527 
(6) in subsection (i), as redesignated by para-
graph (4), by striking ‘‘subsection (k)(2)’’ and in-
serting ‘‘subsection (l)(2)’’. 
SEC. 702. INCLUSION OF CERTAIN TESTS AS PART OF THE 
PERIODIC HEALTH ASSESSMENT PROVIDED 
TO MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES. 
Chapter 55 of title 10, United States Code, is amend-
ed by inserting after section 1074o the following new sec-
tion: 
‘‘§ 1074p. Periodic health assessments 
‘‘Beginning in 2026, the Secretary of Defense shall 
ensure that periodic health assessments provided to a 
member of the armed forces include the following: 
‘‘(1) On an annual basis— 
‘‘(A) a sports physical; 
‘‘(B) an electrocardiogram; and 
‘‘(C) blood work that includes— 
‘‘(i) a comprehensive metabolic panel 
and complete blood count; and 
‘‘(ii) if necessary— 
‘‘(I) a thyroid stimulating hor-
mone test; and 
‘‘(II) a brain natriuretic peptide 
test.
528 
‘‘(2) Any test or evaluation required by law 
with respect to such member, including an evalua-
tion required by section 704 of the National Defense 
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 (Public Law 
116–92; 10 U.S.C. 1074f note) and a test required 
by section 707 of such Act (10 U.S.C. 1074 note). 
‘‘(3) Any other test or evaluation determined 
appropriate by the Secretary.’’. 
SEC. 703. FERTILITY TREATMENT FOR CERTAIN MEMBERS 
OF THE ARMED FORCES AND DEPENDENTS. 
(a) FERTILITY TREATMENT.—Chapter 55 of title 10, 
United States Code, is amended by inserting after section 
1074o the following new section: 
‘‘§ 1074p. Fertility treatment for certain active duty 
members of the armed forces and de-
pendents 
‘‘(a) COVERAGE.—The Secretary shall ensure that 
fertility-related care for a covered member (or a dependent 
of such a member) shall be covered under TRICARE 
Prime and TRICARE Select. 
‘‘(b) IN VITRO FERTILIZATION.—In the case of in 
vitro fertilization treatment furnished to an individual 
pursuant to subsection (a)— 
‘‘(1) three completed oocyte retrievals may be 
furnished per calendar year; and
529 
‘‘(2) single embryo transfers shall be provided 
unless otherwise medically indicated in accordance 
with the guidelines of the American Society for Re-
productive Medicine. 
‘‘(c) COST SHARING AND OTHER LIMITATIONS.—The 
Secretary shall ensure that cost-sharing amounts for an 
individual who receives fertility-related care under this 
section are determined under section 1075, 1075a, or 
other applicable provision of this chapter in accordance 
with the kind of care provided (such as an in-network in-
patient visit) and without regard to whether the care is 
fertility-related care. The Secretary may not impose any 
waiting periods or other limitations once the individual has 
received a medical diagnosis of infertility. 
‘‘(d) PROHIBITIONS.—Funds available to the Depart-
ment of Defense may not be used for preimplantation ge-
netic screening, human cloning, international surrogacy, 
or artificial womb technology. 
‘‘(e) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 
‘‘(1) The term ‘covered member’ means— 
‘‘(A) a member of the Army, Navy, Marine 
Corps, Air Force, or Space Force, serving on 
active duty; and 
‘‘(B) does not include a former member of 
the armed forces.
530 
‘‘(2) The term ‘infertility’ means a disease, con-
dition, or status characterized by— 
‘‘(A) the failure to establish a pregnancy 
or to carry a pregnancy to live birth after reg-
ular, unprotected sexual intercourse in accord-
ance with the guidelines of the American Soci-
ety for Reproductive Medicine; 
‘‘(B) the inability of an individual to repro-
duce without medical intervention either as a 
single individual or with the partner of the indi-
vidual; 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. 
‘‘(3) The term ‘fertility-related care’ means— 
‘‘(A) the diagnosis of infertility; and 
‘‘(B) fertility treatment. 
‘‘(4) The term ‘fertility treatment’ includes the 
following: 
‘‘(A) In vitro fertilization or other treat-
ments or procedures in which human oocytes, 
embryos, or sperm are handled when clinically 
appropriate. 
‘‘(B) Sperm retrieval.
531 
‘‘(C) Egg retrieval. 
‘‘(D) Preservation of human oocytes, em-
bryos, or sperm. 
‘‘(E) 
Artificial 
insemination, 
including 
intravaginal insemination, intracervical insemi-
nation, and intrauterine insemination. 
‘‘(F) Transfer of reproductive genetic ma-
terial. 
‘‘(G) Medications as prescribed or nec-
essary for fertility. 
‘‘(H) Fertility treatment coordination. 
‘‘(I) Such other information, referrals, 
treatments, procedures, testing, medications, 
laboratory services, technologies, and services 
facilitating reproduction as determined appro-
priate by the Secretary of Defense.’’. 
(b) PROGRAM ON FERTILITY TREATMENT COORDI-
NATION.—Chapter 55 of title 10, United States Code, is 
amended by adding at the end the following new section: 
‘‘§ 1110c. Program on fertility-related care coordina-
tion 
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of Defense shall 
establish a program on the coordination of fertility-related 
care by the Secretary for purposes of ensuring patients 
receive timely fertility-related care.
532 
‘‘(b) TRAINING AND SUPPORT.—In carrying out the 
program established under subsection (a), the Secretary 
shall provide to community health care providers training 
and support with respect to the unique needs of members 
of the armed forces and the dependents of such mem-
bers.’’. 
(c) CONFORMING AMENDMENT.—Section 1079(a) of 
title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the 
end the following new paragraph: 
‘‘(21) Fertility-related care shall be provided in 
accordance with section 1074p of this title.’’. 
(d) EXCLUSION FROM CONTRACTS
FOR FORMER 
MEMBERS AND THEIR DEPENDENTS.—Section 1086(a) 
of such title is amended by striking ‘‘eye examinations 
and’’ and inserting ‘‘eye examinations, fertility-related 
care pursuant to paragraph (21) of such section, and’’. 
(e) APPLICATION.—The amendments made by this 
section shall apply with respect to services provided on or 
after October 1, 2027. 
SEC. 704. TRICARE COVERAGE FOR INCREASED SUPPLY 
FOR CONTRACEPTION. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Beginning not less than 180 days 
after the date of the enactment of the Act, contraceptive 
supplies of up to 365 days shall be covered for any eligible 
covered beneficiary to obtain, including in a single fill or
533 
refill, at the option of such beneficiary, the total days of 
supply (not to exceed a 365-day supply) for a contracep-
tive on the uniform formulary provided through a military 
treatment facility pharmacy, retail pharmacy described in 
section 1074g(a)(2)(E)(ii) of such title, or through the na-
tional mail-order pharmacy program of the TRICARE 
Program. 
(b) OUTREACH.—Beginning not later than 90 days 
after the implementation of coverage under subsection (a), 
the Secretary shall conduct such outreach activities as are 
necessary to inform health care providers and individuals 
who are enrolled in the TRICARE program of such cov-
erage and the requirements to receive such coverage. 
(c) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 
(1) The term ‘‘covered Armed Force’’ means 
the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, or Space 
Force. 
(2) The term ‘‘eligible covered beneficiary’’ 
means an eligible covered beneficiary as such term 
is used in section 1074g of title 10, United States 
Code who is— 
(A) a member of a covered Armed Force 
serving on active duty; or 
(B) a dependent of a member described in 
subparagraph (A).
534 
(3) The terms ‘‘TRICARE Program’’ and 
‘‘TRICARE Prime’’ have the meaning given such 
terms in section 1072 of title 10, United States 
Code. 
SEC. 705. PILOT PROGRAM ON ACCESS TO OBSTETRICAL 
AND GYNECOLOGICAL CARE UNDER TRICARE 
PRIME PROGRAM. 
(a) PILOT PROGRAM.—Beginning not later than 180 
days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Sec-
retary of Defense shall carry out a pilot program under 
which— 
(1) 
the 
referral 
requirement 
in 
section 
1095f(a)(1) of title 10, United States Code, does not 
apply with respect to obstetrical and gynecological 
care for covered participants; and 
(2) covered participants may elect to designate 
an obstetrical or gynecological care provider under 
the TRICARE program as an additional designated 
primary care manager under such section. 
(b) DURATION.—The Secretary shall carry out the 
pilot program for a period of five years. 
(c) REPORT.—Not later than four years after the 
date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall sub-
mit to the congressional defense committees a report on 
the pilot program that includes the following:
535 
(1) An assessment of any increases or decreases 
to TRICARE Prime enrollment during the period in 
which the Secretary carries out the pilot program. 
(2) An assessment of any changes in the associ-
ated costs of providing obstetrical and gynecological 
care under TRICARE Prime. 
(3) Any other matters the Secretary determines 
appropriate. 
(d) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 
(1) The term ‘‘congressional defense commit-
tees’’ has the meaning given that term in section 
101(a)(16) of title 10, United States Code. 
(2) The term ‘‘covered participant’’ means a fe-
male member of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine 
Corps, or Space Force or a female dependent of a 
member of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine 
Corps, or Space Force, enrolled in TRICARE Prime 
who elects to participate in the pilot program. 
(3) 
The 
terms 
‘‘TRICARE 
Prime’’ 
and 
‘‘TRICARE program’’ have the meaning given those 
terms in section 1072 of title 10, United States 
Code.
536 
SEC. 706. PILOT PROGRAM TO MAKE MIDWIFE SERVICES 
AVAILABLE THROUGH TRICARE TO CERTAIN 
INDIVIDUALS. 
(a) PILOT PROGRAM.—Not later than one year after 
the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of 
Defense shall begin a five-year pilot program to provide 
services from covered midwives to covered individuals 
under the TRICARE program. 
(b) AUTHORITY TO MAKE PERMANENT.—If the Sec-
retary determines, after the termination of the pilot pro-
gram that such pilot program was successful, the Sec-
retary may prescribe such regulations to establish a per-
manent program to make services from covered midwives 
available to covered individuals as the Secretary deter-
mines appropriate. 
(c) REPORTS.— 
(1) IMPLEMENTATION 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 House of Representatives and 
the Senate a plan to implement the pilot program 
under subsection (a). 
(2) ANNUAL REPORT.—Not later than one year 
after the date on which the pilot program begins and 
annually thereafter until the date that is 1 year 
after the termination of the pilot program, the Sec-
537 
retary shall submit to the Committees on Armed 
Services of the House of Representatives and the 
Senate a report including: 
(A) The total cost of the pilot program and 
the cost per covered individual who received 
care under the pilot program. 
(B) The total number of covered individual 
who received care under the pilot program. 
(C) The race, ethnicity, age, sex, relation-
ship status, Armed Force, military occupation, 
and rank, as applicable, of covered individual 
who received care under the pilot program. 
(D) An assessment of the effects of the 
pilot program on quality of care, including— 
(i) on maternal and fetal outcomes; 
and 
(ii) on the number of pre-term births, 
low-weight births, and rates of caesarean 
section, and such other data points as the 
Secretary determines appropriate. 
(E) An assessment of patient satisfaction 
of covered individuals who received care 
through the pilot program. 
(F) An assessment of access to maternity 
and labor and delivery care for covered individ-
538 
uals, including average wait time for an initial 
appointment and average travel time to the pro-
vider. 
(G) An assessment of the effectiveness of 
the pilot program. 
(H) Recommendations for adjustments to 
the pilot program. 
(I) The estimated cost savings as a result 
of improved maternal and fetal health outcomes 
due to the pilot program. 
(J) The Secretary of Defense’s rec-
ommendations relating to changes to the pilot 
program, an extension of the pilot program, and 
whether the pilot program should be expanded 
made permanent. 
(d) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 
(1) The terms ‘‘covered individual’’ means a 
member serving in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Ma-
rine Corps, or Space Force, or a dependent of such 
a member. 
(2) The term ‘‘covered midwife’’ means a cer-
tified professional midwife or certified midwife who 
meets— 
(A) the international definition of a mid-
wife, and global standards for midwifery edu-
539 
cation, established by the International Confed-
eration of Midwives, and 
(B) any professional credentialing require-
ment required to practice midwifery under ap-
plicable State law. 
(3) The term ‘‘TRICARE program’’ has the 
meaning given such term in section 1072 of title 10, 
United States Code. 
SEC. 707. PILOT PROGRAM TO TREAT PREGNANCY AS A 
QUALIFYING EVENT FOR ENROLLMENT IN 
TRICARE SELECT. 
(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—Not later than 180 days after 
the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of 
Defense shall commence a five-year pilot program under 
which— 
(1) the Secretary shall treat pregnancy as a 
qualifying event under section 1099(b)(1)(B) of title 
10, United States Code, for enrollment in TRICARE 
Select by an eligible beneficiary; and 
(2) a member of the Army, Navy, Marine 
Corps, Air Force, or Space Force on active duty 
may enroll in TRICARE Select under paragraph (1) 
for a period that ends not later than 180 days after 
the end of pregnancy.
540 
(b) INITIAL BRIEFING.—Not later than one year 
after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary 
shall provide to the Committees on Armed Services of the 
House of Representatives and the Senate a briefing on the 
status of the pilot program under subsection (a). 
(c) ANNUAL REPORT.—Not later than one year after 
the Secretary commences the pilot program under sub-
section (a), and annually thereafter for the next four 
years, the Secretary shall provide to the Committees on 
Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the 
Senate a report on the pilot program. Each such report 
shall include the number of covered enrollment changes, 
disaggregated by— 
(1) month, beginning with January 2026; and 
(2) whether the eligible beneficiary made such 
covered enrollment change— 
(A) because the eligible beneficiary is a 
member of the covered Armed Forces on active 
duty who may enroll in TRICARE Select under 
the pilot program; 
(B) because the eligible beneficiary is a 
member of the covered Armed Forces who sepa-
rated from active duty;
541 
(C) because the eligible beneficiary is a 
member of the covered Armed Forces who re-
turned to active duty; 
(D) because the eligible beneficiary is a de-
pendent of a member of the covered Armed 
Forces who separated from active duty; 
(E) because the eligible beneficiary is a de-
pendent of a member of the covered Armed 
Forces who returned to active duty; or 
(F) based on the treatment, under the 
pilot program, of pregnancy as a qualifying 
event for enrollment in TRICARE Select. 
(d) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 
(1) The term ‘‘covered Armed Forces’’ means 
the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and 
Space Force. 
(2) The term ‘‘covered enrollment change’’ 
means a change to a previous election by an eligible 
beneficiary under subsection (b)(1) of section 1099 
of title 10, United States Code, to enroll in a health 
care plan designated under subsection (c) of such 
section. 
(3) The term ‘‘eligible beneficiary’’ means an 
individual—
542 
(A) eligible to enroll in TRICARE Select 
under section 1075(b) of title 10, United States 
Code, by reason of being a member or former 
member of the covered Armed Forces, or a de-
pendent of such a member or former member; 
or 
(B) a member of the covered Armed 
Forces on active duty. 
(4) The terms ‘‘TRICARE program’’ and 
‘‘TRICARE Select’’ have the meanings given such 
terms in section 1072 of title 10, United States 
Code. 
SEC. 708. PILOT PROGRAM TO ASSIST CERTAIN MEMBERS 
OF THE ARMED FORCES AND DEPENDENTS 
WITH 
ADDITIONAL 
SUPPLEMENTAL 
COV-
ERAGE RELATING TO CANCER. 
(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—Not later than September 30, 
2026, the Secretary of Defense shall establish a pilot pro-
gram under which a covered individual may obtain supple-
mental insurance for noncovered expenses under a fixed 
indemnity supplemental benefit plan described in sub-
section (b)(1) (in this section referred to as the ‘‘pilot pro-
gram’’). 
(b) AGREEMENT.—
543 
(1) IN
GENERAL.—In carrying out the pilot 
program, the Secretary shall enter into an agree-
ment with not fewer than two companies to each 
offer one or more fixed indemnity supplemental ben-
efit plans that— 
(A) meet the requirements for a supple-
mental insurance plan under section 199.2 of 
title 32, Code of Federal Regulations, and the 
exceptions under section 199.8(b)(4) of such 
title, as in effect on the date of the enactment 
of this Act; 
(B) are provided under a separate policy, 
certificate, or contract; 
(C) provide no coordination with any other 
health benefit plan; and 
(D) are designed to help participants pay 
noncovered expenses. 
(2) DURATION.—An agreement entered into 
under paragraph (1) shall be for a period of not less 
than three years. 
(3) REQUIREMENTS.—In entering into an 
agreement under paragraph (1) with a company, the 
Secretary—
544 
(A) may not select such company to pro-
vide coverage in a State in which such com-
pany— 
(i) is not licensed; and 
(ii) does not meet solvency require-
ments applicable to such State; 
(B) shall award the agreement based on 
the expertise of such company; 
(C) shall negotiate the terms and condi-
tions of the fixed indemnity supplemental ben-
efit plan provided under the agreement, includ-
ing with respect to the ability of the company 
to communicate with individuals not enrolled in 
the plan and whether such communication may 
include information on other insurance prod-
ucts; 
(D) shall negotiate the cost of coverage 
with the company that will cover the partici-
pants who elect to enroll in such plan; 
(E) shall provide a method for verification 
of the eligibility of applicants and procedures 
for determination of eligibility; and 
(F) shall provide a method for payroll de-
duction of premiums.
545 
(4) PROVISION
OF
INFORMATION.—The Sec-
retary shall provide information to covered individ-
uals regarding the pilot program by making avail-
able on the online portal of the TRICARE program 
the following information: 
(A) A notice of availability of a fixed in-
demnity supplemental benefit plan provided 
under the pilot program. 
(B) A description of how to enroll in such 
plan. 
(C) A description and explanation of the 
benefits provided under such plan. 
(D) A description of the costs to the indi-
vidual through premiums and remittances to a 
company providing such plan. 
(c) ELECTION TO ENROLL.—A covered individual 
may elect to enroll in a fixed indemnity supplemental ben-
efit plan provided under the pilot program. 
(d) LIMITATIONS
ON AUTHORIZATION
OF APPRO-
PRIATIONS.—None of the amounts authorized to be appro-
priated by this Act or otherwise made available for fiscal 
year 2026 or any fiscal year thereafter to carry out the 
pilot program may be used to subsidize the cost of a fixed 
indemnity supplemental benefit plan provided under the 
pilot program.
546 
(e) PREEMPTION.—Section 199.17(a)(7)(i) of title 
32, Code of Federal Regulations, as in effect on the date 
of the enactment of this Act, shall apply to the pilot pro-
gram. 
(f) REPORT.—Not later than two years after the date 
on which the pilot program commences, the Secretary 
shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the 
Senate and the House of Representatives a report regard-
ing the pilot program, including the following: 
(1) A description of the insurance products pro-
vided through a fixed indemnity supplemental ben-
efit plan provided under the pilot program. 
(2) The number of covered individuals who en-
rolled in such a plan. 
(3) Feedback and examples of use cases by 
such individuals. 
(4) A determination by the Secretary with re-
spect to whether the pilot program should be made 
permanent. 
(g) SUNSET.—Unless the Secretary makes a deter-
mination under subsection (f)(4) to make the pilot pro-
gram permanent, the pilot program shall terminate on the 
day that is five years after the date of the enactment of 
this Act. 
(h) DEFINITIONS.—In this section:
547 
(1) The term ‘‘covered individual’’ means the 
following: 
(A) A member of the Army, Navy, Marine 
Corps, Air Force, or Space Force. 
(B) A dependent (as defined in section 
1072 of title 10, United States Code) of such 
a member who is enrolled in the TRICARE 
program. 
(2) The term ‘‘noncovered expense’’ means, 
with respect to a covered individual, any expenses 
relating to the screening for and diagnosis and treat-
ment of cancer that are not otherwise covered by the 
health care benefits the individual receives under 
chapter 55 of title 10, United States Code. 
(3) The term ‘‘State’’ has the meaning given 
that term in section 901 of title 32, United States 
Code. 
(4) The term ‘‘TRICARE program’’ has the 
meaning given that term in section 1072 of title 10, 
United States Code. 
SEC. 709. MEDICAL TESTING AND RELATED SERVICES FOR 
FIREFIGHTERS 
OF 
DEPARTMENT 
OF 
DE-
FENSE. 
(a) PROVISION OF SERVICES.—During the annual 
periodic health assessment of each firefighter of the De-
548 
partment of Defense, or at such other intervals as may 
be indicated in this subsection, the Secretary shall provide 
to the firefighter (at no cost to the firefighter) appropriate 
medical testing and related services to detect, document 
the presence or absence of, and prevent, certain cancers. 
Such services shall meet, at a minimum, the following cri-
teria: 
(1) BREAST
CANCER.—With respect to the 
breast cancer screening, if the firefighter is a female 
firefighter— 
(A) such services shall include the provi-
sion of a mammogram to the firefighter— 
(i) on at least a biannual basis if the 
firefighter is 40 years old to 49 years old 
(inclusive); 
(ii) on at least an annual basis if the 
firefighter is at least 50 years old; and 
(iii) as clinically indicated (without re-
gard to age); and 
(B) in connection with such provision, a li-
censed radiologist shall review the most recent 
mammogram provided to the firefighter, as 
compared to prior mammograms so provided, 
and provide to the firefighter the results of such 
review.
549 
(2) COLON
CANCER.—With respect to colon 
cancer screening— 
(A) if the firefighter is at least 40 years 
old, and as otherwise clinically indicated, such 
services shall include the communication to the 
firefighter of the risks and benefits of stool- 
based blood testing; 
(B) if the firefighter is at least 45 years 
old, and as clinically indicated (without regard 
to age), such services shall include the provi-
sion, at regular intervals, of visual examinations 
(such as a colonoscopy, CT colonoscopy, or 
flexible sigmoidoscopy) or stool-based blood 
testing; and 
(C) in connection with such provision, a li-
censed physician shall review and provide to the 
firefighter the results of such examination or 
testing, as the case may be. 
(3) PROSTATE CANCER.—With respect to pros-
tate cancer screening, if the firefighter is a male 
firefighter, the communication to the firefighter of 
the risks and benefits of prostate cancer screenings 
and the provision to the firefighter of a prostate-spe-
cific antigen test—
550 
(A) on an annual basis, if the firefighter is 
at least 50 years old; 
(B) on an annual basis, if the firefighter is 
at least 40 years old and is a high-risk indi-
vidual; and 
(C) as clinically indicated (without regard 
to age). 
(4) OTHER CANCERS.—Such services shall in-
clude routine screenings for any other cancer the 
risk or occurrence of which the Director of the Cen-
ters for Disease Control and Prevention has identi-
fied as higher among firefighters than among the 
general public, the provision of which shall be car-
ried out during the annual periodic health assess-
ment of the firefighter. 
(b) OPTIONAL NATURE.—A firefighter of the Depart-
ment of Defense may opt out of the receipt of a medical 
testing or related service provided under subsection (a). 
(c) USE OF CONSENSUS TECHNICAL STANDARDS.— 
In providing medical testing and related services under 
subsection (a), the Secretary shall use consensus technical 
standards in accordance with section 12(d) of the National 
Technology Transfer and Advancement Act of 1995 (15 
U.S.C. 272 note). 
(d) DOCUMENTATION.—
551 
(1) IN GENERAL.—In providing medical testing 
and related services under subsection (a), the Sec-
retary— 
(A) shall document the acceptance rates of 
such tests offered and the rates of such tests 
performed; 
(B) shall document tests results, to iden-
tify trends in the rates of cancer occurrences 
among firefighters; and 
(C) may collect and maintain additional in-
formation from the recipients of such tests and 
other services, to allow for appropriate scientific 
analysis. 
(2) PRIVACY.—In analyzing any information of 
an individual documented, collected, or maintained 
under paragraph (1), in addition to complying with 
other applicable privacy laws, the Secretary shall en-
sure the name, and any other personally identifiable 
information, of the individual is removed from such 
information prior to the analysis. 
(3) SHARING
WITH
CENTERS
FOR
DISEASE 
CONTROL
AND
PREVENTION.—The Secretary may 
share data from any tests performed under sub-
section (a) with the Director of the Centers for Dis-
ease Control and Prevention, as appropriate, to in-
552 
crease the knowledge and understanding of cancer 
occurrences among firefighters. 
(e) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 
(1) The term ‘‘firefighter’’ has the meaning 
given that term in section 707 of the National De-
fense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 (Pub-
lic Law 116–92; 133 Stat. 1441; 10 U.S.C. 1074m 
note). 
(2) The term ‘‘high-risk individual’’ means an 
individual who— 
(A) is African American; 
(B) has at least one first-degree relative 
who has been diagnosed with prostate cancer at 
an early age; or 
(C) is otherwise determined by the Sec-
retary to be high risk with respect to prostate 
cancer. 
SEC. 710. CONTINUOUS GLUCOSE MONITORING PILOT PRO-
GRAM. 
(a) PILOT PROGRAM.—The Secretary of Defense 
shall carry out a pilot program under the TRICARE pro-
gram under which the Secretary provides covered mem-
bers with continuous glucose monitoring technology to as-
sess the effects of real-time metabolic health tracking and 
early intervention on improving—
553 
(1) the health of the members; and 
(2) force readiness. 
(b) PARTICIPATION.—The Secretary shall require a 
covered member to participate in the pilot program under 
subsection (a) if the Secretary identifies the member as 
being in either the Partially Medically Ready category or 
the Not Medically Ready category of the Individual Med-
ical Readiness program. 
(c) DATA.— 
(1) EXCLUSIVE USES.—The Secretary may use 
the health information of a covered member collected 
under the pilot program under subsection (a) only 
for the purposes of— 
(A) carrying out the pilot program, includ-
ing with respect to furnishing information to 
the Comptroller General of the United States 
pursuant to subsection (g)(1); 
(B) providing health care, including pre-
ventative care, to the member pursuant to chap-
ter 55 of title 10, United States Code; and 
(C) conducting the Individual Medical 
Readiness program. 
(2) NO USE FOR MEDICAL DISCHARGES.—The 
Secretary may not use the health information of a 
covered member collected under the pilot program
554 
under subsection (a) in separating or discharging 
the member from the Armed Forces under chapter 
61 of title 10, United States Code. 
(3) 
PROHIBITION
ON
NONGOVERNMENTAL 
USE.—A nongovernmental entity that provides con-
tinuous glucose monitoring technology under the 
pilot program under subsection (a), or otherwise 
provides services under the pilot program, may 
not— 
(A) retain any rights to health information 
of a covered member collected under the pilot 
program; 
(B) use such information except as author-
ized by this section; and 
(C) may not retain such information after 
such authorized use is completed. 
(d) PROVISION OF INFORMATION AND SERVICES.— 
The Secretary shall provide covered members participating 
in the pilot program under subsection (a) with— 
(1) information regarding metabolic health 
awareness; and 
(2) education and services to improve force 
readiness. 
(e) TRAINING.—The Secretary shall—
555 
(1) provide medical professionals of the military 
departments with in-person training on the back-
ground, procedures, and reporting requirements of 
the pilot program under subsection (a); and 
(2) establish shared educational resources and 
training materials that may be used by all the mili-
tary departments. 
(f) DURATION.—The Secretary shall carry out the 
pilot program under subsection (a) for a five-year period. 
(g) REPORTS.— 
(1) COMPTROLLER GENERAL.— 
(A) INITIAL.—Not later than three years 
after the date on which the Secretary com-
mences the pilot program under subsection (a), 
the Comptroller General of the United States 
shall submit to the Committees on Armed Serv-
ices of the House of Representatives and the 
Senate a report on the pilot program, includ-
ing— 
(i) a comparison of the rates of mem-
bers in the Partially Medically Ready cat-
egory or the Not Medically Ready category 
of the Individual Medical Readiness pro-
gram during 2025 and during the third
556 
year in which the pilot program is carried 
out; and 
(ii) recommendations to improve the 
pilot program. 
(B) FINAL.—Not later than five years 
after the date on which the Secretary com-
mences the pilot program under subsection (a), 
the Comptroller General shall submit to the 
Committees on Armed Services of the House of 
Representatives and the Senate a report on the 
pilot program, including— 
(i) an assessment of the effectiveness 
of the recommendations under subpara-
graph (A)(ii); and 
(ii) a determination by the Comp-
troller General regarding whether the pilot 
program should be extended. 
(2) DOD.—Not later than five years after the 
date on which the Secretary commences the pilot 
program under subsection (a), the Secretary shall 
submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the 
House of Representatives and the Senate a report on 
the pilot program, including— 
(A) data regarding the use and efficacy of 
the pilot program;
557 
(B) how the pilot program affected force 
readiness; and 
(C) any recommendations by the Secretary 
to improve the pilot program. 
(h) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 
(1) The term ‘‘covered member’’ means a mem-
ber of the Armed Forces serving on active duty who 
meets any of the following criteria: 
(A) The member has been diagnosed with 
prediabetes. 
(B) The member has been diagnosed with 
type 2 diabetes and does not take insulin. 
(C) The member has had gestational dia-
betes. 
(D) The member is overweight or obese. 
(2) The term ‘‘Individual Medical Readiness 
program’’ means the program specified in Depart-
ment of Defense Instruction 6025.19, or successor 
instruction. 
(3) The term ‘‘TRICARE program’’ has the 
meaning given that term in section 1072 of title 10, 
United States Code.
558 
SEC. 711. TRICARE COVERAGE FOR ANESTHESIA FOR IN- 
OFFICE DENTAL PROCEDURES FOR PEDI-
ATRIC DENTISTRY. 
Section 1077(a)(10) of title 10, United States Code, 
is amended by inserting before the period the following: 
‘‘, including with respect to anesthesia for in-office dental 
procedures for children’’. 
SEC. 712. NOTIFICATION TO TRICARE BENEFICIARIES OF 
COVERAGE TRANSITION REQUIREMENTS. 
Chapter 55 of title 10, United States Code, is amend-
ed by inserting after section 1097d the following: 
‘‘§ 1097e. TRICARE program: notice of coverage tran-
sition requirements 
‘‘(a) PROVISION
OF NOTICE.—(1) The Secretary 
shall provide each covered beneficiary with notices of a 
TRICARE coverage transition requirement that affects 
the individual. 
‘‘(2) The Secretary shall provide notice under para-
graph (1) through electronic means. 
‘‘(b) TIMING OF NOTICE.—The Secretary shall pro-
vide notices to a covered beneficiary under subsection 
(a)(1) as follows: 
‘‘(1) On the date that is one year before the 
covered beneficiary will experience a TRICARE cov-
erage transition requirement.
559 
‘‘(2) On the date that is 180 days before the 
covered beneficiary will experience a TRICARE cov-
erage transition requirement. 
‘‘(3) On the date that is 30 days before the cov-
ered beneficiary will experience a TRICARE cov-
erage transition requirement. 
‘‘(c) OUTREACH.—The Secretary shall conduct an 
outreach and public awareness campaign to inform cov-
ered beneficiaries of TRICARE coverage transition re-
quirements, including through the TRICARE internet 
website, social media, and through family readiness 
groups. 
‘‘(d) REPORTS.—On an annual basis the Secretary 
shall submit to the congressional defense committees a re-
port on the implementation of this section, including 
metrics relating to the outreach and public awareness 
campaign under subsection (c) and any recommendations 
to improve making covered beneficiaries aware of 
TRICARE coverage transition requirements. 
‘‘(e) TRICARE COVERAGE TRANSITION REQUIRE-
MENT.—In this section, the term ‘TRICARE coverage 
transition requirement’ means a requirement under this 
chapter for a covered beneficiary to make a different elec-
tion under the TRICARE program to continue enrollment 
in the TRICARE program, including by reason of attain-
560 
ing a certain age as described in section 1086(d) or 1110b 
of this title.’’. 
SEC. 713. PROHIBITION ON COVERAGE OF GENDER-RE-
LATED 
MEDICAL 
TREATMENT 
UNDER 
TRICARE. 
(a) TRICARE.— 
(1) IN
GENERAL.—Chapter 55 of title 10, 
United States Code, is amended by inserting after 
section 1076f the following new section: 
‘‘§ 1076g. TRICARE program: prohibition on coverage 
and furnishment gender-related medical 
treatment 
‘‘(a) PROHIBITION.—Except as provided by sub-
section (b), medical care under section 1076 of this title 
with respect to members of the armed forces and depend-
ents of such members does not include gender-related 
medical treatment, and the Secretary of Defense may not 
furnish any such treatment. 
‘‘(b) EXCEPTIONS.—The prohibition in subsection (a) 
shall not apply to medical treatment provided for purposes 
of treating— 
‘‘(1) a disorder of sex development, diagnosed 
by a physician after such physician has determined 
through genetic or biochemical testing that such 
minor does not have normal sex chromosome struc-
561 
ture, sex steroid hormone production, or sex steroid 
hormone action; 
‘‘(2) irresolvably ambiguous biological sex char-
acteristics of such minor, including the presence 
of— 
‘‘(A) 46 XX chromosomes with virilization; 
‘‘(B) 
XY 
chromosomes 
with 
undervirilization; or 
‘‘(C) both ovarian and testicular tissue; or 
‘‘(3) an infection, injury, disease, or disorder 
caused or exacerbated by gender-related medical 
treatment. 
‘‘(c) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 
‘‘(1) The term ‘female’ means an individual who 
naturally has, had, will have, or would have, but for 
a developmental or genetic anomaly or historical ac-
cident, the reproductive system that at some point 
produces, transports, and utilizes eggs for fertiliza-
tion. 
‘‘(2) The term ‘gender’— 
‘‘(A) means— 
‘‘(i) males, females, or the natural dif-
ferences between males and females, unless 
such term is otherwise specified or used
562 
alone (rather than with or as an adjective 
modifying other words); and 
‘‘(ii) is a synonym for sex; and 
‘‘(B) does not mean gender identity, expe-
rienced gender, gender expression, or gender 
roles. 
‘‘(3) The term ‘gender-related medical treat-
ment’ means— 
‘‘(A) with respect to a female individual, 
medical treatments provided for purposes of ad-
dressing the perception of such individual that 
the gender or sex of such individual is not fe-
male, including— 
‘‘(i) surgical procedures, including— 
‘‘(I) vaginectomy; 
‘‘(II) hysterectomy; 
‘‘(III) oophorectomy; 
‘‘(IV) reconstruction of the ure-
thra; 
‘‘(V) metoidioplasty; 
‘‘(VI) phalloplasty; 
‘‘(VII) salpingo-oophorectomy; 
‘‘(VIII) scrotoplasty; 
‘‘(IX) implantation of erection or 
testicular protheses;
563 
‘‘(X) subcutaneous mastectomy; 
‘‘(XI) vocal cord surgery; 
‘‘(XII) pectoral implants; and 
‘‘(XIII) penile transplantation; 
‘‘(ii) exogenous doses of testosterone 
or other androgens; and 
‘‘(iii) puberty blockers, including— 
‘‘(I) GnRH agonists; and 
‘‘(II) synthetic drugs that sup-
press the production of estrogen and 
progesterone or delay or suppress pu-
bertal development in female individ-
uals; and 
‘‘(B) with respect to a male individual, 
medical treatments provided for purposes of ad-
dressing the perception of such individual that 
the gender or sex of such individual is not male, 
including— 
‘‘(i) surgical procedures, including— 
‘‘(I) penectomy; 
‘‘(II) orchiectomy; 
‘‘(III) vaginoplasty; 
‘‘(IV) clitoroplasty; 
‘‘(V) vulvoplasty;
564 
‘‘(VI) 
augmentation 
mammoplasty; 
‘‘(VII) facial feminization sur-
gery; 
‘‘(VIII) vocal cord surgery; 
‘‘(IX) chondrolaryngoplasty; 
‘‘(X) gluteal augmentation; and 
‘‘(XI) uterine transplantation; 
‘‘(ii) exogenous doses of estrogen; and 
‘‘(iii) puberty blockers, including— 
‘‘(I) GnRH agonists; and 
‘‘(II) synthetic drugs that sup-
press the production of testosterone or 
delay or suppress pubertal develop-
ment in male individuals. 
‘‘(4) The term ‘male’ means an individual who 
naturally has, had, will have, or would have, but for 
a developmental or genetic anomaly or historical ac-
cident, the reproductive system that at some point 
produces, transports, and utilizes sperm for fertiliza-
tion. 
‘‘(5) The term ‘sex’ means the biological deter-
mination as to whether an individual is male or fe-
male.
565 
‘‘(d) RULE OF CONSTRUCTION.—Nothing in this sec-
tion may be construed to entitle an individual to medical 
care under this chapter for which they are not otherwise 
entitled to under this chapter.’’. 
(b) CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.—Such chapter is 
further amended as follows: 
(1) In section 1077(b), by adding at the end 
the following: 
‘‘(4) Treatment prohibited under section 1076g 
of this title with respect to members of the armed 
forces and dependents of such members.’’. 
(2) In section 1079(a)(20), by striking ‘‘that 
could result in sterilization’’. 
Subtitle B—Health Care 
Administration 
SEC. 721. MILITARY-CIVILIAN MEDICAL SURGE PROGRAM. 
(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—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 sub-
section: 
‘‘(e) MEDICAL SURGE PROGRAM.—(1) The Secretary 
shall carry out a program of record known as the Military- 
Civilian Medical Surge Program to—
566 
‘‘(A) support locations that the Secretary se-
lects under paragraph (3); and 
‘‘(B) enhance the interoperability and medical 
surge capability and capacity of the National Dis-
aster Medical System in response to a declaration or 
other action described in subparagraphs (A) through 
(E) of paragraph (4). 
‘‘(2)(A) The Secretary, 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, staff-
ing, and deployment of the Program. 
‘‘(B) In carrying out the Program, the Secretary 
shall maintain requirements for staffing, specialized train-
ing, research, and education, regarding patient regulation, 
movement, definitive care, and other matters the Sec-
retary determines critical to sustaining the health of mem-
bers of the armed forces. 
‘‘(3)(A) In carrying out the Program, the Secretary 
shall establish partnerships at locations selected under 
subparagraph (B) with public, private, and nonprofit 
health care organizations, health care institutions, health 
care entities, academic medical centers of institutions of 
higher education, and hospitals that the Secretary deter-
mines—
567 
‘‘(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, con-
tainment, management, care, and transportation. 
‘‘(B) 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 partner-
ships under subparagraph (A). The Secretary may select 
more than eight locations, including locations outside of 
the continental United States, if the Secretary determines 
such additional locations cover areas of strategic and oper-
ational relevance to the Defense Department. 
‘‘(4) The Secretary shall ensure that the partnerships 
under paragraph (3)(A) allow for civilian medical per-
sonnel to quickly and effectively mobilize direct support 
to military medical treatment facilities and provide sup-
port to other requirements of the military health system 
pursuant to the following:
568 
‘‘(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 President’s exercise of executive pow-
ers under the War Powers Resolution (50 U.S.C. 
1541 et seq.). 
‘‘(E) Any other emergency or major disaster as 
declared by the President. 
‘‘(5)(A) The Secretary of Defense shall carry out the 
Program in collaboration with the Secretary of Veterans 
Affairs, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, the 
Secretary of Transportation, and the Administrator of the 
Federal Emergency Management Agency. 
‘‘(B) Each official specified in subparagraph (A) shall 
prescribe regulations necessary to carry out the Program. 
‘‘(C) Not later than December 31, 2026, the officials 
specified in subparagraph (A) shall jointly issue an inter-
agency operations plan for the Program. 
‘‘(D) Nothing in this subsection shall be construed 
to authorize the Secretary of Defense to control, direct, 
limit, or otherwise affect the authorities of the Secretary
569 
of Veterans Affairs, the Secretary of Health and Human 
Services, the Secretary of Transportation, and the Admin-
istrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency 
with respect to medical preparedness and response, staff-
ing levels, or resource allocation. 
‘‘(6) Beginning July 1, 2026, and annually there-
after, the Secretary, in coordination with the Secretary of 
Veterans Affairs, the Secretary of Health and Human 
Services, the Secretary of Transportation, and the Admin-
istrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, 
shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees 
a report on the status, readiness, and operational capabili-
ties of the Program. Each report shall include an assess-
ment of personnel readiness, resource availability, inter-
agency coordination efforts, and recommendations for con-
tinued improvements to the Program. 
‘‘(7) In this subsection: 
‘‘(A) The term ‘appropriate congressional com-
mittees’ means the following: 
‘‘(i) The Committee on Armed Services, 
the Committee on Transportation and Infra-
structure, the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, 
and the Committee on Energy and Commerce 
of the House of Representatives.
570 
‘‘(ii) The Committee on Armed Services, 
the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
Transportation, the Committee on Veterans’ Af-
fairs, the Committee on Homeland Security and 
Governmental Affairs, and the Committee on 
Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the 
Senate. 
‘‘(B) 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))). 
‘‘(C) The term ‘National Disaster Medical Sys-
tem’ means the system established under section 
2812 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 
300hh–11). 
‘‘(D) The term ‘Program’ means the Military- 
Civilian Medical Surge Program established under 
paragraph (1).’’. 
(b) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.—Of the 
amounts authorized to be appropriated by section 1405, 
as specified in the funding table in section 4501, there 
is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of De-
fense $20,000,000 for fiscal year 2026 to carry out sub-
section (e) of section 1097 of title 10, United States Code, 
as added by subsection (a).
571 
SEC. 722. REIMBURSEMENT FOR TRAVEL EXPENSES RELAT-
ING TO SPECIALTY CARE FOR CERTAIN MEM-
BERS OF THE ARMED FORCES AND DEPEND-
ENTS. 
Section 1074i of title 10, United States Code, is 
amended— 
(1) in subsection (a), by striking ‘‘In any case’’ 
and inserting ‘‘Except as provided by subsection (b), 
in any case’’; and 
(2) in subsection (b)— 
(A) by striking the heading and inserting 
‘‘SPECIAL RULES FOR CERTAIN MEMBERS AND 
DEPENDENTS.—’’; 
(B) by striking ‘‘The Secretary of De-
fense’’ and inserting ‘‘(1) The Secretary of De-
fense’’; and 
(C) by inserting after paragraph (1), as 
designated by subparagraph (B) of this para-
graph, the following new paragraph: 
‘‘(2) With respect to members of the armed forces 
on active duty and their dependents, the Secretary shall 
administer subsection (a) by substituting ‘50 miles’ for 
‘100 miles’.’’.
572 
SEC. 723. PAYMENT ADJUSTMENTS FOR OUTPATIENT SERV-
ICES FOR CERTAIN CHILDREN’S HOSPITALS. 
(a) REQUIREMENT.—Section 1079(i) of title 10, 
United States Code, is amended— 
(1) by redesignating paragraph (4) as para-
graph (5); and 
(2) by inserting after paragraph (3) the fol-
lowing new paragraph (4): 
‘‘(4)(A) In addition to amounts paid under paragraph 
(2), the Secretary shall pay an annual payment adjust-
ment to a children’s hospital for outpatient services if the 
Secretary determines that, with respect to the year cov-
ered by the payment adjustment, the hospital meets one 
or more of the following criteria: 
‘‘(i) 10 percent or more of the revenue of the 
hospital comes from services provided to covered in-
dividuals under the TRICARE program. 
‘‘(ii) The hospital received not fewer than 
10,000 visits by covered individuals that were paid 
under paragraph (2). 
‘‘(iii) The hospital has been determined by the 
Secretary to be essential for operations of the 
TRICARE program. 
‘‘(B) The amount of the annual payment adjustment 
paid to a children’s hospital under subparagraph (A) shall 
be the amount that is 30 percent of payments made under
573 
the Outpatient Prospective Payment System (or successor 
system) to the children’s hospital under paragraph (2) 
during the year covered by the annual payment adjust-
ment for outpatient services provided to covered individ-
uals. 
‘‘(C) In this paragraph: 
‘‘(i) The term ‘children’s hospital’ means a pro-
vider of services provided under a plan covered by 
this section that is a children’s hospital. 
‘‘(ii) The term ‘covered individual’ means a 
member of the armed forces serving on active duty 
or a dependent of such a member.’’. 
(b) METHODOLOGY AND REGULATIONS.—The Sec-
retary of Defense shall— 
(1) develop a payment methodology to deter-
mine the amounts required to be paid under para-
graph (4) of section 1079(i) of title 10, United 
States Code, as added by subsection (a); and 
(2) prescribe joint regulations to carry out such 
payments that are separate from the regulations 
concerning outpatient prospective payments pursu-
ant to paragraph (2) of such section.
574 
SEC. 724. VERIFICATION OF LICENSURE OF HEALTH-CARE 
PROFESSIONALS OF THE MILITARY DEPART-
MENTS. 
Subsection (b) of section 1094 of title 10, United 
States Code, is amended to read as follows: 
‘‘(b)(1) The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that 
each individual who provides health care independently as 
a health-care professional at a health care facility of the 
Department of Defense meets the requirement of sub-
section (a). 
‘‘(2) In carrying out paragraph (1), the Secretary 
shall establish a centralized credential system that allows 
the commanding officer of a health care facility of the De-
partment to verify the licensure of a health-care profes-
sional, regardless of the location of the facility or the 
armed force in which the health-care professional serves. 
The Secretary shall ensure that not less than 90 percent 
of such verifications are completed within seven days of 
the date on which the commanding officer requests such 
verification if the request does not relate to a health-care 
professional with an adverse record.’’. 
SEC. 725. EXPANSION OF HEALTH CARE LICENSE PORT-
ABILITY FOR MEMBERS OF THE NATIONAL 
GUARD PERFORMING TRAINING OR DUTY. 
Section 1094(d)(3)(B) of title 10, United States 
Code, is amended by striking ‘‘under section 502(f) of title
575 
32 in response to an actual or potential disaster’’ and in-
serting ‘‘under title 32’’. 
SEC. 726. LICENSURE REQUIREMENT FOR HEALTH-CARE 
PROFESSIONALS OF PARTNER COUNTRIES. 
Section 1094(e) of title 10, United States Code, is 
amended— 
(1) in paragraph (1)(A), by striking ‘‘; and’’ 
and inserting ‘‘, or the official agency of the govern-
ment of a partner country; and’’; and 
(2) by inserting at the end the following: 
‘‘(3) The term ‘partner country’ means any of 
the following: 
‘‘(A) Australia. 
‘‘(B) Canada. 
‘‘(C) New Zealand. 
‘‘(D) United Kingdom. 
‘‘(E) Any other country designated as a 
partner country by the Secretary of Defense for 
the purposes of this section.’’. 
SEC. 727. MODIFICATION OF LIMITATION ON REDUCTION 
OF 
MILITARY 
MEDICAL 
MANNING 
END 
STRENGTH. 
Section 741 of the James M. Inhofe National Defense 
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Public Law 117– 
263; 136 Stat. 2395; 10 U.S.C. 129c note) is amended—
576 
(1) in subsection (a), by striking ‘‘five-year pe-
riod’’ both places it appears and inserting ‘‘10-year 
period’’; and 
(2) in subsection (c)— 
(A) in paragraph (2), by striking ‘‘Not 
later than two years after the date of the enact-
ment of this Act,’’ and inserting ‘‘During each 
of 2024 and 2029,’’; and 
(B) in paragraphs (3) and (4), by striking 
‘‘three years after the date of the enactment of 
this Act,’’ both places it appears and inserting 
‘‘December 31, 2030,’’. 
SEC. 728. PROHIBITION ON PAINFUL RESEARCH ON DOMES-
TIC CATS AND DOGS. 
(a) PROHIBITION.—Except as provided by subsection 
(b) or (c), the Secretary of Defense may not conduct, or 
support the conduct of, painful research on a domestic cat 
(Felis catus) or a domestic dog (Canis familiaris). 
(b) EXCEPTION.—The prohibition in subsection (a) 
shall not apply with respect to any physical exam, training 
program, or study relating to service animals or military 
animals. 
(c) WAIVER.—The Secretary of Defense may waive 
the prohibition in subsection (a) on a case-by-case basis 
if the Secretary—
577 
(1) determines that the waiver is in the national 
security interests of the United States; and 
(2) not later than 30 days after the date on 
which the Secretary makes the waiver, submits to 
the congressional defense committees a detailed jus-
tification for the waiver, including— 
(A) an identification of the Department of 
Defense account from which funds would be ob-
ligated or expended to conduct, or support the 
conduct of, the proposed research covered by 
the waiver; 
(B) an identification of the amount of such 
funds; 
(C) an identification of the intended pur-
pose of such funds; 
(D) an identification of the recipient or 
prospective recipient of such funds (including 
any nongovernmental recipient, as applicable); 
(E) an explanation for how the waiver is in 
the national security interests of the United 
States; and 
(F) any other information the Secretary 
determines appropriate. 
(d) DEFINITIONS.—In this section:
578 
(1) The term ‘‘military animal’’ has the mean-
ing given the term in section 2583(i)(1) of title 10, 
United States Code. 
(2) The term ‘‘painful research’’ includes any 
research, biomedical training, experimentation, or bi-
ological testing, classified in pain category D or E 
by the Department of Agriculture. 
(3) The term ‘‘service animal’’ has the meaning 
given the term in section 37.3 of title 49, Code of 
Federal Regulations, or such successor regulation. 
SEC. 729. PILOT PROGRAM TO TEST STANDALONE TECH-
NOLOGY TO IMPROVE EFFICIENCIES IN SUP-
PLY-CHAIN MANAGEMENT, MEDICAL READI-
NESS, AND MEDICAL PROCESSES. 
(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—Not later than 90 days after 
the date of the enactment of the Act, the Secretary of De-
fense, acting through the Director of the Defense Health 
Agency, shall carry out a pilot program to test and evalu-
ate existing standalone technologies to assess whether 
such technologies accomplish the following: 
(1) Improving efficiencies in medical supply- 
chain management and in military medical readi-
ness. 
(2) Streamlining medical processes. 
(3) Improving recordation accuracy.
579 
(4) Reducing rates of needlestick injury. 
(5) Enhancing retention rates of military health 
care providers. 
(b) DURATION.—The Secretary shall carry out the 
pilot program for a five-year period. 
SEC. 730. AVAILABILITY OF SEXUAL ASSAULT NURSE EXAM-
INER 
SERVICES 
AT 
MILITARY 
MEDICAL 
TREATMENT FACILITIES. 
(a) REQUIREMENT.—Not later than one year after 
the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of 
Defense shall ensure that each military medical treatment 
facility maintains, at all times, the continuous availability 
of at least one qualified sexual assault nurse examiner to 
provide forensic medical examinations and related care to 
sexual assault survivors. 
(b) USE OF CONTRACTS TO MEET REQUIREMENT.— 
The Secretary may satisfy the requirement in subsection 
(a) with respect to a military medical treatment facility 
if the Secretary enters into a contract or other agreement 
with a private provider under which the provider ensures 
the continuous availability of a qualified sexual assault 
nurse examiner to provide services at that facility. In en-
tering into such a contract or other agreement, the Sec-
retary shall ensure the following:
580 
(1) A qualified sexual assault nurse examiner is 
on call 24 hours per day and will arrive at the facil-
ity not later than two hours after being called. 
(2) The qualified sexual assault nurse exam-
iners are located— 
(A) not more than 25 miles by road from 
the facility; or 
(B) within a 30-minute emergency re-
sponse travel time under normal conditions 
from the facility. 
(3) The qualified sexual assault nurse exam-
iners meet or exceed all credentialing, training, and 
certification standards that the Secretary would oth-
erwise apply to a sexual assault nurse examiner em-
ployed directly by the Department of Defense. 
(c) INFORMATION.—Not later than one year after the 
date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall— 
(1) issue updated policy guidance of the De-
partment implementing the requirements of sub-
sections (a) and (b), including standard language for 
contracts or other agreements under subsection (b); 
and 
(2) submit to the Committees on Armed Serv-
ices of the House of Representatives and the Senate 
a report detailing—
581 
(A) the status of sexual assault nurse ex-
aminer staffing at each military medical treat-
ment facility; 
(B) any contracts or other agreements en-
tered into under subsection (b), including the 
names and locations of providers; 
(C) the average response times for sexual 
assault nurse examiners and any gaps in cov-
erage experienced during the one-year period 
preceding the report; and 
(D) plans to address any identified short-
falls in service availability. 
(d) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 
(1) The term ‘‘military medical treatment facil-
ity’’ has the meaning given that term in section 
1073c of title 10, United States Code. 
(2) The term ‘‘sexual assault nurse examiner’’ 
means a registered nurse who has received special-
ized training and certification in the forensic exam-
ination of sexual assault survivors and the collection 
of forensic evidence, in accordance with standards 
established by the International Association of Fo-
rensic Nurses or an equivalent certifying body.
582 
SEC. 731. UNIFORM PROTOCOLS ON SCREENING FOR UN-
WANTED SEXUAL BEHAVIOR. 
(a) GUIDANCE.—Not later than 180 days after the 
date of the enactment of this Act, the Director of the De-
fense Health Agency, in coordination with the Assistant 
Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs and the Under 
Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, shall 
develop comprehensive written guidance establishing uni-
form protocols for providing a screening for unwanted sex-
ual behavior to patients at military medical treatment fa-
cilities. 
(b) REPORT.—Not later than one year after the date 
on which the Director issues the guidance under sub-
section (a), the Director shall submit to the congressional 
defense committees a report containing the following: 
(1) An assessment of the extent to which each 
military medical treatment facility has implemented 
the guidance. 
(2) Aggregate, de-identified data on screening 
rates, positive-screen rates, and referral follow- 
through. 
(3) Any planned revisions to the guidance. 
(c) SCREENING FOR UNWANTED SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 
DEFINED.—In this section, the term ‘‘screening for un-
wanted sexual behavior’’ means the use of standardized, 
evidence-based questions or instruments to detect whether
583 
an individual has been subject to any sexual contact or 
interaction to which the individual did not or could not 
freely consent, including harassment, coercion, assault, or 
abuse. 
SEC. 732. ACCESS TO SEXUAL ASSAULT FORENSIC EXAMI-
NATIONS FOR CIVILIAN EMPLOYEES AND 
CONTRACTORS. 
Section 1725(b) of the National Defense Authoriza-
tion Act for Fiscal Year 2014 (Public Law 113–66; 10 
U.S.C. 1561 note) is amended— 
(1) in paragraph (2)— 
(A) by inserting ‘‘(or other individual cov-
ered under paragraph (3))’’ after ‘‘patient of 
the facility’’; and 
(B) by inserting ‘‘(or other such individ-
ual’s need)’’ after ‘‘patient’s need’’; and 
(2) by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(3) ACCESS TO SEXUAL ASSAULT FORENSIC 
EXAMINERS.—In addition to furnishing sexual as-
sault forensic examinations to patients of military 
medical treatment facilities, the Secretary of De-
fense shall ensure that civilian employees and con-
tractors of the Department of Defense are furnished 
sexual assault forensic examinations at military 
medical treatment facilities (including such facilities
584 
located outside the United States) following an alle-
gation of sexual assault, regardless of whether the 
employee or contractor is otherwise eligible for 
health care under chapter 55 of title 10, United 
States Code.’’. 
SEC. 733. MANDATORY TRAINING ON HEALTH EFFECTS OF 
PERFLUOROALKYL OR POLYFLUOROALKYL 
SUBSTANCES. 
The Secretary of Defense shall provide to each health 
care provider of the Department of Defense mandatory 
training regarding the potential health effects of 
perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substances. 
SEC. 
734. 
REQUIREMENTS 
RELATING 
TO 
WELLNESS 
CHECKS FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE OF CER-
TAIN MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES. 
(a) WELLNESS CHECKS.— 
(1) WELLNESS CHECKS REQUIRED.—The Sec-
retary of Defense shall issue such regulations, poli-
cies, and procedures as may be necessary to require 
that, whenever appropriate following a member of 
the Armed Forces sustaining any significant injury 
or illness or being on sick call, a wellness check is 
conducted to account for the health and welfare of 
such member.
585 
(2) METHODS OF CONTACT.—In conducting a 
wellness check for a member of the Armed Forces 
pursuant to paragraph (1), if the member does not 
respond to such check conducted via an electronic or 
telephone communication method, the individual con-
ducting the check shall progress to an in-person 
method of contact. 
(3) RESULT OF FAILURE TO LOCATE.—If, as a 
result of a wellness check conducted pursuant to 
paragraph (1) for a member of the Armed Forces, 
the individual conducting such check is unable to lo-
cate such member, the individual shall refer to the 
applicable regulations, policies, and procedures of 
the Department of Defense regarding the determina-
tion and reporting of such member as missing, ab-
sent unknown, absent without leave, or duty status- 
whereabouts unknown. 
(b) IMPLEMENTATION BY UNIT COMMANDERS.—In 
carrying out subsection (a), the Secretary of Defense shall 
ensure that each unit commander coordinates with the 
judge advocates assigned or attached to, or performing 
duty with, the unit under the command of such com-
mander for assistance in the implementation of any regu-
lation, policy, or procedure required under subsection (a) 
with respect to such unit.
586 
(c) ADDITIONAL ACTIONS BY UNIT COMMANDERS.— 
On a routine basis, each unit commander shall— 
(1) review the requirements contained in the 
document titled ‘‘Commander’s Critical Information 
Requirements’’, dated January 2020, or such suc-
cessor document, to ensure such requirements— 
(A) have been issued or updated during 
the three-year period preceding any such re-
view; 
(B) reflect such medical issues or safety 
incidents of members of the Armed Forces that 
the commander deems sufficiently significant; 
and 
(C) have been distributed to the unit under 
the command of such commander; and 
(2) host confidential wellness meetings with 
subordinate commanders at which such commanders 
may discuss with one or more medical officers as-
signed to such unit any significant injuries or ill-
nesses affecting members of the Armed Forces serv-
ing in or with such unit. 
(d) TRAINING COURSES.—Each Secretary concerned, 
and the Secretary of Defense with respect to civilian per-
sonnel of the Department of Defense, shall develop and 
implement training courses to ensure each member of an
587 
Armed Force under the jurisdiction of that Secretary (or 
each civilian employee of the Department of Defense, re-
spectively) is aware of the importance of accountability 
with respect to health and welfare and of the significant 
negative outcomes that may occur when accountability 
procedures fail. Such courses shall be offered at leadership 
and supervisor trainings and shall include content relating 
to the conduct of wellness checks in accordance with sub-
section (a) and other related actions. 
(e) SECRETARY CONCERNED DEFINED.—In this sec-
tion, the term ‘‘Secretary concerned’’ has the meaning 
given such term in section 101(a) of title 10, United 
States Code. 
SEC. 735. EXTENSION OF NOTICE AND WAIT PERIOD FOR 
PROPOSED RESTRUCTURING, REALIGNMENT, 
OR MODIFICATION TO MILITARY MEDICAL 
TREATMENT FACILITIES. 
Section 703(d)(4)(C) of the National Defense Au-
thorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 (Public Law 114– 
328; 130 Stat. 2199), as amended by section 718 of the 
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 
(Public Law 116–283; 134 Stat. 3696), is further amend-
ed by striking ‘‘180-day’’ and inserting ‘‘one-year’’.
588 
SEC. 736. ANNUAL PUBLICATION OF INFORMATION RELAT-
ING TO THE TREATMENT OF CIVILIANS IN 
MILITARY MEDICAL TREATMENT FACILITIES. 
Section 1079b of title 10, United States Code, is 
amended— 
(1) by redesignating subsection (e) as sub-
section (f); and 
(2) by inserting after subsection (d) the fol-
lowing new subsection: 
‘‘(d) ANNUAL PUBLICATION OF INFORMATION.—On 
an annual basis, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to 
the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Rep-
resentatives and the Senate, and make publicly available 
on the internet website of the Department of Defense, the 
following information with respect to the year covered by 
the report: 
‘‘(1) The total amount of fees owed by civilians 
for medical care described in subsection (a), 
disaggregated by military medical treatment facility. 
‘‘(2) The number of civilians who received such 
medical care, disaggregated by military medical 
treatment facility. 
‘‘(3) The number of civilians who received a 
waiver under subsection (b), and the average amount 
of fees waived, disaggregated by military medical 
treatment facility.
589 
‘‘(4) The number of civilians who received a re-
duction of fees under subsection (c), and the average 
amount of fees remaining after such reductions, 
disaggregated by military medical treatment facil-
ity.’’. 
SEC. 737. AVAILABILITY OF DEFENSE HEALTH PROGRAM 
AND OTHER FUNDS FOR CERTAIN MEDICAL 
COUNTERMEASURES. 
(a) AVAILABILITY.—Chapter 55 of title 10, United 
States Code, is amended by inserting after section 1100 
the following new section: 
‘‘§ 1100a. Availability of Defense Health Program and 
other funds for certain medical counter-
measures 
‘‘(a) AUTHORITY.—Subject to the availability of ap-
propriations for such purpose, amounts available under 
the Defense Health Program account established under 
section 1100, and amounts available under the Operation 
and Maintenance, Army account for medical readiness, 
may be obligated or expended by the Director of the De-
fense Health Agency to conduct the activities described in 
subsection (b) for the protection and sustainment of de-
ployed forces across the roles of medical care. 
‘‘(b) ACTIVITIES DESCRIBED.—The activities de-
scribed in this subsection are the following:
590 
‘‘(1) The procurement or pre-positioning of a 
medical countermeasure for forward deployment. 
‘‘(2) The forward deployment of a medical 
countermeasure. 
‘‘(3) Any associated logistics, storage, or 
sustainment activity necessary to ensure the avail-
ability or readiness of a forward-deployed medical 
countermeasure. 
‘‘(c) COORDINATION.—The Director of the Defense 
Health Agency shall coordinate with the Secretaries of the 
military departments and the commanders of the combat-
ant commands with respect to any obligation or expendi-
ture of funds under subsection (a). 
‘‘(d) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 
‘‘(1) The term ‘medical countermeasure’ in-
cludes— 
‘‘(A) a vaccine, therapeutic, prophylactic, 
or diagnostic; and 
‘‘(B) an advanced wound care product, in-
cluding antimicrobial and barrier-protective 
dressings such as silver-plated bandages. 
‘‘(2) The term ‘roles of medical care’ has the 
meaning given such term in the publication of the 
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff titled ‘Joint
591 
Publication 4-02: Joint Health Service’, dated De-
cember 11, 2017, or such successor publication.’’. 
(b) REPORTS.—Not later than 120 days after the 
date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter 
for three years, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to 
the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Rep-
resentatives and the Senate a report describing— 
(1) the categories of medical countermeasures 
procured and forward-deployed using funds author-
ized to be obligated or expended under section 1100 
of title 10, United States Code, as added by sub-
section (a); 
(2) the locations supported by any such use of 
funds; and 
(3) any gaps or shortfalls identified in connec-
tion with the provision of such medical counter-
measures to deployed forces. 
Subtitle C—Studies, Briefings, 
Reports, and Other Matters 
SEC. 741. MILITARY MEDICAL COOPERATION ARRANGE-
MENTS AMONG FIVE EYES COUNTRIES. 
Subchapter II of chapter 138 of title 10, United 
States Code, is amended by adding at the end the fol-
lowing new section:
592 
‘‘§ 2350t. Military medical cooperation arrangements 
among Five Eyes countries 
‘‘(a) AUTHORITY.—The Secretary of Defense may 
enter into a bilateral or multilateral memorandum of un-
derstanding or other formal agreement with one or more 
governments of the Five Eyes countries to support mili-
tary medical cooperation or improve operational medical 
interoperability. 
‘‘(b) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 
‘‘(1) The term ‘Five Eyes countries’ means the 
following: 
‘‘(A) Australia. 
‘‘(B) Canada. 
‘‘(C) New Zealand. 
‘‘(D) The United Kingdom. 
‘‘(2) The term ‘military medical cooperation’ 
means any of the following: 
‘‘(A) Information exchange. 
‘‘(B) Medical interoperability, including 
credentialing of health care personnel. 
‘‘(C) Medical education, training, exercises, 
and evaluation. 
‘‘(D) Medical research, development, trials, 
and evaluation.
593 
‘‘(E) Biodefense, including with respect to 
prevention, preparation, response, and inves-
tigation. 
‘‘(F) Medical logistics, including the rec-
ognition of MedCM, drugs and medical equip-
ment. 
‘‘(G) Patient movement. 
‘‘(H) Any other areas for cooperation des-
ignated by the Secretary of Defense. 
‘‘(3) The term ‘military medicine’ means any of 
the following: 
‘‘(A) Combat casualty care including trau-
ma, 
‘‘(B) Military infectious disease. 
‘‘(C) Chemical, biological, radiological, and 
nuclear medical support. 
‘‘(D) Deployed health care delivery. 
‘‘(E) Public health, health readiness, and 
force health protection. 
‘‘(F) Mental health. 
‘‘(G) Humanitarian response. 
‘‘(H) Anomalous health incidents. 
‘‘(I) Mass casualty management. 
‘‘(J) Any other areas of military medicine 
designated by the Secretary of Defense.’’.
594 
SEC. 742. STRATEGY FOR TREATING TRAUMATIC BRAIN IN-
JURIES THROUGH DIGITAL HEALTH TECH-
NOLOGIES. 
Section 735 of the James M. Inhofe National Defense 
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Public Law 117– 
263; 10 U.S.C. 1071 note) is amended— 
(1) by redesignating subsections (e) and (f) as 
subsections (f) and (g), respectively; and 
(2) by inserting after subsection (d) the fol-
lowing new subsection: 
‘‘(e) DIGITAL HEALTH TECHNOLOGIES.— 
‘‘(1) WORKING GROUP.—As part of the Initia-
tive, the Secretary shall establish a working group to 
develop a strategy for treating traumatic brain inju-
ries through digital health technologies. 
‘‘(2) MEMBERSHIP.—The working group shall 
be composed of members of the Armed Forces, civil-
ian employees of the Department of Defense, and in-
dividuals not employed by the Federal Government, 
who have expertise in traumatic brain injury clinical 
care, biomedical informatics, engineering, or imple-
mentation science. 
‘‘(3) 
ELEMENTS.—The 
strategy 
developed 
under paragraph (1) shall include the following: 
‘‘(A) Identification of capability gaps in 
the treatment of traumatic brain injuries that
595 
could be addressed through artificial intel-
ligence and digital health technologies. 
‘‘(B) An analysis of existing research, de-
velopment, and acquisition efforts leveraging ar-
tificial intelligence-based capabilities and digital 
health technologies, including any applicable 
commercial off-the-shelf solutions being used by 
the Secretary to support the treatment of trau-
matic brain injuries. 
‘‘(C) Recommendations with respect to ad-
vances required to— 
‘‘(i) address gaps identified under 
subparagraph (A); and 
‘‘(ii) significantly improve the treat-
ment of traumatic brain injuries using ar-
tificial intelligence and digital health tech-
nologies. 
‘‘(D) A recommended investment plan to 
advance technology and knowledge readiness 
levels to field digital health technologies to treat 
traumatic brain injuries. 
‘‘(4) BRIEFING.—Not later than one year after 
the date of the enactment of the National Defense 
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026, the Sec-
retary shall provide to the Committees on Armed
596 
Services of the House of Representatives and the 
Senate a briefing on the strategy developed under 
paragraph (1).’’. 
SEC. 743. REPORT ON TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURIES AMONG 
CERTAIN PILOTS SERVING ON ACTIVE DUTY. 
(a) REPORT.—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 re-
port that contains a study determining whether, and to 
what extent, members of the Armed Forces serving on ac-
tive duty as pilots suffer from traumatic brain injury re-
sulting from the cumulative effects of high-speed maneu-
vers, catapult launches, and other repetitive actions poten-
tially harmful to brain health as a result of such service. 
(b) MATTERS INCLUDED.—The report under sub-
section (a) shall include the following: 
(1) The results of the study under subsection 
(a). 
(2) A summary of existing policies and proce-
dures of the Department of Defense, as of the date 
of the report, for identifying, documenting, and 
treating mild, moderate, and severe traumatic brain 
injury among pilots.
597 
(3) A strategy to better identify, document, and 
treat mild, moderate, and severe traumatic brain in-
jury among pilots. 
(4) Recommendations of the Secretary with re-
spect to potential regulatory and legislative actions 
to address challenges in identifying, documenting, 
and treating mild, moderate, and severe traumatic 
brain injury among pilots. 
SEC. 744. STUDY ON PREVALENCE AND MORTALITY OF 
CANCER AMONG MILITARY ROTARY-WING PI-
LOTS AND AVIATION SUPPORT PERSONNEL. 
(a) STUDY REQUIRED.—The Director of the Defense 
Health Agency, in coordination with the Directors of the 
National Institutes of Health and the National Cancer In-
stitute, shall conduct a study among covered individuals 
in two phases as provided by this section. 
(b) INITIAL PHASE OF STUDY.— 
(1) GOAL OF INITIAL PHASE.—Under the initial 
phase of the study under subsection (a), the Direc-
tor of the Defense Health Agency shall determine, 
for each cancer specified in paragraph (2), whether 
there is an increased prevalence of, or increased rate 
of mortality caused by, such cancer for covered indi-
viduals as compared to similarly aged individuals in 
the general population (or, in the case of the cancer
598 
specified in paragraph (2)(B), for female covered in-
dividuals as compared to similarly aged women in 
the general population). 
(2) CANCERS SPECIFIED.—The cancers speci-
fied in this paragraph are the following: 
(A) Brain cancer. 
(B) Breast cancer. 
(C) Colon and rectal cancer. 
(D) Kidney cancer. 
(E) Lung cancer. 
(F) Melanoma. 
(G) Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. 
(H) Ovarian cancer. 
(I) Pancreatic cancer. 
(J) Prostate cancer. 
(K) Testicular cancer. 
(L) Urinary bladder cancer. 
(M) Cervical cancer. 
(3) REPORT
ON
INITIAL
PHASE.—Not later 
than one year after the date of the enactment of this 
Act, the Director of the Defense Health Agency shall 
submit to the appropriate congressional committees 
a report on the findings of the phase of the study 
under this subsection. 
(c) SECOND PHASE OF STUDY.—
599 
(1) GOAL OF SECOND PHASE.—If, pursuant to 
the phase of the study under subsection (b), the Di-
rector of the Defense Health Agency determines 
there is an increased prevalence of, or increased 
mortality rate caused by, any cancer specified in 
subsection (b)(2) among covered individuals (or, 
with respect to the cancer specified in subsection 
(b)(2)(B), among female covered individuals), the 
Director shall conduct a second phase of the study 
to— 
(A) identify any carcinogenic toxin or other 
hazardous material associated with the oper-
ation of military rotary-wing aircraft, such as 
fumes, fuels, or other liquids; 
(B) identify any operating environment, in-
cluding frequencies or electromagnetic fields, in 
which covered individuals may have received ex-
cess exposure to non-ionizing radiation in the 
course of such operation, including non-ionizing 
radiation associated with airborne, ground, or 
shipboard radars; and 
(C) identify potential exposures as a result 
of military service by covered individuals to car-
cinogenic toxins or other hazardous materials 
not associated with the operation of military ro-
600 
tary-wing aircraft (such as exposure to burn 
pits, toxins in contaminated water, or toxins 
embedded in soils), including by determining— 
(i) the locations of such service; and 
(ii) any duties of covered individuals 
unrelated to such operation and associated 
with an increased prevalence of, or in-
creased mortality rate caused by, cancer. 
(2) REPORT ON SECOND PHASE.—If the Direc-
tor of the Defense Health Agency conducts the 
phase of the study under this subsection, not later 
than one year after the date on which the Director 
submits the report under subsection (b)(3), the Di-
rector shall submit to the appropriate congressional 
committees a report on the findings of such phase. 
(3) DATA FORMAT.—The Director of the De-
fense Health Agency shall format any data resulting 
from the phase of the study under this subsection 
consistent with the formatting of data under the 
Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results pro-
gram, including by disaggregating such data by race, 
gender, and age. 
(d) SOURCES OF DATA.—In conducting the study 
under this section, the Director of the Defense Health 
Agency shall use data from—
601 
(1) the database of the Surveillance, Epidemi-
ology, and End Results program; 
(2) the study conducted under section 750 of 
the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal 
Year 2021 (Public Law 116–283; 134 Stat. 3716); 
and 
(3) any other study previously conducted by the 
Secretary of a military department that the Director 
determines relevant for purposes of this section. 
(e) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 
(1) The term ‘‘appropriate congressional com-
mittees’’ means— 
(A) the Committee on Armed Services and 
the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the 
House of Representatives; and 
(B) the Committee on Armed Services and 
the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs of the Sen-
ate. 
(2) The term ‘‘covered Armed Force’’ means 
the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, or Space 
Force. 
(3) The term ‘‘covered individual’’ means any 
individual who— 
(A) served in a covered Armed Force on or 
after February 28, 1961, as an aircrew member
602 
of a rotary-wing aircraft (including as a pilot or 
aviation support personnel), without regard to 
the status, position, rank, or grade of the indi-
vidual within such crew; and 
(B) receives health care benefits under 
chapter 55 of title 10, United States Code. 
(4) The term ‘‘Surveillance, Epidemiology, and 
End Results program’’ means the program of the 
National Cancer Institute referred to in section 
399B(d)(1) of the Public Health Service Act (40 
U.S.C. 280e(d)(1)), or any successor program. 
SEC. 745. STUDY ON EFFECTS OF SERVICE IN THE SPECIAL 
OPERATIONS FORCES TO HEALTH OF MEM-
BERS OF THE ARMED FORCES. 
(a) STUDY.—Not later than 180 days after the date 
of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense 
shall conduct a five-year longitudinal study on the evalua-
tion and treatment of traumatic brain injuries and other 
injuries to provide analyses, findings, and recommenda-
tions with respect to extending the health span of mem-
bers of special operations forces. 
(b) ELEMENTS.—The study under subsection (a) 
shall include the following: 
(1) An evaluation of various exposure factors, 
including environmental, injury, and disease, to iden-
603 
tify and quantify the relationship of such exposure 
to long-term health. 
(2) An identification of sensitive and rapid bio-
markers related to injury and outcomes at the acute, 
subacute, and chronic level that translate to prac-
tical injury mitigation. 
(3) The characterizing and analysis of the fac-
tors associated with mitigating initial injury, enhanc-
ing force resilience, and optimizing long-term out-
comes. 
(4) An identification of the critical pre-service 
and post-service related issues that affect long-term 
health span. 
(5) An identification of the factors associated 
with early aging at the patient facing and cellular 
level to identify targets for potential therapeutics 
and interventions. 
(6) Any other elements as determined appro-
priate by the Secretary. 
(c) PROGRESS REPORTS.—Not later than 90 days 
after the date on which the Secretary commences the 
study under subsection (a), and annually thereafter during 
the duration of the study, the Secretary shall submit to 
the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Rep-
resentatives and the Senate a progress report of activities
604 
conducted under the study during the period covered by 
the report. 
(d) FINAL REPORT.—Not later than 180 days after 
the date on which the Secretary completes the study under 
subsection (a), the Secretary shall submit to the Commit-
tees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives 
and the Senate a report containing the findings of the 
study and recommendations based on the study, including 
information regarding— 
(1) identification of health trajectories associ-
ated with a career serving as a member of the spe-
cial operations forces; 
(2) modifiable and nonmodifiable factors, in-
cluding biomarkers, disease processes, and social de-
terminants of health, associated with life-span tra-
jectories and an increase in force readiness; 
(3) any recommendations to alter health trajec-
tories and improve force resilience and long-term 
health span in active and retired members of the 
special operations forces; and 
(4) processes to integrate factors that affect the 
health of an individual before serving in the special 
operations forces, including with respect to the expo-
sure history and health trajectory of the individual, 
into simple scores that can be use to improve the
605 
care of active and retired members of the special op-
erations forces. 
(e) SPECIAL OPERATIONS FORCES DEFINED.—In 
this section, the term ‘‘special operations forces’’ means 
the forces described in section 167(j) of title 10, United 
States Code. 
SEC. 746. PILOT PROGRAM ON USE OF FISH SKIN REGEN-
ERATION PRODUCTS IN TREATING BURN AND 
BLAST INJURIES. 
(a) PILOT PROGRAM.—The Secretary of Defense may 
carry out a pilot program to— 
(1) evaluate the efficacy of fish skin regenera-
tion products in treating burn and blast injuries of 
members of the Armed Forces; and 
(2) with respect to such products, assess the 
clinical outcomes, cost-effectiveness, and potential 
benefits for long-term recovery and military readi-
ness. 
(b) LOCATION.—If the Secretary carries out the pilot 
program under subsection (a), the Secretary shall carry 
out the pilot program at the Walter Reed National Mili-
tary Medical Center. 
(c) DURATION.—If the Secretary carries out the pilot 
program under subsection (a), the Secretary shall carry 
out the pilot program for three years.
606 
(d) REPORTS.—Not later than one year after the date 
on which the Secretary commences the pilot program 
under subsection (a), and annually thereafter during the 
life of the pilot program, the Secretary shall submit to the 
Committees on Armed Services of the House of Represent-
atives and the Senate a report on the pilot program. 
SEC. 747. PILOT PROGRAM ON REMOTE BLOOD PRESSURE 
MONITORING FOR CERTAIN PREGNANT AND 
POST-PARTUM TRICARE BENEFICIARIES. 
(a) ESTABLISHMENT.— 
(1) IN
GENERAL.—Not later than 180 days 
after the date of enactment of this Act, the Sec-
retary of Defense, acting through the Defense 
Health Agency, shall establish a pilot program on 
blood pressure monitoring for at-risk pregnant and 
postpartum TRICARE beneficiaries in order to in-
crease the rate of early detection of hypertensive dis-
order related to pregnancy and postpartum. 
(2) MODEL.—The Secretary may model the 
pilot program on a pilot program for blood pressure 
self-monitoring of the Healthy Start Program oper-
ated by the Health Resources and Services Adminis-
tration of the Department of Health and Human 
Services.
607 
(b) SITES.—The Secretary shall select sites for the 
pilot program in accordance with the following: 
(1) The pilot program shall operate at not 
fewer than two military medical treatment facilities 
of each of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air 
Force, and Space Force. 
(2) Sites shall be geographically diverse, includ-
ing locations in rural and urban areas. 
(3) The Secretary shall give priority to a mili-
tary medical treatment facility that has a large num-
ber of obstetric patients or a history of maternal 
health programs. 
(c) PARTICIPANTS.— 
(1) ELIGIBILITY.—An eligible participant for 
the pilot program, is an individual— 
(A) who is enrolled in TRICARE; 
(B) who is pregnant or postpartum; 
(C) who receives health care through a 
military medical treatment facility selected 
under subsection (b); and 
(D) whom the Secretary determines is at 
risk (based on evidence and current medical 
standards and recommendations) of a hyper-
tensive disorder of pregnancy or negative health
608 
outcomes as a result of a hypertensive disorder 
of pregnancy. 
(2) VOLUNTARY.—Participation in the pilot 
program shall be voluntary. 
(d) EQUIPMENT.—A participant in the pilot program 
shall receive— 
(1) a device approved by the Food and Drug 
Administration for the digital monitoring of blood 
pressure, validated by the Food and Drug Adminis-
tration for use during pregnancy, capable of remote 
monitoring and data transmission, has adjustable or 
alternative cuff sizes; and 
(2) educational materials and instructions on 
the use of such device from a health care provider 
of the Department of Defense. 
(e) PROVIDERS.—In carrying out the pilot program, 
the Secretary shall use primary care and obstetric care 
providers of eligible participants, to the extent practicable. 
(f) MATERIALS.—The Secretary shall develop sup-
porting materials for health care providers who facilitate 
the pilot program, including the following: 
(1) Guidance on how to identify eligible partici-
pants for the pilot program.
609 
(2) Evidence-based educational materials re-
garding maternal health best practices for eligible 
participants. 
(g) TERM.—The pilot program shall terminate five 
years after the date on which the Secretary establishes 
such pilot program. 
(h) REPORT.—Not later than 180 days after the ter-
mination of the pilot program, the Secretary shall submit 
to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of 
Representatives and Senate a report on the pilot program, 
and publish such report on the website of the Department 
of Defense. The report shall include the following ele-
ments, disaggregated by the Armed Force, sex, age, race, 
and ethnicity of participants: 
(1) The number of participants in the pilot pro-
gram. 
(2) The percentage of such participants who 
used the monitors as prescribed. 
(3) A summary of barriers or challenges partici-
pants experienced using the monitors and if they re-
sulted in underutilization. 
(4) The percentage of participants who had 
blood pressure readings of concern.
610 
(5) The percentage of participants described in 
paragraph (4) who received medical attention based 
on such readings. 
(6) A summary of provider and participant 
feedback, including percentages of— 
(A) providers that found the program in-
fluenced patient care; and 
(B) participants who found the program 
was helpful in managing their own care. 
(7) Recommendations of the Secretary whether 
the pilot program should be altered, expanded, or 
made permanent. 
SEC. 748. PILOT PROGRAM TO HELP CERTAIN MEMBERS OF 
THE ARMED FORCES STOP SMOKING. 
(a) AUTHORITY.—Not later than 180 days after the 
date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense 
may carry out a one-year pilot program to furnish, to cov-
ered members, the alternatives to smoking specified in 
subsection (b) in order— 
(1) to help such covered members stop smoking; 
and 
(2) to improve the health of such covered mem-
bers. 
(b) ALTERNATIVES TO SMOKING.—The alternatives 
to smoking specified in this subsection are:
611 
(1) Counseling. 
(2) Nicotine gum. 
(3) Nicotine patches. 
(4) Electric nicotine delivery systems. 
(5) Nicotine pouches. 
(6) Heat-not-burn (HNB) products. 
(c) PARTICIPATION.—If the Secretary carries out 
such a pilot program, the pilot program shall operate— 
(1) in not less than one covered Armed Force; 
and 
(2) at not less than one military installation at 
which covered members serve in numbers that ex-
ceed the national average for each of the following: 
(A) Smoking cigarettes or other combus-
tible tobacco products. 
(B) Population of Black Americans. 
(C) Population of Asian and Pacific Is-
lander Americans. 
(D) Population of Hispanic Americans. 
(E) Population of Appalachian Americans. 
(d) REPORT.—Not later than one year after the ter-
mination of such a pilot program, the Secretary shall sub-
mit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate 
and House of Representatives, a report regarding the re-
612 
sults of the pilot program. Elements of such report shall 
include the determination of the Secretary regarding— 
(1) whether the pilot program helped covered 
members stop smoking; 
(2) the alternatives specified in subsection (b) 
that are most effective in helping covered members 
to stop smoking; 
(3) gaps in health care services available to cov-
ered members who belong to the populations de-
scribed in subsection (c)(2); and 
(4) the recommendation of the Secretary wheth-
er to expand, extend, or make permanent the pilot 
program. 
(e) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 
(1) The term ‘‘covered Armed Force’’ means 
the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, or Space 
Force. 
(2) The term ‘‘covered member’’ means a mem-
ber of a covered Armed Force— 
(A) serving on active duty; and 
(B) who smokes at least one cigarette (or 
other combustible tobacco product) per week.
613 
SEC. 749. PILOT PROGRAM ON SECURE, MOBILE PERSONAL 
HEALTH RECORD FOR MEMBERS OF THE 
ARMED 
FORCES 
PARTICIPATING 
IN 
THE 
TRANSITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM. 
(a) PILOT PROGRAM.—Not later than 180 days after 
the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of 
Defense shall commence carrying out a pilot program 
under which members of the Armed Forces who are serv-
ing on active duty and receiving benefits or services under 
the Transition Assistance Program are able to use a cov-
ered health record platform to collect their medical records 
before separating from active duty. 
(b) SELECTION OF ARMED FORCES.—The Secretary 
shall select not less than one Armed Force in which to 
carry out the pilot program under subsection (a). 
(c) CONTRACT AUTHORITY.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary shall seek to 
enter into a contract using competitive procedures 
with an appropriate entity, as determined by the 
Secretary, for the provision of the covered health 
record platform under the pilot program under sub-
section (a). 
(2) NOTICE OF COMPETITION.—Not later than 
60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, 
the Secretary shall issue a request for proposals for 
the contract described in paragraph (1). Such re-
614 
quest shall be full and open to any contractor that 
has an existing covered health record platform. 
(3) SELECTION.—Not later than 120 days after 
the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary 
shall award a contract to an appropriate entity pur-
suant to the request for proposals under paragraph 
(2) if at least one acceptable offer from such an en-
tity is submitted. 
(d) DURATION OF PILOT PROGRAM.— 
(1) IN
GENERAL.—The Secretary shall carry 
out the pilot program under subsection (a) for a pe-
riod of not less than one year. 
(2) TERMINATION
OR
EXTENSION
OF
PRO-
GRAM.—At the end of the one-year period specified 
in paragraph (1), the Secretary may— 
(A) terminate the pilot program under sub-
section (a); 
(B) continue the pilot program; 
(C) expand the pilot program; or 
(D) implement the use of a covered health 
record platform in the Transition Assistance 
Program throughout the Armed Forces. 
(e) PROHIBITION
ON NEW APPROPRIATIONS.—No 
additional funds are authorized to be appropriated to 
carry out the requirements of this section. Such require-
615 
ments shall be carried out using amounts otherwise au-
thorized to be appropriated for the Department of De-
fense. 
(f) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 
(1) The term ‘‘covered health record platform’’ 
means a secure personal health record platform that 
meets the following requirements: 
(A) Has web-based and native mobile 
phone app capabilities. 
(B) Has the capability to store and share 
records with the Department of Veterans Af-
fairs or any other designated care provider. 
(C) Has the capability to store records in 
the cloud. 
(D) Does not have a requirement for inte-
gration to receive or share records. 
(E) Has the capability to instantly share 
data based on a combination of access key and 
personal identifier. 
(F) Has the capability to provide secure 
data storage and records transfer upon separa-
tion of a member of the Armed Forces from ac-
tive duty. 
(G) Does not require a business associate 
agreement with any parties.
616 
(H) Has secure data isolation with access 
controls. 
(I) Has, at a minimum, data security that 
would require separate encryption for each doc-
ument, relying on AES256 or better algorithm 
with keys encryption using RSA2048 or better 
algorithm, or any successor similar algorithm. 
(2) The term ‘‘Transition Assistance Program’’ 
means the program of the Department of Defense 
for preparation counseling, employment assistance, 
and other transitional services provided under sec-
tions 1142 and 1144 of title 10, United States Code. 
SEC. 750. REPORT ON TRANSITIONING OF MAIL-ORDER 
PHARMACY PROGRAM OF TRICARE PROGRAM 
TO AN IN-HOUSE MAIL ORDER SERVICE. 
(a) REPORT.—Not later than 180 days after the date 
of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense 
shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the 
Senate and the House of Representatives a report on the 
feasibility and advisability of transitioning the contractor- 
operated mail-order pharmacy program of the TRICARE 
program to a service provided directly by the Department 
of Defense.
617 
(b) ELEMENTS.—The report under subsection (a) 
shall include an analysis of the following with respect to 
the transition described in such subsection: 
(1) Costs, including administrative costs, dis-
pensing fees, and administrative overhead. 
(2) Structure and staffing. 
(3) The effect on beneficiaries under the 
TRICARE program, including regarding delivery 
times and quality. 
(4) The feasibility and advisability of combining 
the mail-order pharmacy functions under the 
TRICARE program with the mail-order pharmacy 
functions of the Veterans Health Administration of 
the Department of Veterans Affairs. 
(c) TRICARE PROGRAM DEFINED.—In this section, 
the term ‘‘TRICARE program’’ has the meaning given 
that term in section 1072 of title 10, United States Code. 
SEC. 751. STRATEGIC PLAN TO ADDRESS MENTAL HEALTH 
OF MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES. 
(a) PLAN.—The Secretary of Defense, in coordina-
tion with each Secretary of a military department and the 
Director of the Defense Health Agency, shall develop a 
strategic plan to address suicide by members of the Armed 
Forces and the mental health services provided to mem-
bers.
618 
(b) ELEMENTS.—The plan under subsection (a) shall 
include the following: 
(1) Developing and enforcing uniform protocols 
with respect to— 
(A) the regulations prescribed for the self- 
initiated referral process under section 1090b(e) 
of title 10, United States Code, for members of 
the Armed Forces seeking mental health evalua-
tions; 
(B) the provision of information, including 
through workplace posters, flyers, and adver-
tisements, to ensure members are aware of such 
referral process. 
(2) Standardized mental health training for 
members of the Armed Forces, including— 
(A) specialized training for commanders, 
senior enlisted leaders, and medical personnel 
on identifying and addressing mental health 
concerns; 
(B) the development of a certification proc-
ess based on completion of training with docu-
mented proof of compliance; 
(C) how to respond when a member initi-
ates the referral process under section 1090b(e) 
of title 10, United States Code; and
619 
(D) how to recognize signs indicating men-
tal health distress. 
SEC. 752. STUDY ON IMPLEMENTATION OF ACCREDITATION 
REQUIREMENTS 
FOR 
MILITARY 
DENTAL 
TREATMENT FACILITIES. 
(a) STUDY REQUIRED.—The Inspector General of 
the Department of Defense shall conduct a study on the 
implementation of section 744(b)(4) of the National De-
fense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (Public Law 
116–283; 10 U.S.C. 1071 note) with respect to military 
dental treatment facilities. Such study shall include the 
following: 
(1) An identification of the number and per-
centage of military dental treatment facilities that 
have not achieved accreditation as required under 
such section 744(b)(4) as of the date of the study. 
(2) An analysis of any barriers, including ad-
ministrative or operational barriers, impeding the 
achievement of such accreditation requirement with 
respect to military dental treatment facilities. 
(3) An assessment of the resources, including 
personnel, training, and infrastructure resources, 
necessary to achieve full compliance with such ac-
creditation requirement.
620 
(4) An estimate of the costs necessary to bring 
any unaccredited military dental treatment facility 
into compliance with such accreditation requirement. 
(5) Recommendations for any administrative, 
legislative, or other action necessary to ensure the 
full implementation of such accreditation require-
ment. 
(b) REPORT.—Not later than one year after the date 
of the enactment of this Act, the Inspector General of the 
Department of Defense shall submit to the Committees 
on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and 
the Senate a report on the study under subsection (a). 
Such report shall include— 
(1) the findings of the study; 
(2) a plan to ensure compliance with section 
744(b)(4) of the National Defense Authorization Act 
for Fiscal Year 2021 (Public Law 116–283; 10 
U.S.C. 1071 note); and 
(3) any recommendations by the Inspector Gen-
eral for additional resources or legislative authority 
necessary to achieve full compliance with such sec-
tion.
621 
SEC. 753. ASSESSMENT AND PROGRAM ON USE OF RADI-
ATION-SHIELDING 
PERSONAL 
PROTECTIVE 
EQUIPMENT TO PREVENT OR REDUCE THE 
SEVERITY OF ACUTE RADIATION SYNDROME 
AND ASSOCIATED MORTALITY. 
(a) ASSESSMENT.—Not later than 180 days after the 
date of the enactment of this Act, the Assistant Secretary 
of Defense for Health Affairs, acting through the Director 
of the Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute, 
shall submit to the congressional defense committees an 
assessment of whether targeted protection of bone marrow 
using gamma radiation-shielding personal protective 
equipment is likely to reduce the risk of acute radiation 
syndrome by reducing the severity of radiation-induced 
health effects, improving survivability in high-dose radi-
ation environments, or both. 
(b) PROGRAM.—If the assessment under subsection 
(a) finds that protecting bone marrow using gamma radi-
ation-shielding personal protective equipment is likely to 
reduce the risk of acute radiation syndrome by reducing 
the severity of radiation-induced health effects, improving 
survivability in high-dose radiation environments, or both, 
not later than one year after the date of the enactment 
of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall develop require-
ments and an acquisition plan for the procurement, 
prepositioning, and maintenance of gamma radiation-
622 
shielding personal protective equipment for use by covered 
personnel. 
(c) ELEMENTS.—In carrying out the program under 
subsection (b), the Secretary of Defense shall— 
(1) develop requirements for the procurement, 
prepositioning, and maintenance of gamma radi-
ation-shielding personal protective equipment de-
signed to protect bone marrow; 
(2) an acquisition plan, including estimated 
costs, for the procurement, prepositioning, and 
maintenance of gamma radiation-shielding personal 
protective equipment designed to protect bone mar-
row; and 
(3) consider, in coordination with the Chairman 
of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the commanders of 
the combatant commands— 
(A) the number of covered personnel who 
are deployed in areas in which the use of tac-
tical nuclear weapons is a substantial threat; 
(B) the number of covered personnel who 
are deployed in areas in which potential nuclear 
reactor emergencies may pose a substantial 
threat; 
(C) the operational requirements of the 
Department of Defense;
623 
(D) appropriate doctrine, training, and 
operational plans for effective use of such per-
sonal protective equipment; 
(E) a feasible schedule for implementation 
of the program; and 
(F) approaches that could complement car-
rying out the program on medical counter-
measures pursuant to section 734 of the Serv-
icemember Quality of Life Improvement and 
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal 
Year 2025 (Public Law 118–159; 10 U.S.C. 
1071 note). 
(d) COVERED PERSONNEL DEFINED.—In this sec-
tion, the term ‘‘covered personnel’’ means— 
(1) members of the Armed Forces deployed ei-
ther inside or outside the United States; 
(2) civilian employees of the Department of De-
fense deployed outside the United States; and 
(3) civilian employees of the Department of De-
fense and members of the Armed Forces stationed 
in the National Capital Region (as defined in section 
2674 of title 10, United States Code) responsible for 
the chemical, biological, and nuclear defense mission.
624 
SEC. 754. PRESCRIPTION DROP BOXES. 
The Secretary of Defense shall maintain at each mili-
tary installation a prescription drop box to allow for the 
safe disposal of unused prescription drugs, including 
opioids. 
SEC. 755. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE MEDICAL SUPPLY 
CHAIN RISK IDENTIFICATION AND TRANS-
PARENCY ENHANCEMENT. 
(a) ASSESSMENTS AND LIST.—Not later than 270 
days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Sec-
retary of Defense shall— 
(1) conduct supply chain risk assessments 
across the Defense Health Agency and relevant ac-
quisition offices of the Department of Defense to de-
termine the origin of covered items; and 
(2) develop and maintain a prioritized list, 
which may be classified, of high-risk critical medical 
products that rely on covered items originating from 
the People’s Republic of China. 
(b) ELEMENTS.—The assessments under subsection 
(a)(1) shall include— 
(1) identification and prioritization of critical 
medical products for review; 
(2) evaluation of dependencies on inputs origi-
nating from China;
625 
(3) analysis of vulnerability to supply chain dis-
ruption during war, national emergency, or public 
health crisis; 
(4) assessment of domestic manufacturing ca-
pacity, including gaps, single points of failure, and 
economic threats to domestic producers; 
(5) identification of the location of design, man-
ufacturing, and packaging facilities; and 
(6) evaluation of dependencies in deployable 
medical units, military medical treatment facilities, 
and medical logistics systems of the Department. 
(c) REPORT.— 
(1) REQUIREMENT.—Not later than180 days 
after the date of the initial assessment conducted 
under paragraph (1) of subsection (a), and annually 
thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to the congres-
sional defense committees a report detailing— 
(A) findings from the high-risk medical 
products list developed under paragraph (2) of 
such subsection; 
(B) strategies to strengthen stockpiles and 
readiness contracts; and 
(C) recommendations to reduce reliance on 
Chinese supply chains, including procurement 
policy revisions, alternative sourcing, expansion
626 
of domestic manufacturing, and incentives for 
United States-based production of covered 
items. 
(2) FORM.—The report under paragraph (1) 
may be submitted in classified form. 
(d) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 
(1) The term ‘‘covered items’’ means pharma-
ceuticals, active pharmaceutical ingredients, personal 
protective equipment, medical devices, and medical 
diagnostic equipment, used by the Department of 
Defense. 
(2) The term ‘‘critical medical product’’ means 
any covered item identified by the Secretary of De-
fense as essential to national defense, force health 
protection, or continuity of operations. 
(3) The term ‘‘domestic manufacturing’’ means 
the conduct in the United States of research and de-
velopment, engineering, or production activities nec-
essary for manufacturing a critical medical product. 
(4) The term ‘‘foreign country of concern’’ has 
the meaning given the term ‘‘covered nations’’ in 
section 4872(f)(2) of title 10, United States Code, 
and any additional countries so designated by the 
Department of State.
627 
SEC. 756. ASSESSMENT AND REPORT ON HEALTH CARE 
SERVICES AVAILABLE TO CIVILIAN AND MILI-
TARY PERSONNEL AT NAVAL AIR WEAPONS 
STATION CHINA LAKE. 
(a) ASSESSMENT.—The Secretary of Defense, in co-
ordination with the Secretary of the Navy, shall develop 
an assessment of the adequacy of health care services 
available to the military and civilian personnel workforce 
at Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake. 
(b) REPORT.—Not later than 60 days after the date 
of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense 
shall submit to the congressional defense committees a re-
port on the results of the assessment conducted under sub-
section (a). Such report shall include the following: 
(1) A description of challenges to the provision 
of health care services to the individuals specified in 
such subsection through the military health system 
or the private sector, including— 
(A) a description of any such challenge re-
lating to— 
(i) insufficient funding or authority to 
provide adequate services; 
(ii) inaccessibility of health care serv-
ices available; or
628 
(iii) a shortage in providers of emer-
gency care or other specialized health care 
services; and 
(B) a description of any potential effect of 
such challenges on the mission of Naval Air 
Weapons Station China Lake, including any 
tenant command present on such military in-
stallation. 
(2) Recommendations of the Secretary with re-
spect to legislative proposals to improve such the 
adequacy of such health care services available to 
the individuals specified in subsection (a). 
(3) The plan of the Secretary to address any 
challenge, or mitigate any potential effect, under 
paragraph (1). 
SEC. 757. REVIEW AND UPDATE OF ONLINE INFORMATION 
RELATING TO SUICIDE PREVENTION AND BE-
HAVIORAL HEALTH. 
Not later than August 1, 2027, each Secretary of a 
military department (as defined in section 101 of title 10, 
United States Code) shall— 
(1) review any information relating to suicide 
prevention or behavioral health that is published on 
an internet website of the military department at the 
installation level;
629 
(2) update such information, including any con-
tact information for suicide prevention or behavioral 
health resources, as may be necessary; and 
(3) submit to the congressional defense commit-
tees a certification that such information is accurate 
as of the date of such certification. 
SEC. 758. STUDY ON PSYCHOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF AND 
MENTAL HEALTH IMPACTS OF COMBAT RE-
MOTELY PILOTED AIRCRAFT OPERATIONS. 
(a) STUDY REQUIRED.—The Secretary of Defense 
shall conduct a comprehensive study on the psychological 
effects and mental health impacts of remotely piloted air-
craft combat operations on members of the Armed Forces 
and other personnel engaged in such operations. 
(b) ELEMENTS.—The study under subsection (a) 
shall include the following elements: 
(1) An assessment of the prevalence of post- 
traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, burn-
out, moral injury, and other mental health condi-
tions among members of the Armed Forces and ci-
vilian personnel who— 
(A) Pilot or operate combat remotely pi-
loted aircraft systems; or 
(B) analyze combat imagery and conduct 
targeting assessments for such systems.
630 
(2) A comparative analysis of the mental health 
outcomes of such individuals relative to— 
(A) aircrew engaged in crewed combat op-
erations; and 
(B) personnel deployed in non-flying com-
bat roles. 
(3) An evaluation of operational stressors 
unique to combat drone operations, including— 
(A) shift work and sleep disruption; 
(B) remote witnessing of lethal operations; 
(C) emotional disengagement and isolation; 
and 
(D) exposure to civilian casualties or trau-
matic visual content. 
(4) An assessment of existing Department of 
Defense mental health support services available to 
remotely piloted aircraft personnel and whether such 
services are adequate, accessible, and appropriately 
tailored. 
(5) Recommendations to improve mental health 
screening, treatment, and prevention for remotely pi-
loted aircraft operators and support staff. 
(c) CONSULTATION.—In conducting the study, the 
Secretary shall consult with— 
(1) the Surgeons General of the Armed Forces;
631 
(2) the Under Secretary of Defense for Per-
sonnel and Readiness; 
(3) the Defense Health Agency; 
(4) behavioral health experts within the Depart-
ment of Veterans Affairs; and 
(5) appropriate scientific institutions with ex-
pertise in combat psychology and remote warfare. 
(d) REPORT
TO CONGRESS.—Not later than 12 
months 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 Represent-
atives an unclassified report on the results of the study 
conducted under this section, including the recommenda-
tions described in subsection (b)(5). 
SEC. 759. PILOT PROGRAM ON PRE-PROGRAMMING OF SUI-
CIDE PREVENTION RESOURCES INTO SMART 
DEVICES 
ISSUED 
TO 
MEMBERS 
OF 
THE 
ARMED FORCES. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 120 days after the 
date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense 
shall commence the conduct of a pilot program under 
which the Secretary— 
(1) pre-downloads the Virtual Hope Box appli-
cation of the Defense Health Agency, or such suc-
632 
cessor application, on the covered devices of mem-
bers of the Armed Forces; 
(2) pre-programs the National Suicide Hotline 
number and Veterans Crisis Line number into the 
contacts for such covered devices; and 
(3) provides training, as part of the training on 
suicide 
awareness 
and 
prevention 
conducted 
throughout the Department of Defense, on the pre-
ventative resources described in paragraphs (1) and 
(2). 
(b) DURATION.—The Secretary of Defense shall 
carry out the pilot program under this section for a two- 
year period. 
(c) SCOPE.—The Secretary of Defense shall deter-
mine the appropriate scope of individuals participating in 
the pilot program under this section to best represent each 
Armed Force and to ensure a relevant sample size. 
(d) IDENTIFICATION
OF OTHER RESOURCES.—In 
carrying out the pilot program under this section, the Sec-
retary of Defense shall coordinate with the Director of the 
Defense Health Agency and the Secretary of Veterans Af-
fairs to identify other useful technology-related resources 
for use in the pilot program. 
(e) REPORT.—Not later than 30 days after the date 
on which the pilot program under this section terminates,
633 
the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees 
on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and 
the Senate a report on the pilot program, including rec-
ommendations by the Secretary relating to expanding the 
scope of future pilot programs to include members of the 
Armed Forces who do not possess covered devices. 
(f) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 
(1) The term ‘‘covered device’’ means a smart 
device (including a mobile phone) that is issued to 
an individual by the Secretary of Defense or the Sec-
retary of an Armed Force. 
(2) The term ‘‘Veterans Crisis Line’’ means the 
toll-free hotline for veterans established under sec-
tion 1720F(h) of title 38, United States Code. 
SEC. 760. STUDY ON OPIOID PRESCRIBING PRACTICES. 
The Secretary of Defense shall conduct an updated 
study on opioid prescribing to ensure that the provider 
practices of medication-prescribing health professionals 
across the military health system conform with— 
(1) the clinical practice guidelines of the De-
partment of Defense and the Department of Vet-
erans Affairs; and 
(2) the prescribing guidelines published by the 
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the 
Food and Drug Administration.
634 
SEC. 761. TIMELINESS OF ELECTRONIC MEDICAL RECORDS 
DURING 
TRANSITION 
FROM 
THE 
ARMED 
FORCES. 
(a) REPORT.— 
(1) REQUIREMENT.—Not later than 180 days 
after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Sec-
retary of Defense shall submit to the congressional 
defense committees a report on the timeliness of 
providing members of the Armed Forces who are 
separating from active duty with a copy of the elec-
tronic health records of the members. 
(2) ELEMENTS.—The report under paragraph 
(1) shall include the following, with respect to the 
one-year period preceding the date of the report: 
(A) The average number of days following 
separation from active duty for a member to re-
ceive the electronic health records of the mem-
ber. 
(B) The most number of days a member 
has waited to receive such records. 
(C) An explanation for delays in providing 
members such records. 
(b) STANDARDS.—The Secretary shall establish 
standards to ensure that a member of the Armed Forces 
who is separating from active duty receives the electronic 
health records of the member within a reasonable period.
635 
SEC. 762. STUDY ON TRICARE PROGRAM CONTRACT TRAN-
SITION. 
(a) REQUIREMENT.—Not later than two years after 
the date of the enactment of this section, the Secretary 
of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense com-
mittees a study on the TRICARE contract transition. 
(b) ELEMENTS.—The study under subsection (a) 
shall include the following: 
(1) The effects of the TRICARE contract tran-
sition on— 
(A) members of the Armed Forces and 
covered beneficiaries who receive health care 
under the TRICARE program in the West re-
gion; and 
(B) the providers of such health care. 
(2) The average time for such members and 
covered beneficiaries to resolve any issues relating to 
the TRICARE contract transition. 
(3) A description of how the Department of De-
fense and the TRICARE program— 
(A) prepared for the TRICARE contract 
transition; and 
(B) communicated information to such 
members and covered beneficiaries regarding 
the transition and how to resolve any issues re-
lating to the transition.
636 
(c) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 
(1) The terms ‘‘covered beneficiary’’ and 
‘‘TRICARE program’’ have the meaning given such 
terms in section 1072 of title 10, United States 
Code. 
(2) The term ‘‘TRICARE contract transition’’ 
means the transition to a new contract under the 
TRICARE program with respect to the administra-
tion of the West region occurring on January 1, 
2025. 
SEC. 763. REPORT ON USE OF OCULOMETRIC BRAIN 
HEALTH ASSESSMENT SYSTEMS FOR DE-
PARTMENT OF DEFENSE. 
(a) ASSESSMENT REQUIRED.—The Under Secretary 
of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, in consultation 
with the Surgeons General of the Armed Services, or other 
relevant Department of Defense organizations identified 
by the Secretary of Defense, shall conduct an assessment 
on the use of oculometric biomarker monitoring tech-
nologies to support mission sets of the Department of De-
fense. 
(b) CONTENTS.—The assessment conducted under 
subsection (a) shall contain each of the following elements: 
(1) The anticipated mid- and long-term utility 
of oculometric monitoring systems in optimizing
637 
human performance and enhancing U.S. military 
readiness and operational effectiveness. 
(2) The ability of oculometric biomarker moni-
toring to detect fatigue, stress, traumatic brain in-
jury, substance use disorder, and post-traumatic 
stress disorder in servicemembers, including in de-
ployed environments. 
(3) The effectiveness of such systems in reduc-
ing operational risk and enhancing cognitive resil-
ience in combat and training settings. 
(4) The role of oculometric biomarker moni-
toring in early detection of traumatic brain injury, 
substance use disorder, and post-traumatic stress 
disorder for active-duty personnel and veterans, in-
cluding the utility of monitoring recovery and tai-
loring 
rehabilitation 
plans 
to 
individual 
servicemembers. 
(5) Whether use of oculometric monitoring sys-
tems enhances mission readiness by providing real- 
time physiological and cognitive performance feed-
back. 
(6) The potential of such systems to reduce 
costly attrition and improve decision-making under 
stress.
638 
(7) Opportunities for integration with existing 
or planned medical, training, and readiness systems 
of the Department. 
(8) The role of brain health monitoring tech-
nologies in protecting against performance degrada-
tion that may jeopardize mission success. 
(9) Potential contributions of oculometric tech-
nologies to allied and partner nation capacity build-
ing. 
(10) A review of outcomes from existing trials 
funded by the Department of oculometric biomarker 
monitoring technologies with the Air Force, Army, 
and the National Aeronautics and Space Administra-
tion. 
(11) Identification of any gaps in such trials re-
quiring further research, development, testing, and 
evaluation. 
(c) REPORT REQUIRED.—Not later than March 1, 
2026, the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and 
Readiness shall submit to the appropriate congressional 
committees a report containing— 
(1) the assessment required under subsection 
(a); and 
(2) recommendations on the optimal use of 
oculometric biomarker monitoring technologies to
639 
support mission sets of the Department of Defense, 
including on— 
(A) expansion of device deployment across 
field units and military medical centers; 
(B) further operational trials to benchmark 
injury thresholds and readiness indicators; and 
(C) integration of cognitive and neuro-
logical health metrics into existing health and 
readiness reporting systems of the Department. 
(d) FORM OF REPORT.—The report required by sub-
section (c) shall be submitted in an unclassified form, but 
may include a classified annex. 
SEC. 764. PLAN AND REPORT BY DEFENSE HEALTH AGENCY 
RELATING TO CHIROPRACTIC CLINICS AT 
MILITARY INSTALLATIONS. 
(a) PLAN.—The Director of the Defense Health 
Agency shall develop a plan to— 
(1) reopen any clinic at a military installation 
if, before the date of the enactment of this Act, such 
clinic— 
(A) offered chiropractic services; and 
(B) was closed; and 
(2) pay chiropractors stationed at military in-
stallations under the General Schedule.
640 
(b) REPORT.—Not later than March 31, 2026, the 
Director of the Defense Health Agency shall submit to the 
Committee on Armed Services of the House of Represent-
atives and the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate 
a report on the plan developed under subsection (a). 
TITLE VIII—ACQUISITION POL-
ICY, ACQUISITION MANAGE-
MENT, AND RELATED MAT-
TERS 
Subtitle A—Acquisition Policy and 
Management 
SEC. 801. MULTIYEAR PROCUREMENT AUTHORITY FOR 
COVERED WEAPON SYSTEMS. 
(a) AUTHORITY FOR MULTIYEAR PROCUREMENT.— 
Subject to section 3501 of title 10, United States Code, 
the Secretary of the Defense shall enter into one or more 
multiyear contracts for the procurement of a covered 
weapon system if— 
(1) a decision has been made to move such cov-
ered weapon system to full-rate production; and 
(2) such covered weapon system is projected to 
maintain full-rate production for a period of five or 
more consecutive years after entering into such a 
contract.
641 
(b) WAIVER.—The Secretary of Defense may waive 
the requirements of subsection (a) if the Secretary deter-
mines that the projected threat environment in which the 
covered weapon system is to be fielded has changed in a 
manner such that the procurement of such system is no 
longer necessary. 
(c) APPLICABILITY.—This section and the require-
ments of this section shall apply with respect to a 
multiyear contract for the procurement of a covered weap-
on system entered into on or after the date of the enact-
ment of this Act. 
(d) COVERED WEAPON SYSTEM DEFINED.—In this 
section, the term ‘‘covered weapon system’’ means a major 
weapon system (as defined in section 3455 of title 10, 
United States Code)— 
(1) for which the budget justification docu-
ments submitted by the Secretary in accordance with 
section 4205 of title 10, United States Code, state 
that the planned procurement schedule, conducted at 
the most effective production rate (as defined in 
such section), will require 36 months or more to ob-
tain the total quantity of units to be procured until 
procurement is complete; and 
(2) that is estimated by the Secretary of De-
fense to require an eventual total expenditure for
642 
procurement, including all planned increments or 
spirals, of more than $1,000,000,000 (based on fis-
cal year 2025 constant dollars). 
SEC. 802. ELIMINATION OF LATE COST AND PRICING DATA 
SUBMISSION DEFENSE. 
Section 3706(c) of title 10, United States Code, is 
amended— 
(1) in paragraph (3) by striking ‘‘or’’ at the 
end; 
(2) in paragraph (4) by striking the period and 
inserting ‘‘; or’’; and 
(3) by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(5) updates to cost or pricing data submitted 
by the prime contractor or subcontractor after the 
date of agreement on the price of the contract (or 
price of the modification) or, if applicable and if con-
sistent with subsection (a)(2), such other date 
agreed upon between the parties, were based on data 
that was more than 30 days old.’’. 
SEC. 803. REPORTING OF PRICE INCREASES. 
Chapter 271 of title 10, United States Code, is 
amended by adding at the end the following new section: 
‘‘§ 3709. Reporting of increases above specified prices 
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—An offeror shall be required to 
submit to the relevant contracting officer a report, not
643 
later than 30 days after the offeror becomes aware that 
the price of a product or service under a covered contract 
reaches or exceeds an amount equal to— 
‘‘(1) 25 percent more than the price specified in 
the covered contract bid; 
‘‘(2) 25 percent more than the price the Gov-
ernment paid for such product or service during the 
calendar year immediately preceding the date on 
which the covered contract is entered into; or 
‘‘(3) 50 percent more than the price the Gov-
ernment paid for such product or service at any time 
before the 5-year period preceding the date on which 
the covered contract is entered into. 
‘‘(b) NONCOMPLIANCE.—With respect to an offeror 
who fails to submit the report required under this section, 
the Director of the Defense Contract Audit Agency or the 
relevant service acquisition executive shall include in the 
Federal Awardee Performance and Integrity Information 
System (or any successor system) the following informa-
tion: 
‘‘(1) An identification of such offeror and the 
specific product or service to which such report 
should relate. 
‘‘(2) The National Stock Number of such prod-
uct or service and the order quantity, unit cost, total
644 
cost, purchasing or reimbursing entity, and date of 
the order for such product or service. 
‘‘(c) COVERED CONTRACT DEFINED.—In this sec-
tion, the term ‘covered contract’ means a contract award-
ed using procedures other than competitive procedures 
under section 3204 of this title or pursuant to section 
6.302 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation.’’. 
SEC. 804. ASSUMPTION OF UNINSURABLE RISK ON CER-
TAIN CONTRACTS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Chapter 281 of title 10, United 
States Code, is amended by adding at the end the fol-
lowing new section: 
‘‘§ 3864. Assumption of uninsurable risk on certain 
contracts 
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of Defense shall 
ensure that a contractor is not required to assume the risk 
of loss for work in process under a covered contract if, 
due to classified nature of the performance of such con-
tractor under such covered contract— 
‘‘(1) such contractor is unable to obtain insur-
ance for such risk of loss from a commercial pro-
vider; or 
‘‘(2) a commercial provider is unable to process 
a claim of such contractor for loss of work in process 
under such covered contract.
645 
‘‘(b) LIMITATIONS.—Subsection (a) shall not apply 
with respect to a loss of work in process under a covered 
contract to the extent that such loss— 
‘‘(1) occurs outside the period of performance 
for such work in process under such covered con-
tract; or 
‘‘(2) results from gross misconduct by the con-
tractor. 
‘‘(c) REGULATIONS.—Not later than 120 days after 
the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of 
Defense shall revise the Defense Federal Acquisition Reg-
ulation Supplement to carry out this section. 
‘‘(d) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 
‘‘(1) The term ‘classified contract’ means a con-
tract the performance of which requires a contractor 
performing under such contract, or an employee of 
such contractor, to have access to classified informa-
tion. 
‘‘(2) The term ‘covered contract’ means a clas-
sified, fixed-price type contract for the acquisition of 
a product entered into by the Department of De-
fense after the enactment of this Act. 
‘‘(3) The term ‘work in process’, with respect to 
a contract, means a product to be delivered under 
such contract—
646 
‘‘(A) that is at any stage of production or 
manufacture; and 
‘‘(B) the delivery of which has not been ac-
cepted by the Government.’’. 
(b) REGULATIONS.—Not later than 120 days after 
the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of 
Defense shall revise the Defense Federal Acquisition Reg-
ulation Supplement to carry out section 3864 of title 10, 
United States Code, as added by subsection (a). 
SEC. 805. CHANGES TO REFERENCE DOCUMENTS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Chapter 361 of title 10, United 
States Code, is amended by adding at the end the fol-
lowing new section: 
‘‘§ 4604. Changes to reference documents 
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—Each contract or other agree-
ment for the acquisition of any good or service entered 
into by the Department of Defense shall include for each 
external document referred to in such contract or other 
agreement a notation that— 
‘‘(1) provides the version of such external docu-
ment that is applicable to such contract or other 
agreement; and 
‘‘(2) indicates whether any changes have been 
made to such external document after the issuance
647 
of the solicitation pursuant to which such contract 
or other agreement was entered into. 
‘‘(b) UNNOTATED DOCUMENTS.—If a contract or 
other agreement described in subsection (a) does not in-
clude the notation required under such subsection for an 
external document referred to in such contract or other 
agreement, the version of the external document that shall 
apply with respect to such contract or other agreement 
is the version in effect at the time of the issuance of the 
solicitation pursuant to which such contract or other 
agreement was entered into. 
‘‘(c) EXTERNAL DOCUMENT DEFINED.—In this sec-
tion, the term ‘external document’, with respect to a con-
tract or other agreement, means a document to which such 
contract or other agreement refers that— 
‘‘(1) is external to such contract or other agree-
ment; and 
‘‘(2) either— 
‘‘(A) contains or affects any material term 
of such contract or other agreement; or 
‘‘(B) otherwise modifies the performance 
required under such contract or other agree-
ment.’’. 
(b) APPLICABILITY.—The amendment made by sub-
section (a) shall apply only with respect to contracts and
648 
other agreements entered into after the date of the enact-
ment of this Act. 
SEC. 806. MAJOR SYSTEM COST GROWTH OVERSIGHT. 
(a) SHORTEN NUNN-MCCURDY BREACH REPORT 
TIMELINE.—Section 4374 of title 10, United States Code, 
is amended— 
(1) in subsection (a), by striking ‘‘When a unit 
cost report’’ and inserting ‘‘Not later than 30 days 
after a unit cost report’’; 
(2) in subsection (b), by striking ‘‘When a unit 
cost report’’ and inserting ‘‘Not later than 30 days 
after a unit cost report’’; and 
(3) in subsection (c), by amending paragraph 
(2) to read as follows: 
‘‘(2) TIME FOR SUBMISSION OF NOTIFICATION 
TO
CONGRESS.—In the case of a determination 
based on a quarterly report submitted in accordance 
with section 4372 of this title or a report submitted 
in accordance with section 4373 of this title, the 
Secretary shall submit the notification to Congress 
within 30 days after the date on which the deter-
mination was made.’’. 
(b) END
ITEM
MAJOR
SUBPROGRAM
DESIGNA-
TION.—Section 4203(a)(1) of title 10, United States
649 
Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new 
subparagraph: 
‘‘(C) If the Secretary of Defense deter-
mines that a major defense acquisition program 
requires the delivery of two or more end items 
that are each estimated to require an eventual 
total expenditure for research, development, 
test, evaluation, operation, and support of more 
than $500,000,000, the Secretary shall des-
ignate each such end item as a major subpro-
gram for the purposes of acquisition reporting 
under this subpart.’’. 
(c) OPERATIONS AND SUPPORT COST INCLUSION.— 
Section 4214(a)(2) of title 10, United States Code, is 
amended by inserting ‘‘for the life cycle of such major de-
fense acquisition program or designated major subpro-
gram’’ before the period at the end. 
(d) CRITICAL COST GROWTH TERMINATION.—Sec-
tion 4376 of title 10, United States Code, is amended— 
(1) in subsection (b), by adding at the end the 
following new paragraphs: 
‘‘(4) DELEGATION.—The Secretary may not 
delegate the submission of a written certification 
under paragraph (1).’’; and 
(2) in subsection (c)—
650 
(A) in paragraph (2), by striking ‘‘and’’ at 
the end; 
(B) in paragraph (3), by striking the pe-
riod at the end and inserting ‘‘; and’’; and 
(C) by adding at the end the following new 
paragraph: 
‘‘(4) consideration of termination plans that 
maximize value, including— 
‘‘(A) immediate termination of the pro-
gram with no further action; 
‘‘(B) termination of the program after 
completion of the end items in production and 
for which funds have been obligated or ex-
pended under the program as of the date that 
is the last day of the applicable 60-day period 
described in subsection (b)(1) for the program; 
‘‘(C) termination of the program after 
completion of the end items described in sub-
paragraph (B) for which the resale value ex-
ceeds the cost of completing such end items; 
and 
‘‘(D) any other course of action to maxi-
mize the value to the Government of the funds 
that have been obligated or expended under the 
program as of the date that is the last day of
651 
the applicable 60-day period described in sub-
section (b)(1) for the program.’’. 
SEC. 807. CONTESTED LOGISTICS EXERCISE REQUIRE-
MENT. 
Section 842 of the National Defense Authorization 
Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (Public Law 118–31; 10 U.S.C. 
2341 note) is amended— 
(1) by redesignating subsection (h) as sub-
section (i); and 
(2) by inserting after subsection (g) the fol-
lowing new subsection: 
‘‘(h) CONTESTED LOGISTICS EXERCISE REQUIRE-
MENT.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of Defense 
shall direct the Secretaries of the Navy and the Air 
Force to incorporate the requirements of the Pro-
gram into the execution of the Return of Forces to 
the Pacific exercise of the Air Force and the Rim of 
the Pacific exercise of the Navy. 
‘‘(2) EXECUTION.—In carrying out paragraph 
(1) with respect to an exercise described in such 
paragraph, the Secretary concerned shall, in con-
sultation with any covered nation participating in 
such exercise, evaluate the following:
652 
‘‘(A) Operational scenarios that require 
greater collaboration amongst national mili-
taries to support logistics requirements and 
which shall leverage contracting processes and 
operational contract support, acquisitions and 
cross servicing agreements, and prepositioned 
assets to assess how participating nations can 
maximize deterrence value and readiness of 
military forces. 
‘‘(B) Barriers that may prevent and oppor-
tunities to expand the joint sustainment of 
weapons systems by nations that commonly op-
erate such weapon systems, including— 
‘‘(i) the use of agreements related to 
maintenance and the sharing of parts; and 
‘‘(ii) how participating nations can ex-
pand tactical maintenance and supply 
interoperability. 
‘‘(C) Conducting maintenance of weapons 
systems in austere environments and the associ-
ated transportation requirements. 
‘‘(D) Existing policies, statutes, and tech-
nical requirements that prevent further integra-
tion of sustainment of weapon systems amongst 
participating nations.
653 
‘‘(3) TERMINATION.—This subsection shall ter-
minate on the date described in subsection (g).’’. 
SEC. 808. FINANCING FOR PROGRAMS WITH PRIORITY RAT-
INGS UNDER THE DEFENSE PRIORITIES AND 
ALLOCATION SYSTEM. 
(a) FINANCING COSTS.—The Secretary of Defense 
shall ensure that covered financing costs incurred by a 
contractor through the performance of a covered contract 
are allowable and allocable as a direct or an indirect cost 
for such covered contract if such covered financing costs— 
(1) are reasonable and consistent with pre-
vailing market rates for similar financing; and 
(2) are incurred to pay a covered financing en-
tity. 
(b) AGREEMENTS WITH COVERED FINANCING ENTI-
TIES.—Requirements of the Department of Defense Sup-
plement to the Federal Acquisition Regulation otherwise 
applicable to a contract or subcontract described in sub-
section (a) shall not be incorporated into any agreement 
with a covered financing entity relating to covered financ-
ing costs. 
(c) AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS.—The Secretary of De-
fense shall ensure that with respect to a covered contract 
for which covered financing costs are allowable and allo-
cable pursuant to subsection (a), any obligation of the
654 
United States to make a payment under such covered con-
tract is subject to the availability of appropriations for 
that purpose, and that total liability to the Government 
for the termination of such covered contract shall be lim-
ited to the total amount of funding obligated at the time 
of termination. 
(d) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 
(1) The term ‘‘covered activity’’ means an activ-
ity of a prime contractor or subcontractor that sup-
ports a covered program, including an activity— 
(A) to manage an inventory of completed 
products or components produced for a covered 
program; 
(B) to improve inventory management of 
products 
or 
components 
necessary 
for 
sustainment or maintenance of a covered pro-
gram; 
(C) to materially expand the capacity of 
production or sustainment and maintenance of 
a covered program through capital expendi-
tures; or 
(D) for any other purpose identified by the 
Secretary of Defense. 
(2) The term ‘‘covered contract’’ means a con-
tract or subcontract entered into by the Secretary of
655 
Defense pursuant to a use of the priorities and allo-
cations authorities under the Defense Production 
Act of 1950 (50 U.S.C. 4501 et seq.), including 
such a contract or subcontract for export, for per-
formance of a covered activity. 
(3) The term ‘‘covered financing costs’’ means 
interest on debt, bond discounts, or costs of financ-
ing and refinancing capital. 
(4) The term ‘‘covered financing entity’’ means 
an entity established pursuant to Federal or State 
law that— 
(A) as part of the regular business activi-
ties of the entity, extends credit, loans, or other 
financing to other persons; and 
(B) is not owned by, controlled by, or 
under common control with the person receiving 
such financing. 
(5) The term ‘‘covered program’’ means any 
program under title 10, United States Code, for the 
production and sustainment of naval combatant sur-
face ships and submarines, air defense capabilities, 
munitions, aircraft, land systems, combat vehicles, 
or any other capability designated by the Secretary.
656 
SEC. 809. PRIORITIZATION OF DOMESTIC BORON. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later 90 days after the date 
of the enactment of this Act, the Under Secretary of De-
fense for Acquisition and Sustainment shall issue regula-
tions under which the Department of Defense shall 
prioritize the acquisition of boron for use by the Depart-
ment, including in goods and services acquired by the De-
partment, from sources in the United States through do-
mestic supply chains. 
(b) DOMESTIC SUPPLY CHAIN DEVELOPMENT.—The 
Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and 
Sustainment shall ensure that the procedures established 
under subsection (a) support the development of domestic 
supply chains for boron from sources in the United States 
to meet the needs of the Department of Defense for boron. 
(c) DOMESTIC SUPPLY CHAIN DEFINED.—In this 
section, the term ‘‘domestic supply chain’’ means a supply 
chain that— 
(1) is composed entirely of entities that are or-
ganized under the laws of the United States or of 
any jurisdiction within the United States; and 
(2) involves only facilities located in the United 
States.
657 
SEC. 810. ESTABLISHMENT OF SCHEDULE V FOR VETERAN 
EMPLOYMENT AND PHILANTHROPY REPORT-
ING BY DEFENSE CONTRACTORS AND GRANT-
EES. 
(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—The Secretary of Defense 
shall develop and implement a standardized disclosure 
schedule, to be known as Schedule V, to be included in 
all applicable contracts, subcontracts, and grant awardees 
as specified in this section. These disclosures by contract, 
subcontract, and grant awardees will contribute to critical 
long-term recruitment and retention of the Armed Forces. 
(b) APPLICABILITY.—Schedule V shall be required as 
a condition of award for— 
(1) any contract or subcontract with an annual 
value exceeding $5,000,000 with the Department of 
Defense or any organizations receiving a contract or 
subcontract 
with 
an 
annual 
revenue 
of 
$1,000,000,000 or more; or 
(2) any Department of Defense Federal grant 
to an institution of higher education or research en-
tity in excess of $10,000,000 annually. 
(c) DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENTS.—Entities subject 
to subsection (b) shall, on an annual basis, publicly dis-
close the following: 
(1) Veteran employment and retention date, in-
cluding—
658 
(A) the number of United States military 
veterans hired annually for the previous 3 
years; 
(B) the number of those veterans retained 
12 and 24 months after hire; and 
(C) a summary of the company’s United 
States military veteran retention initiatives, if 
any. 
(2) Philanthropic and community investment, 
including— 
(A) disclosure of a corporate philanthropy 
program; 
(B) the total amount of philanthropic giv-
ing in the previous fiscal year; 
(C) the amount and percentage of such 
giving dedicated to military and veteran-related 
causes; and 
(D) any volunteer hours towards veteran 
or military causes. 
(3) EXECUTIVE ENGAGEMENT.—A narrative re-
sponse describing the direct involvement of the com-
pany’s Chief Executive Officer and Board of Direc-
tors in reviewing and supporting efforts related to 
paragraphs (1) and (2).
659 
(d) SUBCONTRACTING AND INDIRECT VENDORS.— 
The Secretary shall ensure Schedule V requirements 
apply, to the greatest extent practicable, to indirect sup-
pliers and subcontractors at a value of $5,000,000 or 
above or annual revenue of $1,000,000,000 or more. 
(e) PUBLIC ACCESSIBILITY.—The disclosures re-
quired under subsection (c) shall be submitted to the rel-
evant contracting or grant officer and made publicly avail-
able through the Federal Procurement Data System or an-
other centralized government database designated by the 
Administrator of General Services. 
(f) IMPLEMENTATION.—The Secretary shall issue 
regulations to implement this section not later than 180 
days after the date of enactment of this Act. These regula-
tions may include exemptions for small businesses and 
provisions for pilot implementation prior to full enforce-
ment. 
Subtitle B—Amendments to Gen-
eral 
Contracting 
Authorities, 
Procedures, and Limitations 
SEC. 
811. 
ADDITIONAL 
AMENDMENTS 
RELATED 
TO 
UNDEFINITIZED CONTRACTUAL ACTIONS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—
660 
(1) ADDITIONAL ALLOWED PROFITS.—Section 
3374(a) of title 10, United States Code, is amend-
ed— 
(A) in the heading, by striking ‘‘CERTAIN 
REDUCED’’; 
(B) in paragraph (1), by striking ‘‘and’’ at 
the end; 
(C) in paragraph (2), by striking the pe-
riod at the end and inserting a semicolon; and 
(D) by adding at the end the following new 
paragraphs: 
‘‘(3) the increased cost risk of the contractor 
with respect to any costs incurred prior to the award 
of the undefinitized contractual action when such 
costs— 
‘‘(A) would have been directly chargeable 
to the contract if incurred after the award of 
the contract; and 
‘‘(B) were incurred to meet an anticipated 
contract delivery schedule or anticipated con-
tract price targets of the Government under an 
acquisition strategy required under section 
4211 of this title; and 
‘‘(4) the increased cost risk of the contractor 
with respect to negotiations continuing for more
661 
than 180 days beginning on the date on which the 
contractor submitted the qualifying proposal to de-
finitize such undefinitized contractual action.’’. 
(2) CONTRACT FINANCING PROGRESS PAYMENT 
INCREASE.—Section 3804 of title 10, United States 
Code, is amended— 
(A) by striking subsection (b); 
(B) by redesignating subsection (c) as sub-
section (b); and 
(C) by adding at the end the following new 
subsection: 
‘‘(c) ADJUSTMENT TO THE RATE OF CONTRACT FI-
NANCING.—If an undefinitized contractual action has not 
been definitized within 180 days after the contractor sub-
mitted 
a 
qualifying 
proposal 
to 
definitize 
such 
undefinitized contractual action, the contracting officer 
shall increase the rate of any applicable payments under 
section 3801 of this title on such undefinitized contractual 
action by 5 percent without requiring any additional con-
sideration from such contractor.’’. 
(b) REGULATIONS.—Not later than 120 days after 
the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of 
Defense shall revise the Department of Defense Supple-
ment to the Federal Acquisition Regulation to carry out
662 
sections 3374(a) and 3804 of title 10, United States Code, 
as amended by subsection (a). 
SEC. 812. MODIFICATION TO AWARD AMOUNT FOR PRO-
GRAM TO ACCELERATE THE PROCUREMENT 
AND 
FIELDING 
OF 
INNOVATIVE 
TECH-
NOLOGIES. 
Section 3604(c) of title 10, United States Code, is 
amended— 
(1) in the subsection heading, by striking 
‘‘MAXIMUM’’; and 
(2) by inserting ‘‘shall be greater than or equal 
to $10,000,000 and’’ before ‘‘shall not exceed’’. 
SEC. 813. OTHER TRANSACTION AUTHORITY REPORTING. 
Section 4021 of title 10, United States Code, is 
amended by adding at the end the following new sub-
section: 
‘‘(j) REPORTING REQUIREMENTS.—With respect to 
each use of the authority under this section, the Secretary 
of Defense shall ensure that such use— 
‘‘(1) is reported in the same manner as other 
similar expenditures of the Department of Defense; 
and 
‘‘(2) is included in the searchable website estab-
lished under the Federal Funding Accountability
663 
and Transparency Act of 2006 (Public Law 109– 
282; 31 U.S.C. 6101 note).’’. 
SEC. 814. AMENDMENT TO PROCUREMENT OF SERVICES 
DATA ANALYSIS AND REQUIREMENTS VALI-
DATION. 
Section 4506 of title 10, United States Code, is 
amended— 
(1) by repealing subsection (e); and 
(2) in subsection (f)— 
(A) by striking paragraphs (1) and (2); 
and 
(B) by redesignating paragraphs (3) and 
(4) as paragraphs (1) and (2), respectively. 
SEC. 815. ACQUISITION THRESHOLDS FOR CERTAIN MATE-
RIALS. 
(a) STRATEGIC MATERIALS.—Section 4863 of title 
10, United States Code, is amended by amending sub-
section (f) to read as follows: 
‘‘(f) EXCEPTION FOR SMALL PURCHASES.—(1) Sub-
section (a) does not apply to acquisitions in amounts not 
greater than $250,000. 
‘‘(2) A proposed acquisition of an item subject to sub-
section (a) in an amount greater than $250,000 may not 
be divided into several purchases or contracts for lesser
664 
amounts in order to meet the exception under paragraph 
(1). 
‘‘(3) On October 1 of each year that is evenly divisible 
by five, the Secretary of Defense may adjust the dollar 
threshold in this subsection based on changes in the Con-
sumer Price Index. Any such adjustment shall take effect 
on the date on which the Secretary publishes notice of 
such adjustment in the Federal Register.’’. 
(b) SENSITIVE MATERIALS FROM NON-ALLIED FOR-
EIGN NATIONS.—Section 4872 of title 10, United States 
Code, as amended by section 816 of this Act, is further 
amended by inserting after subsection (f) (as added by 
such section) the following new subsection: 
‘‘(g) EXCEPTION FOR SMALL PURCHASES.— 
‘‘(1) Subsection (a)(1) does not apply to pro-
curements in amounts not greater than $250,000. 
‘‘(2) A proposed procurement of a material or 
item subject to subsection (a) in an amount greater 
than $250,000 may not be divided into several pur-
chases or contracts for lesser amounts in order to 
meet the exception under paragraph (1). 
‘‘(3) On October 1 of each year that is evenly 
divisible by five, the Secretary of Defense may ad-
just the dollar threshold in this subsection based on 
changes in the Consumer Price Index. Any such ad-
665 
justment shall take effect on the date on which the 
Secretary publishes notice of such adjustment in the 
Federal Register.’’. 
(c) PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARDS.—Section 4873 of 
title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the 
end the following new subsection: 
‘‘(g) EXCEPTION FOR SMALL PURCHASES.— 
‘‘(1) Subsection (a)(1) does not apply to acqui-
sitions in amounts not greater than $10,000. 
‘‘(2) A proposed acquisition of an item subject 
to subsection (a)(1) in an amount greater than 
$10,000 may not be divided into several purchases 
or contracts for lesser amounts in order to meet the 
exception under paragraph (1). 
‘‘(3) On October 1 of each year that is evenly 
divisible by five, the Secretary of Defense may ad-
just the dollar threshold in this subsection based on 
changes in the Consumer Price Index. Any such ad-
justment shall take effect on the date on which the 
Secretary publishes notice of such adjustment in the 
Federal Register.’’. 
SEC. 816. ADDITIONAL MATERIALS PROHIBITED FROM 
NON-ALLIED FOREIGN NATIONS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 4872 of title 10, United 
States Code, is amended—
666 
(1) by redesignating subsection (f) as sub-
section (h); 
(2) by inserting after subsection (e) the fol-
lowing new subsection: 
‘‘(f) COVERED MATERIAL DESIGNATION.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of Defense 
shall submit to the congressional defense committees 
a notice of a designation under subsection (h)(1)(F) 
not later than 30 days prior to the date on which 
such designation is published in the Federal Reg-
ister. 
‘‘(2) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The designation of a 
mineral, material, substrate, metal, or alloy as a cov-
ered material under subsection (h)(1)(F)— 
‘‘(A) shall take effect on the date that is 
one year after the date on which the Secretary 
of Defense publishes a notice of such designa-
tion in the Federal Register and submits to the 
congressional defense committees the notice re-
quired under paragraph (1) with respect to 
such notice; and 
‘‘(B) shall apply only with respect to con-
tracts or other agreements entered into after 
the date on which such designation takes effect 
under subparagraph (A).’’; and
667 
(3) in subsection (h), as so redesignated— 
(A) in subparagraph (D), by striking 
‘‘and’’ at the end; 
(B) in subparagraph (E), by striking the 
period at the end and inserting ‘‘; and’’; and 
(C) by adding at the end the following new 
subparagraph: 
‘‘(F) any other mineral, material, sub-
strate, metal, or alloy designated by the Sec-
retary of Defense pursuant to a determination 
by the Secretary of Defense that such designa-
tion is in the interest of national security.’’. 
SEC. 817. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY FOR PILOT PROGRAM 
FOR DEVELOPMENT OF TECHNOLOGY-EN-
HANCED CAPABILITIES WITH PARTNERSHIP 
INTERMEDIARIES. 
Section 851(e) of the National Defense Authorization 
Act for Fiscal Year 2020 (10 U.S.C. 4901 note) is amend-
ed by striking ‘‘September 30, 2025’’ and inserting ‘‘Sep-
tember 30, 2028’’. 
SEC. 818. GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY OFFICE BID 
PROTEST PROCESS ENHANCEMENT. 
(a) REVISE REGULATIONS.— 
(1) IN
GENERAL.—Not later than 180 days 
after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Sec-
668 
retary of Defense shall revise the Defense Supple-
ment to the Federal Acquisition Regulation to estab-
lish procedures for a contracting officer of the De-
partment of Defense to file a claim against a con-
tractor that files a covered bid protest. 
(2) CLAIMS PROCEDURES.—The procedures re-
quired by paragraph (1) shall ensure the following: 
(A) A claim described in paragraph (1) 
shall be filed in accordance with chapter 71 of 
title 41, United States Code. 
(B) Any remedy shall be limited to the 
disgorgement of any profits and fees earned by 
the incumbent contractor in the performance of 
a covered contract during the disgorgement pe-
riod. 
(3) TREATMENT
OF
AMOUNTS
RECEIVED.— 
Amounts received as result of a claim described in 
paragraph (1) shall be credited to the fund or ac-
count that was used to cover the costs of the covered 
contract, or, if the period of availability of obliga-
tions for the appropriation from which such costs 
were paid has expired, to the appropriations of a 
fund or account that is currently available to the 
Secretary for the same purpose. Amounts so credited 
shall be merged with amounts in such fund or ac-
671 
(1) by amending subsection (c)(3) to read as 
follows: 
‘‘(3) For the purposes of the written finding under 
paragraph (2)(A) with respect to a contract for a procure-
ment by a component of the Department of Defense, the 
head of the procuring activity may make the finding under 
such paragraph for such contract if such head of the pro-
curing activity determines that the performance of such 
contract would facilitate the national defense.’’; and 
(2) in subsection (d)(3), by adding at the end 
the following new subparagraph: 
‘‘(D) For the purposes of the determination under 
paragraph (2)(B) with respect to a contract for a procure-
ment by a component of the Department of Defense, a 
contracting officer may not determine that immediate per-
formance of such contract is not in the best interests of 
the United States if the contracting officer determines 
that performance of the contract would facilitate the na-
tional defense.’’. 
SEC. 819. REPORT ON THE USE OF OTHER TRANSACTION 
AUTHORITY. 
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enact-
ment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit 
to the congressional defense committees a report on the 
use of follow-on production contracts or transactions
672 
under section 4022 of title 10, United States Code, during 
the period beginning on October 1, 2020, and ending on 
October 1, 2025. Such report shall include— 
(1) the number of transactions for a prototype 
project awarded under the authority provided by 
such section 4022 during the period covered by the 
report; 
(2) the number of transactions for a prototype 
project for which an option for a follow-on produc-
tion contract or transaction was awarded during 
such period; 
(3) for each follow-on production contract or 
transaction described in paragraph (2), a summary 
of current status of such contract or transaction, in-
cluding overall performance of the contractor in exe-
cution of such contract or transaction and the total 
value of the award; 
(4) an assessment of any trends or lessons 
learned that may be limit or prevent the use of fol-
low-on production contracts or transactions under 
such section 4022; and 
(5) any recommendations the Secretary may 
have to improve the use of follow-on production con-
tracts or transactions under such section 4022 and 
to increase the number of prototype projects that
673 
successfully transition to production through such 
use. 
SEC. 820. APPLICATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTATION AND 
OVERSIGHT 
REQUIREMENTS 
TO 
CERTAIN 
PROJECTS PERFORMED THROUGH OTHER 
TRANSACTION AUTHORITY. 
With respect to each project performed through a 
transaction (other than contracts, cooperative agreements, 
and grants) entered into pursuant to section 4021 or 4022 
of title 10, United States Code, that meets the definition 
of a major defense acquisition program (as defined in sec-
tion 4201 of such title 10), the requirements of section 
4204(e) of such title 10 shall apply to such project. 
SEC. 821. PROHIBITION ON ACQUISITION OF INFORMATION 
OR COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY FROM 
CHINESE ENTITIES. 
None of the funds made available by this Act may 
be used to acquire any information or communication 
technology, including computers, printers, and video con-
ferencing equipment, from an entity— 
(1) in which the People’s Republic of China 
have substantial ownership or controlling interest, 
directly or indirectly; 
(2) that is a subsidiary or affiliate of an entity 
in which the People’s Republic of China have sub-
674 
stantial ownership or controlling interest, directly or 
indirectly; or 
(3) that is organized under the laws of or lo-
cated in the People’s Republic of China and is to 
any law enacted by the government of the People’s 
Republic of China mandating the cooperation of 
such entity with any national defense or intelligence 
agency or organization of the People’s Republic of 
China or the Chinese Communist Part People’s Lib-
eration Army. 
SEC. 822. AMENDMENT TO DEFINITION OF CONVENTIONAL 
AMMUNITION. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 806(c) of the Strom 
Thurmond National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal 
Year 1999 (10 U.S.C. 3241 note prec.) is amended by 
striking ‘‘, dated March 8, 1995’’. 
(b) UPDATE TO DIRECTIVE.—Not later than 180 
days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Sec-
retary of Defense shall revise Department of Defense Di-
rective 5160.65 to change the definition of ‘‘conventional 
ammunition management’’ in such directive to include as 
conventional ammunition ‘‘one way lethal or non-lethal 
armed/attack unmanned aerial vehicle/system (UAV/ 
UAS)’’.
675 
SEC. 823. PROHIBITIONS RELATING TO COVERED DISTRIB-
UTED 
LEDGER 
TECHNOLOGY 
AND 
BLOCKCHAIN EQUIPMENT OR SERVICES. 
(a) PROHIBITION ON ACQUISITION.—The Secretary 
of Defense may not acquire, or enter into, extend, or 
renew a contract or other agreement for, any equipment, 
system, or service that uses covered distributed ledger 
technology and blockchain equipment or services as— 
(1) a substantial or essential component of such 
equipment, system, or service; or 
(2) critical technology as part of such equip-
ment, system, or service. 
(b) PROHIBITION ON LOAN AND GRANT FUNDS.— 
(1) PROHIBITION.—The Secretary of Defense 
may not obligate or expend loan or grant funds to 
acquire, or to enter into, extend, or renew a contract 
or other agreement for, any equipment, system, or 
service described in subsection (a). 
(2) PRIORITIZATION.—In implementing the pro-
hibition under paragraph (1), the Secretary of De-
fense, in administering a loan, grant, or subsidy pro-
gram, shall prioritize available funding and technical 
support to assist affected entities as is reasonably 
necessary for those affected entities to cease use of 
covered distributed ledger technology and blockchain 
equipment or services, to acquire replacement equip-
676 
ment and services, and to ensure that communica-
tions service to users and customers is sustained. 
(c) RULE
OF CONSTRUCTION.—Nothing in sub-
section (a) or (b) shall be construed to— 
(1) prohibit the Secretary of Defense from ac-
quiring from an entity, or entering into, extending, 
or renewing a contract or other agreement with an 
entity for, a service that connects to the facilities of 
a third party, such as blockchain protocols or inter-
connection arrangements; or 
(2) apply to wireless telecommunications equip-
ment or third-party validators that cannot route or 
redirect user data traffic or permit visibility into any 
user data or packets that such equipment transmits 
or otherwise handles. 
(d) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The prohibitions under sub-
sections (a) and (b) shall take effect on the date that is 
two years after the date of the enactment of this Act. 
(e) WAIVER AUTHORITY.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—Except as provided in para-
graph (2), beginning on the effective date under sub-
section (d), the Secretary of Defense may, upon re-
quest of an entity, issue a waiver of the require-
ments under subsection (a) with respect to such en-
tity for a period of not more than two years.
677 
(2) REQUIREMENTS.—The Secretary may only 
provide a waiver under this subsection if the entity 
seeking the waiver— 
(A) provides a compelling justification for 
the additional time to implement the require-
ments of this section; and 
(B) submits to the Secretary, who shall not 
later than 30 days thereafter submit to the 
Committees on Armed Services of the Senate 
and the House of Representatives, a full and 
complete description of the presence of covered 
distributed ledger technology and blockchain 
equipment or services in the entity’s supply 
chain and a phase-out plan to eliminate such 
covered distributed ledger technology and 
blockchain equipment or services. 
(3) ELEMENTS OF THE INTELLIGENCE COMMU-
NITY.—Beginning on the effective date under sub-
section (d), a head of an element of the intelligence 
community may waive the requirements under sub-
section (a) if such head determines the waiver is in 
the national security interests of the United States. 
(f) DEFINITIONS.—In this Act: 
(1) The term ‘‘covered distributed ledger tech-
nology and blockchain equipment or services’’ means
678 
distributed ledger technology and blockchain equip-
ment or services of or originating from a foreign ad-
versary, including any of the following companies or 
subsidiaries thereof: 
(A) The Blockchain-based Services Net-
work. 
(B) The Spartan Network. 
(C) The Conflux Network. 
(D) iFinex, Inc. 
(E) Red Date Technology Co., Ltd. 
(2) The term ‘‘executive agency’’ has the mean-
ing given the term in section 133 of title 41, United 
States Code. 
(3) The term ‘‘foreign adversary’’ has the 
meaning given such term in section 7.2 of title 15, 
Code of Federal Regulations. 
(4) The term ‘‘intelligence community’’ has the 
meaning given the term in section 3 of the National 
Security Act of 1947 (50 U.S.C. 3003). 
SEC. 824. AMENDMENT TO REQUIREMENT FOR DOMESTIC 
STAINLESS STEEL FLATWARE AND DINNER-
WARE. 
Section 842 of the Servicemember Quality of Life Im-
provement and National Defense Authorization Act for
679 
Fiscal Year 2025 (Public Law 118–159; 10 U.S.C. 4862 
note) is amended by striking subsection (c). 
Subtitle C—Provisions Relating to 
Workforce Development 
SEC. 831. IMPROVEMENTS TO PUBLIC-PRIVATE TALENT EX-
CHANGE. 
Section 1599g(f) of title 10, United States Code, is 
amended— 
(1) by redesignating subparagraphs (A) through 
(F) of paragraph (2) as clauses (i) through (vi), re-
spectively; 
(2) by redesignating paragraphs (1) through 
(5) as subparagraphs (A) through (E), respectively; 
(3) by inserting ‘‘(1)’’ before ‘‘An employee’’; 
(4) in subparagraph (B)(ii), as so redesignated, 
by striking ‘‘207,’’; 
(5) in subparagraph (D), as so redesignated, by 
inserting ‘‘, unless specifically directed to perform 
such work by written request of the Secretary’’ after 
‘‘inherently governmental in nature’’; and 
(6) by adding at the end the following new 
paragraph: 
‘‘(2) An employee described under paragraph (1) that 
is directed to perform work that is considered inherently 
governmental in nature under subparagraph (D) of such
680 
paragraph shall be deemed to be an employee of the De-
partment of Defense for purposes of section 207 of title 
18, United States Code.’’. 
SEC. 832. MODIFICATION TO ASSIGNMENT PERIOD FOR 
CRITICAL ACQUISITION POSITIONS. 
Section 1734 of title 10, United States Code, is 
amended— 
(1) in subsection (a)— 
(A) in the subsection heading, by striking 
‘‘THREE-YEAR’’; 
(B) in paragraph (1)— 
(i) by striking ‘‘paragraph (3)’’ and 
inserting ‘‘paragraph (4)’’; and 
(ii) by inserting ‘‘(or with respect to a 
program executive officer, six-year period)’’ 
after ‘‘three-year period’’; 
(C) in paragraph (2), by striking ‘‘A per-
son’’ inserting ‘‘Except as provided in para-
graph (3), a person’’; 
(D) by redesignating paragraph (3) as 
paragraph (4); and 
(E) by inserting after paragraph (2) the 
following new paragraph: 
‘‘(3) An individual may not be assigned as a program 
executive officer (as described in section 1732 of this title)
681 
unless the individual executes a written agreement to re-
main on active duty (in the case of a member of the armed 
forces) or to remain in Federal service (in the case of an 
employee) in that position for a period of at least six years. 
The service obligation contained in such a written agree-
ment shall remain in effect unless and until waived by the 
Secretary concerned under subsection (b).’’; 
(2) in subsection (b), by adding at the end the 
following new paragraph: 
‘‘(4) The Secretary of Defense shall require that— 
‘‘(A) a program executive officer be assigned in 
that position for a period of at least six years; and 
‘‘(B) the Under Secretary of Defense for Per-
sonnel and Readiness and the Under Secretary of 
Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment jointly en-
sure that the requirement in subparagraph (A) does 
not negatively affect the consideration of an indi-
vidual for promotion or otherwise impede the ad-
vancement of an individual to a position of higher 
responsibility.’’; 
(3) in subsection (d), by striking ‘‘subsection 
(a)(2) or (b)(2)’’ and inserting ‘‘in subsection (a)(2), 
(b)(2), or (b)(3)’’; and
682 
(4) in subsection (e), by inserting ‘‘(except for 
an individual assigned as a program executive offi-
cer)’’ after ‘‘serving in critical acquisition positions’’. 
SEC. 833. DEVELOPMENT OF THE ADVANCED MANUFAC-
TURING WORKFORCE. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 180 days after the 
date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense 
shall establish in the Defense Industrial Resilience Con-
sortium established under section 1842 of this Act a work-
ing group to identify opportunities to address workforce 
shortages in advanced manufacturing career fields in the 
defense industrial base. 
(b) MEMBERSHIP.—The working group shall consist 
of members of the Defense Industrial Resilience Consor-
tium with an interest in addressing workforce shortages 
in advanced manufacturing career fields in the defense in-
dustrial base. 
(c) RESPONSIBILITIES.—The working group shall— 
(1) identify estimated workforce shortages in 
advanced manufacturing career fields in the defense 
industrial base, including such workforce shortages 
in the Department of Defense organic industrial 
base;
683 
(2) identify career fields in advanced manufac-
turing and the associated skills and abilities that are 
required for such fields; and 
(3) develop recommendations for— 
(A) training, education, and career devel-
opment programs, including mid-career pro-
grams, apprenticeships, internships, and sum-
mer camps, to prepare individuals for careers in 
advanced manufacturing; 
(B) the establishment of public-private 
partnerships to provide workforce development 
activities, including identifying incentives for 
such partnerships for success in recruiting, 
training, and retaining individuals in careers in 
advanced manufacturing; and 
(C) any policy changes needed to further 
the participation of individuals in the advanced 
manufacturing workforce of the defense indus-
trial base. 
(d) REPORT.—Not later than one year after the date 
of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense 
shall submit to Congress a report containing— 
(1) any recommendations developed by the 
working group under subsection (c)(3); and
684 
(2) a recommendation whether to continue or 
terminate the working group. 
(e) ADVANCED MANUFACTURING DEFINED.—In this 
section, the term ‘‘advanced manufacturing’’ means the 
manufacturing of products or the application and use of 
advanced technologies (including artificial intelligence, ro-
botics, automation, 3D printing, and cyber-physical sys-
tems). 
SEC. 834. COMPETITIVE ACQUISITION LEADERSHIP AP-
POINTMENTS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of Defense shall 
ensure that the eligibility for an acquisition leadership po-
sition associated with a joint research and development ac-
tivity or a joint acquisition program is not limited by— 
(1) the affiliation of an individual with a spe-
cific Armed Force; or 
(2) whether an individual is a civilian employee 
of the Department of Defense or a member of the 
military. 
(b) RULE OF CONSTRUCTION.—Nothing in this sec-
tion shall be construed as impairing or otherwise affecting 
the authority of any component, element, or activity of the 
Department of Defense from considering the level of rep-
resentation of an Armed Force, Federal agency, or organi-
zation of the Department in an acquisition program when
685 
determining whom to appoint to an acquisition leadership 
position under such acquisition program. 
(c) 
ACQUISITION
LEADERSHIP
POSITION
DE-
FINED.—In this section, the term ‘‘acquisition leadership 
position’’ means an acquisition position within the Depart-
ment of Defense, as designated pursuant to section 
1721(a) of title 10, United States Code, that is under an 
acquisition program of the Department and classified at 
or above grade O-5 (or equivalent). 
SEC. 835. DEVELOPMENT AND EMPLOYMENT OF MEMBERS 
OF THE DEFENSE CIVILIAN TRAINING CORPS. 
(a) REVIEW REQUIRED.—Not later than 180 days 
after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Under 
Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, in 
collaboration with the Secretaries of the military depart-
ments, shall identify career and developmental programs 
of the Department of Defense, including programs in 
which the Department participates, that— 
(1) serve as recruitment and placement tools 
used to attract highly qualified individuals to and re-
tain such individuals in careers as Federal employees 
in the civil service; and 
(2) develop individuals into employees of the ac-
quisition workforce who have strong professional, 
technical, managerial, and administrative com-
686 
petencies that meet the current and future mission 
needs of the acquisition system of the Department. 
(b) MEMBER PLACEMENT.— 
(1) EXISTING PROGRAMS.— 
(A) IN GENERAL.—The Under Secretary 
may, to the extent practicable, appoint members 
and Corps graduates to acquisition positions in 
the Department of Defense under the programs 
identified under subsection (a) to carry out the 
purpose of the Defense Civilian Training Corps 
described in section 2200g(b) of title 10, United 
States Code. 
(B) APPOINTMENTS.—The Under Sec-
retary shall make appointments under subpara-
graph (A) using the authorities of and in ac-
cordance with the requirements of the program 
under which the Under Secretary is making 
such appointment. 
(2) NEW PROGRAM.— 
(A) IN
GENERAL.—Not later than 180 
days after the date of the enactment of this 
Act, the Under Secretary shall establish a new 
program under which the Under Secretary may 
appoint Corps graduates to acquisition positions 
in the Department of Defense to carry out the
687 
purpose of the Defense Civilian Training Corps 
described in section 2200g(b) of title 10, United 
States Code, to the extent that the Under Sec-
retary determines that the authority to make 
appointments under paragraph (1) is insuffi-
cient to make the appointments necessary to 
carry out such purposes. 
(B) APPOINTMENT
TERM.—An appoint-
ment under subparagraph (A) shall be a one- 
year appointment to a position in the civil serv-
ice in a component of the Department of De-
fense participating in the program established 
under such subparagraph, which may be re-
newed for one year not more than once. 
(C) NONCOMPETITIVE APPOINTMENTS.— 
(i) 
INITIAL
APPOINTMENT.—The 
Under Secretary may make appointments 
under the program established under sub-
paragraph (A) to positions in the competi-
tive service without regard to sections 
3309 through 3318, 3327, and 3330 of 
title 5, United States. 
(ii) SUBSEQUENT APPOINTMENT.—An 
individual appointed to a position under 
the program established under subpara-
688 
graph (A) may be appointed to another po-
sition in the competitive service without re-
gard to sections 3309 through 3318, 3327, 
and 3330 of title 5, United States, if— 
(I) such individual has completed 
the term of the appointment of such 
individual under such program; 
(II) such individual has not been 
involuntarily separated from service in 
the Federal Government for cause on 
charges of misconduct or delinquency; 
(III) such individual has not been 
appointed to a position in the Federal 
Government after completing the term 
of the appointment of such individual 
under such program; and 
(IV) the date on which such indi-
vidual completed the term of the ap-
pointment of such individual under 
such program is not more than one 
year prior to the date of the appoint-
ment under this clause. 
(3) SALARY.— 
(A) IN GENERAL.—The Under Secretary 
shall pay the basic pay of individuals appointed
689 
to positions under paragraph (1) or under the 
program established under paragraph (2)(A) 
from the Defense Acquisition Workforce Devel-
opment Account (section 1705 of title 10, 
United States Code) during the period de-
scribed in subparagraph (B). 
(B) PAYMENT
PERIOD.—The period de-
scribed in this subparagraph is— 
(i) with respect to an individual ap-
pointed to a position under paragraph (1), 
the period beginning on the date such ap-
pointment starts and ending on the earlier 
of the date that is one year after the date 
on which such appointment started or the 
date on which such individual ceases to 
hold such position pursuant to such ap-
pointment; and 
(ii) with respect to an individual ap-
pointed to a position under the program 
established under paragraph (2)(A), the 
period beginning on the date such appoint-
ment starts and ending on the earlier of 
the date on which such appointment ends 
or the date on which such individual ceases
690 
to hold such position pursuant to such ap-
pointment. 
(c) REPORT.—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, the 
Committee on Oversight and Government Reform of the 
House of Representatives, and the Committee on Home-
land Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate a 
report— 
(1) describing the programs identified under 
subsection (a); 
(2) describing the program established under 
subsection (b)(2)(A); 
(3) with an estimate of the funding necessary 
to fulfill the requirements of this section, for each 
fiscal year through fiscal year 2030; 
(4) providing recommendations for any changes 
in policy or regulation necessary to enable the pro-
grams identified under subsection (a) and the pro-
gram that may be established under subsection 
(b)(2)(A) to develop members and Corps graduates 
into employees of the acquisition workforce who have 
strong professional, technical, managerial, and ad-
ministrative competencies that meet the current and
691 
future mission needs of the acquisition system of the 
Department; and 
(5) any other recommendations of the Secretary 
for strengthening or improving the program estab-
lished under subsection (b)(2)(A). 
(d) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 
(1) The term ‘‘acquisition position’’ means a 
position designated as an acquisition positions by the 
Secretary of Defense pursuant to section 1721(a) of 
title 10, United States Code. 
(2) The terms ‘‘acquisition workforce’’ and 
‘‘military departments’’ have the meanings given 
such terms, respectively, in section 101(a) of title 
10, United States Code. 
(3) The term ‘‘Corps graduate’’ means an indi-
vidual who successfully graduated from the Defense 
Civilian Training Corps. 
(4) The term ‘‘Defense Civilian Training 
Corps’’ means the Defense Civilian Training Corps 
program established under section 2200g of title 10, 
United States Code. 
(5) The term ‘‘member’’ means a student at an 
accredited civilian educational institution who is en-
rolled in the Defense Civilian Training Corps.
692 
(6) The term ‘‘Under Secretary’’ means the 
Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and 
Sustainment. 
SEC. 836. REFORM OF CONTRACTOR PERFORMANCE IN-
FORMATION REQUIREMENTS. 
(a) REVISION TO DFARS.—The Secretary of De-
fense shall revise part 242.15 of the Department of De-
fense Supplement to the Federal Acquisition Regulation 
to establish an objective, fact-based, and simplified system 
for reporting contractor performance. The revised system 
shall— 
(1) focus exclusively on negative performance 
events that are measurable to reduce subjectivity 
and inconsistency in evaluations; 
(2) create a level playing field for commercial 
entities, subcontractors, and new entrants that do 
not have extensive past performance records to com-
pete for Department of Defense contracts; 
(3) reduce the administrative burden on con-
tracting officers by limiting reporting to significant 
failures or poor performance; 
(4) establish standardized templates for report-
ing negative performance events and calculating 
composite scores; and
693 
(5) ensure the Government can identify and 
avoid contractors with a history of poor performance 
or bad actions. 
(b) REVISION OF CONTRACTOR PERFORMANCE IN-
FORMATION REQUIREMENTS.— 
(1) ELIMINATION
OF
SUBJECTIVE
PERFORM-
ANCE RATINGS.—The Secretary of Defense shall re-
vise part 242.15 of the Department of Defense Sup-
plement to the Federal Acquisition Regulation and 
related guidance, including the Contractor Perform-
ance Assessment Reporting System (or a successor 
system) (in this section referred to as ‘‘CPARS’’), to 
eliminate subjective performance ratings for con-
tracts subject to such part. 
(2) SCOPE OF REPORTING.—A contracting offi-
cer shall only include negative performance events 
that have a material impact on contract performance 
or Government interests in CPARS and shall ex-
clude positive or neutral performance assessments, 
except as necessary to provide context for an in-
cluded negative performance event. A contracting of-
ficer shall report in CPARS negative performance 
events within 30 days after verifying the event. 
(3) CATEGORIZATION OF NEGATIVE PERFORM-
ANCE
EVENTS.—A contracting officer shall cat-
694 
egorize negative performance events reported under 
paragraph (2) in one of the following areas: 
(A) Failures related to innovation, tech-
nical development, or prototype delivery. 
(B) Failures related to manufacturing, 
quality control, or delivery of products. 
(C) Failures related to maintenance, logis-
tics, or support services. 
(D) Failures related to professional, ad-
ministrative, or operational services. 
(E) Failures related to software, hardware, 
cybersecurity, or information technology sys-
tems. 
(4) 
PERFORMANCE
EVALUATIONS.—A 
con-
tracting officer is not required to conduct an annual 
or periodic performance evaluation of a contractor 
unless the contracting officer has verified a negative 
performance event of such contractor. 
(5) USE
IN
SOURCE
SELECTION.—The Sec-
retary of Defense shall consider a negative perform-
ance event and the score associated with such event 
(as calculated under subsection (f)) in source selec-
tion evaluations to assess contractor risk and re-
sponsibility.The absence of negative performance 
events for an offeror, including an offer that is a
695 
nontraditional defense contractor or a new entrant, 
shall not be considered a deficiency in past perform-
ance evaluations. Such offerors shall be evaluated 
based on technical capability, price, and other rel-
evant factors. 
(c) SCORING MECHANISM FOR NEGATIVE PERFORM-
ANCE EVENTS.— 
(1) CALCULATION.—The Secretary of Defense 
shall establish a standardized scoring mechanism to 
normalize negative performance events of a con-
tractor based on the number of transactions and the 
dollar value of contracts performed by the con-
tractor. 
(2) APPLICATION OF SCORES.—The Secretary 
shall ensure that— 
(A) a composite score for each contractor 
is included in CPARS, along with any negative 
performance events used in source selection to 
assess past performance risk; and 
(B) CPARS is programmed to automati-
cally calculate scores based on data entered by 
contracting officers, including the number of 
transactions and the dollar value of contracts 
performed by the contractor.
696 
(4) TRANSPARENCY.—The Secretary shall en-
sure that contractors— 
(A) have access to composite scores and 
the underlying data through CPARS; and 
(B) may submit comments or rebuttals to 
reported negative performance events or scores, 
which shall be maintained in CPARS for con-
sideration in source selection. 
(d) MANDATORY REPORTING.—A contracting officer 
shall report the following negative performance events: 
(1) Delivery of products failing to meet contract 
requirements, as verified by Government inspection 
reports, quality assurance records, or testing results. 
(2) Failure to meet contract delivery schedules, 
as documented in contract milestones, delivery or-
ders, or Government records. 
(3) Incorrect or unauthorized markings on tech-
nical data or software, or improper assertions of re-
strictive rights, as verified by Government review or 
legal findings. 
(4) Submission of inaccurate, incomplete, or 
misleading cost or pricing data, as identified through 
audits by the Defense Contract Audit Agency or 
other Government authorities.
697 
(5) Failure to include mandatory contract 
clauses in subcontracts, as verified by contract re-
views or audits. 
(6) Submission of false claims, fraudulent in-
voices, or misrepresentations, as substantiated by in-
vestigations, legal findings, or Government records. 
(7) Failure to comply with safety, environ-
mental, or other regulatory requirements, as docu-
mented by Government inspections or citations. 
(8) Failure to meet cybersecurity requirements 
or significant breaches caused by contractor neg-
ligence, as verified by Government records. 
(9) Any other negative performance event, as 
determined by the Secretary of Defense, that is 
based on verifiable data or objective evaluations and 
for which the Secretary publishes criteria in the De-
partment of Defense Supplement to the Federal Ac-
quisition Regulation. 
(e) IMPLEMENTATION.— 
(1) TRAINING AND GUIDANCE.—The Secretary 
of Defense shall develop and provide training for 
contracting officers on the following: 
(A) Identifying, verifying, and reporting 
negative performance events.
698 
(B) The use of objective evidence and the 
exclusion of subjective judgments in reporting 
negative performance events. 
(C) Entering data for creating a score in 
CPARS. 
(2) SYSTEM MODIFICATIONS.—Not later than 
one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, 
the Secretary of Defense shall modify CPARS to in-
clude the following functions: 
(A) The categorization of negative per-
formance events. 
(B) Elimination of fields for subjective rat-
ings. 
(C) 
Automatically 
calculate 
composite 
scores based on reported data. 
(D) A mechanism for contractors to review 
and respond to reported events and scores. 
(3) TRANSITION
PERIOD.—With respect to a 
contract awarded before the effective date of the re-
vision to the Department of Defense Supplement to 
the Federal Acquisition Regulation required by sub-
section (a), a contracting officer for such contract 
may complete CPARS evaluations under the prior 
system until the contract is closed or terminated. 
(f) REPORT AND OVERSIGHT.—
699 
(1) REPORT.—Not later than January 15, 
2026, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to Com-
mittees on Armed Services of the Senate and House 
of Representatives a report on the implementation of 
this section. 
(2) GAO REVIEW.—Not later than three years 
after the date of the enactment of this Act, the 
Comptroller General of the United States shall con-
duct a review of the revised CPARS that includes 
the following: 
(A) The effectiveness of CPARS to carry 
out the requirements of this section. 
(B) The accuracy and fairness of the scor-
ing mechanism developed under subsection (d). 
(C) The effect of the modifictions made by 
this section on competition and participation of 
nontraditional defense contractors in contracts 
of the Department of Defense. 
(g) EFFECTIVE DATE.—This section and the require-
ments of this section shall take effect 180 days after the 
date of the enactment of this Act. 
(h) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 
(1) The term ‘‘negative performance event’’ 
means a verifiable instance of contractor failure or 
poor performance as described in subsection (e).
700 
(2) The term ‘‘nontraditional defense con-
tractor’’ has the meaning given in section 3014 of 
title 10, United States Code. 
(3) The term ‘‘verifiable data’’ means objective 
evidence documented in contract records, inspection 
reports, audits, correspondence, or other Govern-
ment records that substantiate a negative perform-
ance event. 
SEC. 837. RESTRUCTURING OF PERFORMANCE EVALUA-
TION METRICS FOR THE ACQUISITION WORK-
FORCE. 
(a) ESTABLISHMENT OF ACQUISITION WORKFORCE 
KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS.—Not later than 180 
days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Sec-
retary of Defense shall implement mandatory key perform-
ance indicators (in this section referred to as ‘‘KPIs’’) for 
evaluating members of the acquisition workforce (as de-
fined in 10 USC 101). Such KPIs shall be used to assess 
the degree of alignment between activities of such mem-
bers and strategic priorities of the Department of Defense, 
including— 
(1) use of commercial acquisition methods, in-
cluding the use of fixed-price contracts under terms 
and conditions similar to those used for commercial 
contracts;
701 
(2) use of innovative acquisition authorities; 
(3) demonstrated preference for commercial so-
lutions; 
(4) integration of small business concerns (as 
defined under section 3 of the Small Business Act 
(15 U.S.C. 632)) and nontraditional defense con-
tractors (as defined in section 3014 of title 10, 
United States Code) into the defense industrial base; 
(5) demonstrated cost and schedule efficiencies; 
(6) use of milestone-based, modular open sys-
tem approaches (as defined in section 4401 of title 
10, United States Code, as amended by section 1833 
of this Act) and capabilities-based pricing; and 
(7) use of the authorities under chapter 253 of 
title 10, United States Code, and similar tools aimed 
at streamlining and improving the acquisition proc-
ess for the Department of Defense. 
(b) INTEGRATION WITH PERSONNEL SYSTEMS AND 
PROMOTION BOARDS.—The KPIs described in subsection 
(a) shall be integrated into— 
(1) annual performance appraisals for members 
of the acquisition workforce; 
(2) promotion, bonus, and assignment consider-
ation for acquisition positions; and
702 
(3) requirements for certification, training, and 
continuing education under chapter 87 of title 10, 
United States Code. 
(c) PUBLIC REPORTING AND OVERSIGHT.—Begin-
ning not later than 365 days after the date of the enact-
ment of this Act, the Under Secretary of Defense for Ac-
quisition and Sustainment shall submit to the congres-
sional defense committees a semiannual report on— 
(1) progress in implementing KPIs required by 
this section; 
(2) compliance rates by each element of the De-
partment of Defense; 
(3) any barriers to implementation; and 
(4) recommendations for additional legislative 
authorities to carry out the requirements of this sec-
tion. 
(d) DEFINITIONS.—For purposes of this section: 
(1) The term ‘‘commercial solutions’’ means 
any method for procurement of a commercial prod-
uct or commercial service as described in part 12 of 
the Federal Acquisition Regulation, subparts 212.2 
and 212.70 of the Department of Defense Supple-
ment to the Federal Acquisition Regulation, or any 
product, service, or other solution developed by a
703 
private entity and funded by private investment that 
meets the needs of the Department of Defense. 
(2) The term ‘‘innovative acquisition authori-
ties’’ means— 
(A) the authority under section 4021 and 
4022 of title 10, United States Code; 
(B) authority to use commercial solutions 
opening contracts pursuant to section 3458 of 
such title 10; 
(C) application of policies of a rapid capa-
bilities office of a military department; or 
(D) any other streamlined acquisition au-
thority. 
(e) SENSE OF CONGRESS.—It is the sense of Con-
gress that fostering a risk-tolerant, innovation-forward 
culture in the defense acquisition workforce is essential to 
maintaining the United States technological and military 
advantage. Accordingly, the Department of Defense shall 
prioritize the cultivation of acquisition professionals who 
can effectively leverage commercial technology, deliver dig-
ital capabilities at speed, and expand the industrial base 
beyond traditional vendors.
704 
SEC. 838. ENSURING DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE CON-
TRACTOR 
COMPLIANCE 
WITH 
DISABILITY 
HIRING GOALS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—For each of fiscal years 2026 
through 2029, the Secretary of Defense shall conduct an 
audit of the compliance of the contractors of the Depart-
ment of Defense with the 7-percent utilization goal for em-
ployment of qualified individuals with disabilities by con-
tractors established by the Office of Federal Contract 
Compliance Programs of the Department of Labor under 
section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 
793). 
(b) REPORTS.—Not later than 5 months after the 
end of a fiscal year for which the Secretary of Defense 
was required to conduct an audit under subsection (a), 
the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees 
on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and 
the Senate a report on the findings of such audit. 
SEC. 839. COMPTROLLER GENERAL REVIEW OF MATTERS 
RELATING TO INDIVIDUALS ASSIGNED TO A 
CRITICAL ACQUISITION POSITION. 
(a) REVIEW REQUIRED.—The Comptroller General 
of the United States shall— 
(1) conduct a review of the education, training, 
and career development programs offered by the
705 
Secretary of Defense for members of the acquisition 
workforce; and 
(2) conduct an assessment of the efficacy of the 
career development policies established by section 
1734 of title 10, United States Code. 
(b) MATTERS FOR REVIEW.—In conducting the re-
view required by this section, the Comptroller General 
shall— 
(1) review the compliance of the Secretary with 
the requirements of section 1734 of title 10, United 
States Code; and 
(2) conduct an assessment of the efficacy of the 
career development policies and minimum periods of 
assignment established by such section 1734 in— 
(A) improving the ability of the acquisition 
workforce to expeditiously provide the Armed 
Forces with the capabilities necessary to oper-
ate effectively, to address evolving threats, and 
to maintain the military advantage of the 
United States in the most cost-effective manner 
practicable; 
(B) enhancing the knowledge and experi-
ence of the acquisition workforce; 
(C) enabling competitive career progression 
of members of the acquisition workforce com-
706 
pared to other members of the civilian and mili-
tary workforce of the Department of Defense 
that are not subject to the minimum periods of 
assignment established by such section 1734; 
and 
(D) the retention rates of members of the 
acquisition workforce assigned to a critical ac-
quisition position, particularly key leadership 
positions (as defined by the Under Secretary of 
Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment), com-
pared with the retention rates for other mem-
bers of the civilian and military workforce of 
the Department of Defense that are not subject 
to the minimum periods of assignment estab-
lished by such section 1734; and 
(3) conduct an assessment of any benefits, in-
cluding enhanced accountability in leadership and 
decisionmaking by individuals in key leadership posi-
tions, of a minimum period of assignment of at least 
four years to a critical acquisition position. 
(c) REPORT REQUIRED.—Not later than July 1, 
2026, the Comptroller General shall submit to the con-
gressional defense committees recommendations on— 
(1) improvements to education, training, and 
career development programs offered by the Sec-
707 
retary of Defense for members of the acquisition 
workforce; and 
(2) minimum periods of assignment for an indi-
vidual assigned as a program executive officer. 
SEC. 840. COMPTROLLER GENERAL REVIEW OF THE MAN-
AGEMENT, TRAINING, AND DEVELOPMENT OF 
THE ACQUISITION WORKFORCE. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—The Comptroller General of the 
United States shall conduct a review of the management, 
training, and development of the acquisition workforce to 
enable the acquisition workforce to expeditiously provide 
the Armed Forces with the capabilities necessary to oper-
ate effectively, to address evolving threats, and to main-
tain the military advantage of the United States in the 
most cost-effective manner practicable. 
(b) REVIEW CONTENTS.—In conducting the review 
required by subsection (a), the Comptroller General shall 
evaluate the following: 
(1) The current organization and staffing of the 
acquisition workforce, including the total number of 
positions in the acquisition workforce, a list of such 
positions disaggregated by the skills and experience 
required, and the number of such positions that are 
vacant or are filled by an individual whose skills and
708 
experience do not meet the required skills and expe-
rience for such position. 
(2) The sufficiency of the processes and au-
thorities of the Department of Defense for recruiting 
and retaining the acquisition workforce, and the use 
of such authorities to maintain an acquisition work-
force that is optimized to meet mission require-
ments. 
(3) Trends in acquisition workforce hiring and 
retention over the preceding five years. 
(4) The impediments to members of the acquisi-
tion workforce receiving training and education, in-
cluding any lack of funding, unavailability of re-
quired or desired training, and excessive workload 
demands that preclude such members from being 
able to attend such training. 
(c) REPORT.—Not later than April 1, 2026, the 
Comptroller General shall submit to the congressional de-
fense committees a report on the findings of the review 
required by subsection (a), including any recommenda-
tions to improve the management, training, and develop-
ment of the acquisition workforce. 
(d) ACQUISITION WORKFORCE DEFINED.—In this 
section, the term ‘‘acquisition workforce’’ has the meaning
709 
given such term in section 101(a) of title 10, United 
States Code. 
SEC. 841. REPORT ON STRENGTHENING THE DEFENSE AC-
QUISITION UNIVERSITY. 
(a) ASSESSMENT REQUIRED.—The Secretary of De-
fense, acting through the Director of the Acquisition Inno-
vation Research Center, shall conduct a comprehensive as-
sessment of the Defense Acquisition University (in this 
section referred to as ‘‘DAU’’) to strengthen the ability 
of the DAU to train and develop members of the acquisi-
tion workforce to meet future needs of the Department 
of Defense. The assessment shall include the following: 
(1) An evaluation of the mission of the DAU 
and the alignment of such mission with the objec-
tives of the defense acquisition system established 
pursuant to section 3102 of title 10, United States 
Code (as added by this Act). 
(2) An evaluation of the effectiveness of train-
ing and development provided by DAU to members 
of the acquisition workforce to enable such members 
to effectively implement the objectives of the defense 
acquisition system. 
(b) ELEMENTS.—The assessment in paragraph (1) 
shall evaluate the following: 
(1) The organization and structure of DAU.
710 
(2) The curriculum and educational offerings of 
DAU. 
(3) The composition of the staff and faculty of 
DAU, including an assessment of the diversity of 
skills, abilities, and professional backgrounds of such 
staff and faculty. 
(4) The sufficiency of resource and funding 
mechanisms supporting DAU operations. 
(5) The extent to which DAU uses external ex-
perts and academic institutions to inform and en-
hance its programs. 
(c) RECOMMENDATIONS.—The Director of the Acqui-
sition Innovation Research Center shall use the assess-
ment required under this section and the objectives of the 
defense acquisition system to provide to the Secretary of 
Defense recommendations to strengthen the ability of the 
DAU to train and develop members of the acquisition 
workforce to meet future needs of the Department of De-
fense. 
(d) REPORT TO CONGRESS.—Not later than one year 
after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary 
of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense com-
mittees a report containing—
711 
(1) the findings of the assessment conducted 
under subsection (a) and the recommendations pro-
vided under subsection (c); 
(2) any actions necessary to ensure that DAU 
fulfills its mission and provides training and develop-
ment to members of the acquisition workforce that 
aligns with the objectives of the defense acquisition 
system. 
(e) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 
(1) The term ‘‘Acquisition Innovation Research 
Center’’ means the acquisition research organization 
within a civilian college or university that is de-
scribed under section 4142(a) of title 10, United 
States Code. 
(2) The term ‘‘acquisition workforce’’ has the 
meaning given in section 101 of title 10, United 
States Code. 
Subtitle D—Provisions Relating to 
Supply Chains and Domestic 
Sourcing 
SEC. 851. REPEAL OF EXCEPTION FOR SMALL PURCHASES 
UNDER THE BERRY AMENDMENT. 
Section 4862 of title 10, United States Code, is 
amended—
712 
(1) in subsection (a), by striking ‘‘subsections 
(c) through (h)’’ and inserting ‘‘subsections (c) 
through (g)’’; and 
(2) by amending subsection (h) to read as fol-
lows: 
‘‘(h) OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE.—The Secretary of De-
fense shall establish a committee to— 
‘‘(1) provide oversight of the implementation of 
the requirements of this section; and 
‘‘(2) ensure compliance with the requirements 
of this section.’’. 
SEC. 852. SUPPLY CHAIN ILLUMINATION INCENTIVES. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 849 of the Servicemember 
Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Au-
thorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (Public Law 118- 
159; 10 U.S.C. 3241 note prec.) is amended— 
(1) in subsection (a), by striking ‘‘to assess and 
monitor’’ and all that follows and inserting the fol-
lowing: ‘‘to implement and use supply chain illu-
mination meeting the minimum qualifying criteria 
determined by the Secretary under subsection (c).’’; 
and 
(2) by adding at the end the following new sub-
sections:
713 
‘‘(c) 
SUPPLY
CHAIN
ILLUMINATION
MINIMUM 
QUALIFYING CRITERIA.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of Defense 
shall establish minimum qualifying criteria for sup-
ply chain illumination for contractors of the Depart-
ment of Defense. 
‘‘(2) PUBLIC NOTICE.—Not later than April 1, 
2026, the Secretary of Defense shall publish in the 
Federal Register a notice of the minimum qualifying 
criteria established under paragraph (1). 
‘‘(d) EXPEDITED ACCEPTANCE PROCEDURES.—If a 
contractor discloses to the relevant contracting officer that 
a covered end item was or will be provided by such con-
tractor to the Department of Defense under a contract 
or other agreement, such contracting officer may continue 
to accept and pay for delivery of such covered end item 
until a waiver authorized under each applicable covered 
statute with respect to such covered end item is granted 
or denied if— 
‘‘(1) such contractor has supply chain illumina-
tion that meets the minimum qualifying criteria es-
tablished by the Secretary of Defense under sub-
section (c); and 
‘‘(2) such contracting officer determines that 
such covered end item—
714 
‘‘(A) other than a prohibition on acquisi-
tion under a covered statute applying to such 
covered end item, satisfies the requirements of 
the contract or other agreement; and 
‘‘(B) does not pose a risk to security or 
safety. 
‘‘(e) CONTRACTOR RESPONSIBILITY.— 
‘‘(1) IMMEDIATE CORRECTIVE ACTION.—A con-
tractor of the Department of Defense shall, upon 
identifying a nonconforming item in a covered end 
item that was or will be provided by such contractor 
to the Department under a contract or other agree-
ment, immediately begin taking corrective action 
with respect to the inclusion of such nonconforming 
item in such covered end item in accordance with 
such contract or other agreement and the relevant 
procedures of the Department. 
‘‘(2) ALTERNATIVE SUPPLIERS.—The corrective 
action described in paragraph (1) with respect to a 
nonconforming item in a covered end item shall in-
clude the contractor using reasonably expedient 
means to identify, and if necessary, qualify an alter-
native supplier to provide materials or goods to use 
in place of such non-conforming item in such end 
item.
715 
‘‘(f) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 
‘‘(1) The term ‘covered statute’ means— 
‘‘(A) section 4863 of this title; 
‘‘(B) section 4872 of this title; 
‘‘(C) section 805 of the National Defense 
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (Public 
Law 118-31; 10 U.S.C. 4651 note prec.); or 
‘‘(D) section 1211 of the National Defense 
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2006 (Public 
Law 109-163; 10 U.S.C. 4651 note prec.). 
‘‘(2) The term ‘covered end item’ means an end 
item the acquisition of which is prohibited under a 
covered statute based on a nonconforming item that 
is contained in or a component of such end item, ex-
cept that such term does not include an end item 
that is a non-conforming item. 
‘‘(3) The term ‘end item’ has the meaning given 
such term in section 4863(m) of this title. 
‘‘(4) The term ‘nonconforming item’ means a 
material or good the inclusion of which in an end 
item causes the acquisition of such end item to be 
prohibited under a covered statute. 
‘‘(5) The term ‘supply chain illumination’ 
means policies, procedures, and tools, including ana-
lytical tools that leverage large data and machine