IB 
Union Calendar No. 189 
119TH CONGRESS 
1ST SESSION H. R. 3838 
[Report No. 119–231] 
To authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2026 for military activities of 
the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for defense 
activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military personnel 
strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes. 
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
JUNE 9, 2025 
Mr. ROGERS of Alabama (for himself and Mr. SMITH of Washington) intro-
duced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Armed 
Services 
AUGUST 19, 2025 
Reported with an amendment, committed to the Committee of the Whole 
House on the State of the Union, and ordered to be printed 
[Strike out all after the enacting clause and insert the part printed in italic] 
[For text of introduced bill, see copy of bill as introduced on June 9, 2025] 
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A BILL 
To authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2026 for military 
activities of the Department of Defense, for military 
construction, and for defense activities of the Depart-
ment of Energy, to prescribe military personnel strengths 
for such fiscal year, and for other purposes. 
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Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representa-
tives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, 
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—This Act may be cited as the 
‘‘Streamlining Procurement for Effective Execution and 
Delivery and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal 
Year 2026’’. 
(b) REFERENCE.—Any reference in this or any other 
Act to the ‘‘National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal 
Year 2026’’ shall be deemed to be a reference to the ‘‘Stream-
lining Procurement for Effective Execution and Delivery 
and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 
2026’’. 
SEC. 2. ORGANIZATION OF ACT INTO DIVISIONS; TABLE OF 
CONTENTS. 
(a) DIVISIONS.—This Act is organized into four divi-
sions as follows: 
(1) Division A—Department of Defense Author-
izations. 
(2) Division B—Military Construction Author-
izations. 
(3) Division C—Department of Energy National 
Security Authorizations and Other Authorizations. 
(4) Division D—Funding Tables. 
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(b) TABLE OF CONTENTS.—The table of contents for 
this Act is as follows: 
Sec. 1. Short title. 
Sec. 2. Organization of Act into divisions; table of contents. 
Sec. 3. Congressional defense committees. 
DIVISION A—DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE AUTHORIZATIONS 
TITLE I—PROCUREMENT 
Subtitle A—Authorization of Appropriations 
Sec. 101. Authorization of appropriations. 
Subtitle B—Army Programs 
Sec. 111. Multiyear procurement authority for UH–60 Blackhawk aircraft. 
Sec. 112. Authorization to initiate early production of future long-range assault 
aircraft. 
Sec. 113. Limitation on reductions to Army Prepositioned Stocks—Afloat pro-
gram sealift capability. 
Subtitle C—Navy Programs 
Sec. 121. Contract authority for Ford class aircraft carrier program. 
Sec. 122. Contract authority for Columbia class submarine program. 
Sec. 123. Authority for advance procurement of certain components to support 
continuous production of Virginia class submarines. 
Sec. 124. Authority to use incremental funding to enter into a contract for the 
construction of a Guided Missile Destroyer (DDG). 
Sec. 125. Multiyear procurement authority for Yard, Repair, Berthing, and Mess-
ing Barges. 
Sec. 126. Vessel construction manager for follow-on ships of the Landing Ship 
Medium program. 
Sec. 127. Limitation on construction of Modular Attack Surface Craft. 
Sec. 128. Inclusion of amphibious warfare ship spares and repair parts as a sep-
arate line item in Navy budget justification materials. 
Sec. 129. Strategy for Navy investment in and support for the maritime indus-
trial base. 
Sec. 130. Modification to requirements for recapitalization of tactical fighter air-
craft of the Navy Reserve. 
Subtitle D—Air Force Programs 
Sec. 141. Modification of minimum inventory requirements for air refueling 
tanker aircraft. 
Sec. 142. Extension of requirements relating to C–130 aircraft. 
Sec. 143. Modification to minimum inventory requirement for A–10 aircraft. 
Sec. 144. Preservation of certain retired KC–10 aircraft. 
Sec. 145. Prohibition on availability of funds for contract termination or produc-
tion line shutdown for E–7A Wedgetail aircraft. 
Sec. 146. Limitation on procurement of KC–46 aircraft pending certification on 
correction of deficiencies. 
Sec. 147. Requirements relating to executive airlift aircraft. 
Sec. 148. Report on the F–47 advanced fighter aircraft program. 
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Subtitle E—Defense-wide, Joint, and Multiservice Matters 
Sec. 151. Amendments to prohibition on operation, procurement, and contracting 
related to foreign-made light detection and ranging. 
Sec. 152. Annual GAO reviews of the F–35 aircraft program. 
TITLE II—RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, TEST, AND EVALUATION 
Subtitle A—Authorization of Appropriations 
Sec. 201. Authorization of appropriations. 
Subtitle B—Program Requirements, Restrictions, and Limitations 
Sec. 211. Modification to authority to award prizes for advanced technology 
achievements. 
Sec. 212. Modification to mechanisms to provide funds to defense laboratories and 
other entities for research and development of technologies for 
military missions. 
Sec. 213. Modification to authority for acquisition, construction, or furnishing of 
test facilities and equipment. 
Sec. 214. Extension of limitation on availability of funds for fundamental re-
search collaboration with certain academic institutions. 
Sec. 215. Modification to policies for management and certification of Link 16 
military tactical data link network. 
Sec. 216. Support for research and development of bioindustrial manufacturing 
processes. 
Sec. 217. Extension of authority for assignment to Defense Advanced Research 
Projects Agency of private sector personnel with critical research 
and development expertise. 
Sec. 218. Post-employment restrictions for participants in certain defense re-
search. 
Sec. 219. National Security and Defense Artificial Intelligence Institute. 
Sec. 220. Responsible development and deployment of biotechnology within the 
Department of Defense. 
Sec. 221. Department of Defense biotechnology workforce training. 
Sec. 222. Biotechnology supply chain resiliency program. 
Sec. 223. Review and alignment of standards, guidance, and policies relating to 
digital engineering. 
Sec. 224. Application of software innovation and data management plans to 
modernize test and evaluation infrastructure. 
Sec. 225. Demonstration of near real-time monitoring capabilities to enhance 
weapon system platforms. 
Sec. 226. Western regional range complex demonstration. 
Sec. 227. Reimbursement of National Guard for research, development, test, and 
evaluation expenses. 
Sec. 228. Prohibition on availability of funds for animal research in collabora-
tion with foreign countries of concern. 
Sec. 229. Prohibition on availability of funds for gain of function research. 
Sec. 230. Limitation on availability of funds pending compliance with require-
ments relating to the Joint Energetics Transition Office. 
Subtitle C—Plans, Reports, and Other Matters 
Sec. 241. Feasibility study on incorporating militarily-relevant applications of 
emerging biotechnology into wargaming exercises. 
Sec. 242. Feasibility study on use of cloud laboratories. 
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Sec. 243. Quarterly reports on termination of critical technology research awards. 
Sec. 244. Report on Department of Defense market research of critical technology 
and capabilities. 
TITLE III—OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE 
Subtitle A—Authorization of Appropriations 
Sec. 301. Authorization of appropriations. 
Subtitle B—Energy and Environment 
Sec. 311. Inclusion of nuclear energy and nuclear technologies in eligible invest-
ments made by Office of Strategic Capital. 
Sec. 312. Inclusion of information about PFAS investigation and remediation in 
annual report on defense environmental programs. 
Sec. 313. Modification of requirements relating to replacement of fluorinated 
aqueous film-forming foam. 
Sec. 314. Provision of alternative drinking water to certain communities with 
private drinking water wells contaminated with perfluoroalkyl 
substances or polyfluoroalkyl substances. 
Sec. 315. Responsibilities of executive agent for installation and operational nu-
clear energy. 
Sec. 316. Establishment of Advanced Nuclear Technologies Transition Working 
Group. 
Sec. 317. Department of Air Force program of record for commercial weather 
data. 
Sec. 318. Pilot program on Navy installation nuclear energy. 
Sec. 319. Pilot program to install propane-powered generators at a domestic de-
fense industrial base facility. 
Sec. 320. Strategy to accelerate remediation of contamination from perfluoroalkyl 
substances and polyfluoroalkyl substances. 
Subtitle C—Logistics and Sustainment 
Sec. 331. Extension of authorization of depot working capital funds for unspec-
ified minor military construction. 
Sec. 332. Designation of senior officials responsible for integration of global con-
tested logistics posture management. 
Sec. 333. Modification of minimum capital investment for certain depots of De-
partment of Defense. 
Sec. 335. Modification to annual report on Navy Shipyard Infrastructure Opti-
mization Program. 
Sec. 336. Strategy to improve infrastructure of certain depots of the Department 
of Defense. 
Sec. 337. Pilot program for arsenal workload sustainment. 
Sec. 338. Depot-level maintenance coordination in multinational exercises. 
Sec. 339. Maintenance inspection capabilities and requirements. 
Sec. 340. Joint Strike Fighter sustainment. 
Sec. 341. Modernization of Army arsenals. 
Sec. 342. Limitation on use of funds to reduce the number of civilian personnel 
employed at Pine Bluff Arsenal, Arkansas, and Red River Army 
Depot, Texas. 
Subtitle D—Organizational Matters 
Sec. 351. Establishment of Army museum system. 
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Sec. 352. Authorization to maintain a library in the Department of the Navy. 
Sec. 353. Authorization to maintain a Navy art gallery. 
Sec. 354. Establishment of United States Navy Museum System. 
Sec. 355. Establishment of Center for the Study of the National Guard. 
Sec. 356. Recognition of certain aspects of the National Navy UDT–SEAL Mu-
seum in Fort Pierce, Florida, as a national memorial, national 
memorial garden, and national K9 memorial. 
Subtitle E—Studies, Reports, and Briefings 
Sec. 361. Assessments and plan for increasing access to nutritious food on mili-
tary installations. 
Sec. 362. Quarterly reports on munitions response projects at sites formerly used 
by the Department of Defense. 
Sec. 363. Report on causes and effects of declining aircraft readiness rates. 
Sec. 364. Driver simulators in military vehicles. 
Subtitle F—Other Matters 
Sec. 371. Authority to evacuate family pets and contract working dogs during 
noncombatant evacuations of foreign countries. 
Sec. 372. Manned rotary wing aircraft safety. 
Sec. 373. Inclusion of territories in certain intergovernmental support agreements 
for installation-support services. 
Sec. 374. Transportation of domestic animals by foreign air carrier. 
Sec. 375. Adjustment and diversification assistance for State and local govern-
ments affected by Army Transformation Initiative. 
Sec. 376. Availability of milk at dining facilities on military installations. 
Sec. 377. Minimum standards for military working dog kennels and facilities. 
Sec. 378. Restroom access at military installations for certain transportation 
service providers. 
Sec. 379. Regulations applicable to wearing optional combat boots. 
Sec. 380. Initiative to control spread of greater banded hornet in Guam. 
Sec. 381. Limitation on use of funds for Army initial entry rotary wing train-
ing. 
TITLE IV—MILITARY PERSONNEL AUTHORIZATIONS 
Subtitle A—Active Forces 
Sec. 401. End strengths for active forces. 
Subtitle B—Reserve Forces 
Sec. 411. End strengths for Selected Reserve. 
Sec. 412. End strengths for Reserves on active duty in support of the Reserves. 
Sec. 413. End strengths for military technicians (dual status). 
Sec. 414. Maximum number of reserve personnel authorized to be on active duty 
for operational support. 
Sec. 415. Excluding members of the National Guard performing certain duty 
from counting for active-duty end strengths. 
Subtitle C—Authorization of Appropriations; Reports 
Sec. 421. Military personnel. 
Sec. 422. Streamlining of total force reporting requirements. 
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TITLE V—MILITARY PERSONNEL POLICY 
Subtitle A—Officer Policy 
Sec. 501. Treatment of Space Force officers for purposes of laws relating to au-
thorized number and distribution of officers in general officer 
grades. 
Sec. 502. Redistribution of general officers on active duty from the Air Force to 
the Space Force. 
Sec. 503. Authority to waive prohibition on officers serving on successive selection 
boards for boards to consider officers for promotion to major gen-
eral or rear admiral. 
Sec. 504. Chaplains: career flexibility; detail as students at schools for education 
required for appointment. 
Sec. 505. Ranks of Judge Advocates General. 
Sec. 506. Procedures for selection of Space Force officers for promotion to major 
general. 
Sec. 507. Establishment of blast safety officer positions. 
Sec. 508. Designation of at least one general officer of the Marine Corps Reserve 
as a joint qualified officer. 
Subtitle B—Reserve Component Management 
Sec. 511. Grades of certain chiefs of reserve components. 
Sec. 512. Pilot authority for extended length of orders to active duty for 
preplanned missions in support of the combatant commands. 
Sec. 513. Prohibition on consideration of amount of time of service in activation 
of reserve members. 
Sec. 514. Active and inactive transfers of officers of the Army National Guard 
and Air Force National Guard. 
Sec. 515. National Guard: Active Guard and Reserve duty in response to a State 
disaster. 
Sec. 516. FireGuard Program: program of record; authorization. 
Subtitle C—General Service Authorities and Military Records 
Sec. 521. Women’s initiative teams. 
Sec. 522. Individual Longitudinal Exposure Record: codification; expansion. 
Sec. 523. Codification of additional basic branches of the Army. 
Sec. 524. Requirement of equal opportunity, racial neutrality, and exclusive use 
of merit in military personnel actions. 
Sec. 525. Prohibition on use of Federal funds for diversity, equity, and inclusion. 
Sec. 526. Prohibition of new COVID–19 vaccine mandate for members of the 
Armed Forces. 
Subtitle D—Recruitment and Accession 
Sec. 531. Recruitment: improvements relating to secondary schools and institu-
tions of higher education. 
Sec. 532. Alternative service in the defense industrial base by individuals denied 
enlistment. 
Sec. 533. Medical accession standards for members of the Armed Forces. 
Sec. 534. Selective Service System: automatic registration. 
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Subtitle E—Member Training and Education 
Sec. 541. Training requirements for occupational specialties with civilian equiva-
lents. 
Sec. 542. Inclusion of Space Force education programs in definitions regarding 
professional military education. 
Sec. 543. Center for Strategic Deterrence and Weapons of Mass Destruction Stud-
ies. 
Sec. 544. Service Academies; appointments and additional appointees. 
Sec. 545. Modifications to alternative obligation for cadets and midshipmen. 
Sec. 546. Modification to the designation of Members of the House of Representa-
tives to the Boards of Visitors of Service Academies. 
Sec. 547. Detail of members of the Space Force as instructors at Air Force Insti-
tute of Technology. 
Sec. 548. Repeal of annual certifications related to the Ready, Relevant Learning 
initiative of the Navy. 
Sec. 549. Pilot program for generative artificial intelligence and spatial com-
puting for performance training and proficiency assessment. 
Sec. 549A. Prohibition on use of Federal funds to endorse critical race theory. 
Sec. 549B. Prohibition on the reduction of funding for foreign language training 
for members of the Armed Forces. 
Sec. 549C. Limitation on authority to reorganize the Senior Reserve Officers’ 
Training Corps of the Army. 
Subtitle F—Military Justice and Other Legal Matters 
Sec. 551. Ensuring the availability of legal advice to commanders. 
Sec. 552. Modifications to offense of wrongful broadcast or distribution of inti-
mate visual images under the Uniform Code of Military Justice. 
Sec. 553. Punitive article under the Uniform Code of Military Justice for offenses 
relating to child pornography. 
Sec. 554. Authorization of death penalty for offense of rape of a child under the 
Uniform Code of Military Justice. 
Sec. 555. Increase in maximum sentence for the offense of voluntary manslaughter 
under the Uniform Code of Military Justice. 
Sec. 556. Analysis of the advisability of modifying the definition of abusive sex-
ual contact under the Uniform Code of Military Justice. 
Sec. 557. Revision to sexual assault prevention and response training guidance. 
Sec. 558. Reports and briefings on efforts to prevent and respond to sexual as-
sault, sexual harassment, and intimate-partner violence within 
the Department of Defense. 
Sec. 559. Study and recommendations regarding misconduct prevention in Oki-
nawa, Japan. 
Subtitle G—Career Transition 
Sec. 561. Establishment of separation oath for members of the Armed Forces. 
Sec. 562. Presentation by a veterans service organization in TAP preseparation 
counseling. 
Sec. 563. Expansion of eligibility of veterans for certain military adaptive sports 
program. 
Sec. 564. Transition Assistance Program: Department of Labor Employment 
Navigator and Partnership Pilot Program. 
Sec. 565. Skillbridge: apprenticeship programs. 
Sec. 566. Female members of certain Armed Forces and civilian employees of the 
Department of Defense in STEM. 
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Subtitle H—Family Programs and Child Care 
Sec. 571. Notification of suspected child abuse at providers of child care services 
or youth programs. 
Sec. 572. Pilot program to increase payments for child care services in high-cost 
areas. 
Sec. 573. Pilot program to increase payments for child care services in high-cost 
areas. 
Sec. 574. Extension of pilot program to provide financial assistance to members 
of the Armed Forces for in-home child care. 
Sec. 575. Military OneSource: information regarding maternal health care. 
Sec. 576. Prohibition on availability of funds for termination of DODEA and 
child care workers. 
Subtitle I—Dependent Education 
Sec. 581. Ensuring access to DODEA schools for certain members of the reserve 
components. 
Sec. 582. Certain assistance to local educational agencies that benefit dependents 
of military and civilian personnel. 
Sec. 583. Verification of reporting of eligible federally connected children for pur-
poses of Federal impact aid programs. 
Subtitle J—Decorations and Awards, Reports, and Other Matters 
Sec. 591. Authorization for award of Medal of Honor to James Capers, Jr., for 
acts of valor as a member of the Marine Corps during the Viet-
nam War. 
Sec. 592. Authorization to award the Medal of Honor to retired Colonel Philip 
J. Conran for acts of valor in Laos during the Vietnam war. 
TITLE VI—COMPENSATION AND OTHER PERSONNEL BENEFITS 
Subtitle A—Basic Pay and Retired Pay 
Sec. 601. Codification of applicability to Space Force of certain pay and allow-
ance authorities. 
Subtitle B—Bonus and Incentive Pays 
Sec. 611. One-year extension of certain expiring bonus and special pay authori-
ties. 
Sec. 612. Incentive pay: explosive ordnance disposal duty. 
Sec. 613. Standardization of cyber assignment incentive pay for members of the 
Armed Forces. 
Subtitle C—Allowances 
Sec. 621. Basic needs allowance: exclusion of basic allowance for housing from the 
calculation of gross household income of an eligible member of 
the Armed Forces. 
Sec. 622. Family separation allowance: increase. 
Sec. 623. Report regarding the basic allowance for subsistence and military food 
programs. 
Sec. 624. Basic allowance for housing: study to evaluate alternative rate calcula-
tion. 
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Subtitle D—Leave 
Sec. 631. Bereavement leave for a member of the Armed Forces in the case of a 
loss of pregnancy or stillbirth. 
Sec. 632. Convalescent leave for cadets and midshipmen. 
Subtitle E—Family and Survivor Benefits 
Sec. 641. Annual review of financial assistance limits for child care and youth 
program services providers. 
Sec. 642. Waiver of requirements for air transportation of deceased members of 
the Armed Forces when necessary to meet mission requirements. 
Subtitle F—Defense Resale Matters 
Sec. 651. Use of commissary stores: civilian employees of Military Sealift Com-
mand. 
Sec. 652. MWR retail facilities: use by civilian employees of the Armed Forces. 
Sec. 653. Single-use shopping bags in commissary stores. 
Subtitle G—Other Benefits, Reports, and Briefings 
Sec. 661. Provision of information regarding relocation assistance programs for 
members receiving orders for a change of permanent station. 
Sec. 662. Expansion of pilot program to increase access to food on military in-
stallations. 
Sec. 663. Casualty assistance program: review; implementation plan. 
TITLE VII—HEALTH CARE PROVISIONS 
Subtitle A—TRICARE and Other Health Benefits 
Sec. 701. Dental readiness. 
Sec. 702. Inclusion of certain tests as part of the periodic health assessment pro-
vided to members of the Armed Forces. 
Sec. 703. Fertility treatment for certain members of the Armed Forces and de-
pendents. 
Sec. 704. TRICARE coverage for increased supply for contraception. 
Sec. 705. Pilot program on access to obstetrical and gynecological care under 
TRICARE Prime program. 
Sec. 706. Pilot program to make midwife services available through TRICARE to 
certain individuals. 
Sec. 707. Pilot program to treat pregnancy as a qualifying event for enrollment 
in TRICARE Select. 
Sec. 708. Pilot program to assist certain members of the Armed Forces and de-
pendents with additional supplemental coverage relating to can-
cer. 
Sec. 709. Medical testing and related services for firefighters of Department of De-
fense. 
Subtitle B—Health Care Administration 
Sec. 721. Military-civilian medical surge program. 
Sec. 722. Reimbursement for travel expenses relating to specialty care for certain 
members of the Armed Forces and dependents. 
Sec. 723. Payment adjustments for outpatient services for certain children’s hos-
pitals. 
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Sec. 724. Verification of licensure of health-care professionals of the military de-
partments. 
Sec. 725. Expansion of health care license portability for members of the National 
Guard performing training or duty. 
Sec. 726. Licensure requirement for health-care professionals of partner countries. 
Sec. 727. Modification of limitation on reduction of military medical manning 
end strength. 
Sec. 728. Prohibition on painful research on domestic cats and dogs. 
Sec. 729. Pilot program to test standalone technology to improve efficiencies in 
supply-chain management, medical readiness, and medical proc-
esses. 
Sec. 730. Availability of sexual assault nurse examiner services at military med-
ical treatment facilities. 
Sec. 731. Uniform protocols on screening for unwanted sexual behavior. 
Sec. 732. Access to sexual assault forensic examinations for civilian employees 
and contractors. 
Sec. 733. Mandatory training on health effects of perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl 
substances. 
Subtitle C—Studies, Briefings, Reports, and Other Matters 
Sec. 741. Military medical cooperation arrangements among Five Eyes countries. 
Sec. 742. Strategy for treating traumatic brain injuries through digital health 
technologies. 
Sec. 743. Report on traumatic brain injuries among certain pilots serving on ac-
tive duty. 
Sec. 744. Study on prevalence and mortality of cancer among military rotary- 
wing pilots and aviation support personnel. 
Sec. 745. Study on effects of service in the special operations forces to health of 
members of the Armed Forces. 
Sec. 746. Pilot program on use of fish skin regeneration products in treating burn 
and blast injuries. 
Sec. 747. Pilot program on remote blood pressure monitoring for certain pregnant 
and post-partum TRICARE beneficiaries. 
Sec. 748. Pilot program to help certain members of the Armed Forces stop smok-
ing. 
Sec. 749. Pilot program on secure, mobile personal health record for members of 
the Armed Forces participating in the Transition Assistance 
Program. 
Sec. 750. Report on transitioning of mail-order pharmacy program of TRICARE 
program to an in-house mail order service. 
Sec. 751. Strategic plan to address mental health of members of the Armed 
Forces. 
TITLE VIII—ACQUISITION POLICY, ACQUISITION MANAGEMENT, AND 
RELATED MATTERS 
Subtitle A—Acquisition Policy and Management 
Sec. 801. Multiyear procurement authority for covered weapon systems. 
Sec. 802. Elimination of late cost and pricing data submission defense. 
Sec. 803. Reporting of price increases. 
Sec. 804. Assumption of uninsurable risk on certain contracts. 
Sec. 805. Changes to reference documents. 
Sec. 806. Major system cost growth oversight. 
Sec. 807. Contested logistics exercise requirement. 
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Subtitle B—Amendments to General Contracting Authorities, Procedures, and 
Limitations 
Sec. 811. Additional amendments related to undefinitized contractual actions. 
Sec. 812. Modification to award amount for program to accelerate the procure-
ment and fielding of innovative technologies. 
Sec. 813. Other transaction authority reporting. 
Sec. 814. Amendment to procurement of services data analysis and requirements 
validation. 
Sec. 815. Acquisition thresholds for certain materials. 
Sec. 816. Additional materials prohibited from non-allied foreign nations. 
Sec. 817. Extension of authority for pilot program for development of technology- 
enhanced capabilities with partnership intermediaries. 
Sec. 818. Government Accountability Office bid protest process enhancement. 
Sec. 819. Report on the use of other transaction authority. 
Sec. 820. Application of certain documentation and oversight requirements to cer-
tain projects performed through other transaction authority. 
Subtitle C—Provisions Relating to Workforce Development 
Sec. 831. Improvements to public-private talent exchange. 
Sec. 832. Modification to assignment period for critical acquisition positions. 
Sec. 833. Development of the advanced manufacturing workforce. 
Sec. 834. Competitive acquisition leadership appointments. 
Sec. 835. Development and employment of members of the Defense Civilian 
Training Corps. 
Sec. 836. Reform of contractor performance information requirements. 
Sec. 837. Restructuring of performance evaluation metrics for the acquisition 
workforce. 
Sec. 838. Ensuring Department of Defense contractor compliance with disability 
hiring goals. 
Sec. 839. Comptroller General review of matters relating to individuals assigned 
to a critical acquisition position. 
Sec. 840. Comptroller General review of the management, training, and develop-
ment of the acquisition workforce. 
Sec. 841. Report on strengthening the Defense Acquisition University. 
Subtitle D—Provisions Relating to Supply Chains and Domestic Sourcing 
Sec. 851. Repeal of exception for small purchases under the Berry Amendment. 
Sec. 852. Supply chain illumination incentives. 
Sec. 853. Modification to enhanced domestic content requirement for major de-
fense acquisition programs. 
Sec. 854. Strategy to eliminate sourcing of optical glass from certain nations. 
Sec. 855. Voluntary registration of compliance with covered sourcing require-
ments for covered products. 
Sec. 856. Acceleration of qualification of compliant sources. 
Sec. 857. Enhanced security strategy for private fifth generation information and 
communications capabilities. 
Sec. 858. Preference for domestic procurement of professional services. 
Subtitle E—Prohibitions and Limitations on Procurement 
Sec. 861. Requirements relating to long-term concessions agreements with certain 
retailers. 
Sec. 862. Prohibition on contracting with entities with segregated facilities. 
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Sec. 863. Requirement for contractors to provide reasonable access to repair mate-
rials. 
Sec. 864. Prohibition on acquisition of advanced batteries from certain foreign 
sources. 
Sec. 865. Prohibition on acquisition of molybdenum from non-allied foreign na-
tions. 
Sec. 866. Requirement to buy disposable food service products from American 
sources; exceptions. 
Sec. 867. Prohibition on Department of Defense contracts with certain foreign- 
owned online tutoring services. 
Sec. 868. Modifications to certain procurements from certain Chinese entities. 
Sec. 869. Prohibition on the purchase of photovoltaic modules from foreign enti-
ties of concern. 
Sec. 870. Prohibition on computers or printers acquisitions involving entities 
owned or controlled by China. 
Subtitle F—Industrial Base Matters 
Sec. 871. Modification to demonstration and prototyping program to advance 
international product support capabilities in a contested logis-
tics environment. 
Sec. 872. Modification to procurement requirements relating to rare earth ele-
ments and strategic and critical materials. 
Sec. 873. Applicability of the prohibition on acquiring certain metal products. 
Sec. 874. Recycling critical mineral. 
Sec. 875. Organic small unmanned aircraft system manufacturing capacity. 
Sec. 876. Protecting AI and cloud competition in defense contracts. 
Sec. 877. Bioindustrial commercialization program. 
Sec. 878. Common repository for supplier information. 
Sec. 879. Civil Reserve Manufacturing Network. 
Subtitle G—Small Business Matters 
Sec. 881. Department of Defense contracting goals for small business concerns 
owned and controlled by veterans. 
Sec. 882. Permanent extension of phase flexibility and inclusion of small business 
technology transfer program. 
Sec. 883. Authority to make additional sequential Phase II awards under the 
Small Business Innovation Research program or Small Business 
Technology Transfer program. 
Sec. 884. Congressional notification requirements for small business concerns for 
any significant contract termination. 
Subtitle H—Other Matters 
Sec. 891. Special Operations Command Urgent Innovative Technologies and Ca-
pabilities Pilot Program. 
Sec. 892. Inventory of technical data rights for weapon system sustainment. 
Sec. 893. Establishing biobased product merit guidance. 
Sec. 894. Comptroller General assessment of competitive effects of mergers and ac-
quisitions of defense contractors. 
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TITLE IX—DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE ORGANIZATION AND 
MANAGEMENT 
Subtitle A—Office of the Secretary of Defense and Related Matters 
Sec. 901. Prohibition of diversity, equity, and inclusion programs of the Depart-
ment of Defense. 
Sec. 902. Modification to authorities of the Under Secretary of Defense for Re-
search and Engineering. 
Sec. 903. Modification to authorities of the Director of Operational Test and 
Evaluation. 
Sec. 904. Additional authorities for the Office of Strategic Capital. 
Sec. 905. Further modifications to capital assistance program of the Office of 
Strategic Capital. 
Subtitle B—Other Department of Defense Organization and Management 
Matters 
Sec. 911. Membership of Commandant of the Coast Guard on the Joint Chiefs of 
Staff. 
Sec. 912. Joint Counter-Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Office. 
Sec. 913. Authority to establish regional outreach centers for the Defense Innova-
tion Unit. 
Sec. 914. Oversight of the United States Africa Command. 
Sec. 915. Limitation on availability of funds for the Army pending submittal of 
plan on the proposed integration of the Joint Munitions Com-
mand and the Army Sustainment Command. 
Sec. 916. Limitation on authority to reduce in rank the billets of the com-
manding officers of certain military installations of the Air 
Force. 
Sec. 917. Determination of lead organization responsible for approval and valida-
tion of certain unmanned aircraft systems and components. 
Sec. 918. Department of Defense advisory subcommittee to review technologies, 
processes, and investment related to combined joint all-domain 
command and control. 
TITLE X—GENERAL PROVISIONS 
Subtitle A—Financial Matters 
Sec. 1001. General transfer authority. 
Sec. 1002. Responsibilities of Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller). 
Sec. 1003. Additional elements for Department of Defense Financial Improvement 
and Audit Remediation Plan and report. 
Sec. 1004. Consolidation of reporting requirements relating to Department of De-
fense financial improvement and audit remediation plan. 
Sec. 1005. Concurrent reporting date for annual update to Defense Business Sys-
tems Audit Remediation Plan and Department of Defense an-
nual financial statements. 
Sec. 1006. Limitation on availability of funds for travel expenses of Office of Sec-
retary of Defense until completion of certain audit requirements. 
Sec. 1007. Reporting requirements for amounts made available pursuant to title 
II of Public Law 119–21. 
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Subtitle B—Naval Vessels 
Sec. 1011. Inclusion of certain design information in annual naval vessel con-
struction plans. 
Sec. 1012. Limitation on use of funds in the National Defense Sealift Fund to 
purchase certain used foreign constructed vessels. 
Sec. 1013. Requirements for amphibious warfare ship force structure. 
Sec. 1014. Definition of short-term work for purposes of Navy construction of 
combatant and escort vessels and assignment of vessel projects. 
Sec. 1015. Navy Senior Technical Authority. 
Sec. 1016. Alternative contracting authority for United States Naval Ships. 
Sec. 1017. Inclusion of Navy amphibious ship maintenance as a separate line 
item in operation and maintenance budget. 
Sec. 1018. Metrics for basic and functional design for ship construction. 
Sec. 1019. Authority for single award indefinite delivery indefinite quantity con-
tract for destroyer maintenance. 
Sec. 1020. Evaluation of sites for shipbuilding and ship repair. 
Sec. 1021. Limitation on use of funds to retire or decommission Navy oceano-
graphic research vessels. 
Sec. 1022. Sense of Congress regarding naming of vessel for Battle of Dai Do. 
Subtitle C—Counterterrorism 
Sec. 1031. Revisions to Department of Defense authority for joint task forces to 
support law enforcement agencies or Federal agencies conducting 
counterterrorism and counter transnational organized crime ac-
tivities. 
Sec. 1032. Extension of prohibition on use of funds for transfer or release of indi-
viduals detained at United States Naval Station, Guantanamo 
Bay, Cuba, to the United States. 
Sec. 1033. Extension of prohibition on use of funds to construct or modify facili-
ties in the United States to house detainees transferred from 
United States Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. 
Sec. 1034. Extension of prohibition on use of funds for transfer or release of indi-
viduals detained at United States Naval Station, Guantanamo 
Bay, Cuba, to certain countries. 
Sec. 1035. Extension of prohibition on use of funds to close or relinquish control 
of United States Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. 
Subtitle D—Miscellaneous Authorities and Limitations 
Sec. 1041. Modification of authority to provide assistance in support of Depart-
ment of Defense accounting for missing United States Govern-
ment personnel. 
Sec. 1042. Expedited access to certain military installations of the Department 
of Defense for Members of Congress and certain Congressional 
employees. 
Sec. 1043. Authority of Secretary of Defense to enter into contracts to provide cer-
tain assistance to secure the southern land border of the United 
States. 
Sec. 1044. Limitation on use of funds to relocate or otherwise remove the Mari-
time Industrial Base Program. 
Sec. 1045. Limitation on retirement of Gray Eagle unmanned aircraft systems. 
Sec. 1046. Oversight of the United States Southern Command. 
Sec. 1047. Authority to transfer T–37 aircraft to Arizona Aviation Historical 
Group. 
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Sec. 1048. Authorization of Eastern Regional Range Complex for multi-domain 
operations and robotic autonomous systems training, testing, 
and experimentation. 
Sec. 1049. Prohibition on availability of funds for institutions of higher edu-
cation that allow antisemitic demonstrations. 
Sec. 1050. Limitation on use of funds pending certification of compliance with 
certain congressional notice requirements. 
Sec. 1051. Prohibition on the use of funds from carrying out a hiring freeze, re-
duction in force, or hiring delay without cause at a public ship-
yard. 
Sec. 1052. Limitation on use of funds for deactivation of Expeditionary Combat 
Aviation Brigades. 
Subtitle E—Reports 
Sec. 1061. Mobility capability requirements study. 
Sec. 1062. Extension of briefing requirement regarding civil authorities at the 
Southwest border. 
Sec. 1063. Prohibition on lobbying activities with respect to the Department of 
Defense by certain officers of the Armed Forces and civilian em-
ployees of the department following separation from military 
service or employment with the Department. 
Sec. 1064. Annual report on requests of combatant commands for remote sensing 
data. 
Sec. 1065. Notification of waivers under Department of Defense Directive 
3000.09. 
Sec. 1066. Annual report on Guam civilian-military projects. 
Subtitle F—Other Matters 
Sec. 1071. Air Force Technical Training Center of Excellence. 
Sec. 1072. National Commission on the Future of the Navy study of maritime in-
dustrial base. 
Sec. 1073. Extension of the National Commission on the Future of the Navy. 
Sec. 1074. Reauthorization of the Servicewomen’s Commemorative Partnership. 
Sec. 1075. Federal agency support for Afghanistan War Commission. 
Sec. 1076. Provision of contract authority to Afghanistan War Commission. 
Sec. 1077. Framework for technology transfer and foreign disclosure policies. 
Sec. 1078. Budgeting and funding requirements for Northern Strike Exercise. 
Sec. 1079. Procurement and distribution of sports foods and dietary supplements 
to members of the Armed Forces assigned to the United States 
Special Operations Command. 
Sec. 1080. Pilot program on enhanced use of advanced sensor networks to im-
prove Air Force counter-unmanned aircraft system capabilities 
for base defense. 
Sec. 1081. Pilot program and other requirements for accelerating protection of 
certain facilities and assets from unmanned aircraft. 
Sec. 1082. Counter-unmanned aircraft system readiness. 
Sec. 1083. Pilot program on digital force protection for Special Operations 
Forces. 
Sec. 1084. Pilot program for blockchain-enabled inventory management. 
Sec. 1085. Acceleration of accreditation and access to sensitive compartmented in-
formation facilities for industry. 
Sec. 1086. Standardization of data analysis and visualization across the Depart-
ment of Defense. 
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Sec. 1087. Process for complaints and investigations of transportation service 
providers and transportation officers. 
TITLE XI—CIVILIAN PERSONNEL 
Subtitle A—General Provisions 
Sec. 1101. Living quarter allowance for Department of Defense civilian employees 
with permanent duty station in Guam. 
Sec. 1102. Appointment of retired members of the armed forces to competitive 
service and excepted service positions in the Department of De-
fense. 
Sec. 1103. Pay for crews of vessels. 
Sec. 1104. Exception to limitation on rate of basic pay for crews of vessels. 
Sec. 1105. One-year extension of authority to waive annual limitation on pre-
mium pay and aggregate limitation on pay for Federal civilian 
employees working overseas. 
Sec. 1106. One-year extension of temporary authority to grant allowances, bene-
fits, and gratuities to civilian personnel on official duty in a 
combat zone. 
Sec. 1107. Defense workforce integration. 
Sec. 1108. Modifications to total force management requirements. 
Sec. 1109. Exemption from civilian hiring freeze for delayed DOD appointments 
due to active duty. 
Sec. 1110. Limitation on use of funds to limit collective bargaining. 
Sec. 1111. Personnel actions against DOD SES career appointees. 
Subtitle B—Defense Hiring Modernization Act of 2025 
Sec. 1121. Short title. 
Sec. 1122. Amendments to title 5, United States Code. 
TITLE XII—MATTERS RELATING TO FOREIGN NATIONS 
Subtitle A—Assistance and Training 
Sec. 1201. Authority to build capacity for space domain awareness. 
Sec. 1202. Modification of authority to build capacity of foreign security forces. 
Sec. 1203. Modifications to Irregular Warfare Center and Regional Defense Fel-
lowship Program. 
Sec. 1204. Modification of public reporting of Chinese military companies oper-
ating in the United States. 
Sec. 1205. Research, development, test, and evaluation of emerging technologies to 
further the warfighting capabilities of the United States and cer-
tain partner countries. 
Sec. 1206. Cybersecurity integration. 
Subtitle B—Matters Relating to Israel 
Sec. 1211. War Reserve Stockpile authority for Israel. 
Sec. 1212. Modification and extension of United States-Israel anti-tunnel co-
operation. 
Sec. 1213. Extension and modification of United States-Israel cooperation to 
counter unmanned systems in all warfighting domains. 
Subtitle C—Matters Relating to the Near and Middle East 
Sec. 1231. Repeal of war-related reporting requirements for concluded operations. 
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Sec. 1232. Extension of authority for reimbursement of certain coalition nations 
for support provided to United States military operations. 
Sec. 1233. Extension and modification of authority to provide assistance to vetted 
Syrian groups and individuals. 
Sec. 1234. Extension and modification of authority to provide assistance to 
counter the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria. 
Sec. 1235. Counter-terrorism support. 
Sec. 1236. Prohibition on funding to Badr Organization. 
Subtitle D—Reports and Strategies 
Sec. 1241. Modification and extension of annual report on military and security 
developments involving the Russian Federation. 
Sec. 1242. Report on United States deterrence and defense posture in the Euro-
pean region. 
TITLE XIII—OTHER MATTERS RELATING TO FOREIGN NATIONS 
Subtitle A—Matters Relating to Europe 
Sec. 1301. Allied contributions to United States force posture on NATO’s eastern 
flank. 
Sec. 1302. Extension and modification of Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative. 
Sec. 1303. Extension of report relating to allied and partner support to Ukraine. 
Sec. 1304. Oversight of United States force posture in Europe. 
Subtitle B—Matters Relating to the Indo-Pacific Region 
Sec. 1311. Extension and modification of Pacific Deterrence Initiative. 
Sec. 1312. Extension of authority to transfer funds for Bien Hoa dioxin cleanup. 
Sec. 1313. Taiwan Security Cooperation Initiative. 
Sec. 1314. Extension of deterrence pilot program. 
Sec. 1315. Strategy to strengthen multilateral deterrence in the Indo-Pacific. 
Sec. 1316. Sense of Congress on defense alliance and partnership with South 
Korea. 
TITLE XIV—OTHER AUTHORIZATIONS 
Subtitle A—Military Programs 
Sec. 1401. Working capital funds. 
Sec. 1402. Chemical agents and munitions destruction, defense. 
Sec. 1403. Drug interdiction and counter-drug activities, defense-wide. 
Sec. 1404. Defense Inspector General. 
Sec. 1405. Defense Health Program. 
Subtitle B—Other Matters 
Sec. 1411. Extension of authorities for funding and management of joint Depart-
ment of Defense-Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Facility 
Demonstration Fund for Captain James A. Lovell Health Care 
Center, Illinois. 
Sec. 1412. Amendment to National Defense Stockpile shortfall briefings. 
Sec. 1413. Beginning balances of the Defense Logistics Agency Working Capital 
Fund for audit purposes. 
Sec. 1414. Authorization of appropriations for Armed Forces Retirement Home. 
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TITLE XV—CYBERSPACE-RELATED MATTERS 
Subtitle A—Cyber Operations 
Sec. 1501. Accountability of the Authorization to Operate processes. 
Sec. 1502. Codification of the National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cyber-
security. 
Sec. 1503. Assessment of Cyber Operational Support to geographic combatant 
commands. 
Sec. 1504. Limitation on the divestment, consolidation, and curtailment of cer-
tain electronic warfare test and evaluation activities. 
Sec. 1505. Incentivization plan for critical skills for members of the Armed Forces 
to carry out Department of Defense cyber operations. 
Sec. 1506. Evaluation of Joint Task Force-Cyber for the Indo-Pacific Area of re-
sponsibility. 
Subtitle B—Cybersecurity 
Sec. 1511. Annual report on weapon systems data accessibility and security. 
Sec. 1512. Incorporation of artificial intelligence considerations into annual cy-
bersecurity training. 
Sec. 1513. Update to cyber security requirements for telecommunications con-
tracts. 
Sec. 1514. Federal contractor vulnerability disclosure policy. 
Subtitle C—Information Technology and Data Management 
Sec. 1521. Biological data for artificial intelligence. 
Sec. 1522. Procurement of best-in-class cyber data products and services. 
Subtitle D—Artificial Intelligence 
Sec. 1531. Artificial intelligence and machine learning security in the Depart-
ment of Defense. 
Sec. 1532. Pilot program for data-enabled fleet maintenance. 
Sec. 1533. Generative artificial intelligence for national defense. 
Subtitle E—Reports and Other Matters 
Sec. 1541. Modification to certification requirement regarding contracting for 
military recruiting. 
Sec. 1542. Occupational resiliency of the Cyber Mission Force. 
Sec. 1543. Assessment of cyber-phyiscal ranges as potential National Cyber Range 
complexes. 
Sec. 1544. Report on replacement of Time Division Multiplexing lines at armor-
ies of the Air National Guard and the Army National Guard. 
TITLE XVI—SPACE ACTIVITIES, STRATEGIC PROGRAMS, AND 
INTELLIGENCE MATTERS 
Subtitle A—Space Activities 
Sec. 1601. Acquisition career path in the Space Force. 
Sec. 1602. Advance payments for commercial satellite communication services. 
Sec. 1603. Noise mitigation regarding space launches. 
Sec. 1604. Tactical surveillance, reconnaissance and tracking program. 
Sec. 1605. Reports on Spaceport of the Future initiative. 
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Sec. 1606. Use of middle tier acquisition program for proliferated warfighter 
space architecture of Space Development Agency. 
Subtitle B—Defense Intelligence and Intelligence-Related Activities 
Sec. 1611. Clandestine activities vendor database. 
Sec. 1612. Modification of authority of Army counterintelligence agents to execute 
warrants and make arrests. 
Sec. 1613. Modifications to and codification of the Department of Defense insider 
threat program. 
Sec. 1614. Facility clearance acceleration for members of defense industrial con-
sortiums. 
Sec. 1615. Requirement to authorize additional security clearances for certain 
contractors. 
Subtitle C—Nuclear Forces 
Sec. 1621. Establishment of Air Force Global Strike Command. 
Sec. 1622. Matters relating to the nuclear-armed, sea-launched cruise missile. 
Sec. 1623. Prohibition on reduction of intercontinental ballistic missiles of the 
United States. 
Sec. 1624. Strategy to sustain Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile 
and maximize end-of-life margin. 
Sec. 1625. Report on Assistant Secretary of Defense for Nuclear Deterrence, 
Chemical, and Biological Defense Policy and Programs. 
Sec. 1626. Improvements to certain Department of Defense indemnification proce-
dures to enable procurement of commercial advanced nuclear 
technologies. 
Sec. 1627. Review of the occupational health and safety conditions of operational 
facilities associated with the LGM–30G Minuteman III inter-
continental ballistic missile system. 
Subtitle D—Missile Defense Programs 
Sec. 1641. Modification to national missile defense policy to reflect Golden Dome 
for America policy. 
Sec. 1642. Golden Dome for America. 
Sec. 1643. Prohibition privatized or subscription-based missile defense intercept 
capabilities. 
Subtitle E—Other Matters 
Sec. 1651. Cooperative threat reduction funds. 
TITLE XVII—OTHER DEFENSE MATTERS 
Subtitle A—Miscellaneous Authorities and Limitations 
Sec. 1701. Copyright to a literary work produced by a civilian faculty member 
of the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences in the 
course of such employment: free use by the Federal Government. 
Sec. 1702. Combating illicit tobacco products. 
Subtitle B—Other Matters 
Sec. 1721. Technical and conforming amendments. 
Sec. 1722. Transfer or possession of defense items for national defense purposes. 
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Sec. 1723. Evaluation of risks posed by communications equipment and services 
produced by foreign adversary entities. 
TITLE XVIII—STREAMLINING PROCUREMENT FOR EFFECTIVE 
EXECUTION AND DELIVERY 
Subtitle A—Alignment of the Defense Acquisition System 
Sec. 1801. Alignment of the defense acquisition system with the needs of members 
of the Armed Forces. 
Sec. 1802. Program executive officer responsibilities. 
Sec. 1803. Product support manager responsibilities and requirements. 
Sec. 1804. Amendments to life-cycle management and product support. 
Sec. 1805. Modifications relating to life-cycle and sustainment provisions. 
Sec. 1806. Major capability activity areas and pathfinder programs. 
Subtitle B—Requirements Process Reform 
Sec. 1811. Joint Requirements Council. 
Sec. 1812. Establishment of the Requirements, Acquisition, and Programming In-
tegration Directorate. 
Sec. 1813. Establishment of the Mission Engineering and Integration Activity. 
Subtitle C—Streamlining Acquisition Processes 
Sec. 1821. Adjustments to certain acquisition thresholds. 
Sec. 1822. Clarification of conditions for payments for commercial products and 
commercial services. 
Sec. 1823. Alternative capability-based pricing. 
Sec. 1824. Matters related to cost accounting standards. 
Sec. 1825. Review of commercial buying practices. 
Subtitle D—Matters Relating to Commercial Innovation 
Sec. 1831. Amendment to other transaction authority. 
Sec. 1832. Data-as-a-service solutions for weapon system contracts. 
Sec. 1833. Requirements for modular open system approach and modifications to 
rights in technical data. 
Sec. 1834. Bridging Operational Objectives and Support for Transition program. 
Sec. 1835. Transition to advanced manufacturing for certain critical items. 
Subtitle E—Modifications to Strengthen the Industrial Base 
Sec. 1841. Amendments to the procurement technical assistance program. 
Sec. 1842. Defense Industrial Resilience Consortium. 
Sec. 1843. Qualification, acceptance, and supply chain management of products 
manufactured using advanced manufacturing. 
Sec. 1844. Report on surge capacity in the defense industrial base. 
DIVISION B—MILITARY CONSTRUCTION AUTHORIZATIONS 
Sec. 2001. Short title. 
Sec. 2002. Expiration of authorizations and amounts required to be specified by 
law. 
Sec. 2003. Effective date. 
TITLE XXI—ARMY MILITARY CONSTRUCTION 
Sec. 2101. Authorized Army construction and land acquisition projects. 
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Sec. 2102. Family Housing. 
Sec. 2103. Authorization of appropriations, Army. 
Sec. 2104. Extension of authority to carry out fiscal year 2021 project at Fort 
Gillem, Georgia. 
Sec. 2105. Extension of authority to carry out certain fiscal year 2022 projects. 
Sec. 2106. Extension of authority to carry out certain fiscal year 2023 projects. 
Sec. 2107. Modification of authority to carry out fiscal year 2025 project at 
Smith Barracks, Germany. 
TITLE XXII—NAVY MILITARY CONSTRUCTION 
Sec. 2201. Authorized Navy construction and land acquisition projects. 
Sec. 2202. Family Housing. 
Sec. 2203. Authorization of appropriations, Navy. 
Sec. 2204. Extension of authority to carry out fiscal year 2022 project at Marine 
Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina. 
Sec. 2205. Extension of authority to carry out certain fiscal year 2022 projects. 
Sec. 2206. Extension of authority to carry out certain fiscal year 2023 projects. 
TITLE XXIII—AIR FORCE MILITARY CONSTRUCTION 
Sec. 2301. Authorized Air Force construction and land acquisition projects. 
Sec. 2302. Family Housing. 
Sec. 2303. Authorization of appropriations, Air Force. 
Sec. 2304. Extension of authority to carry out fiscal year 2017 project at 
Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany. 
Sec. 2305. Extension of authority to carry out certain fiscal year 2019 projects. 
Sec. 2306. Extension of authority to carry out certain fiscal year 2020 projects. 
Sec. 2307. Extension of authority to carry out certain fiscal year 2022 projects. 
Sec. 2308. Extension of authority to carry out certain fiscal year 2023 projects. 
Sec. 2309. Modification of authority to carry out fiscal year 2025 project at F.E. 
Warren Air Force Base, Wyoming. 
TITLE XXIV—DEFENSE AGENCIES MILITARY CONSTRUCTION 
Sec. 2401. Authorized defense agencies construction and land acquisition projects. 
Sec. 2402. Authorized energy resilience and conservation investment program 
projects. 
Sec. 2403. Authorization of appropriations, Defense Agencies. 
Sec. 2404. Extension of authority to carry out fiscal year 2019 project at 
Iwakuni, Japan. 
Sec. 2405. Extension of authority to carry out certain fiscal year 2022 projects. 
Sec. 2406. Extension of authority to carry out certain fiscal year 2023 projects. 
Sec. 2407. Modification of authority to carry out fiscal year 2024 project at Red-
stone Arsenal, Alabama. 
Sec. 2408. Modification of authority to carry out fiscal year 2024 project at Lake 
City Army Ammunition Plant, Missouri. 
Sec. 2409. Modification of authority to carry out fiscal year 2025 project at Joint 
Base Andrews, Maryland. 
Sec. 2410. Modification of authority to carry out fiscal year 2025 project at Joint 
Base Mcguire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey. 
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TITLE XXV—INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS 
Subtitle A—North Atlantic Treaty Organization Security Investment Program 
Sec. 2501. Authorized NATO construction and land acquisition projects; author-
ization of appropriations. 
Subtitle B—Host Country In-Kind Contributions 
Sec. 2511. Republic of Korea funded construction projects. 
Sec. 2512. Republic of Poland funded construction projects. 
TITLE XXVI—GUARD AND RESERVE FORCES FACILITIES 
Sec. 2601. Authorized Army National Guard construction and land acquisition 
projects. 
Sec. 2602. Authorized Army Reserve construction and land acquisition projects. 
Sec. 2603. Authorized Navy Reserve and Marine Corps Reserve construction and 
land acquisition projects. 
Sec. 2604. Authorized Air National Guard construction and land acquisition 
projects. 
Sec. 2605. Authorized Air Force Reserve construction and land acquisition 
projects. 
Sec. 2606. Authorization of appropriations, National Guard and Reserve. 
Sec. 2607. Extension of authority to carry out certain fiscal year 2023 projects. 
Sec. 2608. Modification of authority to carry out fiscal year 2023 project at Tuc-
son International Airport, Arizona. 
Sec. 2609. Authority to carry out fiscal year 2026 project at Army Reserve Center 
Conroe, Texas. 
TITLE XXVII—BASE REALIGNMENT AND CLOSURE ACTIVITIES 
Sec. 2701. Authorization of appropriations for base realignment and closure ac-
tivities funded through Department of Defense base closure ac-
count. 
TITLE XXVIII—MILITARY CONSTRUCTION GENERAL PROVISIONS 
Subtitle A—Military Construction Programs 
Sec. 2801. Facility construction or repair: transactions other than contracts and 
grants. 
Sec. 2802. Supervision of military construction projects. 
Sec. 2803. Improvements to water management and security on military installa-
tions. 
Sec. 2804. Authority to use progressive design-build procedures for military con-
struction projects. 
Sec. 2805. Pilot program on use of additive construction technologies at Army in-
stallations. 
Sec. 2806. Consideration of modular construction methods for military construc-
tion projects with protective design elements. 
Sec. 2807. Multiyear contracting authority for certain military construction 
projects. 
Sec. 2808. Guidance for military construction projects for innovation, research, 
development, test, and evaluation. 
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Subtitle B—Military Housing Reforms 
Sec. 2811. Improvements to Department of Defense Housing Requirements and 
Market Analysis. 
Sec. 2812. Use of imitative substitute building materials for preservation of cer-
tain units of military housing under jurisdiction of the Depart-
ment of Defense. 
Sec. 2813. Modification of certain requirements with respect to closure of mainte-
nance work orders for privatized military housing. 
Sec. 2814. Inclusion of additional landlord financial information in certain an-
nual report on privatized military housing. 
Sec. 2815. Continuation of certain reporting requirements with respect to 
privatized military housing. 
Sec. 2816. Pilot program for emerging mold remediation technologies. 
Sec. 2817. Standardization of mold remediation guidelines across military de-
partments. 
Sec. 2818. Inspections by qualified home inspector of privatized military housing. 
Sec. 2819. Plan to improve accuracy, integration, and interoperability of Depart-
ment of Defense data with respect to real property, infrastruc-
ture, military unaccompanied housing. 
Subtitle C—Real Property and Facilities Administration 
Sec. 2821. Modification to assistance for public infrastructure projects and serv-
ices. 
Sec. 2822. Modification of requirement with respect to minimum capital invest-
ment for facilities sustainment, restoration, and modernization 
for military departments. 
Sec. 2823. Extension of authority to carry out Department of Defense pilot pro-
gram for use of cost savings realized. 
Sec. 2824. Department of Defense intergovernmental support agreements for ord-
nance disposal. 
Sec. 2825. Authorities available for Energy Resilience and Conservation Invest-
ment program projects on privatized utility systems. 
Sec. 2826. Repeal of construction requirements related to antiterrorism and force 
protection or urban-training operations. 
Sec. 2827. Repeal of pilot program authorizing overhead cost reimbursements 
from major range and test facility base users at certain Depart-
ment of the Air Force installations. 
Sec. 2828. Department of Defense procedures with respect to planning coordina-
tion for grid resiliency on military installations. 
Sec. 2829. Master plans for Service Academies. 
Sec. 2830. Review of Unified Facilities Criteria applicable to military construc-
tion projects; report. 
Sec. 2831. Annual report on cost premium for construction of certain facilities. 
Sec. 2832. Historical marker commemorating effects of radiation exposure at 
Holloman Air Force Base and White Sands Missile Range. 
Sec. 2833. Name of Department of the Army military installation, Augusta, 
Georgia. 
Sec. 2834. Name of the Department of the Army military installation located in 
Muscogee County and Chattahoochee County, Georgia. 
Subtitle D—Land Conveyances 
Sec. 2841. Extension of sunset for land conveyance, Sharpe Army Depot, 
Lathrop, California. 
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Sec. 2842. Land conveyance, Former Curtis Bay Depot, Maryland. 
Subtitle E—Modifications to Unspecified Minor Military Construction 
Sec. 2851. Deadline for congressional notification of decisions to carry out certain 
unspecified minor military construction projects. 
Sec. 2852. Modification to unspecified minor military construction authority for 
laboratory revitalization projects. 
Sec. 2853. Modification of authority for Indo-Pacific posture unspecified minor 
military construction projects. 
Sec. 2854. Amendments to defense laboratory modernization program. 
Sec. 2855. Transfer of defense laboratory modernization program authority to 
provision of law with respect to military construction projects 
for research, test, development, and evaluation. 
Sec. 2856. Authority of a Secretary concerned to carry out certain unspecified 
minor military construction projects. 
Subtitle F—Limitations and Other Matters 
Sec. 2861. Modification to definition of military installation resilience. 
Sec. 2862. Requirements relating to funds for construction and improvement of 
commissary store facilities. 
Sec. 2863. Expansion of exceptions to restriction on development of public infra-
structure in connection with realignment of marine corps forces 
in Asia Pacific region. 
Sec. 2864. Cooperative agreements with respect to management of land and cul-
tural resources located on military installations. 
Sec. 2865. Limitation on the use of funds for implementing certain energy effi-
ciency building codes. 
Sec. 2866. Limitation on use of funds for contravention or reversal of implemen-
tation of recommendations of commission on the naming of cer-
tain items of the Department of Defense. 
Sec. 2867. Limitation on use of funds to reduce capabilities or staffing of Depart-
ment of Defense military treatment facilities located inside the 
United States. 
Sec. 2868. Notice relating to contracts or other agreements to establish an endur-
ing location in a foreign country. 
Sec. 2869. Designation of official responsible for coordination of defense sites 
within area of responsibility of Joint Region Marianas. 
DIVISION C—DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY NATIONAL SECURITY 
AUTHORIZATIONS AND OTHER AUTHORIZATIONS 
TITLE XXXI—DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY NATIONAL SECURITY 
PROGRAMS 
Subtitle A—National Security Programs and Authorizations 
Sec. 3101. National Nuclear Security Administration. 
Sec. 3102. Defense environmental cleanup. 
Sec. 3103. Other defense activities. 
Sec. 3104. Nuclear energy. 
Subtitle B—Program Authorizations 
Sec. 3111. Plutonium pit production capacity. 
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Sec. 3112. Stockpile responsiveness and rapid capabilities programs of the Na-
tional Nuclear Security Administration. 
Subtitle C—Reports and Other Matters 
Sec. 3121. Modification to reporting requirements with respect to nuclear weap-
ons stockpile stewardship, management, and responsiveness plan. 
Sec. 3122. Assessment of the National Nuclear Security Administration Spent 
Fuel Handling Recapitalization Project. 
Sec. 3123. Limitation relating to reclassification of high-level waste. 
Sec. 3124. Notification requirement with respect to nuclear power in Guam. 
TITLE XXXII—DEFENSE NUCLEAR FACILITIES SAFETY BOARD 
Sec. 3201. Authorization. 
TITLE XXXIV—NAVAL PETROLEUM RESERVES 
Sec. 3401. Authorization of appropriations. 
TITLE XXXV—MARITIME ADMINISTRATION 
Subtitle A—Maritime Administration 
Sec. 3501. Authorization of appropriations for Maritime Administration. 
Subtitle B—Maritime Infrastructure 
Sec. 3511. Clarification regarding use of port infrastructure development pro-
gram funds to replace Chinese port crane hardware or software. 
Sec. 3512. Clarification of certain authorities relating to deepwater ports. 
Sec. 3513. Eligibility of shore power projects under port infrastructure develop-
ment program. 
Subtitle C—Reports 
Sec. 3521. Report on use of commercial contracting agent for crewing and oper-
ation of military sealift command vessels. 
Subtitle D—Other Matters 
Sec. 3531. United States Merchant Marine Academy campus modernization plan. 
Sec. 3532. Cargoes procured, furnished, or financed by United States Govern-
ment. 
Sec. 3533. Treatment of the University of Louisiana Maritime Academy as a 
State maritime academy. 
Sec. 3534. Design and construction of missile instrumentation range safety ves-
sels. 
DIVISION D—FUNDING TABLES 
Sec. 4001. Authorization of amounts in funding tables. 
TITLE XLI—PROCUREMENT 
Sec. 4101. Procurement. 
TITLE XLII—RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, TEST, AND EVALUATION 
Sec. 4201. Research, development, test, and evaluation. 
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TITLE XLIII—OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE 
Sec. 4301. Operation and maintenance. 
TITLE XLIV—MILITARY PERSONNEL 
Sec. 4401. Military personnel. 
TITLE XLV—OTHER AUTHORIZATIONS 
Sec. 4501. Other authorizations. 
TITLE XLVI—MILITARY CONSTRUCTION 
Sec. 4601. Military construction. 
TITLE XLVII—DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY NATIONAL SECURITY 
PROGRAMS 
Sec. 4701. Department of Energy national security programs. 
SEC. 3. CONGRESSIONAL DEFENSE COMMITTEES. 
In this Act, the term ‘‘congressional defense commit-
tees’’ has the meaning given that term in section 101(a)(16) 
of title 10, United States Code. 
DIVISION A—DEPARTMENT OF 
DEFENSE AUTHORIZATIONS 
TITLE I—PROCUREMENT 
Subtitle A—Authorization of 
Appropriations 
SEC. 101. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. 
Funds are hereby authorized to be appropriated for fis-
cal year 2026 for procurement for the Army, the Navy and 
the Marine Corps, the Air Force and the Space Force, and 
Defense-wide activities, as specified in the funding table in 
section 4101. 
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Subtitle B—Army Programs 
SEC. 111. MULTIYEAR PROCUREMENT AUTHORITY FOR UH– 
60 BLACKHAWK AIRCRAFT. 
(a) AUTHORITY FOR MULTIYEAR PROCUREMENT.— 
Subject to section 3501 of title 10, United States Code, the 
Secretary of the Army may enter into one or more 
multiyear contracts, beginning with the fiscal year 2027 
program year, for the procurement of UH–60 Blackhawk 
aircraft. 
(b) CONDITION
FOR
OUT-YEAR
CONTRACT
PAY-
MENTS.—A contract entered into under subsection (a) shall 
provide that any obligation of the United States to make 
a payment under the contract for a fiscal year after fiscal 
year 2027 is subject to the availability of appropriations 
or funds for that purpose for such later fiscal year. 
(c) AUTHORITY FOR ADVANCE PROCUREMENT.—The 
Secretary of the Army may enter into one or more con-
tracts, beginning in fiscal year 2026, for advance procure-
ment associated with the aircraft for which authorization 
to enter into a multiyear procurement contract is provided 
under subsection (a), which may include procurement of 
economic order quantities of material and equipment for 
such aircraft when cost savings are achievable. 
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SEC. 112. AUTHORIZATION TO INITIATE EARLY PRODUC-
TION OF FUTURE LONG-RANGE ASSAULT AIR-
CRAFT. 
(a) AUTHORIZATION.—The Secretary of the Army may 
enter into contracts, in advance of full-rate production, for 
the procurement of future long-range assault aircraft as 
part of an accelerated low-rate early production effort. 
(b) OBJECTIVES.—In carrying out the early produc-
tion effort described in subsection (a), the Secretary of the 
Army shall pursue the following objectives: 
(1) To expedite delivery of future long-range as-
sault aircraft operational capability to the warfighter. 
(2) To maintain momentum and learning con-
tinuity between test article completion and full pro-
duction ramp-up. 
(3) To stabilize and retain the specialized work-
force and industrial base supporting future long- 
range assault aircraft, including critical suppliers 
and production facilities in Texas, Kansas, and other 
States. 
(4) To mitigate cost escalation risks and improve 
program affordability across the life cycle. 
(c) CONSIDERATIONS.—In executing the authority pro-
vided by subsection (a), the Secretary shall— 
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(1) prioritize program continuity, cost-efficiency, 
and workforce retention across the supply chain for 
tiltrotor aircraft; 
(2) ensure that aircraft procured as part of the 
early production effort described in subsection (a) in-
corporate lessons learned from test article evaluations; 
and 
(3) maintain flexibility in design to accommo-
date future upgrades through the modular open sys-
tems architecture and digital backbone. 
(d) BRIEFING TO CONGRESS.—Not later than 180 days 
after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary 
of the Army shall provide to the congressional defense com-
mittees a briefing detailing— 
(1) the implementation plan and timeline for the 
procurement and early production effort described in 
subsection (a); 
(2) the status of industrial base readiness and 
supply chain coordination; and 
(3) estimated long-term cost savings and oper-
ational benefits derived from such early production ef-
fort. 
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SEC. 
113. 
LIMITATION 
ON 
REDUCTIONS 
TO 
ARMY 
PREPOSITIONED STOCKS—AFLOAT PROGRAM 
SEALIFT CAPABILITY. 
(a) LIMITATION.—The Secretary of the Army may not 
reduce, withdraw, or otherwise degrade the sealift capability 
of the Army Prepositioned Stocks—Afloat program (re-
ferred to in this section as ‘‘APS–3’’) until the date on 
which the Secretary submits to the Committees on Armed 
Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a 
report that includes— 
(1) a comprehensive plan for the Army 
Prepositioned Stocks program through fiscal year 
2030, addressing modernization, sustainment, and ca-
pacity objectives for all subprograms and capabilities, 
including APS–3; 
(2) estimated costs, schedule projections, and risk 
assessments for executing the plan under paragraph 
(1); 
(3) a detailed description of any alternative so-
lution or capability that the Army envisions would 
succeed or supplement APS–3, including operational 
employment concepts, an acquisition strategy, and a 
strategy for integration with joint and coalition logis-
tics forces; 
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(4) an assessment of the risks, costs, and benefits 
associated with a potential deactivation or reduction 
in APS–3 capabilities; and 
(5) any legislative or regulatory authorities re-
quired to implement— 
(A) the plan under paragraph (1); and 
(B) any alternative solution or capability 
identified under paragraph (3). 
(b) DEFINITION.—In this section, the term ‘‘sealift ca-
pability’’ means the vessels, associated equipment, and any 
port-of-embarkation and port-of-debarkation infrastructure 
dedicated to APS–3. 
Subtitle C—Navy Programs 
SEC. 121. CONTRACT AUTHORITY FOR FORD CLASS AIR-
CRAFT CARRIER PROGRAM. 
(a) CONTRACT AUTHORITY.—The Secretary of the 
Navy may enter into one or more contracts for the procure-
ment of not more than two Ford class aircraft carriers. 
(b) AUTHORITY
FOR ADVANCE PROCUREMENT
AND 
ECONOMIC ORDER QUANTITY.—The Secretary of the Navy 
may enter into one or more contracts for advance procure-
ment, advance construction, and material and equipment 
in economic order quantities associated with the procure-
ment of the Ford class aircraft carriers for which contracts 
are authorized under subsection (a). 
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(c) USE OF INCREMENTAL FUNDING.—With respect to 
a contract entered into under subsection (a) or (b), the Sec-
retary of the Navy may use incremental funding to make 
payments under the contract. 
(d) LIABILITY.—Any contract entered into under sub-
section (a) or (b) shall provide that— 
(1) any obligation of the United States to make 
a payment under the contract is subject to the avail-
ability of appropriations for that purpose; and 
(2) the total liability of the Federal Government 
for termination of any contract entered into shall be 
limited to the total amount of funding obligated to the 
contract at time of termination. 
SEC. 122. CONTRACT AUTHORITY FOR COLUMBIA CLASS 
SUBMARINE PROGRAM. 
(a) CONTRACT AUTHORITY.—The Secretary of the 
Navy may enter into a contract, beginning with fiscal year 
2026, for the procurement of up to five Columbia class sub-
marines. 
(b) INCREMENTAL FUNDING.—With respect to a con-
tract entered into under subsection (a), the Secretary of the 
Navy may use incremental funding to make payments 
under the contract. 
(c) FUNDING AND LIABILITY.—Any contract entered 
into under subsection (a) shall provide that— 
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(1) any obligation of the United States to make 
a payment under the contract is subject to the avail-
ability of appropriations for that purpose; and 
(2) the total liability of the Federal Government 
for termination of any contract entered into shall be 
limited to the total amount of funding obligated to the 
contract at time of termination. 
SEC. 123. AUTHORITY FOR ADVANCE PROCUREMENT OF 
CERTAIN COMPONENTS TO SUPPORT CON-
TINUOUS PRODUCTION OF VIRGINIA CLASS 
SUBMARINES. 
(a) IN GENERAL.— The Secretary of the Navy may 
enter into one or more contracts, prior to ship authoriza-
tion, for the advance procurement of covered components 
for Virginia class submarines, including procurement of 
such components in economic order quantities when cost 
savings are achievable. 
(b) FUNDING AND LIABILITY.—Any contract entered 
into under subsection (a) shall provide that— 
(1) any obligation of the United States to make 
a payment under the contract is subject to the avail-
ability of appropriations for that purpose; and 
(2) the total liability to the Federal Government 
for termination of the contract shall be limited to the 
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total amount of funding obligated for the contract at 
the time of termination. 
(c) BUDGET REQUESTS.—In the budget justification 
materials submitted in support of the budget of the Depart-
ment of Defense (as submitted with the budget of the Presi-
dent under section 1105(a) of title 31, United States Code) 
for fiscal year 2027 and each fiscal year thereafter, the Sec-
retary of the Navy shall include a separate budget display 
identifying the amounts requested pursuant to this section 
set forth by the specific program, project, or activity under 
the Virginia class submarine program for which such funds 
are requested. 
(d) COVERED COMPONENTS DEFINED.—In this sec-
tion, the term ‘‘covered components’’ means the following 
components for Virginia class submarines: 
(1) Propulsion plant equipment. 
(2) Diesel Systems and associated components. 
(3) Castings, forgings, and tank structures. 
(4) Air flasks. 
(5) Payload tubes. 
(6) Major Valves And Associated Components. 
(7) Hatches. 
(8) Steering and drive components. 
(9) Major Pumps And Motors. 
(10) Snorkel mast and components. 
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(11) Torpedo tubes. 
(12) Atmosphere control equipment. 
SEC. 124. AUTHORITY TO USE INCREMENTAL FUNDING TO 
ENTER INTO A CONTRACT FOR THE CON-
STRUCTION 
OF 
A 
GUIDED 
MISSILE 
DE-
STROYER (DDG). 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Amounts authorized to be appro-
priated by this Act or otherwise made available for the 
Navy for Shipbuilding and Conversion for fiscal year 2026 
may be used by the Secretary of the Navy to enter into an 
incrementally funded contract for the construction of one 
Guided Missile Destroyer (DDG). 
(b) AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS.—A contract entered into 
under subsection (a) shall provide that any obligation of 
the United States to make a payment under the contract 
is subject to the availability of appropriations for that pur-
pose, and that total liability to the Government for the ter-
mination of the contract shall be limited to the total amount 
of funding obligated at time of termination. 
SEC. 125. MULTIYEAR PROCUREMENT AUTHORITY FOR 
YARD, REPAIR, BERTHING, AND MESSING 
BARGES. 
(a) AUTHORITY FOR MULTIYEAR PROCUREMENT.— 
Subject to section 3501 of title 10, United States Code, the 
Secretary of the Navy may enter into one or more multiyear 
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contracts, beginning with the fiscal year 2026 program 
year, for the procurement of Yard, Repair, Berthing, and 
Messing Barges and associated material. 
(b) AUTHORITY FOR ADVANCE PROCUREMENT.—The 
Secretary of the Navy may enter into one or more contracts, 
beginning in fiscal year 2026, for advance procurement as-
sociated with the barges for which authorization to enter 
into a multiyear procurement contract is provided under 
subsection (a), which may include procurement of economic 
order quantities of material and equipment for such barges 
when cost savings are achievable. 
(b) AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS AND TERMINATION LI-
ABILITY.—Any contract entered into under subsection (a) 
shall provide that— 
(1) any obligation of the United States to make 
a payment under the contract is subject to the avail-
ability of appropriations for that purpose; and 
(2) the total liability of the Federal Government 
for termination of the contract shall be limited to the 
total amount of funding obligated to the contract at 
the time of termination. 
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SEC. 126. VESSEL CONSTRUCTION MANAGER FOR FOLLOW- 
ON SHIPS OF THE LANDING SHIP MEDIUM 
PROGRAM. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—After the construction of the lead 
ship of the Landing Ship Medium program has commenced, 
the Secretary of the Navy shall seek to enter into an agree-
ment with an appropriate vessel construction manager pur-
suant to which the vessel construction manager shall seek 
to enter into one or more contracts for the construction of 
not more than 8 additional landing ships under the pro-
gram. 
(b) REQUIREMENTS FOR ADDITIONAL SHIPS.—The ad-
ditional landing ships authorized to be constructed under 
subsection (a), shall be nondevelopmental items constructed 
using a design that is— 
(1) the same as the design of the lead ship; or 
(2) derived from such design. 
(c) LEAD SHIP DEFINED.—In this section, the term 
‘‘lead ship’’ means the first landing ship procured as a com-
mercial or nondevelopmental item as authorized under sec-
tion 128(b) of the National Defense Authorization Act for 
Fiscal Year 2025 (Public Law 118–159). 
SEC. 127. LIMITATION ON CONSTRUCTION OF MODULAR AT-
TACK SURFACE CRAFT. 
The Secretary of the Navy may not enter into a con-
tract or other agreement that includes a scope of work, in-
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cluding priced or unpriced options, for the construction, ad-
vance procurement, or long-lead material of the lead ship 
of the Modular Attack Surface Craft program until the Sec-
retary certifies to the congressional defense committees that 
such ship will be designed and constructed for the primary 
purpose of operating autonomously. 
SEC. 128. INCLUSION OF AMPHIBIOUS WARFARE SHIP 
SPARES AND REPAIR PARTS AS A SEPARATE 
LINE ITEM IN NAVY BUDGET JUSTIFICATION 
MATERIALS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—In the budget justification mate-
rials submitted to Congress in support of the Department 
of the Defense budget for fiscal year 2027 and each fiscal 
year thereafter (as submitted with the budget of the Presi-
dent under section 1105(a) of title 31, United States Code), 
the Secretary of the Navy shall include one or more dedi-
cated line items for spare parts and repair parts for am-
phibious warfare ships in the budget display for other pro-
curement, Navy. 
(b) AMPHIBIOUS WARFARE SHIP DEFINED.—In this 
section, the term ‘‘amphibious warfare ship’’ has the mean-
ing given that term in section 8062(h) of title 10, United 
States Code. 
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SEC. 129. STRATEGY FOR NAVY INVESTMENT IN AND SUP-
PORT FOR THE MARITIME INDUSTRIAL BASE. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 180 days after the 
date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Navy 
shall develop and implement a strategy for investing in and 
supporting the maritime industrial base to address cost and 
schedule challenges for surface and submarine shipbuilding 
programs. 
(b) ELEMENTS.—The strategy under subsection (a) 
shall— 
(1) focus on ensuring reliable supplies of se-
quence critical components for submarine and surface 
shipbuilding programs; and 
(2) include measures— 
(A) to identify key performance indicators 
to measure return on investment; 
(B) to centralize data collection to support 
further analysis of maritime industrial base per-
formance; and 
(C) to apply artificial intelligence to mon-
itor and predict potential supply chain chal-
lenges, including potential disruptions, material 
shortages, delivery delays, and other such factors. 
(c) REPORT.—Following completion of the strategy re-
quired under subsection (a), but not later than 210 days 
after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary 
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of the Navy shall submit to the congressional defense com-
mittees a report on the strategy. The report shall include— 
(1) a summary of the strategy; 
(2) timelines for implementation of the strategy; 
and 
(3) an explanation of how the strategy is ex-
pected to address cost and schedule challenges for sur-
face and submarine shipbuilding programs. 
SEC. 130. MODIFICATION TO REQUIREMENTS FOR RECAPI-
TALIZATION 
OF 
TACTICAL 
FIGHTER 
AIR-
CRAFT OF THE NAVY RESERVE. 
Section 127 of the National Defense Authorization Act 
for Fiscal Year 2025 (Public Law 118–159) is amended by 
striking subsection (c) and inserting the following: 
‘‘(c) COVERED F–18 AIRCRAFT DEFINED.—In this sec-
tion, the term ‘covered F–18 aircraft’ means— 
‘‘(1) the eight F/A–18E/F Super Hornet aircraft 
procured using funds authorized and appropriated for 
the Navy during fiscal year 2023; or 
‘‘(2) in lieu of an aircraft described in para-
graph (1), any Block II or newer F/A–18E/F tactical 
fighter aircraft that— 
‘‘(A) has a minimum of 2,000 flight hours 
of service-life remaining airframe flight time 
prior to the need for a required high flight-hour 
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inspection and Service Life Modification process; 
and 
‘‘(B) is included in the Naval Aviation 
Master Aviation Plan and designated for the 
Navy Reserve. 
‘‘(d) MASTER AVIATION PLAN.—In conjunction with 
the activities required under this section, the Secretary of 
the Navy shall ensure that the Naval Aviation Master Avia-
tion Plan remains up-to-date and relevant with respect to 
aviation units of the Navy Reserve.’’. 
Subtitle D—Air Force Programs 
SEC. 141. MODIFICATION OF MINIMUM INVENTORY RE-
QUIREMENTS FOR AIR REFUELING TANKER 
AIRCRAFT. 
(a) MINIMUM INVENTORY REQUIREMENT.—Section 
9062(j) of title 10, United States Code, is amended— 
(1) in paragraph (1), by striking ‘‘a total air-
craft inventory of air refueling tanker aircraft of not 
less than 466 aircraft’’ and inserting ‘‘a total aircraft 
inventory of air refueling tanker aircraft— 
‘‘(A) of not less than 466 aircraft during 
the period ending on September 30, 2026; 
‘‘(B) of not less than 485 aircraft during 
the period beginning on October 1, 2026, and 
ending on September 30, 2027; and 
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‘‘(C) of not less than 504 aircraft beginning 
on October 1, 2027.’’; and 
(2) in paragraph (2), by striking ‘‘below 466’’ 
and inserting ‘‘below the applicable level specified in 
paragraph (1)’’. 
(b) PROHIBITION ON REDUCTION OF KC–135 AIR-
CRAFT IN PMAI OF THE RESERVE COMPONENTS.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—None of the funds authorized 
to be appropriated by this Act or otherwise made 
available for fiscal year 2026 for the Air Force may 
be obligated or expended to reduce the number of KC– 
135 aircraft designated as primary mission aircraft 
inventory within the reserve components of the Air 
Force. 
(2) PRIMARY MISSION AIRCRAFT INVENTORY DE-
FINED.—In this subsection, the term ‘‘primary mis-
sion aircraft inventory’’ has the meaning given that 
term in section 9062(i)(2)(B) of title 10, United 
States Code. 
SEC. 142. EXTENSION OF REQUIREMENTS RELATING TO C– 
130 AIRCRAFT. 
(a) EXTENSION OF MINIMUM INVENTORY REQUIRE-
MENT.—Section 146(a)(3)(B) of the James M. Inhofe Na-
tional Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Pub-
lic Law 117–263; 136 Stat. 2455), as amended by section 
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145(a) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal 
Year 2025 (Public Law 118–159), is amended by striking 
‘‘2025’’ and inserting ‘‘2026’’. 
(b) EXTENSION OF PROHIBITION ON REDUCTION OF C- 
130 AIRCRAFT ASSIGNED TO NATIONAL GUARD.—Section 
146(b)(1) of the James M. Inhofe National Defense Author-
ization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Public Law 117–263; 136 
Stat. 2455), as amended by section 145(b) of the National 
Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (Public 
Law 118–159), is amended by striking ‘‘2025’’ and insert-
ing ‘‘2026’’. 
SEC. 143. MODIFICATION TO MINIMUM INVENTORY RE-
QUIREMENT FOR A–10 AIRCRAFT. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Section 134(d) of the National De-
fense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 (Public Law 
114–328; 130 Stat. 2038) is amended by striking ‘‘96 A– 
10 aircraft designated as primary mission aircraft inven-
tory until a period of 90 days has elapsed following the 
date on which the Secretary submits to the congressional 
defense committees the report under subsection (e)(2)’’ and 
inserting ‘‘96 A–10 aircraft designated as primary mission 
aircraft inventory until October 1, 2026’’. 
(b) PROHIBITION ON RETIREMENT.— 
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(1) IN GENERAL.—During the period beginning 
on October 1, 2025 and ending on September 30, 
2026, the Secretary of the Air Force may not— 
(A) retire an A–10 aircraft; 
(B) reduce funding for unit personnel or 
weapon system sustainment activities for A–10 
aircraft in a manner that presumes future con-
gressional authority to divest such aircraft; 
(C) keep an A–10 aircraft in a status con-
sidered excess to the requirements of the pos-
sessing command and awaiting disposition in-
structions (commonly referred to as ‘‘XJ’’ sta-
tus); or 
(D) decrease the total aircraft inventory of 
A–10 aircraft below 162 aircraft. 
(2) EXCEPTION.—The prohibition under para-
graph (1) shall not apply to individual A–10 aircraft 
that the Secretary of the Air Force determines, on a 
case-by-case basis, to be no longer mission capable 
and uneconomical to repair because of aircraft acci-
dents, mishaps, or excessive material degradation and 
non-airworthiness status of certain aircraft. 
(c) BRIEFING REQUIRED.—Not later than March 31, 
2026, the Secretary of the Air Force shall provide to the 
Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House 
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of Representatives a briefing on the status of A–10 aircraft 
inventory and the proposed plan for divesting all A–10 air-
craft prior to fiscal year 2029. The briefing shall cover, at 
a minimum, the following: 
(1) The number of A–10 Total Aircraft Inven-
tory aircraft disaggregated by Combat Coded Aircraft, 
Primary Mission Aircraft Inventory, Backup Aircraft 
Assigned, Attrition Reserve, tail number, and loca-
tion. 
(2) The planned divestment date of each such 
aircraft. 
(3) The detailed plan for how and when the Sec-
retary proposes to proceed with divestment of aircraft 
for each A–10 unit prior to fiscal year 2029. 
(4) The aircraft transition plan for replacing A– 
10 aircraft with new or existing replacement aircraft 
in each unit that is divesting of the A–10 aircraft, 
which shall include an explanation of— 
(A) how the Secretary plans to minimize 
adverse personnel impacts within such units, in-
cluding adverse impacts with respect to reten-
tion, currency, proficiency, qualifications, cer-
tifications, and training; and 
(B) how the Secretary plans to minimize or 
eliminate any scheduling gap that may occur 
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with respect to a unit divesting from the A–10 
aircraft and transitioning to a new or existing 
replacement aircraft. 
(5) The information and content format that was 
provided in the briefing to the Committees on Armed 
Services of the Senate and the House of Representa-
tives by the Headquarters Air Force, Deputy Chief of 
Staff for Plans and Programs (HAF/A8), on Feb-
ruary 13, 2023, titled ‘‘A–10 Divestment Placemats’’. 
(6) Any other information the Secretary deter-
mines releveant. 
SEC. 144. PRESERVATION OF CERTAIN RETIRED KC–10 AIR-
CRAFT. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Subject to subsections (b) and (c), 
the Secretary of the Air Force shall preserve each KC–10 
aircraft that is retired by the Secretary during a period 
in which the total inventory of air refueling aircraft of the 
Air Force is less than 504. 
(b) MANNER OF PRESERVATION.—The retired KC–10 
aircraft preserved under subsection (a) shall be preserved 
such that each aircraft— 
(1) is stored in flyable condition; 
(2) can be returned to service as an air refueling 
aircraft (which shall include retaining the air refuel-
ing boom on the aircraft); and 
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(3) is not used to supply parts to other aircraft 
unless specifically authorized by the Secretary of De-
fense upon a request by the Secretary of the Air 
Force. 
(c) AUTHORITY
TO DISPOSE
OF PRESERVED AIR-
CRAFT.—A KC–10 aircraft preserved under subsection (a) 
may be disposed of in accordance with chapter 5 of title 
40, United States Code. 
SEC. 145. PROHIBITION ON AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS FOR 
CONTRACT TERMINATION OR PRODUCTION 
LINE SHUTDOWN FOR E–7A WEDGETAIL AIR-
CRAFT. 
None of the funds authorized to be appropriated by this 
Act or otherwise made available for fiscal year 2026 for the 
Department of Defense may be obligated or expended— 
(1) to terminate the mid-tier acquisition rapid 
prototype contract for the E–7A aircraft; or 
(2) to terminate the operations of, or to prepare 
to terminate the operations of, a production line for 
the E–7A aircraft. 
SEC. 146. LIMITATION ON PROCUREMENT OF KC–46 AIR-
CRAFT PENDING CERTIFICATION ON CORREC-
TION OF DEFICIENCIES. 
(a) LIMITATION.—The Secretary of Defense may not 
accept or take delivery of covered KC–46 aircraft in excess 
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of the maximum quantity specified in subsection (c) until 
the Secretary— 
(1) certifies to the congressional defense commit-
tees that the Secretary has developed and is imple-
menting a plan of corrective actions and milestones 
to resolve all Category 1 deficiencies identified with 
respect to KC–46 aircraft; and 
(2) submits such plan to such committees, which 
shall include— 
(A) an estimate of the total amount of funds 
required to complete implementation of the plan; 
(B) 
realistic 
event-driven 
schedules 
to 
achieve the objectives of the plan; and 
(C) a schedule risk assessment to a min-
imum of 80 percent confidence level. 
(b) FORM.—The plan described in subsection (a)(2) 
shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may contain 
a classified annex. 
(c) MAXIMUM QUANTITY.—The maximum quantity of 
covered KC–46 aircraft specified in this subsection is 183 
aircraft. 
(d) COVERED KC–46 AIRCRAFT DEFINED.—In this 
section, the term ‘‘covered KC–46 aircraft’’ means new pro-
duction KC–46 aircraft the procurement of which is fully 
funded by the United States. 
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SEC. 147. REQUIREMENTS RELATING TO EXECUTIVE AIR-
LIFT AIRCRAFT. 
(a) ANALYSIS OF ALTERNATIVES.— 
(1) IN
GENERAL.—The Secretary of the Air 
Force shall conduct an analysis of alternatives to 
identify potential solutions for the recapitalization of 
the executive airlift aircraft fleet of the Air Force. In 
conducting such analysis, the Secretary shall seek to 
identify aircraft solutions that have capabilities com-
parable to the capabilities of commercial passenger 
aircraft in terms of range. 
(2) TIMELINE.—The Secretary of the Air Force 
shall— 
(A) initiate the analysis of alternatives re-
quired under paragraph (1) not later than 30 
days after the date of the enactment of this Act; 
and 
(B) complete such analysis not later than 
April 1, 2026. 
(3) REPORT.—Not later than 60 days after com-
pleting the analysis of alternatives required under 
paragraph (1), the Secretary of the Air Force shall 
submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the 
Senate and the House of Representatives a report on 
the results of the analysis. 
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(b) PRIORITIZATION STANDARDS.—Not later than De-
cember 1, 2025, the Secretary of the Air Force shall establish 
standards for prioritizing access to executive airlift aircraft 
among authorized users of such aircraft within the Federal 
Government. 
(c) PERSONNEL.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than January 1, 
2026, the Secretary of Defense shall assign a career 
appointee (as that term is defined in section 3132(a) 
of title 5, United States Code) in the Senior Executive 
Service at the Department of Defense to coordinate— 
(A) the efficient tasking of executive airlift 
aircraft; and 
(B) compliance with rules, regulations, poli-
cies and guidance relating to such aircraft, in-
cluding the prioritization standards developed 
under subsection (b). 
(2) QUALIFICATIONS.—The career appointee as-
signed under paragraph (1) shall, as determined by 
the Secretary, have knowledge and experience relating 
to executive airlift aircraft, including familiarity 
with the executive airlift fleets of the Armed Forces 
and knowledge of policies and procedures for the 
prioritization of executive airlift users. 
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SEC. 148. REPORT ON THE F–47 ADVANCED FIGHTER AIR-
CRAFT PROGRAM. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than March 1, 2027, the 
Secretary of the Air Force shall submit to the congressional 
defense committees a report on the F–47 advanced fighter 
aircraft program. 
(b) ELEMENTS.—The report required under subsection 
(a) shall include following: 
(1) A description of the F–47 aircraft program, 
including system requirements, employment concepts, 
and projected costs, schedule, and funding require-
ments over the period covered by the program objec-
tive memorandum process for fiscal years 2028 
through 2034. 
(2) The acquisition strategy for the F–47 pro-
gram of record, including consideration of imple-
menting a middle tier acquisition pathway or major 
capability acquisition pathway (as such terms are de-
fined in Department of Defense Instruction 5000.85, 
titled ‘‘Major Capability Acquisition’’ and issued on 
August 6, 2020 (or a successor instruction)). 
(3) A proposed fielding strategy for the F–47 
aircraft, including— 
(A) estimated force structure requirements; 
(B) strategic basing considerations; 
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(C) an estimate of military construction re-
quirements; 
(D) an estimate of personnel training re-
quirements; and 
(E) an integrated total force fielding con-
cept, including an analysis of Air National 
Guard and Air Force Reserve operational inte-
gration and associations. 
(c) FORM.—The report required under subsection (a) 
shall be submitted in unclassified form but may contain 
a classified annex. 
Subtitle E—Defense-wide, Joint, 
and Multiservice Matters 
SEC. 151. AMENDMENTS TO PROHIBITION ON OPERATION, 
PROCUREMENT, 
AND 
CONTRACTING 
RE-
LATED TO FOREIGN-MADE LIGHT DETECTION 
AND RANGING. 
Section 164(a) of the National Defense Authorization 
Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (Public Law 118–159) is amended 
to read as follows: 
‘‘(a) PROHIBITIONS.—The Secretary of Defense may 
not— 
‘‘(1) operate, enter into or renew a contract for, 
the procurement of— 
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‘‘(A) a covered light detection and ranging 
technology (referred to in this section as ‘LiDAR 
technology’) that— 
‘‘(i) is manufactured in a covered for-
eign country or by an entity domiciled in 
a covered foreign country; 
‘‘(ii) uses operating software developed 
in a covered foreign country or by an entity 
domiciled in a covered foreign country; or 
‘‘(iii) uses network connectivity or 
data storage located in or administered by 
an entity domiciled in a covered foreign 
country; or 
‘‘(B) a system or systems that incorporates, 
interfaces with, or otherwise uses LiDAR tech-
nology as described in subparagraph (A); or 
‘‘(2) enter into or renew a contract with an enti-
ty that operates a covered LiDAR technology to per-
form a Department of Defense contract.’’. 
SEC. 152. ANNUAL GAO REVIEWS OF THE F–35 AIRCRAFT 
PROGRAM. 
(a) ANNUAL REVIEWS AND REPORTS.—Not later than 
March 1, 2026, and on an annual basis thereafter until the 
termination date specified in subsection (c), the Comptroller 
General of the United States shall— 
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(1) complete a review of the F–35 aircraft pro-
gram; and 
(2) submit to the congressional defense commit-
tees a report on the results of the review. 
(b) ELEMENTS.—Each review and report under sub-
section (a) shall include an assessment of— 
(1) the cost, scope, and schedule of the F–35 air-
craft program and its subprograms; 
(2) the status of the efforts of the Department of 
Defense to modernize the F–35 aircraft; and 
(3) such other matters relating to the F–35 air-
craft program as the Comptroller General determines 
appropriate. 
(c) TERMINATION DATE.—The requirements of this 
section shall terminate on the date on which all develop-
ment, production, and fielding activities under the F–35 
aircraft acquisition program have ceased. 
TITLE II—RESEARCH, DEVELOP-
MENT, TEST, AND EVALUA-
TION 
Subtitle A—Authorization of 
Appropriations 
SEC. 201. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. 
Funds are hereby authorized to be appropriated for fis-
cal year 2026 for the use of the Department of Defense for 
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research, development, test, and evaluation, as specified in 
the funding table in section 4201. 
Subtitle B—Program Requirements, 
Restrictions, and Limitations 
SEC. 211. MODIFICATION TO AUTHORITY TO AWARD PRIZES 
FOR 
ADVANCED 
TECHNOLOGY 
ACHIEVE-
MENTS. 
(a) SECRETARIAL AUTHORITY.—Subsection (a) of sec-
tion 4025 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by 
striking ‘‘, acting through the Under Secretary of Defense 
for Research and Engineering, the Under Secretary of De-
fense for Acquisition and Sustainment, and the service ac-
quisition executive for each military department,’’. 
(b) MAXIMUM AMOUNT
OF AWARD PRIZES.—Sub-
section (c) of such section is amended to read as follows: 
‘‘(c) LIMITATION.—No prize competition may result in 
the award of a prize with a fair market value of more than 
$20,000,000 without the approval of the Secretary of De-
fense.’’. 
(c) CONGRESSIONAL NOTIFICATION THRESHOLD.— 
Subsection (g)(1) of such section is amended by striking 
‘‘$10,000,000’’ and inserting ‘‘the amount specified in sub-
section (c)’’. 
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SEC. 212. MODIFICATION TO MECHANISMS TO PROVIDE 
FUNDS TO DEFENSE LABORATORIES AND 
OTHER ENTITIES FOR RESEARCH AND DEVEL-
OPMENT OF TECHNOLOGIES FOR MILITARY 
MISSIONS. 
Section 4123 of title 10, United States Code, is amend-
ed— 
(1) in the section heading, by inserting ‘‘and 
test organizations’’ after ‘‘defense labora-
tories’’; 
(2) by inserting ‘‘or test organization’’ after 
‘‘laboratory’’ each place it appears; and 
(3) in subsection (a)(3), by inserting ‘‘or test or-
ganizations’’ after ‘‘laboratories’’. 
SEC. 213. MODIFICATION TO AUTHORITY FOR ACQUISITION, 
CONSTRUCTION, OR FURNISHING OF TEST 
FACILITIES AND EQUIPMENT. 
(a) JOINTLY FUNDED PROJECTS.—Section 4174 of 
title 10, United States Code, is amended— 
(1) in subsection (a), by striking ‘‘A contract of 
a military department’’ and inserting ‘‘A covered 
contract’’; and 
(2) by adding at the end the following new sub-
sections: 
‘‘(d)(1) In a case in which research, developmental, or 
test facilities and equipment described in this section are 
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used to support multiple contracts or programs across dif-
ferent military departments, other Federal agencies outside 
the Department of Defense, or eligible non-Federal entities, 
a jointly funded project may be established. 
‘‘(2) Under a jointly funded project, the Secretary of 
Defense (or the Secretary’s designee) shall enter into a writ-
ten agreement with each entity participating in the project. 
Each such agreement shall, at a minimum, address the fol-
lowing: 
‘‘(A) Cost sharing arrangements, including the 
proportion of total project costs to be borne by each 
entity. 
‘‘(B) Allocation of access to the facilities and 
equipment, including prioritization procedures in 
cases of competing demands. 
‘‘(C) Management and oversight responsibilities, 
including the designation of a lead agency. 
‘‘(D) Ownership and intellectual property rights 
related to the facilities, equipment, and any resulting 
data or inventions. 
‘‘(E) Dispute resolution mechanisms. 
‘‘(3) A non-Federal entity, including a private com-
pany, academic institution, or non-profit organization, 
may participate in a jointly funded project under this sub-
section only if the Secretary of Defense determines such par-
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ticipation is in the national security interest and consistent 
with applicable laws and regulations. 
‘‘(4) The Secretary of Defense shall issue regulations 
to implement this subsection. Such regulations shall include 
specific criteria for evaluating proposed jointly funded 
projects, standardized agreement templates, and procedures 
for ensuring the transparency and accountability of such 
projects. 
‘‘(e) In this section, the term ‘covered contract’ 
means— 
‘‘(1) a contract of a military department; or 
‘‘(2) a contract for a jointly funded project as de-
scribed subsection (c).’’. 
(b) REGULATIONS REQUIRED.—Not later than 180 
days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Sec-
retary of Defense shall issue or revise regulations (as nec-
essary) to clarify that the authority for acquisition, con-
struction, or furnishing of test facilities and equipment 
under section 4174 of title 10, United States Code, applies 
to contracts funded using funds appropriated or otherwise 
made available for— 
(1) research, development, test, and evaluation, 
including science and technology funds designated as 
budget activity 1 (basic research), budget activity 2 
(applied research), and budget activity 3 (advanced 
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technology development) (as those budget activity clas-
sifications are set forth in volume 2B, chapter 5 of the 
Department of Defense Financial Management Regu-
lation (DOD 7000.14–R)); and 
(2) operation and maintenance, to the extent 
that such funds are used to support activities author-
ized under such section. 
SEC. 214. EXTENSION OF LIMITATION ON AVAILABILITY OF 
FUNDS FOR FUNDAMENTAL RESEARCH COL-
LABORATION WITH CERTAIN ACADEMIC IN-
STITUTIONS. 
Section 238(a) of the National Defense Authorization 
Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (Public Law 118–159; 138 Stat. 
1842) is amended by inserting ‘‘or fiscal year 2026’’ after 
‘‘fiscal year 2025’’. 
SEC. 215. MODIFICATION TO POLICIES FOR MANAGEMENT 
AND CERTIFICATION OF LINK 16 MILITARY 
TACTICAL DATA LINK NETWORK. 
Section 228(b) of the National Defense Authorization 
Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (Public Law 118–31; 10 U.S.C. 
4571 note) is amended— 
(1) in paragraph (1)(A), by striking ‘‘the Ne-
vada Test and Training Range, Restricted Area 2508, 
Warning Area 151/470, Warning Area 386, and the 
Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex’’ and inserting 
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‘‘military special use airspace including all prohib-
ited areas, restricted areas, warning areas, and mili-
tary operational areas’’; 
(2) in paragraph (2), in the matter before sub-
paragraph (A), by striking ‘‘training, and large-scale 
exercises.’’ and inserting ‘‘regular training, and large- 
scale exercises. Under such processes, approval of Link 
16 operations shall be presumed and denial of Link 
16 operations shall be accompanied with substan-
tiated evidence demonstrating compromise of safety 
due to electromagnetic interference.’’; and 
(3) in paragraph (5), by inserting ‘‘regular’’ be-
fore ‘‘training’’. 
SEC. 216. SUPPORT FOR RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT OF 
BIOINDUSTRIAL 
MANUFACTURING 
PROC-
ESSES. 
Section 215 of the James M. Inhofe National Defense 
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Public Law 117– 
263; 10 U.S.C. 4841 note) is amended— 
(1) by redesignating subsections (d) through (f) 
as subsections (e) through (g), respectively; and 
(2) by inserting after subsection (c) the following 
new subsection: 
‘‘(d) APPLICABILITY OF FUNDING.—The activities de-
scribed in subsection (c), including the design and construc-
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tion of facilities, are applicable to funds authorized to be 
appropriated for the Department of Defense for research, 
development, test, and evaluation.’’. 
SEC. 217. EXTENSION OF AUTHORITY FOR ASSIGNMENT TO 
DEFENSE ADVANCED RESEARCH PROJECTS 
AGENCY OF PRIVATE SECTOR PERSONNEL 
WITH CRITICAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOP-
MENT EXPERTISE. 
(a) EXTENSION.—Subsection (e) of section 232 of the 
Carl Levin and Howard P. ‘‘Buck’’ McKeon National De-
fense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015 (Public Law 
113–291; 10 U.S.C. note prec. 4091) is amended by striking 
‘‘September 30, 2025’’ and inserting ‘‘September 30, 2030’’. 
(b) TECHNICAL AMENDMENT.—Subsection (f)(2) of 
such section is amended by striking ‘‘section 2302’’ and in-
serting ‘‘section 3014’’. 
SEC. 218. POST-EMPLOYMENT RESTRICTIONS FOR PARTICI-
PANTS IN CERTAIN DEFENSE RESEARCH. 
(a) PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATORS IN COVERED DEFENSE 
RESEARCH PROJECTS.—Except as provided under sub-
section (c), as a condition of becoming or remaining a prin-
cipal investigator of a covered defense research project, a 
person shall agree that during the 3-year period beginning 
on the last day the person is a principal investigator of 
such research, such person may not seek or accept employ-
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ment, or conduct any activity, for which a foreign entity 
of concern provides financial compensation or in-kind bene-
fits. 
(b) EMPLOYEES OF DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE LAB-
ORATORIES.—Except as provided under subsection (c), as 
a condition of becoming or remaining an employee at a 
laboratory of the Department of Defense, a person shall 
agree that during the 3-year period beginning on the last 
day the person is an employee at such laboratory, such per-
son may not seek or accept employment, or conduct any 
activity, for which a foreign entity of concern provides fi-
nancial compensation or in-kind benefits. 
(c) WAIVER AUTHORITY.—The Secretary of Defense 
may waive the restrictions under subsections (a) and (b) 
with respect to a United States person if, not later than 
30 days before issuing the waiver, the Secretary submits 
to the congressional defense committees a notice of the waiv-
er that includes— 
(1) an unclassified justification for the waiver; 
and 
(2) a description of any Department of Defense 
funds provided to the person for which the waiver is 
issued or to the research in which the person partici-
pated. 
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(d) CERTIFICATION.—Not later than 270 days after the 
date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense 
shall establish a process, under the initiative established in 
section 1286 of the John S. McCain National Defense Au-
thorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (Public Law 115–232; 
10 U.S.C. 4001 note), to ensure that, when a person who 
previously made an agreement in subsection (a) or (b) ap-
plies for funding to conduct a covered defense research 
project in the future— 
(1) the employer of such person can certify that 
the person complied with the requirements in sub-
sections (a) and (b); and 
(2) that a person whose employer cannot make 
the certification in paragraph (1) is ineligible to par-
ticipate in the covered defense research project. 
(e) DETERMINATION
OF CRITICAL
AND EMERGING 
TECHNOLOGY.—Not later than 270 days after the date of 
the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the Sec-
retary of Defense shall— 
(1) determine which technologies are critical or 
emerging from among the technologies for which the 
Department funds research; and 
(2) shall make the results of such determination 
publicly available. 
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(f) APPLICABILITY.—This section shall apply with re-
spect to research that begins on or after the date that is 
one year after the date of the enactment of this Act. 
(g) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 
(1) The term ‘‘foreign entity of concern’’ has the 
meaning given that term in section 10612(a) of the 
Research and Development, Competition, and Innova-
tion Act (42 U.S.C. 19221(a)) and includes a foreign 
entity that is identified on the list published under 
section 1286(c)(9)(A) of the John S. McCain National 
Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (Pub-
lic Law 115–232; 10 U.S.C. 4001 note). 
(2) The term ‘‘covered defense research project’’ 
means a research project that— 
(A) is operated by an institution of higher 
education or a subsidiary of an institution of 
higher education; 
(B) is funded, in whole or in part, by the 
Department of Defense; and 
(C) involves a critical or emerging tech-
nology. 
(3) The term ‘‘critical or emerging technology’’ 
means a technology that the Secretary determines to 
be critical or emerging in accordance with subsection 
(e). 
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(4) The term ‘‘institution of higher education’’ 
has the meaning given that term in section 102 of the 
Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1002). 
SEC. 219. NATIONAL SECURITY AND DEFENSE ARTIFICIAL 
INTELLIGENCE INSTITUTE. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of Defense may es-
tablish at least one National Security and Defense Artificial 
Intelligence Institute (referred to in this section as an ‘‘In-
stitute’’) at an eligible host institution. 
(b) INSTITUTE DESCRIBED.—A National Security and 
Defense Artificial Intelligence Institute referred to in sub-
section (a) is an artificial intelligence research institute 
that— 
(1) is focused on a cross-cutting challenge or 
foundational science for artificial intelligence systems 
in the national security and defense sector; 
(2) establishes partnerships among public and 
private organizations, including, as appropriate, Fed-
eral agencies, institutions of higher education, includ-
ing community colleges, nonprofit research organiza-
tions, Federal laboratories, State, local, and Tribal 
governments, and industry, including the Defense In-
dustrial Base and startup companies; 
(3) has the potential to create an innovation eco-
system, or enhance existing ecosystems, to translate 
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Institute research into applications and products used 
to enhance national security and defense capabilities; 
(4) supports interdisciplinary research and de-
velopment across multiple institutions of higher edu-
cation and organizations; and 
(5) supports workforce development in artificial 
intelligence related disciplines in the United States. 
(c) FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AUTHORIZED.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of Defense may 
award financial assistance to an eligible host institu-
tion, or consortia thereof, to establish and support one 
or more Institutes. 
(2) 
USE
OF
FUNDS.—Financial 
assistance 
awarded under paragraph (1) may be used by an In-
stitute for— 
(A) managing and making available to re-
searchers accessible, curated, standardized, se-
cure, and privacy protected data sets from the 
public and private sectors for the purposes of 
training and testing artificial intelligence sys-
tems and for research using artificial intelligence 
systems with regard to national security and de-
fense; 
(B) developing and managing testbeds for 
artificial intelligence systems, including sector- 
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specific test beds, designed to enable users to 
evaluate artificial intelligence systems prior to 
deployment; 
(C) conducting research and education ac-
tivities involving artificial intelligence systems 
to solve challenges with national security impli-
cations; 
(D) providing or brokering access to com-
puting resources, networking, and data facilities 
for artificial intelligence research and develop-
ment relevant to the Institute’s research goals; 
(E) providing technical assistance to users, 
including software engineering support, for arti-
ficial intelligence research and development rel-
evant to the Institute’s research goals; 
(F) engaging in outreach and engagement 
to broaden participation in artificial intelligence 
research and the artificial intelligence workforce; 
and 
(G) such other activities as may determined 
by the Secretary of Defense. 
(3) DURATION.—Financial assistance under 
paragraph (1) shall be awarded for a five-year period, 
and may be renewed for not more than one additional 
five-year period. 
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(4) APPLICATION FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE.— 
A eligible host institution or consortia thereof seeking 
financial assistance under paragraph (1) shall submit 
to the Secretary of Defense an application at such 
time, in such manner, and containing such informa-
tion as the Secretary may require. 
(5) COMPETITIVE, MERIT REVIEW.—In awarding 
financial assistance under paragraph (1), the Sec-
retary of Defense shall use a competitive, merit-based 
review process. 
(6) COLLABORATION.—In awarding financial as-
sistance under paragraph (1), the Secretary of De-
fense may collaborate other departments and agencies 
of the Federal Government with missions that relate 
to or have the potential to be affected by the national 
security implications of artificial intelligence systems. 
(7) LIMITATION.—No financial assistance au-
thorized in this section shall be awarded to an entity 
outside of the United States. All recipients of finan-
cial assistance under this section, including sub-
grantees, shall be based in the United States and shall 
meet such other eligibility criteria as may be estab-
lished by the Secretary of Defense. 
(d) DEFINITION.—In this section, the term ‘‘eligible 
host institution’’ means an institution of higher education 
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in the United States that conducts research sponsored by 
the Department of Defense. 
SEC. 220. RESPONSIBLE DEVELOPMENT AND DEPLOYMENT 
OF BIOTECHNOLOGY WITHIN THE DEPART-
MENT OF DEFENSE. 
(a) REQUIREMENT.— 
(1) POLICIES AND GUIDELINES.—The Secretary 
of Defense shall issue policies and guidelines on the 
responsible development and deployment of bio-
technology within the Department of Defense. 
(2) EXECUTIVE AGENT.—The Secretary shall des-
ignate a senior civilian official within the Office of 
the Secretary of Defense to serve as the executive 
agent to develop the policies and guidelines under 
paragraph (1). 
(3) COORDINATION.—The Secretary shall ensure 
that the policies and guidelines under paragraph (1) 
are developed in consultation with— 
(A) the Under Secretary of Defense for Re-
search and Engineering; 
(B) the Under Secretary of Defense for Pol-
icy; and 
(C) individuals representing industry, aca-
demia, and civil society. 
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(4) PUBLIC AVAILABILITY.—The Secretary shall 
make the policies and guidelines under paragraph (1) 
publicly available. 
(b) MATTERS INCLUDED.—The policies and guidelines 
under subsection (a)(1) shall include the following: 
(1) Definitions related to the responsible develop-
ment and use of biotechnology. 
(2) An assessment of whether, and to what ex-
tent, existing statutes, regulations, directives, manu-
als, or instructions limit the ability of the Depart-
ment of Defense to provide guidelines for the respon-
sible development of emerging biotechnology. 
(3) Guidelines encouraging the safe use of bio-
technology products under appropriate regulatory and 
other oversight processes. 
(4) Policies relating to informed consent of mem-
bers of the Armed Forces participating in the develop-
ment of biotechnology products that have not received 
regulatory approval. 
(5) Policies relating to whether, and under which 
conditions, irreversible or heritable treatments of po-
tential biotechnology applications are acceptable. 
(6) Policies relating to the potential effects of 
biotechnologies on the environment. 
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(7) Policies relating to the compliance by and 
obligations of the Department of Defense with respect 
to the Convention on the Prohibition of the Develop-
ment, Production and Stockpiling of Bacteriological 
and Toxin Weapons and on their Destruction (com-
monly referred to as the ‘‘Biological Weapons Conven-
tion’’). 
(8) Such other matters as the Secretary of De-
fense determines relevant. 
(c) REPORT.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than one year after 
the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of 
Defense shall submit to the congressional defense com-
mittees a report on the policies and guidelines under 
subsection (a)(1), including the methodologies used to 
develop the policies and guidelines. 
(2) FORM.—The report required under para-
graph (1) shall be submitted in unclassified form but 
may include a classified annex. 
(3) PUBLIC AVAILABILITY.—The Secretary of De-
fense shall make report required under paragraph (1) 
publicly available, except such publicly available 
version of the report may not include any classified 
annex provided under paragraph (2). 
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(d) BRIEFING.—During the two-year period beginning 
on the date that is one year after the date of the enactment 
of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall provide to the 
congressional defense committees an annual briefing on the 
implementation of the policies and guidelines under sub-
section (a)(1), including a description of any needed re-
sources for such implementation. 
SEC. 221. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE BIOTECHNOLOGY 
WORKFORCE TRAINING. 
(a) REQUIREMENT.—Not later than one year after the 
date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense 
shall establish and carry out a training program— 
(1) for members of the covered Armed Forces, ci-
vilian employees of the Department of Defense, and 
contractors of such Department whose duties the Sec-
retary determines include— 
(A) creating or deploying novel biotech-
nologies; 
(B) analyzing, preparing for, or responding 
to biological threats; or 
(C) planning, research and development, en-
gineering, or testing and evaluation of systems 
(including quality control and assurance, pro-
curement and contracting, logistics, and cost es-
timating) regarding biotechnology; and 
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(2) on biotechnology and other relevant critical 
and emerging technologies. 
(b) CONSULTATION.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary shall consult 
with leadership and workforce training managers in 
the Department to develop and implement such train-
ing program and identify the individuals described in 
subsection (a) based on— 
(A) the needs and priorities of the Depart-
ment; and 
(B) the relevance of the training to the indi-
viduals’ positions. 
(2) MATERIAL.—The material covered in the 
training programs shall be customized by Department 
leadership to align with specific needs and mission 
requirements. 
(3) SKILLS.—The Secretary shall define the es-
sential skills for biotechnology personnel to better un-
derstand what Federal personnel should undergo 
training and how to customize training for groups. 
(c) REQUIREMENTS.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—The training program estab-
lished under this section shall, at a minimum, include 
information on— 
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(A) the fundamental science underlying bio-
technology, artificial intelligence and other rel-
evant critical and emerging technologies; 
(B) concepts relating to the technological 
features of biotechnology systems; 
(C) applications of biotechnology in defense, 
health, agriculture, energy, environment, and 
other relevant areas; 
(D) the ways in which artificial intel-
ligence, quantum computing, and other tech-
nologies are leveraged to advance biotechnology; 
(E) mechanisms by which the Federal Gov-
ernment supports, funds, purchases, and deploys 
biotechnology and its applications; 
(F) ways in which the Federal Government 
can benefit from biotechnology; 
(G) ethical, social, and legal aspects of bio-
technology including ways of incorporating a 
wide range of stakeholder perspectives throughout 
research and innovation cycles; 
(H) ways to mitigate the risks described in 
previous subparagraphs, including efforts to cre-
ate and identify biotechnologies that are reliable, 
safe, and trustworthy; and 
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(I) future trends in biotechnology, including 
intersections with artificial intelligence, quan-
tum computing, autonomous systems, robotics, 
advanced manufacturing, and other relevant 
technologies, as well as trends for economic and 
national security, and innovation. 
(2) PARTICIPATION.—Any individual described 
under subsection (b)(1) shall complete training under 
this section annually. 
(3) INTERACTIVE.—The Secretary shall ensure 
interactive learning with scholars and experts from 
private, public and nonprofit sectors is included 
under the training programs. The Secretary shall 
provide access to courses through institutions of pro-
fessional military education, such as the National De-
fense University. 
(4) UPDATES.—The training programs estab-
lished under this section shall be updated each year 
to review and cover advances in biotechnology and its 
convergence with other critical and emerging tech-
nologies. 
(5) CONTINUING
EDUCATION.—The Secretary 
shall update the training programs established under 
this section to provide continuing technology edu-
cation for individuals described in subsection (a) and 
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include requirements for refresher training on the lat-
est advances in biotechnology science, laboratory 
work, equipment and software. 
(d) PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENTS.—The Secretary 
shall establish mechanisms to measure participation in 
training programs required under this section, and to re-
ceive and consider feedback from program participants to 
improve training. 
(e) REPORT.—Not later than six months after the date 
of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to 
the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House 
of Representatives a report that includes a plan to establish 
and implement the training programs required under this 
section. 
(f) SUNSET.—This section and the training programs 
required to be carried out by this section shall terminate 
on the date that is five years after such programs are estab-
lished under subsection (a). 
(g) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 
(1) The term ‘‘artificial intelligence’’ has the 
meaning given that term in section 5002 of the Na-
tional Artificial Intelligence Initiative Act of 2020 
(division E of Public Law 116–283). 
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(2) The term ‘‘covered Armed Force’’ means the 
Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, or Space 
Force. 
SEC. 222. BIOTECHNOLOGY SUPPLY CHAIN RESILIENCY 
PROGRAM. 
(a) AUTHORIZATION.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of Defense, in 
coordination with the Secretaries of the military de-
partments and the heads of relevant Defense Agencies, 
may establish and implement a program (referred to 
in this section as the ‘‘Program’’) to develop, scale, 
and transition biotechnology research from the mili-
tary service laboratories, including biotechnology- 
based chemicals, materials, fuels, and other products 
relevant to the mission of the Department of Defense 
that support the resilience, sustainability, and re-
sponsiveness of the defense supply chain. 
(2) ACTIVITIES.—Under the Program, the Sec-
retary of Defense may carry out the following activi-
ties: 
(A) Conduct an assessment of supply chain 
vulnerabilities in the Department of Defense. 
(B) Direct the military service laboratories 
to establish mechanisms to collaboratively— 
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(i) conduct applied research, including 
experimentation, advanced technological de-
velopment, advanced component develop-
ment, 
and 
rapid 
prototyping 
in 
bioindustrials, biomanufacturing, and re-
lated disciplines to support defense mis-
sions; 
(ii) develop, prototype, test, and tran-
sition biologically derived materials and 
products to reduce reliance on foreign sup-
ply chains and vulnerable supply chains; 
(iii) upgrade, expand, or construct 
physical and digital infrastructure, includ-
ing laboratory facilities, of the Department 
and its partners to support bioindustrial re-
search, development, testing, prototyping, 
and production; 
(iv) as needed, enter into contracts, co-
operative agreements, grants, or other trans-
actions with relevant Federal entities and 
non-Federal entities such as commercial en-
tities, research institutions, and academic 
organizations to execute the activities under 
this paragraph; and 
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(v) support education, training, and 
workforce development initiatives to build 
and sustain a skilled bioindustrial and bio-
manufacturing workforce. 
(C) Collaborate across the military depart-
ments, Defense Agencies, and other Federal enti-
ties to ensure alignment with national bioindus-
trial and supply chain strategies. 
(D) Promote the development and utiliza-
tion of next-generation feedstocks and processes 
in ways that support local economic growth. 
(E) Modernize infrastructure through in-
vestment in facilities that enable rapid proto-
typing and advanced materials testing. 
(F) Establish performance metrics and 
benchmarks to measure progress toward oper-
ational integration and transition to programs 
of record. 
(3) OTHER CONSIDERATIONS.—In the event the 
Secretary carries out the Program, the Secretary of 
Defense shall— 
(A) prioritize technologies and capabilities 
that address critical defense supply chain 
vulnerabilities and enhance military readiness, 
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including technologies and capabilities necessary 
to— 
(i) reduce logistics through field-en-
abled manufacturing of materials such as 
construction-grade 
bio-cement 
and 
deployable infrastructure components; 
(ii) enhance performance through de-
velopment of novel materials including pro-
tective coatings and biologically derived 
composites; or 
(iii) improve cost efficiency of manu-
facturing and reduce dependency on foreign 
supply chains; 
(B) consult with representatives of industry, 
academia, and other Federal agencies with rel-
evant expertise, to accelerate development and 
transitions; and 
(C) ensure the Program supports the devel-
opment and fielding of emerging technologies 
such as biotechnologies that provide operational 
and strategic advantages to the Armed Forces, 
including through— 
(i) cross-service and public-private 
partnerships; and 
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(ii) applied research, pilot-scale pro-
duction, and technology transition efforts 
focused on biomanufacturing and materials 
innovation. 
(b) PLAN AND REPORTS.— 
(1) INITIAL PLAN.—Not later than 90 days after 
electing to commence the Program, the Secretary of 
Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed 
Services of the Senate and the House of Representa-
tives a plan for the allocation of appropriations to 
fund the Program. 
(2) ANNUAL REPORTS.—Not later than one year 
after commencing the Program, and annually there-
after until the Program terminates under subsection 
(c), the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Com-
mittees on Armed Services of the Senate and the 
House of Representatives a report detailing all activi-
ties carried out under the program. Each report shall 
include, to the extent applicable, the following: 
(A) A summary of key research, develop-
ment, and prototyping efforts initiated or con-
tinued during the year covered by the report, in-
cluding technical objectives, anticipated defense 
applications, and funding. 
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(B) A list of significant partnerships or 
agreements executed with industry, academic in-
stitutions, and other Federal agencies, including 
the purpose, national security nexus, and fund-
ing level of each such partnership or agreement. 
(C) An assessment of infrastructure en-
hancements undertaken to support bioindustrial 
development and scale-up, including facility 
modernization and equipment acquisition. 
(D) An evaluation of program performance 
against established milestones or metrics, includ-
ing progress toward the transition of technologies 
to operational use or acquisition programs. 
(E) An identification of major technical, 
logistical, or policy challenges encountered, and 
actions taken to mitigate such challenges. 
(F) Any recommendations for additional 
authorities, funding mechanisms, or interagency 
coordination necessary to enhance the effective-
ness of the Program. 
(3) FORM.—Each report under this subsection 
shall be submitted in unclassified form but may con-
tain a classified annex. 
(c) SUNSET.— 
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(1) IN GENERAL.—Except as provided in para-
graph (2), the authority to carry out the Program 
shall terminate on the date that is 10 years after the 
date of the enactment of this Act. 
(2) EXTENSION.—The Program may be contin-
ued after the termination date specified in paragraph 
(1) if, before such date, the President— 
(A) determines that continuation of the Pro-
gram is necessary to meet national economic or 
national security needs; and 
(B) submits notice of such determination to 
the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate 
and the House of Representatives. 
SEC. 223. REVIEW AND ALIGNMENT OF STANDARDS, GUID-
ANCE, AND POLICIES RELATING TO DIGITAL 
ENGINEERING. 
(a) REVIEW REQUIRED.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 180 days after 
the date of the enactment of this Act, each Secretary 
of a military department, in coordination with the of-
ficials specified in subsection (c), shall complete a 
comprehensive review of the standards, guidance, and 
policies relating to digital engineering within the cov-
ered Armed Forces under the jurisdiction of that Sec-
retary. 
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(2) ELEMENTS.—Each review under paragraph 
(1) shall include, with respect to the covered Armed 
Forces under the jurisdiction of the Secretary con-
cerned, the following: 
(A) A review of the reference architectures, 
standards, and best practices for the use of dig-
ital engineering tools (including digital twins 
and digital threads) as in effect at the time of 
the review, including standards for the use of 
such tools at all stages of program design, devel-
opment, and testing. 
(B) Identification of the current standards 
guiding the use of such digital engineering tools, 
at all stages of program design, development, 
and testing. 
(C) Assessment of— 
(i) the extent to which the use of such 
standards and related governance structures 
is consistent across the covered Armed 
Forces under the jurisdiction of the Sec-
retary concerned; and 
(ii) the level of interoperability of such 
standards across such Armed Forces. 
(D) Identification of best practices for dig-
ital engineering within each such Armed Force. 
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(E) Recommendations for improvements to 
the use of digital engineering tools in each such 
Armed Force. 
(b) DEVELOPMENT OF STANDARD REFERENCE ARCHI-
TECTURE.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 180 days after 
the date on which the Secretary of a military depart-
ment completes the review required under subsection 
(a), the Secretary shall develop and implement a 
standard reference architecture to guide the use of, 
and best practices for, digital engineering for pro-
gram design, development, and testing within each 
covered Armed Force under the jurisdiction of that 
Secretary. Each reference architecture shall include— 
(A) a framework and clear requirements for 
developing and deploying digital engineering 
tools across program lifecycles; and 
(B) defined standards for data management 
and modeling. 
(2) PERIODIC REVIEW.—Not less frequently than 
once every three years following implementation of the 
standard reference architecture required under para-
graph (1), each Secretary of a military department 
shall— 
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(A) conduct periodic reviews of the reference 
architecture to ensure it effectively addresses ad-
vancements in technology and evolving oper-
ational needs; and 
(B) if necessary, modify the reference archi-
tecture to address such advancements and needs. 
(3) APPROVAL AND CERTIFICATION REQUIRED.— 
Before a reference architecture may be implemented 
under this subsection, the Under Secretary of Defense 
for Acquisition and Sustainment, in coordination 
with the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and 
Engineering and the Director of Operational Test and 
Evaluation, shall— 
(A) review and approve the reference archi-
tecture; and 
(B) submit certification of such approval to 
the head of the covered Armed Force involved. 
(4) RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FURTHER STAND-
ARDIZATION.—Based on the reviews conducted under 
paragraph (3), the Under Secretary of Defense for Ac-
quisition and Sustainment, in coordination with the 
Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engi-
neering and the Director of Operational Test and 
Evaluation, shall— 
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(A) identify and develop recommendations 
regarding areas in which further standardization 
of reference architectures across the covered 
Armed Forces may be feasible; and 
(B) submit such recommendations to the 
Secretaries of the military departments. 
(c) OFFICIALS SPECIFIED.—The officials specified in 
this subsection are the following— 
(1) The Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisi-
tion and Sustainment. 
(2) The Under Secretary of Defense for Research 
and Engineering. 
(3) The Director of Operational Test and Eval-
uation. 
(d) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 
(1) The term ‘‘covered Armed Forces’’ means the 
Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Space 
Force. 
(2) The term ‘‘reference architecture’’ means an 
authoritative source of information about a specific 
subject 
area 
that 
guides 
and 
constrains 
the 
instantiations of multiple architectures and solutions, 
as described in the guidance of the Office of the As-
sistant Secretary of Defense titled ‘‘Reference Archi-
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tecture Description’’, dated June 2010, or any suc-
cessor to such guidance. 
SEC. 224. APPLICATION OF SOFTWARE INNOVATION AND 
DATA MANAGEMENT PLANS TO MODERNIZE 
TEST AND EVALUATION INFRASTRUCTURE. 
(a) ESTABLISHMENT OF DIGITAL TEST AND EVALUA-
TION ENVIRONMENT.— 
(1) PROGRAM.—The Director of the Test Re-
source Management Center, in coordination with the 
officials specified in paragraph (4), shall establish 
and maintain a digital test and evaluation environ-
ment for developmental and operational testing of 
warfighting capabilities. 
(2) REQUIREMENTS.—The digital test and eval-
uation environment required under paragraph (1) 
shall— 
(A) incorporate commercially-derived data 
management, analysis, and operations software 
tools to enable rapid test and evaluation; 
(B) enable real-time and iterative data col-
lection, management, analysis, and feedback 
loops across the life cycle of tested systems; 
(C) provide secure environments for testing 
systems with operational security sensitivities; 
and 
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(D) use a modular open system approach 
(as defined in section 4401 of title 10, United 
States Code) to ensure the environment can be 
accessed by multiple vendors and is interoperable 
with multiple data sources, data formats, and 
digital tools. 
(3) USE OF SOFTWARE ACQUISITION PATHWAY.— 
In procuring software and covered hardware (as de-
fined in section 3603 of title 10, United States Code) 
for the digital test and evaluation environment re-
quired under paragraph (1), the Director of the Test 
Resource Management center shall use a software ac-
quisition pathway described in section 3603 of title 
10, United States Code. 
(4) OFFICIALS SPECIFIED.—The officials speci-
fied in this paragraph are— 
(A) the Director of the Defense Innovation 
Unit; 
(B) the Director of Operational Test and 
Evaluation; and 
(C) each chief of a covered Armed Force. 
(b) DATA MANAGEMENT PLANS.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—Before a covered Armed Force 
may conduct a test and evaluation event, an appro-
priate official from the Armed Force shall submit to 
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the Director of Operational Test and Evaluation and 
the Director of the Test Resource Management Center 
a data management plan for the event. Such data 
management plan may be included as part of the Test 
and Evaluation Master plan submitted for the event 
pursuant 
to 
Department 
of 
Defense 
Directive 
5000.100. 
(2) PLAN
REQUIREMENTS.—The Director of 
Operational Test and Evaluation and the Director of 
the Test Resource Management Center shall jointly 
develop standard requirements for the data manage-
ment plans required under paragraph (1). Each such 
data management plan shall include, with respect to 
the test and evaluation event covered by the plan— 
(A) identification of relevant data to be col-
lected during the event; 
(B) methodologies for analyzing data after 
testing is complete; and 
(C) any other information the Directors de-
termine appropriate. 
(c) PILOT PROGRAM TO ACCELERATE TEST.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—The Director of the Defense 
Innovation Unit and the Director of the Test Re-
source Management Center, in coordination with the 
Director of Operational Test and Evaluation, shall 
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jointly carry out a pilot program to determine how 
commercial software can be used to accelerate and im-
prove testing for priority mission areas— 
(A) to accelerate continuous integration and 
continuous testing of warfighting capabilities by 
applying industry best practices and tooling for 
scalability, advanced analysis, and data sharing 
on identified priority use cases; and 
(B) to enable continuous and iterative test-
ing throughout capability design, development, 
engineering, and fielding. 
(2) REPORTS REQUIRED.—The Director of the 
Defense Innovation Unit and the Director of the Test 
Resource Management Center, in coordination with 
the Director of Operational Test and Evaluation, 
shall— 
(A) not later than 120 days after the date 
of the enactment of this Act, submit to the con-
gressional defense committees an interim report 
that includes an implementation plan for the 
pilot program under paragraph (1); and 
(B) following submittal of the report under 
subparagraph (A), but not later than 270 days 
after the date of the enactment of this Act, sub-
mit to the committees a report on the progress of 
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the pilot program, which shall include a descrip-
tion of— 
(i) the metrics used to measure the per-
formance of commercial software under the 
program; 
(ii) the initial findings of the program; 
and 
(iii) based on such findings, any iden-
tified roadblocks or limitations to using 
commercial software and digital tools for 
accelerated testing. 
(3) TERMINATION.—The authority to carry out 
the pilot program under this subsection shall termi-
nate five years after the date of the enactment of this 
Act. 
(d) COVERED ARMED FORCE DEFINED.—In this sec-
tion, the term ‘‘covered Armed Force’’ means the Army, 
Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Space Force. 
SEC. 225. DEMONSTRATION OF NEAR REAL-TIME MONI-
TORING CAPABILITIES TO ENHANCE WEAPON 
SYSTEM PLATFORMS. 
(a) PROGRAM ESTABLISHMENT.—Subject to the avail-
ability of appropriations, the Secretary of Defense, in co-
ordination with the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisi-
tion and Sustainment and the chiefs of the Armed Forces, 
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shall carry out a program to equip selected weapon system 
platforms with onboard, near real-time, end-to-end serial 
bus and radio frequency monitoring capabilities to ensure 
continuous operational oversight and cybersecurity health 
and resiliency. 
(b) PHASES.—The Secretary of Defense shall imple-
ment the program under subsection (a) in phases as follows: 
(1) Not later than 90 days after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall— 
(A) select not fewer than 3 and not more 
than 5 weapon system platform fleets for initial 
participation in the program, prioritizing the 
MH–60R and MQ–9 aircraft fleets; and 
(B) complete the initial deployment of mon-
itoring capabilities to such platforms. 
(2) Not later than one year after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall extend mon-
itoring capabilities to the complete fleets of selected 
platforms and complete initial data collection and 
analysis from all participating platforms. 
(3) Not later than one year after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall, subject to 
the availability of appropriations— 
(A) select not fewer than 3 and not more 
than 5 weapon system platform fleets, in addi-
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tion to those selected under paragraph (1), for 
participation in the program, prioritizing plat-
forms that demonstrate the highest potential for 
cybersecurity improvement and operational read-
iness gains based on program data analysis; and 
(B) complete initial deployment of moni-
toring capabilities to such additional platforms. 
(4) Not later than 18 months after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall complete a 
comprehensive evaluation of the monitoring capabili-
ties demonstrated under the program, including cy-
bersecurity effectiveness, potential applicability of 
data to maintenance improvements, and development 
of scalability recommendations for potential Depart-
ment-wide implementation. 
(c) DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS.— 
(1) CHIEFS OF THE ARMED FORCES REQUIRE-
MENTS.—Each chief of an Armed Force with a weap-
on system platform participating in the program 
under subsection (a) shall collect and provide to the 
Secretary of Defense data regarding the platform and 
the monitoring capabilities demonstrated under the 
program, including data on— 
(A) cyber threat detection effectiveness; 
(B) maintenance efficiency improvements; 
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(C) safety incident investigation and pre-
dictive maintenance accuracy; 
(D) operational readiness and mission ca-
pable rates improvements; and 
(E) interoperability and data sharing capa-
bilities across platforms and services. 
(2) DEPARTMENTAL
ANALYSIS.—The Secretary 
shall analyze the data provided under paragraph (1) 
to assess— 
(A) integration challenges and suggestions 
for overcoming such challenges in a future De-
partment-wide program; 
(B) scalability requirements for broader De-
partment-wide implementation; and 
(C) novel approaches for utilizing existing 
resources in an austere fiscal environment to ex-
pand capabilities across the Department. 
(d) BUDGET INTEGRATION.—In the budget justifica-
tion materials submitted to Congress in support of the De-
partment of Defense budget for fiscal year 2028 (as sub-
mitted with the budget of the President under section 
1105(a) of title 31), the Secretary of Defense shall include 
proposed funding levels for the program expansion author-
ized under subsection (b)(3). 
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(e) REPORTING REQUIREMENTS.—Not later than 90 
days after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annu-
ally thereafter for each of the following five years, the Sec-
retary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense 
committees a report on the status of the program. Each re-
port shall include, with respect to the period covered by the 
report— 
(1) implementation plans for the program; 
(2) identification of the weapon system platforms 
selected for participation in the program; and 
(3) analysis of any data collected under the pro-
gram. 
SEC. 226. WESTERN REGIONAL RANGE COMPLEX DEM-
ONSTRATION. 
(a) DEMONSTRATION REQUIRED.—The Secretary of 
Defense shall carry out a demonstration of a joint multi- 
domain kinetic and non-kinetic testing and training envi-
ronment across military departments by interconnecting ex-
isting ranges and training sites in the western States to 
improve joint multi-domain training and further testing, 
research, and development. 
(b) USE OF EXISTING RANGES AND CAPABILITIES.— 
The demonstration carried out pursuant to subsection (a) 
shall use existing ranges and range capability, unless capa-
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bility gaps are identified in the process of planning specific 
demonstration activities. 
(c) ACTIVITIES.—The demonstration carried out pur-
suant to subsection (a) shall include the following: 
(1) Electromagnetic spectrum operations. 
(2) Electromagnetic warfare. 
(3) Operations that blend kinetic and non-ki-
netic effects. 
(4) Operations in the information environment. 
(5) Joint All Domain Command and Control 
(commonly known as ‘‘JADC2’’). 
(6) Information warfare, including the following: 
(A) Intelligence, surveillance, and recon-
naissance. 
(B) Offensive and defensive cyber oper-
ations. 
(C) Electromagnetic warfare. 
(D) Space operations. 
(E) Psychological operations. 
(F) Public affairs. 
(G) Weather operations. 
(d) TIMELINE FOR COMPLETION OF INITIAL DEM-
ONSTRATION.—In carrying out subsection (a), the Secretary 
shall seek to complete an initial demonstration, inter-
connecting two or more ranges or testing sites of two or 
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100 
more military departments in the western States, subject 
to availability of appropriations, not later than one year 
after the date of the enactment of this Act. 
(e) BRIEFING.—Not later than 180 days after the date 
of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall provide the 
congressional defense committees a briefing on— 
(1) a phased implementation plan and design to 
connect ranges and testing sites in the western States, 
including the initial demonstration required by sub-
section (d); 
(2) how the design architecture of the plan is in 
alignment with recommendations of the 2020 Depart-
ment of Defense Electromagnetic Spectrum Superi-
ority Strategy; and 
(3) how the design architecture will support 
high-periodicity training, testing, research, and devel-
opment. 
(f) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 
(1) The term ‘‘information environment’’ means 
the aggregate of individuals, organizations, and sys-
tems that collect, process, and disseminate, or act on 
information. 
(2) The term ‘‘Secretary’’ means the Secretary of 
Defense. 
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101 
(g) TERMINATION.—This section shall terminate on 
September 30, 2028. 
SEC. 227. REIMBURSEMENT OF NATIONAL GUARD FOR RE-
SEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, TEST, AND EVALUA-
TION EXPENSES. 
(a) AVAILABILITY.—Amounts authorized to be appro-
priated after the date of the enactment of this Act for the 
Department of Defense for research, development, test, and 
evaluation shall be available for reimbursement of pay, al-
lowances, and other expenses which would otherwise be in-
curred against appropriations for the reserve components 
of the Armed Forces, including the National Guard, in cases 
in which members of the such reserve components provide 
support to research, development, test, and evaluation 
projects in which their involvement furthers the project be-
cause of a member’s or unit’s availability, qualifications, 
experience, or education. 
(b) RULE OF CONSTRUCTION.—Nothing in this section 
shall be construed— 
(1) to authorize a deviation from established per-
sonnel and training procedures of the reserve compo-
nents of the Armed Forces, including the National 
Guard; or 
(2) to authorize the direct engagement of mem-
bers or units of such components to conduct inde-
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102 
pendent research, development, test and evaluation 
projects. 
SEC. 228. PROHIBITION ON AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS FOR 
ANIMAL RESEARCH IN COLLABORATION WITH 
FOREIGN COUNTRIES OF CONCERN. 
(a) PROHIBITION.—None of the funds authorized to be 
appropriated by this Act or otherwise made available for 
fiscal year 2026 for the Department of Defense may be obli-
gated or expended— 
(1) to carry out research, development, test, eval-
uation, or training activities involving animals— 
(A) in collaboration with a foreign country 
of concern; or 
(B) at any facility located in, or owned or 
controlled (directly or indirectly) by, a foreign 
country of concern; or 
(2) to enter into a contract or other agreement, 
or make a grant, pursuant to which such activities 
would be carried out. 
(b) FOREIGN COUNTRY OF CONCERN DEFINED.—In 
this section, the term ‘‘foreign country of concern’’ has the 
meaning given that term in section 9901 of the William 
M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act 
for Fiscal Year 2021 (Public Law 116–283; 15 U.S.C. 
4651). 
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103 
SEC. 229. PROHIBITION ON AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS FOR 
GAIN OF FUNCTION RESEARCH. 
(a) PROHIBITION.—None of the funds authorized to be 
appropriated by this Act or otherwise made available for 
fiscal year 2026 for the Department of Defense may be obli-
gated or expended— 
(1) to conduct gain-of-function research on any 
potential pandemic pathogen at any facility operated 
by or on behalf of the Department; or 
(2) to award contracts, grants, cooperative agree-
ments, or any other form of financial assistance to 
any institution of higher education, nonprofit organi-
zation, private entity, or other research institute that 
is conducting gain-of-function research on potential 
pandemic pathogens. 
(b) WAIVER.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of Defense may 
waive the prohibition under subsection (a) on a case- 
by-case basis, with respect to an individual research 
project, grant, contract, or cooperative agreement, if 
the Secretary determines that such a waiver is in the 
national interests of the United States. 
(2) CONGRESSIONAL NOTICE.—Not later than 30 
days before the date on which an award is made, a 
project is initiated, or an agreement entered into, 
with respect to which a waiver is made under para-
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104 
graph (1), the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the 
Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the 
House of Representatives notice of such waiver. 
(c) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 
(1) The term ‘‘gain-of-function research’’ means 
any research that may be reasonably anticipated to 
confer an attribute to a pathogen such that the patho-
gen would have enhanced pathogenicity or trans-
missibility in mammals. 
(2) The term ‘‘potential pandemic pathogen’’ 
means a pathogen that, as a result of any gain-of- 
function research— 
(A) is likely more transmissible or likely ca-
pable of wide and uncontrollable spread in 
human populations; 
(B) is likely more virulent or likely to cause 
modest or greater morbidity or mortality in hu-
mans; or 
(C) is likely to pose a severe threat to public 
health, the capacity of the public health systems 
to function, or national security. 
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105 
SEC. 230. LIMITATION ON AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS PEND-
ING COMPLIANCE WITH REQUIREMENTS RE-
LATING TO THE JOINT ENERGETICS TRANSI-
TION OFFICE. 
(a) LIMITATION.—Of the funds authorized to be appro-
priated by this Act or otherwise made available for fiscal 
year 2026 for the Department of Defense and available for 
the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition 
and Sustainment for travel expenses, not more than 75 per-
cent may be obligated or expended until the date on which 
the Secretary of Defense— 
(1) establishes a Joint Energetics Transition Of-
fice as required under section 148 of title 10, United 
States Code; and 
(2) submits to the congressional defense commit-
tees the reports required under subsections (b) and (c) 
of section 241 of the National Defense Authorization 
Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (Public Law 118–31; 136 
Stat. 208). 
(b) WAIVER AUTHORITY.—The Secretary of Defense 
may waive the prohibition under subsection (a) if the Sec-
retary— 
(1) determines that extenuating circumstances 
justify such a waiver; and 
(2) provides to the congressional defense commit-
tees a briefing on the reasons for such determination. 
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106 
Subtitle C—Plans, Reports, and 
Other Matters 
SEC. 241. FEASIBILITY STUDY ON INCORPORATING MILI-
TARILY-RELEVANT APPLICATIONS OF EMERG-
ING BIOTECHNOLOGY INTO WARGAMING EX-
ERCISES. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs 
of Staff shall conduct a review to determine the feasibility 
and advisability modifying the design of wargaming exer-
cises to ensure that such exercises incorporate militarily- 
relevant applications of emerging biotechnology. 
(b) ELEMENTS.—In conducting the review required 
under subsection (a), the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of 
Staff shall take into account— 
(1) biotechnology-enabled enhancements that im-
prove the cognitive and physical performance of 
warfighters; 
(2) biotechnology-enabled chemicals and mate-
rials intended to provide a strategic advantage on the 
battlefield; 
(3) adversaries’ use of biotechnology for military 
purposes beyond traditional biological weapons; and 
(4) any other militarily-relevant applications of 
biotechnology determined appropriate by the Chair-
man. 
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107 
(c) CONSULTATION.—In conducting the review under 
subsection (a), the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff 
shall consult with— 
(1) the commanders of the combatant commands; 
and 
(2) other stakeholders within and outside the De-
partment of Defense, as necessary, to identify recent 
militarily-relevant advancements in the field of bio-
technology that could potentially be incorporated into 
exercises. 
(d) REPORT.—Not later than 180 days after the date 
of the enactment of this Act, the Chairman of the Joint 
Chiefs of Staff shall submit to the Committees on Armed 
Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a 
report on the results of the review conducted under sub-
section (a). The report shall include— 
(1) a detailed summary of any recommended 
modifications to wargaming exercises; and 
(2) if applicable, a plan for regularly updating 
the design of such exercises to keep pace with ad-
vances in biotechnology. 
(e) WARGAMING EXERCISE DEFINED.—In this section, 
the term ‘‘wargaming exercise’’ means a military exercise 
conducted to test or improve tactical expertise, and includes 
the Globally Integrated Wargames. 
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108 
SEC. 242. FEASIBILITY STUDY ON USE OF CLOUD LABORA-
TORIES. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of Defense shall con-
duct a review to determine the feasibility and advisability 
of using cloud laboratories at the Department of Defense 
to provide authorized researchers with access to high-quality 
experimental instrumentation and data collection for pur-
poses of generating high-quality data. 
(b) ELEMENTS.—In conducting the review required 
under subsection (a), the Secretary of Defense shall take into 
account— 
(1) best practices for cloud computing methods to 
safely store sensitive data, such as biological data; 
(2) considerations related to cybersecurity, bio-
security, research security, and data privacy; 
(3) estimated costs for the construction and 
sustainment of cloud laboratories; 
(4) estimated timelines for establishing cloud lab-
oratories; and 
(5) consideration of how cloud laboratories can 
improve the quality and quantity of data to improve 
research and development of novel technologies. 
(c) REPORT.—Not later than one year after the date 
of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall 
submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate 
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109 
and the House of Representatives a report on the results 
of the review conducted under subsection (a). 
(d) CLOUD LABORATORY DEFINED.—In this section, 
the term ‘‘cloud laboratory’’ means a physical laboratory 
equipped with automation and data storage to conduct ex-
periments. 
SEC. 243. QUARTERLY REPORTS ON TERMINATION OF CRIT-
ICAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH AWARDS. 
(a) REPORTS REQUIRED.—Not later than 90 days 
after the date of the enactment of this Act, and on a quar-
terly basis thereafter, the Secretary of Defense shall submit 
to the congressional defense committees a report that in-
cludes the following: 
(1) With respect to the quarter preceding the 
date of the report, identification of each covered 
award that was terminated by the Department of de-
fense on the basis that the award no longer effectuates 
the programs goals or agency priorities as provided 
under the Department of Defense Research and Devel-
opment General Terms and Conditions (dated March 
2025), or any related or successor guidance. 
(2) For each covered award identified under 
paragraph (1)— 
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(A) an explanation of whether or not that 
award was meeting relevant objectives and re-
quirements; and 
(B) a justification for the termination of the 
award. 
(b) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 
(1) The term ‘‘covered award’’ means an award 
made by the Department of Defense relating to the re-
search or development of any of the 14 critical tech-
nology areas. 
(2) The term ‘‘14 critical technology areas’’ 
means the critical technology areas described in the 
memorandum of the Under Secretary of Defense for 
Research and Engineering issued on February 1, 
2022, titled ‘‘USD(R&E) Technology Vision for an 
Era of Competition’’, or any successor guidance. 
SEC. 244. REPORT ON DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE MARKET 
RESEARCH OF CRITICAL TECHNOLOGY AND 
CAPABILITIES. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 180 days after the 
date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense, 
in coordination with the Under Secretary of Defense for Re-
search and Engineering and the Under Secretary of Acqui-
sition and Sustainment, shall submit to the congressional 
defense committees a report that— 
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(1) reviews and assesses the ability of the De-
partment of Defense to conduct effective and thorough 
market research on critical existing and emerging de-
fense technologies; and 
(2) makes recommendations for the improvement 
of such market research capabilities. 
(b) CONTENTS.—The report under subsection (a) shall 
include the following: 
(1) An assessment of the strategic market evalua-
tion practices across developmental innovation and 
acquisition offices, including practices that are 
aligned for purposes of investigating existing commer-
cial technology capabilities in critical technologies 
and capabilities. 
(2) Recommendations on ways to improve mar-
ket research and commercial sector due diligence 
within key Department of Defense innovation and ac-
quisition offices, with a particular focus on deeper en-
gagement with existing private sector entities. 
(3) An assessment of the current status of devel-
opment maturity and growth in critical technological 
market areas. 
(4) An assessment of regulatory, legal, and ad-
ministrative barriers in testing and evaluation of 
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such critical technologies that may delay their matu-
ration and development, such as— 
(A) a lack of authority to operate new tech-
nologies domestically; and 
(B) barriers to direct commercial sales and 
foreign military sales for such critical tech-
nologies. 
(5) An assessment of how the barriers described 
in paragraph (4) may be addressed to direct addi-
tional investment and speed development. 
(6) An assessment of current practices of accu-
mulating and storing market research data across the 
Department of Defense enterprise, from early-stage re-
search and development efforts to mature commercial 
solutions. 
(7) Recommendations, with respect to each crit-
ical technology sector, for enhancing private sector 
participation, lowering barriers to entry for commer-
cial sector entities, decreasing capital costs required 
for development, and shortening internal Department 
of Defense timelines for major acquisition decisions. 
(8) Recommendations for the creation of stand-
ardized best practices for market research and com-
mercial sector due diligence within key innovation 
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and acquisition organizations in the Department of 
Defense. 
(c) CONSULTATION.—In preparing the report under 
subsection (a) the Secretary shall seek input from relevant 
individuals and organizations in commercial industry and 
the venture capital sector. 
TITLE III—OPERATION AND 
MAINTENANCE 
Subtitle A—Authorization of 
Appropriations 
SEC. 301. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. 
Funds are hereby authorized to be appropriated for fis-
cal year 2026 for the use of the Armed Forces and other 
activities and agencies of the Department of Defense for ex-
penses, not otherwise provided for, for operation and main-
tenance, as specified in the funding table in section 4301. 
Subtitle B—Energy and 
Environment 
SEC. 311. INCLUSION OF NUCLEAR ENERGY AND NUCLEAR 
TECHNOLOGIES IN ELIGIBLE INVESTMENTS 
MADE BY OFFICE OF STRATEGIC CAPITAL. 
Section 149(f)(2) of title 10, United States Code, is 
amended— 
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(1) by redesignating subparagraphs (U) through 
(GG) as subparagraphs (W) through (II), respectively; 
and 
(2) by inserting after subparagraph (T) the fol-
lowing new subparagraphs: 
‘‘(U) Nuclear energy. 
‘‘(V) Nuclear technologies.’’. 
SEC. 312. INCLUSION OF INFORMATION ABOUT PFAS INVES-
TIGATION AND REMEDIATION IN ANNUAL RE-
PORT ON DEFENSE ENVIRONMENTAL PRO-
GRAMS. 
Section 2711 of title 10, United States Code, is amend-
ed— 
(1) in subsection (b), by adding at the end the 
following new paragraph: 
‘‘(6) Information on the costs associated with in-
vestigating and remediating per- and polyfluoroalkyl 
substances contamination, including— 
‘‘(A) detailed information regarding the 
total potential total costs to the Department of 
investigating and remediating such contamina-
tion at all locations where investigation and re-
mediation is expected to be funded by the De-
partment; and 
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‘‘(B) the cost assumption analysis required 
under subsection (d).’’; and 
(2) by adding at the end the following new sub-
section: 
‘‘(d) PFAS COST ASSUMPTION ANALYSIS.—The Sec-
retary shall carry out an annual cost assumption analysis 
with respect to the most important contributors to the costs 
to the Department of investigating and remediating per- 
and polyfluoroalkyl substances contamination that— 
‘‘(1) includes— 
‘‘(A) an assessment of any changes in regu-
latory standards, treatment technologies, and site 
prioritization that could affect future costs; 
‘‘(B) examples of how modifying assump-
tions about contamination extent, remediation 
timelines, or emerging disposal methods could af-
fect projected costs; and 
‘‘(C) an identification of any funding short-
falls or other constraints that could affect the in-
vestigation and remediation of such contamina-
tion; and 
‘‘(2) incorporates a risk and uncertainty anal-
ysis with respect to the effects of potential changes in 
the most important contributors to the costs to the De-
partment of investigating and remediating per- and 
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polyfluoroalkyl substances contamination, includ-
ing— 
‘‘(A) variability in the extent of such con-
tamination based on ongoing site assessments, 
inspections, and investigations; 
‘‘(B) shifts in regulatory requirements that 
could alter investigation and remediation strate-
gies; and 
‘‘(C) advances in technologies for the treat-
ment and disposal such contamination that 
could reduce or increase long-term costs.’’. 
SEC. 313. MODIFICATION OF REQUIREMENTS RELATING TO 
REPLACEMENT OF FLUORINATED AQUEOUS 
FILM-FORMING FOAM. 
Section 322 of the National Defense Authorization Act 
for Fiscal Year 2020 (Public Law 116–92; 10 U.S.C. 2661 
note prec.) is amended— 
(1) in subsection (b)— 
(A) by striking ‘‘October 1, 2023’’ and in-
serting ‘‘October 1, 2026’’; and 
(B) by striking ‘‘in excess of one part per 
billion of’’ and inserting ‘‘detectable’’; 
(2) in subsection (c)(1), by striking ‘‘October 1, 
2024’’ and inserting ‘‘October 1, 2026’’; 
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(3) by striking subsection (d) and inserting the 
following: 
‘‘(d) EXEMPTIONS.—Subsections (b) and (c) shall not 
apply to firefighting foam for use— 
‘‘(1) onboard oceangoing vessels, including use in 
pier-side inspection, testing, and maintenance; 
‘‘(2) that is necessary to conduct testing to meet 
military specification qualification requirements and 
ensure quality standards of the inventory of the De-
partment; 
‘‘(3) during research, development, test, and eval-
uation of fluorine-free fire-fighting agents; 
‘‘(4) on naval nuclear submarine propulsion 
plants; or 
‘‘(5) in tactical vehicles and equipment that is 
incompatible with fluorine-free fire-fighting agents.’’; 
and 
(4) in subsection (e)— 
(A) in paragraph (1)— 
(i) in the matter preceding subpara-
graph (A), by inserting ‘‘the limitation 
under subsection (b) or’’ before ‘‘the prohibi-
tion’’; and 
(ii) in subparagraph (B)— 
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(I) in clause (ii), by inserting ‘‘or 
to maintain military readiness’’ after 
‘‘safety’’; 
(II) by striking clause (iii) and 
redesignating clauses (iv) and (v) as 
clauses (iii) and (iv), respectively; and 
(III) in clause (iii), as so redesig-
nated, by striking ‘‘and does not re-
quire revision’’; and 
(B) in paragraph (2)(C), by striking ‘‘Sec-
retary of Defense’’ and inserting ‘‘Under Sec-
retary 
of 
Defense 
for 
Acquisition 
and 
Sustainment’’. 
SEC. 314. PROVISION OF ALTERNATIVE DRINKING WATER 
TO CERTAIN COMMUNITIES WITH PRIVATE 
DRINKING 
WATER 
WELLS 
CONTAMINATED 
WITH 
PERFLUOROALKYL 
SUBSTANCES 
OR 
POLYFLUOROALKYL SUBSTANCES. 
(a) REQUIREMENT.—Beginning on the date of the en-
actment of this Act, for each household that is located in 
a community with a private drinking water well in which 
contamination 
from 
a 
perfluoroalkyl 
substance, 
polyfluoroalkyl substance, or mixture thereof resulting from 
activities of the Department of Defense exceeds the max-
imum contaminant level for such substance or mixture, re-
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spectively, and that has not received a permanent safe 
drinking water solution described in subsection (b), the Sec-
retary of Defense shall provide to such household an alter-
native source of drinking water (which may include the 
provision of bottled water) until such time as— 
(1) the degree of cleanup of such contamination 
has at least attained such respective maximum con-
taminant level, consistent with section 121(d) of the 
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensa-
tion, and Liability Act of 1980 (42 U.S.C. 9621(d)); 
or 
(2) the Secretary provides such household with a 
permanent safe drinking water solution described in 
subsection (b). 
(b) PERMANENT SAFE DRINKING WATER SOLUTIONS 
DESCRIBED.—A permanent safe drinking water solution 
described in this subsection is the connection of a household 
to a public water system, installation at a household of an 
onsite filtration system capable of treating the contamina-
tion specified in subsection (a), or provision to a household 
of another permanent alternative source of drinking water. 
(c) COORDINATION WITH EXISTING AUTHORITIES.— 
The Secretary of Defense shall carry out this section in a 
manner consistent with the Comprehensive Environmental 
Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (42 
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U.S.C. 9601 et seq.) and any other authority under environ-
mental law, including by coordinating efforts under sub-
section (a) with ongoing efforts to address contamination 
under such authorities. 
(d) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 
(1) The terms ‘‘maximum contaminant level’’ 
and ‘‘public water system’’ have the meanings given 
those terms in section 1401 of the Safe Drinking 
Water Act (42 U.S.C. 300f). 
(2) The term ‘‘private drinking water well’’ 
means a drinking water well that is not a public 
water system and is not connected to a public water 
system. 
SEC. 315. RESPONSIBILITIES OF EXECUTIVE AGENT FOR IN-
STALLATION AND OPERATIONAL NUCLEAR 
ENERGY. 
(a) EXECUTIVE AGENT.—The Secretary of Defense, in 
coordination with the Secretary of the Army, the Under 
Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, the 
Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering, 
and the Director of the Strategic Capabilities Office of the 
Department of Defense, shall ensure that, not later than one 
year after the date of the enactment of this Act, there is 
designated an executive agent of the Department of Defense 
for installation and operational nuclear energy. 
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(b) RESPONSIBILITIES.—The responsibilities of the ex-
ecutive agent specified in subsection (a) shall include the 
following: 
(1) In coordination with the commanders of the 
combatant commands and the Joint Chiefs of Staff, 
assessing installation energy and operational energy 
needs, and establishing and maintaining require-
ments for the use of nuclear energy to meet such 
needs, for the purpose of furthering mission critical 
activities of the Department of Defense and enhancing 
national security. 
(2) Consulting with project developers and other 
experts from the commercial nuclear industry, poten-
tial private owners and operators of nuclear reactors 
to be deployed at military installations, and other 
persons determined appropriate by the executive 
agent, to assess the technological capabilities, develop-
ment status, costs, timelines, risks, and potential need 
for design evolution of nuclear reactors to meet the 
needs of the Department of Defense referred to para-
graph (1). 
(3) In coordination with the Secretary of En-
ergy, the Secretaries of the military departments, and 
the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, assessing the 
technology 
readiness, 
licensability, 
deployability, 
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operability, and maintainability of nuclear reactors 
with respect to potential deployment at military in-
stallations. 
(4) In coordination with the Secretary of Defense 
and the Secretaries of the military departments, inte-
grating technical and project resources across the De-
partment of Defense for the use of nuclear reactors to 
meet the needs of the Department of Defense referred 
to in paragraph (1), including by developing a plan 
to aggregate the demand for, and the acquisition and 
deployment of, nuclear reactors across military in-
stallations and military departments. 
(5) In coordination with the Secretary of Energy 
and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission— 
(A) evaluating the regulatory framework 
and other requirements applicable to the use of 
nuclear reactors to meet such needs; and 
(B) establishing training programs and 
plans relating to the acquisition and operation 
of nuclear reactors to meet such needs. 
(6) Identifying the timelines and resource re-
quirements necessary for the acquisition and oper-
ation of nuclear reactors to meet such needs, includ-
ing— 
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(A) any support necessary from the na-
tional laboratories of the Department of Energy; 
and 
(B) any funding necessary to carry out in-
terim pilot programs for the limited deployment 
of nuclear reactors until such timelines and re-
source requirements are met. 
(7) Including resource requirements identified 
pursuant to paragraph (6), and any other resource 
requirements necessary to carry out this subsection, in 
applicable planning, programming, budgeting, and 
execution processes of the Department of Defense, in-
cluding by preparing, as applicable— 
(A) a program objective memorandum for 
any new resource so required; and 
(B) a budget justification for any new re-
source so required for inclusion in the budget 
materials submitted by the Secretary of Defense 
to Congress in support of the President’s annual 
budget request (submitted to Congress pursuant 
to section 1105 of title 31, United States Code). 
(8) Providing technical support for programs of 
the military departments relating to the deployment 
of nuclear reactors for installation energy resilience. 
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(c) ANNUAL REPORTS.—Not later than September 30, 
2026, and annually thereafter for a period of five years, 
the executive agent specified in subsection (a) shall submit 
to the Secretary of Defense and the congressional defense 
committees a report describing the actions taken to imple-
ment this section during the one-year period ending on the 
date of the submission of such report. 
(d) PLAN FOR PROGRAM OF RECORD.— 
(1) SUBMISSION.—Not later than one year after 
the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of 
Defense, in coordination with the executive agent 
specified in subsection (a), shall submit to the con-
gressional defense committees a plan to establish a 
program of record of the Department of Defense for 
the use of nuclear energy to meet installation energy 
and operational energy needs. 
(2) ELEMENTS.—The plan under paragraph (1) 
shall include the following: 
(A) An identification of requirements nec-
essary for the establishment of the program of 
record specified in such paragraph. 
(B) A budget estimate for such program of 
record through 2030 or through the conclusion of 
the five-year period following the first date on 
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125 
which a nuclear reactor is deployed at a mili-
tary installation, whichever is later. 
(C) A summary of actions taken to imple-
ment the responsibilities under subsection (b) 
and information derived as a result of such ac-
tions. 
(D) Use cases for nuclear reactors, developed 
in coordination with the commanders of combat-
ant commands with respect to installation and 
operational needs (including needs relating to 
the electrification of operational energy, elimi-
nation of fuel supply vulnerabilities, military 
installation resilience, sustainment of military 
installations, enablement of multi-domain oper-
ations, and advanced weaponry). 
(E) An identification of the minimum po-
tential number of military installations at which 
nuclear reactors would be necessary to deploy in 
order to establish a cost-effective program, and 
projected dates by which such nuclear reactors 
would achieve initial operational capability. 
(F) An estimate of fuel requirements nec-
essary to support the deployment of various mod-
els of nuclear reactors at military installations, 
to inform future acquisition planning. 
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(e) COMPLIANCE WITH APPLICABLE DIRECTIVE.—The 
Secretary shall carry out this section in compliance with 
Directive 5101.1. 
(f) SUPPORT WITHIN DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE.—In 
accordance with Directive 5101.1, the Secretary shall ensure 
that the military departments, the Defense Agencies, and 
other elements of the Department of Defense provide the ex-
ecutive agent specified in subsection (a) with the appro-
priate support and resources needed to perform the roles, 
responsibilities, and authorities of the executive agent. 
(g) DEFINITIONS.—In this section— 
(1) The term ‘‘Directive 5101.1’’ means Depart-
ment of Defense Directive 5101.1, or any successor di-
rective relating to the responsibilities of an executive 
agent of the Department of Defense. 
(2) The terms ‘‘energy resilience’’ and ‘‘military 
installation resilience’’ have the meanings given those 
terms in section 101 of title 10, United States Code. 
(3) The term ‘‘executive agent’’ has the meaning 
given the term ‘‘DoD Executive Agent’’ in Directive 
5101.1. 
(4) The term ‘‘operational energy’’ has the mean-
ing given that term in section 2924 of title 10, United 
States Code. 
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SEC. 316. ESTABLISHMENT OF ADVANCED NUCLEAR TECH-
NOLOGIES TRANSITION WORKING GROUP. 
(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—Not later than 180 days after 
the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of De-
fense shall establish a working group to be known as the 
‘‘Advanced Nuclear Technologies Transition Working 
Group’’. 
(b) MEMBERSHIP.—The working group shall be com-
posed of the following members, or designees thereof: 
(1) The Secretary of Defense. 
(2) The Secretaries of the military departments. 
(3) The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. 
(4) The Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisi-
tion and Sustainment. 
(5) The Under Secretary of Defense for Research 
and Engineering. 
(6) The Under Secretary of Defense for Policy. 
(7) The Director of the Defense Innovation Unit. 
(8) The Director of the Strategic Capabilities Of-
fice. 
(9) The head of any other organizational entity 
of the Department of Defense the Chairperson deter-
mines appropriate. 
(c) CHAIRPERSON.—The Secretary of Defense, or a 
designee thereof, shall serve as the Chairperson of the work-
ing group. 
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(d) DUTIES.—The duties of the working group shall 
include the following: 
(1) Developing and implementing a strategy to 
accelerate the procurement and fielding of commer-
cially available advanced nuclear technologies using 
available authorities. 
(2) Identifying critical installation energy and 
operational energy needs of military installations and 
the combatant commands that may be addressed 
through the use of advanced nuclear technologies, en-
suring such needs are considered in relation to efforts 
and planned efforts of the Department of Defense, and 
developing an accelerated pathway to leverage ad-
vanced nuclear technologies to address any gap in 
such needs. 
(3) Coordinating efforts among the members of 
the working group for the demonstration and transi-
tion of advanced nuclear technologies, including by 
increasing opportunities for collaboration between the 
Department of Defense and potential partners within 
the commercial nuclear industry with respect to re-
search and development, testing and evaluation, and 
procurement activities relating to such technologies. 
(4) Coordinating with the heads of other relevant 
Federal departments and agencies regarding the con-
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duct of interagency activities and development of best 
practices to address obstacles to the rapid fielding of 
advanced nuclear technologies, including any such ob-
stacle relating to workforce development, regulatory 
frameworks, licensing requirements, access to fuel 
sources, safety or security standards, or decommis-
sioning. 
(5) Establishing opportunities for engagement 
with developers of advanced nuclear technologies with-
in the commercial nuclear industry to assess the 
availability (including, as applicable, the timeline for 
availability) of micro-reactor and small modular re-
actor capabilities for potential application to meet the 
needs of the Department of Defense. 
(e) MEETINGS.—The working group shall meet at the 
call of the Chairperson and not less frequently than quar-
terly. 
(f) BRIEFINGS AND REPORTS.— 
(1) INITIAL BRIEFING.—Not later than 180 days 
after the date of enactment of this Act, the Chair-
person shall provide to the congressional defense com-
mittees a briefing on the organization, plans, mile-
stones, and activities of the working group. 
(2) ANNUAL REPORT.—Not later than September 
30, 2026, and annually thereafter until the date of 
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termination under subsection (g), the Chairperson 
shall submit to the congressional defense committees a 
report describing, with respect to the year preceding 
the date of submission of the report, the plans, mile-
stones, and activities of the working group, including 
a description of the status during such year of any 
project relating to advanced nuclear technologies, any 
funding or other requirement associated with such a 
project, and any plan to transition a capability 
under such a project. 
(g) TERMINATION.—The working group shall termi-
nate on September 30, 2029. 
(h) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 
(1) The term ‘‘micro-reactor’’ means an ad-
vanced nuclear reactor, as such term is defined in sec-
tion 951(b)(1) of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 
U.S.C. 16271(b)(1)), with a rated capacity of less 
than 50 electrical megawatts. 
(2) The term ‘‘operational energy’’ has the mean-
ing given that term in section 2924 of title 10, United 
States Code. 
(3) The term ‘‘small modular reactor’’ means an 
advanced nuclear reactor, as such term is defined in 
section 951(b)(1) of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 
U.S.C. 16271(b)(1))— 
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(A) with a rated capacity of less than 500 
electrical megawatts; and 
(B) that may be constructed and operated 
in combination with similar reactors at a single 
site. 
(4) The term ‘‘working group’’ means the work-
ing group established under subsection (a). 
SEC. 317. DEPARTMENT OF AIR FORCE PROGRAM OF 
RECORD FOR COMMERCIAL WEATHER DATA. 
(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—Not later than September 30, 
2027, the Secretary of the Air Force shall establish a pro-
gram of record of the Department of the Air Force to— 
(1) acquire and use commercial weather data 
to— 
(A) support operational weather forecasting; 
and 
(B) enhance mission planning and execu-
tion in data-sparse and contested environments; 
(2) integrate such commercial weather data and 
related systems into meteorological and decision sup-
port frameworks of the Air Force; and 
(3) ensure resilience against adversarial ad-
vancements in space-based environmental monitoring. 
(b) SUBMISSION TO CONGRESS.—Not later than March 
1, 2026, the Secretary of the Air Force shall submit to the 
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congressional defense committees, with respect to the pro-
gram of record to be established under subsection (a), the 
following: 
(1) A transition plan for the adoption of such 
program of record, including projected costs and 
funding requirements over the period covered by the 
program objective memorandum process for fiscal 
years 2027 through 2031. 
(2) An acquisition strategy for such program of 
record, including an outline of potential middle tier 
of acquisition pathways or major capability acquisi-
tion pathways (as such term is defined in Depart-
ment of Defense Instruction 5000.85, titled ‘‘Major 
Capability Acquisition’’ and issued on August 6, 
2020 (or successor instruction)). 
(3) A budget justification for inclusion of such 
program of record in the budget materials submitted 
by the Secretary of Defense to Congress in support of 
the President’s annual budget request (submitted to 
Congress pursuant to section 1105 of title 31, United 
States Code) for fiscal year 2027, to secure sustained 
funding. 
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SEC. 318. PILOT PROGRAM ON NAVY INSTALLATION NU-
CLEAR ENERGY. 
(a) PILOT PROGRAM REQUIRED.—Beginning not later 
than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, 
the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Energy, Installa-
tions, and Environment shall carry out a ten-year pilot 
program at one or more naval installations for the purpose 
of determining how small modular reactors or mobile reac-
tors could be used— 
(1) to meet the coastal installation energy needs 
of the Navy during the ten-year period beginning on 
the date of the enactment of this Act; and 
(2) to inform the development of concepts for the 
use of nuclear power facilities to support increased 
energy security for Navy and Marine Corps installa-
tions. 
(b) INSTALLATION
PRIORITIZATION.—In selecting 
naval installations for the pilot program required by sub-
section (a), the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Energy, 
Installations, and Environment shall prioritize an installa-
tion that— 
(1) has entered into, as of the date of the enact-
ment of this Act, a memorandum of agreement with 
a private power provider to explore the use of a small 
modular reactor or mobile reactor for installation en-
ergy requirements; and 
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