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Streamlining Procurement for Effective Execution and Delivery and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026

Introduced Jun 9, 2025 · Last action Sep 30, 2025 Received in the Senate.

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Summary

This legislation is called the Streamlining Procurement for Effective Execution and Delivery and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026. It was sent to the Senate for review.

Full bill text

[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 3838 Introduced in House (IH)]

<DOC>

119th CONGRESS
  1st Session
                                H. R. 3838

     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)
 introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on
                             Armed Services

_______________________________________________________________________

                                 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 Department of Energy, to prescribe
   military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other
                               purposes.

    Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.

    (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Streamlining
Procurement for Effective Execution and Delivery Act of 2025'' or the
``SPEED Act''.
    (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act is as
follows:

Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
TITLE I--ALIGNING ACQUISITION TO WARFIGHTER PRIORITIES AND OPERATIONAL
                                OUTCOMES

Sec. 101. Alignment of the defense acquisition system with the needs of
                            members of the Armed Forces.
Sec. 102. Program executive officer responsibilities.
Sec. 103. Major capability activity areas and pathfinder programs.
Sec. 104. Product support manager responsibilities and requirements.
Sec. 105. Amendments to life-cycle management and product support.
Sec. 106. Navy Senior Technical Authority.
            TITLE II--ACCELERATING THE REQUIREMENTS PROCESS

Sec. 201. Joint Requirements Council.
Sec. 202. Establishment of the Requirements, Acquisition, and
                            Programming Integration Directorate.
Sec. 203. Establishment of the Mission Engineering and Integration
                            Activity.
   TITLE III--STRIKING THE BALANCE BETWEEN REGULATION AND EFFICIENCY

Sec. 301. Matters related to Department of Defense use of cost
                            accounting standards.
Sec. 302. Review of commercial buying practices.
Sec. 303. Adjustments to certain acquisition thresholds.
Sec. 304. Alternative capability-based pricing.
Sec. 305. Clarification of conditions for payments for commercial
                            products and commercial services.
  TITLE IV--STRENGTHENING THE DEFENSE INDUSTRIAL BASE AND LEVERAGING
                         COMMERCIAL INNOVATION

Sec. 401. Defense Industrial Resilience Consortium.
Sec. 402. Amendment to other transaction authority.
Sec. 403. Data-as-a-service solutions for weapon system contracts.
Sec. 404. Requirements for modular open system approach and
                            modifications to rights in technical data.
Sec. 405. Qualification, acceptance, and supply chain management of
                            products manufactured using advanced
                            manufacturing.
Sec. 406. Amendments to the procurement technical assistance program.
Sec. 407. Report on surge capacity in the defense industrial base.
Sec. 408. Bridging Operational Objectives and Support for Transition
                            program.
  TITLE V--DEVELOPING A MISSION-ORIENTED DEFENSE ACQUISITION WORKFORCE

Sec. 501. Report on strengthening the Defense Acquisition University.
Sec. 502. Comptroller General review of the management, training, and
                            development of the acquisition workforce.
Sec. 503. Comptroller General review of matters relating to individuals
                            assigned to a critical acquisition
                            position.

TITLE I--ALIGNING ACQUISITION TO WARFIGHTER PRIORITIES AND OPERATIONAL
                                OUTCOMES

SEC. 101. ALIGNMENT OF THE DEFENSE ACQUISITION SYSTEM WITH THE NEEDS OF
              MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES.

    (a) Implementation.--Not later than 30 days after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall revise Department
of Defense Directive 5000.01 and any other relevant instructions,
policies, or guidance to carry out the requirements of this section and
the amendments made by this section.
    (b) Objectives of Defense Acquisition System.--
            (1) In general.--Section 3102 of title 10, United States
        Code, is amended to read as follows:
``Sec. 3102. Objectives of the defense acquisition system
    ``(a) In General.--The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that the
defense acquisition system exists to expeditiously provide the Armed
Forces with the capabilities necessary to operate effectively, to
address evolving threats, and to maintain the military advantage of the
United States in the most cost-effective manner practicable.
    ``(b) Guidance.--The Secretary of Defense shall issue guidance to
carry out subsection (a) that requires the following:
            ``(1) All activities of the defense acquisition system
        contribute to the expeditious delivery of capabilities to
        enhance the operational readiness of the Armed Forces and
        enable the missions of the Department of Defense.
            ``(2) The defense acquisition system maximizes the
        effective use of resources by delivering capabilities that
        offer the best value for the investment made in each
        capability.
            ``(3) The defense acquisition system encourages and
        supports the integration of innovative solutions to enhance
        military effectiveness and responsiveness to emerging threats.
            ``(4) The defense acquisition system encourages an
        iterative approach to designing and testing technical solutions
        to enable early identification of solutions that do not deliver
        desired results.
            ``(5) The defense acquisition system supports a leadership
        and organizational structure that encourages risk-taking,
        collaboration, and learning through failure.
            ``(6) The training and development of members of the
        acquisition workforce ensures that such members have the skills
        to effectively manage acquisition activities in accordance with
        this section.''.
            (2) Conforming amendments.--
                    (A) Under secretary of defense for acquisition and
                sustainment.--Section 133b(b) of title 10, United
                States Code, is amended--
                            (i) in paragraph (1), by striking
                        ``delivering and sustaining timely, cost-
                        effective capabilities for the Armed Forces
                        (and the Department)'' and inserting
                        ``expeditiously providing the Armed Forces with
                        the capabilities necessary to operate
                        effectively, to address evolving threats, and
                        to maintain the military advantage of the
                        United States in the most cost-effective manner
                        practicable''; and
                            (ii) in paragraph (9)(A), by striking
                        ``defense acquisition programs'' and inserting
                        ``the defense acquisition system, in accordance
                        with the objectives established pursuant to
                        section 3102''.
                    (B) Director of operational test and evaluation.--
                Section 139(b) of title 10, United States Code, is
                amended--
                            (i) by redesignating paragraphs (1) through
                        (6) as paragraphs (2) through (7),
                        respectively; and
                            (ii) by inserting before paragraph (2), as
                        so redesignated, the following new paragraph:
            ``(1) ensure that all operational test and evaluation
        activities are aligned with, and are conducted in a manner that
        supports, the objectives of the defense acquisition system
        established pursuant to section 3102 of this title;''.
                    (C) Director of cost assessment and program
                evaluation.--Section 139a(d) of title 10, United States
                Code, is amended by inserting ``shall carry out the
                requirements of this section in accordance with the
                objectives established pursuant to section 3102 of this
                title and'' before ``shall serve''.
    (c) Civilian Management of the Defense Acquisition System.--Section
3103 of title 10, United States Code, is amended--
            (1) in subsection (a), by striking ``to ensure the
        successful and efficient operation of the defense acquisition
        system'' and inserting ``in accordance with the objectives of
        the defense acquisition system established pursuant to section
        3102 of this title''; and
            (2) in subsection (b), by striking ``to ensure the
        successful and efficient operation of such elements of the
        defense acquisition system.'' and inserting the following: ``in
        accordance with the objectives of the defense acquisition
        system established pursuant to section 3102 of this title. In
        carrying out this subsection, each service acquisition
        executive shall perform the following:
            ``(1) Implement strategies to effectively and efficiently
        respond to changes in capability requirements.
            ``(2) Use data-driven decisionmaking to manage trade-offs
        among life-cycle costs, delivery schedules, performance
        objectives, technical feasibility, and procurement quantity
        objectives to ensure acquisition and sustainment programs
        deliver the best value for the investment made in the program.
            ``(3) Use iterative development cycles and discontinue or
        terminate the development of capabilities--
                    ``(A) that no longer align with approved capability
                requirements or priorities; or
                    ``(B) are experiencing significant cost growth,
                performance deficiencies, or delays in schedule.
            ``(4) Ensure the period of assignment of an individual
        serving in a critical acquisition position (as defined in
        section 1731 of this title) is of sufficient duration to ensure
        the development and use of acquired expertise, institutional
        capacity, accountability in decisionmaking, and stability in
        the oversight and management of acquisition activities.
            ``(5) Ensure that contracting officers are appropriately
        trained and assigned to support effective contract
        management.''.
    (d) Acquisition-Related Functions of Chiefs of the Armed Forces.--
            (1) Performance of certain acquisition-related functions.--
        Section 3104(a) of title 10, United States Code, is amended--
                    (A) by inserting ``, in accordance with the
                objectives established pursuant to section 3102 of this
                title,'' after ``Secretary of the military department
                concerned''; and
                    (B) by amending paragraphs (1) through (7) to read
                as follows:
            ``(1) The development of capability requirement statements
        for equipping the armed force concerned that--
                    ``(A) describe the operational problem to provide
                necessary context for the capability requirement; and
                    ``(B) describe the solution sought in a non-
                prescriptive manner to allow agile and innovative
                capability development to address the operational
                problem;
            ``(2) The implementation of strategies to effectively and
        efficiently inform recommendations regarding changes in
        capability requirements described in paragraph (1).
            ``(3) The recommendation of trade-offs among life-cycle
        costs, delivery schedules, performance objectives, technical
        feasibility, and procurement quantity objectives to ensure
        acquisition programs deliver the best value for the investment
        made.
            ``(4) In consultation with the Joint Requirements Council,
        the establishment and prioritization of requirements to
        expeditiously provide the Armed Forces with the capabilities
        needed to operate effectively, to address evolving threats, and
        to maintain the military advantage of the United States.
            ``(5) The use of data-driven decision making to prioritize
        resource allocation to meet operational readiness requirements
        (as defined in section 4322 of this title) and the materiel
        readiness objectives established by the Secretary of the
        military department concerned under section 118(c) of this
        title.
            ``(6) Support for an environment that enables the adoption
        and integration of innovative solutions and technologies to
        enhance military effectiveness and responsiveness.
            ``(7) Any recommendation for the termination of the
        development of capabilities--
                    ``(A) that no longer align with approved capability
                requirements or priorities;
                    ``(B) for which costs have significantly increased;
                or
                    ``(C) for which schedule delays have been
                significant.
            ``(8) Support for the development of career paths in
        acquisition for military personnel (as required by section
        1722a of this title) to ensure such personnel have the
        necessary skills, knowledge, and experience to fulfill the
        objectives established pursuant to section 3102 of this
        title.''.
            (2) Adherence to requirements in major defense acquisition
        programs.--Section 3104(b) of title 10, United States Code, is
        amended--
                    (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``program
                capability document supporting a Milestone B or
                subsequent decision'' and inserting ``requirements
                documents''; and
                    (B) in paragraph (2)--
                            (i) in subparagraph (A), by striking
                        ``prior to entry into the Materiel Solution
                        Analysis Phase under Department of Defense
                        Instruction 5000.02''; and
                            (ii) in subparagraph (B), by striking
                        ``cost, schedule, technical feasibility, and
                        performance trade-offs'' and inserting ``life-
                        cycle cost, delivery schedule, performance
                        objective, technical feasibility, and
                        procurement quantity trade-offs''.
            (3) Definitions.--Section 3104(d) of title 10, United
        States Code, is amended to read as follows:
    ``(d) Requirements Document Defined.--In this section, the term
`requirements document' means a document that establishes the need for
a materiel approach to resolve a capability requirement or a joint
capability requirement (as such terms are defined in section 181 of
this title).''.
    (e) Technical Amendments.--
            (1) Section 3101 of title 10, United States Code, is
        amended to read as follows:
``Sec. 3101. Definitions
    ``In this chapter:
            ``(1) The term `best value' means, with respect to an
        acquisition, the optimal combination of cost, quality,
        technical capability or solution quality, and delivery
        schedule.
            ``(2) The term `capability requirement' has the meaning
        provided in section 181 of this title.
            ``(3) The term `cost-effective' means, with respect to an
        acquisition, the capacity to deliver better results for the
        same or lower cost compared to alternatives.''.
            (2) Section 3001(c) of title 10, United States Code, is
        amended by striking ``this section'' and inserting ``this
        part''.

SEC. 102. PROGRAM EXECUTIVE OFFICER RESPONSIBILITIES.

    (a) In General.--Subchapter III of chapter 87 of title 10, United
States Code, is amended by inserting after section 1731 the following
new section:
``Sec. 1732. Program executive officer
    ``(a) In General.--A program executive officer is the senior
official responsible for the oversight of the plans, budgets, and
execution of the programs assigned to the portfolio of such senior
official, including life-cycle management.
    ``(b) Objectives.--In carrying out the activities described in
subsection (a), the program executive officer shall seek to achieve the
following objectives:
            ``(1) Expeditiously provide the Armed Forces with the
        capabilities needed to operate effectively, address evolving
        threats, and maintain the military advantage of the United
        States in the most cost-effective manner practicable.
            ``(2) Maximize the effective use of resources by delivering
        capabilities that offer the best value for the investment made
        in each capability.
            ``(3) Enable the integration of innovative solutions and
        technologies to enhance military effectiveness and
        responsiveness to emerging threats.
    ``(c) Specific Responsibilities.--
            ``(1) In general.--For the programs assigned to the
        portfolio of a program executive officer, such program
        executive officer shall be responsible for the following:
                    ``(A) Provide expeditious delivery of the
                capabilities necessary to effectively respond to
                national security challenges by overseeing the
                procurement, development, and sustainment of defense
                acquisition programs assigned to the program executive
                officer.
                    ``(B) Ensure the cost-effective allocation of
                resources by delivering operational capabilities.
                    ``(C) Adjust requirements, other than requirements
                that are established as key performance parameters, to
                maximize the agility and speed in program execution in
                accordance with the objectives described in subsection
                (b).
                    ``(D) Use iterative development cycles and
                discontinue or terminate the development of
                capabilities--
                            ``(i) that no longer align with approved
                        capability requirements (as defined in section
                        181 of this title) or priorities; or
                            ``(ii) that are experiencing significant
                        cost growth, performance deficiencies, or
                        delays in schedule.
                    ``(E) Evaluate and implement trade-offs among life-
                cycle costs, delivery schedules, performance
                objectives, technical feasibility, and procurement
                quantity objectives to ensure acquisition and
                sustainment programs deliver the best value in meeting
                capability requirements (as defined in section 181 of
                this title).
                    ``(F) Use data-driven decisionmaking to prioritize
                resource allocation to meet operational readiness
                requirements and materiel readiness objectives
                established by the Secretary concerned under section
                118(c) of this title.
                    ``(G) Collaborate with the Mission Engineering and
                Integration Activity established under section 203 of
                the SPEED Act to conduct cross-service technical and
                operational activities to integrate emerging
                technologies, prototypes, and operational concepts, as
                appropriate.
                    ``(H) Provide support to the Requirements,
                Acquisition, and Programming Integration Directorate
                with respect to the performance of the responsibilities
                of the Directorate under section 186 of this title and
                serve as a member of the Directorate in accordance with
                such section.
            ``(2) Milestone decision authority duties.--A program
        executive officer shall be the milestone decision authority for
        a program when directed by the service acquisition executive of
        the military department that is managing the program or if
        designated by the Secretary of Defense.
    ``(d) Functional Support.--The Secretary concerned with respect to
a program executive officer shall ensure that there is assigned to such
program executive officer the personnel and other resources required
for such program executive officer to successfully perform the assigned
duties and responsibilities of such program executive officer,
including--
            ``(1) contracting and contract management;
            ``(2) estimating costs;
            ``(3) financial management;
            ``(4) life-cycle management and product support;
            ``(5) program management;
            ``(6) engineering and technical management; and
            ``(7) developmental testing and evaluation.''.
    (b) Amendment to Definitions.--Section 1737(a)(4) of title 10,
United Stated Code, is amended to read as follows:
            ``(4) The term `program executive officer' means an
        individual described in section 1732(a).''.

SEC. 103. MAJOR CAPABILITY ACTIVITY AREAS AND PATHFINDER PROGRAMS.

    (a) Transition Plan Required.--
            (1) Submission of plan.--Not later than one year after the
        date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense, in
        coordination with each Secretary of a military department,
        shall submit to the congressional defense committees a
        comprehensive plan for organizing the programs assigned to the
        portfolio of a program executive officer of the Department of
        Defense in a manner primarily organized around major capability
        activity areas (``MCAAs'').
            (2) Elements of the plan.--The plan required under
        paragraph (1) shall be developed to more effectively facilitate
        the development, fielding, operation, sustainment, and
        modernization of capabilities of the Department of Defense in
        accordance with the objectives established pursuant to section
        3102 of title 10, United States Code (as added by section 101
        of this Act). Such plan shall include the following:
                    (A) A description of each proposed MCAA, including
                how the specific capability of the Department of
                Defense that is the subject of each MCAA aligns with
                and supports joint military capabilities.
                    (B) A proposed schedule, including benchmarks, for
                phased implementation of the plan to organize the
                programs of each military department and Defense Agency
                in a manner primarily organized around MCAAs.
                    (C) Recommendations for statutory or regulatory
                changes needed to facilitate the reorganization of
                program executive offices to be primarily organized
                around MCAAs.
                    (D) A strategy to preserve accountability for the
                delivery of a capability of the Department of Defense
                that is the subject of the proposed MCAA and to enable
                effective oversight of the proposed MCAA by the
                congressional defense committees.
                    (E) A description of the process for designating a
                Pathfinder under subsection (b).
            (3) Organization by mcaas.--
                    (A) In general.--In organizing programs in a manner
                primarily organized around MCAAs under this subsection,
                the Secretary shall--
                            (i) organize each proposed MCAA in a
                        capability-oriented structure that reflects the
                        unique and specific aspects of the subject
                        capability of the MCAA;
                            (ii) assign relevant development,
                        procurement, operations, and sustainment
                        activities of the Department to the proposed
                        MCAA as appropriate; and
                            (iii) ensure each proposed MCAA is
                        organized in a manner that--
                                    (I) will improve the ability to
                                measure and manage the overall
                                performance in the delivery of the
                                subject capability of the proposed
                                MCAA; and
                                    (II) connects amounts authorized
                                for activities assigned to the proposed
                                MCAA to the delivery of subject
                                capability.
                    (B) Flexibility.--The Secretary of Defense shall
                ensure each military department and Defense Agency has
                flexibility, according to their specific mission
                requirements, in the organization of proposed MCAAs.
    (b) Designation of Pathfinder MCAAs.--
            (1) Designation.--Not later than 90 days after the date of
        the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall--
                    (A) designate at least two program executive
                offices of the Department of Defense to be known as
                ``Pathfinders'';
                    (B) identify the program executive officer with the
                responsibility of administering each such Pathfinder;
                    (C) ensure each such program executive officer
                organizes the programs assigned to such offices into a
                MCAA in accordance with the requirements of subsection
                (a)(3); and
                    (D) submit to the congressional defense committees
                a notification of each designation made under
                subparagraph (A), including the total amount authorized
                to carry out each Pathfinder for fiscal year 2026 and a
                description of the MCAA associated with each
                Pathfinder.
            (2) Modified transfer authority for pathfinders.--
                    (A) Authority.--The Secretary of Defense, acting
                through a Secretary of a military department or the
                head of a Defense Agency, may transfer amounts
                authorized for programs, projects, or activities that
                are included in a Pathfinder under the jurisdiction of
                such Secretary or head among such programs, projects,
                or activities.
                    (B) Limitations.--A transfer made under this
                paragraph--
                            (i) shall directly support delivery of the
                        capability of the Department of Defense that is
                        the subject of the Pathfinder;
                            (ii) may not be used to initiate a new
                        start program (as described in section 3601 of
                        title 10, United States Code);
                            (iii) may not be used to terminate a
                        program or activity of the Department that was
                        in operation on or before the date of the
                        designation of the Pathfinder; and
                            (iv) may not exceed 40 percent of the total
                        amount authorized to carry out a Pathfinder
                        specified under paragraph (1)(D).
            (3) Additional pathfinders.--The Secretary of Defense may
        designate additional MCAAs as Pathfinders under the authority
        of this subsection if the Secretary notifies the congressional
        defense committees not later than 15 days prior to each such
        designation.
    (c) Report to Congress.--
            (1) In general.--Not later than 540 days after the date of
        the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter until
        December 31, 2029, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the
        congressional defense committees a report assessing the
        effectiveness of the use of a capability-oriented structure in
        subsection (a)(3) and Pathfinders in subsection (b) to--
                    (A) improve the ability to measure and manage the
                overall performance in the delivery of the subject
                capability of the proposed MCAA or Pathfinder;
                    (B) inform and improve program management and
                planning for future activities assigned to the proposed
                MCAA or Pathfinder for the delivery of subject
                capability; and
                    (C) achieve the objectives of the defense
                acquisition system established pursuant to section 3102
                of title 10, United States Code (as added by section
                101 of this Act).
            (2) Contents.--The report required under paragraph (1)
        shall include the following:
                    (A) The extent to which the use of MCAAs and use of
                the transfer authority under subsection (b)(2) for
                Pathfinders affect the speed of addressing emerging
                threats and adopting new technologies.
                    (B) An analysis of any costs or benefits of using
                MCAAs.
                    (C) Recommendations, including statutory or
                regulatory modifications, for--
                            (i) expanding the use of Pathfinders; and
                            (ii) continuing the transition to using
                        MCAAs.
    (d) Definitions.--In this section:
            (1) The term ``major capability activity area'' or ``MCAA''
        means a compilation of activities that relate to the delivery
        of a capability of the Department of Defense, as determined by
        the Secretary of Defense.
            (2) The term ``joint military capabilities'' has the
        meaning given in section 181 of title 10, United States Code,
        as amended by section 201 of this Act.
            (3) The term ``program executive officer'' has the meaning
        given in section 1732 of title 10, United States Code, as added
        by section 102 of this Act.

SEC. 104. PRODUCT SUPPORT MANAGER RESPONSIBILITIES AND REQUIREMENTS.

    (a) In General.--Subchapter III of chapter 87 of title 10, United
States Code, is amended by inserting after section 1732 (as added by
section 102 of this Act) the following new section:
``Sec. 1733. Product support manager
    ``(a) In General.--A product support manager is the individual
responsible for managing support functions required to field and
maintain the readiness and operational capability of a covered system
in support of the life-cycle management responsibilities of the program
manager for such covered system.
    ``(b) Objectives.--In carrying out the activities described in
subsection (a), the product support manager shall seek to achieve the
objectives of the defense acquisition system established pursuant to
section 3102 of this title.
    ``(c) Specific Responsibilities.--A product support manager shall
be responsible for the following:
            ``(1) Provide product support and subject matter expertise
        with respect to a covered system to the program manager for the
        covered system to assist with the development, resourcing,
        implementation, and execution of the product support strategy
        developed by the product support manager under section 4322 of
        this title for the covered system.
            ``(2) Collaborate with the chief engineer and systems
        engineers for the covered system--
                    ``(A) to develop the life-cycle sustainment plan
                and any product support plans for the covered system;
                and
                    ``(B) to analyze the operating and support costs of
                the covered system to ensure the cost-effective
                operation, management, and availability of the covered
                system.
            ``(3) Conduct early risk identification, mitigation, and
        product support analyses that inform best value solutions in
        life-cycle planning and management.
            ``(4) Provide input on systems engineering requirements,
        design, budgeting, maintenance planning, and acquisition
        strategies for covered systems.
            ``(5) Support the program manager in evaluating trade-offs
        among life-cycle costs, delivery schedules, performance
        objectives, technical feasibility, and procurement quantity
        objectives to ensure each covered system delivers the greatest
        value for the investment made in the covered system.
            ``(6) Use data-driven decision making, predictive analysis,
        and appropriate modeling tools related to reliability and
        maintainability of the covered system to prioritize resource
        allocation to meet operational readiness requirements and
        materiel readiness objectives (established under section 118(c)
        of this title).
            ``(7) Support each Secretary of a military department in
        performance of a core logistics analysis pursuant to section
        2464 of this title.
    ``(d) Covered System Defined.--In this section, the term `covered
system' has the meaning given in section 4322 of this title.''.
    (b) Education, Training, and Experience Requirements for Product
Support Managers.--Section 1735 title 10, United States Code, is
amended--
            (1) by redesignating subsections (c), (d), and (e) as
        subsections (d), (e), and (f), respectively; and
            (2) by inserting after subsection (b) the following new
        subsection:
    ``(c) Product Support Manager.--Before being assigned to a position
as product support manager, a person--
            ``(1) shall have completed all life-cycle logistics
        certification and training requirements prescribed by the
        Secretary of Defense;
            ``(2) shall have executed a written agreement as required
        in section 1734(b)(2) of this title; and
            ``(3) in the case of--
                    ``(A) a product support manager of a major defense
                acquisition program, shall have at least eight years of
                experience in life-cycle logistics, at least two years
                of which were performed in a systems program office or
                similar organization; and
                    ``(B) a product support manager of a significant
                nonmajor defense acquisition program, shall have at
                least six years of experience in life-cycle
                logistics.''.
    (c) Conforming Amendments.--Section 1731(a)(1)(B) title 10, United
States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new clause:
                            ``(iv) Product support manager.''.

SEC. 105. AMENDMENTS TO LIFE-CYCLE MANAGEMENT AND PRODUCT SUPPORT.

    (a) Reorganization of Life-Cycle and Sustainment Chapter.--
            (1) In general.--Chapter 323 of title 10, United States
        Code, is amended--
                    (A) by repealing sections 4321, 4323, and 4324;
                    (B) by redesignating section 4328 as section 4321
                and transferring such section so as to appear after the
                table of sections at the beginning of such chapter;
                    (C) by redesignating section 4325 as section 4323
                and transferring such section so as to appear after
                section 4321;
                    (D) in section 4323, as so redesignated, by
                striking ``section 4324 of this title'' and inserting
                ``section 4322 of this title''; and
                    (E) by amending the table of sections at the
                beginning of such chapter to read as follows:

``4321. Weapon system design: sustainment factors.
``4322. Life-cycle management and product support.
``4323. Major weapon systems: assessment, management, and control of
                            operating and support costs.''.
            (2) Conforming amendments.--
                    (A) Section 3041(a) of title 10, United States
                Code, is amended by striking ``sections 4292(e) and
                4321'' and inserting ``section 4292(e)''.
                    (B) Section 3221(b)(2) of title 10, United States
                Code, is amended by striking ``4321, 4323, and 4328 of
                this title'' and inserting ``and 4321 of this title,''.
                    (C) Section 4211(c)(2)(D) of title 10, United
                States Code, is amended by striking ``section 4324 of
                this title'' and inserting ``section 4322 of this
                title''.
                    (D) Section 4252(b)(14) of title 10, United States
                Code, is amended by striking ``section 4324(b) of this
                title'' and inserting ``section 4322 of this title''.
    (b) Life-Cycle Management and Product Support.--Chapter 323 of
title 10, United States Code, as amended by subsection (a), is further
amended by inserting after section 4321 the following new section:
``Sec. 4322. Life-cycle management and product support
    ``(a) In General.--The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that each
covered system is supported by a life-cycle sustainment plan--
            ``(1) that is approved by the senior acquisition executive
        responsible for such covered system; and
            ``(2) that meets applicable operational readiness
        requirements and materiel readiness objectives (established
        under section 118(c) of this title) in the most cost-effective
        manner practicable.
    ``(b) Product Support Manager.--The Secretary of Defense shall
designate a product support manager (as defined in section 1733 of this
title) to serve under the supervision of a program manager for each
covered system.
    ``(c) Life-Cycle Sustainment Plan.--(1) A product support manager
shall develop, update, and implement a life-cycle sustainment plan for
each covered system for which the product support manager is
responsible. Such plan shall include the following:
            ``(A) A comprehensive product support strategy to best
        achieve operational readiness requirements and materiel
        readiness objectives throughout the planned life cycle of such
        system.
            ``(B) A baseline life-cycle cost estimate for the covered
        system based on the planned product support strategy described
        in subparagraph (A).
            ``(C) Recommended engineering and design considerations
        that support cost-effective sustainment of the covered system
        and best value solutions in life-cycle planning and management.
            ``(D) An intellectual property management plan for product
        support developed in accordance with section 3774 of this
        title.
            ``(E) A strategy to maximize use of public and private
        sector capabilities to establish Government-private
        partnerships--
                    ``(i) with appropriate incentives for each partner
                to contribute to the achievement of operational
                readiness requirements and materiel readiness
                objectives in the most cost-effective manner
                practicable; and
                    ``(ii) that considers the roles of each partner as
                the covered system transitions from acquisition,
                development, production, fielding, sustainment, and
                disposal.
            ``(F) A plan to transition the covered system from
        production to initial fielding that addresses specific products
        or services required for successful initial fielding of the
        covered system, including--
                    ``(i) a description of the necessary tooling or
                other unique support equipment, requirements for
                initial spare parts and components, technical handbooks
                and maintenance manuals, maintenance training, and
                facilities;
                    ``(ii) an identification of the funding required to
                provide such products and services for any initial
                fielding location of the covered system;
                    ``(iii) an identification of any procurement line,
                program element, or subactivity group in the budget of
                the Secretary concerned associated with such products
                or services;
                    ``(iv) the timeline for delivery of such products
                and services; and
                    ``(v) an assessment of any reduction in operational
                readiness requirements and materiel readiness
                objectives if such products and services are not
                provided in accordance with clause (iv).
    ``(2) In developing each life-cycle sustainment plan required by
this section, the product support manager shall consider the following:
            ``(A) Affordability constraints and key cost factors that
        could affect operating and support costs during the life cycle
        of the covered system.
            ``(B) Sustainment risks or challenges to sustaining the
        covered system in operational environments, included contested
        logistics environments (as defined in section 2926 of this
        title).
            ``(C) Compliance with--
                    ``(i) requirements to maintain a core logistics
                capability under section 2464 of this title; and
                    ``(ii) limitations on the performance of depot-
                level maintenance of materiel under section 2466 of
                this title.
            ``(D) A defense industrial base strategy to maintain a
        robust, resilient, and innovative defense industrial base to
        support requirements throughout the life cycle of the covered
        system.
    ``(d) Continuous Assessment and Active Management.--In carrying out
the duties of this section and section 1733 of this title, the product
support manager shall--
            ``(1) continuously assess and actively manage performance
        of each covered system for which the product support manager is
        responsible against the life-cycle sustainment plan for such
        covered system; and
            ``(2) as appropriate, integrate commercial best practices,
        use commercial standards, and use advanced technologies to
        enhance the product support of each covered system.
    ``(e) Recommendations.--(1) The product support manager shall
recommend changes to the product support strategy required under
subsection (c)(1)(A) of a covered system to the program manager
responsible for such covered system to meet the requirements of
subsection (a).
    ``(2) The program manager shall provide to the senior acquisition
executive responsible for a covered system any recommendations for such
covered system made under paragraph (1) that the program manager did
not implement along with the rationale for not implementing such
recommendations.
    ``(f) Definitions.--In this section:
            ``(1) The term `covered system' means--
                    ``(A) a major defense acquisition program as
                defined in section 4201 of this title;
                    ``(B) a major subprogram as described in section
                4203 of this title; or
                    ``(C) an acquisition program or project that is
                carried out using the rapid fielding or rapid
                prototyping acquisition pathway under section 3602 of
                this title that is estimated by the Secretary of
                Defense to require an eventual total expenditure
                described in section 4201(a)(2) of this title.
            ``(2) The term `operational readiness' means the capability
        of a unit of the Armed Forces, vessel, weapon system, or
        equipment to perform the missions or functions for which it is
        organized or designed.
            ``(3) The term `product support' means the set of support
        functions, as determined by the product support manager,
        required to field and maintain the readiness and operational
        capability of a covered system, or a subsystem or component of
        a covered system.''.
    (c) Conforming Amendments to Materiel Readiness Metrics and
Objectives for Major Weapon Systems.--Section 118 of title 10, United
States Code, is amended--
            (1) in the section heading, by inserting ``materiel
        readiness'' before ``objectives'';
            (2) in subsection (b), by striking ``shall address'' and
        inserting ``shall establish procedures and a computation
        methodology to determine'';
            (3) in subsection (c)--
                    (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``the metrics
                required'' and all that follows through the period at
                the end and inserting ``materiel readiness objectives
                for each major weapon system.''; and
                    (B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``the metrics
                required by subsection (b)'' and inserting ``such
                readiness objectives'';
            (4) in subsection (d)(2), by striking ``readiness goals or
        objectives'' and inserting ``materiel readiness objectives'';
            (5) in subsection (e), in the matter preceding paragraph
        (1), by inserting a comma after ``designated mission''; and
            (6) in subsection (f)--
                    (A) by redesignating paragraphs (3), (4), and (5)
                as paragraphs (4), (5), and (6), respectively; and
                    (B) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following
                new paragraph:
            ``(3) The term `materiel readiness objective' means the
        minimum required availability of each major weapon system that
        is necessary to fulfill the requirements of the strategic
        framework and guidance referred to in subsection (a).''.

SEC. 106. NAVY SENIOR TECHNICAL AUTHORITY.

    Section 8669b of title 10, United States Code, is amended--
            (1) in subsection (a)(2), by amending subparagraph (B) to
        read as follows:
                    ``(B) reports directly to the program executive
                officer.''; and
            (2) in subsection (b)--
                    (A) by inserting ``(1)'' before ``Each Senior'';
                and
                    (B) by adding at the end the following new
                paragraph:
    ``(2) Each Senior Technical Authority shall also be responsible for
the determination that all design requirements for a vessel class are
directly related to a key performance parameter or key system attribute
established in the capability development document for the vessel
class. Any requirements that the Senior Technical Authority determines
are unnecessary to meet a key performance parameter or key system
attribute shall not be approved.''.

            TITLE II--ACCELERATING THE REQUIREMENTS PROCESS

SEC. 201. JOINT REQUIREMENTS COUNCIL.

    (a) Implementation.--Not later than 30 days after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs shall revise
policies for the Joint Strategic Planning System (established under the
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Instruction 3100.01F), the Manual
for the Operation of the Joint Capabilities Integration and Development
System (issued October 30, 2021) and any other relevant instructions,
policies, or guidance to carry out the requirements of this section and
the amendments made by this section.
    (b) Amendment to Name and Mission of Joint Requirements Oversight
Council.--Section 181 of title 10, United States Code, is amended--
            (1) in the section heading, by striking ``Oversight'';
            (2) in subsection (a), by striking ``Joint Requirements
        Oversight Council in the Department of Defense.'' and inserting
        the following: ``Joint Requirements Council (in this section
        referred to as the `Council') in the Department of Defense. The
        Council shall--
            ``(1) assist the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in
        carrying out the functions described in section 153 of this
        title; and
            ``(2) provide recommendations for addressing joint
        operational problems to the Requirements, Acquisition, and
        Programming Integration Directorate established under section
        186 of this title (in this section referred to as `RAPID').'';
        and
            (3) by striking ``Joint Requirements Oversight Council''
        each place it appears and inserting ``Joint Requirements
        Council''.
    (c) Duties.--Subsection (b) of such section 181 is amended to read
as follows:
    ``(b) Duties.--The Council shall support the objectives established
pursuant to section 3102 of this title by performing the following
duties:
            ``(1) Continuously evaluating global trends, adversary
        capabilities, and emerging threats to inform awareness and
        understanding of joint operational problems.
            ``(2) In coordination with commanders of combatant
        commands, compiling, refining, and prioritizing joint
        operational problems.
            ``(3) Identifying and prioritizing gaps in joint military
        capabilities to address joint operational problems.
            ``(4) Identifying advances in technology and innovative
        concepts of operation that could improve the ability of the
        joint force to address evolving threats and maintain the
        military advantage of the United States.
            ``(5) Developing a joint capability requirement statement
        that--
                    ``(A) describes the joint operational problem to
                provide necessary context for the joint capability
                requirement; and
                    ``(B) describes the solution sought in a
                nonprescriptive manner to allow agile and innovative
                development of joint capability requirements to address
                the joint operational problem.
            ``(6) Making the following recommendations to RAPID:
                    ``(A) With respect to a quick action requirement,
                actions to fulfill such quick action requirement, not
                later than 30 days after receipt or identification of
                such quick action requirement.
                    ``(B) Actions to fulfill each joint capability
                requirement necessary to address joint operational
                problems, not later than 60 days after receipt or
                identification of such a joint operational problem.
                    ``(C) Modifications to joint force design suitable
                for addressing joint operational problems or
                effectively integrating advancements in technology and
                new concepts of operation.
                    ``(D) Ways to improve operational effectiveness,
                increase operational flexibility, or improve
                interoperability and coordination between and among
                joint military capabilities and the military
                capabilities of allies or partners.
            ``(7) Providing notification to Deputy Secretary of
        Defense--
                    ``(A) upon receipt or identification of a quick
                action requirement; and
                    ``(B) upon submission of any recommendation to
                RAPID.''.
    (d) Composition.--Subsection (c) of such section 181 is amended--
            (1) in paragraph (1)(A)--
                    (A) by inserting ``and RAPID'' before ``for making
                recommendations''; and
                    (B) by striking ``joint performance requirements''
                and inserting ``joint capability requirements''; and
            (2) in paragraph (3), by inserting ``and RAPID'' after
        ``Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff''.
    (e) Advisors.--Subsection (d) of such section 181 is amended--
            (1) in paragraph (2)--
                    (A) by inserting ``strongly'' before ``consider'';
                and
                    (B) by striking ``its mission under paragraphs (1)
                and (2) of subsection (b)'' and inserting ``the duties
                described in subsection (b)''; and
            (2) in paragraph (3)--
                    (A) by striking ``seek, and strongly consider,''
                and inserting ``seek and consider'';
                    (B) by striking ``, in their roles as customers of
                the acquisition system,''; and
                    (C) by striking ``under subsection (b)(2) and joint
                performance requirements pursuant to subsection
                (b)(3)''.
    (f) Responsibility for Capability Requirements.--Subsection (e) of
such section 181 is amended to read as follows:
    ``(e) Responsibility for Capability Requirements.--The Chief of
Staff of an armed force is responsible for the capability requirements
for that armed force.''.
    (g) Analytic and Engineering Support.--Subsection (f) of such
section 181 is amended--
            (1) in the subsection heading, by inserting ``and
        Engineering'' after ``Analytic'';
            (2) by inserting ``and the Mission Engineering and
        Integration Activity established under section 203 of the SPEED
        Act'' after ``the Office of Cost Assessment and Program
        Evaluation''; and
            (3) by striking ``in operations research, systems analysis,
        and cost estimation to the Joint Requirements Oversight
        Council''.
    (h) Availability of Information to Congressional Defense
Committees.--Subsection (g) of such section 181 is amended--
            (1) in the subsection heading, by striking ``Oversight'';
        and
            (2) by striking ``oversight information'' and inserting
        ``information''.
    (i) Definitions.--Subsection (h) of such section 181 is amended to
read as follows:
    ``(h) Definitions.--In this section:
            ``(1) The term `capability requirement' means a requirement
        for a capability that is critical or essential to address an
        operational problem.
            ``(2) The term `joint capability requirement' means a
        capability requirement, including a capability requirement
        related to a requirement for joint force interoperability, that
        is critical or essential to address a specific joint
        operational problem.
            ``(3) The term `joint military capabilities' means the
        collective capabilities across the joint force, including both
        joint and force-specific capabilities, that are available to
        conduct military operations.
            ``(4) The term `joint operational problem' means a joint
        challenge faced by a combatant command in achieving an assigned
        military objective and may include limitations in capabilities,
        resources, or the ability to effectively and efficiently
        coordinate across the joint force, with another combatant
        command, among joint military capabilities, or with the
        military capabilities of allies or partners.
            ``(5) The term `operational problem' means a challenge or
        barrier in an operational environment that needs to be overcome
        to achieve a specific military objective.
            ``(6) The term `quick action requirement' has the meaning
        given in Department of Defense Directive 5000.71 titled `Rapid
        Fulfillment of Combatant Commander Urgent Operational Needs'
        (August 24, 2012).''.
    (j) Conforming Amendments.--
            (1) Title 10, united states code.--Title 10, United States
        Code, is amended--
                    (A) in section 139a, by striking ``Joint
                Requirements Oversight Council'' each place it appears
                and inserting ``Joint Requirements Council'';
                    (B) in section 153(a)(5)(F), by striking ``section
                181 of this title'' and inserting ``sections 181 and
                186 of this title'';
                    (C) in section 179(c)(9)--
                            (i) by striking ``Joint Requirements
                        Oversight Council'' and inserting ``Joint
                        Requirements Council''; and
                            (ii) by striking ``section 181(h)'' and
                        inserting ``section 181'';
                    (D) in section 2926(f)(5)(C), by striking
                ``describing'' and all that follows through ``details
                regarding'' and inserting ``describing details
                regarding'';
                    (E) in section 3067(b)(1), by striking ``Joint
                Requirements Oversight Council'' and inserting ``Joint
                Requirements Council'';
                    (F) in section 3136(e)(1)(A)(ii), by striking
                ``approved by the Joint Requirements Oversight Council
                and'' and inserting ``recommended for approval by the
                Requirements, Acquisition, and Programming Integration
                Directorate (established under section 186 of this
                title)'';
                    (G) in section 4202(a)(2)(A), by striking ``joint
                military requirement'' and all that follows through the
                period at the end and inserting the following: ``joint
                capability requirement, as determined by the
                Requirements, Acquisition, and Programming Integration
                Directorate (established under section 186 of this
                title)'';
                    (H) by amending section 4251(e)(1) to read as
                follows:
            ``(1) The term `requirements document' has the meaning
        given in section 3104(d) of this title.'';
                    (I) in section 4252(b)(9), by striking ``Joint
                Requirements Oversight Council'' and inserting ``Joint
                Requirements Council'';
                    (J) in section 4376--
                            (i) in subsection (a), by striking ``,
                        after consultation with the Joint Requirements
                        Oversight Council regarding program
                        requirements,'';
                            (ii) in subsection (b)(2)(B), by striking
                        ``joint military requirement (as defined in
                        section 181(g)(1) of this title) at less cost''
                        and inserting ``joint capability requirement
                        (as defined in section 181 of this title) at
                        less cost''; and
                            (iii) in subsection (c)(3), by striking
                        ``joint military requirements'' and inserting
                        ``joint capability requirements''; and
                    (K) in section 5514(b)(2)(C)(ii), by striking
                ``Joint Requirements Oversight Council'' and inserting
                ``Joint Requirements Council''.
            (2) Other laws.--
                    (A) Section 902(d) of the National Defense
                Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (10 U.S.C. 139a
                note) is amended--
                            (i) by striking ``, performance
                        requirements, and joint performance
                        requirements'' and inserting ``or performance
                        requirements''; and
                            (ii) by striking ``Joint Requirements
                        Oversight Council to validate such
                        requirements'' and inserting ``Joint
                        Requirements Council''.
                    (B) Section 1684(d)(4)(A)(i) of the National
                Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (10
                U.S.C. 2271 note) is amended by striking ``either
                approved by, or in development for, the Joint
                Requirements Oversight Council'' and inserting ``in
                development for consideration or under consideration by
                the Joint Requirements Council''.
                    (C) Section 1686(b)(1) of the National Defense
                Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (10 U.S.C. 2224
                note) is amended by striking ``through the Joint
                Requirements Oversight Council'' and inserting ``in
                consultation with the Requirements, Acquisition, and
                Programming Integration Directorate (established under
                section 186 of title 10, United States Code)''.
                    (D) Section 1510(b)(2) of the National Defense
                Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (10 U.S.C. 113
                note) is amended by striking ``Joint Requirements
                Oversight Council'' and inserting ``Joint Requirements
                Council''.
                    (E) Section 915(a)(1) of the National Defense
                Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (10 U.S.C. 132
                note) is amended by striking ``Joint Requirements
                Oversight Council'' and inserting ``Joint Requirements
                Council''.
                    (F) Section 938(a)(1) of the National Defense
                Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014 (10 U.S.C. 4571
                note prec.) is amended by striking ``Joint Requirements
                Oversight Council'' and inserting ``Joint Requirements
                Council''.
            (3) Repeals.--The following provisions of law are repealed:
                    (A) Section 942 of the National Defense
                Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 (10 U.S.C. 181
                note).
                    (B) Section 916 of the Floyd D. Spence National
                Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2001 (10
                U.S.C. 181 note).
                    (C) Section 105(b) of the Weapon Systems
                Acquisition Reform Act of 2009 (10 U.S.C. 181 note).
                    (D) Section 201 of the Weapon Systems Acquisition
                Reform Act of 2009 (10 U.S.C. 3102 note).

SEC. 202. ESTABLISHMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS, ACQUISITION, AND
              PROGRAMMING INTEGRATION DIRECTORATE.

    (a) In General.--Chapter 7 of title 10, United States Code, is
amended by inserting after section 185 the following new section:
``Sec. 186. Requirements, Acquisition, and Programming Integration
              Directorate
    ``(a) Establishment.--There is within the Department of Defense a
Requirements, Acquisition, and Programming Integration Directorate (in
this section referred to as `RAPID').
    ``(b) Purposes.--RAPID shall--
            ``(1) serve as the principal forum within the Department of
        Defense to inform, coordinate, and evaluate solutions to joint
        operational problems;
            ``(2) provide senior oversight, coordination, and budget
        and capability harmonization with respect to such matters; and
            ``(3) act as an advisory body to the Secretary of Defense
        and the Deputy Secretary of Defense with respect to such
        matters.
    ``(c) Organization and Membership.--RAPID shall consist of the
following members:
            ``(1) The Chairman of the Joint Requirements Council and
        the Director of Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation, who
        shall serve as co-directors of RAPID.
            ``(2) One member designated by each commander of a
        combatant command.
            ``(3) One member designated by the Chairman of the Joint
        Requirements Council.
            ``(4) One member designated by the Director of Cost
        Assessment and Program Evaluation.
            ``(5) One member designated by each service acquisition
        executive of a military department.
            ``(6) One member designated by the principal staff
        assistant for the Mission Engineering and Integration Activity
        (established under section 203 of the SPEED Act).
            ``(7) One member designated by the executive director of
        the Joint Rapid Acquisition Cell (as described in the
        Department of Defense Directive 5000.71 titled `Rapid
        Fulfillment of Combatant Commander Urgent Operational Needs'
        (August 24, 2012)).
            ``(8) One member designated by each portfolio executive
        officer or a similar member of the acquisition workforce
        responsible for the execution of a recommendation under
        consideration by RAPID.
    ``(d) Responsibilities.--(1) RAPID shall--
            ``(A) promptly convene relevant members to assess a
        proposed joint capability requirement to address a joint
        operational problem by considering, with respect to such
        proposed joint capability requirement--
                    ``(i) associated resource requirements;
                    ``(ii) mission engineering and interoperability
                considerations for integration into joint
                architectures; and
                    ``(iii) factors related to acquisition and
                sustainment; and
            ``(B) provide prioritized recommendations for solutions to
        such joint operational problem to the Secretary of Defense and
        Deputy Secretary of Defense.
    ``(2) In carrying out paragraph (1), RAPID shall--
            ``(A) use data-driven decisionmaking to prioritize resource
        allocation;
            ``(B) maximize the effective use of resources by enabling
        timely delivery of solutions to address a joint operational
        problem in a manner that provides the greatest value for the
        investment made;
            ``(C) enable the adoption and integration of solutions to
        enhance military effectiveness and responsiveness to emerging
        threats; and
            ``(D) in addition to any other considerations required
        under this subsection, consider--
                    ``(i) joint capability requirement statements or
                other relevant justification materials provided by the
                Joint Requirements Council;
                    ``(ii) any analysis and recommendations provided by
                the Mission Engineering and Integration Activity or the
                Director of Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation
                relating to resource requirements described in
                paragraph (1)(A)(i);
                    ``(iii) recommendations from relevant service
                acquisition executives or program executive officers
                related to planning and execution of the proposed joint
                capability requirement, including budget planning and
                management, acquisition approach, program management,
                and life-cycle management for a proposed joint
                capability requirement; and
                    ``(iv) the need to incorporate measure for
                technology protection in certain covered systems to
                enable the use or sale of proposed technology solutions
                to joint operational problems with allies and partner
                countries in a manner that protects national security
                interest while promoting international collaboration.
    ``(e) Recommendation.--(1) Not later than 30 days after the date of
receipt of a recommendation with respect to a joint capability
requirement for a joint operational problem, from the Joint
Requirements Council in accordance with section 181 of this title,
RAPID shall submit to the Deputy Secretary of Defense a recommendation
for a solution to the joint operational problem that includes the
following:
            ``(A) A description of the resources needed to implement
        the solution and, as appropriate, resources needed to support
        the acquisition and sustainment of such solution of over the
        anticipated life cycle of the solution.
            ``(B) Any recommended actions necessary to enable
        integration of the solution into the joint force or to revise
        joint concepts of operation to best resolve the joint
        operational problem.
            ``(C) With respect to a solution for which access may be
        shared with an ally or partner country, recommended
        considerations--
                    ``(i) to be incorporated during the design and
                development phase of the solution; and
                    ``(ii) to facilitate future production and
                logistics support for the solution to the ally or
                partner country.
            ``(D) Any necessary changes to policy or guidance to enable
        effective acquisition, fielding, and employment of a solution
        that is a joint military capability.
            ``(E) Any other recommended actions to expeditiously
        provide the Armed Forces with the capabilities necessary to
        operate effectively, to address evolving threats, and to
        maintain the military advantage of the United States in the
        most cost-effective manner practicable.
    ``(2) The co-chairs of RAPID may request an additional amount of
time, not to exceed 30 days, to provide a recommendation related to a
joint capability requirement that is not a quick action requirement to
the Deputy Secretary of Defense under this subsection.
    ``(f) Determination.--(1) Not later than 30 days after receipt of a
recommendation under subsection (e), the Deputy Secretary of Defense
shall issue a memorandum that approves, approves with modification, or
rejects such a recommendation.
    ``(2) The Deputy Secretary of Defense shall include along with a
memorandum that approves or approves with modification a recommendation
described in paragraph (1) specific direction and guidance to the
applicable element of the Department of Defense to which such
recommendation applies.
    ``(3) The Deputy Secretary of Defense shall include along with a
memorandum that rejects a recommendation described in paragraph (1) a
specific direction--
            ``(A) for alternative action to be taken by the applicable
        element of the Department of Defense to which such
        recommendation applies to address the relevant joint
        operational problem; or
            ``(B) to RAPID for further action to address the relevant
        joint operational problem.
    ``(g) Notification.--If the Deputy Secretary of Defense fails to
issue a memorandum as required by subsection (f) within 90 days after
the date on which the Joint Requirements Council provides a
recommendation to address a joint operational problem to the RAPID, the
Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense
committees a notification of such failure.
    ``(h) Definitions.--In this section:
            ``(1) The terms `joint capability requirement', `joint
        military capability', `joint operational problem', and `quick
        action requirement' have the meanings given, respectively, in
        section 181 of this title.
            ``(2) The term `relevant member' means a member of RAPID
        (or a designee) that has a primary interest in, or
        responsibility for, a proposed joint capability requirement or
        quick action requirement under assessment by RAPID.''.
    (b) Conforming Amendments to Director of Cost Assessment and
Program Evaluation.--Section 139a(d) of title 10, United States Code,
is amended--
            (1) by redesignating paragraphs (4) through (9) as
        paragraphs (5) through (10), respectively; and
            (2) by inserting after paragraph (3) the following new
        paragraph:
            ``(4) Analysis and advice for resource discussions relating
        to joint capability requirements under consideration by the
        Requirements, Acquisition, and Programming Integration
        Directorate pursuant to section 186 of this title.''.

SEC. 203. ESTABLISHMENT OF THE MISSION ENGINEERING AND INTEGRATION
              ACTIVITY.

    (a) Establishment.--Not later than 120 days after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall establish within
the Department of Defense a Mission Engineering and Integration
Activity (in this section referred to as ``MEIA'').
    (b) Designation.--The Secretary of Defense shall designate a
principal staff assistant from within the Office of the Secretary of
Defense whose office shall serve as the office of primary
responsibility for MEIA.
    (c) Duties.--The principal staff assistant designated under
subsection (b) shall have the following duties:
            (1) Lead cross-service activities to develop, identify,
        analyze, and validate integrated technology solutions to
        address joint operational problems.
            (2) Coordinate with the appropriate program executive
        officers to align and implement such activities.
            (3) Proactively seek and consider feedback of the primary
        users and operators of proposed technology solutions to address
        joint operational problems throughout the implementation of
        such activities.
            (4) Upon request, perform analysis for, experiment with,
        and prototype technology to integrate such technology into
        joint architectures, to use such technology, to inform
        operational concepts, and to provide analysis or
        recommendations regarding the use of such technology to the
        Requirements, Acquisition, and Programming Integration
        Directorate, established by section 186 of title 10, United
        Stated Code (in this section referred to as ``RAPID'').
            (5) Coordinate with commanders of the combatant commands to
        understand the priorities of commanders and support the
        fielding of integrated technology solutions to address joint
        operational problems.
            (6) Upon request, assist a program executive officer in
        carrying out the responsibilities established under section
        1732 of title 10, United States Code (as added by section 102
        of this Act), by providing analysis, recommendations, and
        engineering assistance in the integration of technology
        solutions related to the capabilities for which the program
        executive officer is responsible.
            (7) Use existing authorities (including authorities
        provided in section 4022 of title 10, United States Code) to
        carry out this section.
    (d) Implementation Plan.--
            (1) Plan.--Not later than 90 days after the date of the
        enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to
        the congressional defense committees an implementation plan for
        MEIA.
            (2) Elements.--The plan required by paragraph (1) shall
        include a description of the following:
                    (A) The organizational structure and resource
                requirements associated with the establishment and
                operation of MEIA.
                    (B) How MEIA will support and inform the RAPID in
                carrying out the requirements of section 186 of title
                10, United States Code.
                    (C) Each budget line item or program element that
                will be associated with the activities of MEIA.
                    (D) Coordination between MEIA and relevant elements
                of the Department of Defense that are established to
                identify and support the development of,
                experimentation with, and integration of technology
                solutions to address joint operational problems for the
                Department, including--
                            (i) the Defense Innovation Unit established
                        under section 4217 of the title 10, United
                        States Code;
                            (ii) the Defense Research and Development
                        Rapid Innovation Program established under
                        section 4061 of such title;
                            (iii) a entity of the Department of Defense
                        that is a member of the Defense Innovation
                        Community of Entities established by the
                        Director of the Defense Innovation Unit;
                            (iv) the Strategic Capabilities Office; and
                            (v) recipients of awards under the Small
                        Business Innovation Research Program or the
                        Small Business Technology Transfer Program (as
                        defined in section 9 of the Small Business Act
                        (15 U.S.C. 638)).
                    (E) How MEIA will coordinate with and assist--
                            (i) the commanders of combatant commands in
                        fielding integrated technology solutions to
                        address joint operational problems under
                        subsection (c)(5); and
                            (ii) the program executive officers and
                        each Secretary of a military department in the
                        integration of technology to enhance military
                        effectiveness and responsiveness.
                    (F) Any recommendations for changes to statute or
                policy for successful implementation of this section.
    (e) Assessment.--Not later than five years after the date of the
establishment of MEIA, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the
congressional defense committees an assessment of whether MEIA should
be modified, made permanent, or terminated based on its effectiveness
in carrying out the requirements of this section.
    (f) Joint Operational Problem Defined.--In this section, the term
``joint operational problem'' has the meaning given in section 181 of
title 10, United States Code.

   TITLE III--STRIKING THE BALANCE BETWEEN REGULATION AND EFFICIENCY

SEC. 301. MATTERS RELATED TO DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE USE OF COST
              ACCOUNTING STANDARDS.

    (a) Reduction or Elimination of CAS.--
            (1) In general.--Not later than 90 days after the date of
        the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall--
                    (A) identify actions necessary to streamline
                requirements for compliance with the cost accounting
                standards established under section 1502 of title 41,
                United States Code (in this section referred to as
                ``CAS''), in the performance of a contract with the
                Department of Defense; and
                    (B) reduce or eliminate such requirements under the
                circumstances described in paragraph (2).
            (2) Circumstances described.--The circumstances described
        in this paragraph are as follows:
                    (A) With respect to an action to eliminate
                compliance with CAS, if reliance on a similar
                requirement under generally accepted accounting
                principles (in this section referred to as ``GAAP'')
                would materially achieve uniformity and consistency in
                cost accounting with respect to such elimination
                without bias or prejudice to parties to a contract.
                    (B) If other existing requirements in guidance or
                regulation will sufficiently protect the interests of
                the Secretary of Defense in the oversight of cost
                contracts.
                    (C) If such requirement is no longer necessary or
                appropriate.
    (b) Assessment of GAAP To Meet Department of Defense Needs.--
            (1) In general.--The Secretary of Defense shall conduct an
        assessment of the steps necessary to enable the use of GAAP
        instead of CAS as the baseline for standards of financial
        accounting and reporting for the contracts of the Department of
        Defense. Such assessment shall include--
                    (A) an identification of needed changes to law,
                regulation, or policy to enable the Secretary to
                eliminate the use of CAS and implement the use of GAAP
                as such baseline; and
                    (B) an identification any Department-specific
                standards that would be required in addition to GAAP to
                support the unique requirements of defense contracts.
            (2) Report.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the
        enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the
        congressional defense committees a report on the findings of
        the assessment required by paragraph (1), along with any
        recommended actions for Congress to reduce or eliminate
        requirements for compliance with CAS.

SEC. 302. REVIEW OF COMMERCIAL BUYING PRACTICES.

    (a) Review Required.--
            (1) In general.--Not later than 120 days after the
        enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall carry out
        a comprehensive review of the approach of the Department of
        Defense to acquiring commercial products and commercial
        services and the implementation of the requirements of the
        Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act of 1994 (Public Law 103-
        355) by the Department.
            (2) Review requirements.--The review required by paragraph
        (1) shall include an assessment of each of the following as
        they relate to the approach of the Department of Defense to
        acquiring commercial products and commercial services:
                    (A) The policies, procedures, guidance, and
                instructions of the Department of Defense.
                    (B) The extent to which contracts entered into by
                the Department of Defense for the acquisition of
                commercial products or commercial services include
                requirements or other provisions that should not apply
                to the acquisition of a commercial product or
                commercial service and the extent to which such
                requirements or other provisions are included in
                subcontracts under such contracts.
                    (C) Training curricula, educational materials, and
                associated activities of the Department of Defense
                related to acquiring commercial products and commercial
                services, including such curricula, materials, and
                activities that pertain to the determination of a
                product or service as a commercial product or
                commercial service and the congressional intent that
                the definitions of the terms ``commercial product'' and
                ``commercial service'' should be applied broadly.
                    (D) Audit and oversight policies and practices of
                the Department of Defense.
                    (E) Incentives that discourage the acquisition
                workforce from acquiring commercial products or
                commercial services.
                    (F) The process by which the Department of Defense
                develops and issues regulations related to the
                acquisition of commercial products or commercial
                services, including delays in rulemaking and the
                resulting delays in the implementation of policies
                intended to improve or streamline the acquisition of
                commercial products or commercial services.
                    (G) Requirements in solicitations or contracts of
                the Department of Defense requiring the use of military
                specifications or standards when applicable commercial
                specifications or standards were available that could
                have meet the needs of the Department served by such
                military specifications or standards.
                    (H) The process by which the Department of Defense
                evaluates past performance, including performance under
                Federal, State, and local government and private
                contracts (as described in section 15.305(a)(2)(ii) of
                the Federal Acquisition Regulation), in the acquisition
                of commercial products or commercial services.
    (b) Report.--Not later than 180 days after the enactment of this
Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense
committees a report that--
            (1) describes the findings of the review required by
        subsection (a)(1);
            (2) describes the corrective actions taken by the Secretary
        to address the issues identified pursuant to such review,
        including any findings of noncompliance by the Department of
        Defense with the requirements of the Federal Acquisition
        Streamlining Act of 1994 (Public Law 103-355) or any other
        statutory or regulatory requirements related to advancing and
        enabling the procurement of commercial products and commercial
        services; and
            (3) includes any recommendations of the Secretary on
        actions that Congress may take to better enable the Department
        of Defense to take advantage of the benefits of acquiring
        commercial products and commercial services.

SEC. 303. ADJUSTMENTS TO CERTAIN ACQUISITION THRESHOLDS.

    (a) Major Program.--Section 3041 of title 10, United States Code,
is amended--
            (1) in subsection (c)(1)--
                    (A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``$115,000,000
                (based on fiscal year 1990 constant dollars)'' and
                inserting ``$275,000,000 (based on fiscal year 2024
                constant dollars)''; and
                    (B) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``$540,000,000
                (based on fiscal year 1990 constant dollars)'' and
                inserting ``$1,300,000,000 (based on fiscal year 2024
                constant dollars)''; and
            (2) in subsection (d)(1), by striking ``$750,000 (based on
        fiscal year 1980 constant dollars)'' and inserting ``$5,000,000
        (based on fiscal year 2024 constant dollars)''.
    (b) Use of Procedures Other Than Competitive Procedures.--Section
3204(e)(1) of title 10, United States Code, is amended--
            (1) by striking ``$10,000,000'' each place it appears and
        inserting ``$100,000,000'';
            (2) by striking ``$75,000,000'' each place it appears and
        inserting ``$500,000,000''; and
            (3) in subparagraph (B)(i), by striking ``$500,000'' and
        inserting ``$5,000,000''.
    (c) Simplified Procedures for Small Purchases.--Section 3205(a) of
title 10, United States Code, is amended--
            (1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``simplified acquisition
        threshold'' and inserting ``threshold specified in section
        3571(a) of this title''; and
            (2) in paragraph (2), by striking ``$5,000,000'' and
        inserting ``$50,000,000''.
    (d) Multiyear Contracts.--Section 3501 of title 10, United States
Code, is amended--
            (1) by striking ``$500,000,000'' each place it appears and
        inserting ``$1,000,000,000'';
            (2) by striking ``$100,000,000'' each place it appears and
        inserting ``$150,000,000''; and
            (3) by striking ``$20,000,000'' each place it appears and
        inserting ``$50,000,000''.
    (e) Simplified Acquisition Threshold.--Section 3571(a) of title 10,
United States Code, is amended--
            (1) by inserting ``(1)'' before ``For purposes of
        acquisitions'';
            (2) by striking ``as specified in section 134 of title 41''
        and inserting ``$10,000,000''; and
            (3) by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
    ``(2) In the case of any contract to be awarded and performed, or
purchase to be made, in support of a contingency operation or a
humanitarian or peacekeeping operation, the simplified acquisition
threshold means an amount equal to two times the amount specified in
paragraph (1).''.
    (f) Micro-Purchase Threshold.--Section 3573 of title 10, United
States Code, is amended by striking ``$10,000'' and inserting
``$100,000''.
    (g) Modifications to Submissions of Cost or Pricing Data.--Section
3702(a) of title 10, United States Code, is amended--
            (1) in paragraph (1)--
                    (A) by striking ``June 30, 2018'' each place it
                appears and inserting ``June 30, 2026'';
                    (B) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``$2,000,000''
                and inserting ``$10,000,000''; and
                    (C) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``$750,000''
                and inserting ``$2,000,000'';
            (2) in paragraph (2), by striking ``$2,000,000'' and
        inserting ``$10,000,000''; and
            (3) in subparagraph (3)(A), by striking ``$2,000,000'' and
        inserting ``$10,000,000''.
    (h) Major Defense Acquisition Programs; Definitions; Exceptions.--
Section 4201(a)(2) of title 10, United States Code, is amended--
            (1) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``$300,000,000 (based
        on fiscal year 1990 constant dollars)'' and inserting
        ``$1,000,000,000 (based on fiscal year 2024 constant
        dollars)''; and
            (2) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``$1,800,000,000
        (based on fiscal year 1990 constant dollars)'' and inserting
        ``$5,500,000,000 (based on fiscal year 2024 constant
        dollars)''.

SEC. 304. ALTERNATIVE CAPABILITY-BASED PRICING.

    Chapter 287 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding
at the end the following new section:
``Sec. 3906. Alternative capability-based pricing
    ``(a) In General.--Except as provided by subsection (b), the head
of an agency may use alternative capability-based analysis for the
acquisition of a commercial solution to determine whether the price for
a commercial solution is fair and reasonable based on the value to the
Government as determined under such analysis.
    ``(b) Exception.--Subsection (a) does not apply with respect to the
acquisition of a commercial solution under a subcontract.
    ``(c) Definitions.--In this section:
            ``(1) The term `alternative capability-based analysis'
        means an analysis of the value to the Government of a
        commercial solution that determines such value based on one or
        more of the following criteria:
                    ``(A) The suitability of the commercial solution
                for the particular purpose for which the Government
                would acquire such commercial solution.
                    ``(B) The benefits obtained by the Government as a
                result of improvements in capability, effectiveness,
                efficiency, process, or speed to delivery provided by
                such commercial solution.
                    ``(C) The estimated total cost avoidance resulting
                from the acquisition and use of such commercial
                solution, including the cost avoidance resulting from
                reductions to operations, sustainment, or risks to
                mission by replacing fielded capabilities with such
                commercial solution.
                    ``(D) Input from the intended end users of such
                commercial solution on the potential value of the
                improvements to capabilities or processes provided by
                such commercial solution.
            ``(2) The term `commercial solution' means a product or
        service, including an integrated combination of products,
        services, or products and services--
                    ``(A) that is sold, leased, or licensed in the
                commercial marketplace, or offered for sale, lease, or
                license in the commercial marketplace; and
                    ``(B) the provider of which contemporaneously
                offers such solution or a solution that is similar to
                such solution to the general public or public entities,
                including State and local governments and foreign
                governments, under terms and conditions that are
                similar to the terms and conditions under which such
                solution is offered to the Federal Government.''.

SEC. 305. CLARIFICATION OF CONDITIONS FOR PAYMENTS FOR COMMERCIAL
              PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL SERVICES.

    Section 3805 of title 10, United States Code, is amended--
            (1) in subsection (d)--
                    (A) by striking ``The conditions'' and inserting
                ``(1) The conditions''; and
                    (B) by adding at the end the following new
                paragraph:
    ``(2) For the purposes of section 3803 of this title, a payment for
covered services acquired through a commercially utilized acquisition
strategy shall not be considered an advance payment made under section
3801 of this title.''; and
            (2) by adding at the end the following new subsection:
    ``(e) Definitions.--In this section:
            ``(1) The term `commercially utilized acquisition strategy'
        means an acquisition of a service by the Government under terms
        and conditions that--
                    ``(A) are similar to the terms and conditions under
                which such service is available to the public; and
                    ``(B) provide such service as a consumption-based
                solution or under a technology subscription model or
                other model based on predetermined pricing for access
                to such service.
            ``(2) The term `covered service' means a commercial service
        that includes access to or use of any combination of hardware,
        equipment, software, labor, or services, including access to
        commercial satellite data and associated services, that is
        integrated to provide a capability.''.

  TITLE IV--STRENGTHENING THE DEFENSE INDUSTRIAL BASE AND LEVERAGING
                         COMMERCIAL INNOVATION

SEC. 401. DEFENSE INDUSTRIAL RESILIENCE CONSORTIUM.

    (a) Establishment.--Not later than 90 days after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall establish a
consortium (to be known as the ``Defense Industrial Resilience
Consortium'') to address challenges to and limitations of the
industrial base to ensure that the Armed Forces are equipped with the
capabilities necessary to effectively respond to national security
challenges.
    (b) Membership.--Membership in the consortium established under
subsection (a) shall be open to relevant entities and individuals from
the Government, industry, and academia with an interest in advanced
manufacturing or production technologies, fostering domestic industrial
innovation, or enabling rapid, scalable solutions to sustain and
enhance the availability of essential defense components.
    (c) Purpose.--
            (1) In general.--The consortium established under
        subsection (a) shall provide a forum for the Government,
        industry, and academia to collaborate on identifying and
        addressing challenges to and limitations of the industrial base
        in meeting the needs of the Department of Defense.
            (2) Areas of focus.--In identifying and addressing
        challenges to and limitations of the industrial base, the
        consortium established under subsection (a) shall focus on--
                    (A) eliminating impediments to a resilient and
                robust industrial base, including--
                            (i) policies and procedures that are
                        impeding businesses of all types and sizes from
                        working with the Department of Defense;
                            (ii) areas where the Department could
                        improve implementation of the Federal
                        Acquisition Streamlining Act of 1994 (Public
                        Law 103-355), including limiting the
                        application of requirements specific to the
                        Government in the procurement of commercial
                        products and commercial services, and
                        maximizing the use of commercial standards
                        rather than military specifications and
                        standards; and
                            (iii) impediments to transitioning
                        research, development, testing, and evaluation
                        programs funded by military departments and the
                        Department to relevant acquisition programs of
                        record;
                    (B) identifying and addressing supply chain
                fragility, including--
                            (i) preventing or mitigating parts
                        obsolescence, and addressing the
                        vulnerabilities from reliance on single sources
                        for any material, product, or service while
                        reducing the dependencies on nonallied nations;
                            (ii) developing long-term industrial base
                        strategies and solutions to ensure the
                        availability of mission-critical parts for
                        systems of the Department throughout the life
                        cycle of such systems; and
                            (iii) bolstering supply chain diversity and
                        developing shared awareness of supply chain
                        challenges, risks, and opportunities between
                        Government and industry;
                    (C) expanding domestic manufacturing and industrial
                capacity, including--
                            (i) enabling rapid engagement between
                        government, academia, and industry to develop,
                        test, and scale solutions that can revitalize
                        domestic manufacturing capabilities, reduce
                        reliance on single sources of supply, and
                        strengthen the defense industrial base;
                            (ii) identifying financial incentives and
                        business models to enable and support a civil
                        reserve manufacturing network that could be
                        activated to meet the needs of the Department
                        of Defense;
                            (iii) supporting and informing efforts to
                        enhance government-owned, government-operated
                        arsenals and depots with advanced manufacturing
                        and other production capabilities to enable
                        rapid response across the spectrum of
                        operational environments;
                            (iv) enabling and enhancing public-private
                        partnerships between the organic industrial
                        base, commercial manufacturing, and other
                        industrial entities; and
                            (v) anticipate and close gaps in
                        manufacturing capabilities for defense systems
                        by fostering the adoption of additive
                        manufacturing, automation, AI-driven
                        production, and other emerging capabilities to
                        modernize the industrial base and associated
                        supply chains;
                    (D) accessing and implementing commercial
                approaches to enabling modern manufacturing
                capabilities, including--
                            (i) adoption of commercial approaches to
                        information technology, software, the cloud,
                        data management, and artificial intelligence to
                        support and enable modern manufacturing
                        capabilities; and
                            (ii) identifying financial incentives and
                        business models to encourage private-sector
                        investment and expand access to advanced, high-
                        quality advanced manufacturing, that uses
                        software to digitize manufacturing to the
                        greatest extent possible; and
                    (E) development and training of the workforce,
                including--
                            (i) leveraging industry best practices
                        training and development of critical skills in
                        advanced manufacturing, including skills
                        required to manufacture unique components and
                        products for systems of the Department of
                        Defense and to enable capabilities of the
                        Department;
                            (ii) identifying or developing
                        opportunities for public-private talent
                        exchanges and skills development in areas such
                        as advanced manufacturing, supply chain
                        management, and supply chain risk management;
                        and
                            (iii) identify or develop curriculum and
                        experiential learning to support and enable
                        advanced manufacturing, production
                        technologies, or industrial innovation.
    (d) Consortium Work Products and Recommendations.--Relevant work
products and recommendations developed through consortium activities
shall be considered by the Secretary of Defense in developing policy
and allocating resources to ensure that the Armed Forces are equipped
with the capabilities necessary to effectively respond to national
security challenges.
    (e) Use of Other Transaction Authorities.--The consortium
established under subsection (a) shall support the use of other
transaction authorities under sections 4021 and 4022 of title 10,
United States Code, and other appropriate acquisition authorities, to
rapidly prototype and field advanced manufacturing solutions and to
address the other challenges to and limitations of the industrial base.

SEC. 402. AMENDMENT TO OTHER TRANSACTION AUTHORITY.

    (a) In General.--Section 4022 of title 10, United States Code, is
amended--
            (1) in subsection (a)(2)--
                    (A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``agency
                that'' and all that follows through ``the use'' and
                inserting ``agency that the use'';
                    (B) in subparagraph (B)(i), by striking ``writing
                that'' and all that follows through ``the use'' and
                inserting ``writing that the use''; and
                    (C) in subparagraph (C)--
                            (i) by striking ``subsection (f)'' each
                        place it appears and inserting ``subsection
                        (e)''; and
                            (ii) in clause (i)(I), by striking ``the
                        requirements of subsection (d)'' and all that
                        follows through ``and the'' and inserting
                        ``the'';
            (2) by striking subsection (d);
            (3) by redesignating subsections (e) through (i) as
        subsections (d) through (h), respectively; and
            (4) in subsection (f), as so redesignated, by striking
        ``subsection (f)'' and inserting ``subsection (e)''.
    (b) Conforming Amendments.--
            (1) National security act of 1947.--Section 102A(n)(6)(C)
        of the National Security Act of 1947 (50 U.S.C. 3024(n)(6)(C))
        is amended--
                    (A) by repealing clauses (v) and (vi); and
                    (B) in clause (vii)--
                            (i) in the matter preceding subclause (I),
                        by striking ``4022(f)(2)'' and inserting
                        ``4022(e)(2)''; and
                            (ii) in subclause (V)(cc), by striking
                        ``4022(f)(5)'' and inserting ``4022(e)(5)''.
            (2) Homeland security act of 2002.--Section 831(d) of the
        Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 391(d)) is amended by
        striking ``4022(e)'' and inserting ``4022(d)''.
            (3) John s. mccain national defense authorization act for
        fiscal year 2019.--Section 873(c)(1) of the John S. McCain
        National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (Public
        Law 115-232; 10 U.S.C. 4021 note) is amended--
                    (A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``subsection
                (f)'' and inserting ``subsection (e)''; and
                    (B) in subparagraph (E), by striking ``or (f)'' and
                inserting ``or (e)''.
            (4) James m. inhofe national defense authorization act for
        fiscal year 2023.--Section 322(h)(2) of the James M. Inhofe
        National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Public
        Law 117-263; 10 U.S.C. 2911 note) is amended by striking
        ``subsection (f)'' and inserting ``subsection (e)''.

SEC. 403. DATA-AS-A-SERVICE SOLUTIONS FOR WEAPON SYSTEM CONTRACTS.

    (a) In General.--Chapter 323 of title 10, United States Code, as
amended by section 105 of this Act, is amended by adding at the end the
following new section:
``Sec. 4324. Data-as-a-service solutions for weapon system contracts
    ``(a) Negotiations for Data-as-a-Service.--Before entering into a
contract for the procurement of a weapon system (or component thereof),
the Secretary of Defense shall ensure, to the maximum extent
practicable, that the negotiations for such contract include
negotiations for data-as-a-service solutions to facilitate access to
the information described in subsection (b) as necessary for--
            ``(1) the performance of depot-level maintenance and repair
        workload by employees of the Department of Defense in
        accordance with section 2466 of this title; or
            ``(2) the maintenance of a core logistics capability in
        accordance with section 2464 of this title.
    ``(b) Covered Information.--The information described in subsection
(a) is technical data or computer software that relates to the weapon
system (or component thereof) to be procured that is--
            ``(1) detailed manufacturing or process data relating to
        how contractors or subcontractors design, develop, produce,
        test, certify, diagnose, maintain, repair, or otherwise support
        such weapon system (or component thereof);
            ``(2) digital networks or digital models that contain data
        described in paragraph (1), or virtual replicas of such data;
            ``(3) design details, algorithms, processes, flow charts,
        formulas, and related information that describe the design,
        organization, or structure of computer software; or
            ``(4) necessary for operation, maintenance, installation,
        or training with respect to such weapon system (or component
        thereof).
    ``(c) Methods and Schedule for Access.--(1) With respect to a data-
as-a-service solution described in subsection (a), access to the
information described in subsection (b) may be made available through
one or more methods, including electronically, in-person, or machine-
to-machine encryption, as appropriate based on the type, sensitivity,
or authorized use of such information.
    ``(2) The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that the terms of a
contract for a data-as-a-service solution described in subsection (a)
clearly state the requirements, conditions, and schedule for providing
access to the information described in subsection (b).
    ``(d) Applicability to Commercial Products.--(1) With respect to a
contract for a commercial product that is a data-as-a-service solution
described in subsection (a), the offeror for such commercial product
shall ensure that the pricing and terms and conditions of access to
information described in subsection (b) for such commercial product is
commensurate with commercial practices for similar access.
    ``(2) The Secretary of Defense may not require an offeror for a
commercial product that is a data-as-a-service solution described in
subsection (a) to provide access to information described in subsection
(b) in a manner that is different from what such offeror customarily
provides to a buyer of such commercial product, unless the offeror has
agreed to provide such access pursuant to a specifically negotiated
agreement with the Secretary.
    ``(e) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section shall be
construed as modifying any rights, obligations, or limitations of the
Government, contractor, or subcontractor with respect to rights in
technical data under subchapter I of chapter 275 of this title.
    ``(f) Definitions.--In this section:
            ``(1) The term `access', with respect to information
        described in subsection (b), means the availability of such
        information as a service rather than as specifically delivered
        in the performance of a contract for the procurement of a
        weapon system (or component thereof).
            ``(2) The term `data-as-a-service' means a model under
        which the Secretary is provided access to the most up-to-date
        information described in subsection (b) that relates to a
        weapon system (or component thereof) to be procured by the
        Secretary, including any associated license agreements for such
        information.
            ``(3) The term `technical data' has the meaning given in
        section 3013 of this title.''.
    (b) Guidance Required.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall issue
guidance to carry out the requirements of section 4324 of title 10,
United States Code, as added by this section.
    (c) Applicability.--Section 4324 of title 10, United States Code,
as added by this section, shall apply with respect to a contract for
the procurement of a weapon system (or component thereof) entered into
on or after the date of the enactment of this Act.

SEC. 404. REQUIREMENTS FOR MODULAR OPEN SYSTEM APPROACH AND
              MODIFICATIONS TO RIGHTS IN TECHNICAL DATA.

    (a) Requirements for Modular Open System Approach.--Section 4401 of
title 10, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:
``Sec. 4401. Requirement for modular open system approach
    ``(a) Requirement.--The Secretary of Defense shall ensure that a
covered system to be procured is designed and developed, to the maximum
extent practicable, with a modular open system approach.
    ``(b) Assessment To Inform Strategy.--Before designing or
developing a covered system, the Secretary of Defense shall conduct an
assessment to identify the open systems objectives to be achieved by
the design and development of the covered system. Such assessment shall
identify and document how such approach would--
            ``(1) support the objectives of the defense acquisition
        system established pursuant to section 3102 of this title;
            ``(2) align with the preference for the acquisition of
        commercial products in section 3453 of this title to retain, to
        the maximum extent practicable, the commercial viability of
        subsystems and components of the covered system;
            ``(3) reduce the complexity and increase the speed by which
        new technology can be integrated into a covered system to
        enhance miliary effectiveness and responsiveness to emerging
        threats;
            ``(4) enable the use of iterative development cycles and
        discontinue or terminate the development of capabilities--
                    ``(A) that no longer align with approved capability
                requirements (as defined in section 181 of this title)
                or priorities; or
                    ``(B) that are experiencing significant cost
                growth, performance deficiencies, or delays in
                schedule;
            ``(5) promote a robust and responsive defense industrial
        base, and foster competition amongst offerors of subsystems and
        components of the covered system through the life cycle of the
        covered system, especially at the module level;
            ``(6) reduce schedule delays and development timelines;
            ``(7) increase and enable interoperability of a covered
        system with the joint force as changes to force design evolve;
        and
            ``(8) enable effective life-cycle management and product
        support of a covered system--
                    ``(A) in accordance with the requirements of
                section 4322 of this title; and
                    ``(B) to ensure that the covered system will meet
                applicable operational readiness requirements (as
                defined in such section 4322) and materiel readiness
                objectives (established under section 118(c) of this
                title) in the most cost-effective manner practicable.
    ``(c) Architecture Requirements.--(1) In developing an architecture
for the procurement of a covered system using a modular open system
approach, the Secretary shall ensure that the architecture--
            ``(A) adequately designates and defines modules, module
        interfaces, key interfaces, and openness characteristics of the
        covered system necessary to achieve the open systems objectives
        described in subsection (b);
            ``(B) to the extent practicable, is based on--
                    ``(i) widely accepted, consensus-based standards
                that are available at no cost or under fair and
                reasonable license terms; or
                    ``(ii) if such standards are not available or
                suitable, incremental standards that define
                relationships between module interfaces and key
                interfaces; and
            ``(C) is designed and developed to accelerate the
        procurement and integration of commercial products as modules,
        module interfaces, and key interfaces.
    ``(2) The Secretary shall consider input from private entities as
early as possible to inform decisions regarding the level in the
architecture at which a modular open system approach will be
implemented for a covered system.
    ``(3) The architecture described in this subsection shall be
included in any draft and final solicitations for procurement of a
covered system.
    ``(d) Openness Characteristics.--Consistent with the requirements
of subchapter I of chapter 275 of this title, the Secretary shall
include in the solicitation for the covered system a description of the
desired openness characteristics of the covered system necessary to
achieve the open systems objectives described in subsection (b),
including the following:
            ``(1) The open systems objectives identified as result of
        the assessment required by subsection (b).
            ``(2) A description of the application of specifications or
        standards for module interfaces to achieve such objectives.
            ``(3) A description of the minimum technical data package
        elements necessary to achieve such objectives.
            ``(4) The desired license rights in module interfaces or
        key interfaces based on such objectives, including desired
        license rights to enable the replacement of a module or module
        interface with an alternative or new module or module
        interface.
    ``(e) Applicability to Commercial Products.--In applying the
requirements of this section to a covered system that includes a
commercial product, the Secretary of Defense shall--
            ``(1) implement modular open system approaches in
        accordance with such approaches used in the ordinary course of
        business for such commercial product on the commercial
        marketplace;
            ``(2) for a commercial product that is commercial technical
        data or commercial software, procure such commercial product
        under license terms similar to such terms that are customarily
        provided to the public, unless the Secretary has specifically
        negotiated different license terms;
            ``(3) when applicable, obtain the delivery of commercial
        software development kits with license rights necessary to
        support the desired openness characteristics for the covered
        system; and
            ``(4) to the maximum extent practical, conduct negotiations
        for desired license rights in accordance with the preference
        for specially negotiated licenses in section 3774(c) of this
        title.
    ``(f) Definitions.--In this section:
            ``(1) The term `covered system' means a system acquired or
        developed under--
                    ``(A) an acquisition program of the Department of
                Defense; or
                    ``(B) a research and development program of the
                Department to address a capability requirement or joint
                capability requirement (as defined in section 181 of
                this title).
            ``(2) The term `incremental standard' means a specification
        for a module interface or key interface that includes--
                    ``(A) software-defined syntax and properties that
                specifically govern how values are validly passed and
                received between subsystems and components in machine-
                readable format;
                    ``(B) a machine-readable definition of the
                relationship between the module interface or key
                interface and existing common standards or interfaces
                available in Department databases; and
                    ``(C) documentation with functional descriptions of
                software-defined interfaces, conveying semantic meaning
                of elements of the module interface or key interface.
            ``(3) The term `key interface' means a shared boundary
        between any system, subsystem of a covered system, or set of
        modules, defined by various physical, logical, functional
        characteristics, such as electrical, mechanical, fluidic,
        optical, radio frequency, data, networking, or software.
            ``(4) The term `modular open system approach' means the
        application of a strategy that leverages an architecture that
        enables modules to be incrementally added, removed, or replaced
        throughout the life cycle of the covered system to achieve a
        set of objectives.
            ``(5) The term `module' means a self-contained functional
        hardware or software unit--
                    ``(A) that can be developed, tested, and deployed
                independently of a module interface or key interface;
                and
                    ``(B) that can simultaneously interact with another
                self-contained functional hardware or software unit
                described in subparagraph (A) through a module
                interface or key interface.
            ``(6) The term `module interface' means a shared boundary
        between modules, defined by physical, logical, and functional
        characteristics, such as electrical, mechanical, fluidic,
        optical, radio frequency, data, networking, or software.
            ``(7) The term `software development kit' means a
        collection of software tools and programs such as libraries,
        application programming interfaces, integrated development
        environments, testing tools, or documentation used to create
        applications that are appropriate for a specific software
        platform.''.
    (b) Guidance.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall issue guidance to
carry out the requirements of section 4401 of title 10, United States
Code, as amended by this section.
    (c) Applicability.--The requirements of section 4401 of title 10,
United States Code, as amended by this section, shall apply with
respect to a contract entered into on or after the date of the
enactment of this Act.
    (d) Modification to Rights in Technical Data.--
            (1) Rights in technical data.--Section 3771 of title 10,
        United States Code, is amended--
                    (A) in subsection (a)--
                            (i) in paragraph (2)(A), by striking `` or
                        copyrights'' and inserting ``, copyrights,
                        trade secrets,''; and
                            (ii) by adding at the end the following new
                        paragraph:
            ``(3) Enforcement of certain rights.--Regulations
        prescribed under paragraph (1) may not affect or limit any
        right described in paragraph (2)(A) or the ability of a
        contractor or subcontractor to enforce such a right against a
        third party that has not otherwise obtained a license for such
        a right from the United States or from the contractor or
        subcontractor.''; and
                    (B) in subsection (b)--
                            (i) in paragraph (2), by striking
                        ``paragraphs (3), (4), and (7),'' and inserting
                        ``paragraphs (3) and (4),'';
                            (ii) by amending paragraph (3) to read as
                        follows:
            ``(3) Inapplicability of paragraph (2).--Unless otherwise
        negotiated, paragraph (2) does not apply to technical data
        that--
                    ``(A) constitutes a correction or change to data
                furnished by the United States; or
                    ``(B) is otherwise publicly available or has been
                released or disclosed by the contractor or
                subcontractor without restriction on further release or
                disclosure.'';
                            (iii) by amending paragraph (4) to read as
                        follows:
            ``(4) Exceptions to paragraph (2).--(A) Notwithstanding
        paragraph (2), unless otherwise negotiated, the United States
        shall have government purpose rights, in perpetuity, in
        technical data that--
                    ``(i) relates to form, fit, or function of an item
                or process; or
                    ``(ii) is necessary for operation, maintenance,
                installation, or training (other than detailed
                manufacturing or process data) of an item or process.
            ``(B) Notwithstanding paragraph (2), the United States may
        release or disclose technical data to persons outside the
        Government, or permit the use of technical data by such
        persons, if such release, disclosure, or use--
                    ``(i) is necessary for emergency repair and
                overhaul;
                    ``(ii) is a release or disclosure of technical data
                (other than detailed manufacturing or process data) to,
                or use of such data by, a foreign government, where
                such release or disclosure is in the interest of the
                United States and is required for evaluation or
                informational purposes;
                    ``(iii) is made subject to a prohibition that the
                person to whom the data are released or disclosed may
                not further release, disclose, or use such data; and
                    ``(iv) the contractor or subcontractor asserting
                the restriction is notified of such release,
                disclosure, or use.'';
                            (iv) in paragraph (6)--
                                    (I) in the paragraph heading, by
                                striking ``Interfaces'' and inserting
                                ``Module interfaces of an item'';
                                    (II) by inserting ``, in
                                perpetuity,'' after ``government
                                purpose rights''; and
                                    (III) by striking ``an interface
                                between an item or process and other
                                items or processes'' and inserting ``a
                                module interface of an item''; and
                            (v) in paragraph (7)--
                                    (I) in the paragraph heading, by
                                striking ``Modular system interfaces''
                                and inserting ``Key interfaces of an
                                item'';
                                    (II) in subparagraph (A)--
                                            (aa) by striking
                                        ``paragraphs (2) and (5)'' and
                                        inserting ``paragraph (5) and
                                        except as otherwise provided by
                                        subsection (e) of section 4401
                                        of this title,'';
                                            (bb) by inserting ``, in
                                        perpetuity,'' after
                                        ``government purpose rights'';
                                        and
                                            (cc) by striking ``modular
                                        system interface'' and
                                        inserting ``key interface of an
                                        item'';
                                    (III) in subparagraph (B), by
                                striking ``modular system interface''
                                and inserting ``a key interface''; and
                                    (IV) in subparagraph (C), by
                                striking ``modular system interface''
                                and inserting ``key interface of an
                                item''.
            (2) Definitions.--Section 3775(b) of title 10, United
        States Code, is amended to read as follows:
    ``(b) Additional Definitions.--In this subchapter, the terms `key
interface', `modular open system approach', and `module interface' have
the meanings given, respectively, in section 4401 of this title.''.
    (e) Conforming Amendments.--
            (1) Section 3791(c)(1) of title 10, United States Code, is
        amended--
                    (A) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``section
                4401(b) of this title'' and inserting ``section 4401 of
                this title''; and
                    (B) in subparagraph (D)(iv), by striking ``modular
                system interfaces (as defined in section 4401(b) of
                this title)'' and inserting ``module interfaces (as
                defined in section 4401(f) of this title)''.
            (2) Section 4402 of title 10, United States Code, is
        repealed.
            (3) Section 4403 of title 10, United States Code, is
        repealed.
            (4) Section 4425 of title 10, United States Code, is
        amended to read as follows:
``Sec. 4425. Definitions
    ``In this subchapter:
            ``(1) The term `major system platform' means the highest
        level structure of a major weapon system that is not physically
        mounted or installed onto a higher level structure and on which
        a major system component can be physically mounted or
        installed.
            ``(2) The term `weapon system component'--
                    ``(A) means a high level subsystem or assembly,
                including hardware, software, or an integrated assembly
                of both, that can be mounted or installed on a major
                system platform through a key system interface (as
                defined in section 4401(f) of this title); and
                    ``(B) includes a subsystem or assembly that is
                likely to have additional capability requirements, is
                likely to change because of evolving technology or
                threat, is needed for interoperability, facilitates
                incremental deployment of capabilities, or is expected
                to be replaced by another subsystem or assembly
                described in subparagraph (A).''.
            (5) Section 804 of the National Defense Authorization Act
        for Fiscal Year 2021 (10 U.S.C. 4401 note) is repealed.

SEC. 405. QUALIFICATION, ACCEPTANCE, AND SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT OF
              PRODUCTS MANUFACTURED USING ADVANCED MANUFACTURING.

    (a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall establish in the
Defense Industrial Resilience Consortium established under section 401
of this Act a working group to develop recommendations for improving
the policies and procedures of the Department of Defense for the
qualification, acceptance, and management of the supply chains of
products manufactured using advanced manufacturing.
    (b) Membership.--The membership of the working group shall include
representatives from government, industry, and academia with expertise
in advanced manufacturing, engineering, the procedures of the
Department of Defense for qualifying and accepting products, supply
chain management, or commercial best practices and business models for
advanced manufacturing.
    (c) Responsibilities.--The working group shall--
            (1) review the policies and procedures of the Department of
        Defense to identity policies and procedures for the
        qualification, acceptance, and management of the supply chains
        of products that are insufficient for or not applicable to
        products manufactured using advanced manufacturing;
            (2) identify any changes to the policies and procedures of
        the Department required for the Department to benefit fully
        from access to and use of products manufactured using advanced
        manufacturing; and
            (3) develop recommendations for--
                    (A) technical guidance with respect to the
                qualification, acceptance, and management of the supply
                chains of products manufactured using advanced
                manufacturing;
                    (B) policies and procedures for the qualification,
                acceptance, and management of the supply chains of such
                products;
                    (C) changes to any other policies and procedures of
                the Department identified under paragraph (2); and
                    (D) training to enhance the knowledge and
                experience of the workforce of the Department of
                Defense with advanced manufacturing, including the
                benefits, limitations, and commercial best practices
                and business models for designing, developing, and
                using products manufactured using advanced
                manufacturing.
    (d) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment, the
Secretary of Defense shall submit to Congress--
            (1) a report on the recommendations developed by the
        working group under subsection (c)(3) and the actions taken by
        the Secretary to better enable to the Department of Defense to
        access and use products manufactured using advanced
        manufacturing; and
            (2) a recommendation whether to continue or terminate the
        working group.
    (e) Working Group Defined.--In this section, the term ``working
group'' means the working group established under subsection (a).

SEC. 406. AMENDMENTS TO THE PROCUREMENT TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.

    Chapter 388 of title 10, United States Code, is amended--
            (1) in section 4952--
                    (A) by redesignating paragraphs (1) and (2) as
                paragraphs (2) and (3);
                    (B) by inserting before paragraph (2), as so
                redesignated, the following new paragraph:
            ``(1) to support the growth and resiliency of the
        industrial base by accelerating innovation, fostering ingenuity
        of business entities, and establishing resilient supply
        chains;'';
                    (C) in paragraph (2), as so redesignated, by
                striking ``and'' at the end;
                    (D) in paragraph (3), as so redesignated, by
                striking the period at the end and inserting ``; and'';
                and
                    (E) by inserting after paragraph (3) the following
                new paragraph:
            ``(4) to mitigate costs of entry for business entities that
        improve the technology capabilities of the Department of
        Defense.''; and
            (2) in section 4961--
                    (A) in paragraph (1), by striking ``and'' at the
                end;
                    (B) in paragraph (2)(B), by striking the period at
                the end and inserting ``; and''; and
                    (C) by adding at the end the following new
                paragraph:
            ``(3) an amount determined appropriate by the Secretary to
        establish one or more centers of excellence to provide to
        individuals or eligible entities that provide procurement
        technical assistance pursuant to this chapter training
        necessary to fulfill the purpose of the program under section
        4952 of this title.''.

SEC. 407. REPORT ON SURGE CAPACITY IN THE DEFENSE INDUSTRIAL BASE.

    (a) Report Required.--Not later than March 1, 2026, the Assistant
Secretary of Defense for Industrial Base Policy and the Director of
Defense Pricing, Contracting, and Acquisition Policy shall jointly
submit to the congressional defense committees a report on efforts to
identify and address regulations or policies that discourage or prevent
contractors of the Department of Defense from maintaining or investing
in surge capacity.
    (b) Elements.--The report required subsection (a) shall include the
following:
            (1) A discussion of any efforts by United States DOGE
        Service (commonly referred to as the ``Department of Government
        Efficiency'' or ``DOGE''), acting in coordination with the
        Office of the Secretary of Defense, to review and address the
        barriers described in subsection (a)(1).
            (2) An identification of policies that incentivize
        contractors to reduce or eliminate surge capacity, including
        section 31.205-17 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation
        (relating to idle facilities and idle capacity costs).
            (3) Any steps taken by the Secretary of Defense to address
        regulatory barriers disincentivizing surge capacity within the
        defense industrial base as part of the implementation of
        Executive Order 14265 titled ``Modernizing Defense Acquisitions
        and Spurring Innovation in the Defense Industrial Base'' (90
        Fed. Reg. 15621; April 15, 2025).
    (c) Surge Capacity Defined.--In this section, the term ``surge
capacity'' means the ability of contractors in the defense industrial
base to rapidly increase production capacity to meet increased demand
for defense articles and defense services (as such terms are defined,
respectively, in section 301 of title 10, United States Code).

SEC. 408. BRIDGING OPERATIONAL OBJECTIVES AND SUPPORT FOR TRANSITION
              PROGRAM.

    (a) Bridging Operational Objectives and Support for Transition
Program.--
            (1) Establishment.--In meeting the responsibilities of the
        Defense Innovation Unit under section 4127(d) of title 10,
        United States Code, the Director of the Defense Innovation Unit
        shall establish a program (to be known as the ``Bridging
        Operational Objectives and Support for Transition program'') to
        accelerate the adoption or integration of commercial
        technologies into programs of record of the Department of
        Defense.
            (2) Program execution.--Not later than 90 days after the
        date of the enactment of this subsection, the Director shall
        issue guidance on the BOOST program, including guidance to do
        the following:
                    (A) Enable a customer seeking a technology solution
                for a challenge or requirement in a program of record
                of the Department of Defense to request assistance
                under the BOOST program with identifying and adopting
                or integrating such a solution into such program.
                    (B) Establish requirements for the Defense
                Innovation Unit to--
                            (i) conduct a review of commercial
                        technologies pursuant to a request described in
                        subparagraph (A) with respect to a challenge or
                        requirement of a program of record of the
                        Department to identify commercial technology
                        that may address such challenge or requirement;
                            (ii) provide to the customer that made such
                        request the findings of such review, including
                        any commercial technologies so identified; and
                            (iii) at the request of such customer after
                        providing such findings to such customer,
                        conduct development, experimentation, or
                        integration activities in coordination with
                        such customer to support or enable the adoption
                        or integration of any commercial technology so
                        identified into such program of record.
                    (C) Establish criteria for terminating assistance
                under the BOOST program for a customer or with respect
                to a commercial technology.
            (3) Support to other programs.--The Director shall ensure
        the BOOST program works with and in support of--
                    (A) the program established under section 4061(a)
                of title 10, United States Code;
                    (B) other organizations of the Department of
                Defense responsible for accelerating the adoption and
                integration of technology in systems or programs of the
                Department;
                    (C) the Small Business Innovation Research Program;
                    (D) the Small Business Technology Transfer Program;
                and
                    (E) the Joint Rapid Acquisition Cell (as described
                in the Department of Defense Directive 5000.71 titled
                ``Rapid Fulfillment of Combatant Commander Urgent
                Operational Needs'' (August 24, 2012)).
            (4) Funding.--Subject to the availability of
        appropriations, amounts authorized to be appropriated the
        Defense Innovation Unit for research, development, test, and
        evaluation for a fiscal year may be used for such fiscal year
        to carry out the BOOST program.
            (5) Sunset.--The authorities and requirements under this
        subsection shall expire on December 31, 2030.
    (b) Reporting.--Not later than two years after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense, in coordination with
the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment and the
Director, shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report
on the effectiveness of the BOOST program in accelerating the adoption
or integration of commercial technologies into programs of record of
the Department of Defense, including--
            (1) a summary description of customers and technologies
        adopted or integrated into such programs of record based on
        assistance provided under the BOOST program;
            (2) recommendations of the Secretary to improve the BOOST
        program; and
            (3) a recommendation whether to continue or terminate the
        BOOST program.
    (c) Definitions.--In this section:
            (1) The term ``BOOST program'' means the program
        established under subsection (a)(1).
            (2) The term ``customer'' means a program manager or
        program executive officer of the Department of Defense that has
        primary responsibility for fielding the system or systems
        acquired.
            (3) The term ``Director'' means the Director of the Defense
        Innovation Unit.
            (4) The term ``program executive officer'' has the meaning
        given such term in section 1737(a) of title 10, United States
        Code.
            (5) The terms ``Small Business Innovation Research
        Program'' and ``Small Business Technology Transfer Program''
        have the meanings given such terms, respectively, in section
        9(e) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 638(e)).

  TITLE V--DEVELOPING A MISSION-ORIENTED DEFENSE ACQUISITION WORKFORCE

SEC. 501. REPORT ON STRENGTHENING THE DEFENSE ACQUISITION UNIVERSITY.

    (a) Assessment Required.--The Secretary of Defense, acting through
the Director of the Acquisition Innovation Research Center, shall
conduct a comprehensive assessment of the Defense Acquisition
University (in this section referred to as ``DAU'') to strengthen the
ability of the DAU to train and develop members of the acquisition
workforce to meet future needs of the Department of Defense. The
assessment shall include the following:
            (1) An evaluation of the mission of the DAU and the
        alignment of such mission with the objectives of the defense
        acquisition system established pursuant to section 3102 of
        title 10, United States Code (as added by section 101 of this
        Act).
            (2) An evaluation of the effectiveness of training and
        development provided by DAU to members of the acquisition
        workforce to enable such members to effectively implement the
        objectives of the defense acquisition system.
    (b) Elements.--The assessment in paragraph (1) shall evaluate the
following:
            (1) The organization and structure of DAU.
            (2) The curriculum and educational offerings of DAU.
            (3) The composition of the staff and faculty of DAU,
        including an assessment of the diversity of skills, abilities,
        and professional backgrounds of such staff and faculty.
            (4) The sufficiency of resource and funding mechanisms
        supporting DAU operations.
            (5) The extent to which DAU uses external experts and
        academic institutions to inform and enhance its programs.
    (c) Recommendations.--The Director of the Acquisition Innovation
Research Center shall use the assessment required under this section
and the objectives of the defense acquisition system to provide to the
Secretary of Defense recommendations to strengthen the ability of the
DAU to train and develop members of the acquisition workforce to meet
future needs of the Department of Defense.
    (d) Report to Congress.--Not later than one year after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the
congressional defense committees a report containing--
            (1) the findings of the assessment conducted under
        subsection (a) and the recommendations provided under
        subsection (c); and
            (2) any actions necessary to ensure that DAU fulfills its
        mission and provides training and development to members of the
        acquisition workforce that aligns with the objectives of the
        defense acquisition system.
    (e) Definitions.--In this section:
            (1) The term ``Acquisition Innovation Research Center''
        means the acquisition research organization within a civilian
        college or university that is described under section 4142(a)
        of title 10, United States Code.
            (2) The term ``acquisition workforce'' has the meaning
        given in section 101 of title 10, United States Code.

SEC. 502. COMPTROLLER GENERAL REVIEW OF THE MANAGEMENT, TRAINING, AND
              DEVELOPMENT OF THE ACQUISITION WORKFORCE.

    (a) In General.--The Comptroller General of the United States shall
conduct a review of the management, training, and development of the
acquisition workforce to enable the acquisition workforce to
expeditiously provide the Armed Forces with the capabilities necessary
to operate effectively, to address evolving threats, and to maintain
the military advantage of the United States in the most cost-effective
manner practicable.
    (b) Review Contents.--In conducting the review required by
subsection (a), the Comptroller General shall evaluate the following:
            (1) The current organization and staffing of the
        acquisition workforce, including the total number of positions
        in the acquisition workforce, a list of such positions
        disaggregated by the skills and experience required, and the
        number of such positions that are vacant or are filled by an
        individual whose skills and experience do not meet the required
        skills and experience for such position.
            (2) The sufficiency of the processes and authorities of the
        Department of Defense for recruiting and retaining the
        acquisition workforce, and the use of such authorities to
        maintain an acquisition workforce that is optimized to meet
        mission requirements.
            (3) Trends in acquisition workforce hiring and retention
        over the preceding five years.
            (4) The impediments to members of the acquisition workforce
        receiving training and education, including any lack of
        funding, unavailability of required or desired training, and
        excessive workload demands that preclude such members from
        being able to attend such training.
    (c) Report.--Not later than April 1, 2026, the Comptroller General
shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the
findings of the review required by subsection (a), including any
recommendations to improve the management, training, and development of
the acquisition workforce.
    (d) Acquisition Workforce Defined.--In this section, the term
``acquisition workforce'' has the meaning given such term in section
101(a) of title 10, United States Code.

SEC. 503. COMPTROLLER GENERAL REVIEW OF MATTERS RELATING TO INDIVIDUALS
              ASSIGNED TO A CRITICAL ACQUISITION POSITION.

    (a) Review Required.--The Comptroller General of the United States
shall--
            (1) conduct a review of the education, training, and career
        development programs offered by the Secretary of Defense for
        members of the acquisition workforce; and
            (2) conduct an assessment of the efficacy of the career
        development policies established by section 1734 of title 10,
        United States Code.
    (b) Matters for Review.--In conducting the review required by this
section, the Comptroller General shall--
            (1) review the compliance of the Secretary with the
        requirements of section 1734 of title 10, United States Code;
            (2) conduct an assessment of the efficacy of the career
        development policies and minimum periods of assignment
        established by such section 1734 in--
                    (A) improving the ability of the acquisition
                workforce to expeditiously provide the Armed Forces
                with the capabilities necessary to operate effectively,
                to address evolving threats, and to maintain the
                military advantage of the United States in the most
                cost-effective manner practicable;
                    (B) enhancing the knowledge and experience of the
                acquisition workforce;
                    (C) enabling competitive career progression of
                members of the acquisition workforce compared to other
                members of the civilian and military workforce of the
                Department of Defense that are not subject to the
                minimum periods of assignment established by such
                section 1734; and
                    (D) the retention rates of members of the
                acquisition workforce assigned to a critical
                acquisition position, particularly key leadership
                positions (as defined by the Under Secretary of Defense
                for Acquisition and Sustainment), compared with the
                retention rates for other members of the civilian and
                military workforce of the Department of Defense that
                are not subject to the minimum periods of assignment
                established by such section 1734; and
            (3) conduct an assessment of any benefits, including
        enhanced accountability in leadership and decisionmaking by
        individuals in key leadership positions, of a minimum period of
        assignment of at least four years to a critical acquisition
        position.
    (c) Report Required.--Not later than July 1, 2026, the Comptroller
General shall submit to the congressional defense committees
recommendations on--
            (1) improvements to education, training, and career
        development programs offered by the Secretary of Defense for
        members of the acquisition workforce; and
            (2) minimum periods of assignment for an individual
        assigned as a program executive officer.
                                 <all>

Official legislative text sourced from the public record (cached on CivicsHQ).

Official source

View the original bill, actions, and full legislative record on Congress.gov.

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Status

Failed

This bill did not complete the normal legislative path (failed).

Timeline reflects current normalized status only. Full action history is not yet stored in the API.

Votes

HouseRoll Call 262Sep 10, 2025

On passage Passed by recorded vote: 231 - 196 (Roll no. 262).

Vote totals recorded, but member positions were not captured.

HouseRoll Call 261Sep 10, 2025

On motion to recommit Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 208 - 219 (Roll no. 261).

Vote totals recorded, but member positions were not captured.