National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026

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.

The table of contents for this Act is as follows:

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.

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,.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The ships authorized to be procured under paragraph (1) may be procured as additions to existing contracts covering the Medium Landing Ship program.

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.

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.

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.

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):

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.

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.

The Secretary of the Navy shall implement the plan required by paragraph (1) by not later than September 30, 2027.

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:

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.

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.

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.

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.

In this section:

The term covered program means a program for—

(A) medium unmanned surface vessels; or

(B) large unmanned surface vessels.

The term operational demonstration means a land-based or sea-based test of the systems concerned in vessel-representative form, fit, and function.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

In this section, the term amphibious warfare ship has the meaning given that term in section 8062(h) of title 10, United States Code.

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.

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.

The matrices described in this subsection are the following:

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

Section 238 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 (Public Law 114–328; 130 Stat. 2067) is repealed.

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.

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.

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.

The roadmap required by subsection (a) shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may include a classified annex.

Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the 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.

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.

The roadmap required by subsection (a) shall be submitted in unclassified form, but shall include a classified annex.

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):

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.

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.

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.

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).

The report required under paragraph (1) shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may contain a classified annex.

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.

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.

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.

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.

In this section:

The term A–10 aircraft means any aircraft of the Air Force designated A–10 Thunderbolt II.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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)).

Chapter 305 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section:

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.

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.

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.

(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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

Beginning on January 1, 2027, a covered institution may not enter into a contract with a covered nation or a foreign entity of concern.

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).

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

In this section:

(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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

In this section:

The term information environment means the aggregate of individuals, organizations, and systems that collect, process, and disseminate, or act on information.

The term Secretary means the Secretary of Defense.

This section shall terminate on September 30, 2028.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Evaluation under subparagraph (A) shall be based on performance rather than specifications.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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..

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.

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):

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

(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.

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).

(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.

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.

(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).

(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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The program established pursuant to subsection (a) shall be known as the Catalyst Pathfinder Program (in this section the Program).

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

The Program shall be treated as a research, development, test, and evaluation activity in the Army’s input to the Future Year Defense Program.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

The office established pursuant to subsection (a) shall terminate on September 30, 2035.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The report submitted pursuant to paragraph (1) shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may include a classified annex.

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.

The final briefing provided pursuant to paragraph (1) shall be provided during the 60-day period ending on November 1, 2031.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.).

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.

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.

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.

The Secretary of Defense may not use open-air burn pits for the disposal of illicit contraband, classified military equipment, or hazardous waste materials.

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:

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

Section 343 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (Public Law 117–81; 10 U.S.C. 2701 note) is repealed.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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)).

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).

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.

In this section:

The term covered facility means a facility subject to section 2701(c) of title 10, United States Code.

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.).

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.

The Secretary of the Navy shall designate type commanders as the primary authorities for surface ship maintenance.

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.

The Secretary of the Navy shall ensure that regional maintenance centers act in a supporting role under the direction of type commanders.

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.

Contracting officers shall support the decisions described in subparagraph (A)(i) by managing funds and contracts.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

In this section:

The term port engineer means the technical expert on a ship’s condition who advises on repairs and standards.

The term project manager means the individual responsible for overseeing a ship’s maintenance period.

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.

The term ship commanding officer means the commanding officer of a Navy surface ship undergoing maintenance.

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.

This section shall terminate on January 1, 2031.

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.

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.

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).

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.

A proposal submitted pursuant to the process established under paragraph (1) shall demonstrate potential to improve maintenance efficiency, safety, or cost-effectiveness.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The report required under paragraph (1) may be submitted in classified form, but if so, shall include an unclassified executive summary.

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).

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Each report under this subsection shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may include a classified annex.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

In this section:

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.

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.

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.

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).

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).

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

The pilot program shall be conducted for a period of five years.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

In this section:

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.

The term non-public partner means a corporation, individual, university, or nonprofit organization that is not part of the United States Government.

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.

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,.

Chapter 160 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section:

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).

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.

The table of sections at the beginning of such chapter is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 2716 the following:

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.

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.

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.

The Secretary shall update the dashboard required under paragraph (1) not less frequently than semiannually.

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).

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).

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.

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.

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.

In this section:

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The authority to carry out the pilot program under subsection (a) shall terminate on the date that is three years after the date of the enactment of this Act.

Not later than 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.

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.

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).

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:

(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;

(C) ; 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

(iv) ; 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:

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:

(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:

This section shall terminate on December 31, 2030.

(10) ; 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

(III) ; 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The authorization of appropriations in the subsection (a) supersedes any other authorization of appropriations (definite or indefinite) for such purpose for fiscal year 2026.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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:

(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.

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

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

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.

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.

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..

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.

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).

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.

(C) ; 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.

Chapter 2003 of such title is amended by adding at the end the following new section:

The authorized strength of general officers in the Space Force serving in a Space Force active status but not on sustained duty is five.

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.

A Space Force general officer may not be reduced in permanent grade because of a reduction in the number authorized under subsection (a).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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:

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.

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.).

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.

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.

Section 710 of title 32, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:

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.

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:

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.

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.

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.

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..

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:

An academy cadet or midshipman diagnosed with a medical condition is allowed convalescent leave under section 701(m) of this title.

(2) ; and

(3) in subsection (d), as redesignated by paragraph (1), by striking Sections 701 and inserting Except as provided under subsection (c), sections 701.

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.

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.

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.

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.).

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.

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.

Each report shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may contain a classified annex if necessary.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Chapter 751 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 7406 the following new section:

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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).

(C) ; and

(2) by amending subsection (d) to read as follows:

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.

Such section is further amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:

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.

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.

Such section is further amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:

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).

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.

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.

The Service Academies may not consider race, sex, color, ethnicity, national origin, or religion in admissions decisions.

In this section, the term Service Academy has the meaning given the term in section 347 of title 10, United States Code.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

In this subsection, the term local educational agency has the meaning given that term in section 7013(9) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7713(9)).

Of the amount authorized to be appropriated for fiscal year 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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

In this section:

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).

The term military child development center has the meaning given that term in section 1800 of title 10, United States Code.

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.

A counselor who has received training under paragraph (1) shall be known as a foster care liaison.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Secretary may prescribe such regulations as are necessary to carry out this section.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The authority provided by subsection (a) terminates on the date that is five years after the date of the enactment of this Act.

In this section, the term Secretary concerned has the meaning given that term in section 101 of title 10, United States Code.

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:

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.

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.

Chapter 1 of title 36, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section:

The last full week of September is the National Week of Military Recruitment.

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.

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:

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:

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.

(1) ; 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.

(B) ; and

(C) in paragraph (5), as so redesignated, by striking prepatory and inserting preparatory.

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).

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.

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.

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):

(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.

(A) ; 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).

Chapter 19 of title 37, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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:

In making

(A) ; and

(B) by adding at the end the following new subparagraphs:

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.

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.

(B) ; and

(2) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

In this section, the term Secretary concerned has the meaning given that term in section 101 of title 10, United States Code.

Section 638a(a)(2) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking December 31, 2025 and inserting December 31, 2030.

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.

Section 1175a(k)(1) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking December 31, 2025 and inserting December 31, 2030.

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.

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.

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).

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.

The Secretary of Defense shall designate Creech Air Force Base, Indian Springs, Nevada, as a remote or isolated installation.

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.

(1) ; 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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Secretary shall prescribe regulations to implement this section, including the designation of eligible overseas duty locations and specified destinations.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Secretary of Defense may waive the prohibition under paragraph (1).

Section 2484 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:

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.

The Secretary of Defense may waive the prohibition under paragraph (1).

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

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Chapter 55 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 1074o the following new section:

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.

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.

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.

Chapter 55 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section:

The Secretary of Defense shall establish a program on the coordination of fertility-related care by the Secretary for purposes of ensuring patients receive timely fertility-related care.

In carrying out the program established under subsection (a), the Secretary shall provide to community health care providers training and support with respect to the unique needs of members of the uniformed services and the dependents of such members.

In this section, the term fertility-related care has the meaning given that term in section 1074p(c) of this title.

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.

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.

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.

The amendments made by this section shall apply with respect to services provided on or after October 1, 2027.

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.

Chapter 55 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 1093 the following new section:

Funds available to the Department of Defense may not be used to perform or facilitate sex change surgeries.

No military medical treatment facility or other facility of the Department of Defense may be used to perform or facilitate a sex change surgery.

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:

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:

(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).

Section 1091a(b)(2) of such title is amended by striking section 1073c(i) and inserting section 1073c(k).

The Secretary of Defense shall establish policies for the priority assignment of medical personnel of the Department of Defense.

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.

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).

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.

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.

The purpose of the demonstration program under subsection (a) is to increase case volume for graduate medical education programs of the Department of Defense.

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.

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.

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.

This section shall terminate on September 30, 2032.

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:

(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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

In this section:

The term medic means a member of the Armed Forces acting in a clinical health care-related occupation while serving in the Armed Forces.

The term 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.

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.

The term State means each of the several States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, or the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands that have a Defense-State Liaison Office.

The term Transition Assistance Program means the program of the Department of Defense for pre-separation counseling, employment assistance, and other transitional services provided under sections 1142 and 1144 of title 10, United States Code.

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.

Average accuracy under subsection (a) shall be measured biannually and shall be disaggregated by provider type for each specialty care provider group.

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.

The Director shall carry out any other methods that the Director finds useful for the improvement of provider directory accuracy.

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.

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).

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.

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).

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

The pilot program shall be carried out during a two-year period beginning on the date of the commencement of the pilot program.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Section 5503(d)(7) of title 38, United States Code, is amended by striking November 30, 2031 and inserting April 30, 2032.

In this section:

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.

The term community care program means the Veterans Community Care Program under section 1703 of title 38, United States Code.

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).

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.

The term veteran has the meaning given that term in section 101 of title 38, United States Code.

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:

(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).

(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.

(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.

(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.

(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).

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.

Section 1731(a)(1)(B)(i) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking Program executive officer and inserting Portfolio acquisition executive.

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.

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.

Section 1707(c) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking program executive officer and inserting portfolio acquisition executive.

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.

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.

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.

Section 1764(b)(2) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking Program executive officer and inserting Portfolio acquisition executive.

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.

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.

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.

Chapter 221 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

(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;

(ii) ; 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.

(B) ; and

(4) by striking subsections (d) and (e) and inserting the following:

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.

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.

Section 4401 of title 10, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:

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.

Section 4402 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking subsections (a) through (f) and inserting the following:

(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).

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.

(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.

(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.

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;

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

(1) ; 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.

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.

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.

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.

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:

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.

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.

(3) ; and

(4) by adding at the end the following new subsection:

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.

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.

(1) ; 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..

Section 3458 of title 10, United States Code, is amended—

(1) by amending subsection (a) to read as follows:

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:

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.

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:

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.

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.

Chapter 253 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section:

The Secretary of Defense and the Secretaries of the military departments may acquire technology-supported capabilities through consumption-based solutions.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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;

(ii) and

(B) in paragraph (3), by inserting that has fossil fuel business operations after person.

Section 3452 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking subsections (b) through (e) and inserting the following new subsections:

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.

(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.

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.

Chapter 247 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section:

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.

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.

In this section, the terms other supply agreement and subcontract have the meanings provided in subsection (c)(2) of section 3452 of this title.

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.

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.

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.

In this section:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Chapter 271 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section:

An offeror shall be required to 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.

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.

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:

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.

Chapter 363 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section:

(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.

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.

(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.

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.

(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.

(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.

(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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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)).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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).

Section 4817 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new subsections:

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.

The Secretary may not use the authorities provided by this section for any activity in a covered country.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

In this section:

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.

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.

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.

The term Secretary means the Secretary of Defense.

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)).

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.

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.