretary of Defense may establish and maintain an Irregular Warfare Exercise Laboratory to—
(1)
support the training, experimentation, preparation, and validation of the United States Armed Forces to conduct full-spectrum irregular warfare activities; and
(2)
enable activities to build the capacity and interoperability of the security forces of friendly foreign countries.
(b)
Authorities
In carrying out the activities authorized under subsection (a), the Secretary may use the authorities under  chapter 16  of title 10, United States Code, and other applicable statutory authorities available to the Secretary of Defense.
1058.
Semiannual report on Department of Defense operations at the southern land border
(a)
Report
(1)
In general
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, 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 report on operations at the southern land border.
(2)
Elements
The report required under paragraph (1) shall include a detailed description of—
(A)
the Department of Defense’s efforts with respect to—
(i)
combating transnational organized crime in the United States Northern Command and the United States Southern Command areas of responsibility;
(ii)
reducing the cross-border flow of illicit synthetic drugs, including fentanyl, fentanyl analogs, and fentanyl precursors; and
(iii)
reducing the cross-border illicit trade of firearms and human trafficking;
(B)
the Department of Defense’s steady-state plan and posture on the southern land border;
(C)
the Department of Defense’s assessment of the operational and readiness impact under the Department’s steady-state plan and posture on the southern land border, and any revisions of such plan and posture;
(D)
each military installation and each Department of Defense facility on or off the installation that is being used to support—
(i)
the Department of Defense’s operations along the southern land border; or
(ii)
the Department of Homeland Security or any of its components;
(E)
the funding sources for the Department of Defense’s current operations along the southern land border;
(F)
the Department of Defense’s use of force policy and related training;
(G)
the Department of Defense’s assessment of its compliance with section 1385 of title 18, United States Code (commonly known as the  Posse Comitatus Act of 1878 ), in its execution of—
(i)
any efforts along the southern land border; and
(ii)
any efforts in support of the Department of Homeland Security; and
(H)
any challenges the Department of Defense has faced in the execution of the efforts described in subparagraphs (A) and (F).
(b)
Semiannual updates
Not less frequently than once every 180 days after submitting the report required under subsection (a) and during the effective period of the national emergency declared by Proclamation 100886 (90 Fed. Reg. 8327; relating to a Declaration of a National Emergency at the Southern Border of the United States), Executive Order 14165 (90 Fed. Reg. 8467; relating to Security Our Borders), and Executive Order 14167 (90 Fed. Reg. 8613; relating to Clarifying the Military’s Role in Protecting the Territorial Integrity of the United States), the Commander of the United States Northern Command shall submit to the congressional defense committees updates to the information included in such report.
1059.
University-based secure innovation incubator program of Department of Defense
(a)
Establishment
The Secretary of Defense shall establish a program to develop, operate, and maintain incubator programs for secure facilities and networks at select universities across the United States—
(1)
to accelerate the development and transition of innovative technologies to meet national security needs;
(2)
to increase the availability of secure facilities and networks for classified work at university locations;
(3)
to foster collaboration between academic researchers, private sector entities, and Department of Defense personnel;
(4)
to expand the pool of security-cleared technical talent available to support defense organizations and personnel in critical defense technology areas; and
(5)
to create regional innovation hubs that strengthen the national security innovation base.
(b)
Program elements
The program established pursuant to subsection (a) shall include the following elements:
(1)
Facility requirements
Each university-based secure facility and network shall—
(A)
meet all physical, technical, and personnel security requirements for handling classified information up to the Top Secret or Sensitive Compartmented Information level;
(B)
be designed to accommodate diverse use cases, including secure meetings, classified research, and technology development activities;
(C)
include collaborative workspaces appropriate for innovation activities; and
(D)
leverage modern design principles to maximize utilization and effectiveness.
(2)
University selection criteria
The Secretary shall select universities based on—
(A)
the absence of a fully functional secure facility and network on the university campus;
(B)
demonstrated commitment to national security-relevant research and development;
(C)
existing relationships with the Department of Defense;
(D)
technical capabilities relevant to defense innovation priorities;
(E)
geographic distribution to ensure nationwide access; and
(F)
capacity to support the administrative and security requirements of operating a secure facility and network.
(3)
Access to facilities and networks
(A)
Access model
The Secretary shall establish a flexible subscription-based system for access to the university-based secure facilities and networks, with—
(i)
tiered access levels calibrated to different user needs and security requirements;
(ii)
pricing structures that may vary based on organizational size, usage patterns, and security clearance-processing needs; and
(iii)
priority access for Department components and entities working on projects sponsored by the Department.
(B)
Access protocols and security clearance requirements
(i)
In general
Access to classified information and secure facilities within the program established pursuant to subsection (a) shall be strictly controlled and granted consistent with Executive Order 12968 ( 50 U.S.C. 3161  note; relating to access to classified information).
(ii)
Authorized users
Authorized users of classified information and secure facilities within the program established pursuant to subsection (a) may include—
(I)
university faculty, staff, and students;
(II)
private sector entities, particularly small businesses and startups, that are participating in specific defense innovation programs;
(III)
personnel and contractors of the Department of Defense; and
(IV)
personnel from other Federal agencies engaged in work related to national security.
(c)
Implementation
(1)
Pilot program
In carrying out the program required by subsection (a), the Secretary shall—
(A)
not later than 540 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, establish an initial pilot program with not fewer than three university partners;
(B)
ensure that at least one of the locations for the pilot program established pursuant to subparagraph (A) is at a university located within 100 miles of the geographic center of the United States;
(C)
evaluate the effectiveness of the pilot program established pursuant to subparagraph (A) based on metrics, including utilization rates, project outcomes, and participant feedback; and
(D)
not more than 900 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, submit to the congressional defense committees a report on—
(i)
the findings of the Secretary with respect to the pilot program established pursuant to subparagraph (A); and
(ii)
such recommendations as the Secretary may have for expanding the pilot program.
(2)
Program expansion
Subject to successful evaluation of the pilot program established pursuant to paragraph (1)(A), the Secretary shall, not later than four years after the date of the enactment of this Act, expand the program required by subsection (a) to not fewer than 10 universities.
(d)
Cost-sharing
The Secretary may enter into cost-sharing agreements or other appropriate agreements with universities participating in the program established pursuant to subsection (a), other Federal departments and agencies, State and local governments, Tribal governments, and private sector partners to support the establishment and operation of the secure facilities and networks under the program.
(e)
Annual report
(1)
In general
Each year, the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees an annual report on the program established pursuant to subsection (a).
(2)
Contents
Each report submitted pursuant to paragraph (1) shall cover the following:
(A)
Current locations and expansion plans.
(B)
Utilization metrics and user demographics.
(C)
Financial information, including fees collected and program costs.
(D)
Measurable outcomes from activities conducted within the secure facilities and networks included in the program.
(E)
Recommendations for legislative or administrative action relating to the program.
(f)
Program and report expiration
The program authorized under subsection (a) and the annual report requirement under subsection (e) shall terminate 10 years after the date of the enactment of this Act.
1060.
Priority consideration of energy projects that are likely to experience significant temporal impact due to seasonal Arctic climate conditions
The Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment shall, to the maximum extent possible, prioritize, for purposes of consideration by the Manufacturing Capability Expansion and Investment Prioritization (MCEIP) office, the clearance of mining and energy project applications and white papers for projects the operation or completion of which is likely to experience significant temporal impact due to seasonal Arctic climate conditions.
1061.
Non-Reimbursable Support for Afghanistan War Commission
Section 1094(f)(2) of the Afghanistan War Commission Act of 2021 ( Public Law 117–81 ; 135 Stat. 1938) is amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
(D)
Services
(i)
DOD services
The Secretary of Defense may provide to the Commission, on a nonreimbursable basis, such administrative services, funds, staff, facilities, and other support services as are necessary for the performance of the Commission's duties under this section.
(ii)
Other agencies
In addition to any support provided under clause (i), the heads of other Federal departments and agencies may provide to the Commission such services, funds, facilities, staff, and other support as the heads of such departments and agencies determine advisable and as may be authorized by law.
 .
1062.
Contracting authority for Afghanistan War Commission
Section 1094(g) of the Afghanistan War Commission Act of 2021 ( Public Law 117–81 ; 135 Stat. 1938) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
(7)
Contracting
The Co-Chairpersons of the Commission may, to such extent and in such amounts as are provided in appropriation Acts, enter into contracts to enable the Commission to discharge its duties under this section.
 .
1063.
Commission on the National Defense Strategy
(a)
Establishment
(1)
In general
There is established as of January 5, 2026, an independent commission in the legislative branch to be known as the  Commission on the National Defense Strategy  (in this section referred to as the  Commission ).
(2)
Purpose
The purpose of the Commission is to examine and make recommendations with respect to the national defense strategy of the United States.
(3)
Scope and duties
In order to provide the fullest understanding of the national defense strategy the Commission shall perform the following duties:
(A)
National defense strategy review
The Commission shall review the most recent national defense strategy of the United States including the assumptions, strategic objectives, priority missions, major investments in defense capabilities, force posture and structure, operational concepts, and strategic and military risks associated with the strategy.
(B)
Assessment
The Commission shall conduct a comprehensive assessment of the strategic environment, including—
(i)
United States interests;
(ii)
the threats to the national security of the United States, including both traditional and non-traditional threats;
(iii)
the size and shape of the force;
(iv)
the readiness of the force;
(v)
the posture, structure, and capabilities of the force;
(vi)
allocation of resources; and
(vii)
the strategic and military risks present in the national defense strategy.
(4)
Commission report and recommendations
(A)
Report
(i)
In general
Not later than one year after the date of establishment of the Commission, the Commission shall transmit to the President and Congress a report containing the review and assessment conducted under paragraph (3), together with any recommendations of the Commission.
(ii)
Contents
The report required by clause (i) shall include the following elements:
(I)
An appraisal of the strategic environment, including an examination of the traditional and non-traditional threats to the United States, and the potential for conflicts arising from such threats and security challenges.
(II)
An evaluation of the strategic objectives of the Department of Defense for near-peer competition in support of the national security interests of the United States.
(III)
A review of the military missions for which the Department of Defense should prepare, including missions that support the interagency and a whole-of-government strategy.
(IV)
An identification of any gaps or redundancies in the roles and missions assigned to the Armed Forces necessary to carry out military missions identified in subclause (III), and the roles and capabilities provided by other Federal agencies and by allies and international partners.
(V)
An assessment of how the national defense strategy leverages other elements of national power across the interagency to counter near-peer competitors.
(VI)
An evaluation of the resources necessary to support the strategy, including budget recommendations.
(VII)
An examination of the efforts by the Department of Defense to develop new and innovative operational concepts to enable the United States to more effectively counter near-peer competitors.
(VIII)
An analysis of the force planning construct, including—
(aa)
the size and shape of the force;
(bb)
the posture, structure, and capabilities of the force;
(cc)
the readiness of the force;
(dd)
infrastructure and organizational adjustments to the force;
(ee)
modifications to personnel requirements, including professional military education; and
(ff)
other elements of the defense program necessary to support the strategy.
(IX)
An assessment of the risks associated with the strategy, including the relationships and tradeoffs between missions, risks, and resources.
(X)
Any other elements the Commission considers appropriate.
(B)
Briefings
(i)
In general
Not later than 180 days after the date of the establishment of the Commission, the Commission shall provide to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a briefing on the status of the review and assessment required by paragraph (3), including a discussion of any interim recommendations.
(ii)
Interim briefings
At the request of the Chair and Ranking Member of the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate, or the Chair and Ranking Member of the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives, the Commission shall provide the requesting Committee with interim briefings in addition to the briefing required by clause (i).
(5)
Powers of Commission
(A)
Hearings
The Commission may hold such hearings, sit and act at such times and places, take such testimony, and receive such evidence as the Commission considers advisable to carry out its duties under this section.
(B)
Information from Federal Agencies
The Commission may secure directly from any Federal department or agency such information as the Commission considers necessary to carry out its duties under this section. Upon request of the Chair of the Commission, the head of such department or agency shall furnish such information to the Commission.
(C)
Use of Postal Service
The Commission may use the United States mails in the same manner and under the same conditions as other departments and agencies of the Federal Government.
(D)
Authority to accept gifts
(i)
In general
The Commission may accept, use, and dispose of gifts or donations of services, goods, and property from non-Federal entities for the purposes of aiding and facilitating the work of the Commission. The authority under this paragraph does not extend to gifts of money.
(ii)
Documentation; conflicts of interest
The Commission shall document gifts accepted under the authority provided by clause (i) and shall avoid conflicts of interest or the appearance of conflicts of interest.
(iii)
Compliance with congressional ethics rules
Except as specifically provided in this section, a member of the Commission shall comply with rules set forth by the Select Committee on Ethics of the Senate and the Committee on Ethics of the House of Representatives governing employees of the Senate and the House of Representatives, respectively.
(6)
Report required
Not later than February 5, 2027, the Commission shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House of Representatives an unclassified report, with classified annexes if necessary, that includes the findings and conclusions of the Commission as a result of the studies required under this section, together with its recommendations for such legislative actions as the Commission considers appropriate in light of the results of the studies.
(b)
Membership
(1)
Composition
The Commission shall be composed of 8 members, of whom—
(A)
one shall be appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives;
(B)
one shall be appointed by the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives;
(C)
one shall be appointed by the Majority Leader of the Senate;
(D)
one shall be appointed by the Minority Leader of the Senate;
(E)
one shall be appointed by the Chairman of the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate;
(F)
one shall be appointed by the Ranking Member of the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate;
(G)
one shall be appointed by the Chairman of the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives; and
(H)
one shall be appointed by the Ranking Member of the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives.
(2)
Chair and Vice Chair
(A)
Chair
The Chair of the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate and the Chair of the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives, with the concurrence of the Majority Leader of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, shall jointly designate 1 member of the Commission to serve as Chair of the Commission.
(B)
Vice Chair
The Ranking Member of the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate and the Ranking Member of the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives, with the concurrence of the Minority Leader of the Senate and the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, shall jointly designate 1 member of the Commission to serve as Vice Chair of the Commission.
(3)
Appointments
(A)
Appointment date
Members shall be appointed to the Commission under paragraph (1) by not later than 30 days after the date of the establishment of the Commission.
(B)
Notifications
Individuals making appointments under paragraph (1) shall provide notice of the appointments to the Secretary of Defense (in this section referred to as the  Secretary ), the Chairman of the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate, and the Chairman of the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives.
(C)
Effect of non-appointment
(i)
In general
If an appointment under this subsection is not made by the date specified under paragraph (3)(A), the authority to make such appointment shall devolve to a member of Congress of the same party and same chamber eligible to appoint under this subsection.
(ii)
Expiration of appointment authority
If an appointment is not made within 60 days of establishment, the authority to make such appointment shall expire.
(D)
Restriction on appointment
Officers or employees of the Federal Government (other than experts or consultants the services of which are procured under section 3109 of title 5, United States Code) may not be appointed as members of the Commission.
(E)
Restriction on Members of Congress
Members of Congress may not serve on the Commission.
(4)
Period of appointment; Vacancies; Removal of Members
(A)
Appointment duration
Members shall be appointed for the life of the Commission.
(B)
Vacancies
Any vacancy in the Commission shall not affect its powers, but shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment.
(C)
Removal of members
A member may be removed from the Commission for cause by the individual serving in the position responsible for the original appointment of such member under subsection (b)(1), provided that notice has first been provided to such member of the cause for removal and voted and agreed upon by three quarters of the members serving. A vacancy created by the removal of a member under this subsection shall not affect the powers of the Commission, and shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment was made.
(5)
Quorum
.A majority of the members serving on the Commission shall constitute a quorum.
(6)
Initial meeting
Not later than 30 days after the date on which all members of the Commission have been appointed as published in the Congressional Record, the Commission shall hold its initial meeting.
(c)
Personnel matters
(1)
Status as federal employees
Notwithstanding the requirements of section 2105 of title 5, United States Code, including the required supervision under subsection (a)(3) of such section, members of the Commission shall be deemed to be Federal employees in the legislative branch subject to all the laws and policies applicable to legislative branch employees.
(2)
Oath of office
Notwithstanding the provision of section 2903(b) of title 5, United States Code, an employee of an Executive Branch agency, otherwise authorized to administer oaths under section 2903 of title 5, United States Code, may administer the oath of office to Commissioners for the purpose of their service to the Commission.
(3)
Security Clearances
The appropriate Federal departments or agencies shall cooperate with the Commission in expeditiously providing to the Commission members and staff appropriate security clearances to the extent possible pursuant to existing procedures and requirements, except that no person may be provided with access to classified information under this Act without the appropriate security clearances.
(4)
Pay for members
Each member of the Commission may be compensated at a rate not to exceed the daily equivalent of the annual rate of basic pay payable for level IV of the Executive Schedule under section 5315 of title 5, United States Code, for each day (including travel time) during which such member is engaged in the performance of the duties of the Commission. All members of the Commission who are officers or employees of the United States shall serve without compensation additional to that received for their services as officers or employees of the United States.
(5)
Staff
(A)
Executive Director
The Chair of the Commission may appoint and fix the rate of basic pay for an Executive Director in accordance with section 3161 of title 5, United States Code.
(B)
Commission Staff
The Executive Director may appoint and fix the rate of basic pay for additional personnel as staff of the Commission in accordance with section 3161 of title 5, United States Code.
(C)
Detailees Authorized
On a reimbursable or non-reimbursable basis, the heads of departments and agencies of the Federal Government may provide, and the Commission may accept personnel detailed from such departments and agencies, including active-duty military personnel.
(D)
Travel expenses
The members and staff of the Commission shall be allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, at rates authorized for employees of agencies under subchapter I of  chapter 57  of title 5, United States Code, while away from their homes or regular places of business in the performance of services for the Commission.
(d)
Support
(1)
Assistance from Department of Defense
(A)
In general
Of the amounts authorized to be appropriated for the Department of Defense for support of the Commission, the Secretary may make transfers to the Commission for Commission expenses, including compensation of Commission members, officers, and employees, and provision of other such services, funds, facilities, and other support services as necessary for the performance of the Commission’s functions. Funds made available to support and provide assistance to the Commission may be used for payment of compensation of members, officers, and employees of the Commission without transfer under this subparagraph. Amounts transferred under this subparagraph shall remain available until expended. Transfer authority provided by this subparagraph is in addition to any other transfer authority provided by law. Section 2215 of title 10, United States Code, shall not apply to a transfer of funds under this subparagraph.
(B)
Treasury Account authorized
The Secretary of the Treasury may establish an account or accounts for the Commission from which any amounts transferred under this clause may be used for activities of the Commission.
(2)
Liaison
The Secretary shall designate at least one officer or employee of the Department of Defense to serve as a liaison officer between the Department and the Commission.
(3)
Additional support
To the extent that funds are available for such purpose, or on a reimbursable basis, the Secretary may, at the request of the Chair of the Commission—
(A)
enter into contracts for the acquisition of administrative supplies and equipment for use by the Commission; and
(B)
make available the services of a Federal funded research and development center or an independent, nongovernmental organization, described under  section 501(c)(3)  of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and exempt from taxation under section 501(a) of such Code.
(4)
Preliminary administrative support authorized
Upon the appointment of the Chair and Vice Chair under subsection (b), the Secretary may provide administrative support authorized under this section necessary to facilitate the standing up of the Commission.
(e)
Termination of Commission
The Commission shall terminate 90 days after the submission of the report required by subsection (a).
1064.
Provision by Air Force of meteorological and environmental services for intelligence community
(a)
In general
The Secretary of the Air Force shall provide meteorological and environmental services for operations of the intelligence community.
(b)
Intelligence community defined
In this section, the term  intelligence community  has the meaning given that term in section 3 of the National Security Act of 1947 ( 50 U.S.C. 3003 ).
1065.
Expansion of Individual Longitudinal Exposure Record
(a)
All exposures
The Secretary of Defense shall expand the Individual Longitudinal Exposure Record (in this section referred to as  ILER ) to document all exposures of members of the Armed Forces, including those that occur within the United States, so it can be available for the Secretary of Veterans Affairs when such members transition to civilian life, including the following:
(1)
All-hazard occupational data.
(2)
Environmental hazards that were known or found later to which the member was exposed, including through conducting any monitoring in the area.
(b)
Medical information
The Secretary of Defense shall expand the ILER to include the following medical information of members of the Armed Forces so it can be available for the Secretary of Veterans Affairs when such members transition to civilian life:
(1)
Medical encounter information relating to exposures (such as diagnosis, treatment, and laboratory data).
(2)
Medical concerns that should be addressed regarding possible exposures.
(c)
Availability to certain professionals
The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that the ILER is available, for purposes of improving internal processes, to the following:
(1)
Health care providers of the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs.
(2)
Epidemiologists and researchers of the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs.
(3)
Disability evaluation and benefits determinations specialists of the Department of Veterans Affairs.
(d)
Inclusion in service records
(1)
In general
The Secretary of Defense shall document in the service records of a member of the Armed Forces whether such member served at a location where there was a potential of toxic exposure.
(2)
Protection of classified information
In carrying out paragraph (1), the Secretary of Defense shall ensure that service at any location that is classified is protected from disclosure.
1066.
Classification of Nevada Test and Training Range as location where contamination occurred and members of the Armed Forces were exposed to toxic substances
(a)
In general
The Secretary of Defense shall classify the Nevada Test and Training Range as a location where contamination occurred.
(b)
Identification process
(1)
In general
The Secretary of the Air Force shall establish a process to identify members of the Armed Forces and former members of the Armed Forces that were stationed at the Nevada Test and Training Range since January 27, 1951.
(2)
Documentation
The Secretary of the Air Force shall establish a process to permit members of the Armed Forces and former members of the Armed Forces to provide documentation or evidence of their assignment within the Nevada Test and Training Range to assist the Secretary in identifying those members and former members under paragraph (1).
(3)
Efforts
The Secretary of the Air Force shall make all efforts to identify individuals described in paragraph (1) and shall not require members of the Armed Forces or former members of the Armed Forces to submit evidence of their stationing.
1067.
Review of and reporting on national security sensitive sites for purposes of reviews of real estate transactions by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States
(a)
List of national security sensitive sites
Section 721(a)(4)(C) of the Defense Production Act of 1950 ( 50 U.S.C. 4565(a)(4)(C) ) is amended by adding at the end the following:
(iii)
List of sites
For purposes of subparagraph (B)(ii), the Committee may prescribe through regulations a list of facilities and property of the United States Government that are sensitive for reasons relating to national security. Such list may include certain facilities and property of the intelligence community and National Laboratories (as defined in section 2 of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 ( 42 U.S.C. 15801 )).
 .
(b)
Review and reports
Section 721(m) of the Defense Production Act of 1950 ( 50 U.S.C. 4565(m)(2) ) is amended—
(1)
in paragraph (2), by adding at the end the following:
(L)
A list of all notices and declarations filed and all reviews or investigations of covered transactions completed during the period relating to facilities and property of the United States Government determined to be sensitive for reasons relating to national security for purposes of subsection (a)(4)(B)(ii).
(M)
A certification that the list of sites identified under subsection (a)(4)(C)(iii) reflects consideration of the recommended updates and revisions submitted under paragraph (4)(B). Upon request from any Member of Congress specified in subsection (b)(3)(C)(iii), the chairperson shall provide a classified briefing to that Member, and staff of the member with appropriate security clearances, regarding the list of sites identified under subsection (a)(4)(C)(iii).
 ;
(2)
by redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph (5); and
(3)
by inserting after paragraph (3) the following:
(4)
Annual review of list of facilities and property
Not later than January 31 of each year, each member of the Committee shall—
(A)
review the facilities and property of the agency represented by that member that are on the list prescribed under subparagraph (C)(iii) of subsection (a)(4) of facilities and property that are sensitive for reasons relating to national security for purposes of subparagraph (B)(ii) of that subsection; and
(B)
submit to the chairperson a report on that review, after approval of the report by an Assistant Secretary or equivalent official of the agency, which shall include any recommended updates or revisions to the list regarding facilities and property administered by the member of the Committee.
 .
1068.
Eligibility of spouses for services under the disabled veterans’ outreach program
Section 4103A of title 38, United States Code, is amended—
(1)
in subsection (a)—
(A)
in paragraph (1)—
(i)
in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by inserting  and eligible persons  after  eligible veterans ; and
(ii)
in subparagraph (C), by inserting  , and eligible persons,  after  Other eligible veterans ;
(B)
in paragraph (2), by inserting  and eligible persons  after  veterans  each place it appears; and
(C)
in paragraph (3)—
(i)
by inserting  or eligible person  after  veteran  each place it appears; and
(ii)
by inserting  or eligible person’s  after  veteran’s ;
(2)
in subsection (d)(1)—
(A)
by inserting  and eligible persons  after  eligible veterans  each place it appears; and
(B)
by striking  non-veteran-related ; and
(3)
by adding at the end the following new subsection:
(e)
Eligible person defined
In this section, the term  eligible person  means—
(1)
any spouse described in section 4101(5) of this title; or
(2)
the spouse of any person who died while a member of the Armed Forces.
 .
1069.
 Authority of Marshal of the Supreme Court and Supreme Court Police
Section 6121(a)(2) of title 40, United States Code, is amended by striking subparagraph (C) and inserting the following:
(C)
if the Marshal determines such protection is necessary—
(i)
any retired or former Chief Justice or Associate Justice of the Supreme Court; or
(ii)
any member of the immediate family of the Chief Justice, any Associate Justice, any retired or former Chief Justice or Associate Justice, or any officer of the Supreme Court.
 .
1070.
Second Chance Act Reauthorization
(a)
State and local reentry demonstration projects
Section 2976 of title I of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 ( 34 U.S.C. 10631 ) is amended—
(1)
in subsection (b)—
(A)
in paragraph (7), by striking  and  at the end;
(B)
in paragraph (8), by striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon; and
(C)
by adding at the end the following:
(9)
treating substance use disorders, including by providing peer recovery services, case management, and access to overdose education and overdose reversal medications; and
(10)
providing reentry housing services.
 ; and
(2)
in subsection (o)(1), by striking  2019 through 2023  and inserting  2026 through 2030 .
(b)
Grants for family-based substance abuse treatment
Section 2926(a) of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 ( 34 U.S.C. 10595a(a) ) is amended by striking  2019 through 2023  and inserting  2026 through 2030 .
(c)
Grant program to evaluate and improve educational methods at prisons, jails, and juvenile facilities
Section 1001(a)(28) of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 ( 34 U.S.C. 10261(a)(28) ) is amended by striking  2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023  and inserting  2026 through 2030 .
(d)
Careers training demonstration grants
Section 115(f) of the Second Chance Act of 2007 ( 34 U.S.C. 60511(f) ) is amended by striking  2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023  and inserting  2026 through 2030 .
(e)
Offender reentry substance abuse and criminal justice collaboration program
Section 201(f)(1) of the Second Chance Act of 2007 ( 34 U.S.C. 60521(f)(1) ) is amended by striking  2019 through 2023  and inserting  2026 through 2030 .
(f)
Community-based mentoring and transitional service grants to nonprofit organizations
Section 211(f) of the Second Chance Act of 2007 ( 34 U.S.C. 60531(f) ) is amended by striking  2019 through 2023  and inserting  2026 through 2030 .
1071.
Application of leave provisions for members of the Armed Forces to members of the Public Health Service
(a)
In general
Section 221(a) of the Public Health Service Act ( 42 U.S.C. 213a(a) ) is amended by adding at the end the following:
(22)
Chapter 40, Leave.
 .
(b)
Conforming repeal
Section 219 of the Public Health Service Act ( 42 U.S.C. 210–1 ) is repealed.
1072.
Study of national security risks posed by certain routers and modems
(a)
In general
The Secretary shall conduct a study of the national security risks and cybersecurity vulnerabilities posed by consumer routers, modems, and devices that combine a modem and router that are designed, developed, manufactured, or supplied by persons owned by, controlled by, or subject to the influence of a covered country.
(b)
Report to Congress
Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report on the results of the study conducted under subsection (a).
(c)
Definitions
In this section:
(1)
Covered country
The term  covered country  means a country specified in section 4872(f)(2) of title 10, United States Code.
(2)
Secretary
The term  Secretary  means the Secretary of Commerce, in consultation with the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information.
1073.
Fairness in issuance of tactical equipment to Diplomatic Security Service personnel
(a)
In general
In any instance when the Diplomatic Security Service of the Department of State issues tactical gear to Special Agents, uniform division officers, or personal service contractors, the Service must, whenever such products are commercially available, provide both men’s and women’s sizing options.
(b)
Tactical equipment defined
In this section, the term  tactical equipment  includes, among other items, ballistic plates, ballistic plate carriers, helmets, media jackets, tactical pants, and gloves.
1074.
Commercial Space Activity Advisory Committee
(a)
Establishment
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall establish a Commercial Space Activity Advisory Committee (in this section referred to as the  Committee ).
(b)
Membership
(1)
In general
The Committee shall be composed of 15 members appointed by the Secretary.
(2)
Qualifications
(A)
In general
The Committee shall be composed of representatives from a variety of space policy, engineering, technical, science, legal, academic, and finance fields who have significant experience in the commercial space industry, which may include previous Government experience.
(B)
Limitation
(i)
In general
Except as provided in clause (ii), the Secretary may not appoint as a member of the Committee any employee or official of the Federal Government.
(ii)
Exception
The Secretary may appoint as a member of the Committee a special government employee (as defined in section 202(a) of title 18, United States Code) who serves on 1 or more other Federal advisory committees.
(3)
Term
Each individual appointed as a member of the Committee—
(A)
shall be appointed for a term of not more than 4 years; and
(B)
during the 2-year period beginning on the date on which such term ends, may not serve as a member of the Committee.
(c)
Duties
The duties of the Committee shall be—
(1)
to advise on the status and recent developments of nongovernmental space activities;
(2)
to provide to the Secretary and Congress recommendations on the manner in which the United States may facilitate and promote a safe, sustainable, robust, competitive, and innovative commercial sector that is investing in, developing, and conducting space activities within the jurisdiction of the Department of Commerce, including through the development and implementation of any regulatory framework applicable to the commercial space industry.
(3)
to identify, and provide recommendations in response to, any challenge faced by the United States commercial sector relating to—
(A)
the application of international obligations of the United States relevant to commercial space sector activities in outer space;
(B)
export controls that affect the commercial space sector;
(C)
harmful interference with commercial space sector activities in outer space; and
(D)
access to adequate, predictable, and reliable radio frequency spectrum;
(4)
to review existing best practices for United States entities to avoid—
(A)
the harmful contamination of the Moon and other celestial bodies; and
(B)
adverse changes in the environment of the Earth resulting from the introduction of extraterrestrial matter; and
(5)
to provide information, advice, and recommendations on matters relating to—
(A)
United States commercial space sector activities in outer space; and
(B)
other commercial space sector activities, as the Committee considers necessary.
(d)
Termination
The Committee shall terminate on the date that is 10 years after the date on which the Committee is established.
(e)
Definitions
In this section:
(1)
Secretary
The term  Secretary  means the Secretary of Commerce, acting through the Office of Space Commerce.
(2)
State
The term  State  means each of the several States of the United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and any other commonwealth, territory, or possession of the United States.
(3)
United States entity
The term  United States entity  means—
(A)
an individual who is a national of the United States (as defined in section 101(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act ( 8 U.S.C. 1101(a) )); and
(B)
a nongovernmental entity organized or existing under, and subject to, the laws of the United States or a State.
1075.
Review and prohibitions by Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States of certain transactions relating to agriculture
(a)
In general
Section 721 of the Defense Production Act of 1950 ( 50 U.S.C. 4565 ) is amended—
(1)
in subsection (a), by adding at the end the following:
(14)
Agriculture
The term  agriculture  has the meaning given that term in section 3 of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 ( 29 U.S.C. 203 ).
 ;
(2)
in subsection (b)(1), by adding at the end the following:
(I)
Consideration of certain agricultural land transactions
(i)
In general
Not later than 30 days after receiving notification from the Secretary of Agriculture of a reportable agricultural land transaction, the Committee shall determine—
(I)
whether the transaction is a covered transaction; and
(II)
if the Committee determines that the transaction is a covered transaction, whether to—
(aa)
request the submission of a notice under clause (i) of subparagraph (C) or a declaration under clause (v) of such subparagraph pursuant to the process established under subparagraph (H); or
(bb)
initiate a review pursuant to subparagraph (D).
(ii)
Reportable agricultural land transaction defined
In this subparagraph, the term  reportable agricultural land transaction  means a transaction—
(I)
that the Secretary of Agriculture has reason to believe is a covered transaction;
(II)
that involves the acquisition of an interest in agricultural land by a foreign person, other than an excepted investor or an excepted real estate investor, as such terms are defined in regulations prescribed by the Committee; and
(III)
with respect to which a person is required to submit a report to the Secretary of Agriculture under section 2(a) of the Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act of 1978 ( 7 U.S.C. 3501(a) ).
(iii)
Rule of construction
Nothing in this subparagraph shall be construed to apply to the acquisition of an interest in agricultural land by a United States citizen or an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence to the United States.
 ;
(3)
in subsection (k)(2)—
(A)
by redesignating subparagraphs (H), (I), and (J) as subparagraphs (I), (J), and (K), respectively; and
(B)
by inserting after subparagraph (G) the following:
(H)
The Secretary of Agriculture, with respect to any covered transaction related to the purchase of agricultural land or agricultural biotechnology or otherwise related to the agriculture industry in the United States.
 ; and
(4)
by adding at the end the following:
(r)
Prohibitions relating to purchases of agricultural land and agricultural businesses
(1)
In general
If the Committee, in conducting a review under this section, determines that a transaction described in clause (i), (ii), or (iv) of subsection (a)(4)(B) would result in the purchase or lease by a covered foreign person of real estate described in paragraph (2) or would result in control by a covered foreign person of a United States business engaged in agriculture, the President shall prohibit the transaction unless a party to the transaction voluntarily chooses to abandon the transaction.
(2)
Real estate described
Subject to regulations prescribed by the Committee, real estate described in this paragraph is agricultural land (as defined in section 9 of the Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act of 1978 ( 7 U.S.C. 3508 )) in the United States that is in close proximity (subject to subsection (a)(4)(C)(ii)) to a United States military installation or another facility or property of the United States Government that is—
(A)
sensitive for reasons relating to national security for purposes of subsection (a)(4)(B)(ii)(II)(bb); and
(B)
identified in regulations prescribed by the Committee.
(3)
Waiver
The President may waive, on a case-by-case basis, the requirement to prohibit a transaction under paragraph (1) after the President determines and reports to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Financial Services of the House of Representatives that the waiver is in the national interest of the United States.
(4)
Covered foreign person defined
(A)
In general
In this subsection, subject to regulations prescribed by the Committee, the term  covered foreign person —
(i)
means any foreign person (including a foreign entity) that acts as an agent, representative, or employee of, or acts at the direction or control of, the government of a covered country; and
(ii)
does not include a United States citizen or an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence to the United States.
(B)
Covered country defined
For purposes of subparagraph (A), the term  covered country  means any of the following countries, if the country is determined to be a foreign adversary pursuant to section 791.4 of title 15, Code of Federal Regulations (or a successor regulation):
(i)
The People’s Republic of China.
(ii)
The Russian Federation.
(iii)
The Islamic Republic of Iran.
(iv)
The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.
 .
(b)
Spending plans
Not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, each department or agency represented on the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States shall submit to the chairperson of the Committee a copy of the most recent spending plan required under section 1721(b) of the Foreign Investment Risk Review Modernization Act of 2018 ( 50 U.S.C. 4565  note).
(c)
Regulations
(1)
In general
The President shall direct, subject to section 553 of title 5, United States Code, the issuance of regulations to carry out the amendments made by this section.
(2)
Effective date
The regulations prescribed under paragraph (1) shall take effect not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act.
(d)
Effective date; applicability
The amendments made by this section shall—
(1)
take effect on the date that is 30 days after the effective date of the regulations under subsection (c)(2); and
(2)
apply with respect to a covered transaction (as defined in section 721 of the Defense Production Act of 1950 ( 50 U.S.C. 4565 )) that is proposed, pending, or completed on or after the date described in paragraph (1).
1076.
Finding opportunities for resource exploration
(a)
Sense of Congress
It is the sense of Congress that the United States should prioritize, to the greatest extent practicable, the onshoring of critical mineral processing.
(b)
Definitions
In this section:
(1)
Allied foreign country
The term  allied foreign country  means a member country of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization or a country that has been designated as a major non-NATO ally under section 517 of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 ( 22 U.S.C. 2321k ).
(2)
Critical mineral
The term  critical mineral  has the meaning given the term in section 7002(a) of the Energy Act of 2020 ( 30 U.S.C. 1606(a) ).
(3)
Institution of higher education
The term  institution of higher education  has the meaning given the term in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 1001 ).
(4)
Partner foreign country
The term  partner foreign country  means a country that is a source of a critical mineral or rare earth element.
(5)
Rare earth element
The term  rare earth element  means cerium, dysprosium, erbium, europium, gadolinium, holmium, lanthanum, lutetium, neodymium, praseodymium, promethium, samarium, scandium, terbium, thulium, ytterbium, or yttrium.
(6)
Secretary
The term  Secretary  means the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Director of the United States Geological Survey.
(c)
Memorandum of understanding with respect to the mapping of critical minerals and rare earth elements
(1)
Memorandum of understanding
The Secretary may enter into a memorandum of understanding with 1 or more heads of agencies of partner foreign countries with respect to scientific and technical cooperation in the mapping of critical minerals and rare earth elements.
(2)
Objectives
In negotiating a memorandum of understanding under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall seek to increase the security and resilience of international supply chains, to the maximum extent practicable, for critical minerals and rare earth elements by—
(A)
committing to assisting the partner foreign country through cooperative activities described in paragraph (3) that help the partner foreign country map reserves of critical minerals and rare earth elements; and
(B)
ensuring that mapping data created through the cooperative activities described in paragraph (3) is protected against unauthorized access by, or disclosure to, governmental or private entities based in countries that are not—
(i)
a party to the memorandum of understanding; or
(ii)
an allied foreign country.
(3)
Cooperative activities
The cooperative activities referred to in paragraphs (2) and (5)(A)(ii) include—
(A)
acquisition, compilation, analysis, and interpretation of geologic, geophysical, geochemical, and spectroscopic remote sensing data;
(B)
prospectivity mapping and mineral resource assessment;
(C)
analysis of geoscience data, including developing derivative map products that can help more effectively evaluate the mineral resources of the partner foreign country;
(D)
scientific collaboration to enhance the understanding and management of the natural resources of the partner foreign country to contribute to the sustainable development of the mineral resources sector of that partner foreign country;
(E)
training and capacity building in each area described in subparagraphs (A) through (D);
(F)
facilitation of education and specialized training in geoscience and mineral resource management at institutions of higher education;
(G)
training in relevant international standards for relevant officials of the government and private companies of the partner foreign country; and
(H)
cooperation among entities of the partner foreign country that are a party to the memorandum of understanding and entities in the United States, including Federal departments and agencies, institutions of higher education, research centers, and private companies.
(4)
Notification and report to Congress
(A)
Definition of appropriate committees of Congress
In this paragraph, the term  appropriate committees of Congress  means—
(i)
the Committees on Energy and Natural Resources, Foreign Relations, and Appropriations of the Senate; and
(ii)
the Committees on Natural Resources, Foreign Affairs, and Appropriations of the House of Representatives.
(B)
Notification and report
Not later than 30 days before the Secretary intends to enter into a memorandum of understanding under paragraph (1), the Secretary and the Secretary of State shall jointly—
(i)
notify the appropriate committees of Congress; and
(ii)
submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report detailing the implementing partners, scope of the memorandum of understanding, activities to be undertaken, estimated costs, and source of funding.
(5)
Secretary of State
(A)
Authority
For purposes of negotiating and implementing the memorandum of understanding under paragraph (1), the Secretary of State shall be responsible for matters relating to—
(i)
ensuring that private companies headquartered in the United States or an allied foreign country are offered the right of first refusal in the further development of critical minerals and rare earth elements in the partner foreign country; and
(ii)
facilitating private-sector investment in the exploration and development of critical minerals and rare earth elements.
(B)
Concurrence
The Secretary shall obtain the concurrence of the Secretary of State in—
(i)
prioritizing and selecting partner foreign countries with which to enter into a memorandum of understanding under paragraph (1);
(ii)
negotiating a memorandum of understanding under paragraph (1);
(iii)
implementing a memorandum of understanding entered into under paragraph (1); and
(iv)
carrying out paragraphs (4) and (6).
(6)
Consultation with private sector
The Secretary shall consult with relevant private sector actors, as the Secretary determines to be appropriate, in—
(A)
prioritizing and selecting partner foreign countries with which to enter into a memorandum of understanding under paragraph (1); and
(B)
assessing how a memorandum of understanding can best facilitate private sector interest in pursuing the further development of critical minerals and rare earth elements in accordance with the objectives described in paragraph (2).
(d)
Savings clause
Nothing in this section impedes or otherwise alters any authority of the Director of the United States Geological Survey provided by—
(1)
the matter under the heading
GEOLOGICAL SURVEY   of the first section of the Act of March 3, 1879 ( 43 U.S.C. 31(a) ); or
(2)
the first section of  Public Law 87–626  ( 43 U.S.C. 31(b) ).
1077.
Requirement to provide certain services to veterans in the Freely Associated States
(a)
Telehealth and mail order pharmacy benefits
Section 1724(f)(1) of title 38, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:
(C)
Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of the  National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 , the Secretary shall furnish to veterans described in subparagraph (A), subject to agreements described in such subparagraph, telehealth benefits and mail order pharmacy benefits.
 .
(b)
Beneficiary travel
Section 111(h)(1) of such title is amended by striking  the Secretary may make payments  and inserting  beginning not later than one year after the date of the enactment of the  National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 , the Secretary shall make payments .
(c)
Quarterly report
(1)
In general
Not less frequently than quarterly, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report on the status of implementation of the amendments made by this section and the cost of such implementation.
(2)
Appropriate committees of Congress defined
In this subsection, the term  appropriate committees of Congress  means—
(A)
the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs and the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate; and
(B)
the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs and the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives.
(d)
Extension of certain limits on payments of pension
Section 5503(d)(7) of title 38, United States Code, is amended by striking  November 30, 2031  and inserting  April 30, 2032 .
1078.
Protecting covered information in public records
(a)
Definitions
In this section:
(1)
Applicable legislative officers
The term  applicable legislative officers  means—
(A)
with respect to a Member of the Senate or a designated Senate employee, the Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper of the Senate and the Secretary of the Senate, acting jointly; and
(B)
with respect to a Member of, or Delegate or Resident Commissioner to, the House of Representatives or a designated House employee, the Sergeant at Arms of the House of Representatives and the Chief Administrative Officer of the House of Representatives, acting jointly.
(2)
At-risk individual
The term  at-risk individual  means—
(A)
a Member of Congress;
(B)
any individual who is the spouse, parent, sibling, or child of an individual described in subparagraph (A);
(C)
any individual to whom an individual described in subparagraph (A) stands in loco parentis;
(D)
any other individual living in the household of an individual described in subparagraph (A);
(E)
any designated Senate employee;
(F)
any designated House employee; or
(G)
a former Member of Congress.
(3)
Candidate
The term  candidate  has the meaning given the term in section 301 of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 ( 52 U.S.C. 30101 ).
(4)
Covered employee
The term  covered employee  has the same meaning given such term in section 101 of the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 ( 2 U.S.C. 1301 ).
(5)
Covered information
The term  covered information —
(A)
means—
(i)
a home address, including a primary residence or secondary residences;
(ii)
a home or personal mobile telephone number;
(iii)
a personal email address;
(iv)
a social security number or driver’s license number;
(v)
a bank account or credit or debit card number;
(vi)
a license plate number or other unique identifier of a vehicle owned, leased, or regularly used by an at-risk individual;
(vii)
the identification of a child, who is under 18 years of age, of an at-risk individual;
(viii)
information regarding current or future school or day care attendance, including the name or addresses of the school or day care;
(ix)
information regarding schedules of school or day care attendance or routes taken to or from the school or day care by an at-risk individual;
(x)
information regarding routes taken to or from an employment location by an at-risk individual; or
(xi)
precise geolocation data that is not anonymized and can identify the location of a device of an at-risk individual; and
(B)
does not include information described in subparagraph (A) that is contained in—
(i)
any report or other record required to be filed with the Federal Election Commission; or
(ii)
any report or other record otherwise required under Federal or State law to be filed—
(I)
by an individual to qualify as a candidate for the office of Member of Congress; or
(II)
by any candidate for the office of Member of Congress.
(6)
Data broker
(A)
In general
The term  data broker  means a commercial entity engaged in collecting, assembling, or maintaining personal information concerning an individual who is not a customer, client, or an employee of that entity in order to sell the information or otherwise profit from providing third-party access to the information.
(B)
Exclusion
The term  data broker  does not include a commercial entity engaged in the following activities:
(i)
Engaging in reporting, news-gathering, speaking, or other activities intended to inform the public on matters of public interest or public concern.
(ii)
Providing 411 directory assistance or directory information services, including name, address, and telephone number, on behalf of or as a function of a telecommunications carrier.
(iii)
Using personal information internally, providing access to businesses under common ownership or affiliated by corporate control, or selling or providing data for a transaction or service requested by or concerning the individual whose personal information is being transferred.
(iv)
Providing publicly available information via real-time or near-real-time alert services for health or safety purposes.
(v)
A consumer reporting agency, only while engaging in activity subject to the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( 15 U.S.C. 1681 et seq. ).
(vi)
A financial institution subject to the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act ( Public Law 106–102 ) and regulations implementing that Act.
(vii)
A covered entity for purposes of the privacy regulations promulgated under section 264(c) of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 ( 42 U.S.C. 1320d–2  note).
(viii)
The collection and sale or licensing of covered information incidental to conducting the activities described in clauses (i) through (vii).
(7)
Designated House employee
The term  designated House employee  means—
(A)
a covered employee designated in writing by—
(i)
a Member of, or Delegate or Resident Commissioner to, the House of Representatives; or
(ii)
an officer of the House of Representatives; or
(B)
an officer of the House of Representatives.
(8)
Designated Senate employee
The term  designated Senate employee  means—
(A)
a covered employee designated in writing by—
(i)
a Member of the Senate; or
(ii)
an officer of the Senate; or
(B)
an officer of the Senate.
(9)
Government agency
The term  Government agency  includes—
(A)
an Executive agency, as defined in section 105 of title 5, United States Code; and
(B)
any agency in the judicial branch or legislative branch.
(10)
Immediate family member
The term  immediate family member  means an at-risk individual—
(A)
who is the spouse, parent, sibling, or child of another at-risk individual;
(B)
to whom another at-risk individual stands in loco parentis; or
(C)
living in the household of another at-risk individual.
(11)
Member of Congress
The term  Member of Congress  means—
(A)
a Member of the Senate; or
(B)
a Member of, or Delegate or Resident Commissioner to, the House of Representatives.
(12)
Transfer
The term  transfer  means to sell, license, trade, or exchange for consideration the covered information of an at-risk individual.
(b)
Government agencies
(1)
In general
Each at-risk individual may—
(A)
file written notice of the status of the individual as an at-risk individual, for themselves and their immediate family members, with each Government agency that includes information necessary to ensure compliance with this section, as determined by the applicable legislative officers; and
(B)
request that each Government agency described in subparagraph (A) mark as private their covered information and that of their immediate family members.
(2)
No public posting
(A)
In general
Government agencies shall not publicly post or display publicly available content that includes covered information of an at-risk individual.
(B)
Deadline
Upon receipt of a request by an at-risk individual under paragraph (1)(B), a Government agency shall remove the covered information of the at-risk individual, and any immediate family member on whose behalf the at-risk individual submitted the request, from publicly available content not later than 72 hours after such receipt.
(3)
Exceptions
Nothing in this section shall prohibit a Government agency from providing access to records containing the covered information of an at-risk individual to a third party if the third party—
(A)
possesses a signed release from the at-risk individual or a court order;
(B)
is subject to the requirements of title V of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act ( 15 U.S.C. 6801 et seq. ); or
(C)
executes a confidentiality agreement with the Government agency.
(c)
Delegation of authority
(1)
In general
An at-risk individual may directly, or through an agent designated by the at-risk individual, make any notice or request required or authorized by this section on behalf of the at-risk individual. The notice or request shall include information necessary to ensure compliance with this section.
(2)
Authorization of legislative officers and employees to make requests
(A)
Legislative officers
Upon written request of a Member of Congress, designated Senate employee, or designated House employee, the applicable legislative officers are authorized to make any notice or request required or authorized by this section on behalf of the Member of Congress, designated Senate employee, or designated House employee, respectively. The notice or request shall include information necessary to ensure compliance with this section, as determined by the applicable legislative officers. Any notice or request made under this subparagraph shall be deemed to have been made by the Member of Congress, designated Senate employee, or designated House employee, as applicable, and comply with the notice and request requirements of this section.
(B)
List
(i)
In general
In lieu of individual notices or requests, the applicable legislative officers may provide Government agencies, data brokers, persons, businesses, or associations with a list of—
(I)
Members of Congress, designated Senate employees, and designated House employees making a written request described in subparagraph (A); and
(II)
immediate family members of the Members of Congress, designated Senate employees, and designated House employees on whose behalf the written request was made.
(ii)
Contents
A list provided under clause (i) shall include information necessary to ensure compliance with this section, as determined by the applicable legislative officers for the purpose of maintaining compliance with this section.
(iii)
Compliance with notice and request requirement
A list provided under clause (i) shall be deemed to comply with individual notice and request requirements of this section.
(d)
Data brokers and other businesses
(1)
Prohibitions
(A)
Data brokers
It shall be unlawful for a data broker to knowingly sell, license, trade for consideration, or purchase covered information of an at-risk individual.
(B)
Other businesses
(i)
In general
Except as provided in clause (ii), no person, business, or association shall publicly post or publicly display on the internet covered information of an at-risk individual if the at-risk individual, or an immediate family member on behalf of the at-risk individual, has made a written request to that person, business, or association to not disclose the covered information of the at-risk individual.
(ii)
Exceptions
Clause (i) shall not apply to—
(I)
the display on the internet of the covered information of an at-risk individual if the information is relevant to and displayed as part of a news story, commentary, editorial, or other speech on a matter of public concern;
(II)
covered information that the at-risk individual voluntarily publishes on the internet after the date of enactment of this Act; or
(III)
covered information lawfully received from a Federal Government source (or from an employee or agent of the Federal Government).
(2)
Required conduct
(A)
In general
After receiving a written request under paragraph (1)(B)(i), the person, business, or association shall—
(i)
remove within 72 hours the covered information from the internet and ensure that the information is not made available on any website or subsidiary website controlled by that person, business, or association; and
(ii)
ensure that the covered inform