607 
(b) SPECIFICATIONS.—If the Secretary conducts the 
study under subsection (a), the Secretary shall include in 
the study an assessment of the following: 
(1) Cost-shifting to the Department of Defense to 
support the expansion of TRICARE Reserve Select 
and the TRICARE dental program from— 
(A) health benefit plans under chapter 89 of 
title 5, United States Code; 
(B) employer-sponsored health insurance; 
(C) private health insurance; 
(D) insurance under a State health care ex-
change; and 
(E) the Medicaid program under title XIX 
of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396 et 
seq.). 
(2) New costs for the Department of Defense to 
enroll 
in 
TRICARE 
Reserve 
Select 
and 
the 
TRICARE dental program members of the Selected 
Reserve of the Ready Reserve of a reserve component 
of the Armed Forces who were previously uninsured. 
(3) 
The 
resources 
needed 
to 
implement 
TRICARE Reserve Select and the TRICARE dental 
program for all such members, the dependents thereof, 
and the non-dependent children thereof under the age 
of 26. 
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(4) Cost-savings, if any, resulting from the ex-
pansion of TRICARE Reserve Select and the 
TRICARE dental program with regard to increased 
training days performed in support of mass medical 
events during battle assemblies of the reserve compo-
nents, including an assessment of the impact of such 
expansion on— 
(A) medical readiness; 
(B) overall deployability rates; 
(C) deployability timelines; 
(D) fallout rates at mobilization sites; 
(E) cross-leveling of members of the reserve 
components to backfill medical fallouts at mobili-
zation sites; and 
(F) any other readiness metrics affected by 
such expansion. 
(5) Any effect of such expansion on recruitment 
and retention of members of the Armed Forces, in-
cluding members of the Ready Reserve of the reserve 
components of the Armed Forces. 
(6) Cost-savings, if any, in contracts that imple-
ment the Reserve Health Readiness Program of the 
Department of Defense. 
(c) DETERMINATION OF COST EFFECTS.—If the Sec-
retary conducts the study under subsection (a), the Sec-
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retary shall include in such study an assessment of the po-
tential cost effects to the budget of the Department of De-
fense for scenarios of expanded eligibility for TRICARE Re-
serve Select and the TRICARE dental program as follows: 
(1) Premium free for members of the Selected Re-
serve of the Ready Reserve of a reserve component of 
the Armed Forces, the dependents thereof, and the 
non-dependent children thereof under the age of 26. 
(2) Premium free for such members and sub-
sidized premiums for such dependents and non-de-
pendent children. 
(3) Subsidized premiums for such members, de-
pendents, and non-dependent children. 
(d) USE OF A FEDERALLY FUNDED RESEARCH AND 
DEVELOPMENT CENTER.—The Secretary may enter into a 
contract with a federally funded research and development 
center the Secretary determines is qualified and appro-
priate to conduct the study under subsection (a). 
(e) BRIEFING; REPORT.— 
(1) BRIEFING.—If the Secretary conducts the 
study under subsection (a), not later than one year 
after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Sec-
retary shall provide to the Committees on Armed 
Services of the Senate and the House of Representa-
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tives a briefing on the methodology and approach of 
the study. 
(2) REPORT.—If the Secretary conducts the 
study under subsection (a), not later than two years 
after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Sec-
retary shall submit to the Committees on Armed Serv-
ices of the Senate and the House of Representatives a 
report on the results of the study. 
(f) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 
(1) The term ‘‘TRICARE dental program’’ 
means dental benefits under section 1076a of title 10, 
United States Code. 
(2) The term ‘‘TRICARE Reserve Select’’ means 
health benefits under section 1076d of such title. 
SEC. 708. GAO STUDY ON CERTAIN CONTRACTS RELATING 
TO TRICARE PROGRAM AND OVERSIGHT OF 
SUCH CONTRACTS. 
(a) STUDY.—The Comptroller General of the United 
States shall conduct a study on certain contracts relating 
to the TRICARE program and the oversight provided by 
the Director of the Defense Health Agency with respect to 
such contracts. 
(b) MATTERS.—The study under subsection (a) shall 
include an assessment of the following: 
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(1) TRICARE MANAGED CARE SUPPORT CON-
TRACTS.—With respect to TRICARE managed care 
support contracts (including the TRICARE managed 
care support contract for which the Director of the 
Defense Health Agency published a request for pro-
posals on April 15, 2021, commonly referred to as ‘‘T- 
5’’), the process used in awarding such contracts. 
(2) OTHER CONTRACTS.—With respect to each 
contract relating to the TRICARE program other 
than a contract specified in paragraph (1) entered 
into by the Director of the Defense Health Agency 
during the period beginning on October 1, 2017, and 
ending on September 30, 2022, where the value of 
such contract is greater than $500,000,000, the fol-
lowing: 
(A) The total number of such contracts, 
disaggregated by fiscal year, contract type, type 
of product or service procured, and total expend-
iture under each such contract by fiscal year. 
(B) The total number of bid protests filed 
with respect to such contracts, and the outcome 
of such protests. 
(C) The total number of such contracts 
awarded through means other than full and open 
competition. 
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(3) DEFENSE HEALTH AGENCY CONTRACT OVER-
SIGHT.—With respect to the period beginning on Oc-
tober 1, 2017, and ending on September 30, 2022, the 
following: 
(A) The staff of the Defense Health Agency 
responsible for performing oversight of the con-
tracts specified in paragraphs (1) and (2), in-
cluding the following: 
(i) The number of such staff. 
(ii) Any professional training require-
ments for such staff. 
(iii) Any acquisition certifications or 
accreditations held by such staff. 
(B) Any office or other element of the De-
fense Health Agency responsible for contract 
award, administration, or oversight with respect 
to the TRICARE program, including the organi-
zational structure, responsibilities, authorities, 
and key roles of each such office or element. 
(C) The process used by the Director of the 
Defense Health Agency for determining staffing 
needs and competencies relating to contract 
award, administration, or oversight with respect 
to the TRICARE program. 
(c) INTERIM BRIEFING; REPORT.— 
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(1) INTERIM BRIEFING.—Not later than one year 
after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Comp-
troller General shall provide to the Committees on 
Armed Services of the House of Representatives and 
the Senate an interim briefing on the study under 
subsection (a). 
(2) REPORT.—Not later than two years after the 
date of the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller 
General shall submit to the Committees on Armed 
Services of the House of Representatives and the Sen-
ate a report containing the results of the study under 
subsection (a). 
SEC. 709. GAO STUDY ON COVERAGE OF MENTAL HEALTH 
SERVICES UNDER TRICARE PROGRAM AND 
RELATIONSHIP TO CERTAIN MENTAL HEALTH 
PARITY LAWS. 
(a) STUDY AND REPORT REQUIRED.—Not later than 
one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the 
Comptroller General of the United States shall— 
(1) conduct a study to describe— 
(A) coverage of mental health services under 
the TRICARE program; 
(B) any limits on such coverage that are 
not also imposed on health services other than 
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614 
mental health services under the TRICARE pro-
gram; and 
(C) the efforts of the Department of Defense 
to align coverage of mental health services under 
the TRICARE program with coverage require-
ments under mental health parity laws; and 
(2) submit to the Secretary of Defense, the con-
gressional defense committees, and (with respect to 
any findings concerning the Coast Guard when it is 
not operating as a service in the Department of the 
Navy), the Secretary of Homeland Security, the Com-
mittee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the 
House of Representatives, and the Committee on Com-
merce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a 
report containing the findings of such study. 
(b) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 
(1) The term ‘‘mental health parity laws’’ 
means— 
(A) section 2726 of the Public Health Serv-
ice Act (42 U.S.C. 300gg–26); 
(B) section 712 of the Employee Retirement 
Income Security Act of 1974 (29 U.S.C. 1185a); 
(C) section 9812 of the Internal Revenue 
Code of 1986 (26 U.S.C. 9812); or 
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(D) any other Federal law that applies the 
requirements under any of the sections described 
in subparagraph (A), (B), or (C), or require-
ments that are substantially similar to those pro-
vided under any such section, as determined by 
the Comptroller General. 
(2) The term ‘‘TRICARE program’’ has the 
meaning given such term in section 1072 of title 10, 
United States Code. 
Subtitle B—Health Care 
Administration 
SEC. 711. ACCOUNTABILITY FOR WOUNDED WARRIORS UN-
DERGOING DISABILITY EVALUATION. 
(a) POLICY.—Not later than April 1, 2023, the Sec-
retary of Defense, in consultation with the Secretaries con-
cerned, shall establish a policy to ensure accountability for 
actions taken under the authorities of the Defense Health 
Agency and the Armed Forces, respectively, concerning 
wounded, ill, and injured members of the Armed Forces 
during the integrated disability evaluation system process. 
Such policy shall include the following: 
(1) A restatement of the requirement that, in ac-
cordance with section 1216(b) of title 10, United 
States Code, a determination of fitness for duty of a 
member of the Armed Forces under chapter 61 of title 
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10, United States Code, is the responsibility of the 
Secretary concerned. 
(2) A description of the role of the Director of the 
Defense Health Agency in supporting the Secretaries 
concerned in carrying out determinations of fitness 
for duty as specified in paragraph (1). 
(3) A description of how the medical evaluation 
board processes of the Armed Forces are integrated 
with the Defense Health Agency, including with re-
spect to case management, appointments, and other 
relevant matters. 
(4) A requirement that, in determining fitness 
for duty of a member of the Armed Forces under 
chapter 61 of title 10, United States Code, the Sec-
retary concerned shall consider the results of any 
medical evaluation of the member provided under the 
authority of the Defense Health Agency pursuant to 
section 1073c of title 10, United States Code. 
(5) A description of how the Director of the De-
fense Health Agency adheres to the medical evaluation 
processes of the Armed Forces, including an identi-
fication of each applicable regulation or policy to 
which the Director is required to so adhere. 
(6) An assessment of the feasibility of affording 
various additional due process protections to members 
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617 
of the Armed Forces undergoing the medical evalua-
tion board process. 
(7) A restatement of the requirement that wound-
ed, ill, and injured members of the Armed Forces may 
not be denied any due process protection afforded 
under applicable law or regulation of the Department 
of Defense or the Armed Forces. 
(8) A description of the types of due process pro-
tections specified in paragraph (7), including an 
identification of each specific due process protection. 
(b) CLARIFICATION OF RESPONSIBILITIES REGARDING 
MEDICAL EVALUATION BOARDS.—Section 1073c of title 10, 
United States Code, is amended— 
(1) by redesignating subsection (h) as subsection 
(i); and 
(2) by inserting after subsection (g) the following 
new subsection (h): 
‘‘(h) RULE OF CONSTRUCTION REGARDING SECRE-
TARIES
CONCERNED
AND
MEDICAL
EVALUATION 
BOARDS.—Nothing in this section shall be construed as 
transferring to the Director of the Defense Health Agency, 
or otherwise revoking, any authority or responsibility of the 
Secretary concerned under chapter 61 of this title with re-
spect to a member of the armed forces (including with re-
spect to the administration of morale and welfare and the 
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618 
determination of fitness for duty for the member) while the 
member is being considered by a medical evaluation 
board.’’. 
(c) BRIEFING.—Not later than February 1, 2023, the 
Secretary of Defense shall provide to the Committees on 
Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the 
Senate a briefing on the status of the implementation of 
subsections (a) and (b). 
(d) REPORT.—Not later than one year after the date 
of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall 
submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the House 
of Representatives and the Senate a report on the imple-
mentation of subsections (a) and (b), lessons learned as a 
result of such implementation, and the recommendations of 
the Secretary relating to the policy on wounded, ill, and 
injured members of the Armed Forces undergoing the inte-
grated disability evaluation system process. 
(e) SECRETARY CONCERNED DEFINED.—In this sec-
tion, the term ‘‘Secretary concerned’’ has the meaning given 
that term in section 101 of title 10, United States Code. 
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SEC. 712. INCLUSION OF LEVEL THREE TRAUMA CARE CA-
PABILITIES IN REQUIREMENTS FOR MEDICAL 
CENTERS. 
Section 1073d(b)(3) of title 10, United States Code, is 
amended by striking ‘‘or level two’’ and inserting ‘‘, level 
two, or level three’’. 
SEC. 713. CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE FOR SPECIALTY CARE 
IN MILITARY HEALTH SYSTEM. 
(a) CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE.—Section 1073d(b)(4) 
of title 10, United States Code, is amended to read as fol-
lows: 
‘‘(4)(A) The Secretary shall designate certain major 
medical centers as regional centers of excellence for the pro-
vision of specialty care services in the areas of specialty 
care described in subparagraph (D). A major medical center 
may be designated as a center of excellence under this sub-
paragraph for more than one such area of specialty care. 
‘‘(B) The Secretary may designate certain medical 
centers as satellite centers of excellence for the provision of 
specialty care services for specific conditions, such as the 
following: 
‘‘(i) Post-traumatic stress. 
‘‘(ii) Traumatic brain injury. 
‘‘(iii) Such other conditions as the Secretary de-
termines appropriate. 
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‘‘(C) Centers of excellence designated under this para-
graph shall serve the purposes of— 
‘‘(i) ensuring the military medical force readi-
ness of the Department of Defense and the medical 
readiness of the armed forces; 
‘‘(ii) improving the quality of health care fur-
nished by the Secretary to eligible beneficiaries; and 
‘‘(iii) improving health outcomes for eligible 
beneficiaries. 
‘‘(D) The areas of specialty care described in this sub-
paragraph are as follows: 
‘‘(i) Oncology. 
‘‘(ii) Burn injuries and wound care. 
‘‘(iii) Rehabilitation medicine. 
‘‘(iv) Psychological health and traumatic brain 
injury. 
‘‘(v) Amputations and prosthetics. 
‘‘(vi) Neurosurgery. 
‘‘(vii) Orthopedic care. 
‘‘(viii) Substance abuse. 
‘‘(ix) Infectious diseases and preventive medi-
cine. 
‘‘(x) Cardiothoracic surgery. 
‘‘(xi) Such other areas of specialty care as the 
Secretary determines appropriate. 
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‘‘(E)(i) Centers of excellence designated under this 
paragraph shall be the primary source within the military 
health system for the receipt by eligible beneficiaries of spe-
cialty care. 
‘‘(ii) Eligible beneficiaries seeking a specialty care 
service through the military health system shall be referred 
to a center of excellence designated under subparagraph (A) 
for that area of specialty care or, if the specialty care service 
sought is unavailable at such center, to an appropriate spe-
cialty care provider in the private sector. 
‘‘(F) Not later than 90 days prior to the designation 
of a center of excellence under this paragraph, the Secretary 
shall notify the Committees on Armed Services of the House 
of Representatives and the Senate of such designation. 
‘‘(G) In this paragraph, the term ‘eligible beneficiary’ 
means any beneficiary under this chapter.’’. 
(b) DEADLINE.—The Secretary of Defense shall des-
ignate certain major medical centers as regional centers of 
excellence in accordance with section 1073d(b)(4)(A) of title 
10, United States Code, as added by subsection (a), by not 
later than one year after the date of the enactment of this 
Act. 
(c) REPORT.— 
(1) SUBMISSION.—Not later than 180 days after 
the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of 
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Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed 
Services of the House of Representatives and the Sen-
ate a report that sets forth the plan of the Department 
of Defense to designate centers of excellence under sec-
tion 1073d(b)(4) of title 10, United States Code, as 
added by subsection (a). 
(2) ELEMENTS.—The report under paragraph 
(1) shall include the following: 
(A) A list of the centers of excellence to be 
designated under such section 1073d(b)(4) and 
the locations of such centers. 
(B) A description of the specialty care serv-
ices to be provided at each such center and a 
staffing plan for each such center. 
(C) A description of how each such center 
shall improve— 
(i) the military medical force readiness 
of the Department and the medical readi-
ness of the Armed Forces; 
(ii) the quality of care received by eli-
gible beneficiaries; and 
(iii) the health outcomes of eligible 
beneficiaries. 
(D) A comprehensive plan for the referral of 
eligible beneficiaries for specialty care services at 
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623 
centers of excellence designated under such sec-
tion 1073d(b)(4) and appropriate specialty care 
providers in the private sector. 
(E) A plan to assist eligible beneficiaries 
with travel and lodging, if necessary, in connec-
tion with the receipt of specialty care services at 
centers of excellence designated under such sec-
tion 1073d(b)(4) or appropriate specialty care 
providers in the private sector. 
(F) A plan to transfer specialty care pro-
viders of the Department to centers of excellence 
designated under such section 1073d(b)(4), in a 
number as determined by the Secretary to be re-
quired to provide specialty care services to eligi-
ble beneficiaries at such centers. 
(G) A plan to monitor access to care, bene-
ficiary satisfaction, experience of care, and clin-
ical outcomes to understand better the impact of 
such centers on the health care of eligible bene-
ficiaries. 
(d) ELIGIBLE BENEFICIARY DEFINED.—In this sec-
tion, the term ‘‘eligible beneficiary’’ means any beneficiary 
under chapter 55 of title 10, United States Code. 
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SEC. 714. MAINTENANCE OF CORE CASUALTY RECEIVING 
FACILITIES TO IMPROVE MEDICAL FORCE 
READINESS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 1073d(b) of title 10, United 
States Code, as amended by section 713, is further amended 
by adding at the end the following new paragraph: 
‘‘(5)(A) The Secretary of Defense shall designate and 
maintain certain military medical treatment facilities as 
core casualty receiving facilities, to ensure the medical ca-
pability and capacity required to diagnose, treat, and reha-
bilitate large volumes of combat casualties and, as may be 
directed by the President or the Secretary, provide a med-
ical response to events the President determines or declares 
as natural disasters, mass casualty events, or other national 
emergencies. 
‘‘(B) The Secretary shall ensure that the military med-
ical treatment facilities selected for designation pursuant 
to subparagraph (A) are geographically located to facilitate 
the aeromedical evacuation of casualties from theaters of op-
erations. 
‘‘(C) The Secretary— 
‘‘(i) shall ensure that the Secretaries of the mili-
tary departments assign military personnel to core 
casualty receiving facilities designated under sub-
paragraph (A) at not less than 90 percent of the staff-
ing level required to maintain the operating bed ca-
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pacity necessary to support operation planning re-
quirements; 
‘‘(ii) may augment the staffing of military per-
sonnel at core casualty receiving facilities under sub-
paragraph (A) with civilian employees of the Depart-
ment of Defense to fulfil the staffing requirement 
under clause (i); and 
‘‘(iii) shall ensure that each core casualty receiv-
ing facility under subparagraph (A) is staffed with a 
civilian Chief Financial Officer and a civilian Chief 
Operating Officer with experience in the management 
of civilian hospital systems, for the purpose of ensur-
ing continuity in the management of the facility. 
‘‘(D) In this paragraph: 
‘‘(i) The term ‘core casualty receiving facility’ 
means a Role 4 medical treatment facility that serves 
as a medical hub for the receipt and treatment of cas-
ualties, including civilian casualties, that may result 
from combat or from an event the President deter-
mines or declares as a natural disaster, mass casualty 
event, or other national emergency. 
‘‘(ii) The term ‘Role 4 medical treatment facil-
ity’ means a medical treatment facility that provides 
the full range of preventative, curative, acute, con-
valescent, restorative, and rehabilitative care.’’. 
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(b) TIMELINE FOR ESTABLISHMENT.— 
(1) DESIGNATION.—Not later than October 1, 
2024, the Secretary of Defense shall designate four 
military medical treatment facilities as core casualty 
receiving facilities under section 1073d(b)(5) of title 
10, United States Code (as added by subsection (a)). 
(2) OPERATIONAL.—Not later than October 1, 
2025, the Secretary shall ensure that each such des-
ignated military medical treatment facility is fully 
staffed and operational as a core casualty receiving 
facility, in accordance with the requirements of such 
section 1073d(b)(5). 
SEC. 715. CONGRESSIONAL NOTIFICATION REQUIREMENT 
TO MODIFY SCOPE OF SERVICES PROVIDED 
AT MILITARY MEDICAL TREATMENT FACILI-
TIES. 
Section 1073d of title 10, United States Code, as 
amended by section 714, is further amended by adding at 
the end the following new subsection: 
‘‘(f) NOTIFICATION REQUIRED TO MODIFY SCOPE OF 
SERVICES PROVIDED AT MILITARY MEDICAL TREATMENT 
FACILITIES.—(1) The Secretary of Defense may not modify 
the scope of medical care provided at a military medical 
treatment facility, or the beneficiary population served at 
the facility, unless— 
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‘‘(A) the Secretary submits to the Committees on 
Armed Services of the House of Representatives and 
the Senate a notification of the proposed modification 
in scope; 
‘‘(B) a period of 180 days has elapsed following 
the date on which the Secretary submits such notifica-
tion; and 
‘‘(C) if the proposed modification in scope in-
volves the termination or reduction of inpatient capa-
bilities at a military medical treatment facility lo-
cated outside the United States, the Secretary has 
provided to each member of the armed forces or cov-
ered beneficiary receiving services at such facility a 
transition plan for the continuity of health care for 
such member or covered beneficiary. 
‘‘(2) Each notification under paragraph (1) shall con-
tain information demonstrating, with respect to the mili-
tary medical treatment facility for which the modification 
in scope has been proposed, the extent to which the com-
mander of the military installation at which the facility 
is located has been consulted regarding such modification, 
to ensure that the proposed modification in scope would 
have no impact on the operational plan for such installa-
tion.’’. 
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SEC. 716. IMPROVEMENTS TO PROCESSES TO REDUCE FI-
NANCIAL HARM CAUSED TO CIVILIANS FOR 
CARE 
PROVIDED 
AT 
MILITARY 
MEDICAL 
TREATMENT FACILITIES. 
(a) CLARIFICATION OF FEE WAIVER PROCESS.—Sec-
tion 1079b of title 10, United States Code, is amended— 
(1) by amending subsection (b) to read as fol-
lows: 
‘‘(b) WAIVER OF FEES.—The Director of the Defense 
Health Agency may issue a waiver for a fee that would oth-
erwise be charged under the procedures implemented under 
subsection (a) to a civilian provided medical care who is 
not a covered beneficiary if the provision of such care en-
hances the knowledge, skills, and abilities of health care pro-
viders, as determined by the Director of the Defense Health 
Agency.’’; and 
(2) by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection 
(d). 
(b) MODIFIED PAYMENT PLAN FOR CERTAIN CIVIL-
IANS.—Such section is further amended— 
(1) by inserting after subsection (b), as amended 
by subsection (a), the following: 
‘‘(c) MODIFIED PAYMENT PLAN FOR CERTAIN CIVIL-
IANS.—(1)(A) If a civilian specified in subsection (a) is 
covered by a covered payer at the time care under this sec-
tion is provided, the civilian shall only be responsible to 
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pay the standard copays, coinsurance, deductibles, or nomi-
nal fees that are otherwise applicable under the covered 
payer plan. 
‘‘(B) Except with respect to the copays, coinsurance, 
deductibles, and nominal fees specified in subparagraph 
(A)— 
‘‘(i) the Secretary of Defense may bill only the 
covered payer for care provided to a civilian described 
in subparagraph (A); and 
‘‘(ii) payment received by the Secretary from the 
covered payer of a civilian for care provided under 
this section that is provided to the civilian shall be 
considered payment in full for such care. 
‘‘(2) If a civilian specified in subsection (a) does not 
meet the criteria under paragraph (1), is underinsured, or 
has a remaining balance and is at risk of financial harm, 
the Director of the Defense Health Agency shall reduce each 
fee that would otherwise be charged to the civilian under 
this section according to a sliding fee discount program, 
as prescribed by the Director of the Defense Health Agency. 
‘‘(3) If a civilian specified in subsection (a) does not 
meet the criteria under paragraph (1) or (2), the Director 
of the Defense Health Agency shall implement an additional 
catastrophic waiver to prevent severe financial harm. 
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‘‘(4) The modified payment plan under this subsection 
may not be administered by a Federal agency other than 
the Department of Defense.’’; and 
(2) by adding at the end the following new sub-
section: 
‘‘(e) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 
‘‘(1) The term ‘covered payer’ means a third- 
party payer or other insurance, medical service, or 
health plan. 
‘‘(2) The terms ‘third-party payer’ and ‘insur-
ance, medical service, or health plan’ have the mean-
ing given those terms in section 1095(h) of this title.’’. 
(c) APPLICABILITY.—The amendments made by sub-
sections (a) and (b) shall apply with respect to care pro-
vided on or after the date that is 180 days after the date 
of the enactment of this Act. 
SEC. 717. AUTHORITY TO CARRY OUT STUDIES AND DEM-
ONSTRATION PROJECTS RELATING TO DELIV-
ERY 
OF 
HEALTH 
AND 
MEDICAL 
CARE 
THROUGH USE OF OTHER TRANSACTION AU-
THORITY. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 1092(b) of title 10, United 
States Code, is amended by inserting ‘‘or transactions 
(other than contracts, cooperative agreements, and grants)’’ 
after ‘‘contracts’’. 
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(b) BRIEFING.—Not later than 180 days after the date 
of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall 
provide to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate 
and the House of Representatives a briefing on how the Sec-
retary intends to use the authority to enter into trans-
actions under section 1092(b) of title 10, United States 
Code, as amended by subsection (a). 
SEC. 
718. 
LICENSURE 
REQUIREMENT 
FOR 
CERTAIN 
HEALTH-CARE PROFESSIONALS PROVIDING 
SERVICES AS PART OF MISSION RELATING TO 
EMERGENCY, HUMANITARIAN, OR REFUGEE 
ASSISTANCE. 
Section 1094(d)(2) of title 10, United States Code, is 
amended by inserting ‘‘ contractor not covered under section 
1091 of this title who is providing medical treatment as 
part of a mission relating to emergency, humanitarian, or 
refugee assistance,’’ after ‘‘section 1091 of this title,’’. 
SEC. 719. AUTHORIZATION OF PERMANENT PROGRAM TO 
IMPROVE OPIOID MANAGEMENT IN THE MILI-
TARY HEALTH SYSTEM. 
Section 716 of the John S. McCain National Defense 
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (Public Law 115– 
232; 10 U.S.C. 1090 note), is amended— 
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(1) in subsection (a)(1), by striking ‘‘Beginning 
not’’ and inserting ‘‘Except as provided in subsection 
(e), beginning not’’; 
(2) by redesignating subsection (e) as subsection 
(f); and 
(3) by inserting after subsection (d) the following 
new subsection (e): 
‘‘(e) ALTERNATIVE INITIATIVE TO IMPROVE OPIOID 
MANAGEMENT.—As an alternative to the pilot program 
under this section, the Director of the Defense Health Agen-
cy, not later than January 1, 2023— 
‘‘(1) may implement a permanent program to 
improve opioid management for beneficiaries under 
the TRICARE program; and 
‘‘(2) if the Director decides to implement such a 
permanent program, shall submit to the Committees 
on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of 
Representatives the specifications of and reasons for 
implementing such program.’’. 
SEC. 720. MODIFICATION OF REQUIREMENT TO TRANSFER 
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT AND PUBLIC 
HEALTH FUNCTIONS TO DEFENSE HEALTH 
AGENCY. 
(a) TEMPORARY RETENTION.—Notwithstanding sec-
tion 1073c(e) of title 10, United States Code, at the discre-
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tion of the Secretary of Defense, a military department may 
retain, until not later than February 1, 2024, a covered 
function if the Secretary of Defense determines the covered 
function— 
(1) addresses a need that is unique to the mili-
tary department; and 
(2) is in direct support of operating forces and 
necessary to execute strategies relating to national se-
curity and defense. 
(b) BRIEFING.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than March 1, 2023, 
the Secretary of Defense shall provide to the Commit-
tees on Armed Services of the House of Representa-
tives and the Senate a briefing on any covered func-
tion that the Secretary has determined should be re-
tained by a military department pursuant to sub-
section (a). 
(2) ELEMENTS.—The briefing required by para-
graph (1) shall address the following: 
(A) A description of each covered function 
that the Secretary has determined should be re-
tained by a military department pursuant to 
subsection (a). 
(B) The rationale for each such determina-
tion. 
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(C) Recommendations for amendments to 
section 1073c of title 10, United States Code, to 
authorize the ongoing retention of covered func-
tions by military departments. 
(c) MODIFICATION TO NAMES OF PUBLIC HEALTH 
COMMANDS.—Section 1073c(e)(2)(B) of title 10, United 
States Code, is amended by striking ‘‘Army Public Health 
Command, the Navy–Marine Corps Public Health Com-
mand’’ and inserting ‘‘Army Public Health Center, the 
Navy–Marine Corps Public Health Center’’. 
(d) COVERED FUNCTION DEFINED.—In this section, 
the term ‘‘covered function’’ means— 
(1) a function relating to research and develop-
ment that would otherwise be transferred to the De-
fense Health Agency Research and Development pur-
suant to section 1073c(e)(1) of title 10, United States 
Code; or 
(2) a function relating to public health that 
would otherwise be transferred to the Defense Health 
Agency Public Health pursuant to section 1073c(e)(2) 
of such title. 
SEC. 721. ACCESS TO CERTAIN DEPENDENT MEDICAL 
RECORDS BY REMARRIED FORMER SPOUSES. 
(a) ACCESS.—The Secretary of Defense may authorize 
a remarried former spouse who is a custodial parent of a 
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dependent child to retain electronic access to the privileged 
medical records of such dependent child, notwithstanding 
that the former spouse is no longer a dependent under sec-
tion 1072(2) of title 10, United States Code. 
(b) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 
(1) The term ‘‘dependent’’ has the meaning given 
that term in section 1072 of title 10, United States 
Code. 
(2) The term ‘‘dependent child’’ means a depend-
ent child of a remarried former spouse and a member 
or former member of a uniformed service. 
(3) The term ‘‘remarried former spouse’’ means 
a remarried former spouse of a member or former 
member of a uniformed service. 
SEC. 722. AUTHORITY FOR DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE PRO-
GRAM TO PROMOTE EARLY LITERACY AMONG 
CERTAIN YOUNG CHILDREN. 
(a) AUTHORITY.—The Secretary of Defense may carry 
out a program to promote early literacy among young chil-
dren in child development centers and libraries located on 
installations of the Department of Defense. 
(b) ACTIVITIES.—Activities under the program under 
subsection (a) shall include the following: 
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(1) The provision of training on early literacy 
promotion to appropriate personnel of the Depart-
ment. 
(2) The purchase and distribution of age-appro-
priate books to covered caregivers assigned to or serv-
ing at an installation of the Department with a child 
development center or library at which the Secretary 
is carrying out the program. 
(3) The dissemination to covered caregivers of 
education materials on early literacy. 
(4) Such other activities as the Secretary deter-
mines appropriate. 
(c) LOCATIONS.—In carrying out the program under 
subsection (a), the Secretary may conduct the activities 
under subsection (b) at any child development center or li-
brary located on an installation of the Department. 
(d) 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 Rep-
resentatives and the Senate a briefing on the extent to which 
the authority under subsection (a) is used, including— 
(1) a description of any activities carried out 
under the program so authorized; and 
(2) an evaluation of the potential expansion of 
such program to be included as a part of the pediatric 
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637 
primary care of young children and to be carried out 
in military medical treatment facilities. 
(b) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 
(1) The term ‘‘covered caregiver’’ means a mem-
ber of the Armed Forces who is a caregiver of a young 
child. 
(2) The term ‘‘young child’’ means any child 
from birth to the age of five years old, inclusive. 
SEC. 723. PLAN FOR ACCOUNTABLE CARE ORGANIZATION 
DEMONSTRATION. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 180 days after the 
date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense, 
acting through the Director of the Defense Health Agency, 
shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the 
House of Representatives and the Senate a plan for the con-
duct of the Accountable Care Organization demonstration, 
notice of which was published in the Federal Register on 
August 16, 2019 (84 Fed. Reg. 41974), (in this section re-
ferred to as the ‘‘Demonstration’’). 
(b) ELEMENTS.—The plan under subsection (a) shall 
include, the following: 
(1) A description of how the Demonstration shall 
be conducted to deliver improved health outcomes, im-
proved quality of care, and lower costs under the 
TRICARE program. 
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(2) A description of the results for the TRICARE 
program that the Secretary plans to achieve through 
the Demonstration, with respect to the following out-
come measures: 
(A) Clinical performance. 
(B) Utilization improvement. 
(C) Beneficiary engagement. 
(D) Membership growth and retention. 
(E) Case management. 
(F) Continuity of care. 
(G) Use of telehealth. 
(3) A description of how the Demonstration shall 
be conducted to shift financial risk from the Depart-
ment of Defense to civilian health care providers. 
(4) A description of how investment in the Dem-
onstration shall serve as a bridge to future competi-
tive demonstrations of the Department of Defense 
with accountable care organizations. 
(5) A detailed description of the geographic loca-
tions at which the Secretary plans to conduct such fu-
ture competitive demonstrations. 
(6) A description of how a third-party adminis-
trator shall manage the administrative components of 
the Demonstration, including with respect to eligi-
bility, enrollment, premium payment processes, sub-
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639 
mission of qualifying life events changes, and mailing 
address changes. 
(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. 724. FEASIBILITY STUDY AND PLAN ON ESTABLISHING 
A MILITARY HEALTH SYSTEM MEDICAL LOGIS-
TICS DIRECTORATE AND MILITARY HEALTH 
SYSTEM EDUCATION AND TRAINING DIREC-
TORATE. 
(a) STUDY AND PLAN.—The Secretary of Defense, in 
consultation with the Secretaries of the military depart-
ments and the Joint Chiefs of Staff, shall— 
(1) conduct a study on the feasibility of the es-
tablishment within the Defense Health Agency of two 
subordinate organizations, to be known as the Mili-
tary Health System Medical Logistics Directorate and 
the Military Health System Education and Training 
Directorate, respectively; and 
(2) develop a plan for such establishment. 
(b) ELEMENTS.—The plan under subsection (a)(2) 
shall include the following: 
(1) MILITARY HEALTH SYSTEM MEDICAL LOGIS-
TICS
DIRECTORATE.—With respect to the Military 
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Health System Medical Logistics Directorate, the fol-
lowing: 
(A) A description of the organizational 
structure of the Directorate (including any sub-
ordinate organizations), including the incorpora-
tion into the Directorate of existing organiza-
tions of the military departments that provide 
operational theater medical materiel support. 
(B) A description of the resourcing by the 
Secretary of the executive leadership of the Direc-
torate. 
(C) A description of the geographic location, 
or multiple such locations, of the elements of the 
Directorate. 
(D) A description of how the head of the 
medical research and development organization 
within the Defense Health Agency shall coordi-
nate with the Directorate. 
(E) A description of the ability of the Direc-
torate to address the medical logistics require-
ments of the military departments, the combat-
ant commands, and the Joint Staff. 
(F) A description of any additional funding 
required to establish the Directorate. 
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(G) A description of any additional legisla-
tive authorities required to establish the Direc-
torate, including any such authorities required 
for the leadership and direction of the Direc-
torate. 
(H) A description of any military depart-
ment-specific capabilities, requirements, or best 
practices relating to medical logistics necessary 
to be considered prior to the establishment of the 
Directorate. 
(I) Such other matters relating to the estab-
lishment, operations, or activities of the Direc-
torate as the Secretary may determine appro-
priate. 
(2) MILITARY HEALTH SYSTEM EDUCATION AND 
TRAINING DIRECTORATE.—With respect to the Mili-
tary Health System Education and Training Direc-
torate, the following: 
(A) A description of the organizational 
structure of the Directorate (including any sub-
ordinate organizations), including the incorpora-
tion into the Directorate of existing organiza-
tions that provide relevant medical education 
and training, such as the following: 
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(i) The Uniformed Services University 
of the Health Sciences. 
(ii) The College of Allied Health 
Sciences of the Uniformed Services Univer-
sity of the Health Sciences. 
(iii) The Medical Education and 
Training Campus of the Department of De-
fense. 
(iv) The medical education and train-
ing commands and organizations of the 
military departments. 
(v) The medical training programs of 
the military departments affiliated with ci-
vilian academic institutions. 
(B) A description of the resourcing by the 
Secretary of the executive leadership of the Direc-
torate. 
(C) A description of the geographic location, 
or multiple such locations, of the elements of the 
Directorate. 
(D) A description of the ability of the Di-
rectorate to address the medical education and 
training requirements of the military depart-
ments. 
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(E) A description of any additional funding 
required for the establishment the Directorate. 
(F) A description of any additional legisla-
tive authorities required for the establishment of 
the Directorate, including any such authorities 
required for the leadership and direction of the 
Directorate. 
(G) Such other matters relating to the es-
tablishment, operations, or activities of the Di-
rectorate as the Secretary may determine appro-
priate. 
(c) SUBMISSION.—Not later than one year after the 
date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense 
shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the 
House of Representatives and the Senate— 
(1) the results of the study under subsection 
(a)(1); and 
(2) the plan under subsection (a)(2). 
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Subtitle C—Reports and Other 
Matters 
SEC. 731. BRIEFING AND REPORT ON REDUCTION OR RE-
ALIGNMENT OF MILITARY MEDICAL MANNING 
AND MEDICAL BILLETS. 
Section 731(a)(2)(A) of the National Defense Author-
ization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (Public Law 117–81; 135 
Stat. 1796) is amended to read as follows: 
‘‘(A) BRIEFING; REPORT.—The Comptroller 
General of the United States shall— 
‘‘(i) not later than February 1, 2023, 
provide to the Committees on Armed Serv-
ices of the House of Representatives and the 
Senate a briefing on preliminary observa-
tions regarding the analyses used to support 
any reduction or realignment of military 
medical manning, including any reduction 
or realignment of medical billets of the mili-
tary departments; and 
‘‘(ii) not later than May 31, 2023, sub-
mit to the Committees on Armed Services of 
the House of Representatives and the Senate 
a report on such analyses.’’. 
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SEC. 732. INDEPENDENT ANALYSIS OF DEPARTMENT OF DE-
FENSE COMPREHENSIVE AUTISM CARE DEM-
ONSTRATION PROGRAM. 
Section 737 of the National Defense Authorization Act 
for Fiscal Year 2022 (Public Law 117–81; 135 Stat. 1800) 
is amended— 
(1) in subsection (b)(2)— 
(A) in subparagraph (A)— 
(i) by inserting ‘‘broadly’’ after ‘‘dis-
order’’; and 
(ii) 
by 
striking 
‘‘demonstration 
project’’ and inserting ‘‘demonstration pro-
gram’’; 
(B) in subparagraph (B), by striking ‘‘dem-
onstration project’’ and inserting ‘‘demonstration 
program’’; 
(C) in subparagraph (C), by inserting ‘‘pa-
rental involvement in applied behavioral anal-
ysis treatment, and’’ after ‘‘including’’; 
(D) in subparagraph (D), by striking ‘‘for 
an individual who has’’ and inserting ‘‘, includ-
ing mental health outcomes, for individuals who 
have’’; 
(E) in subparagraph (E), by inserting 
‘‘since its inception’’ after ‘‘demonstration pro-
gram’’; 
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(F) in subparagraph (F), by inserting ‘‘cost 
effectiveness, program effectiveness, and clinical’’ 
after ‘‘measure the’’; 
(G) in subparagraph (G), by inserting 
‘‘than in the general population’’ after ‘‘fami-
lies’’; 
(H) by redesignating subparagraph (H) as 
subparagraph (I); and 
(I) by inserting after subparagraph (G) the 
following new subparagraph (H): 
‘‘(H) An analysis of whether the diagnosis 
and treatment of autism is higher among the 
children of military families than in the general 
population.’’; and 
(2) in subsection (c), in the matter preceding 
paragraph (1), by striking ‘‘nine’’ and inserting 
‘‘31’’. 
SEC. 733. CLARIFICATION OF MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS 
AND COMPENSATION AUTHORITY FOR INDE-
PENDENT SUICIDE PREVENTION AND RE-
SPONSE REVIEW COMMITTEE. 
Section 738 of the National Defense Authorization Act 
for Fiscal Year 2022 (Public Law 117–81; 135 Stat. 1801) 
is amended— 
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(1) in subsection (b)(3), by striking ‘‘none of 
whom may be’’ and all that follows through the clos-
ing period and inserting ‘‘none of whom may be—’’ 
‘‘(A) a member of an Armed Force; or 
‘‘(B) a civilian employee of the Department 
of Defense, unless the individual is a former 
member of an Armed Force.’’. 
(2) by redesignating subsections (f) through (h) 
as subsections (g) through (i), respectively; and 
(3) by inserting after subsection (e) the following 
new subsection (f): 
‘‘(f) COMPENSATION.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Except as provided in para-
graph (2), the Secretary may compensate members of 
the committee established under subsection (a) for the 
work of such members for the committee. 
‘‘(2) EXCEPTION.—A member of the committee 
established under subsection (a) who is a civilian em-
ployee of the Department of Defense and a former 
member of an Armed Force may not receive com-
pensation under paragraph (1). 
‘‘(3) TREATMENT OF COMPENSATION.—A member 
of the committee established under subsection (a) who 
receives compensation under paragraph (1) shall not 
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be considered a civilian employee of the Department 
of Defense for purposes of subsection (b)(3)(B).’’. 
SEC. 734. TERMINATION OF VETERANS’ ADVISORY BOARD 
ON RADIATION DOSE RECONSTRUCTION. 
Section 601 of the Veterans Benefit Act of 2003 (Public 
Law 108–183; 38 U.S.C. 1154 note) is amended— 
(1) in subsection (b), by striking ‘‘, including the 
establishment of the advisory board required by sub-
section (c)’’; and 
(2) by striking subsection (c). 
SEC. 735. BRAIN HEALTH INITIATIVE OF DEPARTMENT OF 
DEFENSE. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of Defense, in con-
sultation with the Secretaries concerned, shall establish a 
comprehensive initiative for brain health to be known as 
the ‘‘Warfighter Brain Health Initiative’’ (in this section 
referred to as the ‘‘Initiative’’) for the purpose of unifying 
efforts and programs across the Department of Defense to 
improve the cognitive performance and brain health of 
members of the Armed Forces. 
(b) OBJECTIVES.—The objectives of the Initiative shall 
be the following: 
(1) To enhance, maintain, and restore the cog-
nitive performance of members of the Armed Forces 
through education, training, prevention, protection, 
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monitoring, detection, diagnosis, treatment, and reha-
bilitation, including through the following activities: 
(A) The establishment of a program to mon-
itor cognitive brain health across the Department 
of Defense, with the goal of detecting any need 
for cognitive enhancement or restoration result-
ing from potential brain exposures of members of 
Armed Forces, to mitigate possible evolution of 
injury or disease progression. 
(B) The identification and dissemination of 
thresholds for blast pressure safety and associated 
emerging scientific evidence. 
(C) The modification of high-risk training 
and operational activities to mitigate the nega-
tive effects of repetitive blast exposure. 
(D) The identification of individuals who 
perform high-risk training or occupational ac-
tivities, for purposes of increased monitoring of 
the brain health of such individuals. 
(E) The development and operational field-
ing of non-invasive, portable, point-of-care med-
ical devices, to inform the diagnosis and treat-
ment of traumatic brain injury. 
(F) The establishment of a standardized 
monitoring program that documents and ana-
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lyzes blast exposures that may affect the brain 
health of members of the Armed Forces. 
(G) The consideration of the findings and 
recommendations of the report of the National 
Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medi-
cine titled ‘‘Traumatic Brain Injury: A Road-
map for Accelerating Progress’’ and published in 
2022 (relating to the acceleration of progress in 
traumatic brain injury research and care), or 
any successor report, in relation to the activities 
of the Department relating to brain health, as 
applicable. 
(2) To harmonize and prioritize the efforts of the 
Department of Defense into a single approach to 
brain health. 
(c) ANNUAL BUDGET JUSTIFICATION DOCUMENTS.— 
In the budget justification materials submitted to Congress 
in support of the Department of Defense budget for each 
of fiscal years 2025 through 2029 (as submitted with the 
budget of the President under section 1105(a) of title 31, 
United States Code), the Secretary of Defense shall include 
a budget justification display that includes all activities of 
the Department relating to the Initiative. 
(d) PILOT PROGRAM RELATING TO MONITORING OF 
BLAST COVERAGE.— 
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(1) AUTHORITY.—The Director of the Defense 
Health Agency may conduct, as part of the Initiative, 
a pilot program under which the Director shall mon-
itor blast overpressure exposure through the use of 
commercially available, off-the-shelf, wearable sensors, 
and document and evaluate data collected as a result 
of such monitoring. 
(2) LOCATIONS.—Monitoring activities under a 
pilot program conducted pursuant to paragraph (1) 
shall be carried out in each training environment 
that the Director determines poses a risk for blast 
overpressure exposure. 
(3) DOCUMENTATION AND SHARING OF DATA.— 
If the Director conducts a pilot program pursuant to 
paragraph (1), the Director shall— 
(A) ensure that any data collected pursuant 
to such pilot program that is related to the 
health effects of the blast overpressure exposure of 
a member of the Armed Forces who participated 
in the pilot program is documented and main-
tained by the Secretary of Defense in an elec-
tronic health record for the member; and 
(B) to the extent practicable, and in accord-
ance with applicable provisions of law relating 
to data privacy, make data collected pursuant to 
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such pilot program available to other academic 
and medical researchers for the purpose of in-
forming future research and treatment options. 
(e) STRATEGY
AND IMPLEMENTATION PLAN.—Not 
later than one year after the date of the enactment of this 
Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees 
on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the 
Senate a report setting forth a strategy and implementation 
plan of the Department of Defense to achieve the objectives 
of the Initiative under subsection (b). 
(f) ANNUAL BRIEFINGS.—Not later than January 31, 
2024, and annually thereafter until January 31, 2027, the 
Secretary of Defense shall provide to the Committees on 
Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the 
Senate a report on the Initiative that includes the following: 
(1) A description of the activities taken under 
the Initiative and resources expended under the Ini-
tiative during the prior fiscal year. 
(2) A summary of the progress made during the 
prior fiscal year with respect to the objectives of the 
Initiative under subsection (b). 
(g) SECRETARY CONCERNED DEFINED.—In this sec-
tion, the term ‘‘Secretary concerned’’ has the meaning given 
that term in section 101 of title 10, United States Code. 
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SEC. 736. ESTABLISHMENT OF PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM BE-
TWEEN UNITED STATES AND UKRAINE FOR 
MILITARY TRAUMA CARE AND RESEARCH. 
Not later than February 24, 2023, the Secretary of De-
fense shall seek to enter into a partnership with the appro-
priate counterpart from the Government of Ukraine for the 
establishment of a joint program on military trauma care 
and research. Such program shall consist of the following: 
(1) The sharing of relevant lessons learned from 
the Russo-Ukraine War. 
(2) The conduct of relevant joint conferences and 
exchanges with military medical professionals from 
Ukraine and the United States. 
(3) Collaboration with the armed forces of 
Ukraine on matters relating to health policy, health 
administration, and medical supplies and equipment, 
including through knowledge exchanges. 
(4) The conduct of joint research and develop-
ment on the health effects of new and emerging weap-
ons. 
(5) The entrance into agreements with military 
medical schools of Ukraine for reciprocal education 
programs under which students at the Uniformed 
Services University of the Health Sciences receive spe-
cialized military medical instruction at the such 
military medical schools of Ukraine and military 
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medical personnel of Ukraine receive specialized mili-
tary medical instruction at the Uniformed Services 
University of the Health Sciences, pursuant to section 
2114(f) of title 10, United States Code. 
(6) The provision of support to Ukraine for the 
purpose of facilitating the establishment in Ukraine 
of a program substantially similar to the Wounded 
Warrior Program in the United States. 
(7) The provision of training to the armed forces 
of Ukraine in the following areas: 
(A) Health matters relating to chemical, bi-
ological, radiological, nuclear and explosive 
weapons. 
(B) Preventive medicine and infectious dis-
ease. 
(C) Post traumatic stress disorder. 
(D) Suicide prevention. 
(8) The maintenance of a list of medical supplies 
and equipment needed. 
(9) Such other elements as the Secretary of De-
fense may determine appropriate. 
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SEC. 737. IMPROVEMENTS RELATING TO BEHAVIORAL 
HEALTH CARE AVAILABLE UNDER MILITARY 
HEALTH SYSTEM. 
(a) STUDY RELATING TO UNIFORMED SERVICES UNI-
VERSITY OF THE HEALTH SCIENCE.— 
(1) STUDY.—The Secretary of Defense shall con-
duct a study on the feasibility and advisability of the 
following: 
(A) Establishing graduate degree-granting 
programs in counseling and social work at the 
Uniformed Services University of the Health 
Sciences. 
(B) Expanding the clinical psychology 
graduate program of the Uniformed Services 
University of the Health Sciences. 
(2) MATTERS.—The study under paragraph (1) 
shall include a description of— 
(A) the process by which, as a condition of 
enrolling in a degree-granting program specified 
in such paragraph, a civilian student would be 
required to commit to post-award employment 
obligations; and 
(B) the processes and consequences that 
would apply if such obligations are not met. 
(3) REPORT.—Not later than one year after the 
date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall 
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submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the 
House of Representatives and the Senate a report con-
taining the findings of the study under paragraph 
(1). 
(b) PILOT PROGRAM ON SCHOLARSHIP-FOR-SERVICE 
FOR CIVILIAN BEHAVIORAL HEALTH PROVIDERS.— 
(1) PILOT PROGRAM.—Not later than two years 
after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Sec-
retary of Defense shall commence the conduct of a 
pilot program under which— 
(A) the Secretary may provide— 
(i) scholarships to cover tuition and re-
lated fees at an institution of higher edu-
cation to an individual enrolled in a pro-
gram of study leading to a graduate degree 
in clinical psychology, social work, coun-
seling, or a related field (as determined by 
the Secretary); and 
(ii) student loan repayment assistance 
to a credentialed behavioral health provider 
who has a graduate degree in clinical psy-
chology, social work, counseling, or a related 
field (as determined by the Secretary); and 
(B) in exchange for such assistance, the re-
cipient shall commit to work as a covered civil-
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ian behavioral health provider in accordance 
with paragraph (2). 
(2) POST-AWARD EMPLOYMENT OBLIGATIONS.— 
(A) IN GENERAL.—Subject to subparagraph 
(B), as a condition of receiving assistance under 
paragraph (1), the recipient of such assistance 
shall enter into an agreement with the Secretary 
of Defense pursuant to which the recipient agrees 
to work on a full-time basis as a covered civilian 
behavioral health provider for a period of a du-
ration that is at least equivalent to the period 
during which the recipient received assistance 
under such paragraph. 
(B) OTHER TERMS AND CONDITIONS.—An 
agreement entered into pursuant to subpara-
graph (A) may include such other terms and 
conditions as the Secretary of Defense may deter-
mine necessary to protect the interests of the 
United States or otherwise appropriate for pur-
poses of this section, including terms and condi-
tions providing for limited exceptions from the 
post-award employment obligation specified in 
such subparagraph. 
(3) REPAYMENT.— 
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(A) IN GENERAL.—An individual who re-
ceives assistance under paragraph (1) and does 
not complete the employment obligation required 
under the agreement entered into pursuant to 
paragraph (2) shall repay to the Secretary of 
Defense a prorated portion of the financial as-
sistance received by the individual under para-
graph (1). 
(B) DETERMINATION
OF
AMOUNT.—The 
amount of any repayment required under sub-
paragraph (A) shall be determined by the Sec-
retary. 
(4) DURATION.—The authority to carry out the 
pilot program under paragraph (1) shall terminate 
on the date that is 10 years after the date on which 
such pilot program commences. 
(5) IMPLEMENTATION PLAN.—Not later than one 
year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the 
Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees 
on Armed Services of the House of Representatives 
and the Senate a plan for the implementation of this 
section. 
(6) REPORTS.— 
(A) IN GENERAL.—Not later than each of 
one year and five years after the commencement 
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of the pilot program under paragraph (1), the 
Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Commit-
tees on Armed Services of the House of Rep-
resentative and the Senate a report on the pilot 
program. 
(B) ELEMENTS.—Each report under sub-
paragraph (A) shall include, with respect to the 
pilot program under subsection (1), the fol-
lowing: 
(i) The number of students receiving 
scholarships under the pilot program. 
(ii) The institutions of higher edu-
cation at which such students are enrolled. 
(iii) The total amount of financial as-
sistance expended under the pilot program 
per academic year. 
(iv) The average scholarship amount 
per student under the pilot program. 
(v) The number of students hired as 
covered behavioral health providers pursu-
ant to the pilot program. 
(vi) Any recommendations for termi-
nating the pilot program, extending the 
pilot program, or making the pilot program 
permanent. 
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(c) REPORT ON BEHAVIORAL HEALTH WORKFORCE.— 
(1) REPORT.—Not later than 180 days after the 
date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of De-
fense shall conduct an analysis of the behavioral 
health workforce under the direct care component of 
the military health system and submit to the Commit-
tees on Armed Services of the House of Representa-
tives and the Senate a report containing the results 
of such analysis. Such report shall include, with re-
spect to such workforce, the following: 
(A) The number of positions authorized for 
military behavioral health providers within such 
workforce, and the number of such positions 
filled, disaggregated by the professions described 
in paragraph (2). 
(B) The number of positions authorized for 
civilian behavioral health providers within such 
workforce, and the number of such positions 
filled, disaggregated by the professions described 
in paragraph (2). 
(C) For each military department, the ratio 
of military behavioral health providers assigned 
to military medical treatment facilities com-
pared to civilian behavioral health providers so 
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assigned, disaggregated by the professions de-
scribed in paragraph (2). 
(D) For each military department, the 
number of military behavioral health providers 
authorized to be embedded within an operational 
unit, and the number of such positions filled, 
disaggregated by the professions described in 
paragraph (2). 
(E) Data on the historical demand for be-
havioral health services by members of the Armed 
Forces. 
(F) An estimate of the number of health 
care providers necessary to meet the demand by 
such members for behavioral health care services 
under the direct care component of the military 
health system, disaggregated by provider type. 
(G) An identification of any shortfall be-
tween the estimated number under subparagraph 
(F) and the total number of positions for behav-
ioral health providers filled within such work-
force. 
(H) Such other information as the Sec-
retary may determine appropriate. 
(2) PROVIDER TYPES.—The professions described 
in this paragraph are as follows: 
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(A) Clinical psychologists. 
(B) Social workers. 
(C) Counselors. 
(D) Such other professions as the Secretary 
may determine appropriate. 
(3) BEHAVIORAL HEALTH WORKFORCE AT RE-
MOTE LOCATIONS.—In conducting the analysis of the 
behavioral health workforce under paragraph (1), the 
Secretary of Defense shall ensure such behavioral 
health workforce at remote locations (including Guam 
and Hawaii) and any shortfalls thereof, is taken into 
account. 
(d) PLAN TO ADDRESS SHORTFALLS IN BEHAVIORAL 
HEALTH WORKFORCE.—Not later than one year after the 
date on which the report under subsection (c) is submitted, 
the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on 
Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the 
Senate a plan to address any shortfall of the behavioral 
health workforce identified under paragraph (1)(G) of such 
subsection. Such plan shall address the following: 
(1) With respect to any such shortfall of military 
behavioral health providers (addressed separately with 
respect to such providers assigned to military medical 
treatment facilities and such providers assigned to be 
embedded within operational units), the recruitment, 
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accession, retention, special pay and other aspects of 
compensation, workload, role of the Uniformed Serv-
ices University of the Health Sciences and the Armed 
Forces Health Professions Scholarship Program under 
chapter 105 of title 10, United States Code, any addi-
tional authorities or resources necessary for the Sec-
retary to increase the number of such providers, and 
such other considerations as the Secretary may con-
sider appropriate. 
(2) With respect to addressing any such shortfall 
of civilian behavioral health providers, the recruit-
ment, hiring, retention, pay and benefits, workload, 
educational scholarship programs, any additional au-
thorities or resources necessary for the Secretary to 
increase the number of such providers, and such other 
considerations as the Secretary may consider appro-
priate. 
(3) A recommendation as to whether the number 
of military behavioral health providers in each mili-
tary department should be increased, and if so, by 
how many. 
(4) A plan to ensure that remote installations 
are prioritized for the assignment of military behav-
ioral health providers. 
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(5) Updated access standards for behavioral 
health care under the military health system, taking 
into account— 
(A) the duration of time between a patient 
receiving a referral for such care and the patient 
receiving individualized treatment (following an 
initial intake assessment) from a behavioral 
health provider; and 
(B) the frequency of regular follow-up ap-
pointments subsequent to the first appointment 
at which a patient receives such individualized 
treatment. 
(6) A plan to expand access to behavioral health 
care under the military health system using tele-
health. 
(e) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 
(1) The term ‘‘behavioral health’’ includes psy-
chiatry, clinical psychology, social work, counseling, 
and related fields. 
(2) The term ‘‘civilian behavioral health pro-
vider’’ means a behavioral health provider who is a 
civilian employee of the Department of Defense. 
(3) The term ‘‘counselor’’ means an individual 
who holds— 
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(A) a master’s or doctoral degree from an 
accredited graduate program in— 
(i) marriage and family therapy; or 
(ii) clinical mental health counseling; 
and 
(B) a current license or certification from a 
State that grants the individual the authority to 
provide counseling services as an independent 
practitioner in the respective field of the indi-
vidual. 
(4) The term ‘‘covered civilian behavioral health 
provider’’ means a civilian behavioral health provider 
whose employment by the Secretary of Defense in-
volves the provision of behavioral health services at a 
military medical treatment facility. 
(5) The term ‘‘institution of higher education’’ 
has the meaning given that term in section 101 of the 
Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1001). 
(6) The term ‘‘military behavioral health pro-
vider’’ means a behavioral health provider who is a 
member of the Armed Forces. 
(7) The term ‘‘military installation’’ has the 
meaning given that term in section 2801 of title 10, 
United States Code. 
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(8) The term ‘‘military medical treatment facil-
ity’’ means a facility specified in section 1073d of 
such title. 
(9) The term ‘‘remote installation’’ means a 
military installation that the Secretary determines to 
be in a remote location. 
(10) The term ‘‘State’’ means each of the several 
States, the District of Columbia, and each common-
wealth, territory or possession of the United States. 
SEC. 738. CERTIFICATION PROGRAM IN PROVISION OF MEN-
TAL HEALTH SERVICES TO MEMBERS OF THE 
ARMED FORCES AND MILITARY FAMILIES. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of Defense, in con-
sultation with the President of the Uniformed Services Uni-
versity of the Health Sciences, shall develop a curriculum 
and certification program to provide civilian mental health 
professionals and students in mental health-related dis-
ciplines with the specialized knowledge and skills necessary 
to address the unique mental health needs of members of 
the Armed Forces and military families. 
(b) IMPLEMENTATION.—Not later than 90 days after 
completing the development of the curriculum and certifi-
cation program under subsection (a), the Secretary of De-
fense shall implement such curriculum and certification 
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program in the Uniformed Services University of the 
Health Sciences. 
(c) AUTHORITY TO DISSEMINATE BEST PRACTICES.— 
The Secretary of Defense may disseminate best practices 
based on the curriculum and certification program devel-
oped and implemented under this section to other institu-
tions of higher education, as such term is defined in section 
102 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1002). 
(d) TERMINATION.—The authority to carry out the 
curriculum and certification program under this section 
shall terminate on the date that is five years after the date 
of the enactment of this Act. 
(e) BRIEFING.—Not later than 180 days after the ter-
mination date specified in subsection (d), the Secretary of 
Defense shall provide to the Committees on Armed Services 
of the House of Representatives and the Senate a briefing 
on the results of the curriculum and certification program 
developed and implemented under this section. 
SEC. 739. STANDARDIZATION OF POLICIES RELATING TO 
SERVICE IN ARMED FORCES BY INDIVIDUALS 
DIAGNOSED WITH HBV. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than one year after the 
date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense, 
in coordination with the Secretaries concerned, shall— 
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(1) review regulations, establish policies, and 
issue guidance relating to service in the Armed Forces 
by individuals diagnosed with HBV, consistent with 
the health care standards and clinical guidelines of 
the Department of Defense; and 
(2) identify areas where the regulations, policies, 
and guidance of the Department relating to individ-
uals diagnosed with HBV (including with respect to 
enlistments, assignments, deployments, and retention 
standards) may be standardized across the Armed 
Forces. 
(b) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 
(1) The term ‘‘HBV’’ means the Hepatitis B 
Virus. 
(2) The term ‘‘Secretary concerned’’ has the 
meaning given that term in section 101 of title 10, 
United States Code. 
SEC. 740. SUICIDE CLUSTER: STANDARDIZED DEFINITION 
FOR USE BY DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE; CON-
GRESSIONAL NOTIFICATION. 
(a) STANDARDIZATION
OF DEFINITION.—Not later 
than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, 
the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Secre-
taries concerned, shall develop, for use across the Armed 
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Forces, a standardized definition for the term ‘‘suicide clus-
ter’’. 
(b) NOTIFICATION REQUIRED.—Beginning not later 
than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, 
whenever the Secretary determines the occurrence of a sui-
cide cluster (as that term is defined pursuant to subsection 
(a)) among members of the Armed Forces, the Secretary 
shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the 
House of Representatives and the Senate a notification of 
such determination. 
(c) BRIEFING.—Not later than April 1, 2023, the Sec-
retary of Defense shall provide to the Committees on Armed 
Services of the House of Representatives and the Senate a 
briefing on the following: 
(1) The methodology being used in the develop-
ment of the definition under subsection (a). 
(2) The progress made towards the development 
of the process for submitting required notifications 
under subsection (b). 
(3) An estimated timeline for the implementa-
tion of this section. 
(d) COORDINATION REQUIRED.—In developing the def-
inition under subsection (a) and the process for submitting 
required notifications under subsection (b), the Secretary 
of Defense shall coordinate with the Secretaries concerned. 
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(e) SECRETARY CONCERNED DEFINED.—In this sec-
tion, the term ‘‘Secretary concerned’’ has the meaning given 
that term in section 101 of title 10, United States Codes. 
SEC. 741. LIMITATION ON REDUCTION OF MILITARY MED-
ICAL MANNING END STRENGTH: CERTIFI-
CATION 
REQUIREMENT 
AND 
OTHER 
RE-
FORMS. 
(a) LIMITATION.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—Except as provided in para-
graph (2), and in addition to the limitation under 
section 719 of the National Defense Authorization Act 
for Fiscal Year 2020 (Public Law 116–92; 133 Stat. 
1454), as most recently amended by section 731 of the 
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 
2022 (Public Law 117–81; 135 Stat. 1795), during 
the five-year period beginning on the date of the en-
actment of this Act, neither the Secretary of Defense 
nor a Secretary concerned may reduce military med-
ical end strength authorizations, and following such 
period, neither may reduce such authorizations unless 
the Secretary of Defense issues a waiver pursuant to 
paragraph (6). 
(2) EXCEPTION.—The limitation under para-
graph (1) shall not apply with respect to the fol-
lowing: 
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(A) Administrative billets of a military de-
partment that have remained unfilled since at 
least October 1, 2018. 
(B) Billets identified as non-clinical in the 
budget of the President for fiscal year 2020 sub-
mitted to Congress pursuant to section 1105(a) 
of title 31, United States Code, except that the 
number of such billets may not exceed 1,700. 
(C) Medical headquarters billets of the mili-
tary departments not assigned to, or providing 
direct support to, operational commands. 
(3) REPORT ON COMPOSITION OF MILITARY MED-
ICAL WORKFORCE REQUIREMENTS.—The Secretary of 
Defense, in coordination with the Secretaries of the 
military departments, shall conduct an assessment of 
current military medical manning requirements (tak-
ing into consideration factors including future oper-
ational 
planning, 
training, 
and 
beneficiary 
healthcare) and submit to the Committees on Armed 
Services of the House of Representatives and the Sen-
ate a report containing the findings of such assess-
ment. Such assessment shall be informed by the fol-
lowing: 
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(A) The National Defense Strategy sub-
mitted under section 113(g) of title 10, United 
States Code. 
(B) The National Military Strategy pre-
pared under section 153(b) of such title. 
(C) The campaign plans of the combatant 
commands. 
(D) Theater strategies. 
(E) The joint medical estimate under sec-
tion 732 of the John S. McCain National Defense 
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (Public 
Law 115–232; 132 Stat. 1817). 
(F) The plan of the Department of Defense 
on integrated medical operations, as updated 
pursuant to paragraph (1) of section 724(a) of 
the National Defense Authorization Act for Fis-
cal Year 2022 (Public Law 117–81; 135 Stat. 
1793; 10 U.S.C. 1096 note). 
(G) The plan of the Department of Defense 
on global patient movement, as updated pursu-
ant to paragraph (2) of such section 724(a). 
(H) The biosurveillance program of the De-
partment of Defense established pursuant to De-
partment of Defense Directive 6420.02 (relating 
to biosurveillance). 
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(I) Requirements for graduate medical edu-
cation. 
(J) The report of the COVID–19 Military 
Health System Review Panel under section 731 
of the William M. (Mac) Thornberry National 
Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 
(Public Law 116–283; 134 Stat. 3698). 
(K) The report of the Inspector General of 
the Department of Defense titled ‘‘Evaluation of 
Department of Defense Military Medical Treat-
ment 
Facility 
Challenges 
During 
the 
Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) Pan-
demic in Fiscal Year 2021 (DODIG-2022-081)’’ 
and published on April 5, 2022. 
(L) Reports of the Comptroller General of 
the United States relating to military health sys-
tem reforms undertaken on or after January, 1, 
2017, including any such reports relating to 
military medical manning and force composition 
mix. 
(M) Such other reports as may be deter-
mined appropriate by the Secretary of Defense. 
(4) CERTIFICATION.—The Secretary of Defense 
shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of 
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the House of Representatives and the Senate a certifi-
cation containing the following: 
(A) A certification of the completion of a 
comprehensive review of military medical man-
ning, including with respect to the medical corps 
(or other health- or medical-related component of 
a military department), designator, profession, 
occupation, and rating of medical personnel. 
(B) A justification for any proposed in-
crease, realignment, reduction, or other change to 
the specialty or occupational composition of 
military medical end strength authorizations, 
which may include compliance with a require-
ment or recommendation set forth in a strategy, 
plan, or other matter specified in paragraph (3). 
(C) A certification that, in the case that 
any change to such specialty or occupational 
composition is required, a vacancy resulting 
from such change may not be filled with a posi-
tion other than a health- or medical-related posi-
tion until such time as there are no military 
medical billets remaining to fill the vacancy. 
(D) A risk analysis associated with the po-
tential realignment or reduction of any military 
medical end strength authorizations. 
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(E) An identification of any plans of the 
Department to backfill military medical per-
sonnel positions with civilian personnel. 
(F) A plan to address persistent vacancies 
for civilian personnel in health- or medical-re-
lated positions, and a risk analysis associated 
with the hiring, onboarding, and retention of 
such civilian personnel, taking into account pro-
vider shortfalls across the United States. 
(G) A comprehensive plan to mitigate any 
risk identified pursuant to subparagraph (D) or 
(F), including with respect to funding necessary 
for such mitigation across fiscal years. 
(5) PROCESS REQUIRED.—The Secretaries of the 
military departments, in coordination with the Sec-
retary of Defense and the Chairman of the Joint 
Chiefs of Staff, shall develop and submit to the Com-
mittees on Armed Services of the House of Represent-
atives and the Senate a process for the authorization 
of proposed modifications to the composition of the 
medical manning force mix across the military de-
partments while maintaining compliance with the 
limitation under paragraph (1). Such process shall— 
(A) take into consideration the funding re-
quired for any such proposed modification; and 
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(B) include distinct processes for proposed 
increases and proposed decreases, respectively, to 
the medical manning force mix of each military 
department. 
(6) WAIVER.— 
(A) IN GENERAL.—Following the conclusion 
of the five-year period specified in paragraph 
(1), the Secretary of Defense may waive the pro-
hibition under such subsection if— 
(i) the report requirement under para-
graph (3), the certification requirement 
under paragraph (4), and the process re-
quirement under paragraph (5) have been 
completed; 
(ii) the Secretary determines that the 
waiver is necessary and in the interests of 
the national security of the United States; 
and 
(iii) the waiver is issued in writing. 
(B) 
NOTIFICATION
TO
CONGRESS.—Not 
later than five days after issuing a waiver under 
subparagraph (A), the Secretary of Defense shall 
submit to the Committees on Armed Services of 
the House of Representatives and the Senate a 
notification of the waiver (including the text of 
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the waiver and a justification for the waiver) 
and provide to such committees a briefing on the 
components of the waiver. 
(b) TEMPORARY SUSPENSION OF IMPLEMENTATION OF 
PLAN FOR RESTRUCTURE OR REALIGNMENT OF MILITARY 
MEDICAL TREATMENT FACILITIES.—The Secretary of De-
fense may not implement the plan under section 703(d)(1) 
of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 
2017 (Public Law 114–328; 130 Stat. 2199) until the later 
of the following: 
(1) The date that is one year after the date of 
the enactment of this Act. 
(2) The date on which the Secretary of Defense 
completes the following: 
(A) A risk analysis for each military med-
ical treatment facility to be realigned, restruc-
tured, or otherwise affected under the implemen-
tation plan under such section 703(d)(1), includ-
ing an assessment of the capacity of the 
TRICARE network of providers in the area of 
such military medical treatment facility to pro-
vide care to the TRICARE Prime beneficiaries 
that would otherwise be assigned to such mili-
tary medical treatment facility. 
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(B) An identification of the process by 
which the assessment conducted under subsection 
(a)(3) and the certification required under sub-
section (a)(4) shall be linked to any restruc-
turing or realignment of military medical treat-
ment facilities. 
(c) BRIEFINGS; FINAL REPORT.— 
(1) INITIAL BRIEFING.—Not later than April 1, 
2023, the Secretary of Defense shall provide to the 
Committees on Armed Services of the House of Rep-
resentatives and the Senate a briefing on— 
(A) the method by which the Secretary 
plans to meet the report requirement under sub-
section (a)(3), the certification requirement 
under subsection (a)(4), and the process require-
ment under subsection (a)(5); and 
(B) the matters specified in subparagraphs 
(A) and (B) of subsection (b)(2). 
(2) BRIEFING
ON
PROGRESS.—Not later than 
two years after the date of the enactment of this Act, 
the Secretary of Defense shall provide to the Commit-
tees on Armed Services of the House of Representa-
tives and the Senate a briefing on the progress made 
towards completion of the requirements specified in 
paragraph (1)(A). 
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(3) FINAL BRIEFING.—Not later than three years 
after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Sec-
retary of Defense shall provide to the Committees on 
Armed Services of the House of Representatives and 
the Senate a final briefing on the completion of such 
requirements. 
(4) FINAL REPORT.—Not later than three years 
after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Sec-
retary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on 
Armed Services of the House of Representatives and 
the Senate a final report on the completion of such 
requirements. Such final report shall be in addition 
to the report, certification, and process submitted 
under paragraphs (3), (4), and (5) of subsection (a), 
respectively. 
(d) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 
(1) The term ‘‘medical personnel’’ has the mean-
ing given such term in section 115a(e) of title 10, 
United States Code. 
(2) The term ‘‘Secretary concerned’’ has the 
meaning given that term in section 101(a) of such 
title. 
(3) The term ‘‘theater strategy’’ means an over-
arching construct outlining the vision of a combatant 
commander for the integration and synchronization of 
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military activities and operations with other national 
power instruments to achieve the strategic objectives 
of the United States. 
SEC. 742. FEASIBILITY STUDY ON ESTABLISHMENT OF DE-
PARTMENT OF DEFENSE INTERNSHIP PRO-
GRAMS RELATING TO CIVILIAN BEHAVIORAL 
HEALTH PROVIDERS. 
(a) FEASIBILITY STUDY.—The Secretary of Defense 
shall conduct a study on the feasibility of establishing paid 
pre-doctoral and post-doctoral internship programs for the 
purpose of training clinical psychologists to work as covered 
civilian behavioral health providers. 
(b) ELEMENTS.—The feasibility study under sub-
section (a) shall assess, with respect to the potential intern-
ship programs specified in such subsection, the following: 
(1) A model under which, as a condition of par-
ticipating in such an internship program, the partic-
ipant would enter into an agreement with the Sec-
retary under which the participant agrees to work on 
a full-time basis as a covered civilian behavioral 
health provider for a period of a duration that is at 
least equivalent to the period of participation in such 
internship program. 
(2) Methods by which the Secretary may address 
scenarios in which an individual who participates in 
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such an internship program does not complete the em-
ployment obligation required under the agreement re-
ferred to in paragraph (1), including by requiring the 
individual to repay to the Secretary a prorated por-
tion of the cost of administering such program (to be 
determined by the Secretary) with respect to such in-
dividual and of any payment received by the indi-
vidual under such program. 
(3) The methods by which the Secretary may ad-
just the workload and staffing of behavioral health 
providers in military medical treatment facilities to 
ensure sufficient capacity to supervise participants in 
such internship programs. 
(c) REPORT.—Not later than one year after the date 
of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to 
the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Rep-
resentatives and the Senate a report containing the findings 
of the feasibility study under subsection (a). 
(d) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 
(1) The term ‘‘behavioral health’’ includes psy-
chiatry, clinical psychology, social work, counseling, 
and related fields. 
(2) The term ‘‘behavioral health provider’’ in-
cludes the following: 
(A) A licensed professional counselor. 
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(B) A licensed mental health counselor. 
(C) A licensed clinical professional coun-
selor. 
(D) A licensed professional clinical coun-
selor of mental health. 
(E) A licensed clinical mental health coun-
selor. 
(F) A licensed mental health practitioner. 
(3) The term ‘‘covered civilian behavioral health 
provider’’ means a civilian behavioral health provider 
whose employment by the Secretary of Defense in-
volves the provision of behavioral health services at a 
military medical treatment facility. 
(4) The term ‘‘civilian behavioral health pro-
vider’’ means a behavioral health provider who is a 
civilian employee of the Department of Defense. 
(5) The term ‘‘military medical treatment facil-
ity’’ means a facility specified in section 1073d of 
title 10, United States Code. 
SEC. 743. UPDATES TO PRIOR FEASIBILITY STUDIES ON ES-
TABLISHMENT OF NEW COMMAND ON DE-
FENSE HEALTH. 
(a) UPDATES.—The Secretary of Defense shall update 
prior studies regarding the feasibility of establishing a new 
defense health command under which the Defense Health 
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Agency would be a joint component. In conducting such up-
dates, the Secretary shall consider for such new command 
each of the following potential structures: 
(1) A unified combatant command. 
(2) A specified combatant command. 
(3) Any other command structure the Secretary 
determines is appropriate for consideration. 
(b) MATTERS.—The updates under subsection (a) shall 
include, with respect to the new command specified in such 
subsection, the following: 
(1) An assessment of the potential organizational 
structure of the new command sufficient for the new 
command to carry out the responsibilities described in 
subsection (c), including a description of the fol-
lowing: 
(A) The potential reporting relationship be-
tween the commander of the new command, the 
Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs, 
and the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel 
and Readiness. 
(B) The potential relationship of the new 
command to the military departments, the com-
batant commands, and the Joint Staff. 
(C) The potential responsibilities of the 
commander of the new command and how such 
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responsibilities would differ from the responsibil-
ities of the Director of the Defense Health Agen-
cy. 
(D) The potential chain of command be-
tween such commander and the Secretary of De-
fense. 
(E) The potential roles of the Surgeons Gen-
eral of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, with re-
spect to such commander. 
(F) Any organizations that support the De-
fense Health Agency, such as the medical depart-
ments and medical logistics organizations of 
each military department. 
(G) The potential organizational structure 
of the new command, including any subordinate 
commands. 
(H) The geographic location, or multiple 
such locations, of the headquarters of the new 
command and any subordinate commands. 
(I) How the Defense Health Agency cur-
rently serves as a provider of optimally trained 
and clinically proficient health care professionals 
to support combatant commands. 
(J) How the new command may further 
serve as a provider of optimally trained and 
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clinically proficient health care professionals to 
support combatant commands. 
(2) An assessment of any additional funding 
necessary to establish the new command. 
(3) An assessment of any additional legislative 
authorities necessary to establish the new command, 
including with respect to the executive leadership and 
direction of the new command. 
(4) An assessment of the required resourcing of 
the executive leadership of the new command. 
(5) If the Secretary makes the determination to 
establish the new command, a timeline for such estab-
lishment. 
(6) If the Secretary defers such determination 
pending further implementation of other organiza-
tional reforms to the military health system, a 
timeline for such future determination. 
(7) Such other matters relating to the establish-
ment, operations, or activities of the new command as 
the Secretary may determine appropriate. 
(c) RESPONSIBILITIES DESCRIBED.—The responsibil-
ities described in this subsection are as follows: 
(1) The conduct of health operations among oper-
ational units of the Armed Forces. 
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(2) The administration of military medical 
treatment facilities. 
(3) The administration of the TRICARE pro-
gram. 
(4) Serving as the element of the Armed Forces 
with the primary responsibility for the following: 
(A) Medical treatment, advanced trauma 
management, 
emergency 
surgery, 
and 
resuscitative care. 
(B) Emergency and specialty surgery, in-
tensive care, medical specialty care, and related 
services. 
(C) Preventive, acute, restorative, curative, 
rehabilitative, and convalescent care. 
(5) Collaboration with medical facilities partici-
pating in the National Disaster Medical System es-
tablished pursuant to section 2812 of the Public 
Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 300hh–11), the Vet-
erans Health Administration, and such other Federal 
departments and agencies and nongovermental orga-
nizations as may be determined appropriate by the 
Secretary, including with respect to the care services 
specified in paragraph (4)(C). 
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(6) The conduct of existing research and edu-
cation activities of the Department of Defense in the 
field of health sciences. 
(7) The conduct of public health and global 
health activities not otherwise assigned to the Armed 
Forces. 
(8) The administration of the Defense Health 
Program Account under section 1100 of title 10, 
United States Code. 
(d) INTERIM BRIEFING.—Not later than 180 days after 
the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of De-
fense shall provide to the Committees on Armed Services 
of the House of Representatives and the Senate a briefing 
on the method by which the Secretary intends to update 
prior studies as required pursuant to subsection (a). 
(e) FINAL BRIEFING; REPORT.—Not later than one 
year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Sec-
retary of Defense shall— 
(1) provide to the Committees on Armed Services 
of the House of Representatives and the Senate a final 
briefing on the implementation of this section; and 
(2) submit to the Committees on Armed Services 
of the House of Representatives and the Senate a re-
port containing the updates to prior studies required 
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pursuant to subsection (a), including each of the ele-
ments specified in subsection (b). 
SEC. 744. CAPABILITY ASSESSMENT AND ACTION PLAN 
WITH RESPECT TO EFFECTS OF EXPOSURE TO 
OPEN BURN PITS AND OTHER ENVIRON-
MENTAL HAZARDS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 180 days after the 
date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense 
shall— 
(1) conduct a capability assessment of potential 
improvements to activities of the Department of De-
fense to reduce the effects of environmental exposures 
with respect to members of the Armed Forces; and 
(2) develop an action plan to implement such 
improvements assessed under paragraph (1) as the 
Secretary considers appropriate. 
(b) ELEMENTS.—The capability assessment required 
by subsection (a)(1) shall include the following elements: 
(1) With respect to the conduct of periodic health 
assessments, the following: 
(A) An assessment of the feasibility and ad-
visability of adding additional screening ques-
tions relating to environmental and occupational 
exposures to current health assessments of mem-
bers of the Armed Forces conducted by the Sec-
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retary of Defense, including pre- and post-de-
ployment assessments and pre-separation assess-
ments. 
(B) An assessment of the potential value 
and feasibility of regularly requiring spirometry 
or other pulmonary function testing pre- and 
post-deployment for all members, or selected 
members, of the Armed Forces. 
(2) With respect to the conduct of outreach and 
education, the following: 
(A) An evaluation of clinician training on 
the health effects of airborne hazards and how to 
document exposure information in health records 
maintained by the Department of Defense and 
the Department of Veterans Affairs. 
(B) An assessment of the adequacy of cur-
rent actions by the Secretary of Defense and the 
Secretary of Veterans Affairs to increase aware-
ness among members of the Armed Forces and 
veterans of the purposes and uses of the Airborne 
Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry and the 
effect of a potential requirement that individuals 
meeting applicable criteria be automatically en-
rolled in the registry unless such individuals opt 
out of enrollment. 
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(C) An assessment of operational plans for 
deployment with respect to the adequacy of edu-
cational activities for, and evaluations of, per-
formance of command authorities, medical per-
sonnel, and members of the Armed Forces on de-
ployment on anticipated environmental expo-
sures and potential means to minimize and 
mitigate any adverse health effects of such expo-
sures, including through the use of monitoring, 
personal protective equipment, and medical re-
sponses. 
(D) An evaluation of potential means to 
improve the education of health care providers of 
the Department of Defense with respect to the di-
agnosis and treatment of health conditions asso-
ciated with environmental exposures. 
(3) With respect to the monitoring of exposure 
during deployment operations, the following: 
(A) An evaluation of potential means to 
strengthen tactics, techniques, and procedures 
used in deployment operations to document— 
(i) specific locations where members of 
the Armed Forces served; 
(ii) environmental exposures in such 
locations; and 
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(iii) any munitions involved during 
such service in such locations. 
(B) An assessment of potential improve-
ments in the acquisition and use of wearable 
monitoring technology and remote sensing capa-
bilities to record environmental exposures by geo-
graphic location. 
(C) An analysis of the potential value and 
feasibility of maintaining a repository of frozen 
soil samples from each deployment location to be 
later tested as needed when concerns relating to 
environmental exposures are identified. 
(4) With respect to the use of the Individual 
Longitudinal Exposure Record, the following: 
(A) An assessment of feasibility and advis-
ability of recording individual clinical diagnosis 
and treatment information in the Individual 
Longitudinal Exposure Record to be integrated 
with exposure data. 
(B) An evaluation of— 
(i) the progress toward making the In-
dividual Longitudinal Exposure Record 
operationally capable and accessible to 
members of the Armed Forces and veterans 
by 2023; and 
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(ii) the integration of data from the 
Individual Longitudinal Exposure Record 
with the electronic health records of the De-
partment of Defense and the Department of 
Veterans Affairs. 
(C) An assessment of the feasibility and ad-
visability of making such data accessible to the 
surviving family members of members of the 
Armed Forces and veterans. 
(5) With respect to the conduct of research, the 
following: 
(A) An assessment of the potential use of the 
Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry 
for research on monitoring and identifying the 
health consequences of exposure to open burn 
pits. 
(B) An analysis of options for increasing 
the amount and the relevance of additional re-
search into the health effects of open burn pits 
and effective treatments for such health effects. 
(C) An evaluation of potential research of 
biomarker monitoring to document environ-
mental exposures during deployment or through-
out the military career of a member of the 
Armed Forces. 
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(D) An analysis of potential organizational 
strengthening with respect to the management of 
research on environmental exposure hazards, in-
cluding the establishment of a joint program ex-
ecutive office for such management. 
(E) An assessment of the findings and rec-
ommendations of the 2020 report by the National 
Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medi-
cine titled ‘‘Respiratory Health Effects of Air-
borne Hazards Exposures in the Southwest Asia 
Theater of Military Operations’’. 
(6) An evaluation of such other matters as the 
Secretary of Defense determines appropriate to ensure 
a comprehensive review of activities relating to the ef-
fects of exposure to open burn pits and other environ-
mental hazards. 
(c) SUBMISSION OF PLAN AND BRIEFING.—Not later 
than 240 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, 
the Secretary of Defense shall— 
(1) submit to the Committees on Armed Services 
of the House of Representatives and the Senate the ac-
tion plan required by subsection (a)(2); and 
(2) provide to such committees a briefing on the 
results of the capability assessment required by sub-
section (a)(1). 
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(d) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 
(1) The term ‘‘Airborne Hazards and Open Burn 
Pit Registry’’ means the registry established under 
section 201 of the Dignified Burial and Other Vet-
erans’ Benefits Improvement Act of 2012 (Public Law 
112–260; 38 U.S.C. 527 note). 
(2) The term ‘‘environmental exposure’’ means 
an exposure to an open burn pit or other environ-
mental hazard, as determined by the Secretary of De-
fense. 
(3) The term ‘‘open burn pit’’ has the meaning 
given that term in section 201(c) of the Dignified 
Burial and Other Veterans’ Benefits Improvement Act 
of 2012 (Public Law 112–260; 38 U.S.C. 527 note). 
SEC. 745. KYLE MULLEN NAVY SEAL MEDICAL TRAINING RE-
VIEW. 
(a) REVIEW.—The Inspector General of the Depart-
ment of Defense shall conduct a comprehensive review of 
the medical training for health care professionals furnishing 
medical care to individuals undergoing Navy Sea, Air, and 
Land (SEAL) training, the quality assurance mechanisms 
in place with respect to such care, and the efforts to mitigate 
health stress of individuals undergoing such training. 
(b) ELEMENTS.—The review under subsection (a) shall 
include the following elements: 
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(1) A review of the policies for improved medical 
care of individuals undergoing Navy SEAL training 
and quality assurance with respect to such care. 
(2) A review of sleep deprivation practices im-
plemented with respect to Navy SEAL training, in-
cluding an identification of when such practices were 
initially implemented and how frequently such prac-
tices are updated. 
(3) An assessment of the policies and rules relat-
ing to the use of performance enhancing drugs by in-
dividuals undergoing Navy SEAL training. 
(4) An assessment of the oversight of health care 
professionals (including enlisted and officer medical 
personnel, civilian employees of the Department of 
Defense, and contractors of the Department) with re-
spect to the provision by such professionals of health 
care services to individuals undergoing Navy SEAL 
training. 
(5) A review and assessment of deaths, occurring 
during the twenty-year period preceding the date of 
the review, of individuals who were undergoing Navy 
SEAL training at the time of death. 
(6) A review of ongoing efforts and initiatives to 
ensure the safety of individuals undergoing Navy 
SEAL training and to prevent the occurrence of long- 
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term injury, illness, and death among such individ-
uals. 
(7) An assessment of the role of nutrition in 
Navy SEAL training. 
(c) INTERIM BRIEFING.—Not later than March 1, 
2023, the Inspector General of the Department of Defense 
shall provide to the Committees on Armed Services of the 
House of Representatives and the Senate a briefing on how 
the Inspector General plans to conduct the review under 
subsection (a), including with respect to each element speci-
fied in subsection (b). 
(d) FINAL 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 final report on the completion of the review under 
subsection (a), including recommendations of the Inspector 
General developed as a result of such review. 
SEC. 746. REPORTS ON COMPOSITION OF MEDICAL PER-
SONNEL OF EACH MILITARY DEPARTMENT 
AND RELATED MATTERS. 
(a) REPORTS.—Not later than 180 days after the date 
of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter for 
three years, the Secretary of Defense, in coordination with 
the Secretaries of the military departments, shall submit 
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to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Rep-
resentatives and the Senate a report on the composition of 
the medical personnel of each military department and re-
lated matters. 
(b) ELEMENTS.—Each report under subsection (a) 
shall include the following: 
(1) With respect to each military department, 
the following: 
(A) An identification of the number of med-
ical personnel of the military department who 
are officers in a grade above O–6. 
(B) An identification of the number of such 
medical personnel who are officers in a grade 
below O–7. 
(C) A description of any plans of the Sec-
retary to— 
(i) reduce the total number of such 
medical personnel; or 
(ii) eliminate any covered position for 
such medical personnel. 
(D) A recommendation by the Secretary for 
the number of covered positions for such medical 
personnel that should be required for purposes of 
maximizing medical readiness (without regard to 
current statutory limitations, or potential future 
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(B) A description of any medical- or health- 
related specialty requirements for such covered 
positions. 
(C) For each such covered position, an iden-
tification of the title and geographic location of, 
and a summary of the responsibility description 
for, the position. 
(D) For each such covered position, an 
identification of the span of control of the posi-
tion, including with respect to the highest grade 
at which each such position has been filled. 
(E) An identification of any downgrading, 
upgrading, or other changes to such covered posi-
tions occurring during the 10-year period pre-
ceding the date of the report, and an assessment 
of whether any such changes have resulted in the 
transfer of responsibilities previously assigned to 
such a covered position to— 
(i) a position in the Senior Executive 
Service or another executive personnel posi-
tion; or 
(ii) a position other than a covered po-
sition. 
(F) A description of any officers in a grade 
above O–6 assigned to the Defense Health Agen-
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cy, the Office of the Assistant Secretary of De-
fense for Health Affairs, the Joint Staff, or any 
other position within the military health system. 
(G) A description of the process by which 
the positions specified in subparagraph (F) are 
validated against military requirements or simi-
lar billet justification processes. 
(H) 
A 
side-by-side 
comparison 
dem-
onstrating, across the military departments, the 
span of control and the responsibilities of covered 
positions for medical personnel of each military 
department. 
(c) DISAGGREGATION OF CERTAIN DATA.—The data 
specified in subparagraphs (A) and (B) of subsection (b)(1) 
shall be presented as a total number and disaggregated by 
each medical component of the respective military depart-
ment. 
(d) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 
(1) The term ‘‘covered position’’ means a posi-
tion for an officer in a grade above O–6. 
(2) The term ‘‘officer’’ has the meanings given 
that term in section 101(b) of title 10, United States 
Code. 
(3) The term ‘‘medical component’’ means— 
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(A) in the case of the Army, the Medical 
Corps, Dental Corps, Nurse Corps, Medical Serv-
ice Corps, Veterinary Corps, and Army Medical 
Specialist Corps; 
(B) in the case of the Air Force, members 
designated as medical officers, dental officers, 
Air Force nurses, medical service officers, and 
biomedical science officers; and 
(C) in the case of the Navy, the Medical 
Corps, Dental Corps, Nurse Corps, and Medical 
Service Corps. 
(4) The term ‘‘medical personnel’’ has the mean-
ing given such term in section 115a(e) of title 10, 
United States Code. 
(5) The term ‘‘military department’’ has the 
meaning given that term in section 101(a) of such 
title. 
SEC. 747. REPORT ON EFFECTS OF LOW RECRUITMENT AND 
RETENTION ON OPERATIONAL TEMPO AND 
PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH OF MEM-
BERS OF THE ARMED FORCES. 
(a) REPORT.—Not later than one year after the date 
of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense, in 
coordination with the Secretaries of the military depart-
ments, shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services 
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of the House of Representatives and the Senate a report on 
the effects of low recruitment and retention on the Armed 
Forces. 
(b) MATTERS.—The report under subsection (a) shall 
include an assessment of the following: 
(1) The effect of low recruitment on the tempo for 
operational units during the previous five years, in-
cluding with respect to deployed units and units in 
pre-deployment training. 
(2) Whether the rate of operational tempo during 
the pervious five years has affected the retention of 
members of the Armed Forces, including with respect 
to deployed units and units in pre-deployment train-
ing. 
(3) How the rate of operational tempo during 
the previous five years has affected the number of 
mental health visits of members of the Armed Forces 
serving in such units. 
(4) How the rate of operational tempo during 
the pervious five years has affected the number of sui-
cides occurring within such units. 
(5) Whether the rate of operational tempo during 
the pervious five years has affected the number of 
musculoskeletal and related injuries incurred by 
members of the Armed Forces serving in such units. 
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(6) The type or types of military occupational 
specialties most affected by low recruitment. 
(7) Lessons learned in the process of gathering 
data for the report under this section. 
(8) Any policy or legislative recommendations to 
mitigate the effect of low recruitment on the oper-
ational tempo of the Armed Forces. 
SEC. 748. GUIDANCE FOR ADDRESSING HEALTHY RELA-
TIONSHIPS AND INTIMATE PARTNER VIO-
LENCE THROUGH TRICARE PROGRAM. 
(a) GUIDANCE.—The Secretary of Defense shall dis-
seminate guidance on the implementation through the 
TRICARE program of— 
(1) education on healthy relationships and inti-
mate partner violence; and 
(2) protocols for— 
(A) the routine assessment of intimate part-
ner violence and sexual assault; and 
(B) the promotion of, and strategies for, 
trauma-informed care plans. 
(b) BRIEFING.—Not later than one year after the date 
of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall 
provide to the Committees on Armed Services of the House 
of Representatives and the Senate a briefing on the imple-
mentation of this section. 
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SEC. 749. BRIEFING ON SUICIDE PREVENTION REFORMS 
FOR MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than March 1, 2023, the 
Secretary of Defense shall provide to the Committees on 
Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representa-
tives a briefing on the following: 
(1) The feasibility and advisability of imple-
menting reforms related to suicide prevention among 
members of the Armed Forces as follows: 
(A) Eliminating mental health history as a 
disqualifier for service in the Armed Forces, in-
cluding by eliminating restrictions related to 
mental health history that are specific to mili-
tary occupational specialties. 
(B) Requiring comprehensive and in-person 
annual mental health assessments of members of 
the Armed Forces. 
(C) Requiring behavioral health providers 
under the TRICARE program, including pro-
viders contracted through such program, to un-
dergo evidence-based and suicide-specific train-
ing. 
(D) Requiring leaders at all levels of the 
Armed Forces to be trained on the following: 
(i) Total wellness. 
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(ii) Suicide warning signs and risk 
factors. 
(iii) Evidence-based, suicide-specific 
interventions. 
(iv) Effectively communicating with 
medical and behavioral health providers. 
(v) Communicating with family mem-
bers, including extended family members 
who are not co-located with a member of the 
Armed Forces, on support and access to re-
sources for members of the Armed Forces 
and the dependents thereof. 
(E) Requiring mandatory referral to War-
riors in Transition programs, or other transi-
tional programs, for members of the Armed 
Forces who are eligible for such programs. 
(2) Recommendations for additional legislative 
actions necessary to further enhance or expand sui-
cide prevention efforts of the Department of Defense. 
(b) DEFINITIONS.—In this section— 
(1) The term ‘‘TRICARE program’’ has the 
meaning given that term in section 1072 of title 10, 
United States Code. 
(2) The term ‘‘Warriors in Transition program’’ 
has the meaning given that term in section 738(e) of 
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the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal 
Year 2013 (Public Law 112–239; 10 U.S.C. 1071 
note). 
TITLE VIII—ACQUISITION POL-
ICY, ACQUISITION MANAGE-
MENT, AND RELATED MAT-
TERS 
TITLE VIII—ACQUISITION POLICY, ACQUISITION MANAGEMENT, AND 
RELATED MATTERS 
Subtitle A—Acquisition Policy and Management 
Sec. 801. Writing award to encourage curiosity and persistence in overcoming ob-
stacles in acquisition. 
Sec. 802. Task and delivery order contracting for architectural and engineering 
services. 
Sec. 803. Data requirements for commercial products for major weapon systems. 
Sec. 804. Revision of authority for procedures to allow rapid acquisition and de-
ployment of capabilities needed under specified high-priority cir-
cumstances. 
Sec. 805. Treatment of certain clauses implementing Executive orders. 
Sec. 806. Life cycle management and product support. 
Sec. 807. Amendments to contractor employee protections from reprisal for disclo-
sure of certain information. 
Sec. 808. Use of fixed-price type contracts for certain major defense acquisition 
programs. 
Sec. 809. Acquisition reporting system. 
Subtitle B—Amendments to General Contracting Authorities, Procedures, and 
Limitations 
Sec. 811. Inclusion in budget justification materials of enhanced reporting on 
proposed cancellations and modifications to multiyear contracts. 
Sec. 812. Comptroller General assessment of acquisition programs and related ef-
forts. 
Sec. 813. Extension of Defense Modernization Account authority. 
Sec. 814. Clarification to fixed-price incentive contract references. 
Sec. 815. Modification of reporting requirement in connection with requests for 
multiyear procurement authority for large defense acquisitions. 
Sec. 816. Modification of provision relating to determination of certain activities 
with unusually hazardous risks. 
Sec. 817. Modification to prohibition on operation or procurement of foreign- 
made unmanned aircraft systems. 
Sec. 818. Extension of pilot program to accelerate contracting and pricing proc-
esses. 
Sec. 819. Extension of pilot program for distribution support and services for 
weapons systems contractors. 
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Sec. 820. Extension and modification of Never Contract with the Enemy. 
Sec. 821. Repeal of requirement for Inspector General of the Department of De-
fense to conduct certain reviews. 
Sec. 822. Modification of contracts to provide extraordinary relief due to inflation 
impacts. 
Subtitle C—Provisions Relating to Acquisition Workforce 
Sec. 831. Key experiences and enhanced pay authority for acquisition workforce 
excellence. 
Sec. 832. Defense Acquisition University reforms. 
Sec. 833. Modifications to Defense Civilian Training Corps. 
Sec. 834. Acquisition workforce incentives relating to training on, and agreements 
with, certain start-up businesses. 
Sec. 835. Curricula on software acquisitions and cybersecurity software or hard-
ware acquisitions for covered individuals. 
Sec. 836. Department of Defense national imperative for industrial skills pro-
gram. 
Subtitle D—Provisions Relating to Software and Technology 
Sec. 841. Guidelines and resources on the acquisition or licensing of intellectual 
property. 
Sec. 842. Modification of authority of the Department of Defense to carry out cer-
tain prototype projects. 
Sec. 843. Other transaction authority clarification. 
Sec. 844. Prizes for advanced technology achievements. 
Sec. 845. Congressional notification for pilot program to accelerate the procure-
ment and fielding of innovative technologies. 
Sec. 846. Report on software delivery times. 
Subtitle E—Industrial Base Matters 
Sec. 851. Modification to the national technology and industrial base. 
Sec. 852. Modification to miscellaneous limitations on the procurement of goods 
other than United States goods. 
Sec. 853. Requirements for the procurement of certain components for certain 
naval vessels and auxiliary ships. 
Sec. 854. Modifications to the procurement technical assistance program. 
Sec. 855. Codification of prohibition on certain procurements from the Xinjiang 
Uyghur Autonomous Region. 
Sec. 856. Codification of the Department of Defense Mentor–Protege Program. 
Sec. 857. Procurement requirements relating to rare earth elements and strategic 
and critical materials. 
Sec. 858. Analyses of certain activities for action to address sourcing and indus-
trial capacity. 
Sec. 859. Demonstration exercise of enhanced planning for industrial mobiliza-
tion and supply chain management. 
Sec. 860. Risk management for Department of Defense pharmaceutical supply 
chains. 
Sec. 861. Strategy for increasing competitive opportunities for certain critical 
technologies. 
Sec. 862. Key advanced system development industry days. 
Subtitle F—Small Business Matters 
Sec. 871. Codification of Small Business Administration scorecard. 
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Sec. 872. Modifications to the SBIR and STTR programs. 
Sec. 873. Access to data on bundled or consolidated contracts. 
Sec. 874. Small business integration working group. 
Sec. 875. Demonstration of commercial due diligence for small business programs. 
Sec. 876. Development and assessment of mission effectiveness metrics. 
Subtitle G—Other Matters 
Sec. 881. Technical correction to effective date of the transfer of certain title 10 
acquisition provisions. 
Sec. 882. Security clearance bridge pilot program. 
Sec. 883. Existing agreement limits for Operation Warp Speed. 
Sec. 884. Incorporation of controlled unclassified information guidance into pro-
gram classification guides and program protection plans. 
Subtitle A—Acquisition Policy and 
Management 
SEC. 801. WRITING AWARD TO ENCOURAGE CURIOSITY AND 
PERSISTENCE IN OVERCOMING OBSTACLES 
IN ACQUISITION. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Chapter 87 of title 10, United 
States Code, is amended by inserting after section 1742 the 
following new section: 
‘‘§ 1743. Awards to recognize members of the acquisi-
tion workforce 
‘‘(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—The President of the Defense 
Acquisition University shall establish two programs to pro-
vide awards to recognize members of the acquisition work-
force as follows: 
‘‘(1) An award of not more than $5,000 to such 
members who use an iterative writing process to docu-
ment a first-hand account of using independent judg-
ment to overcome an obstacle the member faced while 
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working within the defense acquisition system (as de-
fined in section 3001 of this title). 
‘‘(2) An award of not more than $5,000 to such 
members who make the best use of the flexibilities and 
authorities granted by the Federal Acquisition Regu-
lation and Department of Defense Instruction 5000.02 
(Operation of the Defense Acquisition System). 
‘‘(b) NUMBER OF AWARDS.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The President of the Defense 
Acquisition University may make not more than five 
awards under subsection (a)(1) and one award under 
subsection (a)(2) each year. 
‘‘(2) LIMITATION.—A member of the acquisition 
workforce may receive one award each year. 
‘‘(c) REQUIREMENTS FOR WRITING AWARD.— 
‘‘(1) SUBMISSION REQUIRED.—A member of the 
acquisition workforce desiring an award under sub-
section (a)(1) shall submit to the President of the De-
fense Acquisition University the first-hand account 
described in such subsection. Such first-hand account 
shall demonstrate— 
‘‘(A) an original and engaging idea docu-
menting the use of independent judgment to over-
come an obstacle the recipient faced while work-
ing within the defense acquisition system; and 
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‘‘(B) the use of an iterative writing process, 
including evidence of— 
‘‘(i) critical thinking; 
‘‘(ii) incorporation of feedback from di-
verse perspectives; and 
‘‘(iii) editing to achieve plain writing 
(as defined in section 3 of the Plain Writ-
ing Act of 2010 (5 U.S.C. 301 note)). 
‘‘(2) WEBSITE.—The President of the Defense 
Acquisition University shall establish and maintain a 
website to serve as a repository for submissions made 
under paragraph (1). Such website shall allow for 
public comments and discussion. 
‘‘(d) REQUIREMENTS FOR FLEXIBILITY AWARD.—A 
member of the acquisition workforce desiring an award 
under subsection (a)(2) shall submit to the President of the 
Defense Acquisition University documentation that such 
member uses approaches to program management that em-
phasize innovation and local adaptation, including the use 
of— 
‘‘(1) simplified acquisition procedures; 
‘‘(2) inherent flexibilities within the Federal Ac-
quisition Regulation; 
‘‘(3) commercial contracting approaches; 
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‘‘(4) public-private partnership agreements and 
practices; 
‘‘(5) cost-sharing arrangements; 
‘‘(6) innovative contractor incentive practices; or 
‘‘(7) other innovative implementations of acqui-
sition flexibilities. 
‘‘(e) FUNDING.—The Secretary of Defense shall use 
funds from the Defense Acquisition Workforce Development 
Account to carry out this section.’’. 
(b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The table of sections at 
the beginning of such chapter is amended by inserting after 
section 1742 the following new item: 
‘‘1743. Awards to recognize members of the acquisition workforce.’’. 
(c) CONFORMING AMENDMENT.—Section 834 of the 
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 
(Public Law 114–328; 130 Stat. 2285; 10 U.S.C. 1701a 
note) is repealed. 
SEC. 802. TASK AND DELIVERY ORDER CONTRACTING FOR 
ARCHITECTURAL AND ENGINEERING SERV-
ICES. 
Section 3406 of title 10, United States Code, is amend-
ed by adding at the end the following new subsection: 
‘‘(h) ARCHITECTURAL AND ENGINEERING SERVICES.— 
‘‘(1) QUALIFICATION-BASED
SELECTIONS
RE-
QUIRED.—Task or delivery orders for architectural 
and engineering services issued under section 3403 or 
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3405 of this title shall be qualification-based selections 
executed in accordance with chapter 11 of title 40. 
‘‘(2) 
MULTIPLE
AWARD
CONTRACTS.—When 
issuing a task or delivery order for architectural and 
engineering services under a multiple award contract, 
the head of an agency may not routinely request ad-
ditional information relating to qualifications from 
the contractor for such multiple award contract.’’. 
SEC. 803. DATA REQUIREMENTS FOR COMMERCIAL PROD-
UCTS FOR MAJOR WEAPON SYSTEMS. 
(a) AMENDMENTS RELATING
TO SUBSYSTEMS
OF 
MAJOR WEAPONS SYSTEMS.—Section 3455(b) of title 10, 
United States Code is amended— 
(1) by redesignating paragraphs (1) and (2) as 
subparagraphs (A) and (B); 
(2) by inserting ‘‘(1)’’ before ‘‘A subsystem of a 
major weapon system’’; and 
(3) by adding at the end the following new para-
graph: 
‘‘(2)(A) For a subsystem proposed as commercial (as 
defined in section 103(1) of title 41) and that has not been 
previously determined commercial in accordance with sec-
tion 3703(d) of this title, the offeror shall— 
‘‘(i) identify the comparable commercial product 
the offeror sells to the general public or nongovern-
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mental entities that serves as the basis for the ‘of a 
type’ assertion; 
‘‘(ii) submit to the contracting officer a compari-
son necessary to serve as the basis of the ‘of a type’ 
assertion 
of 
the 
physical 
characteristics 
and 
functionality between the subsystem and the com-
parable commercial product identified under clause 
(i); and 
‘‘(iii) provide to the contracting officer the Na-
tional Stock Number for both the comparable commer-
cial product identified under clause (i), if one is as-
signed, and the subsystem, if one is assigned. 
‘‘(B) If the offeror does not sell a comparable commer-
cial product to the general public or nongovernmental enti-
ties for purposes other than governmental purposes that can 
serve as the basis for an ‘of a type’ assertion with respect 
to the subsystem— 
‘‘(i) the offeror shall— 
‘‘(I) notify the contracting officer in writing 
that it does not so sell such a comparable com-
mercial product; and 
‘‘(II) provide to the contracting officer a 
comparison necessary to serve as the basis of the 
‘of a type’ assertion of the physical characteris-
tics and functionality between the subsystem and 
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714 
the most comparable commercial product in the 
commercial marketplace, to the extent reasonably 
known by the offeror; and 
‘‘(ii) subparagraph (A) shall not apply with re-
spect to the offeror for such subsystem.’’. 
(b) AMENDMENT RELATING
TO COMPONENTS
AND 
SPARE PARTS.—Section 3455(c)(2) of such title is amended 
to read as follows: 
‘‘(2)(A) For a component or spare part proposed as 
commercial (as defined in section 103(1) of title 41) and 
that has not previously been determined commercial in ac-
cordance with section 3703(d) of this title, the offeror 
shall— 
‘‘(i) identify the comparable commercial product 
the offeror sells to the general public or nongovern-
mental entities that serves as the basis for the ‘of a 
type’ assertion; 
‘‘(ii) submit to the contracting officer a compari-
son necessary to serve as the basis of the ‘of a type’ 
assertion 
of 
the 
physical 
characteristics 
and 
functionality between the component or spare part 
and the comparable commercial product identified 
under clause (i); and 
‘‘(iii) provide to the contracting officer the Na-
tional Stock Number for both the comparable commer-
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cial product identified under clause (i), if one is as-
signed, and the component or spare part, if one is as-
signed. 
‘‘(B) If the offeror does not sell a comparable commer-
cial product to the general public or nongovernmental enti-
ties for purposes other than governmental purposes that can 
serve as the basis for an ‘of a type’ assertion with respect 
to the component or spare part— 
‘‘(i) the offeror shall— 
‘‘(I) notify the contracting officer in writing 
that it does not so sell such a comparable com-
mercial product; and 
‘‘(II) provide to the contracting officer a 
comparison necessary to serve as the basis of the 
‘of a type’ assertion of the physical characteris-
tics and functionality between the component or 
spare part and the most comparable commercial 
product in the commercial marketplace, to the 
extent reasonably known by the offeror; and 
‘‘(ii) subparagraph (A) shall not apply with re-
spect to the offeror for such component or spare 
part.’’. 
(c) AMENDMENTS RELATING TO INFORMATION SUB-
MITTED.—Section 3455(d) of such title is amended— 
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(1) in the subsection heading, by inserting after 
‘‘SUBMITTED’’ the following: ‘‘FOR PROCUREMENTS 
THAT ARE NOT COVERED BY THE EXCEPTIONS IN 
SECTION 3703(A)(1) OF THIS TITLE’’; 
(2) in paragraph (1)— 
(A) in the matter preceding subparagraph 
(A), by striking ‘‘the contracting officer shall re-
quire the offeror to submit—’’ and inserting ‘‘the 
offeror shall, in accordance with paragraph (4), 
submit to the contracting officer or provide the 
contracting officer access to—’’; 
(B) in subparagraph (A)— 
(i) by inserting ‘‘a representative sam-
ple, as determined by the contracting offi-
cer, of the’’ before ‘‘prices paid’’; and 
(ii) by inserting ‘‘, and the terms and 
conditions of such sales’’ after ‘‘Government 
and commercial customers’’; 
(C) in subparagraph (B), by striking ‘‘in-
formation on—’’ and all that follows and insert-
ing the following: ‘‘a representative sample, as 
determined by the contracting officer, of the 
prices paid for the same or similar commercial 
products sold under different terms and condi-
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tions, and the terms and conditions of such sales; 
and’’; and 
(D) in subparagraph (C)— 
(i) by inserting ‘‘only’’ before ‘‘if the 
contracting officer’’; and 
(ii) by inserting after ‘‘reasonableness 
of price’’ the following: ‘‘because either the 
comparable commercial products provided 
by the offeror are not a valid basis for a 
price analysis or the contracting officer de-
termines the proposed price is not reason-
able after evaluating sales data, and the 
contracting officer receives the approval de-
scribed in paragraph (5)’’; and 
(3) by adding at the end the following new para-
graphs: 
‘‘(4)(A) An offeror may redact data information sub-
mitted or made available under subparagraph (A) or (B) 
of paragraph (1) with respect to sales of an item acquired 
under this section only to the extent necessary to remove 
information individually identifying government cus-
tomers, commercial customers purchasing such item for gov-
ernmental purposes, and commercial customers purchasing 
such item for commercial, mixed, or unknown purposes. 
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‘‘(B) Before an offeror may exercise the authority 
under subparagraph (A) with respect to a customer, the of-
feror shall certify in writing to the contracting officer 
whether the customer is a government customer, a commer-
cial customer purchasing the item for governmental pur-
pose, or a commercial customer purchasing the item for a 
commercial, mixed, or unknown purpose. 
‘‘(5) A contracting officer may not require an offeror 
to submit or make available information under paragraph 
(1)(C) without approval from a level above the contracting 
officer. 
‘‘(6) Nothing in this subsection shall relieve an offeror 
of other obligations under any other law or regulation to 
disclose and support the actual rationale of the offeror for 
the price proposed by the offeror to the Government for any 
good or service.’’. 
(d) APPLICABILITY.—Section 3455 of such title is 
amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: 
‘‘(g) APPLICABILITY.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Subsections (b) and (c) shall 
apply only with respect to subsystems described in 
subsection (b) and components or spare parts de-
scribed in subsection (c), respectively, that the De-
partment of Defense acquires through— 
‘‘(A) a prime contract; 
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‘‘(B) a modification to a prime contract; or 
‘‘(C) a subcontract described in paragraph 
(2). 
‘‘(2) SUBCONTRACT DESCRIBED.—A subcontract 
described in this paragraph is a subcontract through 
which the Department of Defense acquires a sub-
system or component or spare part proposed as com-
mercial (as defined in section 103(1) of title 41) 
under this section and that has not previously been 
determined commercial in accordance with section 
3703(d).’’. 
SEC. 804. REVISION OF AUTHORITY FOR PROCEDURES TO 
ALLOW RAPID ACQUISITION AND DEPLOY-
MENT 
OF 
CAPABILITIES 
NEEDED 
UNDER 
SPECIFIED HIGH-PRIORITY CIRCUMSTANCES. 
(a) REVISION AND CODIFICATION OF RAPID ACQUISI-
TION AUTHORITY.—Chapter 253 of part V of title 10, 
United States Code, is amended to read as follows: 
‘‘CHAPTER 253—RAPID ACQUISITION 
PROCEDURES 
‘‘Sec. 
‘‘3601. Procedures for urgent acquisition and deployment of capabilities needed 
in response to urgent operational needs or vital national secu-
rity interest. 
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‘‘§ 3601. Procedures for urgent acquisition and deploy-
ment of capabilities needed in response to 
urgent operational needs or vital national 
security interest 
‘‘(a) PROCEDURES.— 
‘‘(1) IN
GENERAL.—The Secretary of Defense 
shall prescribe procedures for the urgent acquisition 
and deployment of capabilities needed in response to 
urgent operational needs. The capabilities for which 
such procedures may be used in response to an urgent 
operational need are those— 
‘‘(A) that, subject to such exceptions as the 
Secretary considers appropriate for purposes of 
this section— 
‘‘(i) can be fielded within a period of 
two to 24 months; 
‘‘(ii) do not require substantial devel-
opment effort; 
‘‘(iii) are based on technologies that 
are proven and available; and 
‘‘(iv) can appropriately be acquired 
under fixed-price contracts; or 
‘‘(B) that can be developed or procured 
under a section 804 rapid acquisition pathway. 
‘‘(2) DEFINITION.—In this section, the term ‘sec-
tion 804 rapid acquisition pathway’ means the rapid 
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fielding acquisition pathway or the rapid prototyping 
acquisition pathway authorized under section 804 of 
the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal 
Year 2016 (Public Law 114–92; 10 U.S.C. 3201 
prec.). 
‘‘(b) MATTERS
TO BE INCLUDED.—The procedures 
prescribed under subsection (a) shall include the following: 
‘‘(1) A process for streamlined communications 
between the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the 
acquisition community, and the research and develop-
ment community, including— 
‘‘(A) a process for the commanders of the 
combatant commands and the Chairman of the 
Joint Chiefs of Staff to communicate their needs 
to the acquisition community and the research 
and development community; and 
‘‘(B) a process for the acquisition commu-
nity and the research and development commu-
nity to propose capabilities that meet the needs 
communicated by the combatant commands and 
the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. 
‘‘(2) Procedures for demonstrating, rapidly ac-
quiring, and deploying a capability proposed pursu-
ant to paragraph (1)(B), including— 
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‘‘(A) a process for demonstrating and evalu-
ating for current operational purposes the per-
formance of the capability; 
‘‘(B) a process for developing an acquisition 
and funding strategy for the deployment of the 
capability; and 
‘‘(C) a process for making deployment and 
utilization determinations based on information 
obtained pursuant to subparagraphs (A) and 
(B). 
‘‘(3) A process to determine the disposition of a 
capability, including termination (demilitarization 
or disposal), continued sustainment, or transition to 
a program of record. 
‘‘(4) Specific procedures in accordance with the 
guidance developed under section 804(a) of the Na-
tional Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016 
(Public Law 114–92; 10 U.S.C. 3201 prec.). 
‘‘(c) RESPONSE TO COMBAT EMERGENCIES AND CER-
TAIN URGENT OPERATIONAL NEEDS.— 
‘‘(1) DETERMINATION OF NEED FOR URGENT AC-
QUISITION AND DEPLOYMENT.—(A) In the case of any 
capability that, as determined in writing by the Sec-
retary of Defense, is urgently needed to eliminate a 
documented deficiency that has resulted in combat 
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‘‘(ii) In this subparagraph, the term ‘cyber at-
tack’ means a deliberate action to alter, disrupt, de-
ceive, degrade, or destroy computer systems or net-
works or the information or programs resident in or 
transiting these systems or networks. 
‘‘(2) DESIGNATION OF SENIOR OFFICIAL RESPON-
SIBLE.—(A)(i) Except as provided under clause (ii), 
whenever the Secretary of Defense makes a determina-
tion under subparagraph (A), (B), or (C) of para-
graph (1) that a capability is urgently needed to 
eliminate a deficiency described in that subpara-
graph, the Secretary shall designate a senior official 
of the Department of Defense to ensure that the need-
ed capability is acquired and deployed as quickly as 
possible, with a goal of awarding a contract for the 
acquisition of the capability within 15 days. 
‘‘(ii) Clause (i) does not apply to an acquisition 
initiated in the case of a determination by the Sec-
retary of Defense that funds are necessary to imme-
diately initiate a project under a section 804 rapid 
acquisition pathway if the designated official for ac-
quisitions using such pathway is a service acquisition 
executive. 
‘‘(B) Upon designation of a senior official under 
subparagraph (A) with respect to a needed capability, 
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the Secretary shall authorize that senior official to 
waive any provision of law or regulation described in 
subsection (d) that such senior official determines in 
writing would unnecessarily impede the urgent acqui-
sition and deployment of such capability. In a case 
in which such capability cannot be acquired without 
an extensive delay, the senior official shall require 
that an interim solution be implemented and de-
ployed using the procedures developed under this sec-
tion to minimize adverse consequences resulting from 
the urgent need. 
‘‘(3) USE OF FUNDS.—(A) Subject to subpara-
graph (C), in any fiscal year in which the Secretary 
of Defense makes a determination described in sub-
paragraph (A), (B), or (C) of paragraph (1) with re-
spect to a capability, or upon the Secretary making 
a determination that funds are necessary to imme-
diately initiate a project under a section 804 rapid 
acquisition pathway based on a compelling national 
security need, the Secretary may use any funds avail-
able to the Department of Defense to urgently acquire 
and deploy such capability or immediately initiate 
such project, respectively, if the determination in-
cludes a written finding that the use of such funds is 
necessary to address in a timely manner the defi-
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726 
ciency documented or identified under such subpara-
graph (A), (B), or (C) or the compelling national se-
curity need identified for purposes of such section 804 
pathway, respectively. 
‘‘(B) The authority provided by this section may 
only be used to acquire capability— 
‘‘(i) in the case of determinations by the 
Secretary under paragraph (1)(A), in an 
amount aggregating not more than $200,000,000 
during any fiscal year; 
‘‘(ii) in the case of determinations by the 
Secretary under paragraph (1)(B), in an 
amount aggregating not more than $200,000,000 
during any fiscal year; 
‘‘(iii) in the case of determinations by the 
Secretary under paragraph (1)(C), in an 
amount aggregating not more than $200,000,000 
during any fiscal year; and 
‘‘(iv) in the case of a determination by the 
Secretary that funds are necessary to imme-
diately initiate a project under a section 804 
rapid acquisition pathway, in an amount aggre-
gating not more than $50,000,000 during any 
fiscal year. 
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‘‘(C) In exercising the authority under this sec-
tion— 
‘‘(i) none of the amounts appropriated for 
Operation and Maintenance may be used to 
carry out this section except for amounts appro-
priated for— 
‘‘(I) Operation and Maintenance, De-
fense-wide; 
‘‘(II) Operation and Maintenance, 
Army; 
‘‘(III) Operation and Maintenance, 
Navy; 
‘‘(IV) Operation and Maintenance, 
Marine Corps; 
‘‘(V) Operation and Maintenance, Air 
Force; or 
‘‘(VI) Operation and Maintenance, 
Space Force; and 
‘‘(ii) 
when 
funds 
are 
utilized 
for 
sustainment purposes, this authority may not be 
used for more than 2 years. 
‘‘(4) NOTIFICATION TO CONGRESSIONAL DEFENSE 
COMMITTEES.—(A) In the case of a determination by 
the Secretary of Defense under subparagraph (A) or 
(C) of paragraph (1), the Secretary shall notify the 
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congressional defense committees of the determination 
within 15 days after the date of the determination. 
‘‘(B) In the case of a determination by the Sec-
retary under paragraph (1)(B), the Secretary shall 
notify the congressional defense committees of the de-
termination at least 10 days before the date on which 
the determination is effective. 
‘‘(C) In the case of a determination by the Sec-
retary under paragraph (3)(A) that funds are nec-
essary to immediately initiate a project under a sec-
tion 804 rapid acquisition pathway, the Secretary 
shall notify the congressional defense committees of 
the determination within 10 days after the date of the 
use of such funds. 
‘‘(D) A notice under this paragraph shall include 
the following: 
‘‘(i) Identification of the capability to be 
acquired. 
‘‘(ii) The amount anticipated to be ex-
pended for the acquisition. 
‘‘(iii) The source of funds for the acquisi-
tion. 
‘‘(E) A notice under this paragraph shall fulfill 
any requirement to provide notification to Congress 
for a program (referred to as a ‘new start program’) 
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729 
that has not previously been specifically authorized by 
law or for which funds have not previously been ap-
propriated. 
‘‘(F) A notice under this paragraph shall be pro-
vided in consultation with the Director of the Office 
of Management and Budget. 
‘‘(5) LIMITATION ON OFFICERS WITH AUTHOR-
ITY.—The authority to make determinations under 
subparagraph (A), (B), or (C) of paragraph (1) and 
under paragraph (3)(A) that funds are necessary to 
immediately initiate a project under a section 804 
rapid acquisition pathway, to designate a senior offi-
cial responsible under paragraph (3), and to provide 
notification to the congressional defense committees 
under paragraph (4) may be exercised only by the 
Secretary of Defense or the Deputy Secretary of De-
fense. 
‘‘(d) AUTHORITY TO WAIVE CERTAIN LAWS AND REG-
ULATIONS.— 
‘‘(1) AUTHORITY.—Following a determination 
described in subsection (c)(1), the senior official des-
ignated in accordance with subsection (c)(2), with re-
spect to that designation, may waive any provision of 
law or regulation addressing— 
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‘‘(10) The notional employment schedule of the 
ship for each month of the fiscal year in which the 
ship is delivered and each of the four fiscal years 
thereafter, including an identification of time spent 
in the following phases: 
‘‘(A) Basic. 
‘‘(B) Integrated or advanced. 
‘‘(C) Deployment. 
‘‘(D) Maintenance. 
‘‘(E) Sustainment. 
‘‘(b) NOTIFICATION REQUIRED.—Not less than 30 days 
before implementing a significant change to the baseline 
plans described in subsection (a) or any subsequent signifi-
cant change, the Secretary of the Navy shall submit to the 
congressional defense committees written notification of the 
change, including for each such change the following: 
‘‘(1) An explanation of the change. 
‘‘(2) The desired outcome. 
‘‘(3) The rationale. 
‘‘(4) The duration. 
‘‘(5) The operational effects. 
‘‘(6) The budgetary effects, including— 
‘‘(A) for the year in which the change is 
made; 
‘‘(B) over the five years thereafter; and 
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900 
‘‘(C) over the expected service life of the rel-
evant class of battle force ships. 
‘‘(7) The personnel effects, including— 
‘‘(A) for the year in which the change is 
made; 
‘‘(B) over the five years thereafter; and 
‘‘(C) over the expected service life of the rel-
evant class of battle force ships. 
‘‘(8) The sustainment and maintenance effects, 
including— 
‘‘(A) for the year in which the change is 
made; 
‘‘(B) over the five years thereafter; and 
‘‘(C) over the expected service life of the rel-
evant class of battle force ships. 
‘‘(c) TREATMENT OF CERTAIN SHIPS.—(1) For the 
purposes of this section, the Secretary of the Navy shall 
treat as the first ship in a new class of battle force ships 
the following: 
‘‘(A) U.S.S. John F. Kennedy (CVN–79). 
‘‘(B) U.S.S. Michael Monsoor (DDG–1001). 
‘‘(C) U.S.S. Jack H. Lucas (DDG–125). 
‘‘(2) For each ship described in paragraph (1), the 
Senior Technical Authority shall identify critical systems 
for the purposes of subsection (a)(9). 
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