(1) In general

During fiscal years 2026 and 2027, the Secretary of the Navy may enter into one or more contracts for the procurement of not more than 15 Medium Landing Ships.

(2) Procurement in conjunction with existing contracts

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

(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—

(1)

in the section heading, by inserting ; recapitalization after barriers;

(2)

in subsection (a)—

(3)

by striking subsection (b);

(4)

by redesignating subsections (c) and (d) as subsections (b) and (c), respectively;

(5)

in subsection (c), as so redesignated, by striking subsection (c)(2) and inserting subsection (b)(2); and

(6)

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

(d) Recapitalization

(1) Plan submission

(A) In general

Not later than April 1, 2026, the Secretary of the Navy shall submit to the congressional defense committees a recapitalization plan to replace legacy waterborne security barriers for Navy ports.

(B) Elements

The plan required by subparagraph (A) shall include the following:

(i)

A Navy requirements document that specifies key performance parameters and key system attributes for new waterborne security barriers for Navy ports.

(ii)

A certification that the level of capability specified under clause (i) will exceed that of legacy waterborne security barriers for Navy ports.

(iii)

The acquisition strategy for the recapitalization of waterborne security barriers for Navy ports, which shall meet or exceed the requirements specified under clause (i).

(iv)

A certification that any contract for new waterborne security barriers for a Navy port will be awarded in accordance with the requirements for full and open competition set forth in sections 3201 through 3205 of title 10, United States Code.

(2) Implementation

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

(1)

The main propulsion system, including the fuel and lube oil systems.

(2)

The electrical generation and distribution system.

(1) Covered program

The term covered program means a program for—

(2) Operational demonstration

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

(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.

(1) Plan

If the Secretary of the Navy does not submit the 30-year shipbuilding plan described in subsection (a) as required by such subsection, not more than 75 percent of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise made available for fiscal year 2026 for Administration and Service-Wide Activities, Operation and Maintenance, Navy, may be obligated or expended until the date on which the Secretary of the Navy submits to the congressional defense committees such plan.

(2) Certification

If the Secretary of Defense does not submit the certification described in subsection (a) as required by such subsection, or certifies that the materials described in such subsection do not support the requirement described in such subsection, not more than 75 percent of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise made available for fiscal year 2026 for Office of the Secretary of Defense, Operation and Maintenance, Defense-Wide, may be obligated or expended until the date on which the Secretary of Defense submits to the congressional defense committees defense budget materials that support the requirement under section 8062(b) of title 10, United States Code, to maintain 31 amphibious warfare ships.

(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.

(1) Program goals and execution

A matrix that identifies, in six-month increments, plans for and progress in achieving key milestones and events, and specific performance metric goals and actuals for the development, production, and sustainment of the B–21 bomber aircraft program, which shall be subdivided, at a minimum, according to the following:

(2) Cost

A matrix expressing, in six-month increments, the total cost for the Air Force service cost position for the engineering and manufacturing development phase and production lots of the B–21 bomber aircraft, and a matrix expressing the total cost for the prime contractor’s estimate for such phase and production lots, each of which shall be phased over the entire engineering and manufacturing development period and subdivided according to the costs of the following:

(1) In general

Not later than 180 days after the date on which the Secretary of the Air Force submits the matrices required by subsection (a), concurrent with the submittal of each annual budget request to Congress under section 1105 of title 31, United States Code, thereafter, and not later than 180 days after each such submittal, the Secretary of the Air Force shall submit to the congressional defense committees and the Comptroller General updates to the matrices described in subsection (b).

(2) Elements

Each update submitted under paragraph (1) shall detail progress made toward the goals identified in the matrix described in subsection (b)(1) and provide updated cost estimates.

(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.

(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—

(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.

(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—

(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.

(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.

(1) In general

Not later than July 1, 2026, the Secretary of the Air Force shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report that includes the plan required under subsection (a).

(2) Form

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

(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.

(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.

(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.

(1) A–10 aircraft

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

(2) Retire

The term retire includes the permanent removal of an aircraft from the operational inventory, reassignment to storage, or placement into backup aircraft inventory or excess status.

(1) In general

The Secretary of the Air Force shall reassign KC–135 Stratotankers that are retained as primary mission aircraft inventory and replaced by KC–46 aircraft to Air Refueling Wings that have the capacity to expand their primary mission aircraft inventory fleet of KC–135 Stratotankers.

(2) Criteria

The Secretary of the Air Force shall reassign KC–135 Stratotankers under paragraph (1) based on the ability of an Air Refueling Wing to—

(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.

(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.

(1)

Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Tribal Colleges and Universities; and

(2)

Minority-Serving Institutions that are not described in paragraph (1).

(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)).

(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

(1) Authority

Subject to the provisions of this subsection and subsection (c), the Secretary of Defense may, or their designee, pursuant to a request submitted under paragraph (2) of this subsection, issue a waiver of the prohibition set forth in subsection (a).

(2) Submission

(3) Waiver issuance

The Secretary of Defense—

(4) Notification to Congress

Not later than 15 calendar days prior to issuing a waiver under this subsection, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate and the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives written notice of the intent of the Secretary to issue such waiver together with a justification for such waiver.

(5) Application of waivers

A waiver issued under this subsection to a covered institution with respect to a contract shall only—

(1) In general

In the case of a covered institution that entered into contract with a covered nation or foreign entity of concern prior to January 1, 2027, and which contract remains in effect on such date, the Secretary shall notify the congressional defense committees within 90 days of enactment of this Act.

(2) Renewal

A covered institution that has entered into a contract described in paragraph (1), the term of which is longer than the waiver period described in subparagraph (B) of such paragraph and the terms and conditions of which remain the same as the contract submitted as part of the request required under subparagraph (A) of such paragraph, may submit a request for renewal of the waiver issued under such paragraph in accordance with subsection (c)(2)(B).

(1)

be a current employee or legally authorized agent of such institution; and

(2)

be responsible, on behalf of such institution, for personally certifying—

(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.

(1)

(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—

(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).

(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:

(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.

(1) Information environment

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

(2) Secretary

The term Secretary means the Secretary of Defense.

(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.

(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.

(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.

(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.

(1) Program required

Not later than September 30, 2026, the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment shall, in coordination with the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering and the Secretaries of the military departments, carry out a program to produce replacement parts for military systems with diminishing manufacturing sources and material shortages using advanced or additive manufacturing techniques.

(2) Tested parts

In carrying out the program required by paragraph (1), the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment shall select not less than five parts for test, evaluation, and certification under the program.

(3) Test and evaluation

(4) Sharing of results and data

In carrying out the program required by paragraph (1), the Under Secretary shall share test data across all military departments and establish mechanisms for data reciprocity for test and evaluation results for additively manufactured parts across all military departments.

(5) List of obsolete parts

The Under Secretary shall, in coordination with the Secretaries of the military departments, make a list of all parts for military systems with diminishing manufacturing sources and material shortages.

(6) New licensing agreements

The Under Secretary shall, in coordination with the Secretaries of the military departments, create new licensing agreements with owners of intellectual property for the platforms with parts included in the list required by paragraph (5) that allow additive manufacture of the parts.

(1) Program required

The Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment shall carry out a program across all military departments to additively manufacture three commonly used metal parts of each military department, such as titanium, stainless steel, and aluminum.

(2) Assessment required

Not later than September 30, 2026, the Under Secretary shall—

(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.

(1) Joint Defense Manufacturing Technology Panel

Section 4842(b)(1) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking The Chair of and all that follows through programs. and inserting the following: The Panel shall be co-chaired by the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment and the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering..

(2) Joint Additive Manufacturing Working Group

The Joint Additive Manufacturing Working Group shall be co-chaired by the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment and the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering.

(3) Consortium on Additive Manufacturing for Defense Capability Development

Section 223 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (10 U.S.C. 4841 note) is amended—

(1) Guidance, DOD I update, and manual required

Not later than September 30, 2026, the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment and the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering, in consultation with the Secretaries of the military departments, shall—

(2) Considerations

In carrying out paragraph (1), the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment and the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering shall consider the 2016 Department of Defense Additive Manufacturing Roadmap, the 2021 Department of Defense Additive Manufacturing Strategy, the 2022 National Strategy for Advanced Manufacturing, and Department of Defense Instruction 5000.93.

(3) Alignment

The Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment and the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering shall ensure that the guidance on the use of advanced manufacturing required by paragraph (1)(A)—

(4) Elements

(5) Manual required

The manual created under paragraph (1)(C) shall be a service-agnostic, vendor-agnostic manual on advanced manufacturing techniques and technologies for the Department of Defense—

(6) Timeline

(7) Advanced manufacturing defined

In this subsection, the term advanced manufacturing means a manufacturing process using the following:

(1) In general

The Assistant Secretary of Defense for Science and Technology may waive the limitation under subsection (a), on a case-by-case basis, with respect to an individual grant or contract for an institution of higher education if the Assistant Secretary determines that such a waiver is in the national security interests of the United States.

(2) Congressional notice

Not later than 30 days after the date on which an award is made by the Department of Defense involving an institution of higher education with respect to which a waiver is made under paragraph (1), the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Science and Technology shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives notice of such waiver.

(1) In general

On an annual basis, as a classified or controlled unclassified information annex to the annual report required by section 1286(f) of the John S McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (Public Law 115–232; 10 U.S.C. 4001 note), the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report annex on the compliance of the Department of Defense and institutions of higher education with the requirements of this section.

(2) Contents

Each report annex submitted pursuant to paragraph (1) shall include, for each waiver issued under subsection (b) during the period covered by the report—

(1)

The term collaboration means coordinated activity between an institution of higher education and a covered entity and includes—

(2)

The term covered entity—

(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—

(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.

(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

(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—

(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.

(1)

Golden Dome software development;

(2)

the Joint Fires Network; and

(3)

the Cryptographic Modernization Program.

(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—

(2)

established an implementation plan with adequate transition time to change budgeting and accounting processes for affected institutions of higher education and nonprofit organizations.

(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).

(1)

Maintaining and executing the Defense Biotechnology Strategy required by section

(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.

(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.

(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.

(1) In general

No later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report outlining the guidelines and policies developed pursuant to subsection (a), including the methodologies through which the guidelines and policies were developed.

(2) Form

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

(1) In general

Not later than two years after the date of the enactment of this Act and not less frequently than once every two years thereafter until November 1, 2031, the Secretary shall provide to the congressional defense committees a briefing on the implementation of the guidelines and policies developed pursuant to subsection (a), including a discussion of any adjustments made to the policies and such recommendations for legislative or administrative action as the Secretary may have to ensure their successful implementation.

(2) Final briefing

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

(1) In general

The Secretary of Defense shall direct the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Nuclear Deterrence, Chemical and Biological Defense Programs, in consultation with the Director of the Defense Threat Reduction Agency, to enter into memoranda of understanding with other departments and agencies of the Federal Government to clarify the roles and responsibilities of those departments and agencies for building biodefense capabilities internationally in execution of national security and other policies of the Federal Government, with the Secretary focused on working with defense counterparts in countries that are allies of the United States.

(2) Elements of memoranda of understanding

The memoranda of understanding entered into under paragraph (1) shall address how each relevant department or agency selects partner countries and the feasibility of coordinating efforts with each such country.

(1) In general

The Secretary of Defense may use expeditionary solid waste disposal systems for the destruction of illicit contraband, including seized counterfeit materials, unauthorized military gear, and classified materials.

(2) Availability of systems

The expeditionary solid waste disposal systems units deployed under subsection (a) shall be—

(A)

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).;

(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.

(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.

(1) Conduct of preliminary assessment and site inspection

(2) Consideration of interim response actions

(3) Review

(4) Expedited implementation

The Secretary of Defense shall expedite the implementation of any interim response actions selected by the Secretary for implementation pursuant to the consideration conducted under paragraph (2) and the review under paragraph (3), with special priority provided to covered facilities located within a sole or principal drinking water source as designated by the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency under section 1424(e) of the Safe Drinking Water Act (42 U.S.C. 300h–3(e)).

(1) Initial report

Not later than 270 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report containing an identification of the following:

(2) Final report

Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report on—

(1) Covered facility

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

(2) Release; response

The terms release and response have the meanings given those terms in section 101 of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (42 U.S.C. 9601 et seq.).

(1) Type commander leadership

(2) Decision-making by key personnel

(3) Stable workforce and infrastructure

The Secretary of the Navy shall provide a stable, predictable workload to private shipyards and other critical suppliers through a multi-year, multi-ship contract by ship class—

(4) Ship-specific assignments

The Secretary of the Navy shall ensure that specific shipyards shall have multi-year contracts for specified ships for repeated maintenance work to improve knowledge of ship condition and accelerate repairs, with excusable deviations such as homeport changes.

(5) Collaborative planning

The Secretary of the Navy shall ensure that shipyards, alterations installation teams (when assigned), and Navy teams, including project managers and port engineers, work together in continuous maintenance activities to plan maintenance and ensure realistic schedules and priorities.

(6) Roles for large and small shipyards

The Secretary of the Navy shall ensure that—

(7) Parts availability

The Secretary of the Navy shall establish rotatable pools and procure spare parts ahead of time to create a pool of parts that can be quickly used for repairs.

(8) Training

The Secretary of the Navy shall train program managers and port engineers for specific ship classes prior to assigning such individuals to complex maintenance availabilities.

(9) Funding for workforce and facilities

The Secretary of the Navy may allocate funds annually to private shipyards to sustain a minimum workforce and maintain repair facilities, in such amounts and under such conditions as the Secretary determines appropriate.

(10) Small business requirements

The Secretary of the Navy shall issue guidance to address set-aside requirements for small businesses that enables the roles for large and small shipyards described in paragraph (6).

(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.

(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.

(1) Port engineer

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

(2) Project manager

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

(3) Regional maintenance center

The term regional maintenance center means an organization of the Navy that supports ship maintenance in a specific region, such as in Norfolk, Virginia, San Diego, California, Mayport, Florida, Everett, Washington, and Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.

(4) Ship commanding officer

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

(5) Type commander

The term type commander means the flag officer in charge of a surface force, such as Commander, Naval Surface Force Atlantic, and Commander, Naval Surface Force, Pacific Fleet.

(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.

(1) In general

The Secretary of the Navy shall establish a process for private entities to submit proposals for advanced technologies or processes not specified in subsection (b).

(2) Evaluation

The Secretary of the Navy shall evaluate any proposal submitted pursuant to the process established under paragraph (1) not later than 90 days after the date of such submission.

(3) Proposal requirements

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

(4) Qualification decision

The Secretary of the Navy shall make a qualification decision with respect to a proposal submitted pursuant to the process established under paragraph (1) based on technical merit and the need of the Navy.

(1) In general

For any advanced technology or process included in a proposal submitted pursuant to the process established under subsection (c) and not selected for qualification or approval, the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment shall enter into a contract with an independent third-party reviewer to assess the decision.

(2) Report to Congress

A contract entered into under paragraph (1) shall require the independent third-party reviewer to, not later than 90 days after the date of the decision concerned, submit to Congress an unaltered report that—

(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.

(1) In general

Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Commander of the United States Transportation Command, in coordination with the Secretary of Defense, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Secretary of each military department, the commanders of the combatant commands, the Director of the Defense Logistics Agency, the Director of National Intelligence, the Secretary of Homeland Security, and the Secretary of Transportation shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report that provides an in-depth gap assessment on the ability of the JDDE to project, maneuver, and sustain the joint force in contested environments and provide recommendations to resolve or mitigate those gaps.

(2) Elements of report

The report required under paragraph (1) shall—

(3) Form

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

(1) Interim briefing

Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Commander of the United States Transportation Command shall provide to the congressional defense committees an interim briefing on the development of the report required under subsection (c).

(2) Final briefing

Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Commander of the United States Transportation Command shall provide to the congressional defense committees a final briefing on the report required under subsection (c).

(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.

(1) Initial report

Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report on the number of near misses that aircraft of the Department have had with commercial aircraft during the 10-year period preceding such date of enactment.

(2) Annual report

Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter through 2030, the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report on the number of near misses that aircraft of the Department have had with commercial aircraft during the previous fiscal year.

(3) Elements

Each report under this subsection shall include, with respect to each near miss covered under the report, the following:

(4) Form of report

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

(1)

a similar or replacement facility has already been created; and

(2)

the action is authorized—

(1) In general

The Secretary of Defense may suspend operations or limit access to a facility covered by this section if such action is necessary to address an imminent threat to the health and safety of personnel or to mitigate substantial environmental hazards.

(2) Report required

The Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report that describes any action taken under paragraph (1) not later than 15 days after the date on which such suspension of operations or limitation of access is initiated.

(1) In general

The Secretary of Defense may waive the prohibition under subsection (a) if the Secretary determines that such a waiver is necessary to address a critical national security interest of the United States.

(2) Notification required

Not later than 30 days prior to exercising the waiver under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees—

(1) In general

Not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter for five years, the Secretary of the Army shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the status of all facilities in the organic industrial base of the Army.

(2) Elements

Each report required by paragraph (a) shall include—

(1) Mothball

The term mothball means placing a facility in inactive status while maintaining it in a condition such that it could be reactivated at some future time.

(2) Organic industrial base of the Army

The term organic industrial base of the Army means the network of Government-owned facilities that provide manufacturing, maintenance, storage, and readiness support for Army materiel and munitions, including the facilities listed in the Army Organic Industrial Base Modernization Implementation Plan, dated April 12, 2022.

(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.

(1) In general

The Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the commander of the combatant command or commands overseeing the exercise selected under subsection (a), shall identify for such exercise a commercially available artificial intelligence product that is specifically designed to address logistics needs of the Department of Defense and meets the critical data security protocols outlined in subsection (c).

(2) Capability of partner

In selecting a commercial product under paragraph (1), the Secretary of Defense and the commander of the combatant command or commands concerned shall—

(1)

compliance with applicable cybersecurity policies and regulations of the Department; and

(2)

verification of measures to protect classified and sensitive information.

(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.

(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.

(1) In general

In carrying out the pilot program, the Secretary of Defense shall give a preference to any procurement action or solicitation by a non-public partner who will enter into a public-private partnership with the Secretary in the source selection process if such non-public partner will use an arsenal of the Department of the Army that is owned and operated by the United States Government as a partner in any type of contractual agreement with the United States Government.

(2) Further preference

In selecting non-public partners under paragraph (1), the Secretary of Defense shall give a preference to non-public partners that ensure an equitable workshare is performed under the partnership by employees of the Department of Defense to protect critical skills in the organic industrial base.

(1) In general

Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report on the activities carried out under the pilot program, including a description of any operational challenges identified.

(2) Elements

The report required under paragraph (1) shall include the following:

(1) Appropriate congressional committees

The term appropriate congressional committees means—

(2) Non-public partner

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

(1) In general

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

2717. Annual report on perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances

(a) In general

Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this section, and annually thereafter, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report on the funding and status of interim remedial actions of the Department of Defense relating to perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (in this section referred to as PFAS).

(b) Elements

Each report required by subsection (a) shall include information regarding the following:

(1)

The total amounts budgeted and obligated, for the current fiscal year and for any prior fiscal year, per site at each installation of the Department of Defense, for interim remedial actions of the Department relating to PFAS.

(2)

In the case of each report after the initial report, the total amounts budgeted, obligated, and expended, per site at each installation, on such actions since the previous report.

(3)

The general and operating status of interim remedial actions related to PFAS per site at each installation, including—

(A)

a list of all announced or selected interim remedial actions, and for each such action, the function and role of the action with respect to addressing PFAS at the installation;

(B)

for each action listed, a phase-specific status update, including whether—

(i)

the design is pending, in progress, or completed;

(ii)

contracting is pending, in solicitation, awarded, or delayed;

(iii)

construction or execution has begun, is in progress, is completed, or is delayed;

(iv)

the action is currently operating, including an assessment of the duration of such action and any performance metrics available;

(C)

identification of actions that are one-time in nature (such as soil removal and disposal), and the status of each action;

(D)

timelines for completion of each phase, including original projected timelines and any updates;

(E)

for any phase delayed by more than one year beyond the original projection, a site-specific explanation for the delay; and

(F)

identification of any administrative, regulatory, funding, or other barriers contributing to delays or budgetary effects, along with the plan of the Secretary to address each such barrier.

(2) Clerical amendment

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

(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—

(4)

benchmarks for evaluating performance of each military department or defense agency on response efforts relating to perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances.

(1) Dashboard

Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall make publicly available an accessible online dashboard that includes the actions of the Department of Defense relating to perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances.

(2) Elements

The dashboard required under paragraph (1) shall include a summary of—

(3) Update

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

(1) In general

The Secretary shall authorize the USSOCOM to acquire sports foods and third-party certified dietary supplements and to distribute such foods and supplements to members of the USSOCOM, subject to the requirements under subsection (c).

(2) Rule of construction

Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to—

(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.

(1) Dietary supplement

The term dietary supplement has the meaning given that term in section 201(ff) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 321(ff)) and requires nutrition labeling in the form of a Supplement Facts Panel.

(2) Sports foods

The term sports foods means food products—

(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.

(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:

(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.

(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.

(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;

(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;

(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.

(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.

(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;

(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;

(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.;

(A)

by striking paragraph (1) and inserting the following:

(1)

the interception, acquisition, maintenance, or use of, or access to, communications to or from an unmanned aircraft system under this section is conducted in a manner consistent with the First and Fourth Amendments to the Constitution of the United States and applicable provisions of Federal law;;

(B)

in paragraph (2), by striking a function of the Department of Defense and inserting an action described in subsection (b)(1);

(C)

by striking paragraph (3) and inserting the following:

(3)

records of such communications are maintained only for as long as necessary, and in no event for more than 180 days unless the Secretary of Defense determines that maintenance of such records—

(A)

is necessary to investigate or prosecute a violation of law or to directly support an ongoing security operation; or

(B)

is required under Federal law or for the purpose of any litigation;; and

(D)

in paragraph (4)—

(A)

in paragraph (1)—

(B)

in paragraph (3)—

(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.

(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.

(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.

(1)

by redesignating subsections (a) through (d) as subsections (b) through (e), respectively;

(2)

by inserting before subsection (b), as redesignated by paragraph (1), the following new subsection:

(a)

(1)

Judge advocates subject to this chapter must be—

(A)

admitted to the practice of law before the highest court of a State, Territory, Commonwealth, or the District of Columbia, and maintain an active license to practice before such court;

(B)

subject to the jurisdiction’s disciplinary review process; and

(C)

in compliance with such other requirements as the cognizant authority has set to remain eligible to practice law.

(2)

The Judge Advocates General of the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard and the Staff Judge Advocate to the Commandant of the Marine Corps may suspend the authority of judge advocates in their respective services to perform legal duties if such officers become noncompliant with the requirements in paragraph (1). Judge advocates and legal officers suspended or disbarred from the practice of law within a jurisdiction shall not perform legal duties.

(3) Conforming amendments

(1) Selection board reports

Section 618(d) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:

(3)

The Secretary of Defense shall notify the congressional defense committees of the removal of the name of an officer from the report of a selection board by the President or the Secretary or Deputy Secretary of Defense under paragraph (1) or paragraph (2), respectively, for any reason other than misconduct—

(A)

not later than 30 days after the name of an officer is removed; and

(B)

prior to submission to the Senate of a promotion list with respect to such report pursuant to section 624(c) of this title.

(2) Promotion lists

Section 629(a) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: The President shall notify the congressional defense committees not later than 30 days after removing the name of an officer from such list for any reason other than misconduct..

(1)

in subsection (a)—

(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).

(1)

in subsection (c)—

(2)

in subsection (d)—

(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.

(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.

(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.

(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.

(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.

(1) In general

Not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report detailing the Department of Defense’s plan to obtain Military Education Level One (MEL–1) credit for the Strategic Thinkers Program (STP).

(2) Elements

The report required under paragraph (1) shall include—

(1)

in subsection (c)—

(2)

by amending subsection (d) to read as follows:

(d) Opt-out of information sharing

Information on an individual shall be transmitted to and through a State veterans agency as described in subsection (a) unless the individual indicates pursuant to subsection (c)(2) that the individual would like to opt out of such transmittal.

(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.

(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.

(1) United States Military Academy

Section 7448(a) of title 10, United States Code, is amended—

(2) United States Naval Academy

Section 8459(a) of title 10, United States Code, is amended—

(3) United States Air Force Academy

Section 9448(a) of title 10, United States Code, is amended—

(a) Continuation of authority to assist local educational agencies that benefit dependents of members of the Armed Forces and Department of Defense civilian employees

(b) Impact aid for children with severe disabilities

(a) Improvements to staffing

The Secretary of Defense, acting through the Director of the Department of Defense Education Activity, shall implement the following measures to improve staffing of special education teachers and staff at schools operated by the Activity:

(b) Clarification of guidance

The Secretary, acting through the Director, shall implement the following measures to improve and clarify guidance relating to special education provided by schools operated by the Department of Defense Education Activity:

(c) Briefings required

(a) Regulations required

Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense, acting through the Director of the Department of Defense Education Activity, shall update existing regulations on student use of portable electronic mobile devices in Department of Defense Education Activity (DODEA) schools to prohibit disruption in the learning environment by minimizing the use of such mobile devices to the greatest extent practicable and to standardize such regulations across all DODEA schools.

(b) Briefing required

Not later than 60 days after completion of the updated regulations required under subsection (a), the Secretary of Defense shall brief the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives on the updated regulations, including—

(1)

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.

(a) In general

The Secretary of Defense may—

(b) Definitions

In this section:

(a) Training for counselors

(b) Inclusion of foster care information on Military OneSource

The Secretary shall require Military OneSource to include a mechanism for military families to obtain information on foster care, including the requirements and resources relating to foster care of each State.

(c) Consultation with Administration for Children and Families

The Secretary shall seek guidance from the Administration for Children and Families of the Department of Health and Human Services with respect to obtaining resources relating to foster care for military families, including curricula for training under paragraph (1).

(a) In general

The Secretary of Defense may develop and implement a pilot program to assess the effectiveness of increasing compensation or other benefits for employees of child development programs on military installations in improving the ability of such programs to recruit and retain such employees.

(b) Compensation

If the Secretary implements the pilot program authorized by subsection (a), the Secretary shall provide for the payment of compensation to employees of child development programs under the pilot program at a fair and competitive wage that maintains sustainable and high-quality child care conditions.

(c) Selection of locations

(d) Regulations

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

(e) Duration of pilot program

If the Secretary implements the pilot program authorized by subsection (a), the pilot program shall—

(f) Briefings required

(g) Child development program defined

In this section, the term child development program means a program to provide child care services for children, between birth through 12 years of age, of members of the Armed Forces and civilian employees of the Department of Defense.

(a) In general

Not later than September 30, 2027, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report on the unmet need for child care in areas with populations of members of the Armed Forces that includes—

(b) Appropriate committees of congress defined

In this section, the term appropriate committees of Congress means—

(a) In general

The Secretary of each military department shall provide to members of the Armed Forces serving on active duty access to legal services provided by an attorney specializing in guardianship transfers in each State in which a military installation is located.

(b) Briefing required

Not later than September 1, 2026, the Secretary of each military department shall brief the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives on the following:

(1)

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.

(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.

(A)

in paragraph (1)—

(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.;

(A)

by redesignating paragraphs (1) through (6) as paragraphs (3) through (8), respectively;

(B)

by inserting before paragraph (3), as redesignated by subparagraph (A), the following new paragraphs:

(1)

Percentage of nonprior service enlisted accessions scoring below the thirty-first percentile on the Armed Forces Qualification Test upon original enlistment.

(2)

Percentage of nonprior service enlisted accessions scoring below the thirty-first percentile on the Armed Forces Qualification Test following graduation from the preparatory course or subsequent reclassification, as applicable.; and

(C)

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

(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.