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Calendar No. 483
116th Congress } { Report
SENATE
2d Session } { 116-236
_______________________________________________________________________
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2021
R E P O R T
[TO ACCOMPANY S. 4049]
ON
TO AUTHORIZE APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2021 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
----------
COMMITTEE ON ARMED SERVICES
UNITED STATES SENATE
June 24, 2020.--Ordered to be printed
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2021
Calendar No. 483
116th Congress } { Report
SENATE
2d Session } { 116-236
_______________________________________________________________________
NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2021
R E P O R T
[TO ACCOMPANY S. 4049]
ON
TO AUTHORIZE APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2021 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
__________
COMMITTEE ON ARMED SERVICES
UNITED STATES SENATE
June 24, 2020.--Ordered to be printed
______
U.S. GOVERNMENT PUBLISHING OFFICE
40-613 WASHINGTON : 2020
COMMITTEE ON ARMED SERVICES
JAMES M. INHOFE, Oklahoma, Chairman
ROGER F. WICKER, Mississippi JACK REED, Rhode Island
DEB FISCHER, Nebraska JEANNE SHAHEEN, New Hampshire
TOM COTTON, Arkansas KIRSTEN E. GILLIBRAND, New York
MIKE ROUNDS, South Dakota RICHARD BLUMENTHAL, Connecticut
JONI ERNST, Iowa MAZIE K. HIRONO, Hawaii
THOM TILLIS, North Carolina TIM KAINE, Virginia
DAN SULLIVAN, Alaska ANGUS S. KING, Jr., Maine
DAVID PERDUE, Georgia MARTIN HEINRICH, New Mexico
KEVIN CRAMER, North Dakota ELIZABETH WARREN, Massachusetts
MARTHA McSALLY, Arizona GARY C. PETERS, Michigan
RICK SCOTT, Florida JOE MANCHIN, West Virginia
MARSHA BLACKBURN, Tennessee TAMMY DUCKWORTH, Illinois
JOSH HAWLEY, Missouri DOUG JONES, Alabama
John A. Bonsell, Staff Director
Elizabeth L. King, Minority Staff Director
(II)
C O N T E N T S
----------
REPORT TO ACCOMPANY S. 4049
Purpose of the Bill.............................................. 1
Committee Overview............................................... 2
Budgetary Effects of This Act (Sec. 4)........................... 4
Summary of Discretionary Authorizations and Budget Authority
Implication.................................................... 4
DIVISION A--DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE AUTHORIZATIONS................. 7
TITLE I--PROCUREMENT............................................. 7
Subtitle A--Authorization of Appropriations.................. 7
Authorization of appropriations (sec. 101)............... 7
Subtitle B--Army Programs.................................... 7
Integrated Air and Missile Defense assessment (sec. 111). 7
Report and limitation on Integrated Visual Augmentation
System acquisition (sec. 112).......................... 7
Modifications to requirement for an interim cruise
missile defense capability (sec. 113).................. 8
Subtitle C--Navy Programs.................................... 8
Contract authority for Columbia-class submarine program
(sec. 121)............................................. 8
Limitation on Navy medium and large unmanned surface
vessels (sec. 122)..................................... 9
Extension of prohibition on availability of funds for
Navy waterborne security barriers (sec. 123)........... 10
Procurement authorities for certain amphibious
shipbuilding programs (sec. 124)....................... 10
Fighter force structure acquisition strategy (sec. 125).. 10
Treatment of weapon systems added by Congress in future
President's budget requests (sec. 126)................. 11
Report on carrier wing composition (sec. 127)............ 11
Report on strategy to use ALQ-249 Next Generation Jammer
to ensure full spectrum electromagnetic superiority
(sec. 128)............................................. 12
Subtitle D--Air Force Programs............................... 12
Economic order quantity contracting authority for F-35
Joint Strike Fighter program (sec. 141)................ 12
Minimum aircraft levels for major mission areas (sec.
142)................................................... 12
Minimum operational squadron level (sec. 143)............ 13
Minimum Air Force bomber aircraft level (sec. 144)....... 13
F-35 gun system (sec. 145)............................... 13
Prohibition on funding for Close Air Support Integration
Group (sec. 146)....................................... 14
Limitation on divestment of KC-10 and KC-135 aircraft
(sec. 147)............................................. 14
Limitation on retirement of U-2 and RQ-4 aircraft (sec.
148)................................................... 14
Limitation on divestment of F-15C aircraft in the
European theater (sec. 149)............................ 14
Air base defense development and acquisition strategy
(sec. 150)............................................. 14
Required solution for KC-46 aircraft remote visual system
limitations (sec. 151)................................. 15
Analysis of requirements and Advanced Battle Management
System capabilities (sec. 152)......................... 15
Studies on measures to assess cost-per-effect for key
mission areas (sec. 153)............................... 16
Plan for operational test and utility evaluation of
systems for Low-Cost Attributable Aircraft Technology
program (sec. 154)..................................... 16
Prohibition on retirement or divestment of A-10 aircraft
(sec. 155)............................................. 16
Subtitle E--Defense-Wide, Joint, and Multiservice Matters.... 16
Budgeting for life-cycle cost of aircraft for the Navy,
Army, and Air Force: annual plan and certification
(sec. 171)............................................. 16
Authority to use F-35 aircraft withheld from delivery to
Government of Turkey (sec. 172)........................ 17
Transfer from Commander of United States Strategic
Command to Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of
responsibilities and functions relating to
electromagnetic spectrum operations (sec. 173)......... 17
Cryptographic modernization schedules (sec. 174)......... 18
Prohibition on purchase of armed overwatch aircraft (sec.
175)................................................... 18
Special Operations armed overwatch (sec. 176)............ 18
Autonomic Logistics Information System redesign strategy
(sec. 177)............................................. 19
Contract aviation services in a country or in airspace in
which a Special Federal Aviation Regulation applies
(sec. 178)............................................. 19
F-35 aircraft munitions (sec. 179)....................... 19
Airborne intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance
acquisition roadmap for United States Special
Operations Command (sec. 180).......................... 20
Requirement to accelerate the fielding and development of
counter unmanned aerial system efforts across the Joint
Force (sec. 181)....................................... 20
Joint All-Domain Command and Control requirements (sec.
182)................................................... 21
Budget Items................................................. 21
Army..................................................... 21
MQ-1................................................. 21
CH-47 Cargo Helicopter Modifications................. 21
Procurement of PAC-3 MSE missiles.................... 22
Indirect Fire Protection Capability Increment 2...... 22
Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle........................ 22
Bradley Program Modifications........................ 23
M88 Family of Vehicle Modification................... 23
Joint Assault Bridge................................. 23
Multi-Domain Task Force Tactical Network Technology.. 23
U.S. Africa Command force protection upgrades
transportable tactical command communications...... 23
Multi-Domain Task Force Tactical Command
Communications..................................... 24
U.S. Africa Command force protection upgrades combat
communications..................................... 24
Spider Anti-Personnel Munition....................... 24
Multi-Domain Task Force Defensive Cyber Operations... 24
U.S. Africa Command unfunded requirement force
protection upgrades long haul communications....... 25
Multi-Domain Task Force Counterintelligence/Security
Countermeasures.................................... 25
U.S. Africa Command force protection upgrades
indirect fire protection........................... 25
Multi-Domain Task Force Electronic Warfare Tools..... 26
WMD Civil Support Team Equipping..................... 26
U.S. Africa Command force protection upgrades
physical security systems.......................... 26
Expeditionary Solid Waste Disposal System............ 26
Navy..................................................... 27
F-35C................................................ 27
F-35B................................................ 27
CH-53K............................................... 27
CH-53 Advanced Procurement........................... 28
MQ-4................................................. 28
Marine Corps aviator body armor vest................. 28
F-35B/C Spares....................................... 28
Tomahawk............................................. 29
LRASM................................................ 29
Surface ship torpedo defense......................... 29
MK-54 torpedo modifications.......................... 29
Submarine supplier stability......................... 29
Virginia-class submarines............................ 30
Virginia-class submarine advance procurement......... 30
Arleigh Burke-class destroyers....................... 31
Surface ship supplier stability...................... 31
LPD Flight II........................................ 31
LPD Flight II advance procurement.................... 32
LHA replacement amphibious assault ship.............. 32
Landing craft utility................................ 32
Outfitting........................................... 33
Yard patrol craft.................................... 33
LCAC service life extension.......................... 33
Hybrid electric drive................................ 33
DDG modernization.................................... 34
LCS common mission module equipment.................. 34
LCS mine countermeasures mission modules............. 34
LCS anti-submarine warfare mission modules........... 34
Small and medium unmanned underwater vehicles........ 34
Surface electronic warfare improvement program....... 35
Cooperative engagement capability.................... 35
Next generation surface search radar................. 35
Sonobuoys............................................ 35
Ground-Based Anti-Ship Missile....................... 35
Air Force................................................ 36
F-35A................................................ 36
MQ-9................................................. 36
B-1.................................................. 36
B-1B................................................. 36
F-16 Radar........................................... 37
T-38 Ejection Seat................................... 37
E-4B Survivable Super High Frequency program......... 37
E-8 (JSTARS)......................................... 37
CV-22 ABSS........................................... 38
F-35A initial spares................................. 38
Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM)........ 38
Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM)................. 38
Cobra Dane service life extension.................... 38
PDI: Mission Partner Environment (MPE) local
upgrades, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command................ 39
PDI: Mission Partner Environment (MPE) local
upgrades, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command................ 39
Energy efficient small shelters upgrades............. 39
Defense Wide............................................. 40
Joint Regional Security Stacks SIPR funding--
Procurement........................................ 40
Terminal High Altitude Area Defense.................. 40
SM-3 IIA procurement................................. 40
Armed Overwatch...................................... 41
DHC-8 combat loss replacement........................ 41
Aircraft maintenance support combat loss replacement. 41
Special Operations Tactical Communication/Next
Generation Tactical Communications................. 42
Multi-Mission Payload................................ 42
Syria exfiltration reconstitution.................... 42
Items of Special Interest................................ 42
A-10................................................. 42
Active Protection Systems updated plans for M2
Bradley and Stryker combat vehicles................ 43
Advanced Battle Management System bridge report...... 43
Advanced combat search and rescue capability......... 43
Air Force pilot training............................. 44
Anti-ship missile development........................ 44
Army Radio Modernization............................. 45
Assessment of Navy anti-submarine warfare training
targets............................................ 45
C-17 maintenance..................................... 46
Comptroller General report on the Supervisor of
Shipbuilding....................................... 46
Comptroller General review of Navy shipbuilding and
ship maintenance................................... 47
Counter unmanned aircraft systems matters............ 48
DDG-51 destroyer multi-year procurement.............. 49
E-8 strategy......................................... 49
E-8C modernization................................... 50
Electronic warfare red team.......................... 50
F-35 basing requirements............................. 50
Flame retardant vehicle soft armor and materiel...... 51
Future Vertical Lift long-term cost and schedule
assessment......................................... 51
Guided missile frigate............................... 51
HMMWV rollover mitigation............................ 52
Hospital ship modernization.......................... 52
Hybrid electric drive on Arleigh Burke-class
destroyers......................................... 52
Improved Turbine Engine Program...................... 53
Integrated air and missile defense in the U.S.
Central Command area of responsibility............. 53
Joint and service exercises.......................... 54
Joint electronic warfare training range.............. 54
Live-virtual-constructive and game-based training
environment training............................... 55
M2 Bradley Fighting Vehicle program assessment....... 55
Marine Corps integrated air and missile defense
capabilities....................................... 55
Mission command systems.............................. 56
Mission planning and force structure for hypersonic
weapon systems..................................... 56
Mk93 machine gun mount upgrade program............... 57
Next-generation crypto key loader.................... 57
Pacific Air Force air base resiliency................ 57
Polymer based magazines.............................. 58
Preservation of Department of Defense historic
aircraft and spacecraft............................ 58
Report on availability of repair for aircraft parts.. 59
Report on Unmet ISR Requirements, RC-135 Integration,
and KC-135 Conversion.............................. 59
Requirements and budgeting for precisely geolocated
3D imagery......................................... 60
Self-propelled lightweight howitzers................. 61
Shoulder-launched munitions procurement strategy..... 61
Specialization of carrier based squadrons............ 61
Tactical Combat Training System...................... 62
Tactical wheeled vehicle industrial base............. 62
Tactical wheeled vehicle strategy.................... 62
Taser X-26 non-lethal conducted electrical weapon
upgrade............................................ 63
UH-60V Black Hawk conversions........................ 64
UH-72 Communications and Monitoring Systems.......... 64
Use of Navy and Marine Corps aircraft for NOBLE EAGLE 64
USMC Aviator Body Armor Vest......................... 65
Variable depth sonar systems......................... 65
TITLE II--RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, TEST, AND EVALUATION............ 67
Subtitle A--Authorization of Appropriations.................. 67
Authorization of appropriations (sec. 201)............... 67
Subtitle B--Program Requirements, Restrictions, and
Limitations................................................ 67
Designation and activities of senior officials for
critical technology areas supportive of the National
Defense Strategy (sec. 211)............................ 67
Governance of fifth-generation wireless networking in the
Department of Defense (sec. 212)....................... 68
Application of artificial intelligence to the defense
reform pillar of the National Defense Strategy (sec.
213)................................................... 69
Extension of authorities to enhance innovation at
Department of Defense laboratories (sec. 214).......... 70
Updates to Defense Quantum Information Science and
Technology Research and Development program (sec. 215). 70
Program of part-time and term employment at Department of
Defense science and technology reinvention laboratories
of faculty and students from institutions of higher
education (sec. 216)................................... 70
Improvements to Technology and National Security
Fellowship of Department of Defense (sec. 217)......... 71
Department of Defense research, development, and
deployment of technology to support water sustainment
(sec. 218)............................................. 71
Development and testing of hypersonic capabilities (sec.
219)................................................... 71
Disclosure requirements for recipients of Department of
Defense research and development grants (sec. 220)..... 72
Subtitle C--Plans, Reports, and Other Matters................ 72
Assessment on United States national security emerging
biotechnology efforts and capabilities and comparison
with adversaries (sec. 231)............................ 72
Independent comparative analysis of efforts by China and
the United States to recruit and retain researchers in
national security-related fields (sec. 232)............ 73
Department of Defense demonstration of virtualized radio
access network and massive multiple input multiple
output radio arrays for fifth generation wireless
networking (sec. 233).................................. 74
Independent technical review of Federal Communications
Commission Order 20-48 (sec. 234)...................... 74
Report on and limitation on expenditure of funds for
micro nuclear reactor programs (sec. 235).............. 75
Modification to Test Resource Management Center strategic
plan reporting cycle and contents (sec. 236)........... 76
Limitation on contract awards for certain unmanned
vessels (sec. 237)..................................... 76
Documentation relating to Advanced Battle Management
System (sec. 238)...................................... 77
Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery Test special
purpose adjunct to address computational thinking (sec.
239)................................................... 77
Budget Items................................................. 77
Army..................................................... 77
Artificial Intelligence Human Performance
Optimization....................................... 77
Increase in basic research, Army..................... 77
Pandemic Vaccine Response............................ 78
Hybrid additive manufacturing........................ 78
Pathfinder Air Assault............................... 79
Harnessing Emerging Research Opportunities to Empower
Soldiers Program................................... 79
Metal-based display technologies..................... 79
Pathfinder Airborne.................................. 79
Ground technology advanced manufacturing, materials,
and process technologies........................... 80
Ground Combat Vehicle Platform Electrification....... 80
Immersive virtual modeling and simulation techniques. 80
Next Generation Combat Vehicle modeling and
simulation......................................... 81
Backpackable communications intelligence system...... 81
Defense resiliency platform against extreme cold
weather............................................ 81
Multi-drone multi-sensor intelligence, surveillance,
and reconnaissance capability...................... 82
Quantum computing based materials optimization....... 82
Composite artillery tube and propulsion prototyping.. 82
Counter Unmanned Aerial System threat research and
development........................................ 82
Counter unmanned aircraft systems research........... 83
Coronavirus nanovaccine research..................... 83
3D Advanced Manufacturing............................ 83
Cybersecurity for industrial control systems and
building automation................................ 84
Graphene applications for military engineering....... 84
High performance computing modernization............. 84
Carbon fiber and graphitic composites for Next
Generation Combat Vehicle program.................. 85
Cyber and connected vehicle innovation research...... 85
Small unit ground robotic capabilities............... 85
Virtual Experimentations Enhancement................. 86
Hyper velocity projectile extended range technologies 86
Electromagnetic effects research to support long
range precision fires and air and missile defense
cross functional teams............................. 86
Development and fielding of high energy laser
capabilities--Army................................. 86
Hypersonic hot air tunnel test environment........... 87
Future Long Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA)........... 87
Operational Fires program reduction, Army............ 87
Hypersonic program reduction, Army................... 87
Joint Counter Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Office. 88
Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems for Special
Operations Forces.................................. 88
Counter small unmanned aircraft systems operational
demonstrations..................................... 89
Next Generation Squad Weapon......................... 89
Bradley and Stryker Active Protection Systems........ 89
Integrated Data Software Pilot Program............... 90
Army cyber situational understanding capability...... 90
Indirect Fire Protection Capability Increment 2...... 91
Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle................... 91
Directed energy test and evaluation capabilities..... 91
Precision Strike Missile............................. 92
Guided Multiple-Launch Rocket System................. 92
Advanced manufacturing technologies.................. 92
Navy..................................................... 93
Defense University Research and Instrumentation
Program............................................ 93
Increase in basic research, Navy..................... 93
Predictive modeling for undersea vehicles............ 93
Direct air capture and blue carbon removal technology
program............................................ 94
Electric propulsion for military craft and advanced
planning hulls..................................... 94
Expeditionary unmanned systems launch and recovery... 94
Testbed for autonomous ship systems.................. 95
Interdisciplinary Cybersecurity Research............. 95
Humanoid robotics research........................... 95
Social networks and computational social science..... 96
Naval academic undersea vehicle research partnerships 96
Thermoplastic materials.............................. 96
Mission planning advanced technology demonstration... 96
Unmanned surface vessel development.................. 97
Advanced combat systems technology................... 98
Surface and shallow water mine countermeasures....... 98
Advanced submarine system development................ 98
Ship concept advanced design......................... 98
Large Surface Combatant preliminary design........... 99
Littoral Combat Ship................................. 99
LCS mission modules.................................. 99
Conventional munitions............................... 99
Surface Navy Laser Weapon System..................... 100
Large unmanned undersea vehicles..................... 100
Advanced undersea prototyping........................ 100
Hypersonic program reduction, Navy................... 100
Conventional prompt strike........................... 101
Submarine tactical warfare systems................... 101
Advanced degaussing.................................. 101
Lightweight torpedo development...................... 102
Submarine acoustic warfare development............... 102
Integrated surveillance system....................... 102
LCAC composite component development................. 102
G/ATOR demonstration................................. 103
Attack and utility replacement aircraft vehicle...... 103
Cyber tool development............................... 103
Air Force................................................ 104
Increase in basic research, Air Force................ 104
High Energy Synchrotron X-Ray program................ 104
Materials maturation for high mach systems........... 105
Metals Affordability Initiative...................... 105
Qualification of additive manufacturing processes.... 105
Technologies to repair fasteners..................... 106
Hypersonic materials................................. 106
Golden Horde Vanguard program reductions............. 106
Fixed-wing improvements.............................. 106
AETP/NGAP............................................ 107
Directed energy counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems
(CUAS)............................................. 107
Advanced Hypersonic Air-breathing Weapon............. 107
KC-135 operational energy increases.................. 107
Polar communications................................. 108
Low-Cost Attritable Aircraft Technology.............. 108
Long Endurance UAS................................... 108
Rapid repair of high performance materials........... 109
Small satellites..................................... 109
Air Force Open Systems Integration................... 109
SLATE/VR Training.................................... 109
Gulf Test Range modernization........................ 110
Enterprise Resource Planning Common Services......... 110
Advanced Air to Air capability....................... 110
Air Force Integrated Personnel and Pay System........ 110
B-1B Squadrons....................................... 110
PDI: Mission Partner Environment (MPE) local
upgrades, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command................ 111
C-17 microvanes...................................... 111
Logistics Information Technology..................... 111
Small satellite mission operations center............ 111
GPS User Equipment................................... 112
National Security Space Launch technology development 112
Cobra Dane service life extension.................... 112
Commercial space domain awareness.................... 112
Global Positioning System III--Operational Control
Segment............................................ 113
Defense Wide............................................. 113
Defense Established Program to Stimulate Competitive
Research........................................... 113
Minerva Research Initiative.......................... 113
Traumatic brain injury medical research.............. 114
Aerospace, education, research, and innovation
activities......................................... 114
Historically Black Colleges and Universities/Minority
Institutions....................................... 115
Emerging biotech research............................ 115
Operational Fires program reduction, Defense-wide.... 115
Hypersonic program reduction......................... 115
Stratospheric balloon research....................... 116
Rapid prototyping using digital manufacturing........ 116
Defense supply chain technologies.................... 116
Steel Performance Initiative......................... 117
Network-Centric Warfare Technology program reduction. 117
Operational Energy Capability Improvements........... 117
Funding for long-duration demonstration initiative
and joint program.................................. 117
Advanced technologies................................ 118
Defense Modernization and Prototyping program
reduction.......................................... 118
Homeland Defense Radar-Hawaii........................ 118
Next Generation Interceptor.......................... 118
PDI: Guam Defense System............................. 119
Hypersonic and Ballistic Tracking and Custody Layer.. 120
Hybrid space......................................... 120
Hypersonic and Ballistic Tracking Space Sensor....... 120
Stryker Nuclear Biological Chemical Reconnaissance
Vehicle Sensor Suite Upgrade....................... 121
Infrastructure to assess counter-small UAS commercial
solutions.......................................... 121
Telemetry range extension wave glider relay.......... 122
National Academies study on comparison of talent
programs........................................... 122
Defense Technical Information Center................. 122
Advanced machine tool research....................... 123
Cold spray manufacturing technologies................ 123
Domestic organic light emitting diode manufacturing.. 123
Implementation of radar supplier resiliency plan..... 124
Manufacturing for reuse of NdFeB magnets............. 124
Submarine Construction Workforce Training Pipeline... 124
Workforce transformation cyber initiative pilot
program............................................ 125
Cyber orchestration pilot............................ 125
Joint Regional Security Stacks SIPR funding--RDT&E... 125
Multi-Mission Payload................................ 126
Advanced satellite navigation receiver............... 126
Joint Test and Evaluation Program.................... 126
Items of Special Interest................................ 127
Advanced powertrain demonstrator..................... 127
Anti-corrosion and nano technologies................. 127
Artificial intelligence and machine learning
technologies and systems........................... 127
Carbon fiber and graphitic foam for Special
Operations Forces tactical vehicles................ 128
Carbon fiber wheels and graphitic foam for Next
Generation Combat Vehicle.......................... 129
Close Combat Lethality Task Force.................... 130
Collaboration on research to counter foreign malign
influence operations............................... 131
Comptroller General review of Artificial Intelligence
Activities of the Department of Defense............ 131
Cyber Operations for Base Resilient Architecture..... 132
Emerging biotechnology for national security......... 132
Ground Vehicle Systems Center modeling and simulation 133
High-energy laser weapons systems.................... 133
Implement National Academics of Science Army
Information Science report recommendations......... 133
Joint Artificial Intelligence Center reporting
structure.......................................... 134
Nanotechnology research.............................. 134
National Guard research, development, test and
evaluation activities.............................. 135
National Security Innovation Network................. 135
Open Systems Architecture for the Army's Future
Vertical Lift programs............................. 136
Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle requirements and
acquisition strategy............................... 136
Pandemic resilience technologies..................... 137
Predictive maintenance algorithm..................... 137
Reimbursable work at Army Combat Capabilities
Development Command laboratories and engineering
centers............................................ 137
Review of barriers to innovation..................... 138
Soldier Enhancement Program.......................... 139
Strategic Capabilities Office activities............. 139
Ultra-compact hyperspectral imagery.................. 139
Unmanned Aerial Systems in Great Power Competition... 140
TITLE III--OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE............................. 141
Subtitle A--Authorization of Appropriations.................. 141
Authorization of appropriations (sec. 301)............... 141
Subtitle B--Energy and Environment........................... 141
Modifications and technical corrections to ensure
restoration of contamination by perfluorooctane
sulfonate and perfluorooctanoic acid (sec. 311)........ 141
Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration
Program technical edits and clarification (sec. 312)... 141
Survey and market research of technologies for phase out
by Department of Defense of use of fluorinated aqueous
film-forming foam (sec. 313)........................... 141
Modification of authority to carry out military
installation resilience projects (sec. 314)............ 142
Native American Indian lands environmental mitigation
program (sec. 315)..................................... 142
Energy resilience and energy security measures on
military installations (sec. 316)...................... 142
Modification to availability of energy cost savings for
Department of Defense (sec. 317)....................... 142
Long-duration demonstration initiative and joint program
(sec. 318)............................................. 142
Pilot program on alternative fuel vehicle purchasing
(sec. 319)............................................. 142
Subtitle C--Logistics and Sustainment........................ 143
Repeal of statutory requirement for notification to
Director of Defense Logistics Agency three years prior
to implementing changes to any uniform or uniform
component (sec. 331)................................... 143
Clarification of limitation on length of overseas forward
deployment of currently deployed naval vessels (sec.
332)...................................................
Subtitle D--Reports.......................................... 143
Report on impact of permafrost thaw on infrastructure,
facilities, and operations of the Department of Defense
(sec. 351)............................................. 143
Plans and reports on emergency response training for
military installations (sec. 352)...................... 143
Report on implementation by Department of Defense of
requirements relating to renewable fuel pumps (sec.
353)................................................... 143
Report on effects of extreme weather on Department of
Defense (sec. 354)..................................... 144
Subtitle E--Other Matters.................................... 144
Prohibition on divestiture of manned intelligence,
surveillance, and reconnaissance aircraft operated by
United States Special Operations Command (sec. 371).... 144
Information on overseas construction projects in support
of contingency operations using funds for operation and
maintenance (sec. 372)................................. 144
Provision of protection to the National Museum of the
Marine Corps, the National Museum of the United States
Army, the National Museum of the United States Navy,
and the National Museum of the United States Air Force
(sec. 373)............................................. 145
Inapplicability of congressional notification and dollar
limitation requirements for advanced billings for
certain background investigations (sec. 374)........... 146
Repeal of sunset for minimum annual purchase amount for
carriers participating in the Civil Reserve Air Fleet
(sec. 375)............................................. 146
Improvement of the Operational Energy Capability
Improvement Fund of the Department of Defense (sec.
376)................................................... 146
Commission on the naming of items of the Department of
Defense that commemorate the Confederate States of
America or any person who served voluntarily with the
Confederate States of America. (sec. 377).............. 147
Modifications to review of proposed actions by Military
Aviation and Installation Assurance Clearinghouse (sec.
378)................................................... 147
Adjustment in availability of appropriations for unusual
cost overruns and for changes in scope of work (sec.
379)................................................... 147
Requirement that Secretary of Defense implement security
and emergency response recommendations relating to
active shooter or terrorist attacks on installations of
Department of Defense (sec. 380)....................... 147
Clarification of food ingredient requirements for food or
beverages provided by the Department of Defense (sec.
381)................................................... 147
Budget Items................................................. 148
Joint Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems initial operating
capability acceleration................................ 148
Child Development Center playground equipment and
furniture increases.................................... 148
Child Youth Service improvements......................... 148
Army Facilities, Sustainment, Restoration, and
Modernization increase................................. 149
EUCOM and INDOPACOM Multi-Domain Task Force increases.... 149
Revitalization of Army deployment infrastructure......... 150
U.S. Africa Command force protection upgrades personnel
recovery/casualty evacuation........................... 150
U.S. Africa Command intelligence, surveillance, and
reconnaissance......................................... 150
United States Africa Command personnel recovery, casualty
evacuation, and trauma care............................ 150
United States Cyber Command Access and operations........ 151
Service-wide transportation.............................. 151
Other personnel support.................................. 151
Servicewomen's commemorative partnerships................ 151
Pilot program on the remote provision by the National
Guard for cybersecurity................................ 152
PDI: Asia Pacific Regional Initiative, U.S. Indo-Pacific
Command................................................ 152
PDI: Joint Task Force Indo-Pacific, U.S. Indo-Pacific
Command................................................ 152
PDI: Counterterrorism Information Facility in Singapore,
U.S. Indo-Pacific Command.............................. 153
PDI: Countering Chinese malign influence, U.S. Indo-
Pacific Command........................................ 153
USNS Mercy MTF improvements.............................. 153
Energy Security Programs Office.......................... 154
A-10 Aircraft............................................ 154
Air Force Facilities Sustainment, Restoration, and
Modernization increases................................ 154
Transfer to OCO.......................................... 155
Slowing Air Force KC-135 and KC-10 tanker fleet
divestment............................................. 155
PDI: Mission Partner Environment (MPE) local upgrades,
U.S. Indo-Pacific Command.............................. 155
Hunt Forward missions.................................... 156
Securing the Department of Defense Information Network... 156
Air Force marketing reduction............................ 156
COVID-related throughput decrease........................ 157
Syria exfiltration reconstitution........................ 157
Contractor logistics support............................. 157
U.S. Special Operations Command flying hours............. 158
Innovative Readiness Training increase................... 158
Starbase................................................. 159
Defense Contract Management Agency....................... 159
DWR restore: Congressional oversight..................... 159
Joint Regional Security Stacks SIPR funding - O&M........ 160
DWR restore: blankets for homeless program............... 160
Defense Institute of International Legal Studies......... 160
Institute for Security Governance........................ 161
PDI: Indo-Pacific Maritime Security Initiative........... 161
PDI: Indo-Pacific Maritime Security Initiative........... 162
Staffing of Department of Defense Education Activity
schools................................................ 163
Impact aid............................................... 163
Defense Community Infrastructure Program................. 163
National Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence.. 163
Bien Hoa dioxin cleanup.................................. 164
Energy Resilience Readiness Exercises.................... 164
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention nation-wide
human health assessment................................ 164
Funding for commission relating to Confederate symbols... 164
Cooperative program for Vietnam personnel MIA............ 165
DWR restore: Congressional background investigations..... 165
Energy performance contracts............................. 165
Personnel in the Office of Assistant Secretary of Defense
Sustainment and Environment, Safety, and Occupational
Health................................................. 165
Improvement of occupational license portability for
military spouses through interstate compacts........... 166
National Cyber Director independent study funding........ 166
Readiness and Environmental Protection Initiative........ 166
DWR restore: support to commissions...................... 167
Biological Threat Reduction Program...................... 167
Acquisition Workforce Development Account................ 167
Operation and maintenance adjustments.................... 167
Bulk fuel adjustment..................................... 168
Foreign currency adjustment.............................. 168
Items of Special Interest.................................... 168
Adversary air............................................ 168
Air Force aerospace ground equipment..................... 169
Air Force Reserve runway infrastructure.................. 169
Air Force Special Operations Command total force
utilization............................................ 170
Assessment of potential transfer of real property,
equipment and facilities in the Assembled Chemical
Weapons Alternative Program............................ 171
Backup power technology.................................. 171
Briefing on contested logistics in support of the
National Defense Strategy.............................. 171
Briefing on microturbine technology for military
applications........................................... 172
Cold spray applications for Department of Defense
sustainment and medical activities..................... 172
Consideration for local broadcasting and traditional
media for Department of Defense advertising............ 173
Consideration of variable refrigerant flow systems....... 173
Defense Personal Property Program........................ 173
Defense Personal Property Program........................ 174
Defense Readiness Reporting Reform briefing.............. 175
Diverse training for special operations forces........... 175
Eastern Gulf Test and Training Range (EGTTR)............. 176
Electronic component failures............................ 176
Emerging viral threats................................... 177
Engine optimization initiatives at Tinker Air Force Base. 177
Improving depot best practice sharing.................... 178
Informing War Plans Through Accurate War Gaming.......... 179
Infrared uniform management.............................. 179
Installation energy...................................... 180
Installation Utility and Energy Authority Integration.... 180
Joint Military Information Support Operations WebOps
Center................................................. 181
Military Munitions Response Program...................... 181
Military working dogs Comptroller General review......... 181
National all-domain warfighting center................... 182
Naval expeditionary sustainment and repair............... 182
Navy Converged Enterprise Resource Planning.............. 183
Navy shipyard infrastructure optimization................ 183
Partnerships with industrial base for hypersonic and
directed energy programs............................... 184
Preservation of the Force and Families program........... 184
Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration
program................................................ 185
Red Hill................................................. 185
Report on Department of Defense small arms training
system capabilities.................................... 186
Software to automate manufacturing....................... 186
Utilities privatization.................................. 187
Water and energy infrastructure.......................... 188
TITLE IV--MILITARY PERSONNEL AUTHORIZATIONS...................... 189
Subtitle A--Active Forces.................................... 189
End strengths for active forces (sec. 401)............... 189
End strength level matters (sec. 402).................... 190
Subtitle B--Reserve Forces................................... 190
End strengths for Selected Reserve (sec. 411)............ 190
End strengths for Reserves on active duty in support of
the reserves (sec. 412)................................ 190
End strengths for military technicians (dual status)
(sec. 413)............................................. 191
Maximum number of reserve personnel authorized to be on
active duty for operational support (sec. 414)......... 191
Separate authorization by Congress of minimum end
strengths for non-temporary military technicians (dual
status) and maximum end strengths for temporary
military technicians (dual status) (sec. 415).......... 191
Subtitle C--Authorization of Appropriations.................. 192
Military personnel (sec. 421)............................ 192
Budget Items................................................. 192
Military personnel funding changes....................... 192
Title V--Military Personnel Policy............................... 193
Subtitle A--Officer Personnel Policy......................... 193
Repeal of codified specification of authorized strengths
of certain commissioned officers on active duty (sec.
501)................................................... 193
Temporary expansion of availability of enhanced
constructive service credit in a particular career
field upon original appointment as a commissioned
officer (sec. 502)..................................... 193
Requirement for promotion selection board recommendation
of higher placement on promotion list of officers of
particular merit (sec. 503)............................ 194
Special selection review boards for review of promotion
of officers subject to adverse information identified
after recommendation for promotion and related matters
(sec. 504)............................................. 194
Number of opportunities for consideration for promotion
under alternative promotion authority (sec. 505)....... 195
Mandatory retirement for age (sec. 506).................. 195
Clarifying and improving restatement of rules on the
retired grade of commissioned officers (sec. 507)...... 195
Repeal of authority for original appointment of regular
Navy officers designated for engineering duty,
aeronautical engineering duty, and special duty (sec.
508)................................................... 196
Subtitle B--Reserve Component Management..................... 197
Exclusion of certain reserve general and flag officers on
active duty from limitations on authorized strengths
(sec. 511)............................................. 197
Subtitle C--General Service Authorities...................... 197
Increased access to potential recruits (sec. 516)........ 197
Temporary authority to order retired members to active
duty in high-demand, low-density assignments during war
or national emergency (sec. 517)....................... 198
Certificate of release or discharge from Active Duty (DD
Form 214) matters (sec. 518)........................... 198
Evaluation of barriers to minority participation in
certain units of the Armed Forces (sec. 519)........... 198
Subtitle D--Military Justice and Related Matters............. 198
Part I--Investigation, Prosecution, and Defense of Sexual
Assault and Related Matters............................ 198
Modification of time required for expedited decisions
in connection with applications for change of
station or unit transfer of members who are victims
of sexual assault or related offenses (sec. 521)... 198
Defense Advisory Committee for the Prevention of
Sexual Misconduct (sec. 522)....................... 199
Report on ability of Sexual Assault Response
Coordinators and Sexual Assault Prevention and
Response Victim Advocates to perform duties (sec.
523)............................................... 199
Briefing on Special Victims' Counsel program (sec.
524)............................................... 199
Accountability of leadership of the Department of
Defense for discharging the sexual harassment
policies and programs of the Department (sec. 525). 199
Safe-to-report policy applicable across the Armed
Forces (sec. 526).................................. 199
Additional bases for provision of advice by the
Defense Advisory Committee for the Prevention of
Sexual Misconduct (sec. 527)....................... 200
Additional matters for reports of the Defense
Advisory Committee for the Prevention of Sexual
Misconduct (sec. 528).............................. 200
Policy on separation of victim and accused at
military service academies and degree-granting
military educational institutions (sec. 529)....... 200
Briefing on placement of members of the Armed Forces
in academic status who are victims of sexual
assault onto Non-Rated Periods (sec. 530).......... 200
Part II--Other Military Justice Matters.................. 200
Right to notice of victims of offenses under the
Uniform Code of Military Justice regarding certain
post-trial motions, filings, and hearings (sec.
531)............................................... 200
Consideration of the evidence by Courts of Criminal
Appeals (sec. 532)..................................... 201
Preservation of records of the military justice system
(sec. 533)............................................. 201
Comptroller General of the United States report on
implementation by the Armed Forces of recent GAO
recommendations and statutory requirements on
assessment of racial, ethnic, and gender disparities in
the military justice system (sec. 534)................. 201
Briefing on mental health support for vicarious trauma
for certain personnel in the military justice system
(sec. 535)............................................. 201
Guardian ad litem program for minor dependents of members
of the Armed Forces (sec. 536)......................... 202
Subtitle E--Member Education, Training, Transition, and
Resilience................................................. 202
Training on religious accommodation for members of the
Armed Forces (sec. 541)................................ 202
Additional elements with 2021 certifications on the
Ready, Relevant Learning initiative of the Navy (sec.
542)................................................... 202
Report on standardization and potential merger of law
enforcement training for military and civilian
personnel across the Department of Defense (sec. 543).. 202
Quarterly Report on Implementation of the Comprehensive
Review of Special Operations Forces Culture and Ethics
(sec. 544)............................................. 202
Information on nominations and applications for military
service academies (sec. 545)........................... 203
Pilot programs in connection with Senior Reserve
Officers' Training Corps units at Historically Black
Colleges and Universities and minority institutions
(sec. 546)............................................. 203
Expansion of Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps
program (sec. 547)..................................... 203
Department of Defense STARBASE program (sec. 548)........ 204
Subtitle F--Decorations and Awards........................... 204
Award or presentation of decorations favorably
recommended following determination on merits of
proposals for decorations not previously submitted in a
timely fashion (sec. 551).............................. 204
Honorary promotion matters (sec. 552).................... 204
Subtitle G--Defense Dependents' Education and Military Family
Readiness Matters.......................................... 204
Part I--Defense Dependents' Education Matters............ 204
Continuation of authority to assist local educational
agencies that benefit dependents of members of the
Armed Forces and Department of Defense civilian
employees (sec. 561)............................... 204
Impact aid for children with severe disabilities
(sec. 562)......................................... 205
Staffing of Department of Defense Education Activity
schools to maintain maximum student-to-teacher
ratios (sec. 563).................................. 205
Matters in connection with free appropriate public
education for dependents of members of the Armed
Forces with special needs (sec. 564)............... 206
Pilot program on expanded eligibility for Department
of Defense Education Activity Virtual High School
program (sec. 565)................................. 206
Pilot program on expansion of eligibility for
enrollment at domestic dependent elementary and
secondary schools (sec. 566)....................... 206
Comptroller General of the United States report on
the structural condition of Department of Defense
Education Activity schools (sec. 567).............. 207
Part II--Military Family Readiness Matters............... 207
Responsibility for allocation of certain funds for
military child development programs (sec. 571)..... 207
Improvements to Exceptional Family Member Program
(sec. 572)......................................... 207
Procedures of the Office of Special Needs for the
development of individualized services plans for
military families with special needs (sec. 573).... 208
Restatement and clarification of authority to
reimburse members for spouse relicensing costs
pursuant to a permanent change of station (sec.
574)............................................... 208
Improvements to Department of Defense tracking of and
response to incidents of child abuse involving
military dependents on military installations (sec.
575)............................................... 208
Military child care and child development center
matters (sec. 576)................................. 208
Expansion of financial assistance under My Career
Advancement Account program (sec. 577)............. 209
Subtitle H--Other Matters.................................... 209
Removal of personally identifying and other information
of certain persons from investigative reports, the
Department of Defense Central Index of Investigations,
and other records and databases (sec. 586)............. 209
National emergency exception for timing requirements with
respect to certain surveys of members of the Armed
Forces (sec. 587)...................................... 209
Sunset and transfer of functions of the Physical
Disability Board of Review (sec. 588).................. 210
Extension of reporting deadline for the annual report on
the assessment of the effectiveness of activities of
the federal voting assistance program (sec. 589)....... 210
Pilot programs on remote provision by National Guard to
State governments and National Guards in other States
of cybersecurity technical assistance in training,
preparation, and response to cyber incidents (sec. 590) 210
Plan on performance of funeral honors details by members
of other Armed Forces when members of the Armed Force
of the deceased are unavailable (sec. 591)............. 211
Limitation on implementation of Army Combat Fitness Test
(sec. 592)............................................. 211
Items of Special Interest.................................... 211
Air Force Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps Flight
Academy................................................ 211
Air Ground Operations Wings.............................. 212
Ban on unsafe products at Department of Defense Child
Development Centers.................................... 212
Briefing on current efforts to reduce non-essential
training............................................... 213
Comptroller General report on the dual status military
technician workforce................................... 213
Comptroller General review on Department of Defense's
accreditation of confinement and other detention
facilities............................................. 214
Grade of Director of the Joint Artificial Intelligence
Center................................................. 214
Interagency cooperation impacting recruiting............. 215
Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps computer science
and cybersecurity education............................ 215
Mental health discrimination during accession............ 215
Military Family Readiness and Command Climate Surveys.... 216
Plan for enhancement of recruitment for the Armed Forces
among rural, isolated, and native populations.......... 216
Senior officer accountability and use of "proximate
cause" standard........................................ 217
Status of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Culture and Process
Improvement Program.................................... 217
Supporting innovations for 21st century servicemember and
family readiness and resiliency........................ 218
The Veterans Metrics Initiative Study.................... 219
TITLE VI--COMPENSATION AND OTHER PERSONNEL BENEFITS.............. 221
Subtitle A--Pay and Allowances............................... 221
Reorganization of certain allowances other than travel
and transportation allowances (sec. 601)............... 221
Hazardous duty pay for members of the Armed Forces
performing duty in response to the Coronavirus Disease
2019 (sec. 602)........................................ 221
Subtitle B--Bonuses and Special and Incentive Pays........... 221
One-year extension of certain expiring bonus and special
pay authorities (sec. 611)............................. 221
Increase in special and incentive pays for officers in
health professions (sec. 612).......................... 221
Subtitle C--Disability Pay, Retired Pay, and Survivor
Benefits................................................... 222
Inclusion of drill or training foregone due to emergency
travel or duty restrictions in computations of
entitlement to and amounts of retired pay for non-
regular service (sec. 621)............................. 222
Modernization and clarification of payment of certain
Reserves while on duty (sec. 622)...................... 222
Subtitle D--Other Matters.................................... 222
Permanent authority for and enhancement of the Government
lodging program (sec. 631)............................. 222
Approval of certain activities by retired and reserve
members of the uniformed services (sec. 632)........... 223
Items of Special Interest.................................... 223
Commissary and Exchange loyalty programs................. 223
Comptroller General report on the impact of reforms in
the defense commissary system.......................... 223
Operation of commissaries during government shutdowns.... 224
Special operations special and incentive pay............. 224
TITLE VII--HEALTH CARE PROVISIONS................................ 225
Subtitle A--Tricare and Other Health Care Benefits........... 225
Authority for Secretary of Defense to manage provider
type referral and supervision requirements under
TRICARE program (sec. 701)............................. 225
Removal of Christian Science providers as authorized
providers under the TRICARE Program (sec. 702)......... 225
Waiver of fees charged to certain civilians for emergency
medical treatment provided at military medical
treatment facilities (sec. 703)........................ 225
Mental health resources for members of the Armed Forces
and their dependents during the COVID-19 pandemic (sec.
704)................................................... 226
Transitional health benefits for certain members of the
National Guard serving under orders in response to the
coronavirus (COVID-19) (sec. 705)...................... 226
Extramedical maternal health providers demonstration
project (sec. 706)..................................... 226
Pilot program on receipt of non-generic prescription
maintenance medications under TRICARE pharmacy benefits
program (sec. 707)..................................... 226
Subtitle B--Health Care Administration....................... 227
Modifications to transfer of Army Medical Research and
Development Command and public health commands to
Defense Health Agency (sec. 721)....................... 227
Delay of applicability of administration of TRICARE
dental plans through Federal Employees Dental and
Vision Insurance Program (sec. 722).................... 227
Authority of Secretary of Defense to waive requirements
during national emergencies for purposes of provision
of health care (sec. 723).............................. 227
Subtitle C--Reports and Other Matters........................ 228
Extension of authority for Joint Department of Defense-
Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Facility
Demonstration Fund (sec. 741).......................... 228
Membership of Board of Regents of Uniformed Services
University of the Health Sciences (sec. 742)........... 228
Military health system Clinical Quality Management
Program (sec. 743)..................................... 228
Modifications to pilot program on civilian and military
partnerships to enhance interoperability and medical
surge capability and capacity of National Disaster
Medical System (sec. 744).............................. 228
Study on force mix options and service models to enhance
readiness of medical force of the Armed Forces to
provide combat casualty care (sec. 745)................ 229
Comptroller General study on delivery of mental health
services to members of the reserve components of the
Armed Forces (sec. 746)................................ 229
Review and report on prevention of suicide among members
of the Armed Forces stationed at remote installations
outside the contiguous United States (sec. 747)........ 230
Audit of medical conditions of tenants in privatized
military housing (sec. 748)............................ 230
Comptroller General study on prenatal and postpartum
mental health conditions among members of the Armed
Forces and their dependents (sec. 749)................. 230
Plan for evaluation of flexible spending account options
for members of the uniformed services and their
families (sec. 750).................................... 230
Assessment of receipt by civilians of emergency medical
treatment at military medical treatment facilities
(sec. 751)............................................. 231
Items of Special Interest.................................... 231
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis research of the Department
of Defense............................................. 231
Clinical performance management system................... 231
Diagnostic medical devices for traumatic brain injury.... 231
Ensure eating disorder treatment for servicemembers and
dependents............................................. 232
Improve academic collaboration and streamline traumatic
brain injury funding streams........................... 232
Improvements to the TRICARE Extended Care Health Option
program................................................ 233
Military health clinical readiness....................... 233
Modification of Post Deployment Health Assessment (DD
Form 2796) to increase reporting of exposure to burn
pit smoke.............................................. 234
Musculoskeletal injury prevention........................ 234
Rare cancer research and treatment....................... 234
Remote health capabilities in the tactical environment... 235
Status of pilot program to treat post-traumatic stress
disorder resulting from sexual trauma.................. 235
Substance abuse prevention............................... 236
TBI medical research..................................... 236
Telehealth and virtual health technology implementation.. 236
Traumatic brain injury treatment......................... 237
TRICARE managed care support contract structure.......... 237
TITLE VIII--ACQUISITION POLICY, ACQUISITION MANAGEMENT, AND
RELATED MATTERS................................................ 238
Subtitle A--Industrial Base Matters.......................... 238
Policy recommendations for implementation of Executive
Order 13806 (Assessing and Strengthening the
Manufacturing and Defense Industrial Base and Supply
Chain Resiliency) (sec. 801)........................... 238
Assessment of national security innovation base (sec.
802)................................................... 238
Improving implementation of policy pertaining to the
national technology and industrial base (sec. 803)..... 239
Modification of framework for modernizing acquisition
processes to ensure integrity of industrial base (sec.
804)................................................... 239
Assessments of industrial base capabilities and capacity
(sec. 805)............................................. 240
Analyses of certain materials and technology sectors for
action to address sourcing and industrial capacity
(sec. 806)............................................. 240
Microelectronics manufacturing strategy (sec. 807)....... 241
Additional requirements pertaining to printed circuit
boards (sec. 808)...................................... 242
Statement of policy with respect to supply of strategic
minerals and metals for Department of Defense purposes
(sec. 809)............................................. 243
Report on strategic and critical minerals and metals
(sec. 810)............................................. 243
Stabilization of shipbuilding industrial base workforce
(sec. 811)............................................. 243
Miscellaneous limitations on the procurement of goods
other than United States goods (sec. 812).............. 243
Use of domestically sourced star trackers in national
security satellites (sec. 813)......................... 243
Modification to small purchase threshold exception to
sourcing requirements for certain articles (sec. 814).. 244
Subtitle B--Acquisition Policy and Management................ 244
Report on acquisition risk assessment and mitigation as
part of Adaptive Acquisition Framework implementation
(sec. 831)............................................. 244
Comptroller General report on implementation of software
acquisition reforms (sec. 832)......................... 245
Subtitle C--Amendments to General Contracting Authorities,
Procedures, and Limitations................................ 245
Authority to acquire innovative commercial products and
services using general solicitation competitive
procedures (sec. 841).................................. 245
Truth in Negotiations Act threshold for Department of
Defense contracts (sec. 842)........................... 246
Revision of proof required when using an evaluation
factor for defense contractors employing or
subcontracting with members of the selected reserve of
the reserve components of the Armed Forces (sec. 843).. 246
Contract authority for advanced development of initial or
additional prototype units (sec. 844).................. 246
Definition of business system deficiencies for contractor
business systems (sec. 845)............................ 246
Repeal of pilot program on payment of costs for denied
Government Accountability Office bid protests (sec.
846)................................................... 247
Subtitle D--Provisions Relating to Major Defense Acquisition
Programs................................................... 247
Implementation of Modular Open Systems Architecture
requirements (sec. 861)................................ 247
Sustainment reviews (sec. 862)........................... 247
Recommendations for future direct selections (sec. 863).. 248
Disclosures for certain shipbuilding major defense
acquisition program offers (sec. 864).................. 248
Subtitle E--Small Business Matters........................... 248
Prompt payment of contractors (sec. 871)................. 248
Extension of pilot program for streamlined awards for
innovative technology programs (sec. 872).............. 248
Subtitle F--Provisions Related to Software-Driven
Capabilities............................................... 249
Inclusion of software in government performance of
acquisition functions (sec. 881)....................... 249
Balancing security and innovation in software development
and acquisition (sec. 882)............................. 249
Comptroller General report on intellectual property
acquisition and licensing (sec. 883)................... 250
Subtitle G--Other Matters.................................... 250
Safeguarding defense-sensitive United States intellectual
property, technology, and other data and information
(sec. 891)............................................. 250
Domestic comparative testing activities (sec. 892)....... 251
Repeal of apprenticeship program (sec. 893).............. 251
Items of Special Interest.................................... 251
Army Combat Fitness Test equipment....................... 251
Comptroller General review on the impact of small
business Federal contracting programs.................. 252
Contracting for non-traditional defense contractors...... 253
Development of domestic unmanned aircraft systems
industry............................................... 253
Domestic procurement of military working dogs............ 253
Domestic sources for corrosion control chemicals......... 254
Improving information available to contracting officials
regarding contractor workplace safety violations....... 254
Procurement Technical Assistance Program and COVID-19.... 255
Report on battery supply chain security.................. 255
Report on satellite power sourcing....................... 256
Risks associated with contractor ownership............... 256
Secure sources of supply for rare earth elements......... 257
Shipbuilding industrial base............................. 258
Sustainment of munitions................................. 258
TITLE IX--DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE ORGANIZATION AND MANAGEMENT...... 261
Subtitle A--Office of the Secretary of Defense and Related
Matters.................................................... 261
Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and
Low-Intensity Conflict and related matters (sec. 901).. 261
Redesignation and codification in law of Office of
Economic Adjustment (sec. 902)......................... 262
Modernization of process used by the Department of
Defense to identify, task, and manage Congressional
reporting requirements (sec. 903)...................... 262
Inclusion of Vice Chief of the National Guard Bureau as
an advisor to the Joint Requirements Oversight Council
(sec. 904)............................................. 263
Assignment of Responsibility for the Arctic region within
the Office of the Secretary of Defense (sec. 905)...... 263
Subtitle B--Department of Defense Management Reform.......... 263
Termination of position of Chief Management Officer of
the Department of Defense (sec. 911)................... 263
Report on assignment of responsibilities, duties, and
authorities of Chief Management Officer to other
officers or employees of the Department of Defense
(sec. 912)............................................. 263
Performance Improvement Officer of the Department of
Defense (sec. 913)..................................... 264
Assignment of certain responsibilities and duties to
particular officers of the Department of Defense (sec.
914)................................................... 264
Assignment of responsibilities and duties of Chief
Management Officer to officers or employees of the
Department of Defense to be designated (sec. 915)...... 265
Definition of enterprise business operations for title
10, United States Code (sec. 916)...................... 265
Annual report on enterprise business operations of the
Department of Defense (sec. 917)....................... 265
Conforming amendments (sec. 918)......................... 265
Subtitle C--Space Force Matters.............................. 265
Part I--Amendments To Integrate the Space Force Into Law. 265
Clarification of Space Force and Chief of Space
Operations authorities (sec. 931)...................... 265
Amendments to Department of the Air Force provisions in
title 10, United States Code (sec. 932)................ 265
Amendments to other provisions of title 10, United States
Code (sec. 933)........................................ 266
Amendments to provisions of law relating to pay and
allowances (sec. 934).................................. 266
Amendments relating to provisions of law on veterans'
benefits (sec. 935).................................... 266
Amendments to other provisions of the United States Code
(sec. 936)............................................. 266
Applicability to other provisions of law (sec. 937)...... 266
Part II--Other Matters................................... 266
Matters relating to reserve components for the Space
Force (sec. 941)................................... 266
Transfers of military and civilian personnel to the
Space Force (sec. 942)............................. 267
Limitation on transfer of military installations to
the jurisdiction of the Space Force (sec. 943)..... 267
Subtitle D--Organization and Management of Other Department
of Defense Offices and Elements............................ 267
Annual report on establishment of field operating
agencies (sec. 951).................................... 267
TITLE X--GENERAL PROVISIONS...................................... 269
Subtitle A--Financial Matters................................ 269
General transfer authority (sec. 1001)................... 269
Application of Financial Improvement and Audit
Remediation Plan to fiscal years following fiscal year
2020 (sec. 1002)....................................... 269
Subtitle B--Counterdrug Activities........................... 269
Codification of authority for joint task forces of the
Department of Defense to support law enforcement
agencies conducting counterterrorism or counter-
transnational organized crime activities (sec. 1011)... 269
Subtitle C--Naval Vessels and Shipyards...................... 269
Modification of authority to purchase used vessels with
funds in the National Defense Sealift Fund (sec. 1021). 269
Waiver during war or threat to national security of
restrictions on overhaul, repair, or maintenance of
vessels in foreign shipyards (sec. 1022)............... 270
Modification of waiver authority on prohibition on use of
funds for retirement of certain legacy maritime mine
countermeasure platforms (sec. 1023)................... 270
Extension of authority for reimbursement of expenses for
certain Navy mess operations afloat (sec. 1024)........ 270
Sense of Congress on actions necessary to achieve a 355-
ship Navy (sec. 1025).................................. 270
Subtitle D--Counterterrorism................................. 270
Extension of prohibition on use of funds for transfer or
release of individuals detained at United States Naval
Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to the United States
(sec. 1031)............................................ 270
Extension of prohibition on use of funds to close or
relinquish control of United States Naval Station,
Guantanamo Bay, Cuba (sec. 1032)....................... 271
Extension of prohibition on use of funds for transfer or
release of individuals detained at United States Naval
Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to certain countries
(sec. 1033)............................................ 271
Extension of prohibition on use of funds to construct or
modify facilities in the United States to house
detainees transferred from United States Naval Station,
Guantanamo Bay, Cuba (sec. 1034)....................... 271
Subtitle E--Miscellaneous Authorities and Limitations........ 271
Inclusion of disaster-related emergency preparedness
activities among law enforcement activities authorities
for sale or donation of excess personal property of the
Department of Defense (sec. 1041)...................... 271
Expenditure of funds for Department of Defense
clandestine activities that support operational
preparation of the environment (sec. 1042)............. 272
Clarification of authority of military commissions under
chapter 47A of title 10, United States Code, to punish
contempt (sec. 1043)................................... 272
Prohibition on actions to infringe upon First Amendment
rights of peaceable assembly and petition for redress
of grievances (sec. 1044).............................. 272
Arctic planning, research, and development (sec. 1045)... 272
Consideration of security risks in certain
telecommunications architecture for future overseas
basing decisions of the Department of Defense (sec.
1046).................................................. 273
Foreign military training programs (sec. 1047)........... 273
Reporting of adverse events relating to consumer products
on military installations (sec. 1048).................. 273
Inclusion of United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps among
youth and charitable organizations authorized to
receive assistance from the National Guard (sec. 1049). 273
Department of Defense policy for the regulation of
dangerous dogs (sec. 1050)............................. 273
Sense of Congress on basing of KC-46A aircraft outside
the contiguous United States (sec. 1051)............... 273
Subtitle F--Studies and Reports.............................. 274
Report on potential improvements to certain military
educational institutions of the Department of Defense
(sec. 1061)............................................ 274
Reports on status and modernization of the North Warning
System (sec. 1062)..................................... 274
Studies on the force structure for Marine Corps aviation
(sec. 1063)............................................ 274
Subtitle G--Other Matters.................................... 274
Department of Defense strategic Arctic ports (sec. 1081). 274
Personal protective equipment matters (sec. 1082)........ 275
Estimate of damages from Federal Communications
Commission Order 20-48 (sec. 1083)..................... 275
Modernization effort (sec. 1084)......................... 276
Items of Special Interest.................................... 276
21st Century Integrated Digital Experience Act
implementation......................................... 276
American Red Cross....................................... 276
Comptroller General assessment of Defense Logistics
Agency disposal of surplus equipment................... 277
COVID-19 and security forces relationships............... 277
Demonstration of current Department of Defense budget and
program data visualization (sec.)...................... 277
Enabling congressional oversight of defense-wide agency
spending (sec. )....................................... 278
Enhancing security cooperation........................... 279
Incentives to promote Department of Defense audit
activities............................................. 279
Intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance support... 280
Inventory of systems integral to the Planning,
Programming, Budgeting, and Execution process (sec. ).. 280
Mission-based budgeting (sec. ).......................... 280
Presentation of defense budget materials by military
services............................................... 281
Reciprocity of security clearances....................... 282
Civilian casualties...................................... 282
United States Army High Containment Facility at Fort
Detrick................................................ 283
Update to Digital Modernization Strategy and investments
to improve resiliency in sustaining mission-essential
functions.............................................. 284
State Partnership Program foreign travel expenses........ 285
Strategic evaluation of the State Partnership Program.... 285
TITLE XI--CIVILIAN PERSONNEL MATTERS............................. 287
Subtitle A--Department of Defense Matters.................... 287
Enhanced pay authority for certain acquisition and
technology positions in the Department of Defense (sec.
1101).................................................. 287
Enhanced pay authority for certain research and
technology positions in the science and technology
reinvention laboratories of the Department of Defense
(sec. 1102)............................................ 287
Extension of enhanced appointment and compensation
authority for civilian personnel for care and treatment
of wounded and injured members of the Armed Forces
(sec. 1103)............................................ 287
Extension of overtime rate authority for Department of
the Navy employees performing work aboard or dockside
in support of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier
forward deployed in Japan (sec. 1104).................. 287
Expansion of direct hire authority for certain Department
of Defense personnel to include installation military
housing office positions supervising privatized
military housing (sec. 1105)........................... 288
Extension of sunset of inapplicability of certification
of executive qualifications by qualification
certification review board of Office of Personnel
Management for initial appointments to Senior Executive
Service positions in Department of Defense (sec. 1106). 288
Pilot program on enhanced pay authority for certain high-
level management positions in the Department of Defense
(sec. 1107)............................................ 288
Pilot program on expanded authority for appointment of
recently-retired members of the Armed Forces to
positions in the Department of Defense (sec. 1108)..... 288
Direct hire authority and relocation incentives for
positions at remote locations (sec. 1109).............. 289
Modification of direct hire authority for certain
personnel involved with Department of Defense
maintenance activities (sec. 1110)..................... 289
Fire Fighters Alternative Work Schedule demonstration
project for the Navy Region Mid-Atlantic Fire and
Emergency Services (sec. 1110A)........................ 289
Subtitle B--Government-Wide Matters.......................... 289
One-year extension of temporary authority to grant
allowances, benefits, and gratuities to civilian
personnel on official duty in a combat zone (sec. 1111) 289
One-year extension of authority to waive annual
limitation on premium pay and aggregate limitation on
pay for Federal civilian employees working overseas
(sec. 1112)............................................ 290
Technical amendments to authority for reimbursement of
Federal, State, and local income taxes incurred during
travel, transportation, and relocation (sec. 1113)..... 290
Items of Special Interest.................................... 290
Classified ready workforce............................... 290
Report prior to transfer of Defense Finance and
Accounting Service functions........................... 290
TITLE XII--MATTERS RELATING TO FOREIGN NATIONS................... 293
Subtitle A--Assistance and Training.......................... 293
Authority to build capacity for additional operations
(sec. 1201)............................................ 293
Authority to build capacity for air sovereignty
operations (sec. 1202)................................. 293
Modification to the Inter-European Air Forces Academy
(sec. 1203)............................................ 294
Modification to support of special operations for
irregular warfare (sec. 1204).......................... 294
Extension and modification of authority to support border
security operations of certain foreign countries (sec.
1205).................................................. 294
Modification of authority for participation in
multinational centers of excellence (sec. 1206)........ 294
Implementation of the Women, Peace, and Security Act of
2017 (sec. 1207)....................................... 294
Ted Stevens Center for Arctic Security Studies (sec.
1208).................................................. 294
Functional Center for Security Studies in Irregular
Warfare (sec. 1209).................................... 295
Subtitle B--Matters Relating to Afghanistan and Pakistan..... 295
Extension and modification of authority for reimbursement
of certain coalition nations for support provided to
United States military operations (sec. 1211).......... 295
Extension and modification of Commanders' Emergency
Response Program (sec. 1212)........................... 295
Extension and modification of support for reconciliation
activities led by the Government of Afghanistan (sec.
1213).................................................. 295
Sense of Senate on special immigrant visa program for
Afghan allies (sec. 1214).............................. 296
Sense of Senate and report on United States presence in
Afghanistan (sec. 1215)................................ 296
Subtitle C--Matters Relating to Syria, Iraq, and Iran........ 296
Extension of authority and limitation on use of funds to
provide assistance to counter the Islamic State of Iraq
and Syria (sec. 1221).................................. 296
Extension and modification of authority to provide
assistance to vetted Syrian groups and individuals
(sec. 1222)............................................ 296
Extension and modification of authority to support
operations and activities of the Office of Security
Cooperation in Iraq (sec. 1223)........................ 297
Subtitle D--Matters Relating to Europe and the Russian
Federation................................................. 297
Extension of limitation on military cooperation between
the United States and the Russian Federation (sec.
1231).................................................. 297
Prohibition on availability of funds relating to
sovereignty of the Russian Federation over Crimea (sec.
1232).................................................. 297
Modification and extension of Ukraine Security Assistance
Initiative (sec. 1233)................................. 297
Report on capability and capacity requirements of
military forces of Ukraine and resource plan for
security assistance (sec. 1234)........................ 298
Sense of Senate on North Atlantic Treaty Organization
enhanced opportunities partner status for Ukraine (sec.
1235).................................................. 298
Extension of authority for training for Eastern European
national security forces in the course of multilateral
exercises (sec. 1236).................................. 299
Sense of Senate on Kosovo and the role of the Kosovo
Force of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (sec.
1237).................................................. 299
Sense of the Senate on strategic competition with the
Russian Federation and related activities of the
Department of Defense (sec. 1238)...................... 300
Report on Russian Federation support of racially and
ethnically motivated violent extremists (sec. 1239).... 300
Participation in European program on multilateral
exchange of surface transportation services (sec. 1240) 300
Participation in programs relating to coordination or
exchange of air refueling and air transportation
services (sec. 1241)................................... 300
Subtitle E--Matters Relating to the Indo-Pacific Region...... 301
Pacific Deterrence Initiative (sec. 1251)................ 301
Sense of Senate on the United States-Vietnam defense
relationship (sec. 1252)............................... 302
Authority to transfer funds for Bien Hoa dioxin cleanup
(sec. 1253)............................................ 302
Cooperative program with Vietnam to account for
Vietnamese personnel missing in action (sec. 1254)..... 302
Provision of goods and services at Kwajalein Atoll,
Republic of the Marshall Islands (sec. 1255)........... 302
Authority to establish a Movement Coordination Center
Pacific in the Indo-Pacific region and participate in
an Air Transport and Air-to-Air Refueling and other
Exchanges of Services program (sec. 1256).............. 303
Training of ally and partner air forces in Guam (sec.
1257).................................................. 303
Statement of policy and sense of Senate on the Taiwan
Relations Act (sec. 1258).............................. 303
Sense of Congress on port calls in Taiwan with the USNS
Comfort and USNS Mercy (sec. 1259)..................... 304
Limitation on use of funds to reduce total number of
members of the Armed Forces serving on active duty who
are deployed to the Republic of Korea (sec. 1260)...... 304
Sense of Congress on co-development with Japan of a long-
range ground-based anti-ship cruise missile system
(sec. 1261)............................................ 304
Subtitle F--Reports.......................................... 304
Review of and report on overdue acquisition and cross-
servicing agreement transactions (sec. 1271)........... 304
Report on burden sharing contributions by designated
countries (sec. 1272).................................. 304
Report on risk to personnel, equipment, and operations
due to Huawei 5G architecture in host countries (sec.
1273).................................................. 305
Subtitle G--Others Matters................................... 305
Reciprocal patient movement agreements (sec. 1281)....... 305
Extension of authorization of non-conventional assisted
recovery capabilities (sec. 1282)...................... 305
Extension of Department of Defense support for
stabilization activities in national security interest
of the United States (sec. 1283)....................... 305
Notification with respect to withdrawal of members of the
Armed Forces participating in the Multinational Force
and Observers in Egypt (sec. 1284)..................... 306
Modification to initiative to support protection of
national security academic researchers from undue
influence and other security threats (sec. 1285)....... 306
Establishment of United States-Israel Operations-
Technology Working Group (sec. 1286)................... 307
Items of Special Interest.................................... 307
Barriers to security cooperation......................... 307
Defense cooperation with Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.. 307
Destabilizing activities of the Russian Federation....... 308
Forward deployed naval forces in Europe.................. 308
GAO briefing of the USMC distributed laydown............. 309
Global Engagement Center................................. 310
Increasing exchange student slots at military
institutions........................................... 310
Interagency Cooperation for Addressing Great Power
Competition in the Arctic.............................. 310
PDI: State Partnership Program........................... 311
Support for Peshmerga.................................... 311
Taiwan National Defense University feasibility report.... 312
U.S. Army force posture in Europe........................ 312
United States Africa Command............................. 313
United States Central Command forces briefing............ 314
United States Indo-Pacific Command Fusion Centers........ 314
Use of the Secretarial Designee Program for
rehabilitation of Ukrainian wounded warriors........... 315
TITLE XIII--COOPERATIVE THREAT REDUCTION......................... 317
Funding allocations for Department of Defense Cooperative
Threat Reduction Program (sec. 1301)....................... 317
TITLE XIV--OTHER AUTHORIZATIONS.................................. 319
Subtitle A--Military Programs................................ 319
Working capital funds (sec. 1401)........................ 319
Chemical Agents and Munitions Destruction, Defense (sec.
1402).................................................. 319
Drug Interdiction and Counterdrug Activities, Defense-
wide (sec. 1403)....................................... 319
Defense Inspector General (sec. 1404).................... 319
Defense Health Program (sec. 1405)....................... 319
Subtitle B--Armed Forces Retirement Home..................... 319
Authorization of appropriations for Armed Forces
Retirement Home (sec. 1411)............................ 319
Periodic inspections of Armed Forces Retirement Home
facilities by nationally recognized accrediting
organization (sec. 1412)............................... 320
Expansion of eligibility for residence at the Armed
Forces Retirement Home (sec. 1413)..................... 320
Subtitle C--Other Matters.................................... 320
Authority for transfer of funds to Joint Department of
Defense-Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Facility
Demonstration Fund for Captain James A. Lovell Health
Care Center, Illinois (sec. 1421)...................... 320
Budget Items................................................. 320
Working Capital Fund reductions.......................... 320
Air Force cash corpus for energy optimization............ 321
PDI: Joint Interagency Task Force--West.................. 321
Pilot program on civilian and military partnerships to
enhance interoperability and medical surge capability
and capacity of National Disaster Medical System....... 323
TITLE XV--AUTHORIZATION OF ADDITIONAL APPROPRIATIONS FOR OVERSEAS
CONTINGENCY OPERATIONS......................................... 325
Subtitle A--Authorization of Additional Appropriations....... 325
Purpose (sec. 1501)...................................... 325
Overseas contingency operations (sec. 1502).............. 325
Procurement (sec. 1503).................................. 325
Research, development, test, and evaluation (sec. 1504).. 325
Operation and maintenance (sec. 1505).................... 325
Military personnel (sec. 1506)........................... 325
Working capital funds (sec. 1507)........................ 325
Drug Interdiction and Counter-Drug Activities, Defense-
wide (sec. 1508)....................................... 325
Defense Inspector General (sec. 1509).................... 326
Defense Health Program (sec. 1510)....................... 326
Subtitle B--Financial Matters................................ 326
Treatment as additional authorizations (sec. 1521)....... 326
Special transfer authority (sec. 1522)................... 326
Subtitle C--Other Matters.................................... 326
Afghanistan Security Forces Fund (sec. 1531)............. 326
Transition and enhancement of inspector general
authorities for Afghanistan reconstruction (sec. 1532). 326
Budget Items................................................. 327
Procurement of PAC-3 MSE missiles........................ 327
EDI: NATO Response Force (NRF) networks.................. 327
EDI: Improvements to living quarters for rotational
forces in Europe....................................... 327
EDI: Mission Partner Environment (MPE)................... 328
EDI: Support to deterrent activities..................... 328
Commander's Emergency Response Program................... 328
EDI: Continuity of operations............................ 328
EDI: Modernizing Mission Partner Environment (MPE)....... 329
EDI: Globally Integrated Exercise 20-4/Austere Challenge
21.3................................................... 329
EDI: Marine European training program.................... 329
Transfer from base....................................... 329
Office of Security Cooperation in Iraq................... 330
Contractor logistics support............................. 330
Defense Security Cooperation Agency for Iraq Train and
Equip Requirements..................................... 331
Counter-Islamic State of Iraq and Syria Train and Equip
Fund................................................... 331
TITLE XVI--STRATEGIC PROGRAMS, CYBER, AND INTELLIGENCE MATTERS... 333
Subtitle A--Space Activities................................. 333
Resilient and survivable positioning, navigation, and
timing capabilities (sec. 1601)........................ 333
Distribution of launches for phase two of acquisition
strategy for National Security Space Launch program
(sec. 1602)............................................ 333
Development efforts for National Security Space Launch
providers (sec. 1603).................................. 333
Timeline for nonrecurring design validation for
responsive space launch (sec. 1604).................... 334
Tactically responsive space launch operations (sec. 1605) 334
Conforming amendments relating to reestablishment of
Space Command (sec. 1606).............................. 335
Space Development Agency development requirements and
transfer to Space Force (sec. 1607).................... 335
Space launch rate assessment (sec. 1608)................. 335
Report on impact of acquisition strategy for National
Security Space Launch program on emerging foreign space
launch providers (sec. 1609)........................... 335
Subtitle B--Cyberspace-Related Matters....................... 335
Modification of position of Principal Cyber Advisor (sec.
1611).................................................. 335
Framework for cyber hunt forward operations (sec. 1612).. 336
Modification of scope of notification requirements for
sensitive military cyber operations (sec. 1613)........ 336
Modification of requirements for quarterly Department of
Defense cyber operations briefings for Congress (sec.
1614).................................................. 337
Rationalization and integration of parallel cybersecurity
architectures and operations (sec. 1615)............... 337
Modification of acquisition authority of Commander of
United States Cyber Command (sec. 1616)................ 338
Assessment of cyber operational planning and
deconfliction policies and processes (sec. 1617)....... 339
Pilot program on cybersecurity capability metrics (sec.
1618).................................................. 339
Assessment of effect of inconsistent timing and use of
Network Address Translation in Department of Defense
networks (sec. 1619)................................... 340
Matters concerning the College of Information and
Cyberspace at National Defense University (sec. 1620).. 341
Modification of mission of cyber command and assignment
of cyber operations forces (sec. 1621)................. 341
Integration of Department of Defense user activity
monitoring and cybersecurity (sec. 1622)............... 342
Defense industrial base cybersecurity sensor architecture
plan (sec. 1623)....................................... 342
Extension of Cyberspace Solarium Commission to track and
assess implementation (sec. 1624)...................... 343
Review of regulations and promulgation of guidance
relating to National Guard responses to cyber attacks
(sec. 1625)............................................ 344
Improvements relating to the quadrennial cyber posture
review (sec. 1626)..................................... 344
Report on enabling United States Cyber Command resource
allocation (sec. 1627)................................. 344
Evaluation of options for establishing a cyber reserve
force (sec. 1628)...................................... 345
Ensuring cyber resiliency of nuclear command and control
system (sec. 1629)..................................... 345
Modification of requirements relating to the Strategic
Cybersecurity Program and the evaluation of cyber
vulnerabilities of major weapon systems of the
Department of Defense (sec. 1630)...................... 345
Defense industrial base participation in a cybersecurity
threat intelligence sharing program (sec. 1631)........ 346
Assessment on defense industrial base cybersecurity
threat hunting (sec. 1632)............................. 346
Assessing risk to national security of quantum computing
(sec. 1633)............................................ 347
Applicability of reorientation of Big Data Platform
program to Department of Navy (sec. 1634).............. 347
Expansion of authority for access and information
relating to cyber attacks on operationally critical
contractors of the Armed Forces (sec. 1635)............ 347
Requirements for review of and limitations on the Joint
Regional Security Stacks activity (sec. 1636).......... 348
Independent assessment of establishment of a National
Cyber Director (sec. 1637)............................. 348
Modification of authority to use operation and
maintenance funds for cyber operations-peculiar
capability development projects (sec. 1638)............ 349
Personnel management authority for Commander of United
States Cyber Command and development program for
offensive cyber operations (sec. 1639)................. 349
Implementation of information operations matters (sec.
1640).................................................. 350
Report on Cyber Institutes Program (sec. 1641)........... 350
Assistance for small manufacturers in the defense
industrial supply chain on matters relating to
cybersecurity (sec. 1642).............................. 351
Subtitle C--Nuclear Forces................................... 351
Modification to responsibilities of Nuclear Weapons
Council (sec. 1651).................................... 351
Responsibility of Nuclear Weapons Council in preparation
of National Nuclear Security Administration budget
(sec. 1652)............................................ 351
Modification of Government Accountability Office review
of annual reports on nuclear weapons enterprise (sec.
1653).................................................. 351
Prohibition on reduction of the intercontinental
ballistic missiles of the United States (sec. 1654).... 351
Sense of the Senate on nuclear cooperation between the
United States and the United Kingdom (sec. 1655)....... 351
Subtitle D--Missile Defense Programs......................... 352
Iron Dome short-range rocket defense system and Israeli
cooperative missile defense program co-development and
co-production (sec. 1661).............................. 352
Acceleration of the deployment of hypersonic and
ballistic tracking space sensor payload (sec. 1662).... 352
Extension of prohibition relating to missile defense
information and systems (sec. 1663).................... 353
Report on and limitation on expenditure of funds for
layered homeland missile defense system (sec. 1664).... 353
Extension of requirement for Comptroller General review
and assessment of missile defense acquisition programs
(sec. 1665)............................................ 353
Repeal of requirement for reporting structure of Missile
Defense Agency (sec. 1666)............................. 354
Ground-based midcourse defense interim capability (sec.
1667).................................................. 354
Items of Special Interest.................................... 354
Bi-static radar.......................................... 354
Clearance process for National Nuclear Security
Administration employees and contractors working on the
Long Range Stand Off Weapon............................ 354
Comptroller General review of Department of Defense
Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification
implementation......................................... 355
Comptroller General review of the Air Force's nuclear
certification program.................................. 355
Continued Comptroller General review of Ground-Based
Strategic Deterrent program............................ 356
Continued Comptroller General review of nuclear command,
control, and communications systems.................... 356
Coordination and oversight of the Joint Cyber Warfighting
Architecture components................................ 357
Cyber training capabilities for the Department of Defense 357
Cyber vulnerability of the Air Force Satellite Control
Network................................................ 358
Demonstration of interoperability and automated
orchestration of cybersecurity systems................. 358
Department of Defense cyber hygiene...................... 359
Department of Defense network external visibility........ 360
Ground vehicle cybersecurity............................. 361
Homeland Defense Radar-Hawaii............................ 361
Hybrid space infrastructure.............................. 362
Integrated Ground-Based Strategic Deterrent test plan.... 362
Long range launch and range complexes.................... 363
Maintain independence of Space Rapid Capabilities Office. 363
Matters on Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification in
annual briefings on status of framework on
cybersecurity for the United States defense industrial
base................................................... 364
Microelectronics for national security space............. 364
Missile field ground support vehicles.................... 364
Missile warning and sensor integration for the Integrated
Tactical Warning and Attack Assessment system.......... 365
National Cyber Security University....................... 366
Next Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared system...... 366
Nuclear Command, Control, and Communications Enterprise
Center................................................. 366
Options for the future of the B83-1 gravity bomb......... 367
Organic space capability................................. 367
Pilot program for improving the cybersecurity of
disadvantaged small businesses in the defense
industrial base........................................ 367
Progress regarding cybersecurity framework for the
defense industrial base................................ 368
Qualification of the television as part of the
intercontinental ballistic missile weapons system...... 369
RAND study on space launch............................... 370
Recapitalization of the National Airborne Operations
Center................................................. 370
Satellite ground terminal network........................ 370
Small business cybersecurity compliance.................. 371
Space Force Training and Readiness Command............... 371
Space technology......................................... 371
Space testing ranges..................................... 372
Space weather............................................ 372
Training and retention of cyber mission force personnel.. 372
Transition from Minuteman III to the Ground-Based
Strategic Deterrent.................................... 373
United States Space Command Headquarters................. 373
Value of inland spaceports............................... 373
Wide Area Surveillance Program Scorpion Sensor System.... 374
DIVISION B--MILITARY CONSTRUCTION AUTHORIZATIONS................. 375
Summary and explanation of funding tables................ 375
Short title (sec. 2001).................................. 375
Expiration of authorizations and amounts required to be
specified by law (sec. 2002)........................... 375
Effective date (sec. 2003)............................... 376
TITLE XXI--ARMY MILITARY CONSTRUCTION............................ 377
Summary.................................................. 377
Authorized Army construction and land acquisition
projects (sec. 2101)................................... 377
Family housing (sec. 2102)............................... 377
Authorization of appropriations, Army (sec. 2103)........ 377
Modification of authority to carry out fiscal year 2017
project at Camp Walker, Korea (sec. 2104).............. 377
TITLE XXII--NAVY MILITARY CONSTRUCTION........................... 379
Summary.................................................. 379
Authorized Navy construction and land acquisition
projects (sec. 2201)................................... 379
Family housing (sec. 2202)............................... 379
Improvements to military family housing units (sec. 2203) 379
Authorization of appropriations, Navy (sec. 2204)........ 379
TITLE XXIII--AIR FORCE MILITARY CONSTRUCTION..................... 381
Summary.................................................. 381
Authorized Air Force construction and land acquisition
projects (sec. 2301)................................... 381
Family housing (sec. 2302)............................... 381
Improvements to military family housing units (sec. 2303) 381
Authorization of appropriations, Air Force (sec. 2304)... 381
Modification of authority to carry out fiscal year 2018
project at Royal Air Force Lakenheath (sec. 2305)...... 382
Modification of authority to carry out certain fiscal
year 2019 projects (sec. 2306)......................... 382
Modification of authority to carry out certain fiscal
year 2020 family housing projects (sec. 2307).......... 382
Modification of authority to carry out certain fiscal
year 2020 projects (sec. 2308)......................... 382
TITLE XXIV--DEFENSE AGENCIES MILITARY CONSTRUCTION............... 383
Summary.................................................. 383
Authorized Defense Agencies construction and land
acquisition projects (sec. 2401)....................... 383
Authorized Energy Resilience and Conservation Investment
Program projects (sec. 2402)........................... 383
Authorization of appropriations, Defense Agencies (sec.
2403).................................................. 383
TITLE XXV--INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS................................ 385
Summary.................................................. 385
Subtitle A--North Atlantic Treaty Organization Security
Investment Program......................................... 385
Authorized NATO construction and land acquisition
projects (sec. 2501)................................... 385
Authorization of appropriations, NATO (sec. 2502)........ 385
Execution of projects under the North Atlantic Treaty
Organization Security Investment Program (Sec. 2503)... 385
Subtitle B--Host Country In-Kind Contributions........... 386
Republic of Korea funded construction projects (sec.
2511).................................................. 386
Qatar funded construction projects (sec. 2512)........... 386
TITLE XXVI--GUARD AND RESERVE FORCES FACILITIES.................. 387
Summary.................................................. 387
Authorized Army National Guard construction and land
acquisition projects (sec. 2601)....................... 387
Authorized Army Reserve construction and land acquisition
projects (sec. 2602)................................... 387
Authorized Navy Reserve and Marine Corps Reserve
construction and land acquisition projects (sec. 2603). 387
Authorized Air National Guard construction and land
acquisition projects (sec. 2604)....................... 388
Authorized Air Force Reserve construction and land
acquisition projects (sec. 2605)....................... 388
Authorization of appropriations, National Guard and
Reserve (sec. 2606).................................... 388
Modification of authority to carry out fiscal year 2020
project in Alabama (sec. 2607)......................... 388
TITLE XXVII--BASE REALIGNMENT AND CLOSURE ACTIVITIES............. 389
Summary and explanation of tables........................ 389
Authorization of appropriations for base realignment and
closure activities funded through Department of Defense
Base Closure Account (sec. 2701)....................... 389
Prohibition on conducting additional base realignment and
closure (BRAC) round (sec. 2702)....................... 389
TITLE XXVIII--MILITARY CONSTRUCTION AND GENERAL PROVISIONS....... 391
Subtitle A--Military Construction Program.................... 391
Responsibility of Navy for military construction
requirements for certain Fleet Readiness Centers (sec.
2801).................................................. 391
Construction of ground-based strategic deterrent launch
facilities and launch centers for Air Force (sec. 2802) 391
Subtitle B--Military Family Housing.......................... 391
Prohibition on substandard family housing units (sec.
2821).................................................. 391
Technical corrections to privatized military housing
program (sec. 2822).................................... 392
Requirement that Secretary of Defense implement
recommendations relating to military family housing
contained in report by Inspector General of Department
of Defense (sec. 2823)................................. 392
Subtitle C--Project Management and Oversight Reforms......... 392
Promotion of energy resilience and energy security in
privatized utility systems (sec. 2841)................. 392
Consideration of energy security and energy resilience in
life-cycle cost for military construction (sec. 2842).. 392
Subtitle D--Land Conveyances................................. 393
Renewal of Fallon Range Training Complex land withdrawal
and reservation (sec. 2861)............................ 393
Renewal of Nevada Test and Training Range land withdrawal
and reservation (sec. 2862)............................ 393
Transfer of land under the administrative jurisdiction of
the Department of the Interior within Naval Support
Activity Panama City, Florida (sec. 2863).............. 393
Land conveyance, Camp Navajo, Arizona (sec. 2864)........ 393
Subtitle E--Other Matters.................................... 394
Military family readiness considerations in basing
decisions (sec. 2881).................................. 394
Prohibition on use of funds to reduce air base resiliency
or demolish protected aircraft shelters in the European
theater without creating a similar protection from
attack (sec. 2882)..................................... 394
Prohibitions relating to closure or returning to host
nation of existing bases under the European
Consolidation Initiative (sec. 2883)................... 394
Enhancement of authority to accept conditional gifts of
real property on behalf of military museums (sec. 2884) 394
Equal treatment of insured depository institutions and
credit unions operating on military installations (sec.
2885).................................................. 395
Report on operational aviation units impacted by noise
restrictions or noise mitigation measures (sec. 2886).. 395
Items of Special Interest.................................... 395
Army demolition prioritization........................... 395
Army training range coordination in Hawaii............... 396
Clarification of the use of section 2353 of title 10,
United States Code, authority by defense contractors... 397
Enhancing MQ-9 and MH-139 training capabilities.......... 397
F-35 military construction at Dannelly Field............. 398
Importance of small arms ranges.......................... 398
Improvements to the management of historic homes......... 398
Increasing capacity at Arlington National Cemetery....... 399
Kwajalein military construction plan and hospital........ 399
Maneuver Area Training Equipment Site (MATES)............ 400
Naval Air Station Barbers Point.......................... 400
Pacific Deterrence Initiative: Planning & Design, U.S.
Indo-Pacific Command................................... 401
Strategic basing criteria briefing....................... 401
Use of O&M for MILCON without tracking dollars........... 401
TITLE XXIX--OVERSEAS CONTINGENCY OPERATIONS MILITARY CONSTRUCTION 403
Summary.................................................. 403
Authorized Navy construction and land acquisition
projects (sec. 2901)................................... 403
Authorized Air Force construction and land acquisition
projects (sec. 2902)................................... 403
Authorization of appropriations (sec. 2903).............. 403
Replenishment of certain military construction funds
(sec. 2904)............................................ 403
DIVISION C--DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY NATIONAL SECURITY AUTHORIZATIONS
AND OTHER AUTHORIZATIONS....................................... 405
TITLE XXXI--DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY NATIONAL SECURITY PROGRAMS...... 405
Subtitle A--National Security Programs and Authorizations.... 405
National Nuclear Security Administration (sec. 3101)..... 405
Defense environmental cleanup (sec. 3102)................ 405
Other defense activities (sec. 3103)..................... 405
Nuclear energy (sec. 3104)............................... 405
Subtitle B--Budget of the National Nuclear Security
Administration............................................. 405
Review of adequacy of nuclear weapons budget (sec. 3111). 405
Treatment of budget of National Nuclear Security
Administration (sec. 3112)............................. 406
Responsibility of Administrator for Nuclear Security for
ensuring National Nuclear Security Administration
budget satisfies nuclear weapons needs of Department of
Defense (sec. 3113).................................... 406
Participation of Secretary of Defense in planning,
programming, budgeting, and execution process of
National Nuclear Security Administration (sec. 3114)... 406
Requirement for updated planning, programming, budgeting,
and execution guidance for National Nuclear Security
Administration (sec. 3115)............................. 406
Cross-training in budget processes of Department of
Defense and National Nuclear Security Administration
(sec. 3116)............................................ 407
Subtitle C--Personnel Matters................................ 407
National Nuclear Security Administration Personnel System
(sec. 3121)............................................ 407
Inclusion of certain employees and contractors of
Department of Energy in definition of public safety
officer for purposes of certain death benefits (sec.
3122).................................................. 407
Reimbursement for liability insurance for nuclear
materials couriers (sec. 3123)......................... 407
Transportation and moving expenses for immediate family
of deceased nuclear materials couriers (sec. 3124)..... 407
Extension of authority for appointment of certain
scientific, engineering, and technical personnel (sec.
3125).................................................. 408
Subtitle D--Cybersecurity.................................... 408
Reporting on penetrations of networks of contractors and
subcontractors (sec. 3131)............................. 408
Clarification of responsibility for cybersecurity of
National Nuclear Security Administration facilities
(sec. 3132)............................................ 408
Subtitle E--Defense Environmental Cleanup.................... 408
Public statement of environmental liabilities for
facilities undergoing defense environmental cleanup
(sec. 3141)............................................ 408
Inclusion of missed milestones in future-years defense
environmental cleanup plan (sec. 3142)................. 409
Classification of defense environmental cleanup as
capital asset projects or operations activities (sec.
3143).................................................. 409
Continued analysis of approaches for supplemental
treatment of low-activity waste at Hanford Nuclear
Reservation (sec. 3144)................................ 409
Subtitle F--Other Matters.................................... 410
Modifications to enhanced procurement authority to manage
supply chain risk (sec. 3151).......................... 410
Laboratory- or production facility-directed research and
development programs (sec. 3152)....................... 410
Prohibition on use of laboratory- or production facility-
directed research and development funds for general and
administrative overhead costs (sec. 3153).............. 410
Monitoring of industrial base for nuclear weapons
components, subsystems, and materials (sec. 3154)...... 411
Prohibition on use of funds for advanced naval nuclear
fuel system based on low-enriched uranium (sec. 3155).. 411
Authorization of appropriations for W93 nuclear warhead
program (sec. 3156).................................... 412
Review of future of computing beyond exascale at the
National Nuclear Security Administration (sec. 3157)... 412
Application of requirement for independent cost estimates
and reviews to new nuclear weapons systems (sec. 3158). 412
Extension and expansion of limitations on importation of
uranium from Russian Federation (sec. 3159)............ 412
Integration of stockpile stewardship and nonproliferation
missions (sec. 3160)................................... 413
Technology development and integration program (sec.
3161).................................................. 413
Advanced manufacturing development program (sec. 3162)... 413
Materials science program (sec. 3163).................... 413
Modifications to Inertial Confinement Fusion Ignition and
High Yield program (sec. 3164)......................... 413
Earned value management program for life extension
programs (sec. 3165)................................... 413
Use of high performance computing capabilities for COVID-
19 research (sec. 3166)................................ 414
Availability of stockpile responsiveness funds for
projects to reduce time necessary to execute a nuclear
test (sec. 3167)....................................... 414
Budget Items................................................. 414
Cleanup activities at Los Alamos National Laboratory..... 414
Formerly Utilized Sites Remedial Action Program.......... 414
Items of Special Interest.................................... 414
Comptroller General review of uncosted balances for
Atomic Energy Defense Activities....................... 414
Continued Comptroller General review of the Hanford Waste
Treatment Plant........................................ 415
Domestic uranium enrichment technologies................. 415
Responsibility for Los Alamos Plutonium Facility 4 and
Technical Area 55...................................... 416
Review of plutonium infrastructure at the National
Nuclear Security Administration........................ 417
TITLE XXXII--DEFENSE NUCLEAR FACILITIES SAFETY BOARD............. 419
Authorization (sec. 3201)................................ 419
Nonpublic collaborative discussions by Defense Nuclear
Facilities Safety Board (sec. 3202).................... 419
Improvements to operations of Defense Nuclear Facilities
Safety Board (sec. 3203)............................... 419
TITLE XXXV--MARITIME ADMINISTRATION.............................. 421
Maritime Administration (sec. 3501)...................... 421
DIVISION D--FUNDING TABLES....................................... 423
Authorization of amounts in funding tables (sec. 4001)... 423
TITLE XLI--PROCUREMENT........................................... 439
Procurement (sec. 4101).................................. 440
Procurement for overseas contingency operations (sec.
4102).................................................. 481
TITLE XLII--RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, TEST, AND EVALUATION.......... 493
Research, development, test, and evaluation (sec. 4201).. 494
Research, development, test, and evaluation for overseas
contingency operations (sec. 4202)..................... 535
TITLE XLIII--OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE........................... 539
Operation and maintenance (sec. 4301).................... 540
Operation and maintenance for overseas contingency
operations (sec. 4302)................................. 564
TITLE XLIV--MILITARY PERSONNEL................................... 577
Military personnel (sec. 4401)........................... 578
Military personnel for overseas contingency operations
(sec. 4402)............................................ 579
TITLE XLV--OTHER AUTHORIZATIONS.................................. 581
Other authorizations (sec. 4501)......................... 582
Other authorizations for overseas contingency operations
(sec. 4502)............................................ 586
TITLE XLVI--MILITARY CONSTRUCTION................................ 589
Military construction (sec. 4601)........................ 590
Military construction for overseas contingency operations
(sec. 4602)............................................ 604
TITLE XLVII--DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY NATIONAL SECURITY PROGRAMS..... 607
Department of Energy national security programs (sec.
4701).................................................. 608
LEGISLATIVE REQUIREMENTS......................................... 619
Departmental Recommendations............................. 619
Committee Action......................................... 619
Congressional Budget Office Cost Estimate................ 622
Regulatory Impact........................................ 622
Changes in Existing Law.................................. 622
Calendar No. 483
116th Congress Report
SENATE
2d Session 116-236
======================================================================
TO AUTHORIZE APPROPRIATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2021 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
_______
June 24, 2020.--Ordered to be printed
_______
Mr. Inhofe, from the Committee on Armed Services,
submitted the following
R E P O R T
The Committee on Armed Services reports favorably an
original bill (S. 4049) to authorize appropriations for fiscal
year 2021 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, an for other purposes, and recommends
that the bill does do pass.
PURPOSE OF THE BILL
This bill would:
(1) Authorize appropriations for (a) procurement, (b)
research, development, test and evaluation, (c)
operation and maintenance and the revolving and
management funds of the Department of Defense for
fiscal year 2021;
(2) Authorize the personnel end strengths for each
military active duty component of the Armed Forces for
fiscal year 2021;
(3) Authorize the personnel end strengths for the
Selected Reserve of each of the reserve components of
the Armed Forces for fiscal year 2021;
(4) Impose certain reporting requirements;
(5) Impose certain limitations with regard to
specific procurement and research, development, test
and evaluation actions and manpower strengths; provide
certain additional legislative authority, and make
certain changes to existing law;
(6) Authorize appropriations for military
construction programs of the Department of Defense for
fiscal year 2021; and
(7) Authorize appropriations for national security
programs of the Department of Energy for fiscal year
2021.
COMMITTEE OVERVIEW
This year marks the 60th consecutive year the Senate has
fulfilled its constitutional duty to ``provide for the Common
Defense'' by passing the National Defense Authorization Act
(NDAA). This annual legislation provides for funding and
authorities for the U.S. military and other critical defense
priorities, and ensures our troops have what they need to
defend our nation. On June 10, 2020, the Senate Armed Services
Committee voted in overwhelming bipartisan fashion, 25-2, to
advance the National Defense Authorization Act of Fiscal Year
2021 (FY21) to the Senate floor.
Two years ago, the National Defense Strategy (NDS) outlined
our nation's preeminent challenge: strategic competition with
authoritarian adversaries that stand firmly against our shared
American values of freedom, democracy, and peace--namely, China
and Russia. These adversaries seek to shift the global order in
their favor, at our expense. In pursuit of this goal, these
nations have increased military and economic aggression, worked
to develop advanced technologies, expanded their influence
around the world, and undermined our own influence. The nature
of warfare is changing, and America's military superiority is
in decline or in danger of declining in many areas. Nowhere is
this more evident than in the Indo-Pacific. At the same time,
threats from other aggressors--rogue states like Iran and North
Korea, which seek to destabilize and antagonize, and terrorist
organizations, which threaten to re-emerge or expand not just
in the Middle East but in Africa and other parts of the world--
persist. As a nation, we must rise to these challenges.
At no time in recent memory has it been more critical to
have the personnel, equipment, training, and organization
needed to signal to our potential enemies, as former Secretary
of Defense Jim Mattis put it, ``you, militarily, cannot win
it--so don't even try.'' The FY21 NDAA rests on this simple
foundation. A credible military deterrent, however, requires
more than just having the most planes, ships, and tanks. It
requires forces in the right places, at the right time, with
the right equipment and capabilities. Posture and logistics are
equally as important as fifth-generation aircraft and advanced
weapons. Just as necessary to an asymmetric balance of power
are our alliances and partnerships, which must be strengthened
and solidified. The FY21 NDAA addresses each of these areas,
using the National Defense Strategy Commission as a roadmap and
building off the authorities and investments provided in both
the FY19 and FY20 NDAA. The FY21 NDAA boldly sets policy and
prudently aligns resources to achieve irreversible momentum in
implementation of the NDS and ensure that America is able to
prevent and, if necessary, win the wars not just of today, but
tomorrow as well.
With so much at stake, predictable, on-time, and adequate
funding remains vital to the success of our military forces, as
military leaders have told the Committee time and time again.
After years of sustained conflict, underfunding, and budgetary
uncertainty, Congress focused on rebuilding the military in the
past two NDAAs. Progress has been made, but the work is not yet
done. The National Defense Strategy calls for annual increases
of three to five percent above inflation each year, which the
Bipartisan Budget Act of 2019 did not provide for FY21. This
year's NDAA focused heavily on prioritizing available resources
to address the most worrying shortfalls and imminent threats.
Using the National Defense Strategy as a linchpin, the FY21
National Defense Authorization Act advances four priorities:
Supporting Our Troops, Their Families, and the Civilian Workforce
The Committee's top priority is, and always has been,
supporting the more than 2.1 million men and women who bravely
serve our nation in our Armed Forces. They, along with military
families and the civilian workforce, are the backbone of
America's national security. The FY21 NDAA prioritizes their
health and wellbeing -- ensuring our troops have the resources,
equipment, and training needed to succeed in their missions.
The bill recognizes that family readiness strengthens our force
overall, and advocates for military spouses and children. It
also ensures previous reforms to the military privatized
housing program and to the military health system are
implemented to rigorous standards, and reemphasizes a focus on
training to ensure our service members can conduct their
missions safely.
Charting a Course for the National Defense Strategy Now and Into the
Future
The FY21 NDAA continues to reinforce and accelerate
implementation of the NDS. In doing so, the bill shifts our
focus even more to the Indo-Pacific, our priority theater.
Critically, the bill establishes the Pacific Deterrence
Initiative to enhance budgetary transparency and oversight,
focus resources on capability gaps, reassure allies and
partners, and restore the credibility of American deterrence in
the region. The bill also emphasizes a combat-credible forward
posture, making investments in posture, logistics, and
intelligence capabilities, and preserves our nuclear deterrent
by supporting our nuclear triad, command and control, and
infrastructure. Strategic and steady support for our partners
and allies provided for in the bill, including through security
cooperation efforts, will strengthen the capabilities of our
friends, and ensure the balance of power remains in our favor.
Building a Modern, Innovative, and Lethal Force
Our national security rests on our ability to attain and
maintain an asymmetric military advantage. Our supremacy in the
seas, in the skies, in space, in cyberspace, and on land must
be protected; and as we look to the future of warfare, joint
capabilities that ensure the protection of the joint force are
essential. The FY21 NDAA ensures the United States fields a
force of the optimal size, structure, and strategy, capable of
supporting the conflicts envisioned by the NDS. Unfortunately,
in key technologies and capabilities, we've fallen behind our
near-peer competitors. The FY21 NDAA accelerates innovation so
we can compete effectively and regain our comparative advantage
over China and Russia.
Reshaping Pentagon Management to Maximize Performance, Accountability,
and Lethality
For too long, the Pentagon has operated as a lethargic
bureaucracy. Since the FY15 NDAA, Congress has implemented
numerous reforms to make the Pentagon more efficient,
responsive, and agile. This year, the NDAA prioritizes
accountability, with flexibility, for the Department of
Defense--setting up management structure and processes that
better harness innovation, operate at the speed of relevance,
and effectively steward taxpayer dollars. The FY21 NDAA
improves the Pentagon's budget process; adjusts hiring
practices to recruit and retain top talent in critical fields
like advanced technology, acquisition, health care, management,
and more; strengthens the defense acquisition system; and
reshapes the Defense Industrial Base as a more resilient,
advanced National Security Innovation Base. The COVID-19
pandemic exposed and exacerbated supply chain deficiencies
across the government, and the FY21 NDAA takes numerous steps
to secure the supply chain--both from overreliance on foreign
nations and from infiltration by our adversaries.
Achieving the aims of the NDS is a long game, and the
Committee takes a long view. The FY21 NDAA sets us up for
success in the long term, putting our nation on an
irreversible, confident, and steady course to achieve a
peaceful, free, and prosperous world--not only for us, but for
our children and grandchildren.
BUDGETARY EFFECTS OF THIS ACT (SEC. 4)
The committee recommends a provision that would require
that the budgetary effects of this Act be determined in
accordance with the procedures established in the Statutory
Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010 (title I of Public Law 111-139).
SUMMARY OF DISCRETIONARY AUTHORIZATIONS AND BUDGET AUTHORITY
IMPLICATION
The administration's budget request for national defense
discretionary programs within the jurisdiction of the Senate
Committee on Armed Services for fiscal year 2020 was $731.3
billion. Of this amount, $628.5 billion was requested for base
Department of Defense (DOD) programs, $26.0 billion was
requested for national security programs in the Department of
Energy (DOE), and $69.0 billion was requested for Overseas
Contingency Operations (OCO).
The committee recommends an overall discretionary
authorization of $731.3 billion in fiscal year 2020, including
$628.6 billion for base DOD programs, $25.9 billion for
national security programs in the DOE, and $69.0 billion for
OCO.
The two tables preceding the detailed program adjustments
in Division D of this bill summarize the direct discretionary
authorizations in the committee recommendation and the
equivalent budget authority levels for fiscal year 2020 defense
programs. The first table summarizes the committee's
recommended discretionary authorizations by appropriation
account for fiscal year 2020 and compares these amounts to the
request. The table following those summary tables provides a
consolidated display of the committee's recommended
authorizations relating to the Pacific Deterrence Initiative,
established in Sec. 1251 of this bill.
The second table summarizes the total budget authority
implication for national defense by including national defense
funding for items that are not in the jurisdiction of the
defense committees or are already authorized.
DIVISION A--DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE AUTHORIZATIONS
TITLE I--PROCUREMENT
Subtitle A--Authorization of Appropriations
Authorization of appropriations (sec. 101)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize
the appropriations for procurement activities at the levels
identified in section 4101 of division D of this Act.
Subtitle B--Army Programs
Integrated Air and Missile Defense assessment (sec. 111)
The committee recommends a provision that would require the
Secretary of the Army to carry out an assessment of Integrated
Air and Missile Defense (IAMD) capabilities and capacity to
address existing and emerging air, missile, and other indirect
fire threats in support of combatant command requirements. The
provision would require a classified report of the assessment
to be delivered to the Committees on Armed Services of the
Senate and the House of Representatives no later than February
15, 2021.
The committee notes that recent attacks on deployed U.S.
forces, as well as advanced capabilities emerging from China
and Russia, demonstrate the increasing sophistication and
proliferation of threats from missiles, unmanned aircraft
systems, and rockets. Great-power competitors have invested
heavily in long range missiles, both in quantity and in
advanced technologies such as hypersonics, and rockets and
mortars remain weapons of choice against U.S. and partner
security forces in non-conventional operations.
The committee notes that the Army is responsible for
``conduct[ing] air and missile defense to support joint
campaigns,'' per Department of Defense directive 5100.01, and
operates the majority of the ground-based air and missile
defense capabilities in the Joint Force. Additionally, the Army
was designated Executive Agent for Counter Small Unmanned
Aircraft Systems (C-sUAS) in November 2019, and stood up the
Joint C-sUAS Office in January 2020.
Report and limitation on Integrated Visual Augmentation System
acquisition (sec. 112)
The committee recommends a provision that would require the
Secretary of the Army to submit a report to the congressional
defense committees, no later than August 15, 2021, on the
Integrated Visual Augmentation System (IVAS). The report would
certify the acquisition strategy, system technology level,
production model cost, operational suitability, and soldier
acceptability, subsequent to completion of operational testing.
The provision would prohibit the obligation of expenditure of
more than 50 percent of fiscal year 2021 funds authorized for
the procurement of IVAS until the required report is submitted.
The committee commends the Army for the developmental
approach that it is pursuing and its effective collaboration
with non-traditional contractors. Furthermore, the Army has
prioritized the use of rapid prototyping, rapid fielding, and a
soldier-centered design approach that has facilitated the
delivery of cutting-edge solutions necessary to ensure that the
Army maintains its technological superiority and achieves
overmatch in future conflicts.
The committee is encouraged by the results of previous
soldier touch point events and is optimistic that those
successes will be further realized in future user evaluations.
The committee also notes that operational testing that is
essential to ensuring operational suitability and soldier
acceptability in operational conditions has not yet occurred.
Certification of the acquisition strategy subsequent to
operational testing will validate the acquisition approach, the
full rate production decision, and the commitment of
substantial resources. A successful IVAS program can serve as a
model for Army modernization efforts going forward.
Modifications to requirement for an interim cruise missile defense
capability (sec. 113)
The committee recommends a provision that would require the
Secretary of Army to submit to the congressional defense
committees the plan to operationally deploy or forward station
in an operational theater or theaters the two batteries of
interim cruise missile defense capability required by section
112(b)(1)(A) of the John S. McCain National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (Public Law 115-232).
The provision would also modify the terms of the waiver for the
requirement for two additional batteries by September 30, 2023.
The committee notes that the Secretary of the Army has
exercised the waiver for the first two batteries since the Army
will not meet the deployment deadline of September 30, 2020.
While the committee understands the requirements for testing
and training prior to deployment, the committee still expects
the Secretary to meet the original intent of section 112--
forward stationing an interim cruise missile defense capability
to protect fixed sites from cruise missile threats with
prioritization to locations in Europe and Asia.
Subtitle C--Navy Programs
Contract authority for Columbia-class submarine program (sec. 121)
The committee recommends a provision that would permit the
Secretary of the Navy to enter into one contract for up to two
Columbia-class submarines (SSBN-826 and SSBN-827) and
incrementally fund such submarines.
Limitation on Navy medium and large unmanned surface vessels (sec. 122)
The committee recommends a provision that would require
that certain technical conditions be met prior to Milestone B
approval for medium and large unmanned surface vessels.
The committee notes that the budget request provides for
the prototyping and testing of Medium and Large Unmanned
Surface Vessels (MUSVs and LUSVs), including procurement of up
to two additional LUSVs in conjunction with a Strategic
Capabilities Office (SCO) initiative. The committee understands
that the four LUSVs procured by the SCO beginning in fiscal
year 2018, at a cost of more than $510 million, are sufficient
to achieve the objectives of the SCO initiative, which is
scheduled to be completed in the fourth quarter of fiscal year
2021.
The committee further notes that the budget request
includes plans to award the LUSV Detail Design and Construction
(DD&C) contract in fiscal year 2022 and transition LUSV to a
program of record in fiscal year 2023.
The committee remains concerned that the budget request's
concurrent approach to LUSV design, technology development, and
integration as well as a limited understanding of the LUSV
concept of employment, requirements, and reliability for
envisioned missions pose excessive acquisition risk for
additional LUSV procurement in fiscal year 2021. The committee
is also concerned by the unclear policy implications of LUSVs,
including ill-defined international unmanned surface vessel
standards and the legal status of armed or potentially armed
LUSVs.
Additionally, the committee notes that the Navy's most
recent shipbuilding plan, ``Report to Congress on the Annual
Long-Range Plan for Construction of Naval Vessels for Fiscal
Year 2020,'' acknowledges similar issues: ``Unmanned and
optionally-manned systems are not accounted for in the overall
battle force[.] . . . The physical challenges of extended
operations at sea across the spectrum of competition and
conflict, the concepts of operations for these platforms, and
the policy challenges associated with employing deadly force
from autonomous vehicles must be well understood prior to
replacing accountable battle force ships.''
The committee believes that further procurement of MUSVs
and LUSVs should occur only after the lessons learned from the
current SCO initiative have been incorporated into the system
specification and additional risk reduction actions are taken.
A specific area of technical concern for the committee is
the Navy requirement for MUSVs and LUSVs to operate
continuously at sea for at least 30 days without preventative
maintenance, corrective maintenance, or emergent repairs. The
committee is unaware of any unmanned vessel of the size or
complexity envisioned for MUSV or LUSV that has demonstrated at
least 30 days of such operation.
The committee understands that the SCO prototype vessels
that are intended to provide risk reduction for this program
have demonstrated between 2 to 3 days of continuous operation.
The committee also understands that the SCO vessels are
approximately 25 percent the size by tonnage of a LUSV, which
may limit the applicability of lessons learned and risk
reduction from the SCO vessels to the MUSV and LUSV programs.
Among other critical subsystems, the committee views the main
engines and electrical generators as key USV mechanical and
electrical subsystems whose reliability is critical to ensuring
successful operations at sea for at least 30 continuous days.
Accordingly, this provision would require at least two main
engines and electrical generators, including ancillary
equipment, to be formally qualified by the Navy, including a
successful demonstration of at least 30 days of continuous
operation prior to the LUSV or MUSV Milestone B approval and
would require the use of such engines and generators in future
USVs. The provision would also require the Senior Technical
Authority and Milestone Decision Authority to take additional
actions related to reducing the technical risk of these
programs prior to a Milestone B approval.
The committee views the qualification of these critical
subsystems as an essential prototyping step necessary to
provide a solid technical foundation for the MUSV and LUSV
programs. Rather than delaying these programs, the committee
believes that qualified engines and generators will enable the
delivery of capable, reliable, and sustainable USVs that meet
the needs of fleet commanders faster than the plan contained in
the budget request.
Extension of prohibition on availability of funds for Navy waterborne
security barriers (sec. 123)
The committee recommends a provision that would extend the
prohibition on availability of funds for Navy waterborne
security barriers.
Procurement authorities for certain amphibious shipbuilding programs
(sec. 124)
The committee recommends a provision that would allow the
Secretary of the Navy to enter into one or more contracts for
the procurement of three San Antonio-class amphibious ships and
one America-class amphibious ship.
The committee notes that the Assistant Secretary of the
Navy for Research, Development, and Acquisition testified on
March 4, 2020, that the authorities provided in this provision
would be ``tremendously beneficial'' and added, ``[W]e will
look forward to those authorities, should they come in the
[National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021].''
The committee further notes that the Navy is estimating
savings of 8 to 12 percent, or roughly $1 billion, for the
multiple ship procurement of these 4 ships as compared to 4
separate ship procurement contracts.
Accordingly, this provision would provide the necessary
authorities for implementing such an approach.
Fighter force structure acquisition strategy (sec. 125)
The committee recommends a provision that would require the
Secretary of the Navy to align the Department's fighter force
structure acquisition strategy with the results of the various
independent studies required by section 1064 of the National
Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (Public Law 115-
91), and not later than March 1, 2021, to transmit the new
strategy in a report to the congressional defense committees.
The committee commends the Navy on transitioning to a strategy
focused on the acquisition of 5th generation aircraft but
remains concerned that the current strike fighter shortage data
demand an increase in the annual total acquisition of fighter
aircraft. The provision would establish a minimum number of F-
35 and Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) aircraft that the
Navy and Marine Corps would be required to purchase each year
to mitigate or manage strike fighter shortfalls. Finally, the
provision would also prohibit the Department of the Navy's
deviation from this strategy in its acquisition programs and
related force structure until the Secretary of the Navy
receives a waiver and justification from the Secretary of
Defense and until 30 days after notifying the congressional
defense committees of the proposed deviation.
Treatment of weapon systems added by Congress in future President's
budget requests (sec. 126)
The committee recommends a provision that would preclude
the inclusion in future annual budget requests of a procurement
quantity of a system previously authorized and appropriated by
the Congress that was greater than the quantity of such system
requested in the President's budget request.
The committee is concerned that by presenting CVN-81 as a
ship that was procured in fiscal year 2020 (instead of as a
ship that was procured in fiscal year 2019), LPD-31 as a ship
requested for procurement in fiscal year 2021 (instead of as a
ship that was procured in fiscal year 2020), and LHA-9 as a
ship projected for procurement in fiscal year 2023 (instead of
as a ship that was procured in fiscal year 2020), the
Department of Defense, in its fiscal year 2021 budget
submission, is disregarding or mischaracterizing the actions of
Congress regarding the procurement dates of these three ships.
Report on carrier wing composition (sec. 127)
The committee recommends a provision that would direct the
Secretary of the Navy, in consultation with the Chief of Naval
Operations and Commandant of the Marine Corps, to submit a
report to the congressional defense committees, not later than
May 1, 2021, on the optimal compositions of the carrier air
wing in 2030 and 2040 as well as alternative force design
concepts. In conjunction with completing the report required by
this provision, the Secretary shall provide a briefing on the
report's findings to the congressional defense committees, not
later than March 1, 2021.
The committee is encouraged by the Department of Defense's
recent decision to cease the procurement of legacy strike
fighters but remains concerned, based on a number of
independent analyses, that the Navy's current stated goal of a
50-50 mix of 4th and 5th generation aircraft for the future
carrier air wing will not be sufficient to meet the
requirements of the National Defense Strategy. Additionally,
the committee is concerned that the Navy lacks a strategy on
the use of unmanned aircraft and manned-unmanned teaming.
Therefore, the report required by this provision would
include: (1) The analysis and justification used by the Navy to
reach the 50-50 mix of 4th and 5th generation aircraft for
2030; (2) Analysis and justification for the optimal mix of
carrier aircraft for 2040; and (3) A plan for incorporating
unmanned aerial vehicles and associated communication
capabilities to effectively implement the future force design.
Report on strategy to use ALQ-249 Next Generation Jammer to ensure full
spectrum electromagnetic superiority (sec. 128)
The committee recommends a provision that would require the
Secretary of the Navy, in consultation with the Vice Chairman
of the Joint Chiefs, to provide a report to the congressional
defense committees, no later than July 30, 2021, defining a
strategy to ensure full spectrum electromagnetic superiority
using the ALQ-249 Next Generation Jammer.
The committee notes that the ALQ-249 is the only standoff
jamming capability in the Joint Force that is capable of
providing electronic warfare support in a conflict envisioned
by the National Defense Strategy (NDS). The committee is
concerned that the current strategy and force structure of
naval electronic warfare forces will not be sufficient to
meeting the needs of the joint warfighting concept.
Therefore, the committee directs the Secretary, using
analysis provided by the Joint Staff and in consultation with
the Vice Chairman, to provide a report detailing: (1) The
current procurement strategy of the ALQ-249 and an analysis of
its capability to meet the radio frequency ranges required in a
NDS conflict; (2) Its compatibility and ability to synchronize
non-kinetic fires with other joint electronic warfare
platforms; (3) A future model of an interlinked/interdependent
electronic warfare menu of options for commanders at the
tactical, operational, and strategic levels.
Subtitle D--Air Force Programs
Economic order quantity contracting authority for F-35 Joint Strike
Fighter program (sec. 141)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize
the Secretary of Defense to award F-35 contracts to procure
material and equipment in economic order quantities for fiscal
year 2021 (Lot 15) through fiscal year 2023 (Lot 17).
Minimum aircraft levels for major mission areas (sec. 142)
The committee recommends a provision that would establish a
minimum number of aircraft for each major mission area in the
United States Air Force and prohibit divestment of aircraft
such that these minima are breached. The committee understands
that the Air Force is divesting legacy aircraft in order to
modernize its various fleets with modern aircraft relevant to
the National Defense Strategy. The committee remains concerned
that, historically, the divestment of legacy aircraft has not
yielded additional resources to fund modernization. As such,
the committee cautions the Air Force in taking near-term risk
with capacity and seeks the establishment of these aircraft
floors to mitigate its concern.
Minimum operational squadron level (sec. 143)
The committee recommends a provision that would require the
Air Force to seek to achieve, as soon as practicable after the
date of the enactment of this Act and subject to the
availability of appropriations, no fewer than 386 available
operational squadrons, or equivalent organizational units,
within the Air Force.
Minimum Air Force bomber aircraft level (sec. 144)
The committee recommends a provision that would require the
Secretary of Defense to submit to the congressional defense
committees, no later than 1 December, 2020, recommendations for
a minimum number of bomber aircraft, including penetrating
bombers in addition to B-52H aircraft to enable the Air Force
to carry out its long-range penetrating strike mission. The
Department should determine this floor, in part, based on what
the Air Force can uniquely provide in future conflicts--long-
range penetrating strike capability that cannot be matched by
other military services' standoff strike systems.
Despite the significant increase in individual bomber
capability, the committee remains concerned about the Nation's
overall bomber capacity shortfall. The Air Force has a total
inventory of 157 bombers, the smallest and oldest fleet of
bomber aircraft in its history. Three 2019 independent studies
of future Air Force aircraft inventory requirements, conducted
pursuant to section 1064 of the National Defense Authorization
Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (Public Law 115-91), determined that
increases in the size of the bomber fleet are needed to support
the National Defense Strategy (NDS). The Air Force's own
assessment concluded: ``We require a larger proportional
increase for bombers,'' with a 56 percent increase in the
number of Air Force bomber squadrons, to execute the NDS. The
Commander of Air Force Global Strike Command has said that the
future bomber force inventory should be greater than 225.
Additionally, while Air Force standoff strike capabilities
support the NDS, the committee believes that the Department of
Defense needs to carefully assess alternatives and the cost
effectiveness of relative numbers of such standoff systems and
procuring a larger penetrating bomber force with its capacity
to carry more and less costly weapons per sortie.
F-35 gun system (sec. 145)
The committee recommends a provision that would require the
Secretary of the Air Force to begin the acquisition process for
an alternate 25mm ammunition solution that provides a true
full-spectrum target engagement capability for the F-35A. The
committee is aware of known deficiencies with the system as
well as ongoing efforts to improve the accuracy and lethality
of the gun. However, the anticipated hardware and software
solutions do not adequately address the lethality limitation of
the F-35A gun. Improvements are necessary in ammunition
performance, including the ability to penetrate hard targets as
well as the ability to achieve combined explosive,
fragmentation, and incendiary effects. The committee further
understands that the currently qualified 25mm ammunition
effectively penetrates semi-hardened armor; however, the
ammunition has limited capability against a broader range of
target sets. Additionally, the limited carriage capacity of the
F-35A gun system ammunition magazine strongly suggests that
improved performance ammunition is required for mission
success, both in air-to-ground as well as air-to-air missions.
Consequently, the committee is concerned that the current 25mm
ammunition is not effective enough to allow for successful
engagement of the full spectrum of target sets anticipated on a
typical F-35A mission.
Prohibition on funding for Close Air Support Integration Group (sec.
146)
The committee recommends a provision that would prohibit
the obligation or expenditure of funds for the Close Air
Support Integration Group (CIG) or its subordinate units at
Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. The committee is aware that the
CIG was an attempt to establish a center of excellence for
close air support at a time when the A-10 was being considered
for divestment. Given the Air Force's strategy for the long-
term retention of the A-10, the CIG's mission is unclear and
its resources, both in manpower and aircraft currently assigned
to the CIG and its subordinate units, are better utilized
elsewhere.
Limitation on divestment of KC-10 and KC-135 aircraft (sec. 147)
The committee recommends a provision that would prohibit
the divestment of KC-10 and KC-135 aircraft in excess of the
following: in fiscal year 2021, 6 KC-10s; in fiscal year 2022,
12 KC-10s; and, in fiscal year 2023, 12 KC-10s and 14 KC-135s.
Limitation on retirement of U-2 and RQ-4 aircraft (sec. 148)
The committee recommends a provision that would limit the
retirement of any U-2 or RQ-4 aircraft until the Chairman of
the Joint Requirements Oversight Council certifies to the
congressional defense and intelligence committees that the
operational capabilities available to the combatant commanders
would not be affected by such a decision.
Limitation on divestment of F-15C aircraft in the European theater
(sec. 149)
The committee recommends a provision that would restrict
the divestment of F-15Cs in the European theater until the F-
15EX is integrated into the Air Force and has begun bed down
actions in the theater. The provision would also provide a
waiver from the limitation if the Secretary of Defense notifies
the congressional defense committees with appropriate
justification.
Air base defense development and acquisition strategy (sec. 150)
The committee recommends a provision that would require the
Chief of Staff of the Air Force (CSAF), in consultation with
the Chief of Staff of the Army (CSA), to produce a development
and acquisition strategy to procure a capability to protect air
bases and prepositioned sites in the contested environments
highlighted in the National Defense Strategy. The strategy
should ensure a solution that is effective against current and
emerging cruise missiles and advanced hypersonic missiles. The
provision would require the CSAF to submit the strategy to the
congressional defense committees no later than March 1, 2021.
Additionally, the provision would limit the obligation or
expenditure of fiscal year 2021 funds for operation and
maintenance for the Office of the Secretary of the Air Force
and the Office of the Secretary of the Army to 50 percent of
those funds until 15 days after submission of the strategy
required by the provision.
Required solution for KC-46 aircraft remote visual system limitations
(sec. 151)
The committee recommends a provision that would require the
Secretary of the Air Force to develop and implement a solution
to the KC-46 remote visual system (RVS) operational
limitations. The committee is aware that the manufacturer and
the Air Force have developed a complete solution for the KC-46
RVS issue that would remove all operational limitations for
refueling operations of the aircraft. However, the committee is
concerned about the duration of time that has already elapsed
and the lack of an implementation strategy. Furthermore, the
committee is concerned regarding the potential of implementing
a phased approach to solving the RVS issue. This approach would
put unnecessary delays in a final fix and delay full operation
of the KC-46 fleet until after 2025. Therefore, the committee
directs the Secretary of the Air Force to reach an agreement
with the manufacturer for a complete, one-time solution to the
KC-46 RVS issue, and to present an accompanying implementation
strategy to the congressional defense committees no later than
October 1, 2020.
Analysis of requirements and Advanced Battle Management System
capabilities (sec. 152)
The committee recommends a provision regarding the
applicability of the Advanced Battle Management System (ABMS)
to the broader Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2)
effort. The committee is encouraged by the Air Force's effort
to link disaggregated sensors into a network of survivable and
persistent intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance
capabilities. The committee also commends the Air Force for
leading the Department of Defense in the development of an
architecture for the broader JADC2 effort.
However, the committee remains concerned regarding the
progress of the ABMS effort and the speed at which the ground
moving target indicator capability of the E-8 is being
replaced. Therefore, the committee recommends a provision that
would require the Secretary of the Air Force to develop an
analysis of current ground moving target indicator requirements
across the combatant commands and the capability that the ABMS
will require when fielded.
Studies on measures to assess cost-per-effect for key mission areas
(sec. 153)
The committee recommends a provision that would require the
Secretary of the Air Force to conduct, or provide for the
conduct of, two studies no later than January 1, 2021, to
provide a better understanding of the cost of sustainment of
aircraft based on combat effects.
Plan for operational test and utility evaluation of systems for Low-
Cost Attributable Aircraft Technology program (sec. 154)
The committee recommends a provision that would require the
Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition,
Technology, and Logistics to provide to the congressional
defense committees an executable plan for the operational test
and utility evaluation of the Low-Cost Attributable Aircraft
Technology (LCAAT) systems no later than October 1, 2020, and
to brief the committees on the plan by the same date. The
committee intends for this provision to support the Assistant
Secretary's intent to accelerate the LCAAT program for
collaborative pairing with manned platforms, potentially
including the F-35. The committee views the combined
application of commercial technology, autonomy, and artificial
intelligence as an innovative solution to meeting the demands
of the National Defense Strategy.
Prohibition on retirement or divestment of A-10 aircraft (sec. 155)
The committee recommends a provision that would prohibit
the divestment of A-10 aircraft for fiscal year 2021. The
committee is aware that there is a growing demand for low cost,
survivable aircraft to support disaggregated operations in
support of efforts in countering violent extremism (CVE) and to
provide close air support and combat search and rescue
capability in accordance with the National Defense Strategy.
The A-10 aircraft appears to meet all the requirements set
forth in various requests to industry. The committee
understands the fiscal need to divest legacy aircraft as new
aircraft are integrated into the Air Force but supports a 1-
year suspension on plans to retire or divest A-10s to ensure
that these aircraft support ongoing CVE efforts and provide
close air support and combat search and rescue capability.
Subtitle E--Defense-Wide, Joint, and Multiservice Matters
Budgeting for life-cycle cost of aircraft for the Navy, Army, and Air
Force: annual plan and certification (sec. 171)
The committee recommends a provision that would require the
Secretary of Defense to submit an annual plan for the
procurement of the aircraft in the Department of the Navy, the
Department of the Army, and the Department of the Air Force in
order to meet the requirements of the National Defense
Strategy.
Authority to use F-35 aircraft withheld from delivery to Government of
Turkey (sec. 172)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize
the Air Force to utilize, modify, and operate the 6 Turkish
aircraft that were accepted by the Government of Turkey but
never delivered because Turkey was suspended from the F-35
program.
Transfer from Commander of United States Strategic Command to Chairman
of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of responsibilities and functions
relating to electromagnetic spectrum operations (sec. 173)
The committee recommends a provision that would: (1)
require the Secretary of Defense to transition to the Chairman
of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (CJCS) as a Chairman's Controlled
Activity all of the responsibilities and functions of the
Commander of United States Strategic Command that are germane
to electromagnetic spectrum operations; (2) define additional
responsibilities related to EMSO for the VCJCS; and (3) require
the combatant commanders and service chiefs to assess their
plans and programs for consistency with the Electromagnetic
Spectrum Superiority Strategy, the Joint Staff-developed
concept of operations, and operational requirements.
The committee's oversight priorities in electronic warfare
(EW) to date have been in correcting the Department of
Defense's governance gaps and in addressing its acquisition
activities. The committee recognizes, however, that the
military services and combatant commanders face operational and
tactical challenges today that have exposed the inadequacy of
the Department's concept of operations, tactics, techniques,
and procedures (TTPs), and associated capabilities, forces, and
training for electromagnetic spectrum operations (EMSO). These
issues, highlighted in a Center for Strategic and Budgetary
Assessment study conducted pursuant to section 255 of the John
S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year
2019 (Public Law 115-232), demand the formulation of a new way
of ``maneuvering within the electromagnetic spectrum,'' to use
the Department's terminology--new doctrine, operational plans,
training, capabilities, and TTPs for fighting with, against,
and through electronic warfare capabilities. This assessment
was amplified by the March 2019 report by the Institute for
Defense Analysis, ``Independent Assessment of EMS Organization
Alternatives,'' which considered a number of options to further
the Department's focus on spectrum operations from both
military service and joint commander perspectives. This report
noted, ``The panel judges this crisis [in electromagnetic
spectrum operations] to be urgent and enduring--requiring
immediate actions from the Department's top leadership to
address the urgent problem and a systemic institutional
response to address the enduring competitive challenge.''
The committee believes that the only appropriate body for
managing this modernization is the Joint Staff and thus
supports the Department's designation of the Vice Chairman of
the Joint Chiefs of Staff (VCJCS) as the senior designated
official for EW and EMSO. The VCJCS, as chairman of the Joint
Requirements Oversight Council and as a senior advisor to the
President and Secretary of Defense, possesses the seniority and
vantage point to effectively provide that critical oversight
and advocacy. In particular, the committee believes that the
VCJCS must lead the development of EMSO concepts of operations
and oversee their integration into the joint warfighting
concept, the warfighting plans of the combatant commands, and
the programs of the military services.
Cryptographic modernization schedules (sec. 174)
The committee recommends a provision that would require
each of the Secretaries of the military departments and the
heads of relevant defense agencies and field activities to
establish and maintain a cryptographic modernization schedule
that specifies, for each pertinent weapon system, command and
control system, or data link: (1) The expiration date for
applicable cryptographic algorithms; (2) Anticipated key
extension requests; and (3) The funding and deployment schedule
for modernized cryptographic algorithms, keys, and equipment
over the future years defense program. The provision would also
require the Department of Defense (DOD) Chief Information
Officer (CIO) to oversee the implementation of these scheduled
investments and amend these plans, should they pose
unacceptable risk to military operations. Finally, the
provision would require the CIO to annually notify the
congressional defense committees of any failures to meet these
planned schedules.
The committee is encouraged by the Department's recent
focus on cryptographic modernization and, in particular, the
priority placed on updating cryptographic equipment, keys, and
algorithms by the CIO, the Under Secretary of Defense for
Acquisition and Sustainment, and the Joint Staff. For too long,
the National Security Agency's warnings about obsolete
cryptography have fallen on deaf ears and the military services
have been allowed to continuously delay much-needed
modernization. The committee seeks to reinforce this priority
and ensure that it does not prove to be ephemeral. This
provision would do so by forcing the military services to
maintain schedules for cryptographic upgrades and establishing
DOD and congressional accountability mechanisms to deter and
correct schedule slips.
Prohibition on purchase of armed overwatch aircraft (sec. 175)
The committee recommends a provision that would prohibit
the purchase of aircraft for the Air Force Special Operations
Command used for the purpose of ``armed overwatch'' until such
time as the Chief of Staff of the Air Force certifies to the
congressional defense committees that general purpose forces of
the Air Force have neither the skill nor the capacity to
provide close air support and armed overwatch to U.S. forces
deployed operationally.
Special Operations armed overwatch (sec. 176)
The committee recommends a provision that would prohibit
the acquisition of armed overwatch aircraft for the United
States Special Operations Command (SOCOM) in fiscal year 2021.
The provision would require the Secretary of Defense, in
coordination with the Assistant Secretary of Defense for
Special Operations and Low-Intensity Conflict and the
Commander, SOCOM, to conduct, not later than July 1, 2021, an
analysis to define the special operations-peculiar requirements
for armed overwatch aircraft and determine whether acquisition
of a new special operations-peculiar platform is the most
effective means of fulfilling such requirements.
The committee is concerned that the acquisition strategy
for an armed overwatch aircraft for SOCOM lacks a validated
requirement and an appropriate analysis of the cost-
effectiveness of acquiring a new special operations-peculiar
platform. Furthermore, the committee is concerned that the
rapid acquisition timeline being pursued by SOCOM does not
allow for adequate consideration of: the cost of operating and
sustaining the aircraft; the potential negative impacts on an
already stressed community of pilots, aircrews, and
maintainers; and how such a costly addition fits into SOCOM's
medium-to-long-term airborne intelligence, surveillance and
reconnaissance capability roadmap.
Autonomic Logistics Information System redesign strategy (sec. 177)
The committee recommends a provision that would address the
lack of strategy for the redesign of the Autonomic Logistics
Information System (ALIS) by requiring the Under Secretary of
Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, in consultation with
the F-35 Program Executive Officer, no later than October 1,
2020, to: (1) Develop a program-wide process for measuring,
collecting, and tracking information on how the ALIS is
affecting the performance of the F-35 fleet, to include, but
not be limited to, its effects on mission capability rates; and
(2) Implement a strategy for the re-design of the ALIS. The
strategy should be detailed enough to clearly identify and
assess the goals, key risks or uncertainties, and costs of
redesigning the system.
The committee is encouraged at the progress that the Joint
Program Office has made through various initiatives in
improving and redesigning the ALIS and the transition to the
Operational Data Integrated Network (ODIN) but is concerned
that these initiatives and the transition to ODIN involve
differing approaches and that technical and programmatic
uncertainties are hindering the redesign effort.
Contract aviation services in a country or in airspace in which a
Special Federal Aviation Regulation applies (sec. 178)
The committee recommends a provision that would require the
Secretary of Defense, or a designee of the Secretary of
Defense, to designate aircraft fulfilling urgent operational
needs for the Department of Defense as State Aircraft if there
exist Special Federal Aviation Regulations that would impact
their ability to perform these missions. These aircraft are
performing military functions, and the committee therefore
believes that they should be afforded the status of State
Aircraft if required to carry out their missions.
F-35 aircraft munitions (sec. 179)
The committee recommends a provision would require the
Secretary of the Air Force and Secretary of the Navy to qualify
and certify, for the use by the U.S. military, additional
munitions for the F-35 aircraft that are already qualified for
North Atlantic Treaty Organization member F-35 partner
aircraft.
Airborne intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance acquisition
roadmap for United States Special Operations Command (sec. 180)
The committee recommends a provision that would require,
not later than December 1, 2021, the Assistant Secretary of
Defense for Special Operations and Low-Intensity Conflict (ASD
SOLIC) and the Commander, United States Special Operations
Command (SOCOM), to jointly submit to the congressional defense
committees an acquisition roadmap to meet the manned and
unmanned airborne intelligence, surveillance, and
reconnaissance (ISR) requirements of United States Special
Operations Forces (SOF).
SOCOM's budget request for fiscal year 2021 and the future
years defense program includes proposals to modify the
composition of its airborne ISR fleet through the acquisition
of new platforms and the divestment of platforms currently in
its inventory. The committee is concerned that there does not
exist an overarching strategy to guide SOCOM's airborne ISR
acquisition efforts, particularly one that clearly: identifies
current or anticipated special operations-peculiar capability
gaps; describes future manned and unmanned ISR requirements,
especially those related to the ability to operate in contested
environments; describes the anticipated mix of manned and
unmanned aircraft and associated manning requirements; and
describes the extent to which service-provided manned and
unmanned airborne ISR capabilities will be required to support
SOF requirements.
The committee strongly believes that clear explanation of
the path forward is fundamental to ensuring that SOCOM's
airborne ISR capabilities are appropriate for meeting its
requirements over the mid- and long-term and to ensuring that
such acquisition programs meet the intent of the National
Defense Strategy in pursuing a more resource-efficient approach
to countering violent extremist organizations. The committee
believes that rigorous analysis and the submission of the
roadmap required by this section should precede the initiation
of any new start acquisition programs for airborne manned and
unmanned ISR capabilities for SOCOM.
Requirement to accelerate the fielding and development of counter
unmanned aerial system efforts across the Joint Force (sec.
181)
The committee recommends a provision that would require the
executive agent of the Joint Counter Small Unmanned Aerial
Systems office to prioritize counter-unmanned aerial systems
(CUAS) that can be fielded in fiscal year 2021 and develop a
near-term plan to effect that fielding. As part of the
Secretary of the Army's review of CUAS efforts, the committee
encourages the Secretary to consider establishing a CUAS center
of excellence for the executive agent to coordinate service
research and development for counter-drone technologies.
Joint All-Domain Command and Control requirements (sec. 182)
The committee recommends a provision that would require the
Joint Requirements Oversight Council (JROC) to produce Joint
All Domain Command and Control (JADC2) requirements no later
than October 1, 2020. The provision would also require,
immediately after the certification of requirements, the Chief
of Staff of the Air Force to provide a certification to the
congressional defense committees that the current JADC2
efforts, including programmatic and architecture efforts, being
led by the Air Force will meet the requirements laid out by the
JROC. Additionally, each service chief would be required to
certify to the congressional defense committees that his or her
respective service efforts in multi-domain command and control
are compatible with the Air Force-led architecture no later
than January 1, 2021. Finally, the Secretary of Defense would
be required to incorporate the expected costs for full
development and implementation across the Department of Defense
in the fiscal year 2022 budget request.
The committee commends the Department of Defense on its
efforts to date on JADC2. The committee recognizes that, in
order for JADC2 to be successful, there must be leadership and
alignment from the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD),
the Joint Staff, and all the military services. The committee
is encouraged that the OSD has designated the Air Force as the
lead for design and experimentation in order to develop an
architecture that will meet the requirements set forth by the
Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in his role as the
Chairman of the JROC. The committee remains concerned that the
actual requirements are not clear and, as such, that the Air
Force will not be able to coordinate with the other military
services to ensure that their own multi-domain command and
control-relevant capabilities will be compatible with the
eventual network and architecture.
Budget Items
Army
MQ-1
The budget request included $0.0 in line number 2 of
Aircraft Procurement, Army (APA), for MQ-1 procurement.
The committee is concerned that the temporary termination
of procurement of MQ-1s will result in significantly increased
cost in the long run and will delay the Army's meeting of its
stated requirements for unmanned fixed wing intelligence,
surveillance, and reconnaissance aircraft.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $165.0
million in line number 2 of APA for the purchase of additional
MQ-1 aircraft.
CH-47 Cargo Helicopter Modifications
The budget request included $15.5 million in line number 22
of Aircraft Procurement, Army (APA), for CH-47 Cargo Helicopter
Mods.
The committee recognizes that installation of Improved
Vibration Control System on the CH-47 minimizes vibration
generated by the rotor system, improving aircraft and crew
performance and extending component service life.
Accordingly, the committee recommends an increase of $20.0
million in line number 22 of APA for CH-47 Cargo Helicopter
Mods.
Procurement of PAC-3 MSE missiles
The budget request included $779.8 million in line number 3
of Missile Procurement, Army (MPA), for MSE Missiles, of which
$603.2 million was included in the Army's base budget account
and $176.6 million was included in the Overseas Contingency
Operations account for the European Deterrence Initiative
(EDI).
While the committee strongly supports procurement of
additional MSE missiles to meet the global requirement,
activities funded through EDI should directly support
requirements in the U.S. European Command (EUCOM) area of
responsibility. The committee understands that the 46 MSE
missiles requested in EDI would be subject to global allocation
to the combatant commands at the discretion of the Secretary of
Defense, just as the 122 missiles requested under the Army's
base budget would be so distributed. The committee does not
believe that procurement of globally interchangeable assets,
like munitions, without a commitment that they would be
prepositioned at locations in Europe or otherwise allocated to
EUCOM upon delivery, is an appropriate use of EDI funding.
Accordingly, the committee recommends an increase of $176.6
million, for a total of $779.8 million, in line number 3 of MPA
in the base budget account.
Indirect Fire Protection Capability Increment 2
The budget request included $106.3 million in Missile
Procurement, Army, line number 5 for Indirect Fire Protection
Capability Increment 2 (IFPC Inc 2).
The committee understands that a lower level of funding
would be sufficient to execute all planned fiscal year 2021
activities for this program.
Accordingly, the committee recommends a decrease of $40.5
million in Missile Procurement, Army, line number 5 for IFPC
Inc 2.
Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle
The budget request included $193.0 million in line number 2
of Procurement of Weapons and Tracked Combat Vehicles (WTCV),
Army, for the Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle (AMPV).
The committee supports the AMPV program but notes
significant projected carryover from fiscal year 2020 and a
delayed full rate production decision.
Accordingly, the committee recommends a reduction of $20.0
million in line number 2 of Procurement of WTCV, Army, for the
AMPV.
Bradley Program Modifications
The budget request included $40.0 million in line number 5
of Procurement of Weapons and Tracked Combat Vehicle (WTCV),
Army, for Bradley Program (MOD 10) Survivability Enhancements.
The committee notes substantial prior year carryover and
late fiscal year 2021 live fire testing for Underbelly Interim
Solution elements of MOD 10.
Accordingly, the committee recommends a reduction of $20.0
million in line number 5 of Procurement of WTCV, Army, for
Bradley Program (MOD 10) Survivability Enhancements.
M88 Family of Vehicle Modification
The budget request included $18.4 million in line number 11
of Procurement of Weapons and Tracked Combat Vehicle (WTCV),
Army, for M88 FOV Modifications.
The committee notes an unjustified growth of government and
contractor program support costs.
Accordingly, the committee recommends a decrease of $5.0
million in line number 11 of Procurement of WTCV, Army, for M88
FOV Modifications.
Joint Assault Bridge
The budget request included $72.2 million in line number 12
of Procurement of Weapons and Tracked Combat Vehicle (WTCV),
Army, for the Joint Assault Bridge.
The committee notes a 1 year contract slip that will delay
execution of fiscal year 2021 funds.
Accordingly, the committee recommends a reduction of $10.5
million in line number 12 of Procurement of WTCV, Army, for the
Joint Assault Bridge.
Multi-Domain Task Force Tactical Network Technology
The budget request included $360.4 million in line number
23 of Other Procurement, Army (OPA), for Tactical Network
Technology Mod in Svc.
The unfunded priorities list of the Chief of Staff of the
Army identified non-program of record procurement requirements
to enable intelligence, cyber, electronic warfare, and space
operations within the Multi-Domain Task Force, including $5.0
million for scalable network node equipment.
Accordingly, the committee recommends an increase of $5.0
million in line number 23 of OPA for Tactical Network
Technology Mod in Svc.
U.S. Africa Command force protection upgrades transportable tactical
command communications
The budget request included $75.2 million in line number 30
of Other Procurement, Army (OPA), for Transportable Tactical
Command Communications.
The committee notes that U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM)
identified as an unfunded requirement the need for emergent
force protection upgrades following the terrorist attack
against U.S. personnel in Manda Bay, Kenya, and after a
theater-wide review of force protection at multiple locations
in Africa. AFRICOM identified the most immediate priorities as
establishing and upgrading fencing, communications systems, and
shelters to provide protection for Department of Defense
personnel.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $1.0
million in line number 30 of OPA for Transportable Tactical
Command Communications.
Multi-Domain Task Force Tactical Command Communications
The budget request included $72.5 million in line number 30
of Other Procurement, Army (OPA), for Transportable Tactical
Command Communications.
The unfunded priorities list of the Chief of Staff of the
Army identified non-program of record procurement requirements
to enable intelligence, cyber, electronic warfare, and space
operations within the Multi-Domain Task Force, including $1.4
million for scalable network node equipment.
Accordingly, the committee recommends an increase of $1.4
million in line number 30 of OPA for Transportable Tactical
Command Communications.
U.S. Africa Command force protection upgrades combat communications
The budget request included $550.8 million in line number
37 of Other Procurement, Army (OPA), for Combat Communications
Handheld Manpack Small Form Fit.
The committee notes that U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM)
identified as an unfunded requirement the need for emergent
force protection upgrades following the terrorist attack
against U.S. personnel in Manda Bay, Kenya, and after a
theater-wide review of force protection at multiple locations
in Africa. AFRICOM identified the most immediate priorities as
establishing and upgrading fencing, communications systems, and
shelters to provide protection for Department of Defense
personnel serving in select locations.
The committee recommends an increase of $1.5 million in
line number 37 of OPA for Combat Communications Handheld
Manpack Small Form Fit.
Spider Anti-Personnel Munition
The budget request included $14.0 million in line number 41
of Other Procurement, Army (OPA), for the Spider Family of
Networked Munitions.
The committee notes the Army's cancellation of the program
subsequent to preparation and submission of the budget request.
Accordingly, the committee recommends a reduction of $14.0
million in line number 41 of OPA for the Spider Family of
Networked Munitions.
Multi-Domain Task Force Defensive Cyber Operations
The budget request included $54.8 million in line number 53
of Other Procurement, Army (OPA), for Defensive Cyber
Operations.
The unfunded priorities list of the Chief of Staff of the
Army identified non-program of record procurement requirements
to enable intelligence, cyber, electronic warfare, and space
operations within the Multi-Domain Task Force, including
$900,000 for cyber defense and electronic warfare tools.
Accordingly, the committee recommends an increase of
$900,000 in line number 53 of OPA for Defensive Cyber
Operations.
U.S. Africa Command unfunded requirement force protection upgrades long
haul communications
The budget request included $29.8 million in line number 57
of Other Procurement, Army (OPA), for Long Haul Communications
Base Support Communications.
The committee notes that U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM)
identified as an unfunded requirement the need for emergent
force protection upgrades following the terrorist attack
against U.S. personnel in Manda Bay, Kenya, and after a
theater-wide review of force protection at multiple locations
in Africa. AFRICOM identified the most immediate priorities as
establishing and upgrading fencing, communications systems, and
shelters to provide protection for Department of Defense
personnel serving in select locations.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $1.0
million in line number 57 of OPA for Long Haul Communications
Base Support Communications.
Multi-Domain Task Force Counterintelligence/Security Countermeasures
The budget request included $360.4 million in line number
81 of Other Procurement, Army (OPA), for Counterintelligence/
Security Countermeasures.
The unfunded priorities list of the Chief of Staff of the
Army identified non-program of record procurement requirements
to enable intelligence, cyber, electronic warfare, and space
operations within the Multi-Domain Task Force, including $13.4
million for advanced intelligence systems for remote
collection.
Accordingly, the committee recommends an increase of $13.4
million in line number 81 of OPA for Counterintelligence/
Security Countermeasures.
U.S. Africa Command force protection upgrades indirect fire protection
The budget request included $37.0 million in line number 88
of Other Procurement, Army (OPA), for Indirect Fire Protection
Family of Systems.
The committee notes that U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM)
identified as an unfunded requirement the need for emergent
force protection upgrades following the terrorist attack
against U.S. personnel in Manda Bay, Kenya, and after a
theater-wide review of force protection at multiple locations
in Africa. AFRICOM identified the most immediate priorities as
establishing and upgrading fencing, communications systems, and
shelters to provide protection for Department of Defense
personnel serving in select locations.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $4.0
million in line number 88 of OPA for Indirect Fire Protection
Family of Systems.
Multi-Domain Task Force Electronic Warfare Tools
The budget request included $17.0 million in line number
119 of Other Procurement, Army (OPA), for BCT Emerging
Technologies.
The unfunded priorities list of the Chief of Staff of the
Army identified non-program of record procurement requirements
to enable intelligence, cyber, electronic warfare, and space
operations within the Multi-Domain Task Force, including $3.9
million for electronic warfare tools and cyber defense.
Accordingly, the committee recommends an increase of $3.9
million in line number 119 of OPA for BCT Emerging
Technologies.
WMD Civil Support Team Equipping
The budget request included $28.5 million in line number
123 of Other Procurement, Army (OPA), for Chemical, Biological,
Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) defense.
The committee recognizes the critical role that Weapons of
Mass Destruction Civil Support Teams (CSTs) play in both
homeland defense and overseas contingency operations and the
importance of equipping CSTs for radiological and nuclear
hazards detection and identification.
Accordingly, the committee recommends an increase of $14.0
million in line number 123 of OPA for CBRN defense.
U.S. Africa Command force protection upgrades physical security systems
The budget request included $75.5 million in line number
181 of Other Procurement, Army (OPA), for Physical Security
Systems (OPA3).
The committee notes that U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM)
identified as an unfunded requirement the need for emergent
force protection upgrades following the terrorist attack
against U.S. personnel in Manda Bay, Kenya, and after a
theater-wide review of force protection at multiple locations
in Africa. AFRICOM identified the most immediate priorities as
establishing and upgrading fencing, communications systems, and
shelters to provide protection for Department of Defense
personnel serving in select locations.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $12.0
million in line number 181 of OPA for Physical Security Systems
(OPA3).
Expeditionary Solid Waste Disposal System
The budget request included $32.4 million in line number
183 of Other Procurement, Army (OPA), for Other Support
Equipment for modification of in-service equipment (OPA-3).
The committee concurs with the Army's budget justification
documents, which stated that the Expeditionary Solid Waste
Disposal System (ESWDS) ``will reduce the use of burn pits by
providing a cleaner solution for onsite disposal of 1,000
pounds of solid waste per day. The ESWDS will also reduce
Soldier, civilian, and local population exposure to pollutants
from open air burn pits; reduce the amount of trash that must
be backhauled, reducing Soldiers' exposure and attacks during
convoy operations; reduce the waste held onsite [which] also
deters potential vermin that could spread disease and disrupt
mission[;] and eliminate the security risk from uncontrolled
access to trash.'' However, despite this justification, the
Army requested no funds for ESWDS. The committee notes that
ESWDS could also provide a capability during pandemics to
rapidly incinerate contaminated personal protective equipment,
thereby decreasing exposure to servicemembers.
Accordingly, the committee recommends an increase of $15.9
million in line number 183 of OPA for ESWDS in OPA-3.
Navy
F-35C
The budget request included $2.2 billion in line number 3
of Aircraft Procurement, Navy (APN), for F-35C procurement.
The committee commends the Navy and Marine Corps for
transitioning to a greater acquisition rate of 5th generation
aircraft with the planned purchase of 21 aircraft but still
believes that a higher number is required to meet the needs of
the National Defense Strategy.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $200.0
million in line number 3 of APN for the purchase of 2
additional F-35Cs: 1 for the Navy and 1 for the Marine Corps.
F-35B
The budget request included $1.1 billion in line number 5
of Aircraft Procurement, Navy (APN), for F-35B procurement.
The committee commends the Marine Corps for transitioning
to a greater acquisition rate of 5th generation aircraft with
the planned purchase of 10 aircraft but still believes that a
higher number is required to meet the requirements of the
National Defense Strategy.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $125.5
million in line number 5 of APN for the purchase of 2
additional F-35Bs.
CH-53K
The budget request included $813.3 million in line number 7
of Aircraft Procurement, Navy (APN), for CH-53K procurement.
The Marine Corps has conducted a force design review that
includes plans to reduce the number of heavy lift squadrons by
three, and, as such, the committee is concerned that the
corresponding reduction in procurement will significantly
affect the acquisition program unit cost of the CH-53K.
Additionally, the committee is aware of potential program
delays and restructuring decisions germane to the CH-53K. Based
on the reduced total numbers, the committee is concerned about
additional non-recurring engineering costs and cost growth in
government furnished equipment.
Therefore, the committee recommends a decrease of $20.0
million in line number 7 of APN for CH-53K.
CH-53 Advanced Procurement
The budget request included $201.2 million in line number 8
of Aircraft Procurement, Navy (APN), for CH-53K procurement.
The Marine Corps has conducted a force design review that
includes plans to reduce the number of heavy lift squadrons by
three, and, as such, the committee is concerned that the
corresponding reduction in procurement will significantly
affect the acquisition program unit cost of the CH-53K.
Additionally, the committee is aware of potential program
delays and restructuring decisions germane to the CH-53K and
potential acquisition reductions next year.
Therefore, the committee recommends a decrease of $10.0
million in line number 8 of APN for CH-53K.
MQ-4
The budget request included $813.3 million in line number
21 of Aircraft Procurement, Navy (APN), for MQ-4 Triton
procurement.
The Navy plans to take pause procurement until 2023. While
the committee is concerned with that decision, the Navy has
articulated the risk and mitigation efforts underway. Given the
pause, the committee believes that the current budget request
is greater than what it required to meet program requirements.
Therefore, the committee recommends a decrease of $50.0
million in line number 21 of APN for MQ-4 Triton.
Marine Corps aviator body armor vest
The budget request included $40.4 million in line number 52
of Aircraft Procurement, Navy (APN), for Aviation Life Support
Mods.
The committee is aware that the Marine Corps has a
requirement to replace the aviation life support equipment
(ALSE) vest system currently worn by MV-22 and CH-53 aircrews
with an aviator body armor vest (ABAV) system that improves
mobility and performance while enhancing survivability. The
committee encourages the Marine Corps to compete both
commercial off-the-shelf and government-owned designs of ABAV
systems in order to identify a system that fully meets the
Marine Corps requirement to enable and protect MV-22 and CH-53
aircrews while minimizing development costs and delays to
procurement.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $5.0
million in line number 52 of APN for Aviation Life Support
Mods.
F-35B/C Spares
The budget request included $2.2 billion in line number 70
of Aircraft Procurement, Navy (APN), for Spares and Repair
Parts.
The committee commends the Navy and Marine Corps for
acquiring 5th generation aircraft at a higher rate with the
planned purchase of 31 aircraft but still believes that a
higher number is required to meet the needs of the National
Defense Strategy.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $30.0
million in line number 70 of APN for the purchase of initial
spares packages for the F-35B/C aircraft.
Tomahawk
The budget request included $277.7 million in line number 3
of Weapons Procurement, Navy (WPN), for Tomahawk missiles.
The committee notes that additional funding could be used
to procure additional Tomahawk missiles for the Marine Corps in
furtherance of the National Defense Strategy.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $26.0
million in line number 3 of WPN.
LRASM
The budget request included $168.8 million in line number
17 of Weapons Procurement, Navy (WPN), for 48 Long Range Anti-
Ship Missiles (LRASMs).
The committee understands that the LRASM's range,
semiautonomous targeting capability, survivability
enhancements, and other unique features will significantly
improve the carrier air wing's ability to reach and defeat
enemy surface combatants located in contested environments
while protecting itself against enemy countermeasures. The
LRASM capability will be relevant in multiple theaters, but it
will be especially useful in the Indo-Pacific, which the
Department of Defense has named its priority theater. The LRASM
provides a near-term capability enhancement that will allow the
carrier air wing to contribute to blunting a Chinese offensive
earlier in conflict, thereby directly advancing the objectives
and priorities laid out in the National Defense Strategy.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $35.0
million in line number 17 of WPN for the purchase of 10 LRASMs.
Surface ship torpedo defense
The budget request included $5.8 million in line number 28
of Weapons Procurement, Navy (WPN), for surface ship torpedo
defense.
The committee notes insufficient justification for acoustic
device countermeasure non-recurring costs.
Therefore, the committee recommends a decrease of $2.2
million in line number 28 of WPN.
MK-54 torpedo modifications
The budget request included $110.3 million in line number
31 of Weapons Procurement, Navy (WPN), for MK-54 torpedo
modifications.
The committee notes Mk 54 Mod 0 production delays.
Therefore, the committee recommends a decrease of $10.0
million in line number 31 of WPN.
Submarine supplier stability
The budget request included $1.1 billion in line number 2
of Shipbuilding and Conversion, Navy (SCN), for Columbia-class
submarine advance procurement.
The committee believes that expanding the capabilities of
the second- and third-tier contractors in the submarine
industrial base should lead to greater industrial base
stability, cost savings, and improved efficiency as production
increases to meet the Columbia-class construction schedule.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $175.0
million in line number 2 for Columbia-class submarine advance
procurement.
The committee directs the Secretary of the Navy to notify
the congressional defense committees, in writing, within 30
days of obligating funds provided for submarine supplier
stability. The notification shall include: obligation date,
contractor name or names, location, description of the
shortfall to be addressed, actions to be undertaken, desired
end state, usable end items to be procured, period of
performance, dollar amount, projected associated savings,
including business case analysis, if applicable, contract name,
and contract number.
Virginia-class submarines
The budget request included $2.3 billion in line number 5
of Shipbuilding and Conversion, Navy (SCN), for procurement of
Virginia-class submarines.
The committee notes unjustified unit cost growth in plans
($25.0 million), modular mast ($8.8 million), propulsor ($25.6
million), and command, control, communications and information
($15.0 million) systems.
Therefore, the committee recommends a decrease of $74.4
million in line number 5 of SCN.
Virginia-class submarine advance procurement
The budget request included $1.9 billion in line number 6
of Shipbuilding and Conversion, Navy (SCN), for Virginia-class
submarine advance procurement.
The committee notes that on December 2, 2019, the Navy
awarded a contract modification to procure 9 Virginia-class
submarines in fiscal years 2019 through 2023, as authorized by
section 124 of the National Defense Authorization Act for
Fiscal Year 2018 (Public Law 115-91). This contract includes an
option for one additional submarine.
The committee supports preserving the option to procure 10
Virginia-class attack submarines in fiscal years 2019 through
2023. The committee understands that construction on this
additional submarine would not begin until March 2024, that the
typical procurement funding profile for Virginia-class
submarines consists of 2 years of advance procurement followed
by 1 year of full funding procurement, and that $272.0 million
is the minimum amount of additional advance procurement funding
required in fiscal year 2021.
The committee supports utilizing a typical procurement
funding profile and believes doing so would also provide
additional time to more fully assess previous concerns of Navy
officials regarding the ability of the submarine industrial
base to build 10 Virginia-class submarines, with 9 having the
Virginia Payload Module in this time frame.
Additionally, as noted in the Senate report accompanying S.
1790 (S. Rept. 116-48) of the National Defense Authorization
Act for Fiscal Year 2020, the committee still has insufficient
clarity on the Navy's intentions regarding a significant
Virginia-class submarine design change, which could occur in
the same time frame.
The committee recognizes that this additional submarine was
the Chief of Naval Operations' top unfunded priority for fiscal
year 2021. If this level of support continues, the committee
expects the Navy to budget accordingly in its fiscal year 2022
future years defense program submission.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $472.0
million in line number 6 of SCN.
Arleigh Burke-class destroyers
The budget request included $3.0 billion in line number 10
of Shipbuilding and Conversion, Navy (SCN), for procurement of
Arleigh Burke-class destroyers.
The committee notes the available prior year funds in this
line number.
Therefore, the committee recommends a decrease of $30.0
million in line number 10 of SCN.
Surface ship supplier stability
The budget request included $29.3 million in line number 11
of Shipbuilding and Conversion, Navy (SCN), for DDG-51 advance
procurement.
The committee believes that expanding the capabilities of
the second- and third-tier contractors in the surface ship
industrial base should lead to greater industrial base
stability, cost savings, and improved efficiency as production
increases to build greater quantities of surface combatants.
The committee also notes that the Navy future years defense
program includes procurement of two Arleigh Burke-class
destroyers in fiscal year 2022, which would be procured using a
multiyear procurement contract. The committee understands that
advance procurement of long lead time material could reduce
component costs and enable improved ship construction
intervals.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $435.0
million in line number 11 for DDG-51 advance procurement.
The committee directs the Secretary of the Navy to notify
the congressional defense committees, in writing, within 30
days of obligating funds provided for surface ship supplier
stability. The notification shall include: obligation date,
contractor name or names, location, description of the
shortfall to be addressed, actions to be undertaken, desired
end state, usable end items to be procured, period of
performance, dollar amount, projected associated savings,
including business case analysis, if applicable, contract name,
and contract number.
LPD Flight II
The budget request included $1.2 billion in line number 14
of Shipbuilding and Conversion, Navy (SCN), for LPD Flight II
ships.
The committee notes that the Navy received incremental
funding authority in section 129 of the National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 (Public Law 116-92) for
the LPD-31, which would be fully funded in this request.
The committee further notes that additional funding is
required in line number 15 of SCN to maximize the benefit of
the amphibious ship procurement authorities provided elsewhere
in this Act through the procurement of long lead material for
LPD-32 and LPD-33.
Therefore, the committee recommends a decrease of $250.0
million in line number 14 of SCN. This sum is added to line
number 15 of SCN elsewhere in this Report.
LPD Flight II advance procurement
The budget request included no funding in line number 15 of
Shipbuilding and Conversion, Navy (SCN), for LPD Flight II
advance procurement.
The committee notes that $500.0 million is required in line
number 15 of SCN to maximize the benefit of the amphibious ship
procurement authorities provided elsewhere in this Act through
the procurement of long lead material for LPD-32 and LPD-33.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $500.0
million in line number 15 of SCN, of which $250.0 million is a
transfer from line number 14.
LHA replacement amphibious assault ship
The budget request included no funding in line number 17 of
Shipbuilding and Conversion, Navy (SCN), for the LHA
replacement amphibious assault ship.
The committee remains concerned with the procurement
profile for large deck amphibious assault ships, which includes
a span of 6 years until the next large deck amphibious assault
ship (LHA-9) would be procured in fiscal year 2023.
The committee notes that efficiencies could be gained by
reducing this time span, including steadier workflow with an
increased learning curve, material and equipment suppliers with
more predictable delivery contracts, and a more effective
continuous improvement schedule.
The committee urges the Secretary of the Navy to accelerate
the construction of LHA-9, including putting the remainder of
the $350.0 million appropriated in fiscal year 2019 for this
ship on contract as soon as possible, leveraging the
incremental funding authority in section 127 of the National
Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 (Public Law 116-
92) to build LHA-9 as efficiently as possible and utilizing the
amphibious ship procurement authorities provided elsewhere in
this Act to further increase efficiency and stability in the
shipbuilding industrial base.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $250.0
million in line number 17 of SCN.
Landing craft utility
The budget request included $87.4 million in line number 23
of Shipbuilding and Conversion, Navy (SCN), for the procurement
of landing craft utility (LCU 1700) vessels.
The committee notes insufficient justification to support
an increase in quantities from 4 to 5 LCU 1700 vessels, as
compared to the projection for fiscal year 2021 in the fiscal
year 2020 future years defense program.
Therefore, the committee recommends a decrease of $17.0
million in line number 23 of SCN.
Outfitting
The budget request included $825.6 million in line number
24 of Shipbuilding and Conversion, Navy (SCN), for outfitting.
The committee notes unjustified cost growth on the Littoral
Combat Ship ($51.8 million) and Zumwalt-class destroyer ($26.5
million) programs.
Therefore, the committee recommends a decrease of $78.3
million in line number 24 of SCN.
Yard patrol craft
The budget request included $249.8 million in line number
26 of Shipbuilding and Conversion, Navy (SCN), for service
craft.
In order to increase training opportunities for Surface
Warfare Officer candidates from all accession sources, the
committee continues to believe that the Navy should replace the
six YP-676 class craft slated for disposal with upgraded YP-703
class craft that incorporate modernization, training, and
habitability improvements derived from lessons learned with
existing YP-703 craft.
The committee urges the Secretary of the Navy to release a
request for proposals for the detail design and construction of
upgraded YP-703 class craft not later than fiscal year 2021.
The committee notes that the Navy's latest cost estimate for
acquisition of the first upgraded YP-703 class craft is $25.5
million.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $25.5
million in line number 26 of SCN.
LCAC service life extension
The budget request included $56.5 million in line number 27
of Shipbuilding and Conversion, Navy (SCN), for LCAC service
life extensions.
The committee notes insufficient justification to support
an increase in funding, as compared to the projection for
fiscal year 2021 in the fiscal year 2020 future years defense
program.
Therefore, the committee recommends a decrease of $56.5
million in line number 27 of SCN.
Hybrid electric drive
The budget request included $58.5 million in line number 2
of Other Procurement, Navy (OPN), for surface combatant hull,
mechanical, and electrical equipment.
The committee notes that the Consolidated Appropriations
Act, 2020 (Public Law 116-93) included $35.0 million for
``program increase--hybrid electric drive'' in this line
number. The committee understands that the purpose of this
funding was to provide for the installation of the five
previously procured hybrid electric drive (HED) ship sets.
The committee further understands that the earliest the
Navy can execute an HED installation is in fiscal year 2023 and
that, prior to installation, approximately $15 million is
required to implement engineering changes and software updates
on the 5 previously procured HED ship sets.
Therefore, the committee recommends a decrease of $20.0
million in line number 2 of OPN.
DDG modernization
The budget request included $547.6 million in line number 5
of Other Procurement, Navy (OPN), for DDG modernization.
The committee notes unjustified excess unit cost growth for
installation of modernized hardware and software.
Therefore, the committee recommends a decrease of $50.0
million in line number 5 of OPN.
LCS common mission module equipment
The budget request included $39.70 in line number 30 of
Other Procurement, Navy (OPN), for LCS common mission module
equipment.
The committee notes insufficient justification for Mine
Countermeasures containers ($13.4 million) and Mission Package
Computing Environment sonar signal processing ($8.9 million).
Therefore, the committee recommends a decrease of $22.3
million in line number 30 of OPN.
LCS mine countermeasures mission modules
The budget request included $218.8 million in line number
31 of Other Procurement, Navy (OPN), for LCS mine
countermeasures mission modules.
The committee notes that procurement of the buried
minehunting module and remote minehunting module would occur
prior to operational testing, which is planned to be completed
in fiscal year 2022. The committee seeks to avoid excess
procurement of these systems in advance of satisfactory
testing.
Therefore, the committee recommends a decrease of $123.5
million in line number 31 of OPN.
LCS anti-submarine warfare mission modules
The budget request included $61.8 million in line number 32
of Other Procurement, Navy (OPN), for LCS anti-submarine
mission modules.
The committee notes recent variable depth sonar testing
delays necessary to correct deficiencies and that the initial
operational test and evaluation period for the littoral combat
ship anti-submarine warfare mission package is scheduled for
fiscal year 2021. The committee seeks to avoid excess
procurement of these systems in advance of satisfactory
testing.
Therefore, the committee recommends a decrease of $57.0
million in line number 32 of OPN.
Small and medium unmanned underwater vehicles
The budget request included $67.7 million in line number 35
of Other Procurement, Navy (OPN), for small and medium unmanned
underwater vehicles.
The committee notes that the procurement of 2 Knifefish
surface mine countermeasure unmanned undersea vehicle systems
would occur prior to operational testing, which is planned to
be completed in fiscal year 2022. The committee seeks to avoid
excess procurement of these systems in advance of satisfactory
testing.
Therefore, the committee recommends a decrease of $30.1
million in line number 35 of OPN.
Surface electronic warfare improvement program
The budget request included $387.2 million in line number
45 of Other Procurement, Navy (OPN), for the surface electronic
warfare improvement program.
The committee notes that the following funding is early to
need: installation ($5.0 million), 2 Blocks 1B3 & 2 systems
($32.0 million), and 3 SEWIP Lite & 1B2 systems ($19.4
million).
Therefore, the committee recommends a decrease of $56.4
million in line number 45 of OPN.
Cooperative engagement capability
The budget request included $26.0 million in line number 48
of Other Procurement, Navy (OPN), for procurement of
cooperative engagement capability systems.
The committee notes program delays with the Common Array
Block antenna.
Therefore, the committee recommends a decrease of $7.3
million in line number 48 of OPN.
Next generation surface search radar
The budget request included $159.8 million in line number
72 of Other Procurement, Navy (OPN), for procurement of items
for less than $5.0 million.
The committee notes that the next generation surface search
radar program has available funds due to available prior year
installation funding ($15.6 million), late production contract
award ($33.9 million), and excess engineering change proposal
funding ($5.3 million).
Therefore, the committee recommends a decrease of $54.8
million in line number 72 of OPN.
Sonobuoys
The budget request included $237.6 million in line number
92 of Other Procurement, Navy (OPN), for the procurement of
sonobuoys.
The committee notes that greater-than-expected sonobuoy
expenditures in fiscal year 2019 resulted in the Chief of Naval
Operations' requesting procurement of additional sonobuoys as a
fiscal year 2021 unfunded priority.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $49.1
million in line number 92 of OPN.
Ground-Based Anti-Ship Missile
The budget request included $174.7 million in line number 5
of Procurement, Marine Corps (PMC), for Artillery Weapons
Systems.
The committee recognizes that Naval Strike Missiles (NSMs)
form the initial basis for the Ground-Based Anti-Ship Missile
(GBASM) program, which will significantly enhance the Marine
Corps' ability to perform sea denial operations. In his
unfunded priorities list, the Commandant of the Marine Corps
identified an unfunded requirement of $59.6 million for
procurement of NSMs to support the GBASM program.
Accordingly, the committee recommends an increase of $59.6
million in line number 5 of PMC for GBASM.
Air Force
F-35A
The budget request included $4.6 billion in line number 1
of Aircraft Procurement, Air Force (APAF), for F-35A
procurement.
The committee is concerned that, after repeated
Congressional plus-ups and support for increased production,
the Air Force still budgets for a quantity below the stated
production objectives of the F-35 program. Further, the
committee is concerned that the Air Force has squandered an
opportunity to capitalize on advanced procurement
appropriations by only budgeting for 48 aircraft this year
instead of the 60 aircraft that were planned and that the
advanced procurement was previously provided for by the
Congress. The committee expects the Department to execute
proper forecasting and propose appropriate budget requests
rather than to continue to rely on Congressional plus-ups.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $976.7
million in line number 1 of APAF for the purchase of 10
additional F-35As.
MQ-9
The budget request included $171.9 million in line number
20 of Aircraft Procurement, Air Force (APAF), for MQ-9
procurement.
The committee is concerned about terminating procurement of
MQ-9s without replacement. Further, the committee is worried
that, with a reduction of MQ-9s, the Department will incur a
significantly increased cost in the long run and the Air Force
will be unable to meet combatant command requirements for
unmanned fixed wing intelligence, surveillance, and
reconnaissance.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $50.0
million in line number 20 of APAF and the use of the production
shutdown funds totaling $120.6 million from Overseas
Contingency Operations funds for the purchase of additional MQ-
9s in order to maintain the production line for another year.
B-1
The budget request included $3.9 million in line number 22
of Aircraft Procurement, Air Force (APAF), for B-1.
The committee supports the Air Force's request to realign
funds to support certain B-1 radio cryptographic modernization
requirements within the associated Research, Development, Test,
and Evaluation account rather than using procurement dollars.
Accordingly, the committee recommends a decrease of $3.9
million in line number 22 of APAF.
B-1B
The budget request included $21.8 million in line number 24
of Aircraft Procurement, Air Force (APAF), for B-1B.
The committee supports the Air Force's request to realign
funds to support certain B-1 radio cryptographic modernization
requirements within the associated Research, Development, Test,
and Evaluation account.
Accordingly, the committee recommends a decrease of
$493,000 in line number 24 of APAF.
F-16 Radar
The budget request included $615.8 million in line number
30 of Aircraft Procurement, Air Force (APAF), for F-16
modernization.
The committee recognizes the importance of the Air Force's
efforts to modernize its fourth generation fighter fleet and
equip itself with the most advanced and capable radars in
support of the National Defense Strategy. However, the
committee is concerned about the quantity and timing of
procurement of advanced radars for the entire F-16 fleet.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $25.0
million in line number 30 of APAF for the procurement of
additional radar sets across the entire F-16 fleet.
T-38 Ejection Seat
The budget request included $36.8 million in line number 45
of Aircraft Procurement, Air Force (APAF), for T-38 upgrades.
The committee is aware that T-38As and T-38Bs have not been
retrofitted with modern ejection seat technology that can
support the range of heights and weights of the current Air
Force pilot population. The legacy seats lack modern
capability, which creates safety concerns for pilots during
ejection in the current operational envelope. The committee
notes that this technology is in use in all Air Education and
Training Command (AETC) T-38C Talons. The upgraded egress
system would provide a significant improvement in safety
margins for all pilots.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $7.7
million in line number 45 of APAF to equip T-38As and T-38Bs
with updated egress systems that provide for the safety of Air
Force pilots.
E-4B Survivable Super High Frequency program
The budget request included $58.8 million in line number 59
of Aircraft Procurement, Air Force (APAF), for the E-4B
National Airborne Operations Center (NAOC).
The committee understands that the E-4B Survivable Super
High Frequency program has been rephased to future fiscal
years.
Accordingly, the committee recommends a reduction of $14.7
million in line number 59 of APAF for the E-4B NAOC.
E-8 (JSTARS)
The budget request included $11.0 million in line number 60
of Aircraft Procurement, Air Force (APAF), for conducting
various modifications of Joint Surveillance/Target Attack Radar
System (JSTARS) aircraft.
The committee believes in the continued relevance of the
JSTARS platform and the immediate requirement for a low-cost
network that can provide multiple simultaneous data links to
and from airborne and ground-based platforms in contested
environments.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $10.0
million in line number 60 of APAF for installing modifications
in JSTARS aircraft to provide for secure information
transmission capability.
CV-22 ABSS
The budget request included $36.8 million in line number 70
of Aircraft Procurement, Air Force (APAF), for CV-22 upgrades.
The CV-22 Osprey is operated by Air Force Special
Operations Command (AFSOC) to conduct special missions around
the world. The CV-22 Advanced Ballistic Stopping System (ABSS)
system provides protection for passengers in the aircraft cabin
area via floor armor and sidewall cabin armor. The AFSOC
initially procured 16 ABSS systems, but 34 aircraft remain to
be retrofitted.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $5.0
million in line number 70 of APAF for CV-22 ballistic
protection.
F-35A initial spares
The budget request included $926.7 million in line number
71 of Aircraft Procurement, Air Force (APAF), for Spares and
Repair Parts.
The committee remains concerned that the initial spares
procurement accounts are not adequately resourced which
continues to affect readiness, aircraft availability, and
mission capable rates of F-35 aircraft.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $30.0
million in line number 71 of APAF for the purchase of initial
spares packages for the F-35 aircraft.
Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM)
The budget request included $476.0 million in line number 4
of Missile Procurement, Air Force (MPAF), for JASSM.
The committee is concerned that the Air Force has not
procured sufficient weapons to support the National Defense
Strategy and is also concerned that the mix of Long Range Anti-
Ship Missiles (LRASMs) and Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff
Missiles (JASSM) is too heavily weighted on JASSM to support
National Defense Strategy-envisioned conflicts in the Indo-
Pacific region.
Therefore, the committee recommends a decrease of $75.0
million in line number 5 of MPAF to realign weapons capability
and purchase additional LRASMs, recommended elsewhere in this
report.
Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM)
The budget request included $19.8 million in line number 5
of Missile Procurement, Air Force (MPAF), for the Long Range
Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM).
The committee is concerned that the Air Force has not
procured sufficient number of weapons to support the National
Defense Strategy.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $75.0
million in line number 5 of Missile Procurement, Air Force
(MPAF), for procurement of additional LRASMs.
Cobra Dane service life extension
The budget request included $96.6 million in line number 17
of Procurement, Space Force (PSF), for Space Mods.
The committee notes that, because of projected delays in
fielding two homeland defense radars in the Indo-Pacific area
of responsibility, Cobra Dane will now be required to exceed
its originally planned life expectancy. The committee also
notes that this project was included on the unfunded priorities
list submitted by the Commander, U.S. Northern Command and
North American Aerospace Defense Command.
Accordingly, the committee recommends an increase of $12.5
million in line number 17 of PSF to accelerate the service life
extension of the Cobra Dane radar.
PDI: Mission Partner Environment (MPE) local upgrades, U.S. Indo-
Pacific Command
The budget request included $9.3 million in line number 14
of Other Procurement, Air Force (OPAF), for international
intelligence technology and architectures.
The unfunded priorities list submitted by the Commander,
U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM), included additional
funding for Mission Partner Environment (MPE) local upgrades to
modernize the command, control, communications, and computers
architecture in the INDOPACOM area of responsibility and
provide local systems to support and enhance operations with
allies and partners.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $1.5
million in line number 14 of OPAF for MPE local upgrades within
the INDOPACOM area of responsibility, specifically, the BICES-X
program.
PDI: Mission Partner Environment (MPE) local upgrades, U.S. Indo-
Pacific Command
The budget request included $132.3 million in line number
49 of Other Procurement, Air Force (OPAF), for base
communications infrastructure.
The unfunded priorities list submitted by the Commander,
U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM), included additional
funding for Mission Partner Environment (MPE) local upgrades to
modernize the command, control, communications, and computers
architecture in the INDOPACOM area of responsibility and
provide local systems to support and enhance operations with
allies and partners.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $14.0
million in line number 49 of OPAF for MPE local upgrades within
the INDOPACOM area of responsibility, specifically, the PACNET
initiative to transform the theater communications and data
architecture.
Energy efficient small shelters upgrades
The budget request included $52.0 million in line number 56
of Other Procurement, Air Force (OPAF), for Mobility Equipment.
Solar shades provide energy efficiency and extended service
life of small shelters.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $4.7
million in line number 56 of OPAF for Mobility Equipment.
Defense Wide
Joint Regional Security Stacks SIPR funding--Procurement
The budget request included $88.7 million in line number 19
of Procurement, Defense-wide, for the Joint Regional Security
Stacks (JRSS).
The committee is aware of the operational cybersecurity
limitations of the JRSS technology as assessed by the Director,
Operational Test and Evaluation, the difficulty of training
personnel to use the JRSS, and the shortage of feasible
tactics, techniques, and procedures to make effective use of
the JRSS. The committee believes that the deployment of JRSS on
the Secret Internet Protocol Router Network is thus
inappropriate, given JRSS' limited cybersecurity capability and
the existence of alternative capabilities to execute its
network functions.
Therefore, the committee recommends a decrease of $11.1
million in line number 19 of Procurement, Defense-wide, due to
the operational cybersecurity limitations of the JRSS
technology.
Terminal High Altitude Area Defense
The budget request included $495.4 million in line number
31 of Procurement, Defense-Wide (PDW), for Terminal High
Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) and did not include funding in
line number 36 of PDW for BMDS AN/TPY-2 Radars.
The committee notes that the Army remains below its
validated requirement for THAAD batteries and that the
President's budget did not include funding for the procurement
of additional batteries. The unfunded priorities list submitted
by the Director of the Missile Defense Agency included funding
for an eighth THAAD battery. The committee further notes that
procurement of this battery in early fiscal year 2021 would be
more cost-efficient due to synchronization with an ongoing
foreign military sales case.
The committee also understands that the production line
supporting the THAAD Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Trucks
(HEMTTs) will likely close in the near future. The Director's
unfunded priorities list also included funding for a life-of-
type buy for HEMTTs to support the existing and future force.
Accordingly, the committee recommends an increase of $106.4
million in line number 31 of PDW for the eighth battery
components ($76.3 million) and HEMTTs ($30.1 million) and an
increase of $243.3 million in line number 36 of PDW for BMDS
AN/TPY-2 Radars.
SM-3 IIA procurement
The budget request included $218.3 million in line number
37 of Procurement, Defense-Wide (PDW), for SM-3 Block IIA
missiles.
The committee believes that procuring higher quantities of
this interceptor each year (including foreign military sales)
is prudent, given existing requirements for Aegis Ashore and
Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense ships, the capacity and
efficiencies of the industrial base, and the potential for
additional land-based SM-3 systems. The committee also notes
that this increased procurement was included on the unfunded
priorities list submitted by the Director of the Missile
Defense Agency.
Accordingly, the committee recommends an increase of $128.0
million in line number 37 of PDW for SM-3 Block IIA missiles.
Armed Overwatch
The budget request included $101.0 million in line number
55 of Procurement, Defense-wide, for Armed Overwatch.
The committee is concerned that the acquisition strategy
for an armed overwatch aircraft for U.S. Special Operations
Command (SOCOM) lacks a validated requirement and an
appropriate analysis of the cost-effectiveness of acquiring a
new special operations-peculiar platform for this purpose.
Furthermore, the committee is concerned that the rapid
acquisition timeline being pursued by SOCOM does not allow for
adequate consideration of: the cost of operating and sustaining
the aircraft; the potential negative impacts on an already
stressed community of pilots, aircrews, and maintainers; and
how such a costly addition fits into SOCOM's medium-to-long-
term airborne intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance
capability roadmap.
Therefore, the committee recommends a decrease of $101.0
million in line number 55 of Procurement, Defense-wide, for
Armed Overwatch. The committee notes that, elsewhere in this
report, the committee recommends increases in funding to
address unfunded requirements identified by SOCOM to address
urgent needs, to include the replacement of combat loss
aircraft and other equipment.
DHC-8 combat loss replacement
The budget request included no funding in line number 56 of
Procurement, Defense-Wide, for Manned ISR.
The committee notes that a DHC-8 aircraft operated by U.S.
Special Operations Command (SOCOM) was destroyed during a
terrorist attack against forces supporting Operation Enduring
Freedom--Horn of Africa and that SOCOM identified replacement
of the combat loss as an unfunded requirement.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $40.1
million in line number 56 of Procurement, Defense-wide, for
combat loss replacement of a DHC-8 aircraft.
Aircraft maintenance support combat loss replacement
The budget request included $3.8 million in line number 62
of Procurement, Defense-wide, for U-28.
The committee notes that various aircraft maintenance
spares and support equipment were destroyed during an attack on
forces supporting Operation Inherent Resolve and that U.S.
Special Operations Command identified replacement of these
items as an unfunded requirement.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $24.7
million in line number 62 of Procurement, Defense-wide, for
combat loss replacement of aircraft maintenance spares and
support equipment.
Special Operations Tactical Communication/Next Generation Tactical
Communications
The budget request included $88.7 million in line number 71
of Procurement, Defense-wide, for Warrior Systems, SOF Tactical
Communications.
The committee notes that U.S. Special Operations Command
(SOCOM) identified executability issues with the Multi-Mission
Payload-Light (MMP-Light) program due to appropriations
rescissions in fiscal year 2020. As a result, SOCOM requested
the transfer of funds from the MMP-Light to the man-pack
Capital Equipment Replacement Program for fiscal year 2021.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $13.4
million in line number 71 of Procurement, Defense-wide, for the
man-pack Capital Equipment Replacement Program. The decrement
associated with this transfer is reflected elsewhere in this
report.
Multi-Mission Payload
The budget request included $12.2 million in line number 77
of Procurement, Defense-wide, for Warrior Systems, Multi-
Mission Payload (MMP).
The committee notes that U.S. Special Operations Command
(SOCOM) identified executability issues with the MMP-Light
program due to appropriations rescissions in fiscal year 2020.
As a result, SOCOM requested the transfer of funds from the
MMP-Light program to the man-pack Capital Equipment Replacement
Program for fiscal year 2021.
Therefore, the committee recommends a reduction of $12.2
million in line number 77 of Procurement, Defense-wide, for
Warrior Systems, Multi-Mission Payload (MMP). The increase
associated with this transfer is reflected elsewhere in this
report.
Syria exfiltration reconstitution
The budget request included $247.0 million in line number
81 of Procurement, Defense-wide, for Operational Enhancements.
The committee notes that U.S. Special Operations Command
identified the replacement of items destroyed in connection
with the exfiltration of forces in Syria as an unfunded
requirement.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $12.5
million in line number 81 of Procurement, Defense-wide, for
Syria exfiltration reconstitution.
Items of Special Interest
A-10
The committee is encouraged that the Air Force is executing
a modernization strategy for the A-10 fleet to preserve this
unique capability for CAS, FAC-A, and CSAR missions. The
committee believes that upgrades to weapons delivery,
management systems, and the electronic warfare and
communications suite that keep pace with threat advancements
and proliferation are critical to the continued success of the
weapon system. The committee notes that these enhancements and
the aircraft wing replacements, airframe refurbishment, and new
mission computers will maintain the effectiveness of the A-10C
through at least the 2030s. However, the committee is concerned
with the assumptions being made about the required total size
of the A-10 fleet in the future.
Therefore, the committee directs the Secretary of the Air
Force to provide a briefing no later than November 1, 2020, to
the committee to explain the required capacity for the unique
A-10 capability and to validate the assumptions used to
calculate the planned future fleet size of the A-10. The
briefing should address capacity required to sustain current
missions, support future missions, and to deliver rotational
forces for combatant commanders in the various mission sets of
the A-10C.
Active Protection Systems updated plans for M2 Bradley and Stryker
combat vehicles
The committee commends the successful test, integration,
and application of an active protective system on the M1 Abrams
tank but notes with concern that similar results have not been
achieved for the M2 Bradley fighting vehicle or Stryker.
Threats to combat vehicles such as the M2 Bradley and Stryker
family of vehicles are of ever-increasing lethality and
proliferating widely, and active protection systems are
integral to these vehicles' survivability.
Accordingly, the committee directs the Secretary of the
Army to provide a briefing, no later than August 1, 2020, on
the Army's updated plans to integrate active protection systems
into the M2 Bradley and Stryker family of vehicles. The
briefing should also include an assessment of the impact of the
recent reset of the Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle program
on the Modular Active Protection System.
Advanced Battle Management System bridge report
The committee is aware of the Air Force's plans to invest
substantial funds into the Advanced Battle Management System
(ABMS) program to achieve future warfighting objectives.
However, the committee is concerned that there exists an
interim requirement to achieve resilient networking using
existing infrastructure and datalinks. Therefore, the committee
directs the Secretary of the Air Force, in conjunction with the
other military services, to submit a plan to the congressional
defense committees, not later than January 1, 2021, for the
allocation of resources, along with details as to how and when
the resources will be executed, so as to either improve current
Link 16 capabilities or create an alternative solution in terms
of increased capacity, improved resilience, and techniques to
reduce probability of detection. Additionally, the plan shall
specify the path forward to improve the resiliency of Link 16
networks using existing capabilities, to include, but not
necessarily limited to, additional air, ground, sea, and space-
borne relay nodes to enhance resistance to interference and
complicate potential adversaries' targeting.
Advanced combat search and rescue capability
The committee commends the Air Force on its historical
focus on combat search and rescue (CSAR), including the
resourcing and training of specialized squadrons focused on
returning isolated personnel back to friendly forces. The
National Defense Strategy refocuses the Department of Defense's
weight of effort to preparing for near-peer warfare and, as a
result, CSAR has become even more important. Emerging
technologies, such as the Agility Prime program, and
capabilities, such as the CV-22, present new opportunities for
the CSAR mission. Therefore, the committee directs the
Secretary of the Air Force to conduct an analysis, and report
to the committee, no later than February 1, 2021, on the
benefits and capabilities of these technologies and their
potential for use in contested environments and the scenarios
envisioned in the National Defense Strategy.
Air Force pilot training
The committee supports the Air Force's procurement of the
T-7A Redhawk training aircraft, recognizing the improved
capabilities that it will bring to undergraduate pilot
training. The Air Force plans to transition from the T-38C to
the T-7A at five locations: Columbus AFB, Mississippi; Laughlin
AFB, Texas; Randolph AFB, Texas; Sheppard AFB, Texas; and Vance
AFB, Oklahoma.
The committee is concerned about potential impacts that
this transition will have on the Air Force's undergraduate
pilot training pipeline, which could further exacerbate its
pilot shortage. Therefore, the committee directs the Secretary
of Air Force to provide a plan, no later than March 1, 2021, to
the congressional defense committees on how it will transition
undergraduate pilot training from the T-38C to the T-7A. This
plan should include, at a minimum, the following: the timeline
of deliveries of T-7A aircraft; the order of beddown locations
at each of the planned training bases; details on the standup
and expansion of the T-7A instructor pilot cadre; details on
the standup of simulator operators and maintenance personnel;
impacts of the new training syllabus; an assessment of the
transition's overall impact to the undergraduate pilot training
pipeline; and an assessment of the requirement for an
additional training location if the Air Force were to determine
that the capacity at the five planned training bases is
insufficient.
Anti-ship missile development
The committee is encouraged by increased attention across
the Department of Defense to the surface warfare mission area,
including several new anti-ship missile (ASM) programs.
However, the committee desires greater clarity on Joint Force
ASM requirements, development efforts, and acquisition
strategies. The committee is interested in ensuring that
rigorous ASM requirements exist tied to specific threats and
operational concepts, development efforts are rationalized
where possible, and acquisition strategies are streamlined.
Therefore, the committee directs the Vice Chairman of the
Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Under Secretary of Defense for
Research and Engineering, and the Under Secretary of Defense
for Acquisition and Sustainment, in consultation with the
Secretaries of the military departments, to submit a report to
the congressional defense committees not later than December 1,
2020, on Joint Force ASM requirements, development efforts, and
acquisition strategies.
This report shall include the following elements: (1) A
description of Joint Requirements Oversight Council-validated
(JROC-validated) requirements for ASMs, including inventory
objectives and capabilities required for each ASM, such as
range, speed, seeker performance, and data link requirements;
(2) A description of other Department of Defense requirements
for ASMs that have not been validated by the JROC, including
inventory objectives and capabilities required for each ASM,
such as range, speed, seeker performance, and data link
requirements; (3) A description of the development efforts
supporting each ASM program listed under (1) and (2), such as
prototyping subsystems, investigating use of common components,
conducting developmental testing, conducting operational
testing, and engaging in other forms of risk reduction; and (4)
A description of the acquisition strategies, if applicable, for
each ASM program listed under (1) and (2) above.
Army Radio Modernization
The committee recognizes the challenges faced by the Army
in testing, evaluating, and fielding radio capabilities to
create an overarching integrated tactical network and is
encouraged by the Army's intent to utilize a rapid acquisition
process to separately compete each tactical radio variant for
each aircraft being outfitted under the Army's Air to Ground
Networking Radio program. Despite challenges in integration, by
encouraging the platform specific head to head competition,
rather than making a one-size-fits-all decision, the Army will
promote competition within the industry and tailor the best
solution for each aircraft. The committee encourages the Army
to quickly conduct a thorough and deliberate process to ensure
that the most effective radio is selected for each aircraft.
Assessment of Navy anti-submarine warfare training targets
The committee understands that the Navy lacks a modern
heavyweight anti-submarine warfare (ASW) target and that the
current inventory of ASW training targets is deficient in
satisfying the pre-deployment training requirements of our
submarine, surface, and aviation ASW forces. The committee
further understands that these ASW training targets are
increasingly difficult to sustain, costly to repair, limited in
capability, and have no identified replacement. The committee
is concerned that these factors may negatively impact the ASW
proficiency of deploying naval forces.
Therefore, the committee directs the Secretary of the Navy
to submit to the congressional defense committees not later
than February 1, 2021, an assessment on the current
capabilities of Navy heavyweight ASW targets and a
modernization plan for future targets and training
capabilities. The assessment shall include, at a minimum, the
following: (1) The current inventory of anti-submarine warfare
targets, their capabilities, and age; (2) An evaluation as to
how the current inventory of heavyweight ASW targets supports
ASW training certification requirements for surface, submarine,
and aviation ASW forces, to include the number heavyweight ASW
targets required to generate a sufficient number of target
presentations during training events and the degree to which
these target presentations may be made in a manner that is
consistent with current and projected peer and near-peer threat
submarine capabilities; (3) An evaluation of existing training
target availability and the Navy's plan to replace the current
inventory of training targets with capabilities that are equal
to or better than current Navy capabilities; (4) The benefits
and risks of the 20-year service life extension plan currently
in execution beyond the current expected 30-year service life
of the MK 30 Mod 1 heavyweight ASW target; and (5) A plan to
begin replacement of the current inventory of existing training
targets no later than September 30, 2023.
This assessment shall be presented as a briefing and
submitted in unclassified form but may include a classified
annex.
C-17 maintenance
The committee is aware that the Air Force intends to
achieve cost savings by moving 100 percent of its C-17 fleet
heavy maintenance to a single depot. The Air Force has
acknowledged that this course of action would decrease
readiness, although not below an acceptable level, and that it
would take 14 years to obtain a positive return on capital
investment. The committee notes that the Air Force also found
that such a course of action would realize billions of dollars
of savings in C-17 life cycle costs and establish affordable
and effective depot maintenance and commodity repair
capability. The committee also believes that this course of
action would improve the Air Force's implementation of section
2464 of title 10, United States Code. Therefore, the committee
directs the Secretary of the Air Force to submit a report, no
later than January 31, 2021, to the congressional defense
committees that details each course of action evaluated in the
business case analysis of moving C-17 heavy maintenance to a
single depot and other future product support strategies for
the C-17 aircraft.
Additionally, the committee directs the Director, Cost
Assessment and Program Evaluation, to review the Secretary's
report and submit an independent assessment to the
congressional defense committees no later than March 1, 2021.
Comptroller General report on the Supervisor of Shipbuilding
The committee notes that the Government Accountability
Office (GAO) concluded in a June 2018 report, Navy
Shipbuilding: Past Performance Provides Valuable Lessons for
Future Investments (GAO-18-238SP), that the Navy has
experienced significant cost increases, schedule delays, and
performance issues on its shipbuilding programs. The committee
understands that recent quality issues on a number of Navy
ships and submarines point to, among other issues, challenges
in the Navy's ability to oversee quality at the private
shipyards that build its vessels.
The committee notes that the Navy's Supervisors of
Shipbuilding, Conversion and Repair (SUPSHIPS) organization is
responsible for administering contracts for new ships and
submarines, as well as nuclear repair and modernization at
private shipyards, including ensuring that shipbuilders provide
the Navy with vessels that meet quality expectations. The
committee understands that SUPSHIPS' role in this regard is
unusual, as the Defense Contract Management Agency provides
this type of contract oversight for most other Department of
Defense contracts.
Therefore, the committee directs the Comptroller General to
review the Navy's SUPSHIPS organization, including an
assessment of: (1) The roles, responsibilities, procedures,
capabilities, and capacity of SUPSHIPS to ensure that ship
contracts are executed on time, at expected cost, and to
contractual and performance requirements; (2) SUPSHIPS' role in
overseeing suppliers for Navy ship programs; (3) The
effectiveness of actions taken by SUPSHIPS and its higher
chain-of-command when shipbuilders are not meeting cost,
schedule, or performance requirements; (4) SUPSHIPS' approach
to contract execution oversight and monitoring for shipbuilding
programs, as compared to that of the Defense Contract
Management Agency for other large Department of Defense
acquisition programs; and (5) Any other related matters that
the Comptroller General deems appropriate.
The committee directs the Comptroller General to provide a
briefing to the congressional defense committees on the
findings of this review by December 1, 2020, with a report to
follow.
Comptroller General review of Navy shipbuilding and ship maintenance
The committee notes that the Navy is embarking on an
ambitious, expensive undertaking to develop, design, and
construct a number of new ships--both manned and unmanned--over
the coming years, which would represent the biggest increase in
fleet size in over 30 years.
The committee understands that the Navy expects vessels to
be constructed in quantities that sustain the industrial base
and expand the overall size of the Navy, which requires not
just a healthy industrial base for ship construction but also
for all of the materials, systems, and foundry work that go
into building a complete ship. Likewise, the Navy will have to
expand capability in the ship repair industrial base, which
consists of public and private shipyards that are struggling to
execute maintenance programs to sustain the current fleet of
approximately 300 battle force ships.
However, the economic consequences of the first global
pandemic in over 100 years may have significant and potentially
long-lasting ramifications on the Navy's already limited
industrial bases for shipbuilding and ship repair.
Accordingly, in order to better understand and address the
viability of future Navy ship construction and ship repair
plans, the committee directs the Comptroller General to conduct
a review of: (1) The Navy's current shipbuilding plan and the
capability of the shipbuilding industrial base to support this
plan; and (2) The ship maintenance plan and the capability of
the ship repair industrial base to support that plan.
As part of this review, the Comptroller General shall
assess the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Navy's
ability to build and maintain quality ships on time and on
schedule. This review shall also address the following
questions: (1) What plans does the Navy have in place to
execute its current shipbuilding and ship repair plans? (2) How
does the Navy evaluate the health of its shipbuilding and ship
repair industrial bases? (3) To what extent are shipbuilding
and ship repair program performance affected by COVID-related
issues? (4) How is the Navy assessing and addressing the
consequences of COVID-19 on the shipbuilding and ship repair
industrial bases, including lower-tier suppliers? (5) What
challenges related to its industrial bases will the Navy likely
face over the next decade that could present significant risk
to achieving its shipbuilding and ship repair plans? (6) What
other matters does the Comptroller General deem relevant to
highlight?
The Comptroller General shall submit this review to the
Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House of
Representatives not later than March 1, 2021.
Counter unmanned aircraft systems matters
The low cost, ease of operation, and accelerating
proliferation of innovative commercial-based small unmanned
aircraft system (UAS) capabilities is rapidly expanding the
scope and complexity of the threat to U.S. forces and
infrastructure. The committee believes that countering small
UASs will be an enduring requirement for the Department of
Defense (DOD) for at least the next decade. As a result, the
committee is encouraged by the DOD's designation of the Army as
Executive Agent for Counter small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-
sUAS) in 2019, the rapid standup of the Joint C-sUAS Office
(JCO) in 2020, and the recommendation to downselect and
prioritize resources toward the most promising systems.
To further the Department's C-sUAS activities, the
committee recommends an increase in funding toward several C-
sUAS efforts, totaling approximately $73 million, noted
elsewhere in this report. These efforts include fully funding
the requirement to expedite activities of the JCO as captured
in the Chief of Staff of the Army's unfunded priorities list,
providing additional funding to the JCO to increase and improve
test and evaluation activities, and providing additional
funding to U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) for
operational demonstration of C-sUAS capabilities. The committee
encourages the JCO to work closely with SOCOM to ensure that
the JCO's efforts appropriately incorporate special operations-
peculiar requirements that arise from the employment of small,
disaggregated teams in remote and austere locations and to
provide pathways to transition technologies demonstrated by
SOCOM.
The committee supports the Department's investment in
advanced technologies to enhance C-sUAS capabilities and
encourages expediting procurement and fielding of commercially
available solutions. However, the committee believes that
commercial C-sUAS proposals should demonstrate combat
capability in operationally relevant environments and be
validated by third-party entities and Department of Defense
developmental and operational test organizations, as
appropriate, before being considered and adopted by the
Department. Additionally, the committee recognizes the
leadership and innovation of multiple Federal agencies,
especially the Department of Justice (DOJ), in the development
and fielding of C-sUAS capability as well as the DOJ's focus on
and investment in test and evaluation infrastructure to support
long-term objective analytical evaluation of current and
evolving C-sUAS capabilities over the next decade.
Therefore, elsewhere in this report, the committee
recommends a provision that would require the JCO to prioritize
C-sUAS systems that can be fielded in year 2021 and would also
encourage the Secretary of the Army, as the executive agent, to
consider establishing a Counter-UAS center of excellence to
coordinate research and development of counter-drone
technologies, tactics, techniques, and procedures.
Additionally, the committee would require development of a plan
and investment in infrastructure to build the test and
evaluation framework required to deepen understanding of
countering the small, low, and slow UAS threats that the
committee believes represent an enduring threat to U.S. troops
and infrastructure.
DDG-51 destroyer multi-year procurement
The committee continues to support the national policy of
achieving at least a 355-ship fleet, as codified in the
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (Public
Law 115-91), which is integral to the National Defense Strategy
and its emphasis on near-peer competition with Russia and
China.
The committee views DDG-51 destroyers as the backbone of
the surface fleet, providing multi-mission flexibility and
increasing capability with introduction of Flight III and the
AN/SPY-6 radar. With plans for construction of a new class of
Large Surface Combatants (LSCs) toward the end of this decade
and the current multi-year procurement of DDG-51s ending in
fiscal year 2022, the committee believes that it is imperative
that the Navy award another DDG-51 multi-year contract
beginning in fiscal year 2023. This contract is critical to
ensuring that Flight III capability continues to be delivered
to the fleet and the industrial base is maintained to support
the LSC acquisition strategy.
Accordingly, the committee urges the Secretary of Defense
and the Secretary of the Navy to make all necessary plans to
award another multi-year contract for DDG-51 Flight III
destroyers in fiscal year 2023, including long lead material
purchases in fiscal year 2022.
E-8 strategy
The committee is encouraged by the Air Force's plans to
modernize the E-8C Joint Surveillance and Target-Attack Radar
System (JSTARS) weapon system to meet combatant commander
requirements until a replacement capability is fielded.
Additionally, the committee recognizes the Secretary of the Air
Force's commitment to perform associated upgrades to meet
airworthiness and operational mandates.
The committee is concerned and disappointed, however, that
these plans have not been followed by execution to implement
upgrades on a reasonable schedule. The committee is concerned
with the history of delayed execution of funds to procure and
field modifications in a timely manner. The committee believes
the Air Force should assess what the Air Force needs to do to
ensure that E-8C JSTARS efforts are consistent with ensuring
that the Air Force can effectively sustain and advance this
weapon system's capability commensurate with combatant
commander requirements.
Therefore, the committee directs the Secretary of the Air
Force to submit a report to the congressional defense
committees by February 1, 2021, on the strategy for sustaining
the E-8C JSTARS fleet until a suitable replacement capability
and capacity is fielded. The strategy shall include: (1)
Recommended changes to the E-8C program management structure to
address funding execution shortfalls; and (2) A plan for
modifications, including schedules and associated funding
profiles, for achieving those modifications and ensuring that
combatant commander requirements are met.
E-8C modernization
The committee is encouraged by the Air Force's recognition
of the importance of E-8C Joint Surveillance and Target Attack
Radar System (JSTARS) aircraft and its efforts to modernize the
avionics and communications equipment onboard to make the
platform an integral component of the Advanced Battle
Management System. The committee is concerned that the Air
Force is considering a potential effort for re-engining the E-8
Joint JSTARS aircraft at the expense of other JSTARS
modernization programs. The committee is aware that the
business case for JSTARS re-engining would require that the
aircraft to fly well into the 2040s, which is beyond the
planned in-service date, to see a positive return on the
investment and, as such, believes that the money that might be
used for re-engining would be better spent on other JSTARS
modernization efforts, such as installing advanced avionics and
upgrading communications equipment.
Electronic warfare red team
Realistic training of blue forces in electronic warfare
requires a red force that is trained in the tactics,
techniques, and procedures of potential opponents, as informed
by timely intelligence, and that fields representative
electronic warfare equipment. The committee directs the
Secretary of Defense to brief the congressional defense
committees, no later than March 31, 2021, on progress made and
gaps remaining in training electronic warfare red forces based
on intelligence as well as the Department of Defense's ability
to field representative equipment or systems that can simulate
representative equipment to complement the tactics, techniques,
and procedures of red forces in order to better prepare the
Joint Force through realistic electronic warfare training.
F-35 basing requirements
The National Defense Strategy requires the Department of
Defense to posture ready, combat-credible forces forward
alongside allies and partners and, if necessary, to fight and
win. The Department's Indo-Pacific Strategy--which describes
the Indo-Pacific as the Department's priority theater--
emphasizes efforts to enhance Joint Force preparedness for the
most pressing scenarios, which will occur along our
competitors' peripheries, to include a fait accompli scenario.
To date, the Air Force has announced the selection of 9
operating locations for the F-35A, including locations in the
continental United States, Alaska, and Europe. It has yet to
announce plans for any F-35A operating locations forward in the
Indo-Pacific region--in other words, locations sufficiently
forward to enable immediate response in the most pressing
scenarios envisioned in the Department's foundational strategic
documents. At present, realizing any potential plan to
establish an F-35A operating location forward in the Indo-
Pacific region could take nearly a decade. Put another way,
nearly half of the Air Force's total procurement quantity of F-
35As will be delivered before the first aircraft arrives at an
operating location forward in the Department's priority
theater.
Therefore, the committee directs the Secretary of the Air
Force, in consultation with the Commander, Indo-Pacific
Command, not later than December 31, 2020, to provide a
briefing to the committee on: the Air Force's current projected
timeline to establish an F-35A operating location forward in
the Indo-Pacific region; options to place a continuous
rotational F-35A force utilizing only Air National Guard
assets; options for accelerating that timeline; and an
assessment of the merit and feasibility of those options.
Flame retardant vehicle soft armor and materiel
The military services have established baseline
requirements for flame resistant uniforms, but the committee
understands that they have not developed similar requirements
for vehicle soft armor, such as spall liners, and internal
textile materials. Vehicle soft armor is often manufactured
with a broad range of materials, which may include highly
flammable plastics and glass fibers. While the primary purpose
of soft armor is to protect against fragments, a large majority
of enemy strikes result in flame incidents, which place
soldiers and marines at greater risk.
As the military services develop next generation systems
that can counter near-peer threats, the committee encourages
the Army and the Marine Corps to review requirements for combat
vehicles that include flame resistant standards. Further, the
committee directs the Secretary of the Army, in coordination
with the Secretaries of the Navy and the Air Force, to provide
a briefing by September 30, 2020, on the feasibility and
availability of incorporating materials inside combat vehicles
that possess flame resistant properties.
Future Vertical Lift long-term cost and schedule assessment
The committee is encouraged by the Army's progress on the
Future Vertical Lift (FVL) program, including a Competitive
Demonstration Risk Reduction (CDRR) contract award for the
Future Long Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) and a Competitive
Prototype (CP) award for the Future Attack Reconnaissance
Aircraft (FARA). The committee supports the development and
procurement of these critical FVL capabilities but is concerned
about the feasibility of simultaneously procuring these
aircraft, as well as other Army modernization priorities
currently in development, given budget projections and the
Army's fielding timeline.
Accordingly, the committee directs the Secretary of the
Army to provide a report no later than February 15, 2021, to
the committee assessing the current schedule, to include
potential for sequencing procurement of the FLRAA and FARA
programs. The report shall include 10-year cost and schedule
projections, an assessment of operational and acquisition
risks, and potential mitigation measures to both FLRAA and FARA
cost and schedule profiles.
Guided missile frigate
The committee notes that a contract for up to 10 guided
missile frigates (FFG(X)) was awarded in April 2020 with a
potential cumulative value of $5.6 billion. Given that this is
a new class of ships that will have a significant role in the
Navy battle force, the committee seeks additional information
on the program.
Accordingly, the committee directs the Director of the
Congressional Budget Office to submit to the congressional
defense committees, not later than October 1, 2020, a report
analyzing the FFG(X) program. The report shall include: (1) An
analysis of the estimated costs of the program in the context
of other current and past Navy shipbuilding programs; (2) An
independent cost estimate of the FFG(X) program based on the
specific winning ship design; and (3) Other related matters the
Director deems appropriate.
HMMWV rollover mitigation
The committee understands that the Army is in the process
of performing safety modifications to the Light Tactical
Vehicle fleet to mitigate rollover accidents. The committee
supports the Army's fiscal year 2021 budget request to procure
5,421 anti-lock brake system/electronic stability control
retrofit kits that will be installed through a partnership with
the Red River Army Depot. The committee understands that these
kits have successfully been installed on all new High Mobility
Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles (HMMWVs) and that the Army will
begin the retrofit of legacy HMMWVs with these life-saving
technologies.
Hospital ship modernization
The committee notes that during the COVID-19 pandemic, the
country saw a demonstration of the unique capabilities provided
by the USNS Mercy and USNS Comfort. Both of these ships are
nearing the end of their useful service lives. The committee
believes that the need for medical support capability to enable
expeditionary operations and respond to natural disasters and
other emergencies is enduring.
Therefore, the committee urges the Secretary of the Navy to
modernize the capability provided by these hospital ships as
soon as possible.
Hybrid electric drive on Arleigh Burke-class destroyers
The committee notes that the Navy has received more than
$175.0 million to develop, procure, and install six hybrid
electric drive (HED) systems for Arleigh Burke-class destroyers
but that only one such installation, on the USS Truxton, has
occurred.
In a January 2020 report to the Congress on HED, the Navy
stated that it has yet to conduct sufficient testing and
operations to determine the utility and reliability of the
system. The committee continues to be interested in the
potential benefits of HED systems as well as how the Navy will
test, evaluate, and measure the at-sea performance and
effectiveness of the HED on the USS Truxton.
Accordingly, the committee directs the Secretary of the
Navy, not later than 15 days after the fiscal year 2022 budget
request is submitted to the Congress, to provide a report to
the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House of
Representatives on the plan for HED installation, testing, and
operational use on Arleigh Burke-class destroyers. This report
shall include: (1) The requirements or plan to develop
requirements for HED on naval vessels; (2) A test plan to
determine HED operational suitability and effectiveness that is
approved by the Commander, Operational Test and Evaluation
Force; (3) Details surrounding the hardware, software, or other
upgrades required before installing existing HED systems,
including the timeline for completing such upgrades; (5) The
installation schedule for existing HED systems, including
fiscal year and hull number; and (6) The HED-related funding
requirements by fiscal year and the extent to which such
requirements are fully funded in the future years defense
program.
Improved Turbine Engine Program
The Improved Turbine Engine Program (ITEP) will enhance the
performance and operational readiness of the current Black Hawk
and Apache helicopter fleets through the production and
delivery of a more fuel efficient and powerful engine that is
capable of operating in high and hot environments. In addition,
the engine will be the government-furnished engine for the
Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft (FARA) program, which is
a key priority of the Army's Future Vertical Lift (FVL)
program.
The committee has supported significant Army investments in
competitive technology development programs for turbine engines
over the past decade. While the ITEP can enhance warfighting
capabilities in its delivery of improved fuel efficiencies and
mature technologies, the Army must also prioritize maintenance
and sustainment costs to ensure the continued affordability of
the ITEP and associated capabilities. Given the critical role
of this program in modernizing Army aviation, the committee
encourages the Army to pursue opportunities to accelerate the
fielding of this engine.
Integrated air and missile defense in the U.S. Central Command area of
responsibility
Recent attacks on U.S. and partner nation forces underscore
an increase in missile, rocket, and unmanned aircraft system
threats in the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) area of
responsibility (AOR). The committee is aware that the Army and
CENTCOM have already taken significant steps to improve the
protection of U.S. troops in the region from these threats.
While the committee understands that providing integrated air
and missile defense (IAMD), counter-rocket, artillery, and
mortar (C-RAM), and counter-unmanned aircraft systems (C-UAS)
coverage for every facility and base where U.S. forces are
stationed is not practical due to resource constraints, the
committee remains concerned about IAMD and C-RAM planning,
procedures, and coverage in the CENTCOM AOR.
Accordingly, the committee directs the Secretary of
Defense, in consultation with the Commander, CENTCOM, the
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the Chief of Staff
of the Army, to provide a classified report to the committee no
later than September 1, 2020, on the IAMD, C-RAM, and C-UAS
posture in the CENTCOM AOR. The report shall include:
(1) An explanation of current and planned IAMD and C-
RAM capabilities and coverage in the CENTCOM AOR,
including allocation against the critical and defended
asset lists;
(2) An accounting of partner or allied forces
performing IAMD and C-RAM functions in the AOR, in
defense of their own or coalition forces and assets,
and an assessment of the effectiveness of such
capabilities;
(3) An assessment of the adequacy of current and
planned IAMD and C-RAM capabilities to meet CENTCOM
operational requirements;
(4) A description of IAMD and C-RAM gaps in coverage
that generate substantial risk to U.S. forces or
mission;
(5) An assessment of the impact on IAMD and C-RAM forces
and personnel of additional deployments to the CENTCOM AOR,
assessed in the context of global requirements; and
(6) Any other matters deemed relevant by the Secretary.
Joint and service exercises
The committee is concerned with the resourcing of joint and
single service exercises and the potential disconnect with the
National Defense Strategy. The committee is aware of reductions
in joint exercise accounts based on the Defense-Wide Review
that could significantly impact the ability of the military
services and combatant commanders to adequately assess and
improve joint readiness, access, basing, and overflight to set
the conditions to be successful in a conflict.
Therefore, no later than January 1, 2021, the Secretary of
Defense, in coordination with each of the combatant commanders
and service chiefs, shall report to the committee on the level
of risk being assumed based on the level of resourcing
requested for the Combatant Commander Exercise, Engagement and
Training Transformation effort. The report shall specifically
address how reductions in funding have impacted: (1) Readiness;
(2) The ability to conduct joint operations; (3) The ability to
develop relationships with partners and allies; and (4) Daily
competition with adversaries to set conditions for combat
operations and work to achieve national security objectives
without kinetic conflict.
Joint electronic warfare training range
The committee recognizes the requirement for the Department
of Defense (DOD) to operate across the electromagnetic spectrum
and prevail in electronic warfare (EW) in every operational
domain. Development of capabilities needed to control the EW
battlespace requires well-developed training ranges that enable
the military services and Defense Agencies and Field Activities
to rapidly test and field new weapon systems. Increased demand
and spectrum encroachment at current EW training ranges mean
that these facilities are inadequate to meet the Department's
EW test and training needs over the next several years.
Therefore, the committee directs the Secretary of Defense to
provide a plan for the establishment of a Joint Electronic
Warfare Training Range that: (1) Offers sufficient space for
spectrum isolation; (2) Provides for the ability to protect
sensitive technologies from detection by offering access to
large, inland space; and (3) Would be specifically dedicated to
EW activities to avoid overcrowding. This plan shall be briefed
to the congressional defense committees no later than December
1, 2020.
Live-virtual-constructive and game-based training environment training
The committee continues to recognize and support the
important role that a secure live-virtual-constructive and
game-based (LVC-G) training environment plays in improving
military capabilities and readiness to meet increasing threats
in highly contested environments.
However, the committee is concerned that, despite repeated
urging from the Congress, the Air Force and Navy have not
adequately planned for or invested in a secure LVC-G advanced
training environment to support timely development,
acquisition, and fielding of cutting-edge air combat training
systems.
Therefore, the committee directs the Secretary of the Air
Force, in coordination with the Secretary of the Navy, to
provide a briefing to the committee no later than February 1,
2021, on its plan to develop and field LVC-G training
environments that emulate real-world operational conditions. At
a minimum, the briefing shall include: (1) The timeline and
funding plan to develop and field LVC-G training environments;
(2) Considerations regarding creation of a program of record
for secure advanced training environment systems; (3)
Recommendations for related resource allocations through the
program objective memorandum process; and (4) Description of
efforts to leverage efficiencies in the joint environment.
M2 Bradley Fighting Vehicle program assessment
The recent reset of the Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle
(OMFV) program will likely delay the fielding of the Army's
replacement vehicle for the M2 Bradley Fighting Vehicle (BFV)
that has been in operational service for more than 30 years.
The OMFV program is a critical modernization effort for the
Army, and it is one of the signature programs under the Next
Generation Combat Vehicle (NGCV) Cross Functional Team (CFT).
Given the change in the OMFV acquisition strategy, the
committee wants to understand the impact of delaying the
fielding of the OMFV on the Bradley program. Accordingly, the
committee directs the Secretary of the Army to conduct an
assessment analyzing the impact of the delayed OMFV fielding on
the M2 BFV program and any changes to the Bradley program that
may be required as a result of the change in acquisition
strategy. The Army shall brief the results of this assessment
to the committee no later than August 1, 2020.
Marine Corps integrated air and missile defense capabilities
The committee supports the force design efforts of the
Commandant of the Marine Corps to better organize, equip, and
posture the Marine Corps for great power competition in the
Indo-Pacific region. The committee understands the need for
integrated air and missile defense (IAMD) for the distributed
``stand-in forces'' envisioned by the Commandant and that
effective air and missile defense requires an integrated,
layered approach across the Joint Force. Accordingly, the
committee directs the Commandant to provide a report, no later
than December 15, 2020, on the Marine Corps' plans to
integrate, vice federate, the air and missile defense
capabilities that it is developing as part of the joint IAMD
architecture.
Mission command systems
The Fiscal Year 2019 Annual Report of the Director,
Operational Test and Evaluation (DOT&E), highlighted testing
issues with the Command Post Computing Environment (CPCE). The
committee is concerned by the report's findings and the
resulting fielding limitations currently in place that
underscore the challenges the Army faces with developmental
mission command systems (MCS). Due to CPCE's performance during
operational testing and the Army's challenges with
developmental MCS, the committee directs the Secretary of the
Army to provide a briefing to the SASC no later than September
30, 2020, on how the Army plans to implement DOT&E's
recommendations in order to resolve deficiencies identified
during testing and possible alternative commercial solutions.
Mission planning and force structure for hypersonic weapon systems
For fiscal year 2021, the Department of Defense is
proposing to fund hypersonic Research, Development, Test, and
Evaluation (RDT&E) activities at $3.5 billion, an increase of
5.9 percent over the fiscal year 2020 appropriated level of
funding. While the RDT&E funding for weapons has received much
visibility in response to near peer competitors, the committee
is concerned that mission planning, the allocation of the
weapons between combatant commands, as well as the service
force structures to support these weapons are not adequately
accounted for.
The committee understands that the original proponent for
the hypersonics requirement was the U.S. Strategic Command. At
the time, it was proposed as an alternative to nuclear
weapons--a long-range precision strike capability of a
hypersonic weapon offered a non-nuclear option to hold at risk
the same class of targets.
However, with the success to date in demonstrating these
weapons, the envisioned target sets have grown. Likewise, it is
not clear what the military services' force structure for
employing these weapons will entail. When originally conceived
by U.S. Strategic Command, there were to be a small number of
hypersonic weapons deployed on select platforms. That does not
appear to be the case today.
The committee believes that the Department of Defense
should be assessing the other parts of a complete architecture
needed to field such systems, including the need for mission
planning, weapons allocation processes, and force structure
changes.
Therefore, the committee directs the Chairman of the Joint
Chiefs of Staff, in coordination with the combatant commanders
and Secretaries of the military departments, to submit to the
congressional defense committees a long-term plan, no later
than March 30, 2021, describing: (1) The potential target sets
for hypersonic weapons envisioned today and the required
mission planning to support targeting by U.S. Strategic Command
and other combatant commands; (2) How synchronization of these
weapon systems will occur between the combatant commands; (3)
The required force structures needed by the military services
to support employment of these weapons against the classes of
targets that will be held at risk; and (4) In the case of the
Navy, whether such weapon systems should be deployed on both
submarines and surface combatants as well as the number of such
vessels that need to be so equipped.
Mk93 machine gun mount upgrade program
The Army continues to invest in soldier lethality
improvements that ensure that soldiers are equipped with the
best technology available, including crew-served platforms such
as the M2 .50 caliber machine gun and the Mk19 grenade machine
gun. The Army has upgraded these weapon systems to increase
their lethality and effectiveness with the intent of keeping
both weapons systems in its inventory for the foreseeable
future. However, the committee is concerned that, without
upgrades to the Army's inventory of the Mk93 machine gun mounts
utilized by the M2 and Mk19, investments in weapon optics, fire
control, enablers, and ammunition may not be fully realized or
could be undermined.
While the Army has completed necessary developmental
improvements to the Mk93 machine gun mount, the Army has not
yet implemented these upgrades across the Mk93 inventory.
Therefore, the committee directs the Army to provide a briefing
to the SASC by September 30, 2020, on its plan to implement
upgrades to its Mk93 machine gun mounts in order to realize the
benefit of these investments. The briefing should include
details on how the Army will align funding during the budget
process to synchronize the delivery and integration of Mk93
Improvement Kits with the Mounted Machine Gun Optic and 40mm
High Explosive Air Burst ammunition.
Next-generation crypto key loader
Given the increasing sophistication and proliferation of
cyber and electronic warfare threats, the committee is
concerned about the Army's delay in procuring and fielding the
next-generation crypto loader and phasing out the current
outdated device, of which 80 percent are beyond their current
service life. Accordingly, the committee directs the Secretary
of the Army to provide a report no later than January 31, 2021,
to the committee on the plan to field the next-generation load
device and phase out the decades-old Simple Key Loader (SKL).
The report shall also include the number and associated cost of
SKLs that the Army will purchase by year until a replacement is
fielded, and specification of opportunities to accelerate
acquisition of the next-generation load device and the
currently planned first-fielding in 2024.
Pacific Air Force air base resiliency
The committee is concerned that the U.S. force posture in
the Indo-Pacific has not sufficiently evolved to support
implementation of the National Defense Strategy or to address
the strategic and operational challenges posed by the People's
Republic of China. Specifically, it is not clear that the
Department of Defense has allocated sufficient resources to
provide for the protection of air bases to ensure their ability
to survive and operate while under attack from current and
emerging cruise missiles and advanced hypersonic missiles.
Therefore, the committee directs the Commander, Pacific Air
Forces, and the Director of Strategic Plans, Requirements, and
Programs, Headquarters Pacific Air Forces, to provide a
comprehensive assessment of requirements for air base
resiliency in the Indo-Pacific area of operations to the
committee no later than January 1, 2021. The report should
address the minimum amount of protection, both active and
hardening, required for main operating bases and expeditionary
operating bases envisioned in the adaptive basing concepts
currently under development.
Polymer based magazines
The committee notes that the Department of the Air Force,
Marine Corps, Special Operations Command, and a number of
allies are using a high-performing polymer magazine for their
small arms that the Army has also authorized for use. The
committee encourages the Army to integrate lessons learned from
previous testing of high-performing polymer-based magazines and
consider a Qualified Products List (QPL), similar to the Army's
Protective Eyewear List, to allow units and soldiers to select
from several approved options for magazines and include high-
performing polymer magazines.
The committee directs the Secretary of the Army to provide
a briefing to the congressional defense committees not later
than November 30, 2020, on the Army's plan for Next Generation
Squad Weapons (NGSW) magazines and the feasibility of having a
QPL for magazines. The briefing shall include the Army's
requirements for the NGSW magazines, such as metrics,
materials, and other characteristics (e.g., visual status
indicators).
Preservation of Department of Defense historic aircraft and spacecraft
The committee is concerned that the Department of Defense
lacks clear and consistent guidelines for maintaining and
disposing historic aircraft and spacecraft. The national
collection of historic military aircraft and spacecraft is an
important asset that helps honor our veterans and educates the
public about key milestones in American history and military
technology. However, there have been recent instances of
historical aircraft being destroyed or sold for scrap without
opportunity for the Department or an aviation museum to
consider their preservation. It is in the best interest of the
public to ensure that the Department has a clear process to
determine disposition of historic aircraft and spacecraft given
their historical value. The committee is also aware of the
Navy's ``Safe For Display Inspection'' program, which could
provide a model for the entire Department.
Therefore, the committee directs the Secretary of Defense,
in consultation with the Secretaries of the military
departments, to investigate the expansion of the ``Safe For
Display Inspection'' program across all the military services
and to provide to the committee a plan for the expansion of the
program as well as an implementation timeline in a report no
later than February 1, 2021.
Report on availability of repair for aircraft parts
The Department of Defense, across the military services,
continues to employ various qualification standards and
classification processes in the determination as to whether
pitot tubes that require replacement are classified as
``consumable'' or ``repairable.'' The committee believes that,
when safety, reliability, and performance of a replacement
component are not impacted through a repair process, it is
important that such components are reviewed for qualification
as ``repairable'' in the interest of significant cost savings
and, further, that the qualification processes across the
military services are standardized in line with current
Department of Transportation standards.
The committee therefore directs the Secretary of Defense,
no later than January 1, 2021, to provide a briefing to the
committee after consulting with each of the Secretaries of the
military departments on potential cost savings and specific
actions being taken to ensure that the pitot tube component is
more widely reviewed as repairable and that applicable
classification standards and processes are updated.
Report on Unmet ISR Requirements, RC-135 Integration, and KC-135
Conversion
The committee notes the continued testimony from combatant
commanders indicating a shortfall in intelligence,
surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) assets and the ongoing
lack of capacity in comparison to demand. The committee also
notes that the Air Force has been working to research, develop,
test, field, and implement next-generation technologies, such
as those germane to the Joint All-Domain Command and Control
and Advanced Battle Management System efforts, that promise to
provide enhanced networking capability across existing and
future Air Force assets, allowing an integrated operating
picture of the battlespace to be developed. The committee
highlights that the RC-135 family of aircraft is slated to be
fielded until 2050 and provide a significant capability within
the Air Force's ISR systems, particularly as a component of
these linkages. The committee supports the Air Force's intent
to incorporate these aircraft as key elements of these next
generation sensor networks and encourages the Air Force to
continue its baseline modernization program and to fully
utilize these platforms in achieving its Next Generation ISR
Dominance Flight Plan.
The committee further notes the significant commonality
between platforms of the C-135 inventory as well as the future
availability of retiring KC-135 aircraft and past instances in
which these platforms have successfully been converted to RC-
135 ISR platforms. The committee believes that such a
conversion offers the possibility for increasing the RC-135
inventory to meet combatant commander requirements. As such,
the committee directs the Secretary of Defense, in coordination
with the Secretary of the Air Force, to submit to the
congressional defense committees a report detailing an analysis
of the cost, process, and timeline of converting retiring KC-
135 aircraft to RC-135V/W Rivet Joint ISR aircraft as well as
an assessment of the shortfall in the current ISR inventory and
planned integration of the RC-135 into next-generation
networks.
The report shall include: (1) An assessment of the overall
ISR shortfall based on combatant commander demand, to include
analysis of specific shortfalls and limitations imposed by the
size of the current RC-135 fleet; (2) The number of KC-135
aircraft anticipated to be retired and available for other uses
as a result of the fielding of the KC-46, delineated by fiscal
year; (3) Analysis of added efficiencies gained through growth
in the RC-135 inventory, to include impacts on maintenance and
sustainment, aircraft availability, and mission completion
rates through increased fleet size; (4) A summary analysis of
the conversion process, to include cost and estimated time for
completion per aircraft; (5) Lessons learned through previous
examples of KC-135 aircraft conversion, including past
conversion to the RC-135W Airseeker for the United Kingdom's
Royal Air Force and applicability of that process to future
conversions within the Air Force; (6) Identification of any
need for additional or replacement aircraft within the C-135
fleet for which retiring KC-135 aircraft may be suited for
conversion and for which there is a requirement, to include WC-
135 and TC-135 variants; and (7) Details on the planned
integration of the RC-135 fleet into next generation networks
and continued efforts to maintain modernization and
effectiveness.
The report shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may
contain a classified annex if necessary, and shall be provided
to the committees no later than February 1, 2021.
Requirements and budgeting for precisely geolocated 3D imagery
The committee recognizes the progress that the Department
of Defense has achieved thus far in commercial solutions for
automated three-dimensional (3D) image processing and
geolocation determination to support the growing demand for
rapid targeting and other requirements for precision
geolocation. The committee is encouraged by positive steps such
as coordination among stakeholders, broad recognition that
commercial solutions can meet category 1 accuracy requirements
for targeting, and reforms of the National Geospatial-
Intelligence Agency's (NGA's) certification process. However,
the committee does not believe that it is possible to meet the
scale of global and near-real time requirements using current
collection techniques. Furthermore, although the cost of
acquiring and processing all the data needed through commercial
sources is now dramatically reduced, the total budget required
is substantial. Despite the pervasive need, no single
organization has stepped forward or has been assigned to assume
leadership responsibility and budget for the cost. Nor have
user organizations or the NGA coalesced to provide a collective
cost sharing solution.
Therefore, the committee directs the Vice Chairman of the
Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Under Secretary of Defense for
Intelligence and Security, and the Director of Cost Assessment
and Program Evaluation to aggregate the demand for 3D imaging
and geolocation data, develop an equitable and practical cost-
sharing or enterprise funding solution, and recommend a course
of action to the Secretary of Defense by January 1, 2021. The
Secretary of Defense shall brief the congressional defense
committees by February 1, 2021 on the results of these actions.
Self-propelled lightweight howitzers
The committee understands that the Army is reviewing the
need for self-propelled 105mm and 155mm howitzer solutions that
increase survivability through rapid emplacement, firing, and
displacement to evade enemy counterbattery fires. Since 2018,
the Army has received operational needs statements (ONSs) from
the 2nd Cavalry Regiment and 173rd Infantry Brigade Combat
Team, both forward-stationed in Europe, and capability needs
statements from I Corps and XVIII Airborne Corps, all related
to mobile 105mm and 155mm howitzer capabilities.
The committee understands that the Army will conduct a live
fire evaluation in fiscal year 2021 to compare available
foreign and domestic mobile howitzer systems that meet the
operational requirements of the 2nd Calvary Regiment ONS.
Further, Army Futures Command has directed the Fires Center of
Excellence to develop a comprehensive cannon modernization
strategy for all formations. The committee has been informed
that, once the strategy is finalized and the mobile howitzer
evaluation is completed, Army senior leadership will make a
decision on the validation of mobile howitzers in the
formations beyond the ONS requirement for the 2nd Calvary
Regiment.
Therefore, the committee directs the Secretary of the Army
to deliver a briefing to the committee no later than March 1,
2021, on the Army's comprehensive cannon modernization strategy
and a status update on the mobile howitzer evaluation.
Shoulder-launched munitions procurement strategy
The committee is concerned about the increasing weight
carried by soldiers, to include weight from shoulder-launched
munitions (SLM). The committee encourages the Army to consider
employing already developed shoulder-fired weapons technology
that can address threats in a defilade position. For that
purpose, the committee expects the Army to assess and leverage
other military services' and special operations components'
requirements and solutions.
Specialization of carrier based squadrons
The committee is concerned with the current mission make-up
of the carrier air wing in light of the National Defense
Strategy (NDS) and great power competition. The committee has
received reports of carrier-based strike squadrons' decreasing
ability to adequately train across all of the missions required
to win against a near-peer adversary.
Therefore, the committee directs the Secretary of the Navy,
in consultation with the Chief of Naval Operations and the
Commandant of the Marine Corps, to provide a report to the
congressional defense committees, not later than February 1,
2021, as to the optimal mission make-up for carrier-based
strike fighter squadrons and the efficacy of specializing
various missions sets, such as air defense, as opposed to
strike, to better prepare for conflicts envisioned by the NDS.
Tactical Combat Training System
The committee recognizes the success of the U.S. Navy-led
Tactical Combat Training System-II and is encouraged that the
Navy and the Air Force are jointly planning to use the training
system. Any delay in fielding this capability would affect
readiness of Navy and Air Force aircrews who need a modern,
updated, and realistic training system for live, virtual, and
constructive training. Additionally, the committee notes the
Director of Operational Test and Evaluation strongly endorsed
the Tactical Combat Training System-II, citing significant
commonality with the Common Range Integrated Instrumentation
System and potential cost savings of millions of dollars. The
committee encourages the continued development and expedited
fielding of the Tactical Combat Training System-II.
Tactical wheeled vehicle industrial base
The committee notes with concern that the fiscal year 2021
budget request includes a steep reduction in funding across the
tactical wheeled vehicle (TWV) fleet. Funding decreases were
most pronounced for the Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck
(HEMTT) and the Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles (FMTV)
programs, which rely on minimum sustaining rates (MSRs).
Ensuring that heavy and medium tactical vehicles are authorized
at or above the MSRs of production is important to maintaining
a base of responsive vendors and suppliers in order to keep
production lines active.
Furthermore, the Army's Brigade Combat Teams are
particularly reliant on the FMTV and HEMTT fleets, and overall
readiness rates may be impacted if parts and spares become
unavailable due to production breaks. Finally, compounding this
problem is the decision by the Department of Defense to
reprogram $101 million appropriated for HEMTT funding in fiscal
year 2020 to support border wall construction.
The committee is concerned that these actions risk
destabilizing the supplier base, much of which is constituted
of small businesses that require predictable funding levels.
Accordingly, the committee directs the Secretary of the Army to
provide a briefing to the SASC no later than September 30,
2020, assessing the minimum sustaining rates for the TWV fleet
and the Army's plan to support those production rates. The
briefing shall also include an evaluation of the impacts to the
industrial base if minimum sustaining rates are not achieved
and details as to whether the Army anticipates any production
breaks that could negatively impact Army readiness,
modernization, and our soldiers. Finally, the briefing should
address how the Army encourages competition within the tactical
wheeled vehicle industry to ensure that the industrial base
remains robust and viable.
Tactical wheeled vehicle strategy
The committee notes that the current tactical wheeled
vehicle (TWV) fleet consists of nearly 250,000 vehicles and
their associated trailers, generally categorized as light,
medium, and heavy. Ensuring the suitability and resiliency of
the tactical wheeled vehicle fleet is critically important to
our national defense. Furthermore, the United States automotive
and commercial truck industry has invested in vehicle
technologies, to include emissions controls, autonomous
vehicles, and electric vehicles, that could be leveraged to
upgrade the tactical fleet, some of which is built on designs
originated in the 1980s or earlier.
The Army completed a Tactical Wheeled Vehicle Strategy in
2014, but, since that time, the Department of Defense has
reoriented to prepare itself for near-peer competition with the
release of the National Defense Strategy in 2018. It is the
committee's understanding that Army Futures Command (AFC) is
currently conducting a Tactical Wheeled Vehicle study designed
to identify the capabilities required for the TWV fleet in
order to support future multi-domain operations. Furthermore,
the results of this study will be used to inform the
development of a revised TWV strategy expected to be completed
in fiscal year 2021.
The committee supports the Army's efforts to develop a
revised TWV strategy that focuses on vehicle requirements and
the capabilities necessary to ensure that the Army prevails in
a future fight. Therefore, the committee directs the Army to
provide a briefing to the SASC on the TWV fleet by December 31,
2020. The briefing should include an update on the Army's
development of a revised TWV strategy, an assessment of the
Army's current acquisition strategy for tactical wheeled
vehicles, the Army's plan to ensure the viability of the
defense industrial base, and specification of further
opportunities to encourage competition within industry.
In addition, the committee directs the Comptroller General
of the United States to assess the Army's tactical wheeled
vehicle strategy and implementation efforts. The assessment
should include an analysis of potential competitive
opportunities and whether obstacles exist that prohibit such
competition. The committee further directs the Comptroller
General to submit an interim briefing not later than March 1,
2021, on the preliminary findings of the assessment.
Taser X-26 non-lethal conducted electrical weapon upgrade
Army personnel, across all components, require access to
working non-lethal weapons in every environment in which the
Army operates, from domestic bases to forward deployed
soldiers. The committee understands that taser X-26 Conducted
Electrical Weapons (CEWs) currently fielded across the Army are
over 5 years past the recommended lifecycle for these weapons,
which could increase the likelihood of failure due to age and
deterioration. The committee is also aware that the Army's
current inventory of the taser X-26 weapons may no longer be
supported with software updates and, in some cases, hardware
parts.
Therefore, the committee directs the Secretary of the Army
to submit a briefing to the SASC by September 30, 2020, on the
status of currently fielded taser X-26 CEWs and the Army's plan
to field future non-lethal capabilities. The briefing shall
include details as to whether the Army intends to remove all
non-working taser X-26 units, details as to whether the
remaining systems should be upgraded or replaced with a newer
generation of CEW tasers, and the funding requirements to
support these options. In addition, the committee encourages
the Chief of the National Guard Bureau to consider acquiring
non-lethal taser CEWs to meet the needs of National Guard and
Reserve personnel.
UH-60V Black Hawk conversions
Modernization of older model UH-60 Black Hawks through
recapitalization and upgrades to the new UH-60V models is
crucial to ensuring the continued viability of the Black Hawk
fleet. This modernization effort extends the service life of
airframes and replaces outdated analog cockpits with new
digital cockpits, ensuring that Black Hawk helicopters remain
safe and relevant for both overseas contingency operations and
domestic emergencies.
The committee supports the Army's plan to field UH-60V
Black Hawks across all components in order to maintain fleet
and mission parity within the Army. Further, the committee is
aware that the Army's modernization plan calls for
recapitalizing 48 legacy aircraft each year with a goal of
converting 760 total aircraft. The committee is concerned that
it will take the Army more than 15 years to recapitalize these
aircraft with production expected to continue through fiscal
year 2037. Concurrently, the Army is pursuing multiple aviation
modernization efforts, including the Future Long Range Assault
Aircraft (FLRAA), which could impact the Black Hawk
recapitalization effort given anticipated budget projections.
Given the importance of this modernization effort, the
committee directs the Secretary of the Army to provide a
briefing to the SASC no later than March 1, 2021, detailing how
the Army intends to meet the goal of recapitalizing 48 aircraft
per year and identifying opportunities to accelerate UH-60V
Black Hawk conversions.
UH-72 Communications and Monitoring Systems
The committee understands that the UH-72A Lakota helicopter
provides general aviation support for aviation units in the
Active and Reserve components. Active Army and Army National
Guard units operate the UH-72A in a variety of missions,
including flight training, surveillance and reconnaissance,
medical evacuation, border security, senior leadership
transport, and disaster response. The committee is concerned
that the Army is not taking advantage of modern health
monitoring systems on the UH-72A. The committee is aware that
commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) technology is available that
could upgrade the existing communications and health monitoring
system with a digital, lightweight, beyond-line-of-sight, push-
to-talk radio with Voice over Internet Protocol and a real-time
fleet health monitoring, recording, and next generation
satellite communications system. The committee is also aware
that these same COTS solutions could positively impact training
on the UH-72A.
Therefore, the committee directs the Secretary of the Army
to provide a briefing to the SASC no later than September 30,
2020, on the Army's health monitoring systems for the UH-72A
and existing COTS solutions that could improve the
effectiveness and lifespan of the aircraft.
Use of Navy and Marine Corps aircraft for NOBLE EAGLE
The committee is aware of the importance of the homeland
defense mission and the requirement to provide air defense of
the United States at all times irrespective of potential
conflicts in other parts of the world. It is understood that
the preponderance of aircraft assigned to the homeland air
defense mission are from the United States Air Force. The
committee is concerned that the capacity of the Air Force air
assets capable of homeland defense is becoming more and more
limited, given operational deployments to the U.S. Central
Command, U.S. European Command, and U.S. Indo-Pacific Command
areas of responsibility. The committee also recognizes that
there are Navy and Marine Corps aviation units that could
potentially be assigned to the homeland defense mission.
Therefore, the committee directs the Secretary of Defense,
in consultation with the Commander, U.S. Northern Command, to
provide a report to the congressional defense committees no
later than October 1, 2020, that analyzes the current and
potential further utilization of Navy and Marine Corps air
units to augment the Air Force units used to provide homeland
air defense.
USMC Aviator Body Armor Vest
The committee is aware that the current aviation life
support equipment (ALSE) flight vests worn by Marine Corps MV-
22 and CH-53 aircrews have excessive bulk that can impede the
operational performance of precision mission tasks. The
committee notes further that the Marine Corps has a requirement
to replace the ALSE flight vests currently worn by MV-22 and
CH-53 aircrews with an aviator body armor vest (ABAV) system
that improves mobility and performance while enhancing
survivability. The committee encourages the Marine Corps to
compete both commercial off-the-shelf and government-owned
designs of ABAV systems in order to identify a system that
fully meets the Marine Corps requirement to enable and protect
MV-22 and CH-53 aircrews while minimizing development costs and
delays to procurement.
Variable depth sonar systems
The committee believes that the Navy should increase its
capabilities in most mission areas, particularly in the area of
anti-submarine warfare (ASW). Given ongoing efforts by
potential adversaries to increase the capability, lethality,
and size of their respective submarine fleets, the committee
believes that expanding ASW capability on DDG-51 destroyers
would allow these ships to be more effective in conducting ASW
missions.
The Navy has been developing a variable depth sonar (VDS)
system (AN/SQS-62) that will be deployed as part of ASW mission
packages aboard Littoral Combat Ships. The committee believes
that adding VDS systems to DDG-51 destroyers could increase the
ASW capability of these ships, particularly considering that
the DDG-51s are the largest component of the Navy's surface
fleet and are central to fleet operations in peacetime and
during hostilities.
Therefore, the committee directs the Secretary of the Navy
to provide a report to the congressional defense committees no
later than December 1, 2020, on the potential benefits of
equipping DDG-51s with VDS systems. The report shall include:
(1) An assessment of current DDG-51 ASW performance, compared
to the potential ASW performance of DDG-51 destroyers outfitted
with VDS systems; (2) An assessment of current carrier strike
group (CSG) ASW performance, compared to the potential CSG ASW
performance if DDG-51 destroyers assigned to the CSG were
outfitted with VDS systems; and (3) An estimate of the costs
and manpower implications of outfitting DDG-51 destroyers with
VDS systems.
TITLE II--RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT, TEST, AND EVALUATION
Subtitle A--Authorization of Appropriations
Authorization of appropriations (sec. 201)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize
the appropriations for research, development, test, and
evaluation activities at the levels identified in section 4201
of division D of this Act.
Subtitle B--Program Requirements, Restrictions, and Limitations
Designation and activities of senior officials for critical technology
areas supportive of the National Defense Strategy (sec. 211)
The committee recommends a provision that would require the
Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering
(USD(R&E)) to designate a group of senior Department of Defense
officials who would be responsible for coordinating research
and engineering in technology areas deemed critical to the
National Defense Strategy (NDS). Each of the designated senior
officials would be responsible for a particular technology area
and would continuously and iteratively build the pathways
necessary to develop new technologies vital to the
modernization priorities of the NDS. The officials'
responsibilities would encompass technical, logistical, and
financial dimensions and would include coordination with
international, interagency, and private sector organizations.
The provision would also require the designated senior
officials to coordinate with the appropriate intelligence
agencies to develop direct comparisons between the capabilities
of the United States and the adversaries of the United States.
The provision would also require that the USD(R&E) provide
an annual report to the congressional defense committees
regarding successful advances in research and engineering and
technology transition and adoption following the implementation
of the provision.
The committee notes the USD(R&E) has currently assigned a
group of senior officials that serve as Assistant Directors
(ADs) or Technical Directors (TDs) for the NDS modernization
priorities. The committee believes that these ADs and TDs play
a valuable role in building roadmaps to develop critical
technologies while simultaneously coordinating efforts across
the military services and the Department of Defense. The
committee further notes that the recruitment of ADs and TDs
with deep knowledge of and expertise in their designated
technology areas is key to ensuring the effective development
and coordination of these technologies' development across the
Department of Defense. The committee is encouraged by the
impressive backgrounds of the current ADs and TDs and believes
that these positions should be further formalized to
institutionalize their roles and responsibilities. The
committee believes that all DOD S&T organizations should
coordinate appropriate S&T activities with these senior
officials.
The committee directs the Under Secretary of Defense for
Research and Engineering to provide each fiscal year, not later
than 30 days after the date on which the budget justification
materials are submitted to Congress in support of the
Department of Defense budget, until December 1, 2025, to the
congressional defense committees a briefing on the technology
roadmaps and the findings of the most recent review conducted
of the relevant research and engineering budgets, including a
list of projects and activities with unwarranted or inefficient
duplication.
Governance of fifth-generation wireless networking in the Department of
Defense (sec. 212)
The committee recommends a provision that would establish a
cross-functional team (CFT) for fifth-generation wireless
networking and designate the Chief Information Officer (CIO) of
the Department of Defense, in carrying out the responsibilities
established in section 142 of title 10, United States Code, to
lead the CFT and serve as the senior designated official for
fifth-generation wireless networking policy, oversight,
guidance, and coordination in the Department.
The committee commends the Department of Defense, in
particular the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and
Engineering (USD(R&E)), for its efforts over the last 2 years
to develop a plan to determine how fifth-generation (5G)
wireless networking can be used in military applications, how
to gain network superiority, and how to protect 5G networks
from adversaries seeking to compromise it. The committee is
pleased with the USD(R&E)'s and the broader Department's rapid
action in developing an experimentation plan to accelerate
development of fundamental 5G dual-use technologies. The
committee is also pleased with the Department's robust
engagement with industry, through the National Spectrum
Consortium, for these testing and experimentation projects.
While the committee is impressed with the progress USD(R&E)
has made regarding 5G experimentation and believes that
USD(R&E) needs to continue to play a key role in 5G research
and development, the committee realizes that a broader
enterprise-wide approach is needed for the Department to fully
leverage and operationalize the technology effectively across
the Department. As the Department continues to execute this
experimentation plan, the committee believes that a broader,
lasting governance structure is required to advance the
development and adoption of next generation wireless
communication policies, technologies, capabilities, and
applications in a coordinated manner across the entire
Department. The committee also believes that the adoption of
these next generation wireless capabilities will be
transformational for the Department.
The committee encourages the Secretary of Defense to
identify and allocate the appropriate personnel necessary to
support the 5G CFT and the additional responsibilities of the
CIO for 5G policy, oversight, guidance, and coordination within
the Department to ensure that this critical emerging technology
becomes a competitive advantage to the warfighter. The
committee is aware of the CFT model that the Department has
employed to govern its cyber programs and policy--the
establishment of a permanent team in the office of the
Principal Cyber Advisor to support the rotating cyber CFT--and
encourages the Secretary of Defense to use a similar construct
in resourcing this implementation. The committee also expects
that, as the leader of the CFT, the CIO will regularly report
to and receive direction from the Secretary of Defense and
Deputy Secretary of Defense.
Application of artificial intelligence to the defense reform pillar of
the National Defense Strategy (sec. 213)
The committee recommends a provision that would require the
Secretary of Defense to establish a set of no fewer than five
use cases of artificial intelligence capabilities that support
reform efforts consistent with the National Defense Strategy.
The provision would also require the Under Secretary of Defense
for Research and Engineering to pilot a technology development
and prototyping activity that leverages commercially available
artificial intelligence technologies and systems in the context
of these use cases.
The committee notes that the pilot technology development
and prototyping activity should inform, and be broadly
applicable to, an artificial intelligence (AI) engineering
approach that enables the Department to share data, algorithms,
and models to accelerate AI adoption. The committee also notes
that these efforts should be undertaken in coordination with
other appropriate stakeholders, including the Joint Artificial
Intelligence Center, elements of the Office of the Secretary of
Defense, and the military departments, to ensure that
infrastructure, acquisition, and other enabling activities are
in place, that high priority activities are selected for
execution, and that effective capabilities are transitioned
into operational use.
The committee notes the compelling business case for near-
term application of AI at scale within the Department of
Defense (DOD) to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of
DOD ``back office'' business processes and business systems.
Already in wide and effective use in the commercial sector, as
well as in some DOD business functions, such applications can
have fewer technological hurdles for their transition into use
and provide significant opportunity to drive reforms and
savings by optimizing the business functions of the DOD. The
committee also believes that a comprehensive DOD AI engineering
approach would advance the analysis and use of data across the
Department in other application areas.
The committee notes that relatively simple applications of
existing AI systems would greatly improve the way in which the
Department analyzes and uses data to support management of
enterprise acquisition, personnel, audit, and financial
management functions.
Extension of authorities to enhance innovation at Department of Defense
laboratories (sec. 214)
The committee recommends a provision that would extend a
pilot program for the enhancement of the research, development,
test and evaluation centers of the Department of Defense,
established under section 233 of the National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 (Public Law 114-9 328;
10 U.S.C. 2358 note), through September 30, 2025. The provision
would also extend a pilot program to improve incentives for
technology transfer from Department of Defense laboratories,
established under section 233 of the National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (Public Law 115-91; 10
U.S.C. 2514 note), through September 30, 2025.
The committee commends the military services that have been
able to implement these pilot programs and encourages all the
military services to look for opportunities to fully use these
authorities. The committee notes that the Navy has indicated
that it has aggressively implemented 18 management initiatives
at technical warfare centers and labs under section 233 of the
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 (Public
Law 114-328) that have achieved greater efficiencies and
effectiveness by decreasing processing days for administrative
procedures by nearly 500,000 days over 18 months.
Updates to Defense Quantum Information Science and Technology Research
and Development program (sec. 215)
The committee recommends a provision that would amend the
Defense Quantum Information Science and Technology Research and
Development Program, established in section 234 of the John S.
McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019
(Public Law 115-232), by directing each of the Secretaries of
the military departments to develop more robust programs for
quantum computing capabilities.
The provision would require the Secretaries to develop and
annually update a list of problems for which quantum computers
are uniquely suited or could better resolve technical and
research challenges. The provision would also support efforts
by private sector, government, industry, and academic
researchers by connecting small and medium-sized businesses
with existing quantum computing capabilities with researchers
who can make use of existing commercial quantum computers.
The committee notes the importance of harnessing quantum
computing technologies to effectively compete in the rapidly-
changing global security climate outlined in the National
Defense Strategy.
Program of part-time and term employment at Department of Defense
science and technology reinvention laboratories of faculty and
students from institutions of higher education (sec. 216)
The committee recommends a provision that would implement a
recommendation of the National Security Commission on
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and authorize a pilot program to
permit university students and faculty to take on part-time and
term employment at Department of Defense (DOD) laboratories to
work on critical technologies and research activities.
The Commission noted that, when private sector companies
hire university faculty as summer or part-time researchers,
they ``benefit from access to a diverse group of experts that
understands and often creates the world's most cutting-edge AI.
In turn the companies provide resources, exposure to new
techniques, and financial compensation to the professors,
sometimes including funding for their university-based lab.
When the professors return to teaching, they also expose
promising students to the companies' work, creating student
awareness and excitement about the available opportunities, a
positive perception of the companies, and relationships that
encourage student employment upon graduation.'' The Commission
recommended that DOD replicate this proven technique and hire
university faculty with relevant science, technology,
engineering, and mathematics expertise to serve as part-time
researchers in laboratories. The Commission also noted that
faculty members could work during sabbaticals, summer breaks,
or limited hours throughout the year.
Improvements to Technology and National Security Fellowship of
Department of Defense (sec. 217)
The committee recommends a provision that would amend
section 235 of the National Defense Authorization Act for
Fiscal Year 2020 (Public Law 116-92) to increase the pay range
for participants in the Department of Defense Technology and
National Security Fellowship, executed by the Under Secretary
of Defense for Research and Engineering. The committee notes
that this fellowship is intended to bring more technology
expertise to the Department of Defense and the Congress, with a
focus on the intersection between technology and national
security policy challenges. The provision would also add new
background check requirements for fellows as a prerequisite for
participation in the program.
Department of Defense research, development, and deployment of
technology to support water sustainment (sec. 218)
The committee recommends a provision that would require the
Secretary of Defense to research, develop, and deploy advanced
technologies that support water sustainment with technologies
that capture ambient humidity and harvest, recycle, and reuse
water.
Development and testing of hypersonic capabilities (sec. 219)
The committee recommends a provision that would encourage
the development of hypersonics capabilities as a key element of
the National Defense Strategy. These weapons represent an area
of intense technological competition between the United States,
People's Republic of China, and Russian Federation. The
committee is concerned that there is a lack of focus on air-
launched and air-breathing hypersonic capability inside the
Department of Defense and remains concerned that more attention
needs to be focused on the expeditious development and
maturation of key hypersonic flight technologies. In addition
to the need to improve ground-based test facilities such as
wind tunnels, the Department of Defense (DOD) also needs to
increase its flight test rate to expedite the maturation and
fielding of hypersonic technologies. The combination of ground-
based testing and flight testing is critical to fully maturing
the fundamental technologies needed to field a hypersonic
flight system. High-rate hypersonic flight test programs would
help mature six critical technology areas: (1) Thermal
protection systems and high temperature flight structures; (2)
Seekers and sensors for hypersonic vehicles; (3) Advanced
navigation, guidance, and control; (4) Communications and data
links; (5) High speed aerodynamic characterization; and (6)
Advanced avionics and vehicle communication systems for
hypersonic vehicles.
Therefore, the provision would require the Under Secretary
of Defense for Research and Engineering, in consultation with
the Chief of Staff of the Air Force, to provide an executable
strategy and report to the congressional defense committees, no
later than December 30, 2020, on the plan to field air-launched
and air-breathing hypersonic weapon capabilities within 3
years. The strategy would include required investment in
testing and infrastructure to address the need for both flight
and ground testing.
Disclosure requirements for recipients of Department of Defense
research and development grants (sec. 220)
The committee recommends a provision that would amend
chapter 139 of title 10, United States Code, by adding a new
section on disclosure requirements for recipients of Department
of Defense research and development grants with an effective
date of October 1, 2021.
Subtitle C--Plans, Reports, and Other Matters
Assessment on United States national security emerging biotechnology
efforts and capabilities and comparison with adversaries (sec.
231)
The committee recommends a provision that would require the
Secretary of Defense, through the Under Secretary of Defense
for Research and Engineering and the Under Secretary of Defense
for Intelligence and Security, to conduct an assessment of U.S.
efforts to develop biotechnologies and biotechnology
capabilities as compared to our adversaries' efforts and
capabilities. The provision would also require the Secretary of
Defense, through the Under Secretary of Defense for
Intelligence and Security, to assess the ability of the
intelligence community to meet the intelligence analysis needs
of the Department of Defense with respect to emerging
biotechnologies. The Secretary of Defense would be required to
submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the
assessments not later than February 1, 2021.
The committee notes the importance of biotechnology to the
evolving global security landscape as outlined in the National
Defense Strategy. Therefore, the committee expects an
assessment of the efforts to develop emerging biotechnology
capabilities for the national security purposes of the
Department, other federal government agencies, academia, and
industry. Additionally, the assessment should include an
evaluation of resourcing efforts, to include items such as
funding, workforce capabilities and recruitment capabilities,
facilities, test infrastructure, and the ability of the
industrial base to support and operationalize successful
research efforts. The assessment should also include a
description of timelines for operational deployment of emerging
biotechnologies for national security purposes.
The assessments should also analyze the overall progress
made in the field of biotechnology by the United States and our
adversaries, including the viability, deployment, and timelines
for operational deployment of new technologies and broader
efforts to ensure our competitive capabilities in the global
arena. As a nascent and dynamic emerging field of global
competition, the committee is concerned about the ability of
the intelligence community to provide in-depth and adequate
analysis to support U.S. research and development activities in
the emerging biotechnology area beyond traditional biological
weapons. As such, the assessment should include an analysis of
the adequacy of current defense academic and industrial
intelligence and security apparatus (including the Defense
Counterintelligence and Security Agency and service
counterintelligence centers) to support Department of Defense
investments in biotechnology. The assessment should also
include review of the necessary supporting functions required
for optimal intelligence community assessment of
biotechnologies, including technology forecasting,
bioinformatics tools, and technical solutions. Recommendations
for improvement should include needed upgrades to intelligence
analysis and workforce, a suggested optimal organizational
construct for the intelligence community to support the
Department's biotechnology enterprise, and potential
organizational schemes for a more effective whole-of-community
approach.
Independent comparative analysis of efforts by China and the United
States to recruit and retain researchers in national security-
related fields (sec. 232)
The committee recommends a provision that would require the
National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine to
conduct a study comparing methods for recruiting and retaining
technology researchers, including financial incentives and
academic opportunities, currently used by the U.S. and Chinese
governments. The study would focus on incentives employed by
China to bring researchers in American academic and government
laboratories into Chinese talent programs and how these
incentives diverge from those offered by the United States.
The committee notes that China maintains programs such as
China's Thousand Talents, initially formed to attract Chinese
expatriates and other researchers to China and recently renamed
the National High-end Foreign Experts Recruitment Plan, to
provide funding to researchers in the United States, including
tenured American professors and researchers at federally-funded
laboratories. Through these talent programs, American
researchers are encouraged to set up labs in China and conduct
research in Chinese laboratories, granting China access to
sensitive technologies developed in the United States.
The committee notes China's efforts to close technology
gaps through intellectual property theft and the relevance of
these efforts to challenges outlined in the National Defense
Strategy (NDS). The committee also notes both the importance of
robust basic research in science and technology to NDS
implementation as well as the prevalence of foreign students in
science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education in
the United States.
Department of Defense demonstration of virtualized radio access network
and massive multiple input multiple output radio arrays for
fifth generation wireless networking (sec. 233)
The committee recommends a provision that would require the
Department of Defense (DOD) to demonstrate virtualized radio
access network (RAN) and network core technologies and massive
multiple input multiple output (MIMO) radio array technology
for commercial use that is globally competitive in terms of
cost and performance. The provision would require that this
technology demonstration be conducted at one or more of the
sites where the DOD is deploying fifth generation (5G) network
instances.
The committee notes that leading global providers of 5G
wireless networking RAN equipment and RAN radio arrays are
foreign companies in Europe, South Korea, and China. These
providers offer vertically integrated, specialized, and
proprietary products that are highly coupled, which make it
difficult for customers to mix components from multiple
companies and results in high costs. The committee is aware
that, as in many other information technology sectors, wireless
networking technologies are being developed that replace
dedicated hardware through software virtualization on commodity
computing systems. In addition, there is an emerging set of
open standards for the interfaces among wireless networking
components and functions that complements this virtualization
technology.
The committee believes that these developments will offer
opportunities for new entrants, including existing and new U.S.
companies, to enter the wireless networking industry and
compete effectively on cost and performance in the global 5G
competition with China. The committee believes that it is
important for the Department of Defense to demonstrate the
maturity, cost, and performance of virtualized RAN technology,
in coordination with the U.S. telecommunications industry, to
ensure that this technology is a viable contender for
commercial 5G network deployments.
The committee notes that MIMO radio arrays, currently based
on specialized Gallium Nitride radio-frequency electronics,
will also be critical in developing a competitive wireless
networking solution, particularly in terms of cost, weight,
power, and performance. The committee believes that competing
effectively in 5G wireless networking technology will require
U.S. companies to bring forth significant innovation in massive
MIMO radio array technology.
Independent technical review of Federal Communications Commission Order
20-48 (sec. 234)
The committee recommends a provision that would require the
Secretary of Defense to enter into an agreement with the
National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine to
conduct an independent technical review of the Order and
Authorization adopted by the Federal Communications Commission
(FCC) on April 19, 2020 (FCC 20-48). The independent technical
review would include a comparison of the two different
approaches used for evaluation of potential harmful
interference. The provision also would require the National
Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine to submit a
report on the independent technical review.
The committee is aware that extensive testing performed by
9 federal agencies concluded that the Ligado proposal will
cause interference for both civilian and military Global
Positioning System (GPS) users. The committee notes that the
Department of Defense, Department of Justice, National
Aeronautics and Space Administration, Department of
Transportation, Department of Commerce, Department of Homeland
Security, Department of Energy, and Federal Aviation
Administration all strongly oppose this proposal. The committee
is also concerned that the mitigation conditions imposed on
Ligado in the FCC Order are not practical and do not adequately
protect GPS.
The committee is aware that one of the main justifications
in the FCC Order for approving Ligado's proposal involves the
methods used for determining harmful interference. The
committee believes that further technical evaluation of the
methods is warranted and therefore recommends this independent
study to review the two approaches (the Ligado-proposed and
FCC-approved criteria of harmful interference to determine how
select receivers are impacted versus the Department of
Transportation study method of determining an allowable level
of noise adjacent to the relevant spectrum) to determine which
one most effectively mitigates risk and to recommend a way
forward, including the possibility of incorporating additional
testing.
Report on and limitation on expenditure of funds for micro nuclear
reactor programs (sec. 235)
The committee recommends a provision that would require the
Secretary of Defense to submit to the appropriate congressional
committees a report on the Department's micro nuclear reactor
programs. The report would be required to cover operational,
safety, programmatic, diplomatic, regulatory, and legal issues,
in coordination with officials within the Department of
Defense, Department of Energy, Department of State, and Nuclear
Regulatory Commission. The provision would prohibit obligation
or expenditure of funds beyond 20 percent of those authorized
to be appropriated for such programs in fiscal year 2021 by
this Act until submission of the report.
The committee supports the Department's efforts to explore
alternative operational energy sources and also supports
innovation in reactor technology but does not believe that the
Department has considered the unique complexities associated
with nuclear energy in designing these programs. The committee
is also concerned about implications for policy and programs
outside the Department of Defense, including availability of
unobligated enriched uranium.
Modification to Test Resource Management Center strategic plan
reporting cycle and contents (sec. 236)
The committee recommends a provision that would modify the
Test Resource Management Center strategic plan reporting cycle
and period to be covered. It is currently a 30-year strategic
plan, re-baselined every 2 years. This provision would make the
strategic plan cover a 15-year period, to be re-baselined at
least every 4 fiscal years, with an annual update as needed.
The new strategic plan would be due not later than 1 year after
the release of the Secretary of Defense's National Defense
Strategy (NDS).
The committee notes that the current strategic plan
required by section 196 of title 10, United States Code, is not
as useful to the Congress or the Department of Defense as it
could be, due to the nature and frequency of the updates. The
committee believes that a more helpful strategic plan would be
on a 4-year cycle, with yearly updates to relay any changes,
analysis, or high visibility items determined worthy of
reporting by the Director of the Test Resource Management
Center.
Limitation on contract awards for certain unmanned vessels (sec. 237)
The committee recommends a provision that would require the
submission of a certification by the Under Secretary of Defense
for Research and Engineering to the congressional defense
committees prior to the Department of Defense's contracting for
certain vessels.
The committee is concerned that an excessive number of
unmanned surface and undersea vessels (USVs and UUVs) are being
acquired prematurely using Research, Development, Test, and
Evaluation funds and that these vessels may include subsystems
that lack sufficient technical reliability and technological
maturity to allow the vessels to meet threshold requirements.
The committee seeks to avoid contracting for USVs and UUVs
when the technical reliability and technological maturity of
subsystems critical to propulsion and electrical distribution
or the military purposes of the vessels are either unknown or
known to be insufficient. For example, the committee notes the
Navy requirement for Medium and Large USVs (MUSV and LUSV) to
operate continuously at sea for at least 30 days without
preventative maintenance, corrective maintenance, or emergent
repairs. The committee is unaware of any unmanned vessel of the
size or complexity envisioned for MUSV or LUSV that has
demonstrated at least 30 days of such operation.
The committee understands that the Strategic Capabilities
Office (SCO) prototype vessels intended to provide risk
reduction for the Navy's LUSV program have demonstrated a
maximum of 2 to 3 days of continuous operation. The committee
also understands that the SCO vessels are approximately 25
percent the size by tonnage of a Navy LUSV. As a result, the
committee is concerned that the applicability of lessons
learned and risk reduction from the SCO vessels to the Navy
MUSV and LUSV programs will be limited.
The committee views prior and successful land-based
prototyping of individual critical subsystems as essential to
providing a solid technical foundation for USV and UUV
programs. Rather than delaying these programs, the committee
believes that a deliberate engineering-based subsystem
prototyping approach will enable the delivery of capable,
reliable, and sustainable USVs and UUVs that meet the needs of
fleet commanders faster than the plan contained in the budget
request, which assumes that several unproven or non-existent
subsystems will rapidly materialize to meet the Navy's
requirements for these vessels.
Documentation relating to Advanced Battle Management System (sec. 238)
The committee recommends a provision that would require the
Secretary of the Air Force to submit specific documentation
germane to the Advanced Battle Management System immediately
upon enactment of this Act.
Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery Test special purpose adjunct
to address computational thinking (sec. 239)
The committee recommends a provision that would require the
Secretary of Defense, within 1 year of enactment of this Act,
to establish a special purpose test adjunct to the Armed
Services Vocational Aptitude Battery test to address
computational thinking skills relevant to military
applications.
Budget Items
Army
Artificial Intelligence Human Performance Optimization
The budget request included 303.3 million in Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), Army, for PE 61102A
for Defense Research Sciences.
The committee notes the importance of improving special
operations forces' individual performance optimization,
resilience, and readiness, including recent emphasis on natural
movement, full-range body motion, and gravity-aided non-
traditional suspension training exercises. The committee is
also aware that an opportunity may exist to fuse these new
health and human performance approaches with advancements in
artificial intelligence. The committee therefore encourages
development of the Human Development Ecosystem to improve the
health and well-being of individual military operators. The
committee understands that this effort will further investigate
application of AI to the physiological, cognitive, and
emotional needs of the warfighter.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $2.0
million, in RDT&E, Army, for PE 61102A for AI Human Performance
Optimization.
Increase in basic research, Army
The budget request included $303.3 million in Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), Army, for PE 61102A
Defense Research Sciences.
The committee recognizes the increasingly complex security
environment detailed in the National Defense Strategy and born
from rapid technological change, challenges from adversaries in
every operating domain, and decreased readiness derivative of
the longest continuous stretch of armed conflict in U.S.
history. Accordingly, it is crucial to adequately fund,
resource, and structure the Department of Defense to conduct
RDT&E activities for critical emerging technologies to stay
ahead of our adversaries, most notably Russia and China.
Resources must be devoted and responsibly spent toward research
and development of artificial intelligence, quantum computing,
hypersonics, directed energy, biotechnology, autonomy, cyber,
space, 5G, microelectronics, and fully networked command,
control, and communications technologies. As such, the
committee encourages rapid development, prototyping, testing,
and acquisition of these emerging technologies in order to
remain ahead of our adversaries.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $10.0
million in RDT&E, Army, for PE 61102A Defense Research Sciences
to support additional basic research.
Pandemic Vaccine Response
The budget request included $11.8 million in Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), Army, for PE 62115A
Biomedical Technology.
Given the recent COVID-19 global pandemic, the committee
notes the importance of protecting warfighter populations in
the event of a global pandemic and supports expanding rapid
response vaccine capabilities and capacity to preserve force
readiness during an outbreak. The committee commends the
Department of Defense for its prior efforts to pursue novel
rapid production capabilities and encourages the Department to
pursue late-stage multi-modal platform technologies capable of
responding to pandemics such as influenza and COVID-19.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $4.0
million, in RDT&E, Army, for PE 62115A for pandemic vaccine
response research.
Hybrid additive manufacturing
The budget request included $42.4 million in Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), Army, for PE 62141A
Lethality Technology.
The committee notes that additive manufacturing can enable
rapid prototyping and manufacturing of missile and smart bomb
electronics, energetics, structural components, and warheads.
The committee supports the development of the next generation
of integrated hybrid additive manufacturing processes and
equipment necessary to prototype missile, rocket, and munition
materials, electronics, subsystems, and fully integrated
components to demonstrate advanced designs and capabilities.
These processes could enable the capability to combine
materials on demand and at faster production rates and has the
advantage of delivering a range of products without the need to
retool manufacturing equipment.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $3.0
million in RDT&E, Army, for PE 62141A for hybrid additive
manufacturing.
Pathfinder Air Assault
The budget request included $30.8 million for Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), Army, for PE 62142A
Army Applied Research.
The committee notes the importance of coupling soldier
insights with basic research initiatives to expedite the
delivery of new technologies to the field. The committee
further notes that Army Futures Command (AFC) is leading the
Army Modernization Program and that the AFC University
Technology Development Directorate (UTDD) has improved the
delivery of university-based applied research outcomes to the
force through the incorporation of soldier insights. The
committee encourages the expansion of these efforts to improve
air assault operations and precision fires and the continued
co-designing of technology solutions with soldiers, ensuring
outcomes that will fulfill their needs.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $3.0
million, in RDT&E, Army, for PE 62142A for Pathfinder Air
Assault.
Harnessing Emerging Research Opportunities to Empower Soldiers Program
The budget request included $125.4 million in Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), Army, for PE 62143A
Soldier Lethality Technology.
The committee is aware of the work being done by the Combat
Capabilities Development Command's Soldier Center in improving
the protection, survivability, mobility, and combat
effectiveness of soldiers. Among these efforts is continued
research in areas of advanced ballistic polymers for body
armor, fibers to make uniforms more fire-resistant, lightweight
structures for advanced shelters--all examples of tangible
benefits to the soldier.
The committee recommends an increase of $2.5 million in
RDT&E, Army, for PE 62143A for the Harnessing Emerging Research
Opportunities to Empower Soldiers program.
Metal-based display technologies
The budget request included $125.4 million in Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), Army, for PE 62143A
Soldier Lethality Technology.
The committee notes the value of high efficiency and
ruggedized computer display technology, which reduces the
weight burden of extra batteries and displays and improves the
warfighter's mobility and soldier lethality.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $3.0
million in RDT&E, Army, for PE 62143A for lightweight, metal-
based display technologies.
Pathfinder Airborne
The budget request included $125.4 million in Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), Army, for PE 62143A
Soldier Lethality Technology.
The committee notes the importance of enhancing Airborne
Joint Forcible Entry operations in contested areas and
fostering innovation to enable improved airborne responses to
crisis contingencies around the world. The Pathfinder Airborne
program pursues applied research projects to enable critical
Army-specific airborne missions in technologies that include:
advanced materials for soldier protection, communication, and
sensing; next-generation additive manufacturing methods and
materials; secure communications, smart wireless systems, and
5G wireless networks; visualization, simulation, and analytics
for enhanced decision-making; quantum computing, sensing, and
communications; and enhanced soldier performance.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $5.0
million, in RDT&E, Army, for PE 62143A for the Pathfinder
Airborne program.
Ground technology advanced manufacturing, materials, and process
technologies
The budget request included $28.0 million in Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), Army, for PE 62144A
Ground Technology.
The committee notes that the Advanced Manufacturing,
Materials, and Processes (AMMP) program located within the
Center for Agile Materials Manufacturing Science at the Army
Research Laboratory provides important tools and materials and
process technologies to the rest of the Army and accelerates
the ability of the Army to enhance its industrial base
capabilities to meet the Army's six modernization priorities.
The committee further notes that these innovations can reduce
lifecycle costs and enhance capabilities for the warfighter.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $2.0
million, in RDT&E, Army, for PE 62144A for ground technology
advanced manufacturing, materials, and process initiatives.
Ground Combat Vehicle Platform Electrification
The budget request included $217.6 million in Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), Army, for PE 62145A
Next Generation Combat Vehicle (NGCV) Technology.
The committee recognizes that improving vehicle
electrification technologies is essential for overmatch on the
future battlefield and supports the Army Futures Command,
specifically the NGCV Cross-Functional Team, as it executes
experiments and builds prototypes.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $2.0
million in RDT&E, Army, for PE 62145A for ground combat vehicle
platform electrification.
Immersive virtual modeling and simulation techniques
The budget request included $217.6 million in Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), Army, for PE 62145A
Next Generation Combat Vehicle Technology.
The committee recognizes the importance of immersive and
virtual simulation modeling and simulation enterprise support
for the development of autonomous vehicle technologies.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $5.0
million in RDT&E, Army, for PE 62145A for immersive virtual
modeling and simulation techniques.
Next Generation Combat Vehicle modeling and simulation
The budget request included $219.6 million in Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), Army, for PE 62145A
Next Generation Combat Vehicle Technology.
The committee notes that the Next Generation Combat Vehicle
(NGCV) cross-functional team places a high emphasis on modeling
and simulation for analyzing and evaluating vehicle platforms
and technologies. The committees notes that there is a need to
quickly perform complex trade studies on requirements, sub-
system optimizations, and portfolio investments to provide
program options in a timely fashion to decision-makers,
including through the use of advanced software, modeling, and
software-in-the-loop techniques.
The committee recommends an additional $3.0 million in
RDT&E, Army, for PE 62145A for NGCV modeling and simulation
activities.
Backpackable communications intelligence system
The budget request included $114.4 million in Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), Army, for PE 62146A
Network C3I Technology.
The committee notes the importance of conducting missions
against non-state actors and near-peer competitors in highly
contested domains. The National Defense Strategy highlights the
need for maintaining capability to address non-state threats,
along with increased resources for a potential high-end
conflict against near-peer state actors. These state actors
employ high frequency communications as either backup or
primary modes for command and control. The committee notes that
backpackable communications intelligence systems are small,
covertly operable systems capable of countering some threat
communications capabilities in highly contest environments,
including locating sources of adversary wireless communications
signals.
The committee recommends an increase of $5.0 million, in
RDT&E, Army, for PE 62146A for backpackable communications
intelligence systems.
Defense resiliency platform against extreme cold weather
The budget request included $114.4 million in Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), Army, for PE 62146A
Network C3I Technology.
The committee notes the impact of extreme cold weather on
military infrastructure and the challenges that it poses for
U.S. military operations. The committee notes the value of
research in developing advanced capabilities for extreme cold
regions in increasing the Army's ability to map remote extreme
cold regions, ensuring the superiority of the U.S. Army in
extreme cold regions, and reducing the deterioration of
infrastructure due to freeze-thaw cycles. The committee further
notes that research in developing capabilities for extreme cold
regions should incorporate risk assessment, ground-based
measurements, bio-inspired innovative sensors, geospatial
mapping, and intelligent prediction capabilities.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $3.0
million, in RDT&E, Army, for PE 62146A for a defense resiliency
platform against extreme cold weather.
Multi-drone multi-sensor intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance
capability
The budget request included $114.4 million in Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), Army, for PE 62146A
Network C3I Technology.
The committee recommends an increase of $2.0 million in
RDT&E, Army, for PE 62146A for multi-drone/multi-sensor
intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities.
Quantum computing based materials optimization
The budget request included $114.4 million in Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), Army, for PE 62146A
Network C3I Technology.
The committee notes the importance of the construction and
demonstration of quantum computing technologies for the design
and development of novel advanced materials. The committee
further notes that quantum computing-based approaches for the
rapid design of next generation materials may result in long-
term accelerated development of military systems and may
improve the rate of production of key defense technologies.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $2.0
million, in RDT&E, Army, for PE 62146A for quantum computing-
based materials optimization.
Composite artillery tube and propulsion prototyping
The budget request included $60.6 million in Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), Army, for PE 62147A
Long Range Precision Fires Technology.
The committee recognizes the need for extended range,
greater mobility, and improved maneuverability for conventional
tube artillery. Composite tube technology will allow the use of
powerful propellants that will achieve the desired Extended
Range Cannon Artillery ranges while reducing weight and length
of tube, enabling greater combat maneuverability. The committee
notes that this will increase effectiveness and survivability
on the multi-domain battlefield. The committee believes that
research into this technology could enable shorter, lighter
tubes that can use stronger propulsion to achieve required
range, allow greater mobility, which could enable circumvention
of enemy counter fire, and increase weapon system lethality.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $7.0
million in RDT&E, Army, for PE 62147A for research and
development of composite tubes and propulsion prototyping.
Counter Unmanned Aerial System threat research and development
The budget request included $56.3 million in Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), Army, for PE 62150A
Air and Missile Defense Technology.
The committee supports the Army's investment in advanced
technologies to mitigate threats from Unmanned Aircraft Systems
(UAS), especially as these threats emerge and mature rapidly.
The committee believes that it is important to leverage
existing and proven counter-UAS technologies and to investigate
ways to expand these technologies with automation and machine
learning algorithms to discretely identify, detect, and
classify emerging threat UAS systems. The committee notes that
these technologies will enable soldiers to rapidly compress
kill chain decision-making processes while increasing force
protection for ground and airborne autonomous vehicles, which
will expand soldiers' situational awareness within the battle
space. The committee believes that it is important for the Army
Research Lab to collaborate with academia and private industry
to develop commercially available counter-UAS technology for
force protection and other needs. The committee also encourages
the Army Research Lab to help inform Army requirements and
advise on technologies to fulfill Army Futures Command
objectives.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $5.0
million in PE 62150A Air and Missile Defense Technology for
counter-UAS threat research.
Counter unmanned aircraft systems research
The budget request included $56.3 million in Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), Army, for PE 62150A
Air and Missile Defense Technology.
The committee recognizes that the threat of unmanned aerial
systems (UASs) to U.S. forces, activities, and infrastructure
reflects a variety of UAS sizes and sophistications and is
rapidly evolving and proliferating. Developing ever-evolving
counter-UAS solutions requires nimble, collaborative research.
Accordingly, the committee recommends an increase of $5.0
million in RDT&E, Army, for PE 62150A for a counter-UAS
research activity.
Coronavirus nanovaccine research
The budget request included $95.5 million in Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), Army, for PE 62787A
Medical Technology.
The committee notes that the United States Army Medical
Research and Development Command is a key part of the whole-of-
government response to COVID-19. The National Institute of
Allergies and Infectious Diseases has identified nanovaccine
research as potentially preventing pandemic diseases with
vaccines that are more effective, are more durable, and can be
produced more quickly.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $2.0
million in RDT&E, Army, for PE 62787A to continue Department of
Defense efforts in developing nanovaccine capabilities for
COVID-19 and directs the Army to integrate the nanovaccine
research with other coronavirus research efforts to the maximum
extent practicable.
3D Advanced Manufacturing
The budget request included $109.6 million in Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), Army, for PE 63118A
for Soldier Lethality Advanced Technology.
The committee recommends an increase of $2.0 million in
RDT&E, Army, for PE 63118A for 3D Advanced Manufacturing.
Cybersecurity for industrial control systems and building automation
The budget request included $14.8 million for Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), Army, for PE 63119A
Ground Advanced Technology.
The committee understands the importance of creating
research programs that would enhance partnerships in developing
cybersecurity capabilities and strategic technical workforce
development efforts in fields critical to national security.
The committee believes that it is important to create
opportunities to study the cybersecurity vulnerabilities of
industrial and facility-related control systems, such as those
used on military installations, and to expand the scope and
cooperation of academia's current efforts with leading Federal
laboratories in cybersecurity training and assessment and
advanced control system technology implementation. The
committee encourages the Army to leverage ongoing collaboration
with Army research organizations to accomplish these efforts.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $3.0
million, in RDT&E, Army, for PE 63119A for cybersecurity for
industrial control systems and building automation.
Graphene applications for military engineering
The budget request included $14.8 million in Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), Army, for PE 63119A
Ground Advanced Technology.
The committee recognizes the importance of graphene and its
use in many applications. These include materials that provide
lighter logistics and stronger facilities protection, augment
concealment and cover through multispectral augmentation,
improve sensor and detection capabilities, and allow for better
ground and air mobility. These types of materials applications
align well with Army Futures Command's six modernization
priorities.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $3.0
million in RDT&E, Army, for PE 63119A for graphene applications
for military engineering.
High performance computing modernization
The budget request included $188.0 million in Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), Army, for PE 63461A
Army High Performance Computing Modernization Program (HPMCP).
The committee notes that the HPMCP supports the advanced
computing needs of Department of Defense acquisition,
engineering, testing, and research organizations. The committee
notes that the President's budget request routinely underfunds
investment in this capability, such that annual Congressional
increases are necessary for the HPMCP to continue normal
operations. The committee also commends the HPMCP community for
providing technical assistance to the scientific community
during the COVID-19 crisis and supporting a variety of research
activities, from modeling the movement of droplets travelling
through an aircraft to conducting virtual screenings of vaccine
alternatives.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $5.0
million, in RDT&E, Army, for PE 63461A for high performance
computing modernization.
Carbon fiber and graphitic composites for Next Generation Combat
Vehicle program
The budget request included $199.4 million in Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), Army, for PE 63462A
Next Generation Combat Vehicle Advanced Technology.
The committee recognizes the versatility and broad
application that carbon fiber technology provides for weight
reduction and improving the survivability of the next
generation of combat vehicles.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $10.0
million in RDT&E, Army, for PE 63462A for test and development
of carbon fiber and graphitic foam applications in the Next
Generation Combat Vehicle program.
Cyber and connected vehicle innovation research
The budget request included $199.4 million in Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), Army, for PE 63462A
Next Generation Combat Vehicle Advanced Technology.
The committee recognizes the importance of identifying
vehicle cyber vulnerabilities and adaptively securing manned
and unmanned military vehicles. The committee further notes
that, by leveraging partnerships in the commercial automotive,
trucking, and defense industrial bases, the Army can bring
together traditional and non-traditional suppliers to provide
cost-effective cybersecurity solutions at manufacturing scale.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $5.0
million in RDT&E, Army, for PE 63462A for cyber and connected
vehicle research.
Small unit ground robotic capabilities
The budget request included $27.7 million for Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), Army, for PE 63462A
Next Generation Combat Vehicle Advanced Technology.
The committee notes that the Army's current dismounted
infantry platoons have effective parity with those of potential
adversaries. The committee is aware that our adversaries are
increasingly sophisticated in the robotic arena, which in turn
demands correspondingly capable responses to emerging threats.
The committee also notes that there is no current organization
or location that integrates dismounted infantry platoon-level
robotic capabilities. These capabilities include: the Small
Multipurpose Equipment Transport system and smaller unmanned
ground vehicles; small unmanned aircraft systems; robotic air
and small ground modular mission payloads; and technologies in
autonomy, artificial intelligence, and communications. The
committee believes that it is important that the Army extend
air and ground robotic capabilities to smaller and lighter
maneuver units, focusing initially on dismounted infantry
platoons in order to provide them with substantial advantages
over comparable potential adversary units.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $7.5
million, in RDT&E, Army, for PE 63462A for small unit ground
robotic capabilities.
Virtual Experimentations Enhancement
The budget request included $199.4 million in Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), Army, for PE 63462A
Next Generation Combat Vehicle Advanced Technology.
The committee recognizes the importance of automated
virtual and physical prototyping to reduce the risk and cost of
developing new technologies to support crew optimization,
autonomy, and operations in degraded visual environments.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $5.0
million in RDT&E, Army, for PE 63462A for Virtual
Experimentations Enhancement.
Hyper velocity projectile extended range technologies
The budget request included $121.1 million in Research,
Development, Test, and Engineering (RDT&E), Army, for PE 63464A
Long Range Precision Fires Advanced Technology.
The committee notes the importance of the development and
testing of advanced guidance technology for the Hypervelocity
Projectile--Extended Range (HVP-ER). The committee also notes
that the HVP-ER requires a terminal sensor capability to meet
Army's requirements to locate targets in Global Positioning
System-degraded and -denied environments and that successful
implementation of a terminal sensor in the HVP-ER would provide
a necessary capability to achieve objective requirements for
both the Extended Range Cannon Artillery Howitzer and the
Cannon-Delivered Area Effects Munition programs.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $3.0
million, in RDT&E, Army, for PE 63464A for extended range hyper
velocity projectile technologies.
Electromagnetic effects research to support long range precision fires
and air and missile defense cross functional teams
The budget request included $58.1 million in Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), Army, for PE 63466A
Air and Missile Defense Advanced Technology.
The committee notes the importance of: reducing the time
required for development and testing associated with the Long
Range Precision Fires (LRPF) and Air and Missile Defense (AMD)
cross-functional teams, the ability to assess specific
electromagnetic effects associated with radar and other
electronic warfare programs, and expedited RDT&E activities in
support of the LRPF and AMD cross-functional teams.
Accordingly, the committee recommends an increase of $5.0
million in RDT&E, Army, for PE 63466A to establish
electromagnetic effects research capabilities to directly
support the LRPF and AMD cross-functional teams.
Development and fielding of high energy laser capabilities--Army
The budget request included $58.1 million in Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), Army, for PE 63466A
Air and Missile Defense Advanced Technology.
The committee recommends an increase of $10.5 million in
RDT&E, Army, for PE 63466A for support for the high energy
laser system characterization lab for the development and
fielding of high energy laser capabilities.
Hypersonic hot air tunnel test environment
The budget request included $11.1 million in Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), Army, for PE 63305A
Army Missile Defense Systems Integration.
The committee notes the importance of support facilities
and propulsion methods that will demonstrate and test high
speed and hypersonic technologies. The committee also notes
that the Director of the Test Resource Management Center
identified a need for increased capacity for and capability in
ground testing of thermal protection systems to support
hypersonic programs. The committee notes that a test
environment that delivers high temperature testing available
over a full hypersonic mission profile would support the
aggressive set of hypersonics programs, prototypes, and
deployment schedules envisioned in the National Defense
Strategy and associated implementation plans.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $3.0
million in RDT&E, Army, for PE 63305A for hypersonic hot air
tunnel test environment development.
Future Long Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA)
The budget request included $327.7 million in Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), Army, for PE 63801A
Aviation--Advance Development.
The committee supports the development and procurement of
the Future Long Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA), which is a
critical Army modernization priority. The committee understands
that additional funding could enable the integration of key
technologies onto the platform in order to mitigate program
risk.
Accordingly, the committee recommends an increase of $5.0
million in RDT&E, Army, for PE 63801A to support integration
activities for the Future Long Range Assault Aircraft program.
Operational Fires program reduction, Army
The budget request included $156.8 million in Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), Army, for PE 64115A
Technology Maturation Initiatives.
The committee recognizes the importance of coordinating
various service and agency hypersonics activities and is
concerned with the lack of a transition pathway for the Defense
Advanced Research Projects Agency's Operational Fires effort
into a funded Army acquisition or development activity.
Therefore, the committee recommends a decrease of $10.0
million in RDT&E, Army, for PE 64115A for an Operational Fires
program reduction.
Hypersonic program reduction, Army
The budget request included $801.4 million in Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), Army, for PE 64182A
Hypersonics.
The committee recognizes the importance of hypersonic
research and development, especially in light of the National
Defense Strategy and the advancing threats that it describes.
However, the committee is concerned that there has been a lack
of adequate coordination on hypersonic prototyping efforts
among the various stakeholders and service components.
Therefore, the committee recommends a decrease of $5.0
million in RDT&E, Army, for PE 64182A.
Joint Counter Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Office
The budget request included $18.7 million in Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), Army, for PE 64741A
Project FG5 Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems.
The committee is encouraged by the Department of Defense
designation of the Army as Executive Agent for Counter small
Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-sUAS) in 2019, the rapid standup
of the Joint C-sUAS Office in 2020, and the recommendation to
downselect and prioritize resources toward the most promising
systems. The Chief of Staff of the Army identified in his
unfunded priorities list a requirement of $17.5 million to:
address gaps in currently fielded C-sUAS systems, increase
capability against Group 3 unmanned aircraft systems threats,
and expand interoperability.
Accordingly, the committee recommends an increase of $17.5
million in RDT&E, Army, for PE 64741A Project FG5 for Counter
Unmanned Aerial Systems.
Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems for Special Operations Forces
The budget request included $18.7 million in Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), Army, for PE 64741A
Project FG5 Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems.
The committee notes that deployed military personnel,
especially special operations forces (SOF) deployed to austere
locations, face an increasing threat from weaponized unmanned
aerial systems (UASs). The committee believes that counter-UAS
systems utilizing artificial intelligence, open-architecture
systems, and the ability to integrate multiple sensors to
detect, engage, and defeat threats could decrease the workload
associated with existing counter-UAS solutions and more
effectively protect small SOF teams and fixed locations. The
committee understands that U.S. Special Operations Command
(SOCOM), in partnership with the Defense Innovation Unit and
the Defense Threat Reduction Agency, successfully demonstrated
such capabilities in both a test environment and during an
overseas operational assessment. The committee is encouraged by
SOCOM's plans to conduct additional overseas operational
assessments in fiscal year 2020 and notes that, elsewhere in
this Act, the committee authorizes additional funds through the
Joint Counter-Small UAS Office and for SOCOM to support
continued advancement of these technologies.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $7.5
million in RDT&E, Army, for PE 64741A for counter-unmanned
aircraft systems.
Counter small unmanned aircraft systems operational demonstrations
The budget request included $18.7 million in Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), Army, for PE 64741A
Project FG5 Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems.
The committee is encouraged by the Department of Defense's
designation of the Army as Executive Agent for Counter small
Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-sUAS) in 2019, the rapid standup
of the Joint C-sUAS Office in 2020, and the recommendation to
downselect and prioritize resources toward the most promising
systems. The committee expects the JCO to work closely with the
United States Special Operations Command (SOCOM) on its
developmental efforts to support expeditionary, mounted, and
dismounted C-sUAS capabilities for deployed special operations
forces. The committee understands that SOCOM is conducting
operational demonstrations of C-sUAS capabilities in the United
States and overseas and believes that these efforts are
important for developing and acquiring capabilities to address
emerging unmanned aircraft system threats and filling critical
capability gaps identified by combatant commanders.
Accordingly, the committee recommends an increase of $15.0
million in RDT&E, Army, for PE 64741A Project FG5 Counter
Unmanned Aerial Systems.
Next Generation Squad Weapon
The budget request included $265.8 million in RDT&E, Army,
for PE 64802A for Weapons and Munitions Engineering
Development, of which $30.6 million was for Small Caliber Ammo
for Next Gen Squad Weapons.
The committee understands that the Next Generation Squad
Weapon (NGSW) is a top Army modernization priority urgently
needed to increase the lethality of soldiers, marines, and
special operators in close-combat formations. The NGSW program
includes the NGSW rifle, the NGSW automatic rifle, the NGSW
fire control optic, and a common 6.8 millimeter ammunition
cartridge designed to address emerging threat capabilities and
provide overmatch against threats at ranges beyond the current
weapon systems.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $0.8
million, for a total of $265.6 million, for PE 64802A for
Weapons and Munitions in order to increase funding for NGSW
small caliber ammunition to incorporate more soldiers, marines,
and special operators in providing user assessment of the NGSW
system.
The committee urges the Army to keep the committee fully
apprised of progress relating to the fielding of the NGSW and
how the Army will utilize user feedback and acceptance in
determining key acquisition decisions in the program.
Bradley and Stryker Active Protection Systems
The budget request included no funding in Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), Army, for PE 64852A
Project XU9 for the suite of Survivability Enhancements
Systems.
The committee understands that additional funds would
enable completion of Urgent Materiel Release (UMR) testing for
the Bradley Iron Fist Light De-coupled (IFLD) and limited
characterization activities in support of Stryker and other
ground combat platform active protection systems.
Accordingly, the committee recommends an increase of $47.0
million in Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E),
Army, for PE 64852A in order to complete both the follow-on
limited characterization effort ($14.0 million) and the IFLD
UMR Phase II testing ($33.0 million).
Integrated Data Software Pilot Program
The budget request included $142.7 million in Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), Army, for PE 65013A
Information Technology Development.
The committee notes that new commercial software solutions
can be used to improve the military services' supply,
logistics, and spare parts management, increasing their combat
readiness while reducing costs. The committee is aware of the
challenges that the Army has faced in synchronizing information
management and data to maintain a digital connection between
the product data and parts information. The committee
recommends that the Army make efforts to prioritize this
integration and analysis activity and encourages its adoption
throughout the Army's logistics enterprise to increase
readiness and reduce costs.
Accordingly, the committee recommends an increase of $5.0
million in RDT&E, Army, for PE 65013A for an integrated data
software pilot program.
Army cyber situational understanding capability
The budget request included $28.5 million in Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), Army, for PE 65041A
Defensive Cyber Tool Development.
The committee understands that the Army intends for the
Cyber Situational Understanding tool to provide tactical
commanders with a better understanding of their and adversary
forces' activity, maneuver, and exposure in the cyber,
electromagnetic, and broader information domains. The Defense
Advanced Research Projects Agency's PlanX capability, now
transitioned to the Strategic Capabilities Office's Project IKE
program and to United States Cyber Command, was initially
developed to provide such a capability for tactical commanders.
While PlanX has been adapted through further development to
meet the specific needs of Cyber Command's planning and
operational elements and is being used today by Army cyber
protection teams, at least portions of the codebase remain
well-suited for providing the tactical-level situational
awareness that the Army seeks for its brigade- and division-
level commanders. In fact, the committee understands that the
PlanX capability is being used in such tactical applications
outside of the cyber domain today. The PlanX codebase is also
owned entirely by the government and would provide
interoperability between the Cyber Mission Forces and Army
maneuver units, making it an attractive baseline for further
development projects. This line of reasoning is also applicable
to similar Navy and Air Force initiatives to provide cyber
situational awareness to tactical commanders.
The committee therefore directs the Secretary of the Army
to assess: (1) The PlanX/Project IKE capability's ability to
meet, with further development, the Cyber Situational
Understanding tool requirements; (2) The cost-efficiency of
using the PlanX/Project IKE capability as the baseline for the
Cyber Situational Awareness tool; (3) The training and
interoperability benefits that result from acquisition and
employment of situational understanding tools with a common
baseline across the Cyber Mission Forces and tactical cyber
units; and (4) Whether or not the Cyber Situational
Understanding program should be reoriented to utilize and build
off of the PlanX/Project IKE capability. The Secretary of the
Army shall deliver a briefing to the Committees on Armed
Services of the Senate and House of Representatives, detailing
the findings of the assessment and a proposed path forward, no
later than January 30, 2021.
Therefore, the committee recommends a decrease of $12.0
million for PE 65041A for the Cyber Situational Understanding
program to avoid duplication. The committee directs that the
remaining funds for this initiative be used for tailoring the
Joint Cyber Command and Control (JCC2) baseline to the Army's
specific brigade combat team application. The committee urges
the Departments of the Navy and Air Force to undertake similar
efforts to adapt the JCC2 solution to tactical-level echelons.
Indirect Fire Protection Capability Increment 2
The budget request included $235.8 million in Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), Army, for PE 65052A
Indirect Fire Protection Capability Increment 2 (IFPC Inc 2).
The committee understands that a lower level of funding
would be sufficient to execute all planned fiscal year 2021
activities for this program.
Accordingly, the committee recommends a decrease of $47.8
million in RDT&E, Army, for PE 65052A for IFPC Inc 2.
Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle
The budget request included $327.7 million in Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), Army, for PE 65625A
Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle (OMFV).
The committee supports the Army's efforts to replace the
Bradley Fighting Vehicle, which has been in service for over 30
years, but notes the OMFV program reset that occurred in
January 2020. The committee understands that the Army
terminated physical prototyping by multiple vendors planned and
budgeted for fiscal years 2020 and 2021 in favor of digital
prototyping prior to proceeding to physical prototypes.
Accordingly, the committee recommends a decrease of $80.0
million in RDT&E, Army, for PE 65625A.
Directed energy test and evaluation capabilities
The budget request included $350.4 million in Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), Army, for PE 65601A
Test Ranges and Facilities.
The committee notes that directed energy systems are a
priority within the modernization efforts to support the
National Defense Strategy. The committee further notes that the
``FY 2018-FY 2028 Strategic Plan for DOD T&E Resources'''
report indicated that the demand for directed energy test
capabilities will soon expand from ``demand for testing to
address specific objectives of laboratory demonstrations'' to
``demand for testing to address requirements for validating a
weapon system for operational use.''
Accordingly, the committee recommends an increase of $15.0
million in RDT&E, Army, for PE 65601A Test Ranges and
Facilities to fund directed energy test capabilities.
Precision Strike Missile
The budget request included $122.7 million in Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), Army, for PE 67134A
Long Range Precision Fires.
The committee is supportive of the Precision Strike Missile
(PrSM) program, including efforts to significantly increase
range and versatility of the missile, but notes that the
program is proceeding with a single vendor instead of two as
originally planned and programmed.
Accordingly, the committee recommends a decrease of $7.5
million in RDT&E, Army, for PE 67134A for PrSM.
Guided Multiple-Launch Rocket System
The budget request included no funds in Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), Army, to qualify a
second source for solid rocket motors (SRMs) for the Guided
Multiple-Launch Rocket System, Extended Range (GMRLRS-ER).
The committee is concerned that, as the Army transitions to
the GMLRS-ER, a sole supplier of SRMs may not have the capacity
to meet future production needs or provide a surge capacity,
thus exposing the Army to the risk of disruption via a single
point of failure.
Accordingly, the committee recommends an increase of $17.5
million in RDT&E, Army, for PE 25778A to qualify a second
source of solid rocket motors for GMLRS-ER.
Advanced manufacturing technologies
The budget request included $61.0 million in Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), Army, for PE 78045A
End Item Industrial Preparedness Activities under the
Manufacturing Technology Program.
The committee notes that the 2019 Army Modernization
Strategy states that the Army is attempting to `` fundamentally
change the way [it] develop[s] materiel capability. Advanced
manufacturing methods and materials will be incorporated into
system design, development, production, and sustainment.''
Therefore, the committee recommends the following increases
in RDT&E, Army, for PE 78045A to support the advanced
manufacturing of weapons and systems consistent with Army
modernization priorities: $7.5 million for functional fabrics
manufacturing; $5.0 million for tungsten manufacturing for
armaments; and $5.0 million for nanoscale materials
manufacturing.
Navy
Defense University Research and Instrumentation Program
The budget request included $116.8 million for Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), Navy, for PE 61103N
University Research Initiatives.
The committee notes the importance of the competitive grant
process managed by the Office of Naval Research (ONR), through
which the Defense University Research Instrumentation Program
(DURIP) funds the academic institutions' purchase and
development of the research equipment and infrastructure
necessary for high-quality Navy-relevant science. This
instrumentation plays a vital role in allowing Department of
Defense-critical research projects to acquire technical
resources specifically engineered to meet their requirements
and is critical in accelerating the development of operational
capabilities for the warfighter. The technologies developed and
acquired through the DURIP process ensure that the next
generation of scientists and engineers are trained with and
have access to cutting-edge equipment and infrastructure,
including in the execution of research aboard Navy-supported
academic research vessels.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $2.0
million, in RDT&E, Navy, for PE 61103N for the Defense
University Research and Instrumentation Program.
Increase in basic research, Navy
The budget request included $467.2 million in Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), Navy, for PE 61153N
Defense Research Sciences.
The committee recognizes the ``increasingly complex
security environment'' detailed in the National Defense
Strategy and born from rapid technological change, challenges
from adversaries in every operating domain, and decreased
readiness derivative of the longest continuous stretch of armed
conflict in U.S. history. Accordingly, it is crucial to
adequately fund, resource, and structure the Department of
Defense to conduct RDT&E activities for critical emerging
technologies to stay ahead of our adversaries, most notably
Russia and China. Resources must be devoted and responsibly
spent toward research and development of artificial
intelligence, quantum computing, hypersonics, directed energy,
biotechnology, autonomy, cyber, space, 5G, microelectronics,
and fully networked command, control, and communications
technologies. As such, the committee encourages rapid
development, prototyping, testing, and acquisition of these
emerging technologies in order to remain ahead of our
adversaries.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $10.0
million in RDT&E, Navy, for PE 61153N Defense Research Sciences
to support additional basic research.
Predictive modeling for undersea vehicles
The budget request included $467.2 million in Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), Navy, for PE 61153N
Defense Research Sciences.
The committee notes that the designs of Naval undersea
systems are increasing in complexity, scope, and
sophistication. This, along with complex operating
environments, makes advanced predictive modeling and
computational tools for such systems difficult to develop.
Without validated modeling tools, underwater vehicle and
platform development relies heavily on experimentation, which
can significantly lengthen the design phase, result in costly
system-level rework, and restrict innovation.
The committee recommends an increase of $3.0 million in
RDT&E, Navy, for PE 61153N for predictive modeling for undersea
vehicles.
Direct air capture and blue carbon removal technology program
The budget request included $21.4 billion in Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), Navy, of which
$122.2 million was for PE 62123N Force Protection Applied
Research.
The committee notes that the National Defense Authorization
Act for Fiscal Year 2020 (Public Law 116-92) required the
Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Secretary of
Homeland Security, the Secretary of Energy, and the heads of
such other Federal agencies as the Secretary of Defense
considers appropriate, to carry out a program on research,
development, testing, evaluation, study, and demonstration of
technologies related to blue carbon capture and direct air
capture.
Accordingly, the committee recommends an increase of $8.0
million in RDT&E, Navy, for PE 62123N for electric propulsion
research for carbon capture.
Electric propulsion for military craft and advanced planning hulls
The budget request included $122.3 million for Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), Navy, for PE 62123N
Force Protection Applied Research.
The committee notes the ongoing, yet increasing,
operational tempo of naval special warfare maritime units such
as the Special Warfare Combatant Craft and Coastal Riverine
Force squadrons. The committee is aware that U.S. Special
Operations Command has identified mission critical capability
objectives for hybrid propulsion technologies and low signature
management that, in the face of increasingly technologically
advanced adversaries, are of substantial importance and should
be supported.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $2.0
million, in RDT&E, Navy, for PE 62123N for electric propulsion
for military craft and advanced planning hulls.
Expeditionary unmanned systems launch and recovery
The budget request included $122.3 million in Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), Navy, for PE 62123N
Force Protection Applied Research.
The committee supports the Navy's investment in advanced
fixed wing unmanned aerial vehicles and notes that, in order to
support persistent operations in austere environments,
additional investment in expeditionary launch and recovery
capabilities is warranted. The committee believes that it is
important to conduct research and development related to the
launch and recovery of expeditionary unmanned systems that
enable high-efficiency, high-payload drones to take off and
land on land and at-sea.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $5.0
million in RDT&E, Navy, for PE 62123N to support expeditionary
unmanned systems launch and recovery.
Testbed for autonomous ship systems
The budget request included $122.3 million in Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), Navy, for PE 62123N
Force Protection Applied Research.
The committee notes that a key technology gap for long-
duration autonomous ship operation lies in the robustness and
resiliency of the hull and machinery plant. The committee also
notes that autonomous ships will be expected to operate for
months between human-assisted maintenance and that autonomous
machinery must be robust and resilient in order to avoid
failure, repair damage, or redirect platforms as needed. The
committee notes the development of digital-twin technologies
that allow for predictive or automated maintenance and improved
operations and logistics and help fill a critical gap that has
been identified in autonomous systems.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $3.0
million, in RDT&E, Navy, for PE 62123N for the development of a
testbed for autonomous ship systems.
Interdisciplinary Cybersecurity Research
The budget request included $50.6 million for Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), Navy, for PE 62131M
Marine Corps Landing Force Technology.
The committee notes the current research efforts to
understand expeditionary cyber challenges and commends the
interdisciplinary approach to developing solutions for cyber
systems and considering the role of human behavior in the
tactical cyber environment. The committee supports continued
multidisciplinary research in the areas of dynamic cyber
defense, tactical cyberspace operations and signals
intelligence, sensing, computation, and mobile communications.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $3.0
million, in RDT&E, Navy, for PE 62131M for interdisciplinary
cybersecurity research.
Humanoid robotics research
The budget request included $67.8 million in Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), Navy, for PE 62236N
Warfighter Sustainment Applied Research.
The committee recognizes the promise of autonomous humanoid
robotics for dangerous and repetitive jobs on ships designed
primarily for use by human sailors. In particular, the Navy has
identified shipboard firefighting and a number of shipboard
maintenance tasks as ideal candidates for integrating the use
of humanoid robots.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $4.0
million in RDT&E, Navy, for PE 62236N for humanoid robotics
research.
Social networks and computational social science
The budget request included $67.8 million in Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), Navy, for PE 62236N
Warfighter Sustainment Applied Research.
The committee supports the Navy's research efforts to:
develop algorithms, methods, and tools for analysis of social
hysteria propagation and group polarization; improve methods of
information environment assessment and strategic communication;
and refine detection of adversarial information maneuvers
across social media platforms.
The committee recommends an additional $3.0 million in
RDT&E, Navy, for PE 62236N for social networks and
computational social science research.
Naval academic undersea vehicle research partnerships
The budget request included $56.4 million in Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), Navy, for PE 62747N
Undersea Warfare Applied Research.
The committee notes that partnerships among academia,
government, and industry are instrumental in translating
technological advances to emerging Navy undersea vehicles and
systems in cost-effective ways, training a highly skilled
workforce, and supporting increased and sustained submarine
production capacity. Undersea dominance is an enduring
capability that is a key foundation of our national defense and
a core element of strategic overmatch in an era of great power
competition.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $7.5
million, in RDT&E, Navy, for PE 62747N for Navy and academia
submarine partnerships.
Thermoplastic materials
The budget request included $160.5 million in Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), Navy, for PE 62792N
for Innovative Naval Prototypes Applied Research.
The committee recommends an increase of $7.3 million in
RDT&E, Navy, for PE 62792N for continued development of
technology to fabricate composite aircraft and ship parts from
highly formable thermoplastic materials.
Mission planning advanced technology demonstration
The budget request included $219.0 million in Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), Navy, for PE 63640M
United States Marine Corps Advanced Technology Demonstration.
The committee supports the Department of Defense Unmanned
Systems Integrated Roadmap and notes the importance of a robust
intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) platform
for forward deployed operations in contested environments. The
committee encourages the development of a Mission Support
Station that allows mission plans to be created and then
dynamically updated based on available data from numerous
sources, including weather, satellite imagery, sensor feeds,
and other ISR from unmanned systems.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $3.0
million in RDT&E, Navy, for PE 63640M for the mission planning
advanced technology demonstration.
Unmanned surface vessel development
The budget request included $21.5 billion in Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), Navy, of which
$464.0 million was for PE 63178N Medium and Large Unmanned
Surface Vehicles and $38.4 million was for PE 63573N Advanced
Surface Machinery Systems.
The committee notes that the budget request provides for
the prototyping and testing of Medium and Large Unmanned
Surface Vessels (MUSVs and LUSVs), including procurement of up
to two additional LUSVs in conjunction with a Strategic
Capabilities Office (SCO) initiative. The committee understands
that the 4 LUSVs procured by the SCO beginning in fiscal year
2018, at a cost of more than $510 million, are sufficient to
achieve the objectives of the SCO initiative, which is
scheduled to be completed in the fourth quarter of fiscal year
2021.
The committee believes that further procurement of MUSVs
and LUSVs should occur only after the lessons learned from the
current SCO initiative have been incorporated into the system
specification and additional risk reduction actions are taken.
A specific area of technical concern for the committee is
the Navy requirement for MUSVs and LUSVs to operate
continuously at sea for at least 30 days without preventative
maintenance, corrective maintenance, or emergent repairs. The
committee is unaware of any unmanned vessel of the size or
complexity envisioned for MUSV or LUSV that has demonstrated at
least 30 days of such operation.
The committee understands that the SCO prototype vessels
that are intended to provide risk reduction for these programs
have demonstrated between 2 to 3 days of continuous operation.
The committee also understands that the SCO vessels are
approximately 25 percent the size by tonnage of a LUSV, which
may limit the applicability of lessons learned and risk
reduction from the SCO vessels to the MUSV and LUSV programs.
Among other critical subsystems, the committee views the main
engines and electrical generators in particular as key USV
mechanical and electrical subsystems whose reliability is
critical to ensuring successful operations at sea for at least
30 continuous days.
The committee also notes that additional funding is
necessary to accelerate completion of the Integrated Power and
Energy Systems test facility (ITF) to achieve full test
capability in fiscal year 2023, consistent with section 131 of
the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020
(Public Law 116-92), as well as the qualification of silicon
carbide power modules.
Accordingly, the committee recommends a decrease of $464.0
million, for a total of $0, in RDT&E, Navy, for PE 63178N, and
an increase of $200.0 million, for a total of $238.4 million in
RDT&E, Navy, for PE 63573N.
The committee's intent is that the increased funding in PE
63178N be used for: the USV main engine and electrical
generator qualification testing directed elsewhere in this Act
($70.0 million); USV autonomy development, which may include
conversion of existing vessels ($45.0 million); accelerating
ITF testing ($75.0 million); and accelerating the qualification
of silicon carbide power modules ($10.0 million).
Advanced combat systems technology
The budget request included $21.5 billion in Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), Navy, of which $70.2
million was for PE 63382N advanced combat systems technology.
The committee notes that project 3416 (HIJENKS) had
insufficient schedule justification ($7.0 million) and project
3422 (SHARC) would procure excess platforms ahead of
satisfactory testing ($7.1 million).
Accordingly, the committee recommends a decrease of $14.1
million, for a total of $56.1 million, in RDT&E, Navy, for PE
63382N.
Surface and shallow water mine countermeasures
The budget request included $21.5 billion in Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), Navy, of which $52.4
million was for PE 63502N surface and shallow water mine
countermeasures.
The committee notes Barracuda (project 2989) schedule
delays, including a 2-year delay in the critical design review
and developmental testing to fiscal years 2022 and 2024
respectively. The committee is also concerned that operational
testing was removed from the program schedule and directs the
Secretary of the Navy to restore such testing.
Accordingly, the committee recommends a decrease of $28.2
million, for a total of $24.2 million, in RDT&E, Navy, for PE
63502N.
Advanced submarine system development
The budget request included $21.5 billion in Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), Navy, of which
$185.4 million was for PE 63561N advanced submarine system
development.
The committee notes that engineering development models are
early to need in project 9710.
The committee also notes that additional funding ($20.0
million) could be used to complete procurement qualification of
out-of-autoclave bow dome technology and demonstrate other
components that utilize this technology for future use on
Virginia-class and other classes of submarines.
Accordingly, the committee recommends a net increase of
$10.0 million, for a total of $195.4 million, in RDT&E, Navy,
for PE 63561N.
Ship concept advanced design
The budget request included $21.5 billion in Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), Navy, of which
$126.4 million was for PE 63563N ship concept advanced design.
The committee lacks sufficient clarity on the capability
requirements to support the following ship design efforts:
Future Surface Combatant (project 2196, $19.1 million), next
generation medium amphibious ship (project 4044, $30.0
million), and next generation medium logistics ship (project
4045, $30.0 million).
The committee supports the Conditions Based Maintenance +
(CBM+) initiative, which improves the cost, schedule, and
performance outcomes in ship maintenance availabilities using
analytic tools. The committee understands that additional funds
($16.0 million) could accelerate the implementation of the CBM+
initiative.
Accordingly, the committee recommends a decrease of $63.1
million, for a total of $63.3 million, in RDT&E, Navy, for PE
63563N.
Large Surface Combatant preliminary design
The budget request included $21.5 billion in Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), Navy, of which $70.2
million was for PE 63564N ship preliminary design and
feasibility studies.
The committee lacks sufficient clarity on the Large Surface
Combatant (LSC) capability requirements and the program's
compliance with section 131 of the National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 (Public Law 116-92) to
support the start of preliminary design for the LSC program or
completion of the Capabilities Development Document (project
0411).
Accordingly, the committee recommends a decrease of $41.3
million, for a total of $29.0 million, in RDT&E, Navy, for PE
63564N.
Additionally, the committee directs the Secretary of the
Navy to submit a report with Navy's fiscal year 2022 budget
request that details the plan to comply with the requirements
of section 131 of the National Defense Authorization Act for
Fiscal Year 2020.
Littoral Combat Ship
The budget request included $21.5 billion in Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), Navy, of which $32.2
million was for PE 63581N Littoral Combat Ship.
The committee notes available prior year funds in project
3096.
Accordingly, the committee recommends a decrease of $5.0
million, for a total of $27.2 million, in RDT&E, Navy, for PE
63581N.
LCS mission modules
The budget request included $21.5 billion in Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), Navy, of which $67.9
million was for PE 63596N LCS mission modules.
The committee notes that the Littoral Combat Ship mine
countermeasures mission package has an outdated integrated
master schedule and test and evaluation master plan (project
2550). The committee also notes available prior year funds due
to testing delays (project 2551).
Accordingly, the committee recommends a decrease of $35.0
million, for a total of $32.9 million, in RDT&E, Navy, for PE
63596N.
Conventional munitions
The budget request included $21.5 billion in Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), Navy, of which $9.9
million was for PE 63609N conventional munitions.
The committee notes insufficient justification to support
insensitive weapons development (project 0363).
Accordingly, the committee recommends a decrease of $7.8
million, for a total of $2.1 million, in RDT&E, Navy, for PE
63609N.
Surface Navy Laser Weapon System
The budget request included $21.5 billion in Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), Navy, of which
$128.8 million was for PE 63925N directed energy and electric
weapon systems.
The committee notes excess engineering and sustainment
support costs for the Surface Navy Laser Weapon System (project
3402).
Accordingly, the committee recommends a decrease of $15.0
million, for a total of $113.8 million, in RDT&E, Navy, for PE
63925N.
Large unmanned undersea vehicles
The budget request included $21.5 billion in Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), Navy, of which $78.1
million was for PE 64031N large unmanned undersea vehicles.
The committee notes excess procurement ahead of Snakehead
phase 1 testing, which is scheduled for fiscal year 2022. The
committee seeks to avoid excess procurement of these systems in
advance of satisfactory testing.
Accordingly, the committee recommends a decrease of $36.0
million, for a total of $42.1 million, in RDT&E, Navy, for PE
64031N.
Advanced undersea prototyping
The budget request included $21.5 billion in Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), Navy, of which
$115.9 million was for PE 64536N advanced undersea prototyping.
The committee notes that the Snakehead and Orca test
strategies require updates to enable certification by the
Director of Operational Test and Evaluation in accordance with
the Senate report accompanying the Department of Defense
Appropriations Bill, 2020, incorporated into the Consolidated
Appropriations Act, 2020 (S. Rept. 116-103). Additionally, the
committee is aware of Orca testing delays.
Accordingly, the committee recommends a decrease of $20.0
million, for a total of $95.9 million, in RDT&E, Navy, for PE
64536N.
Hypersonic program reduction, Navy
The budget request included $1.1 billion in Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), Navy, for PE 64659N
Precision Strike Weapons Development Program.
The committee recognizes the importance of hypersonics
research and development, especially in light of the National
Defense Strategy and the advancing threats posed by
adversaries. However, the committee is concerned that there has
been a lack of adequate coordination on hypersonics prototyping
efforts among the various stakeholders and service components.
Therefore, the committee recommends a decrease of $5.0
million in RDT&E, Navy, for PE 64659N Precision Strike Weapons
Development Program.
Conventional prompt strike
The budget request included $21.5 billion in Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), Navy, of which $1.1
billion was for PE 64659N precision strike weapons development
program.
The committee notes that the budget request included
modification and installation costs for conventional prompt
strike weapons integration on two Virginia-class submarines but
included funds for the procurement of only one Virginia-class
submarine. Therefore, modification and installation costs are
early to need for one Virginia-class submarine.
Accordingly, the committee recommends a decrease of $52.0
million, for a total of $1.1 billion, in RDT&E, Navy, for PE
64659N.
The committee supports conventional prompt strike weapons
development and the associated submarine integration. However,
the committee lacks clarity on the requirement, including the
inventory objective, for submarines capable of employing these
weapons and notes that projected funding through fiscal year
2025 will total more than $900.0 million for submarine design,
modification, and installation costs for such weapons.
Therefore, the committee directs the Chief of Naval
Operations to submit to the congressional defense committees
not later than March 30, 2021, approved requirements, including
the inventory objective by ship class, for submarines capable
of employing conventional prompt strike weapons. The Chief of
Naval Operations shall coordinate this response with a related
report from the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff on
mission planning and force structure for hypersonic weapon
systems, which is required elsewhere in this Report and due on
the same date.
Additionally, the committee directs the Secretary of Navy
to request funding required for new construction submarine
modification and installation costs associated with
conventional prompt strike weapons as part of the end cost of
each such submarine in the Shipbuilding and Conversion, Navy
account in future budget submissions.
Submarine tactical warfare systems
The budget request included $21.5 billion in Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), Navy, of which $63.9
million was for PE 64562N submarine tactical warfare systems.
The committee notes AN/BYG-1 APB17 and APB19 testing
delays.
Accordingly, the committee recommends a decrease of $5.0
million, for a total of $58.9 million, in RDT&E, Navy, for PE
64562N.
Advanced degaussing
The budget request included $21.5 billion in Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), Navy, of which $51.9
million was for PE 64567N ship contract design.
The committee understands that, since legacy degaussing
systems for surface combatants were developed, alternative
methods for performing this function have proven to be more
capable and cost-effective.
The committee believes that conducting an installation and
demonstration of advanced degaussing capability on an existing
Arleigh Burke-class destroyer is warranted to evaluate the
utility of such a capability for further forward-fit and back-
fit on naval vessels.
Accordingly, the committee recommends an increase of $14.9
million, for a total of $66.8 million, in RDT&E, Navy, for PE
64567N.
Lightweight torpedo development
The budget request included $21.5 billion in Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), Navy, of which
$146.0 million was for PE 64610N lightweight torpedo
development.
The committee notes High Altitude Anti-Submarine Warfare
Weapon operational testing delays (project 1412) and Mk 54 Mod
2 torpedo contract delays (project 3418).
Accordingly, the committee recommends a decrease of $30.0
million, for a total of $116.0 million, in RDT&E, Navy, for PE
64610N.
Submarine acoustic warfare development
The budget request included $21.5 billion in Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), Navy, of which $69.2
million was for PE 11226N submarine acoustic warfare
development.
The committee notes that the Compact Rapid Attack Weapon
engineering design model (TI-2) is early to need.
Accordingly, the committee recommends a decrease of $8.0
million, for a total of $61.2 million, in RDT&E, Navy, for PE
11226N.
Integrated surveillance system
The budget request included $21.5 billion in Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), Navy, of which
$103.0 million was for PE 24311N integrated surveillance
system.
The committee notes that, since fiscal year 2015, the Navy
has utilized Transformational Reliable Acoustic Path Systems
(TRAPS) in anti-submarine warfare missions. The committee
understands that these deployable systems have performed
satisfactorily and comprise a critical element of the Navy's
overall integrated undersea surveillance system. The committee
is concerned that capability or capacity gaps may result if
additional spiral 1 TRAPS units are not procured in fiscal year
2021.
In addition, the committee understands that additional
funding in project 0766 could accelerate the development,
configuration, and integration of advanced sensors and
associated signal processing into representative system sensor
packages for developmental and operational testing.
Accordingly, the committee recommends an increase of $50.0
million, for a total of $153.0 million, in RDT&E, Navy, for PE
24311N.
LCAC composite component development
The budget request included $21.5 billion in Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), Navy, of which $1.7
million was for PE 24413N amphibious tactical support units.
The committee understands that additional investment in
advanced composites manufacturing for air cushion vehicle
components, including propeller blades and composite deck house
modules, could reduce the overall acquisition and life cycle
costs of the Navy's air cushioned landing crafts.
Accordingly, the committee recommends an increase of $5.0
million, for a total of $6.7 million, in RDT&E, Navy, for PE
24413N.
G/ATOR demonstration
The budget request included $21.5 billion in Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), Navy, of which $22.2
million was for PE 24460M Ground/Air Task Oriented Radar.
The committee believes that the Joint Force, particularly
the Marine Corps, could derive significant warfighting benefits
in the integrated air and missile defense mission area from
integrating the AN/TPS-80 Ground/Air Task-Oriented Radar (G/
ATOR) with Standard Missile-6 (SM-6) and the Cooperative
Engagement Capability (CEC) network.
The committee understands that a proof-of-concept
demonstration using a G/ATOR to conduct an SM-6 engagement
would require $73.6 million, which includes the procurement of
a G/ATOR that would remain a dedicated test asset.
The committee further understands that the G/ATOR is
capable of providing tracks, via the USMC Composite Tracking
Network (CTN), to the CEC network. However, changes to the CTN
are required to enable completion of an Engage On Remote
capability between Navy surface combatants and a G/ATOR.
The committee further understands it would cost
approximately $10.0 million to analyze the feasibility of a
stand-alone G/ATOR and SM-6 engagement.
The committee notes that the Marine Corps is supportive of
conducting such a demonstration and analysis, which would
consist of two tracking events and a live fire shoot,
coordinated with the Navy, in fiscal year 2022.
Accordingly, the committee recommends an increase of $83.6
million, for a total of $105.8 million, in RDT&E, Navy, for PE
24460M.
Attack and utility replacement aircraft vehicle
The budget request included $21.5 billion in Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), Navy, of which $18.1
million was for PE 64212N, Other Helo Development, including
$11.3 million for development of an attack and utility
replacement aircraft (AURA) vehicle.
The Navy AURA program has been has been following the
Army's development of the Future Long Range Assault Aircraft
(FLRAA), applying lessons learned from the Army program, and
assessing subsystem commonality with the Army development
efforts.
The committee supports such cooperation, urges the Navy and
Army to expand these efforts, and recommends an increase of
$5.0 million in PE 64212N for that purpose.
Cyber tool development
The budget request included $35.0 million in Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), Navy, for PE 35251N
Cyber Space Operations Forces and Force Support.
The committee recognizes the importance of the Navy Cyber
Warfare Development Group (NCWDG), which benefits enormously
from its unique intelligence, prototyping, and acquisition
authorities and nesting within U.S. Fleet Cyber Command. The
committee encourages the Army and Air Force to evaluate the
authorities available to and organizational alignment of the
NCWDG and the feasibility of modeling their tool development
organizations and activities after the NCWDG. The committee
also understands that the funding for development and
acquisition of operational tools across the Navy and Army is
insufficient for the development and acquisition of
foundational tool suits, a critical component of the Joint
Cyber Warfighting Architecture.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $10.0
million in RDT&E, Navy, for PE 35251N Cyber Space Operations
Forces and Force Support for cyber tool development.
Air Force
Increase in basic research, Air Force
The budget request included $315.3 million in Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), Air Force, for PE
61102F Defense Research Sciences.
The committee recognizes the ``increasingly complex
security environment'' detailed in the National Defense
Strategy and born from rapid technological change, challenges
from adversaries in every operating domain, and decreased
readiness derivative of the longest continuous stretch of armed
conflict in U.S. history. Accordingly, it is crucial to
adequately fund, resource, and structure the Department of
Defense to conduct RDT&E activities for critical emerging
technologies to stay ahead of our adversaries, most notably
Russia and China. Resources must be devoted and responsibly
spent toward research and development of artificial
intelligence, quantum computing, hypersonics, directed energy,
biotechnology, autonomy, cyber, space, 5G, microelectronics,
and fully networked command, control, and communications
technologies. As such, the committee encourages rapid
development, prototyping, testing, and acquisition of these
emerging technologies in order to remain ahead of our
adversaries.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $10.0
million in RDT&E, Air Force, for PE 61102F Defense Research
Sciences to support additional basic research.
High Energy Synchrotron X-Ray program
The budget request included $140.8 million in Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), Air Force, for PE
62102F Materials.
The committee notes the value of continued funding for
high-energy X-ray beamlines optimized for Air Force research
needs. This research capability enables Air Force Research
Laboratory researchers, collaborators, and original equipment
manufacturers to employ real-time, three-dimensional x-ray
characterization methods to test a broad range of mission-
critical structural and functional materials. The committee
notes the value of this research to high performance materials
for tactical aircraft, the understanding of metal fatigue,
processes for additive manufacturing technologies, and
scientific workforce development.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $5.0
million in RDT&E, Air Force, for PE 62102F for the High Energy
Synchrotron X-Ray research program.
Materials maturation for high mach systems
The budget request included $140.8 million for Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), Air Force, for PE
62102F Materials.
The committee notes the importance of advanced thermal
protection systems (TPSs) research to enable efficient
operation of high-speed vehicles for military and commercial
aerospace needs. The committee further notes that much
scientific and technical work remains in the exploration of the
capabilities of the high temperature materials and associated
coatings, identification of non-destructive inspection
techniques, study of initiation and progression of material
damage in severe flight environments, and transition of the
technology into advanced load-bearing TPSs.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $5.0
million, in RDT&E, Air Force, for PE 62102F for materials
maturation for high mach systems.
Metals Affordability Initiative
The budget request included $140.8 million in Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), Air Force, for PE
62102F Materials.
The committee recognizes the importance of the Metals
Affordability Initiative as an innovative public-private
partnership that makes metals for warfighter needs lighter,
stronger, and more affordable. Since the program's inception in
1999, the MAI has saved taxpayers over $2 billion, and has a
10:1 return on taxpayer investment, by increasing yields,
decreasing maintenance costs, and minimizing time and expense
for metals manufacturing for Air Force needs.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $5.0
million in PE 62102F Materials to support the Metals
Affordability Initiative.
Qualification of additive manufacturing processes
The budget request included $140.8 million for Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), Air Force, for PE
62102F Materials.
The committee notes that Executive Order 13806, ``Assessing
and Strengthening the Manufacturing and Defense Industrial Base
and Supply Chain Resilience of the United States,'' points to
``gaps in the national-security-related domestic manufacturing
capabilities, including non-existent, extinct, threatened and
single-point-of-failure capabilities.'' The committee also
notes that a great deal of additive manufacturing research and
development is conducted openly on commercially available
systems, allowing adversaries access to substantial innovation.
The committee supports further development of additive
manufacturing processes that leverage unclassified innovations
for sensitive and classified weapon systems.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $2.0
million, in RDT&E, Air Force, for PE 62102F for qualification
of additive manufacturing processes.
Technologies to repair fasteners
The budget request included $103.3 million for Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), Air Force, for PE
63030F Air Force Foundational Development/Demos.
The committee notes that the galvanic corrosion of fastener
holes in carbon-composite and aluminum alloy airframes is a
significant maintenance burden and a source of aircraft
downtime. The committee believes that the development of
inexpensive and reliable technologies that can repair fastener
holes could reduce maintenance costs and extend the useful
lifetime of the F-22 and F-35.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $2.5
million, in RDT&E, Air Force, for PE 63030F for technologies to
repair fasteners.
Hypersonic materials
The budget request included $349.2 million in Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation, Air Force (RDAF), for PE
62201F Aerospace Vehicle Technologies.
The committee supports the Air Force's efforts to design
and test materials capable of withstanding the hypersonic
environment.
Accordingly, the committee recommends an increase of $10.0
million in RDAF for PE 62201F.
Golden Horde Vanguard program reductions
The budget request included $157.6 million in Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), Air Force, for PE
63032F Future AF Integrated Technology Demos.
The committee recognizes the importance of programs that
support the transition of promising innovative science and
technology programs into formal acquisition or operational use.
The committee notes that these efforts are more appropriately
funded outside of the limited funding available for science and
technology efforts themselves.
Therefore, the committee recommends a decrease of $50.0
million in RDT&E, Air Force, for PE 63032F Future AF Integrated
Technology Demos for Golden Horde Vanguard program reductions.
The committee report reallocates this funding to high priority
science and technology activities in support of the National
Defense Strategy.
Fixed-wing improvements
The budget request included $199.6 million in Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), Air Force, for PE
63033F Next Gen Platform Dev/Demo.
The committee notes that Air Force efforts to improve B-52
flight operations resulted in a 6.6 percent performance gain,
saving 4.2 million gallons of fuel per year, and a positive
return on investment in less than 1 year. Flight data analysis
also showed that not pursuing efficiencies resulted in
increased fuel burn and costs, 350 additional maintenance hours
per year, and 41 days of non-mission capable status for landing
gear maintenance. Analysis for KC-135 aft body drag reduction
devices show savings of $7.5 million per year.
Accordingly, the committee recommends the following
increases: $3.0 million for B-52 pylon fairings, $3.0 million
for C-130 finlets, and $3.0 million for KC-135 aft body drag,
in RDT&E, Air Force, for PE 63033F Next Gen Platform Dev/Demo.
AETP/NGAP
The budget request included $636.5 million in Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation, Air Force (RDAF), for PE
64004F Advanced Engine Development.
The committee supports the Air Force's efforts to develop
state of the art engine technology that has the potential to
provide expanded flight envelopes with increases in thermal and
power production at the same time. The committee encourages the
Air Force to accelerate this revolutionary technology to
achieve the increase in combat capability.
Accordingly, the committee recommends an increase of $50.0
million in RDAF for PE 64004F.
Directed energy counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (CUAS)
The budget request included $21.0 million in Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), Air Force, for PE
64032F Directed Energy Prototyping.
Unmanned aerial systems (UASs) pose a growing threat to
U.S. forces. The development of directed energy capabilities to
counter UASs and cruise missiles is critical, as employment of
such defensive capabilities would impose substantial costs on
adversaries.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $5.0
million in RDT&E, Air Force, for PE 64032F.
Advanced Hypersonic Air-breathing Weapon
The budget request included $381.9 million in Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation, Air Force (RDAF), for PE
64033F Hypersonic Prototyping.
The committee supports the Air Force's efforts in
developing air-breathing hypersonic missiles but is concerned
that the Air Force has not provided sufficient resources to
successfully transition the Hypersonic Air Breathing Weapon
being developed by the Defense Advanced Research Projects
Agency (DARPA), in partnership with the Air Force, based on the
recent successes and acceleration of the DARPA program.
Accordingly, the committee recommends an increase of $65.0
million in RDAF for PE 64033F.
KC-135 operational energy increases
The budget request included $219.3 million in Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), Air Force, for PE
64858F Tech Transition Program.
The committee notes that roughly 60 percent of operational
energy use occurs in the Air Force at a cost of over $5.4
billion per year. One of the greatest consumers of fuel in the
Air Force is the KC-135. Just switching from horizontal to
vertical wiper blades with a $2 million investment can save
almost $10 million each year. Using low-cost flight planning
software instead of traditional practices can decrease the
workload for flight planners by roughly 300 hours per month. In
the air, the same planning software has been shown to improve
flight efficiency by at least 10 percent, which saves $75.0
million per year.
Accordingly, the committee recommends the following
increases: $4.5 million for agile software development and
operations, $10.0 million for KC-135 winglets, and $2.0 million
for KC-135 vertical wipers in RDT&E, Air Force, for PE 64855F
Tech Transition Program.
Polar communications
The budget request included $219.0 million in Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), Space Force, for PE
64858F Tech Transition.
The committee understands that strategic satellite
communication is vital to national security and that there
exists a potential 7-year gap in resilient capability coverage.
Additionally, the Commander, U.S. Northern Command, has warned
about a lack of basic and reliable communications in the
northern most latitudes, communications that the Department of
Defense will need to help respond to great power competition.
The committee is aware of recent developments in low- and
medium-earth orbit communications that could support additional
satellite capability to begin to establish more robust
communications at these northern latitudes.
Therefore, the committee recommends and increase of $46.0
million in RDT&E, Space Force, for PE 64858F for strategic
satellite communications capability.
Low-Cost Attritable Aircraft Technology
The budget request included $219.3 million in Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), Air Force, for PE
64858F Tech Transition Program.
The committee supports the Assistant Secretary of the Air
Force for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics' intent to
accelerate the Air Force Research Laboratory's Low-Cost
Attributable Aircraft Technology XQ-58 program for
collaborative pairing with manned platforms, potentially
including the F-35. The committee views the combined
application of commercial technology, autonomy, and artificial
intelligence as an innovative solution to meeting the demands
of the National Defense Strategy.
Accordingly, the committee recommends an increase of $128.0
million, in RDT&E, Air Force, for PE 0604858F for the purchase
of additional XQ-58 aircraft and operationally relevant
testing.
Long Endurance UAS
The budget request included $219.3 million in Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation, Air Force (RDAF), for PE
64858F Tech Transition Program.
The committee supports the Air Force's effort to provide an
alternative to traditional space assets by using unmanned
vehicles to provide persistent over the horizon surveillance,
targeting, and tactical communications capability.
Accordingly, the committee recommends an increase of $33.5
million in RDAF for PE 64858F for long endurance unmanned
aircraft systems.
Rapid repair of high performance materials
The budget request included $219.3 million in Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), Air Force, for PE
64858F Tech Transition Program.
The committee recognizes the importance of further
advancement of systems that can be used to repair high
performance materials for the Department of Defense. The
committee highly encourages further integration of portable
deployable systems.
Accordingly, the committee recommends an increase of $6.0
million, in RDT&E, Air Force, for PE 64858F for development of
technologies to enable the rapid repair of high performance
materials.
Small satellites
The budget request included $219.3 million in Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), Air Force, for PE
64858F Technology Transition Program.
The committee is encouraged by the Department of Defense's
focus on small satellite capabilities and supports the growth
and expansion of the space industry capabilities in this
critical technology area.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $6.0
million in RDT&E, Air Force, for PE 64858F for small
satellites.
Air Force Open Systems Integration
The budget request included no funding in Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation, Air Force (RDAF), for PE
0604429F Airborne Electronic Attack.
The committee supports the Air Force's initiative to
transition the Systems of Systems Technology Integration Tool
Chain for Heterogeneous Electronic Systems (STITCHES)
capability to the 850th Electronic Warfare Group. This open
systems integration solution provides critical capability
across the Department of Defense. The committee was
disappointed to learn that the transition was authorized but
failed to capture the required funding.
Accordingly, the committee recommends an increase of $30.0
million in RDAF for PE 0604429F for STITCHES transition
activities.
SLATE/VR Training
The budget request included $248.7 million in Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation, Air Force (RDAF), for PE
0605223F Advanced Pilot Training.
The committee supports the effort to accelerate the
fielding of commercially developed airborne augmented reality
for: (1) In-flight learning; (2) Operational training; (3)
Advancing learning and performance assessment science and
practice by integrating and testing advanced airborne augmented
reality prototypes in Air Force training aircraft; and (4)
Active Air Force fighters through initial integration
activities for the F-16.
Accordingly, the committee recommends an increase of $6.0
million in RDAF for PE 0605223F.
Gulf Test Range modernization
The budget request included $208.7 million in Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), Air Force, for PE
64759F Major T&E Investment.
The committee notes its support for the next phase in the
Gulf Test Range telemetric modernization process.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $15.0
million in RDT&E, Air Force, for PE 64759F for Gulf Test Range
modernization.
Enterprise Resource Planning Common Services
The budget request included $9.9 million in Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), Air Force, for PE
38602F Enterprise Information Services.
The committee remains concerned about the Air Force's
development of Enterprise Resource Planning Common Services
with respect to implementing best practices for the frequency
of capability delivery to end users and notes that the
acquisition strategy for this program is inconsistent with the
Air Force's digital modernization strategy.
The committee recommends a reduction of $7.5 million in
RDT&E, Air Force, for PE 38602F.
Advanced Air to Air capability
The budget request included $15.8 billion in Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation, Air Force (RDAF), for PE
9999999 Classified Programs.
The committee supports the Air Force's efforts in
developing advanced air-to-air weapons to enable air
superiority, which is fundamental to achieving victory in any
conflict.
Accordingly, the committee recommends an increase of $62.0
million in RDAF for PE 999999.
Air Force Integrated Personnel and Pay System
The budget request included $27.0 million in Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), Air Force, for PE
65018F Air Force Integrated Personnel and Pay System (AF-IPPS).
The committee notes its continuing concern with AF-IPPS
implementation of best practices for frequency of capability
delivery to end users and that the acquisition strategy for
this program is inconsistent with the Air Force's digital
modernization strategy.
Therefore, the committee recommends a decrease of $20.0
million in RDT&E, Air Force, for PE 65018F.
B-1B Squadrons
The budget request included $15.8 million in Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation, Air Force (RDAF), for PE
11126F B-1B Squadrons.
The committee supports the Air Force's request to realign
funds to support certain B-1 radio cryptographic modernization
requirements within this account.
Accordingly, the committee recommends an increase of $10.8
million in RDAF for PE 11126F for cryptographic modernization
activities.
PDI: Mission Partner Environment (MPE) local upgrades, U.S. Indo-
Pacific Command
The budget request included $13.6 million in Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), Air Force, for PE
35600F International Intelligence Technology and Architectures.
The unfunded priorities list submitted by the Commander,
U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM), included additional
funding for Mission Partner Environment (MPE) local upgrades to
modernize the command, control, communications, and computers
architecture in the INDOPACOM area of responsibility and
provide local systems to support and enhance operations with
allies and partners.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $3.7
million in RDT&E, Air Force, for PE 35600F, specifically for
the BICES-X program.
C-17 microvanes
The budget request included $9.9 million in Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), Air Force, for PE
41130F C-17 Aircraft (IF).
The committee supports efforts to increase efficiency and
to reduce costs associated with fuel burn. The committee notes
that the Air Force estimates savings of approximately $10.0
million per year, with less than a 4-month positive return on
investment, through the use of C-17 microvanes, which have been
shown to streamline airflow and reduce drag.
Accordingly, the committee recommends an increase of $3.0
million in RDT&E, Air Force, for PE 41130F for the fielding of
C-17 microvanes.
Logistics Information Technology
The budget request included $35.2 million in Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), Air Force, for PE
78610F Logistics Information Technology (LOGIT).
The committee notes its concern with the progress of the
Item Master effort with respect to implementation of best
practices for frequency of capability delivery to end users and
that the acquisition strategy for this program is inconsistent
with the Air Force's digital modernization strategy.
Therefore, the committee recommends a decrease of $20.0
million in RDT&E, Air Force, for PE 78610F.
Small satellite mission operations center
The budget request included $139.9 million in Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), Space Force, for PE
1206601SF Space Technology Applied Research.
The committee believes that there is significant potential
in small satellite missions and that a central operations
center would provide synergy to the ongoing Department of
Defense efforts.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $3.0
million in RDT&E, Space Force, for PE 1206601SF for a small
satellite mission operations center.
GPS User Equipment
The budget request included $390.7 million in Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), Space Force, for PE
1203164SF NAVSTAR Global Positioning System (User Equipment)
(SPACE).
The committee understands that the modernized Global
Positioning System user equipment program for the Space Force
has slipped by over a year and that more delays are possible.
Therefore, the committee recommends a decrease of $20.0
million in RDT&E, Space Force, for PE 1203164SF.
National Security Space Launch technology development
The budget request included $561.0 million in Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), Space Force, for PE
1206853SF National Security Space Launch Program (SPACE)--EMD.
Elsewhere in this Act, the committee recommends a provision
that would require the Secretary of the Air Force to establish
a program to develop technologies and systems to enhance phase
three National Security Space Launch requirements and enable
further advances in launch capability associated with the
insertion of national security payloads into relevant classes
of orbits.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $30.0
million in RDT&E, Space Force, for PE 1206853SF. This increase
would resource this important program.
Cobra Dane service life extension
The budget request included $28.2 million in Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation, Space Force (RDSF), for PE
1203873SF Ballistic Missile Defense Radars.
The committee notes that, because of projected delays in
fielding two homeland defense radars in the Indo-Pacific area
of responsibility, Cobra Dane will now be required to exceed
its originally planned life expectancy. The committee also
notes that this project was included on the unfunded priorities
list submitted by the Commander, U.S. Northern Command and
North American Aerospace Defense Command.
Accordingly, the committee recommends an increase of $18.5
million in RDSF for PE 120387SF to accelerate the service life
extension of the Cobra Dane radar.
Commercial space domain awareness
The budget request included $86.7 million in Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), Space Force, for PE
1203940SF Space Situation Awareness Operations.
The committee believes that, in an increasingly crowded
environment, the space situational awareness (SSA) mission is
essential to U.S. Government and commercial space operations.
The committee views the use of commercial data for this mission
as an important part of an integrated approach to achieving
SSA.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $7.0
million in RDT&E, Space Force, for PE 1203940SF for commercial
procurement of SSA data.
Global Positioning System III--Operational Control Segment
The budget request included $482.0 million in Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), Space Force, for PE
1206423SF Global Positioning System III--Operational Control
Segment.
The committee believes that Global Positioning System
modernization is a critical milestone for achieving the lethal
force envisioned in the National Defense Strategy but sees this
request as excess to need.
Therefore, the committee recommends a decrease of $65.0
million in RDT&E, Space Force, for PE 1206423SF.
Defense Wide
Defense Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research
The budget request included $35.6 million in Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), Defense-wide, for PE
61110D8Z Basic Research Initiatives.
The committee recognizes the importance of the Defense
Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research
(DEPSCoR). The program helps increase the number of university
researchers and improve the capabilities of institutions of
higher education in eligible jurisdictions to perform
competitive research relevant to the Department of Defense.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $20.0
million in RDT&E, Defense-wide, for PE 61110D8Z for DEPSCoR.
Minerva Research Initiative
The budget request included $35.6 million in Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), Defense-wide, for PE
61110D8Z Basic Research Initiatives.
The committee is concerned by the proposed divestment in
social science research programs within the Office of the Under
Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering and the
Army's withdrawal from Minerva Research Initiative in recent
years. At a time when peer and near-peer adversaries are
increasingly employing strategies of malign influence and
disinformation, maintaining the Nation's technological
superiority in the face of these threats requires not only
investing in physical sciences but also the integration of
cross-disciplinary research that explores the social, cultural,
behavioral, political, historical, and religious drivers of
today's increasingly complex global security environment.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $17.0
million in RDT&E, Defense-wide, for PE 61110D8Z Basic Research
Initiatives for the Minerva research initiative.
The committee further notes that the National Academies of
Science, Engineering, and Medicine's 2020 review of Minerva's
accomplishments found that, despite facing challenges with
establishing a stable, well-functioning organizational
structure as well as resource limitations, the program has made
important contributions. The study found that the program has
had a positive impact on the amount of dialogue between the
Department of Defense and the social science community, the
number of social science researchers with an interest in
research relevant to national security, and the amount of
collaboration among researchers working on topics relevant to
national security. The committee directs the Under Secretary of
Defense for Research and Engineering to review the findings of
this report and brief the congressional defense committees on
planned responses to the report's recommendations, no later
than March 1, 2021.
Traumatic brain injury medical research
The budget request included $53.7 million for Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), Defense-wide, for PE
61117E Basic Operational Medical Research Science.
The committee notes the importance of continued medical
research conducted by the Army Futures Command and Army
Research Laboratory to advance the prevention, detection, and
treatment of acute traumatic brain injury (TBI). The committee
notes that TBIs are associated with a variety of long-term
effects and are prevalent in military and civilian settings.
The committee supports this funding increase to help the Army
to prevent TBI incidence and ultimately develop prevention,
detection, and treatment methodologies that could be used to
protect the entire Joint Force as well as civilian populations.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $5.0
million in RDT&E, Defense-wide, for PE 61117E for traumatic
brain injury medical research.
Aerospace, education, research, and innovation activities
The budget request included $31.0 million for Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), Defense-wide, for PE
61228D8Z Historically Black Colleges and Universities/Minority
Institutions.
The committee notes the importance of fundamental research
and the pipeline of highly qualified technical talent in
support of long-term national security needs. The committee
supports increased funding for aerospace education and research
activities at Historically Black Colleges and Universities/
Minority Institutions to promote the expansion of the future
aerospace technical workforce, especially among U.S. citizens,
and to enhance research in areas such as fatigue damage
tolerance, experimental aerodynamics, and the performance of
materials and components under extreme environmental
conditions.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $2.0
million in RDT&E, Defense-wide, for PE 61228D8Z Historically
Black Colleges and Universities/Minority Institutions for
aerospace education, research, and innovation activities.
Historically Black Colleges and Universities/Minority Institutions
The budget request included $31.0 million for Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), Defense-wide, for PE
61228D8Z Historically Black Colleges and Universities/Minority
Institutions.
The committee notes the importance of increasing the
Department of Defense's (DOD) partnerships with Historically
Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). These HBCU
institutions can support the Department of Defense's needs for
high quality research as well as serve as a source for United
States citizens with science, technology, engineering, and
mathematics training who can support national security
technology missions.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $5.0
million, in RDT&E, Defense-wide, for PE 61228D8Z.
Emerging biotech research
The budget request included $250.1 million in Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), Defense-wide, for PE
62715E Materials and Biological Technology.
The committee recognizes the importance of protecting
warfighter populations stationed domestically and abroad in the
event of a pandemic. The committee supports expanding rapid
response vaccine capabilities and capacity that can meet the
needs of this population in the event of an outbreak. The
committee commends the Department of Defense for its prior
efforts, conducted by the Defense Advanced Research Projects
Agency, to pursue novel rapid production capabilities and
directs the Department to pursue late-stage multi-modal
platform technologies capable of responding to pandemics such
as influenza, COVID-19, and future infectious diseases.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $40.0
million in RDT&E, Defense-wide, for PE 62715E for an increase
in emerging biotechnology research.
Operational Fires program reduction, Defense-wide
The budget request included $231.0 million in Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), Defense-wide, for PE
63286E Advanced Aerospace Systems.
The committee recognizes the importance of coordinating
various service and agency hypersonics activities and is
concerned with the lack of a transition pathway for the Defense
Advanced Research Projects Agency's Operational Fires effort
into a funded Army acquisition or development activity.
Therefore, the committee recommends a decrease of $20.0
million in RDT&E, Defense-wide, for PE 63286E for a reduction
in the Operational Fires program.
Hypersonic program reduction
The budget request included $102.0 million in Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), Defense-wide, for PE
64331D8Z Rapid Prototyping Program.
The committee recognizes the importance of hypersonic
research and development, especially in light of the National
Defense Strategy and the advancing threats that it describes.
However, the committee is concerned that there has been a lack
of adequate coordination on hypersonic prototyping efforts
among the various stakeholders and service components.
Therefore, the committee recommends a decrease of $20.0
million in RDT&E, Defense-wide, for PE 64331D8Z for hypersonic
program reduction.
Stratospheric balloon research
The budget request included $133.4 million in Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), Defense-wide, for PE
63338D8Z Defense Modernization and Prototyping.
The committee recognizes the increasing importance of
stratospheric balloons in command, control, communications,
computers, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance
(C4ISR) and missile defense missions. The committee is
concerned that, as projects move from the Office of Secretary
of Defense's Missile Defeat Project to elsewhere in the
Department, transition of prior research will be insufficient.
Specifically, the committee is concerned that the Trippwire
high altitude demonstration program, previously funded under
the Missile Defeat Project, lacks specific budgetary
continuity. The committee understands that the Trippwire
technologies still require testing and evaluation activities
before they can transition to the military services as a
program of record.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $13.0
million in RDT&E, Defense-wide, for PE 63338D8Z for
stratospheric balloon research.
Rapid prototyping using digital manufacturing
The budget request included $93.8 million in Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), Defense-wide, for PE
63680D8Z Manufacturing Technology.
The committee notes that high performance computing, when
combined with additive manufacturing, has the potential to
significantly support the ability for forward deployed forces
and the defense industrial base to make optimal use of the
additive manufacturing capabilities. High performance computing
assets can be used to optimize design processes, support real
time monitoring of manufacturing processes and product quality,
and support detailed data analyses of critical parts. The
Department of Defense has indicated that the use of high
performance computing addresses a critical capability required
in implementation of additive manufacturing.
The committee recommends an increase of $5.0 million in
RDT&E, Defense-wide, for PE 63680D8Z Manufacturing Technology
for rapid prototyping using digital manufacturing.
Defense supply chain technologies
The budget request included $40.0 million in Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), Defense-wide, for PE
63680S Manufacturing Technology Program.
The committee recognizes the potential of academic
partnership programs to increase the adoption of additive
manufacturing, automation, and robotics metal-casting
technologies among small-to-medium businesses in the defense
industrial base.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $5.0
million in RDT&E, Defense-wide, for PE 63680S for defense
supply chain technologies.
Steel Performance Initiative
The budget request included $40.0 million in Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), Defense-wide, for PE
63680S Manufacturing Technology Program.
The committee notes that failure to invest in steel
technology for advanced weapon systems threatens leadership in
commercial steel technology and in defense equipment
performance. The committee understands that steel is a critical
and enabling material for the performance of defense equipment.
Investment is needed in steel alloy development and
manufacturing technology to maintain warfighter preparedness
and a strong industrial base.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $10.0
million for RDT&E, Defense-wide, for PE 63680S.
Network-Centric Warfare Technology program reduction
The budget request included $661.2 million in Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), Defense-wide, for PE
63766E Network-Centric Warfare Technology.
The committee is concerned with the coordination of service
and Strategic Capabilities Office programs and activities as
well as the absence of transition plans for some of the
proposed and ongoing research efforts.
Therefore, the committee recommends a decrease of $10.0
million in RDT&E, Defense-wide, for PE 63766E Network-Centric
Warfare Technology.
Operational Energy Capability Improvements
The budget request included $0.0 in Research, Development,
Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), Defense-wide, for PE 64055D8Z
Operational Energy Capability Improvement.
The committee notes that, since its creation in 2012, the
Operational Energy Capability Improvement Fund (OECIF) has
served as ``seed money'' to start or consolidate promising
innovations and to demonstrate technological feasibility with
the goal of transitioning science and technology investments
into Department of Defense programs. The committee further
notes that OECIF investments are directly focused on the
capability needs expressed in the National Defense Strategy and
that OECIF's efforts have complemented, not replaced or
duplicated, investments made by the military services. The
committee is concerned that the budget request did not include
funding for the OECIF and notes its support for the program as
the Department works to rapidly address new and critical issues
arising from emerging threats to our ability to supply the
Joint Force.
Accordingly, the committee recommends an increase of $65.0
million in RDT&E, Defense-wide, for PE 64055D8Z Operational
Energy Capability Improvement.
Funding for long-duration demonstration initiative and joint program
The budget request included $61.3 million in Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), Defense-wide, for PE
63851D8Z Environmental Security Technical Certification
Program.
The committee recommends an increase of $15.0 million in
RDT&E, Defense-wide, for PE 63851D8Z to fund a pilot program on
long-duration energy storage established elsewhere in this Act.
Advanced technologies
The budget request included $730.5 million in Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation, Defense-wide (RDDW), for PE
64250D8Z Advanced Innovative Technologies.
The committee is supportive of advanced innovation but is
concerned that some of the projects planned to be undertaken in
fiscal year 2021 are outside of the charter of the Strategic
Capabilities Office--namely, the use of mature technology to
produce game-changing capability. The committee is encouraged
by the continued work on the hypervelocity gun weapon system
(HGWS) and its continued development to provide a low cost
integrated air and missile defense interceptor. The committee
encourages the continued development of the HGWS program.
Therefore, the committee recommends a decrease of $100.0
million in RDDW for PE 64250D8Z.
Defense Modernization and Prototyping program reduction
The budget request included $133.4 million in Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), Defense-wide, for PE
64331D8Z Defense Modernization and Prototyping.
The committee recognizes the importance of hypersonic
research and development, especially in light of the National
Defense Strategy and the advancing threats that it describes.
However, the committee is concerned that there has been a lack
of adequate coordination on hypersonic prototyping efforts
among the various stakeholders and service components.
Therefore, the committee recommends a decrease of $20.0
million in RDT&E, Defense-wide, for PE 64331D8Z.
Homeland Defense Radar-Hawaii
The budget request did not contain funding in Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation, Defense-Wide (RDDW), for PE
64672C Homeland Defense Radar-Hawaii (HDR-H).
The committee is aware of the challenges related to site
selection for HDR-H but understands that the Missile Defense
Agency has a viable path forward if provided sufficient
funding. The committee believes that a persistent sensing
capability in this area of responsibility is critical for
homeland defense and also notes that this program was included
in the unfunded priorities list submitted by the Commander,
Indo-Pacific Command.
Accordingly, the committee recommends an increase of $162.0
million in RDDW for PE 64672C.
Next Generation Interceptor
The budget request included $664.1 million in Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation, Defense-wide (RDDW), for PE
64874C Improved Homeland Defense (IHLD) Interceptors.
The committee fully supports the effort to modernize the
Ground-Based Interceptor fleet but also notes that delays in
releasing the request for proposals for the Next Generation
Interceptor (NGI) have led to a projected contract award date
that is almost 1 year later than initially planned for by the
Missile Defense Agency (MDA). These delays have also prevented
the MDA from obligating or expending the fiscal year 2020
funding that was appropriated for the two initial contract
awards.
Accordingly, the committee recommends a decrease of $310.0
million in RDDW for PE 64874C for the NGI program.
PDI: Guam Defense System
The budget request did not include funding in Research,
Defense, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), Defense-wide, for PE
64880C Land-Based SM-3 for a Guam Defense System (GDS).
The committee notes that this project was included on the
unfunded priorities list submitted by the Commander, U.S. Indo-
Pacific Command, who stated that Guam is both the western-most
territory of the U.S. homeland and a critical location for
posture and operations in the Indo-Pacific area of
responsibility. The committee agrees with the Commander that
protection of U.S. assets and personnel on Guam is critical for
effective operations in the region.
Accordingly, the committee recommends an increase of $76.8
million in RDT&E, Defense-wide, for PE 64880C Land-Based SM-3
for GDS.
In addition, the committee expects the Missile Defense
Agency (MDA), along with U.S. Strategic Command (STRATCOM) and
U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM), to continue to analyze
and refine the plan for a defense architecture against the
range of missile threats to Guam while also beginning the work
described above.
Accordingly, not later than January 31, 2021, the committee
directs the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the
Director of the MDA and the Commanders, STRATCOM and INDOPACOM,
to submit to the congressional defense committees an assessment
of the architecture required for the defense of Guam from air
and missile threats, including ballistic, hypersonic, and
cruise missiles. The assessment shall include the following
elements:
(1) An analysis of existing and projected air and
missile threats to U.S. forces, assets, and
infrastructure located on Guam;
(2) An analysis of impacts to the ability of U.S.
forces to conduct operations in the INDOPACOM area of
operations if systems and assets on Guam are vulnerable
to air and missile threats;
(3) An analysis of systems currently available for
procurement or deployment that could contribute to the
defense of Guam from these threats not later than the
end of 2025;
(4) An analysis of new systems currently in
development, or modifications to existing systems, that
could enhance or substitute for existing options in
contributing to this mission;
(5) Estimated cost and schedule for the various
options studied; and
(6) Anything else the Secretary deems relevant.
Hypersonic and Ballistic Tracking and Custody Layer
The budget request included $216.0 million in Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation, Defense-wide (RDDW), for PE
1206410SDA Space Technology Development and Prototyping.
The committee understands that the Space Development Agency
(SDA) is responsible for the development of the hypersonic and
ballistic space-based tracking and custody layer. In addition
the committee has been informed that the SDA is transferring
funds to have the Missile Defense Agency continue development
of the Hypersonic and Ballistic Tracking Space Sensor as a
potential sensor for the tracking layer.
Therefore, the committee recommends a decrease of $20.0
million in RDDW for PE 1206410SDA.
Hybrid space
The budget request included $216.0 million in Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation, Defense-wide (RDDW), for PE
1206410SDA Space Technology Development and Prototyping.
The committee understands that the Commander, U.S. Indo-
Pacific Command, Commander, U.S. European Command, and other
combatant commanders have identified the need for persistent
space-based radars in their unfunded priorities lists for
fiscal year 2021. A constellation of low earth orbit, space-
based radars, with rapid revisit rates and the capability to
maintain situational awareness of adversary activities and
providing low latency target custody, would meet the
requirements of the combatant commanders.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $130.0
million in RDDW for PE 1206410SDA.
Hypersonic and Ballistic Tracking Space Sensor
The budget request did not include funding in Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation, Defense-Wide (RDDW), for PE
1206895C BMDS Space Programs for a Hypersonic and Ballistic
Tracking Space Sensor (HBTSS).
The committee is aware that some funding for this
capability was included in the budget request for the Space
Development Agency (SDA). The committee notes, however, that
section 1683 of the National Defense Authorization Act for
Fiscal Year 2020 (Public Law 116-92) required the Secretary of
Defense to assign primary responsibility for the development
and deployment of an HBTSS payload to the Missile Defense
Agency. Further, the amount of funding contained in the
requested SDA budget for this program is far less than what is
required to keep the HBTSS program on track, according to
fiscal year 2020 budget documentation.
The committee notes that the Commander, U.S. Strategic
Command, and Commander, U.S. Northern Command, among other
senior military and civilian officials, have stated repeatedly
that space-based sensors are the most effective path to
improving both homeland and theater missile defenses against a
wide range of missile threats. The committee is disappointed
that the Department of Defense has once again neglected to
request meaningful funding for this program.
Accordingly, the committee recommends an increase of $120.0
million in RDDW in PE 1206895C for HBTSS.
Stryker Nuclear Biological Chemical Reconnaissance Vehicle Sensor Suite
Upgrade
The budget request included $320.0 million in Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation, Defense-wide (RDDW), for PE
64384BP Chemical and Biological Defense Program--EMD, of which
$128.9 million was for Contamination Avoidance programs,
including the Stryker Nuclear Biological Chemical
Reconnaissance Vehicle Sensor Suite Upgrade (NBCRV SSU).
The committee understands that platform-mounted
reconnaissance of nuclear and radiological hazards is a key
capability for ground forces and supports the Department of
Defense's efforts to develop stand-off technology that would
protect soldiers and equipment from radiation exposure. The
committee believes that this capability would be useful on a
broader variety of platforms.
Accordingly, the committee recommends an increase of $3.0
million in RDDW for PE 64384BP for Contamination Avoidance
programs to accelerate integration activities for the Stryker
NBCRV SSU and to investigate platform-agnostic variants of the
sensor package.
Infrastructure to assess counter-small UAS commercial solutions
The budget request included $422.5 million in Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), Defense-wide, for PE
64940D8Z Central Test and Evaluation Investment Program
(CTEIP).
The committee notes the expansion of small Unmanned
Aircraft System (sUAS) threats as fueled by the proliferation
of industry-driven sUAS capabilities highlighted elsewhere in
this Act. The committee believes that the scope and complexity
of this threat will only increase over the next decade.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $15.0
million in RDT&E, Defense-wide, for PE 64940D8Z to build the
necessary test and evaluation infrastructure to assess Counter-
sUAS (C-sUAS) capabilities.
To ensure the best use of this additional funding, the
committee directs the Under Secretary of Defense for Research
and Engineering (USD R&E) to provide a plan for the development
of the test and evaluation infrastructure required to
appropriately assess C-sUAS solutions so as to systematically
address the long-term threat to U.S. troops and critical
infrastructure.
The committee expects future funding to be used to build
the appropriate test and evaluation infrastructure, but it will
be contingent on the efficacy of the briefed plan. The
committee recommends that the USD R&E consult with the
Department of Justice on its efforts to systematically address
C-sUAS threats using a comprehensive test and evaluation plan.
The plan shall be briefed to the congressional defense
committees no later than February 1, 2021, and shall address
the capability to: (1) Provide full time, space, and position
information on low, slow, and small targets that are either
under operator control or autonomous and that may be executing
terrain-following maneuvers; (2) Enable cyber analyses of
defeat mechanisms for autonomous and automated systems; (3)
Enable end-to-end analysis of the proposed C-sUAS kill chain
from sensor to defeat mechanism to impact on UAS functionality;
and (4) Such other matters as the USD R&E determines to be
appropriate.
Telemetry range extension wave glider relay
The budget request included $422.5 million in Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), Defense-wide, for PE
64940D8Z Central Test and Evaluation Investment Development.
The committee notes the need for investments in test ranges
in support of the capabilities called for in the National
Defense Strategy. Range extension enables range safety and
Department of Defense over-water test events of long-range
hypersonic weapons, aircraft, and sea surface platforms.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $15.0
million in RDT&E, Defense-wide, for PE 64940D8Z.
National Academies study on comparison of talent programs
The budget request included $5.8 million in Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), Defense-wide, for PE
65151D8Z Studies and Analysis Support--OSD.
The committee recommends a provision elsewhere in this
Report to require the National Academies of Science,
Engineering, and Medicine to conduct a study comparing methods
for recruiting and retaining researchers used by the U.S. and
Chinese governments. The committee notes that the People's
Republic of China maintains various well-funded talent programs
through which American researchers are encouraged to set up
labs in China and conduct research in Chinese laboratories,
providing the country access to sensitive technologies
developed in the United States.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $2.0
million in RDT&E, Defense-wide, for PE 65151D8Z for the
National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine study
on comparison of talent programs.
Defense Technical Information Center
The budget request included $59.4 million in Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), Defense-wide, for PE
65801KA Defense Technical Information Center (DTIC).
The committee notes the challenges that the DTIC faces in
efficiently and effectively performing its mission to
facilitate sharing, maintain open repositories, and develop
analytics of data across the research and engineering
enterprise. The committee notes that the role of the DTIC needs
to be re-examined given the emphasis that the Department of
Defense is placing on the use of modern data collection,
distribution, and analysis techniques and technologies to
support both management and combat missions.
Therefore, the committee recommends a decrease of $50.0
million in RDT&E, Defense-wide, for PE 65801KA.
The committee directs the Under Secretary of Defense for
Research and Engineering, in coordination with the Chief Data
Officer and other appropriate officials, to brief the
congressional defense committees on a plan for the
modernization and revitalization of DTIC missions,
capabilities, and roles to support the National Defense
Strategy no later than December 31, 2021.
Advanced machine tool research
The budget request included $9.2 million in Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), Defense-wide, for PE
67210D8Z Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment Support.
The committee notes that Executive Order 13806 (Assessing
and Strengthening the Manufacturing and Defense Industrial Base
and Supply Chain Resiliency of the United States) and the
follow-on Department of Defense report both called for
strengthening American manufacturing capabilities. The use of
non-U.S.-origin machine tools could provide openings for both
industrial and national espionage and yield degradation in
product quality and functionality. U.S. machine tool makers are
largely buying, rather than building, the tools necessary to
manufacture cutting edge machine tools.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $20.0
million in RDT&E, Defense-wide, for PE 67210D8Z for research in
advanced machine tooling.
Cold spray manufacturing technologies
The budget request included $9.2 million in Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), Defense-wide, for PE
67210D8Z Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment Support.
The committee notes that a January 2020 Government
Accountability Office report, titled ``Military Depots: DOD Can
Benefit from Further Sharing of Best Practices and Lessons
Learned'' (GAO-20-116), cited the potential benefits of the
application of cold spray manufacturing technologies in
sustainment activities across the Department of Defense.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $5.0
million in RDT&E, Defense-wide, for PE 67210D8Z for cold spray
manufacturing technologies.
Domestic organic light emitting diode manufacturing
The budget request included $9.2 million in Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), Defense-wide, for PE
67210D8Z Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment Support.
The committee recognizes the importance of organic light
emitting diode (OLED) microdisplays as critical components in
major military aviation and ground combat programs of record.
However, the committee is concerned that the domestic OLED
manufacturing industrial base is fragile. Spare parts are very
limited, often resulting in substantial time and production
capacity loss. A single-point-of-failure for any one of these
tools can result in a complete production line halt that can
span weeks or even months.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $5.0
million in RDT&E, Defense-wide, for PE 67210D8Z for support for
domestic OLED manufacturing.
Implementation of radar supplier resiliency plan
The budget request included $9.2 million in Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), Defense-wide, for PE
67210D8Z Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment Support.
The committee acknowledges the Department of Defense's
preparation of a Radar Supplier Resiliency Plan.
To support implementation of this plan, the committee
recommends an increase of $5.0 million in RDT&E, Defense-wide,
for PE 67210D8Z. Accordingly, the committee directs the
Secretary of Defense to report to the congressional defense
committees by April 15, 2021, on the critical deliverables that
will have a direct and measurable impact on the radar
industrial base during the first year of implementation.
Manufacturing for reuse of NdFeB magnets
The budget request included $9.2 million in Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), Defense-wide, for PE
67210D8Z Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment Support.
The committee notes that the Department of Defense depends
on high-performance magnets, including rare earth neodymium-
iron-boron (NdFeB), for the functioning of sophisticated weapon
systems. Section 2533c of title 10, United States Code,
requires the Department to stop using magnets from China. The
committee is also concerned about the reliability of other
sources of these magnets and the global dependence on raw
materials supplied by China.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $6.0
million in RDT&E, Defense-wide, for PE 67210D8Z to expand
domestic manufacturing capacity for these magnets.
Submarine Construction Workforce Training Pipeline
The budget request included $9.2 million in Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), Defense-wide, for PE
67210D8Z Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment Support.
The committee notes that, over the next decade, the
submarine shipbuilding industry must hire at least 18,000 new
skilled workers to support the production of the Columbia-class
ballistic missile submarine and the continued construction of
the Virginia-class submarine. The submarine industry has worked
closely with State and local governments, community colleges,
high schools, and community-based non-profits for the past
several years to establish new training pipelines to support
these increased hiring needs. Thus far, such pipeline training
programs have placed nearly 2,500 people in submarine industry
jobs. The committee notes that additional funding will increase
the throughput of these pipelines and expand them into
additional States to more adequately respond to the hiring
demand.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $20.0
million in RDT&E, Defense-wide, for PE 67210D8Z for increasing
the submarine construction workforce training pipeline.
Workforce transformation cyber initiative pilot program
The budget request included $46.5 million for Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), Defense-wide, for PE
33140D8Z Information Systems Security Program.
The committee supports the National Security Agency (NSA)
National Cryptologic School pilot program to enable workforce
transformation certificate-based courses on cybersecurity and
artificial intelligence that are offered by Center of Academic
Excellence (CAE) universities. The committee understand that
this pilot program will develop courses and curricula with
technology partners and also provide funding for select NSA CAE
universities to offer these courses and receive tuition
reimbursement for participation in the courses.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $20.0
million, in RDT&E, Defense-wide, for PE 33140D8Z for the
workforce transformation cyber initiative pilot program.
Cyber orchestration pilot
The budget request included $8.9 million for Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), Defense-wide, for PE
33140K Information Systems Security Program.
Elsewhere in this report, the committee directs the
Secretary of Defense to sponsor a demonstration of commercial
technologies and techniques for enabling interoperability among
cybersecurity systems and tools and for machine-to-machine
communications and automated workflow orchestration. This
demonstration should include comply-to-connect products, the
Assured Compliance Assessment Solution, the Automated
Continuous Endpoint Monitoring program, the Sharkseer perimeter
defense system, and other Department of Defense cybersecurity
systems. The committee urges the Secretary to coordinate this
demonstration with the speed metrics pilot and the
demonstration of the Systems of Systems Technology Integration
Tool Chain for Heterogeneous Electronic Systems
interoperability technology recommended elsewhere in this
report.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $10.0
million, in RDT&E, Defense-wide, for PE 33140K for the cyber
orchestration pilot program.
Joint Regional Security Stacks SIPR funding--RDT&E
The budget request included $9.7 million in Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), Defense-wide, for PE
33228K Joint Regional Security Stacks (JRSS).
The committee is aware of the operational cybersecurity
limitations of the JRSS technology as assessed by the Director,
Operational Test and Evaluation, the difficulty of training
personnel to use the JRSS, and the shortage of feasible
tactics, techniques, and procedures to make effective use of
the JRSS. The committee believes that the deployment of JRSS on
the Secret Internet Protocol Router Network is thus
inappropriate, given JRSS' limited cybersecurity capability and
the existence of alternative capabilities to execute its
network functions.
Therefore, the committee recommends a decrease of $486,000
in RDT&E, Defense-wide, for PE 33228K due to the operational
cybersecurity limitations of the JRSS technology.
Multi-Mission Payload
The budget request included $1.2 million in Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), Special Operations
Command, for PE 1160431BB Warrior Systems for Multi Mission
Payload (MMP).
The committee notes that United States Special Operations
Command (SOCOM) identified executability issues with the MMP-
Light program due to appropriations rescissions in fiscal year
2020. As a result, SOCOM requested the transfer of funds from
the MMP-Light to the man-pack Capital Equipment Replacement
Program for fiscal year 2021.
Therefore, the committee recommends a reduction of $1.2
million in RDT&E, Special Operations Command, for PE 1160431BB.
The increase associated with this transfer is reflected
elsewhere in this report.
Advanced satellite navigation receiver
The budget request included $39.1 million in Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), Defense-wide, for PE
65814OTE Operational Test Activities and Analyses.
The committee notes the need for test and evaluation
activities for development of countermeasures and counter-
countermeasure capabilities. Currently, full characterization
of existing threats is limited due to the technical limitations
of current flight data systems to support high speed and
dynamic flight testing requirements.
Accordingly, the committee recommends an increase of $5.0
million in RDT&E, Defense-wide, for PE 65814OTE to improve
threat characterization in high dynamic flight testing.
Joint Test and Evaluation Program
The budget request included $39.1 million in Research,
Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E), Defense-wide, for PE
65814OTE Operational Test Activities and Analyses.
The committee notes that the Joint Test and Evaluation
program focuses on joint (cross-service and cross-combatant
command) warfighter needs and rapid delivery of non-materiel
solutions, such as: joint tactics, techniques, and procedures;
concepts of operations; improved and new training packages; and
new test tools and methodologies. Over the past decade, the
program has completed 40 joint tests and 96 quick reaction
tests, sponsored primarily by the combatant commands. The
committee believes that this important work should continue.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $22.0
million in RDT&E, Defense-wide, for PE 65814OTE to restore the
Department's proposed cut to the program under the Defense-Wide
Review.
Items of Special Interest
Advanced powertrain demonstrator
The committee supports the efforts of the Army in
developing and integrating modern powertrain technology to
provide leap-ahead capabilities for ground combat vehicles. The
committee notes that the Advanced Powertrain Demonstrator
initiative has successfully demonstrated improved power
density, which can provide opportunities to add capabilities to
existing ground combat vehicles, such as additional crew
members or weapons, and has provided a wider array of options
for next-generation platforms.
The committee encourages the Army to continue to progress
the Advanced Powertrain Demonstrator to higher Technology
Readiness Levels and to consider resourcing follow-on efforts,
including the Advanced Mobility Experimental Prototype, in
collaboration with the Program Executive Office for Ground
Combat Systems. In addition, the Army should continue to
leverage private sector investment in powertrain technologies
to achieve leap-ahead breakthroughs in powertrain efficiency.
Anti-corrosion and nano technologies
The committee remains concerned about the high cost of
corrosion within the Department of Defense. The military
services, particularly the Navy, face complex threats in the
Indo-Pacific region that require our military equipment and
infrastructure to be resilient and have maximum operational
availability. The committee urges the Office of Naval Research
to pursue lightweight, nanotechnology-based capabilities that
provide high corrosion resistance and other performance
properties to decrease the cost of corrosion and increase the
operational availability of military equipment and
infrastructure that enhances the ability of the Joint Force,
particularly the Navy, to operate in the Indo-Pacific area of
responsibility.
Artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies and systems
The committee recognizes that the Department of Defense
(DOD) is deploying artificial intelligence (AI) and machine
learning (ML) to increase warfighter capability, decrease
operational costs, and increase civilian safety. AI/ML can
realize these benefits by enabling machines to perform tasks
that have traditionally required labor-intensive human
intelligence--for example, to analyze data, image, video, and
audio files, potentially increasing capabilities to track
threats and monitor global developments.
The committee notes that the interim report from the
National Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence
identifies an outstanding need for distributed and
decentralized data processing capabilities, down to the
distributed team, squad, and platoon levels, where units often
cannot rely on high-bandwidth networks or heavy-duty data
processing resources. The committee notes that there may be an
opportunity to deploy AI to this distributed tactical edge
environment to enhance decision-making and to support
activities such as mapping, sensing, and mission planning. The
committee encourages the Department to develop, adopt, and
deploy such technologies, when appropriate, to gain significant
tactical and strategic advantages.
Further, the committee notes the potential use of AI/ML
technology to address a broad spectrum of DOD missions. The
committee directs the Director of the Joint Artificial
Intelligence Center (JAIC) to provide a briefing to the
congressional defense committees, no later than March 1, 2021,
that identifies military occupational specialties and
capabilities across the military services and Defense Agencies
and Field Activities that can better leverage AI to maximize
effectiveness, mission goals, and cost savings to the Federal
Government. The committee directs that this briefing include an
identification of business processes and business information
technology systems that would directly benefit from the
immediate application of commercial AI/ML capabilities to DOD
``back office'' activities, such as financial management,
acquisition, personnel management, and the Department's audit.
The committee also notes the unique cybersecurity
vulnerabilities of AI/ML-based systems. The committee notes
that the Department's efforts to develop and deploy secure
hardware and software do not yet have a clear thrust to
mitigate threats that are unique to AI/ML-enabled capabilities.
The committee directs the Department to leverage
multidisciplinary teams, compromised of U.S. Government,
industry, and research university representatives, to urgently
develop required capabilities and infrastructure to secure the
algorithms, data, and execution of AI/ML-enabled systems.
Further, the committee encourages the Department to partner
with research universities to develop undergraduate and
graduate curricula and research fellowship opportunities
focused on threat identification and mitigation for AI/ML-
enabled systems.
The committee also encourages the JAIC to work closely with
the White House Artificial Intelligence Task Force, as well as
the National Institute for Standards and Technology, to develop
standards for the use of AI across the U.S. Government and best
practices for the Federal Government's engagement of the
private sector. The committee also urges the Secretary of
Defense to continuously review and refine a detailed code of
ethics associated with its use of AI to ensure that any future
uses respect civil rights, including privacy, and to ensure
that human decision-makers remain central to all operational
activities involving AI/ML and AI/ML-enabled capabilities.
Finally, the committee recommends that the Department
consider establishing joint U.S.-allied partner ventures, as
well as joint DOD ventures with state-level AI-based economic
development activities, that address shared needs in AI/ML-
enabled capabilities.
Carbon fiber and graphitic foam for Special Operations Forces tactical
vehicles
The committee recognizes recent efforts made by United
States Special Operations Command (SOCOM) to develop low-cost,
wider application carbon fiber and graphitic foam components in
support of the Special Operations Forces (SOF) tactical vehicle
program. The committee notes that carbon fiber components may
reduce vehicle weight, reduce fuel consumption, increase
payload capacity, and could extend service life for SOF
tactical vehicles. Additionally, graphitic carbon foam may also
reduce vehicle heat signatures and improve heat dissipation
from the engine and electronics compartments and could provide
protection against blast energy, directed energy weapons, and
electromagnetic pulse threats.
The committee notes that the Defense Logistics Agency has
designated graphite/carbon fiber as a strategic material. The
committee acknowledges that the U.S. Army and SOCOM have
identified low cost mesophase pitch as a United States-based
source of graphite that can be used to produce carbon fiber,
graphitic carbon foam, and battery technologies. The committee
recognizes the versatility and broad application that carbon
fiber technology may provide for the Armed Forces by reducing
the weight of parts as compared to traditional steel
components.
Therefore, the committee encourages SOCOM continue its
efforts to test, develop, and field low cost carbon fiber and
graphitic carbon foam in support of its tactical vehicle
program and other programs, as appropriate.
Carbon fiber wheels and graphitic foam for Next Generation Combat
Vehicle
The committee commends the U.S. Army Ground Vehicle Systems
Center's (GVSC's) decision to transition into lower cost, wider
application carbon fiber composite wheels and graphitic carbon
foam research in support of the Next Generation Combat Vehicle
(NGCV). Carbon fiber wheels may reduce vehicle weight, reduce
fuel consumption, increase payload capacity, and extend service
life for the NGCV. Graphitic carbon foam may dramatically
reduce vehicle heat signatures and improve heat dissipation
from engine and electronics compartments while also protecting
against blast energy, directed energy weapons, and
electromagnetic pulse threats. Finally, these products lend
themselves to being produced at remote locations with additive
manufacturing processes in support of NGCV operation and
maintenance.
The Defense Logistics Agency has designated graphite/carbon
fiber as a strategic material. The committee notes favorably
that the U.S. Army GVSC has identified low cost mesophase pitch
as a United States-based source of graphite that can be used to
produce carbon fiber, graphitic carbon foam, and battery
technologies for the NGCV. The committee recognizes the
versatility and broad application that carbon fiber technology
provide for the Armed Forces by reducing the weight of parts by
over 50 percent, as compared to traditional steel components,
while improving survivability and performance.
The committee encourages the U.S. Army GVSC to continue to
test, develop, and field low cost mesophase pitch carbon fiber
and graphitic carbon foam components that may reduce vehicle
weight, reduce fuel consumption, increase payload capacity,
extend service life, reduce vehicle signatures, improve
survivability, and utilize additive manufacturing technology to
reduce cost and weight in the NGCV program.
Close Combat Lethality Task Force
In March 2018, the Close Combat Lethality Task Force
(CCLTF) was established by former Secretary of Defense James
Mattis, as a direct report to the Secretary, and chartered with
dramatically improving the effectiveness and survivability of
close combat formations through a combination of materiel and
non-materiel means, including innovations in recruitment,
retention, training, concepts of operation, tactics,
techniques, and procedures, and equipment. The committee agreed
with Secretary Mattis' rationale for creating the CCLTF,
specifically that close combat formations should be manned,
trained, and equipped as an elite force capable of combat
``overmatch,'' and with its designation as a Cross Functional
Team (CFT) under section 911 of the National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 (Public Law 114328),
leveraging the critical enabling authorities of that law.
In a memorandum dated March 27, 2020, Secretary of Defense
Mark Esper transferred the CCLTF to the Secretary of the Army
with a tasking to determine alignment of the CCLTF within the
Army hierarchy. This decision effectively ended the CCLTF's
designation as a CFT under section 911. As a result, the CCLTF
will no longer be accorded the priority of a CFT sponsored by,
and reporting directly to, the Secretary of Defense, nor will
it exercise the authorities available under section 911 and
those assigned by the Secretary of Defense.
The committee is concerned about the potential consequences
of these decisions on the close combat mission of the
Department of Defense. The Secretary of the Army has been
directed to report back to the Secretary of Defense on the
authorities, responsibilities, policy, and procedures that the
Secretary of the Army will provide for the continued operation
of the CCLTF. While the Army's senior leaders have indicated
that they remain committed to the vision and success of the
CCLTF, it is unclear whether the Army intends to pursue the
non-material initiatives that are central to dramatically
improving close combat effectiveness and survivability. In
addition, the committee notes that the Marine Corps also has
considerable equities in the CCLTF, and they are critical to
the success of this joint effort.
Therefore, the committee directs the Secretary of the Army
to provide a briefing to the SASC, not later than September 30,
2020, on the Army's plan to provide enduring support for the
materiel and non-materiel initiatives to improve close combat
lethality and survivability. The briefing shall also provide
details on the CCLTF's alignment within the Army, how the Army
will partner with the Marine Corps and Special Operations
Command on the CCLTF's initiatives, and whether the CCLTF will
continue to be organized and operated as a cross-functional
team reporting directly to a senior leader. Furthermore, the
briefing shall address the status of the lines of effort
assigned by Secretary Mattis and any changes to recruitment,
retention, training, and personnel turnover in close combat
units. Finally, the briefing shall also address whether
personnel from the Cost Analysis and Program Evaluation office,
the Offices of the Under Secretaries of Defense for Research
and Engineering, Acquisition and Sustainment, and Personnel and
Readiness, the Joint Staff, and U.S. Special Operations Command
will continue to participate in the CCLTF as outside experts.
Collaboration on research to counter foreign malign influence
operations
The committee notes that section 228 of the National
Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 (Public Law 116-
92) authorizes the Department of Defense to carry out a
research program on foreign malign influence operations as part
of the university research program.
The committee believes that countering foreign malign
influence should be a priority in the effective implementation
of the National Defense Strategy, and the committee urges the
Department to utilize this authority to the greatest extent
possible and increase its collaboration with academia,
nongovernmental organizations, and other relevant entities to
maintain an edge in identifying and countering adversarial
foreign malign influence.
Therefore, the committee directs the Secretary of Defense
to provide a briefing to the the Committees on Armed Services
of the Senate and the House of Representatives on how the
Department will implement section 228 of the National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020. The briefing shall
include, at a minimum: (1) Details on how the program will
enhance understanding of foreign malign influence; (2) An
identification of organizations that are collaborating on such
research as well as a description of steps being taken to
ensure appropriate inclusion of the military services' research
and cyber centers; and (3) A description of how the program
will work with universities, nongovernmental organizations, and
other relevant entities to enhance the understanding of and
development of appropriate responses to foreign malign
influence through collaborative research and the exchange of
information.
Comptroller General review of Artificial Intelligence Activities of the
Department of Defense
The committee notes that the Department of Defense (DOD) is
investing significantly in developing and acquiring artificial
intelligence (AI) tools and systems in order to develop and
deploy AI-enabled capabilities to support DOD missions. For
example, the DOD has established a Joint Artificial
Intelligence Center (JAIC) to coordinate Department-wide AI
activities, increased science and technology investments in AI,
and attempted to employ more AI experts in a variety of roles.
The DOD has historically had challenges developing modern
capabilities in a timely manner as well as coordinating
disparate activities across the Department. Given the growing
significance of AI to DOD's acquisition goals, the committee
directs the Comptroller General of the United States to
continuously monitor and report on: (1) DOD's AI-related
efforts, including science and technology, research and
development, and formal acquisition programs; (2) The status of
these efforts, including types of technologies and technology
transition strategies being used; (3) Efforts to build
expertise and infrastructure, including accessible data sets
and computational capabilities, both within the DOD and across
the Federal Government, to support DOD missions. The committee
directs the Comptroller General to provide a briefing on the
status of the effort to the committee by September 1, 2020, and
provide a report to the committee by February 1, 2021.
Cyber Operations for Base Resilient Architecture
The committee understands that the U.S. is committed to a
holistic cyber mission assurance program through investments in
defensive cyberspace operations, weapon system cyber resiliency
efforts, the Cyber Resiliency Office for Weapon Systems, and
Mission Defense Teams.
Therefore, the committee encourages the Secretary of Air
Force to continue funding and to expand the Cyber Operations
for Base Resilient Architecture pilot program in the U.S. Indo-
Pacific Command area of responsibility as part of the overall
mission assurance strategy.
Emerging biotechnology for national security
The committee notes the importance that emerging
biotechnologies will have in national security missions,
including medical response to threats, biological defense, and
bio-based manufacturing and computation.
The committee believes that the Department of Defense
should consider developing more formal organizations with
specific responsibility for maintaining critical technical
expertise in these emerging areas and facilitating adoption and
availability of these technologies for Department of Defense
missions. The committee notes that the optimal construct for
such an organization might be a network of linked
organizations, or a virtual consortium of independent
organizations, to include both public and private sector
entities. Activities of such an organization should range from
basic research to prototyping of new concepts to support for
manufacturing and production to providing technical expertise
to the Department as required.
The committee directs the Under Secretary of Defense for
Research and Engineering to develop plans for the establishment
of and support for potential organizational options to advance
emerging biotechnology research, analyses, prototyping, and
manufacturing activities for national security missions. The
plan developed should address the following issues: development
and continuous modernization of fundamental tools and
technologies to advance knowledge in engineering biology;
options for governance structures, level of investment
required, a list of types of participants, intellectual
property strategies, and other considerations required to stand
up the entity or entities, including required physical and
digital infrastructure; and possible metrics to measure
progress or success.
The committee directs that the plan include a focus on
strengthening the current organization, structure, and funding
of emerging biotechnologies research and development across the
Department to allow for stronger coordination across the
military services and Defense Agencies and Field Activities and
to develop, mature, and transition biotechnology activities,
including the identification of duties of designated officials
and additional authorities required. The plan should also
address coordination with appropriate interagency and
international activities.
Not later than March 1, 2021, the Under Secretary of
Defense for Research and Engineering shall provide a briefing
to the congressional defense committees on the plans, policy
recommendations, and implementation plan, strategy, and
associated funding requirements.
Ground Vehicle Systems Center modeling and simulation
The U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command
(CCDC) Ground Vehicle Systems Center (GVSC) is developing a
robust modeling and simulation capability. The committee notes
that such a capability could assist the Next Generation Combat
Vehicle Cross Functional Team, particularly as the Army focuses
on a digital design approach to the Optionally Manned Fighting
Vehicle. This approach could leverage modern practices of the
commercial automotive industry and foster development of
important next generation capabilities. The committee supports
modeling and simulation capability development by GVSC and,
elsewhere in this report, has authorized funds to support Next
Generation Combat Vehicle technologies. The committee directs
the Director, Army Combat Capabilities Development Command, to
coordinate with the Director, Test Resource Management Center,
to ensure that relevant modeling and simulation capabilities
are available for wider use across the Department of Defense's
test and evaluation enterprise.
High-energy laser weapons systems
The committee recognizes that advancements in stabilized
gimbal systems have provided improvements in target detection,
identification, and designation on high-energy laser (HEL)
weapon systems. The committee notes that these systems can
enhance long-range tracking performance, thereby improving
success rates and enhancing the safety of servicemembers on the
battlefield. Therefore, the committee directs the Secretary of
Defense to provide a briefing to the congressional defense
committees no later than December 31, 2020, on current actions
being taken to improve advanced tracking and targeting
capability on HEL weapon systems.
Implement National Academics of Science Army Information Science report
recommendations
The committee notes that the 2019 National Academies of
Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine Assessment of the
Information Sciences Directorate at the Army Research Office
found that the Army is producing work of high scientific
quality with well qualified program managers and that funded
projects are of high caliber and in areas relevant to the
Army's science and technology mission with examples of
transitions of the research to the Army and to the Department
of Defense (DOD) more broadly. The study made a number of
recommendations to improve the quality of these programs,
related to: program assessment metrics and program management
expertise; management of researchers and research portfolios;
coordination of activities with other similar DOD and
interagency activities; and broadening of the researcher base.
The committee also notes that the Department of Defense's
Office of Basic Science issued a 2019 study on ``Future
Directions at the Intersection of Management Science and
Information Science'' which highlighted a number of
opportunities in these fields where research could be conducted
to improve the way that the Army and the Department as a whole
could manage business processes within technology development
organizations. The committee directs the Secretary of the Army
to review these two studies and provide a briefing to the
congressional defense committees on how the Army will address
the findings and recommendations of these two reports, no later
than January 1, 2022. This briefing shall be provided in
publicly releasable format, with a classified annex as
necessary.
Joint Artificial Intelligence Center reporting structure
The committee is aware of the recommendations made by the
National Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence in its
March 2020 report and appreciates its efforts to highlight a
number of areas where the Department of Defense (DOD) can
strengthen its efforts in adopting artificial intelligence
(AI). The committee is also aware that, over the past 24
months, the Joint AI Center (JAIC) has grown from a nascent
organization into the focal point of the DOD AI Strategy. Many
of the JAIC's initial AI capability development efforts have
transitioned into operational end use by the military services,
combatant commands, and several DOD components. The JAIC is now
working with organizations across the DOD to develop dozens of
new AI-enabled product lines and share lessons learned that
will support independent efforts.
The committee believes that successful AI adoption depends
on enabling capabilities across modern digital infrastructure,
data management practices, and information technology
operations. In recognition of the critical relationship between
successful digital transformation and adopting AI, the
committee understands that the Department positioned the JAIC
within the DOD CIO organization. This structure has enabled the
JAIC's success and that of the CIO organization and benefited
the DOD enterprise. However, moving forward, the committee also
understands that the JAIC's reporting directly to the Secretary
of Defense would afford to the JAIC the high visibility that
Secretary direct reports enjoy as well as high priority in the
budget request process and the ability to grant waivers from
any bureaucratic process requirements not grounded in law. The
committee encourages the Department to continue to evaluate
this balance to ensure that the JAIC appreciates from an
appropriate balance of responsibilities, authorities, and
oversight. The committee directs the Secretary to brief the
congressional defense committees no later than March 31, 2021,
on the future plans for the JAIC's alignment and reporting
structure.
Nanotechnology research
The committee notes the great advances in nanotechnology
made through Department of Defense investments in nanomaterials
and electronics in partnership with the National Nanotechnology
Initiative. Currently, nanotechnology is fielded in numerous
defense systems, including electronics, sensors, medical
technologies, coatings, and uniforms. The committee believes
that continued investment in this field is important to
supporting a variety of modernization activities consistent
with the National Defense Strategy. Therefore, the committee
directs the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and
Engineering to provide a briefing, in publicly releasable
format, with a classified annex as necessary, on Department
activities in the research, development, and use of
nanotechnology. The briefing shall describe: applications or
proposed applications for nanotechnology in defense systems;
specific materials being evaluated; research organizations in
the U.S. Government and private sector engaged in such
research; identified funding for such activities to date; and a
description of the military services' and Defense Advanced
Research Projects Agency's assessments on and plans for the use
of nanotechnology to support future defense needs and
requirements. The committee directs that this briefing be
provided to the congressional defense committees no later than
December 31, 2021.
National Guard research, development, test and evaluation activities
The committee notes that National Guard and reserve
components consist of personnel that have private sector
experience that is directly relevant to National Defense
Strategy modernization priorities. For example, these personnel
may have relevant experience in medical fields, software,
robotics, cybersecurity, and other critical technical
disciplines. In other cases, National Guard equipment and
installations are commonly used in technological development
and experimentation activities. For example, the committee is
aware that the Army has taken advantage of facilities at Fort
Pickett to conduct critical operational testing and
experimentation for the Integrated Visual Augmentation System.
In order to leverage these capabilities further, the committee
directs the Secretary of Defense to review and analyze the
benefits and feasibility of authorizing National Guard and
Reserve members', equipment's, and facilities' participation on
a reimbursable basis in research, development, test and
evaluation (RDT&E) projects in which their involvement furthers
the work because of a member's or unit's availability,
qualifications, experience, education, or facilities and
equipment. In this review, the Secretary should consider
requesting authority to provide reimbursement for these
activities from RDT&E accounts, subject to the availability of
appropriations. The committee directs the Secretary to brief
the congressional defense committees on a recommendation for
this proposed policy action no later than February 1, 2021.
National Security Innovation Network
The committee recognizes that the nature of security
threats are changing and notes that innovation and
entrepreneurial methodologies can generate new solutions to
national security problems. The committee notes that, while
certain programs in the Department of Defense have allowed for
more rapid acquisition, the challenge of implementing rapid
change in the Department persists. The committee further
understands that the acquisition of new talent to support the
national security workforce will be critical to achieving the
aims of the National Defense Strategy and that recruitment from
innovative sectors of the economy that have traditionally been
less engaged in the defense enterprise will be critical for
continued competitiveness.
The committee highlights the effectiveness of the National
Security Innovation Network in building a network of alliances
between the defense, academia, and venture communities whose
innovation, collaboration, and adaptability can be of crucial
service to national security. The committee expresses its
support for the program and in particular notes the ongoing
expansion of activities at universities through academic
accelerator programs and technology and national security
fellowships as an example of ways the Department of Defense can
provide new pipelines for young talent to consider in support
of the Nation's national security.
Open Systems Architecture for the Army's Future Vertical Lift programs
The committee recognizes the benefits of a Modular Open
Systems Architecture (MOSA) systems engineering approach, as
indicated by subchapter I of title 10, United States Code,
which requires its use. The committee therefore appreciates
that the Army has used it in the Future Vertical Lift Future
Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft and Future Long-Range Assault
Aircraft programs and also notes the importance of agile
contracting in a time of great power competition.
In order to capture the benefits of a MOSA, the committee
directs the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition,
Logistics, and Technology to summarize lessons learned from
using MOSA approaches, to include recommendations to update
existing Department of Defense policy and guidance on MOSA
approaches, no later than December 31, 2021, and to brief the
congressional defense committees on this summary and these
recommendations. This briefing shall be conducted at the
classified level, as required. Should the Assistant Secretary
also have views for the Congress to consider regarding updates
to subchapter I of title 10, United States Code, the committee
directs that the Assistant Secretary provide them.
Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle requirements and acquisition
strategy
The Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle (OMFV) is a priority
Army modernization program critically needed to replace the M2
Bradley fighting vehicle that has been in operational service
for more than 30 years. Earlier this year the Army cancelled
the initial OMFV solicitation and decided to revise the
acquisition strategy. It is the committee's understanding that
a reset of the program was necessary in order to establish
technologically-achievable and affordable requirements as well
as to facilitate competition.
The committee encourages the Army to complete a thorough
re-evaluation of requirements for the OMFV and to pursue a
competitive acquisition approach that will provide best quality
and price. Accordingly, the committee directs the Secretary of
the Army to provide a classified briefing to the SASC no later
than August 1, 2020, on OMFV requirements and the revised
acquisition strategy. The briefing shall include the threat-
basis and operational rationale for the OMFV requirements and
the plan to integrate active protection systems.
Pandemic resilience technologies
COVID-19 has exposed vulnerabilities and challenges for the
Navy's operations and logistics and maintenance enterprises.
The committee is concerned about the Navy's ability to prepare
for and respond to future pandemics. Critical gaps remain in
our understanding of how COVID-19 spreads through personnel and
platforms in Navy-specific environments and the effectiveness
of various disease identification, mitigation, and eradication
approaches under consideration.
To ensure warfighter health and ship operational
availability into the future, the committee supports a
significant applied research and development effort, in
partnership with industry and universities, into pandemic
resilience technologies and related operational protocols
tailored to the unique, contained close-quarters and secure
environments on Navy ships and shore facilities.
Accordingly, the committee encourages the Navy to develop
and adopt technologies and protocols that have the potential to
prevent the spread and mitigate the impact of future pandemics
on Navy personnel and operations, including: (1) Artificial
intelligence and data-driven infectious disease modeling and
interventions; (2) Shipboard airflow management and
disinfectant technologies; (3) Personal protective equipment,
sensors, and diagnostic systems; and (4) Reduced-manning and
unmanned operation, such as resilient unmanned logistics, to
reduce human contact.
Predictive maintenance algorithm
The committee recognizes and commends the efforts of the
160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment in becoming one of
the Joint Artificial Intelligence Center's (JAIC's) first two
National Mission Initiatives through development of an
algorithm to conduct predictive maintenance (PMx), rather than
forensic or preventative maintenance, on rotary wing aircraft
engines.
The committee encourages continued study of this algorithm
and its scalability enterprise-wide and continued support of
unique partnerships between Department of Defense elements, the
JAIC, and outside stakeholders. Not later than November 30,
2020, the Secretary of Defense shall provide a briefing to the
Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of
Representatives. The briefing shall include details of the
following: (1) Positive lessons learned through this
partnership and program; (2) Barriers to these partnerships or
to scalability, including data availability; and (3) A detailed
description of any plans for future adaption of the PMx
algorithm for other applications.
Reimbursable work at Army Combat Capabilities Development Command
laboratories and engineering centers
The committee notes that the technical workforce and
facilities of the Army labs and engineering centers are at the
forefront of innovation and prototype development for the Army
and a number of other Federal agencies. The committee is aware
that recent restrictions on these organizations' ability to
perform reimbursable work have limited the ability for small
businesses and other companies to leverage the workforce,
equipment, and research infrastructure investments at these
labs and centers. These limitations have also limited the
ability of the Army's technical organizations to work more
closely with leaders in the private sector to adapt new
technological capabilities for Army missions.
The committee believes that the capabilities of Department
of Defense (DOD) science and technology infrastructure should
be available to Federal and industry customers, with those
partnerships managed to prioritize defense core activities and
missions. Therefore, the committee directs the Secretary of
Defense to promulgate policy to fully implement the ``manage to
budget'' flexibilities of subsection (e) of section 2358a of
title 10, United States Code, to allow lab and center directors
to manage and optimize their reimbursable workloads and
customers without regard for funding organization or Tables of
Distribution and Allowances limitations. The committee notes
that some of the workload can be handled with technically
expert term civilian employees, using the authorities
established in section 1109 of the National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016 (Public Law 114-92).
Review of barriers to innovation
The committee is aware of the report titled ``Barriers to
Innovation in Research and Engineering Activities of the
Department of Defense,'' required by section 232 of the
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (Public
Law 115-91). The committee believes that it is important to
address the barriers discussed in the report. The committee
encourages the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and
Engineering (USD (R&E)) to examine the feasibility of
recommendations pertaining to: broadening hiring authorities at
Science and Technology Reinvention Laboratories; adjusting
reprogramming thresholds to increase the USD (R&E)'s
flexibility to shift funds within the science and technology
(S&T) budgeting activities; extending the appropriation life of
Congressional budget additions; and continued support for
authorities that encourage a competitive funding process to
help address the challenges of aging infrastructure, that
encourage acquisition at the speed of relevance, and that
encourage a culture of innovation.
Additionally, the committee directs the USD(R&E), not later
than December 31, 2021, to survey laboratories and other S&T
organization to identify existing barriers to innovation in the
research and engineering enterprise and to brief the
congressional defense committees on: (1) Any required updates
to the Department of Defense report developed in response to
section 232 of the National Defense Authorization Act for
Fiscal Year 2018 and proposed recommendations to address
relevant findings; (2) Proposed changes in directives, rules,
regulations, and other policies that will enhance the ability
of the innovation, research, and engineering enterprise of the
Department to execute its designated missions, including a
description of how proposed changes have been coordinated with
the Secretaries of the military departments and the appropriate
heads of the Defense Agencies and Field Activities; (3) A
schedule, plan, and identification of responsible organizations
for addressing barriers identified in the review; and (4)
Actions taken to address specific issues identified in the
Department of Defense report developed in response to section
232 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year
2018.
Soldier Enhancement Program
Established by the Congress in 1990, the Soldier
Enhancement Program (SEP) allows the Army to quickly provide to
soldiers the necessary equipment and clothing for success on
the battlefield. It supports accelerated integration and
modernization of critical kit, including more lethal weapons,
lighter load-bearing equipment, field gear, survivability
items, communications equipment, and navigational aids. The
committee understands that, during the Army's budget
deliberations, senior Army leadership determined that funding
for the SEP should be reallocated for higher Army priorities.
Furthermore, the committee has been informed that the Army is
reviewing how to retain SEP functions with a recommendation
pending from Army Futures Command expected later this year.
Therefore, the committee directs the Secretary of the Army to
provide a briefing to the SASC by September 30, 2020, on the
Army's plans to fulfill the critical evaluation and acquisition
role performed by the SEP.
Strategic Capabilities Office activities
The committee notes that section 233 of the National
Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 (Public Law 116-
92) mandated that the Strategic Capabilities Office (SCO)
report directly to the Deputy Secretary of Defense and
established two cross-functional teams to improve the technical
quality of SCO prototyping projects and to support the
transition of those projects into the military services or
Defense Agency and Department of Defense Field Activity
acquisition activities or operational use. Consistent with the
National Defense Strategy and challenges posed by Russia and
China, the committee feels that the SCO should play a key role
in responding in a timely fashion to fill the capability gaps
and operational needs identified by combatant commands by using
proven technology to produce game-changing capabilities with
responsive new systems and technologies. The committee directs
the Deputy Secretary of Defense to provide a briefing to the
congressional defense committees no later than March 1, 2021,
on the Strategic Capabilities Office's activities to respond to
combatant command identified capability gaps, including an
identification of activities to improve the speed at which new
capabilities can be delivered and an assessment of the role
that military service acquisition activities play in
efficiently transitioning appropriate SCO programs into
operational capabilities.
Ultra-compact hyperspectral imagery
Technology that can discriminate mobility hazards and
targets in the three dimensional battle space may enable
soldiers to make quicker decisions to effectively neutralize
adversary weapon systems. The committee is aware that Ultra-
Compact Hyperspectral Imagery (UCHSI) may provide a compact and
affordable real-time imaging sensor that enables the warfighter
to detect, identify, track, and prioritize targets of interest.
Therefore, the committee encourages the Army to consider this
technology for possible applications that support Army
modernization priorities such as the Next Generation Combat
Vehicle, Long Range Precision Fires, Soldier Lethality, and
Future Vertical Lift.
Unmanned Aerial Systems in Great Power Competition
The committee recognizes the important role that manned and
unmanned aerial systems (UASs) serve in great power
competition. The committee further appreciates that manned and
satellite ISR platforms are costly and limited to episodic
coverage and understands that the Department of Defense needs
to develop new concepts of operations to effectively employ
platforms not inherently designed for operating in contested
environments, such as non-stealthy UASs. Therefore, the
committee directs the Secretary of the Air Force to submit a
report to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and
the House of Representatives, no later than November 30, 2020,
detailing the strengths and vulnerabilities of UASs in a
National Defense Strategy-envisioned environment and the
tactics, techniques, and procedures that would allow for the
survivability of UASs in scenarios pitting the United States
against near-peer adversaries.
TITLE III--OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE
Subtitle A--Authorization of Appropriations
Authorization of appropriations (sec. 301)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize
the appropriations for operation and maintenance activities at
the levels identified in section 4301 of division D of this
Act.
Subtitle B--Energy and Environment
Modifications and technical corrections to ensure restoration of
contamination by perfluorooctane sulfonate and
perfluorooctanoic acid (sec. 311)
The committee recommends a provision that would modify the
authority for environmental restoration projects of the
National Guard and provide technical corrections and conforming
amendments to the statute governing the Defense Environmental
Restoration Program.
Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration Program technical
edits and clarification (sec. 312)
The committee recommends a provision that would amend
section 2684a of title 10, United States Code, to provide a
technical correction to the definition of an eligible entity.
Furthermore, this provision would allow funds obligated to
agreements under section 2684a of title 10, United States Code,
to be made available for use at the time of obligation and for
any subsequent amendment to the agreement.
Survey and market research of technologies for phase out by Department
of Defense of use of fluorinated aqueous film-forming foam
(sec. 313)
The committee recommends a provision that would require the
Secretary of Defense to conduct a survey and market research of
available firefighting technologies or substances available to
be adapted for use by the Department of Defense to facilitate
the phase-out of fluorinated aqueous film-forming foam. The
Secretary would be required to brief the congressional defense
committees on the results of the survey and market research
within 180 days of the enactment of this Act.
The committee is encouraged by recent research studies that
identify remediation technologies that can destroy per- and
polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in water that meet or exceed
Federal guidelines with only inert byproducts remaining. This
is an attractive alternative to treatment technologies that
transfer the contamination to adsorption media that then
require additional transport, disposal, or incineration. The
committee strongly encourages the Department, in cooperation
with other Federal agencies where appropriate, to explore the
use of destruction technologies at PFAS-contaminated sites. The
committee notes that PFAS destruction will reduce PFAS exposure
pathways, reduce long term operation and maintenance costs, and
eliminate concerns over disposal procedures.
Modification of authority to carry out military installation resilience
projects (sec. 314)
The committee recommends a provision that would make
clarifying amendments to sections 2815 and 2684a of title 10,
United States Code, to ensure that military installation
resilience projects can be executed to maintain, improve, or
rapidly reestablish mission assurance and prevent commercial
and residential encroachment around military installations.
Native American Indian lands environmental mitigation program (sec.
315)
The committee recommends a provision that would amend
section 160 of title 10, United States Code, to authorize the
Secretary of Defense to participate in a program to mitigate
the environmental effects of Department of Defense activities
on Indian lands and culturally connected locations.
Energy resilience and energy security measures on military
installations (sec. 316)
The committee recommends a provision that would amend
subchapter I of chapter 173 of title 10, United States Code, by
adding a section on energy resilience and energy security
measures on military installations.
Modification to availability of energy cost savings for Department of
Defense (sec. 317)
The committee recommends a provision that would amend
section 2912(a) of title 10, United States Code, to include
operational energy savings.
Long-duration demonstration initiative and joint program (sec. 318)
The committee recommends a provision that would require the
Director of the Environmental Security Technology Certification
Program of the Department of Defense to establish a
demonstration initiative comprised of demonstration projects
focused on the development of long-duration energy storage
technologies not later than 180 days after the date of the
enactment of this Act.
Pilot program on alternative fuel vehicle purchasing (sec. 319)
The committee recommends a provision that would require the
Secretary of Defense to carry out a pilot program on
alternative fuel vehicle purchasing.
Subtitle C--Logistics and Sustainment
Repeal of statutory requirement for notification to Director of Defense
Logistics Agency three years prior to implementing changes to
any uniform or uniform component (sec. 331)
The committee recommends a provision that would amend
section 356 of the John S. McCain National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (Public Law 115-232; 10
U.S.C. 771) by repealing the requirement that a Secretary of a
military department notify the Director of the Defense
Logistics Agency at least 3 years prior to implementing changes
to any uniform or uniform component and making a technical
correction.
The committee notes that, per section 352 of the National
Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 (Public Law 114-
328), it is still the policy of the United States that the
Secretary of Defense shall eliminate the development and
fielding of armed force-specific combat and camouflage utility
uniforms and families of uniforms in order to adopt and field a
common combat and camouflage utility uniform or family of
uniforms for specific combat environments to be used by all
members of the Armed Forces.
Clarification of limitation on length of overseas forward
deployment of currently deployed naval vessels (sec. 332)
The committee recommends a provision that would make a
clarifying amendment to section 323(b) of the John S. McCain
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (Public
Law 115-232).
Subtitle D--Reports
Report on impact of permafrost thaw on infrastructure, facilities, and
operations of the Department of Defense (sec. 351)
The committee recommends a provision that would require the
Secretary of Defense to submit a report to the congressional
defense committees on the impact of changes in permafrost on
the infrastructure, facilities, assets, and operations of the
Department of Defense within 180 days of the enactment of this
Act.
Plans and reports on emergency response training for military
installations (sec. 352)
The committee recommends a provision that would require the
Secretary of Defense to provide a report due 180 days after the
date of the enactment of this Act to the Committees on Armed
Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives that
includes a review of each Department of Defense installation's
training protocols for coordination with local law enforcement
for active shooter training.
Report on implementation by Department of Defense of requirements
relating to renewable fuel pumps (sec. 353)
The committee recommends a provision that would require the
Secretary of Defense to submit a report on renewable fuel pumps
to the Congress not later than 90 days after the date of the
enactment of this Act.
Report on effects of extreme weather on Department of Defense (sec.
354)
The committee recommends a provision that would require the
Secretary of Defense to submit to the congressional defense
committees a report, not later than 180 days after the date of
the enactment of this Act, on vulnerabilities to military
installations and combatant commander requirements resulting
from extreme weather.
Subtitle E--Other Matters
Prohibition on divestiture of manned intelligence, surveillance, and
reconnaissance aircraft operated by United States Special
Operations Command (sec. 371)
The committee recommends a provision that would prohibit
the use of any funds authorized to be appropriated by this Act
to divest any manned intelligence, surveillance, and
reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft operated by the United States
Special Operations Command (SOCOM) and prohibits the Department
of Defense from divesting any manned ISR aircraft operated by
SOCOM in fiscal year 2021.
The committee notes that elsewhere in this Act is a
provision that would require the Assistant Secretary of Defense
for Special Operations and Low-Intensity Conflict and the
Commander of SOCOM to jointly submit to the congressional
defense committees an acquisition roadmap to meet the manned
and unmanned airborne ISR requirements of United States Special
Operations Forces (SOF). The committee is concerned that there
does not exist an overarching strategy to guide SOCOM's
airborne ISR acquisition efforts that, among other things,
clearly identifies current or anticipated special operations-
peculiar capability gaps and describes future manned and
unmanned ISR requirements of SOF over the near-, mid-, and
long-term. Given longstanding shortfalls in the Department of
Defense's ability to fulfill geographic combatant command ISR
requirements, the committee believes that the submission of
this roadmap should precede congressional consideration of any
proposal that would result in the divestiture of ISR
capabilities or otherwise change the current composition of
SOCOM's airborne ISR fleet.
Information on overseas construction projects in support of contingency
operations using funds for operation and maintenance (sec. 372)
The committee recommends a provision that would amend
section 2805(c) of title 10, United States Code, by requiring
the Secretaries of the military departments, the Directors of
the Defense Agencies, and the heads of any other relevant
components of the Department of Defense to track and report to
the Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller) relevant data
regarding all overseas construction projects funded with
amounts appropriated or otherwise made available for operation
and maintenance in support of contingency operations.
Additionally, the provision would require that the Secretary of
Defense prepare, for inclusion in the annual budget submission
by the President under section 1105 of title 31, a consolidated
budget justification display, in classified and unclassified
forms, that identifies all overseas construction projects
funded with amounts appropriated or otherwise made available
for operation and maintenance in support of contingency
operations.
The committee is concerned about the attendant risks of
routinely using operation and maintenance (O&M) funding locally
to more quickly meet contingency construction requirements due
to perceptions that the Department of Defense (DOD) process for
executing construction projects using military construction
(MILCON) funding is too lengthy. In its September 8, 2016,
report titled Defense Infrastructure: Actions Needed to Enhance
Oversight of Construction Projects Supporting Military
Contingency Operations'' (GAO-16-406), the Government
Accountability Office (GAO) concluded the practice of using O&M
funding for contingency construction projects creates
financial, operational, and duplication risks to DOD. For
instance, the GAO found that, in 2015, officials at a base in
the CENTCOM area of responsibility used O&M funding for
temporary facilities for a squadron while in the same year
requesting MILCON funding for a permanent facility for the same
squadron, which could result in providing the same service to
the same beneficiaries.
The committee believes that the extent of this risk is not
fully known because the DOD does not track the universe and
cost of all contingency construction projects funded with O&M
appropriations. Nonetheless, the amount of O&M funds used
appears significant given that the GAO identified almost $1
billion in O&M-funded construction costs for fiscal years 2009-
12 for projects in Afghanistan alone, costs that are
significant compared with the $3.9 billion that the DOD
reported as enacted for MILCON-funded projects there in the
same period.
While the committee supports actions that the DOD has taken
to address issues raised in GAO's report--such as working to
revise authorities for construction agents in joint operational
areas--the committee believes that more action is needed.
Provision of protection to the National Museum of the Marine Corps, the
National Museum of the United States Army, the National Museum
of the United States Navy, and the National Museum of the
United States Air Force (sec. 373)
The committee recommends a provision that would amend
section 2465(b) of title 10, United States Code, by adding a
contract for the performance of on-site security guard
functions at the: Marine Corps Heritage Center at the Marine
Corps Base Quantico, Virginia, including the National Museum of
the Marine Corps; Heritage Center for the National Museum of
the United States Army at Fort Belvoir, Virginia; Heritage
Center for the National Museum of the United States Navy at
Washington, District of Columbia; and the Heritage Center for
the National Museum of the United States Air Force at Wright-
Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio.
Inapplicability of congressional notification and dollar limitation
requirements for advanced billings for certain background
investigations (sec. 374)
The committee recommends a provision that would exempt the
Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency from the $1
billion Department of Defense-wide limitation on advance
billings in working capital funds.
The committee understands that the Defense
Counterintelligence and Security Agency will be processing its
requests for background investigations through advance billing
for maximum efficiency. The security clearance investigation
mission did not exist at the Department of Defense when the $1
billion limitation on advance billings was instituted. Without
an exempting this mission from the cap, DOD would suffer from
an inability to employ advance billings in the traditional
areas of usage, such as disaster relief.
Repeal of sunset for minimum annual purchase amount for carriers
participating in the Civil Reserve Air Fleet (sec. 375)
The committee recommends a provision that would amend
section 9515 of title 10, United States Code, by striking
subsection (k), which would make the minimum annual purchase
amount for carriers participating in the Civil Reserve Air
Fleet (CRAF) a permanent authority.
The committee notes that the original intent of section
9515 was to protect smaller carriers amid the economic downturn
in 2008, which represented a substantial threat to the
Department of Defense. The committee further notes that,
according to the U.S. Transportation Command (TRANSCOM), the
loss of significant capacity in these small carriers would not
only have reduced the overall capacity in the CRAF program but
also would have resulted in CRAF activation occurring sooner in
the event of a crisis.
The committee understands that, given the economic downturn
brought on by COVID-19, along with the fact that section 9515
was set to sunset in December 2020, being able to guarantee
assured levels of business will help carriers make a business
case for keeping aircraft that they might otherwise dispose of
in the event of another downturn in business. In addition, this
authority would allow TRANSCOM to offer carriers a reasonable
business alternative to entering into long-term contracts with
delivery companies that effectively prohibit pledging aircraft
to the CRAF program. This authority would assist in ensuring
that the CRAF program is able to maintain sufficient capacity
in the future.
Improvement of the Operational Energy Capability Improvement Fund of
the Department of Defense (sec. 376)
The committee recommends a provision that would realign the
Operational Energy Capability Improvement Fund (OECIF) of the
Department of Defense under the Assistant Secretary of Defense
for Sustainment.
The committee notes that, despite the pressing requirements
of fuel and logistical vulnerabilities identified in the
National Defense Strategy, the current OECIF authority
requested no funds for the OECIF, which has been increased
elsewhere in this Act. The committee believes that realignment
of this account will allow those charged with logistics and
sustainment to invest in operational energy innovations that
have a proven positive return on investment through cost
savings, making improvements to combat capabilities, and
increased readiness, thus reflecting the new reality of the
contested logistics environment.
Commission on the naming of items of the Department of Defense that
commemorate the Confederate States of America or any person who
served voluntarily with the Confederate States of America.
(sec. 377)
The committee recommends a provision that would establish a
commission regarding the removal and renaming of certain assets
of the Department of Defense that commemorate the Confederate
States of America or any person who served voluntarily with the
Confederate States of America.
Modifications to review of proposed actions by Military Aviation and
Installation Assurance Clearinghouse (sec. 378)
The committee recommends a provision that would amend
section 183a(c) of title 10, United States Code, to modify the
review of proposed actions by the Military Aviation and
Installation Assurance Clearinghouse.
Adjustment in availability of appropriations for unusual cost overruns
and for changes in scope of work (sec. 379)
The committee recommends a provision that would modify the
treatment of amounts appropriated to the Secretary of the Navy
for changes within the scope of work for a contract for ship
overhaul.
Requirement that Secretary of Defense implement security and emergency
response recommendations relating to active shooter or
terrorist attacks on installations of Department of Defense
(sec. 380)
The committee recommends a provision that would require the
Secretary of Defense to implement not that later than 90 days
after the date of the enactment of this Act the recommendations
germane to active shooter or terrorist attacks on installations
of the Department of Defense made in a series of previously
published reports.
Clarification of food ingredient requirements for food or beverages
provided by the Department of Defense (sec. 381)
The committee notes that the Defense Logistics Agency
declared the prohibition of certain ingredients from food it
purchases but did not engage other departments and agencies
with nutrition expertise, such as the Department of Agriculture
and the Food and Drug Administration, in development of this
policy. Therefore, the committee recommends a provision that
would require the Department to seek comments from the public
and subject matter experts within the food supply chain before
making a final determination about food ingredients.
Budget Items
Joint Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems initial operating capability
acceleration
The budget request included $40.3 billion in Operation and
Maintenance, Army (OMA), of which $1.1 billion was for SAG 115
Land Forces Operations Support.
The committee notes that the Secretary of Defense recently
designated the Department of the Army as the executive agent of
the Joint Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems Office (JCO). The
committee further notes that the Secretary of Defense also
provided guidance to accelerate the initial operational
capability (IOC) for the JCO. The committee finally notes that,
as part of his unfunded requirements list, the Chief of Staff
of the Army requested additional funds to fund the
establishment of the JCO, hire JCO personnel, and begin to
execute its mission, which includes the development of rapid
response capability.
Accordingly, the committee recommends an increase of $10.3
million in OMA for SAG 115 for JCO IOC acceleration.
Child Development Center playground equipment and furniture increases
The budget request included $40.3 billion in Operation and
Maintenance, Army (OMA), of which $8.2 billion was for SAG 131
Base Operations Support.
The committee notes that, as part of his unfunded
requirements list, the Chief of Staff of the Army requested
additional funds to replace child development center (CDC)
playground equipment to address safety issues and for CDC
Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment (FF&E).
Accordingly, the committee recommends an increase of $79.0
million in OMA for SAG 131 for CDC playground equipment and
furniture.
Child Youth Service improvements
The budget request included $40.3 billion in Operation and
Maintenance, Army (OMA), of which $8.2 billion was for SAG 131
Base Operations Support.
The committee notes that, as part of his unfunded
requirements list, the Chief of Staff of the Army requested
additional funds to provide for six key Child Youth Service
(CYS) program improvements across multiple installations,
namely to: (1) Provide for further CYS classroom management
training and improved care-provider responses, intended to
reduce inappropriate care-provider incidents, for $5.0 million;
(2) Provide for updated and expanded employee training to
improve care-provider skills, certifications, and
accreditation, encouraging professional development and
employee retention for $2.5 million; (3) Provide for improved
CYS information technology and cloud service and maintenance to
improve data management and reporting performance for $5.0
million; (4) Recover unobtainable CYS reform savings, which
includes Army fee assistance to community partners for military
children not able to be accommodated on installations and
parent services that enable centralized registration, for $26.0
million; (5) Provide for additional CYS transportation (buses)
for children enrolled in before/after-school programs,
specifically to reduce transportation challenges sometimes
experienced by single/dual military member families, for $5.0
million; (6) Provide for youth computer lab life-cycle
replacement of computers and peripherals for school age and
youth programs that encourage youth participation in order to
divert from at-risk behavior for $3.5 million.
Accordingly, the committee recommends an increase of $47.0
million in OMA for SAG 131 for CYS improvements.
Army Facilities, Sustainment, Restoration, and Modernization increase
The budget request included $40.3 billion in Operation and
Maintenance, Army (OMA), of which $3.5 billion was for SAG 132
Facilities Sustainment, Restoration, and Modernization, $2.9
billion in Operation and Maintenance, Army Reserve (OMAR), of
which $327.1 million was for SAG 132 Facilities Sustainment,
Restoration, and Modernization, and $7.4 billion in Operation
and Maintenance, Army Reserve National Guard (OMARNG), of which
$876.0 million was for SAG 132 Facilities Sustainment,
Restoration, and Modernization.
The committee notes that, as part of his unfunded
requirements list, the Chief of Staff of the Army requested
additional funds for Facilities Sustainment, Restoration, and
Modernization (FSRM), which would bring Army funding up to 90
percent of its requirement.The committee understands that these
funds would alleviate current challenges in maintaining
facilities to better support existing readiness levels while
increased sustainment funding would also prevent
disproportionate restoration and modernization backlog growth.
Accordingly, the committee recommends the following
increases: $62.4 million in OMA for SAG 132, $5.3 million in
OMAR for SAG 132, and $11.2 million in OMARNG for SAG 132.
EUCOM and INDOPACOM Multi-Domain Task Force increases
The budget request included $40.3 billion in Operation and
Maintenance, Army (OMA), of which $3.5 billion was for SAG 132
Facilities Sustainment, Restoration, and Modernization.
The committee notes that, as part of his unfunded
requirements list, the Chief of Staff of the Army requested
additional funds for sustainment, restoration, and
modernization requirements for building renovations and Base
Operating Support expenditures to adequately house personnel
and headquarters for the Multi-Domain Task Force (MDTF)
elements in the Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) and European
Command (EUCOM) theaters.
Accordingly, the committee recommends an increase of $126.8
million in OMA for SAG 132, specifically for MDTF for INDOPACOM
and EUCOM.
Revitalization of Army deployment infrastructure
The budget request included $40.3 billion in Operation and
Maintenance, Army (OMA), of which $3.5 billion was for SAG 132
Facilities Sustainment, Restoration, and Modernization.
The committee notes that, as part of his unfunded
requirements list, the Chief of Staff of the Army requested
additional funds to assist in the revitalization of Army
deployment infrastructure, including the: (1) Airfield control
group complex and rail load complex at Joint Base Lewis-
McChord, Washington; (2) Commercial truck load complex and
deployment support facility at Fort Bragg, North Carolina; (3)
Commercial truck load complex at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri;
(4) Rail load complex, hangar repair, deployment support
facility, and aerial port of embarkation support at Fort Hood,
Texas; (5) Taxiway repair at Fort Huachuca, Arizona; and (6)
Ramps repair at Fort Campbell, Kentucky.
Accordingly, the committee recommends an increase of $45.3
million in OMA for SAG 132 for the above projects to support
power projection restoration and modernization.
U.S. Africa Command force protection upgrades personnel recovery/
casualty evacuation
The budget request included $239.4 million in Operation and
Maintenance, Army (OMA), for SAG 141 U.S. Africa Command
(AFRICOM).
The committee notes that AFRICOM identified as an unfunded
requirement the need for emergent force protection upgrades
following the terrorist attack against U.S. personnel in Manda
Bay, Kenya, and after a theater-wide review of force protection
at multiple locations in Africa. AFRICOM identified the most
immediate priorities as establishing and upgrading fencing,
communications systems, and shelters to provide protection for
Department of Defense personnel serving in select locations.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $2.5
million in OMA for SAG 141 for personnel recovery/casualty
evacuation.
U.S. Africa Command intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance
The budget request included $239.4 million in Operation and
Maintenance, Army (OMA), for SAG 141 U.S. Africa Command
(AFRICOM).
The committee notes that AFRICOM is currently able to meet
30 percent of its Joint Staff-validated intelligence,
surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) requirements in its area
of responsibility and has identified the need to sustain this
level of ISR support in fiscal year 2021 as an unfunded
requirement.
The committee recommends an increase of $64.0 million in
OMA for SAG 141 for ISR support.
United States Africa Command personnel recovery, casualty evacuation,
and trauma care
The budget request included $239.4 million in Operation and
Maintenance, Army (OMA), for SAG 141 U.S. Africa Command
(AFRICOM).
The committee notes that AFRICOM has identified shortfalls
in its ability to provide timely personnel recovery, casualty
evacuation, and trauma care to U.S. personnel operating in the
AFRICOM area of responsibility. The committee notes that
AFRICOM identified the need to address gaps in these critical
capabilities as an unfunded requirement.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $36.0
million in OMA for SAG 141 for personnel recovery, casualty
evacuation, and trauma care support for AFRICOM.
United States Cyber Command Access and operations
The budget request included $314.5 million in Operation and
Maintenance, Air Force (OMAF), for SAG 15E Cyber Command
(CYBERCOM) and $430.1 million in Operation and Maintenance,
Army (OMA), for SAG 151 Cyberspace Operations.
The committee recognizes the importance of the Cyber
Mission Forces (CMF) and the increased operational demands
placed on them.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $25.0
million in OMAF for SAG 15E and an increase of $5.0 million in
OMA for SAG 151 in order to provide to the CMF more resources
to access, operate, and train as required to meet operational
demands as described in the unfunded priorities list of the
Commander, U.S. Cyber Command.
Service-wide transportation
The budget request included $491.9 million in Operation and
Maintenance, Army (OMA), for SAG 421.
The committee recommends a decrease of $25.0 million in OMA
for SAG 421 to reflect historical underexecution.
Other personnel support
The budget request included $701.1 million in Operation and
Maintenance, Army (OMA), for SAG 434 for other personnel
support.
The committee recommends a decrease of $4.0 million in OMA
for SAG 434 for historical underexecution.
Servicewomen's commemorative partnerships
The budget request included $701.1 million in Operation and
Maintenance, Army (OMA), for SAG 434 Other Personnel Support,
of which no funds were for programs at military service
memorials and museums that highlight the role of women in the
military.
The committee notes that section 2834 of the National
Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 (Public Law 116-
92) authorized the transfer of administrative jurisdiction of
an approximately 16.0 acre parcel of land in Arlington,
Virginia, from the Secretary of the Interior to the Secretary
of the Army. The Secretary of the Army was directed to enter
into a memorandum of understanding to define roles and
responsibilities for the shared responsibility and resources
for operation and maintenance of the Women in Military Service
for America (WIMSA) Memorial and surrounding grounds.
Accordingly, the committee recommends an increase of $3.0
million in OMA for SAG 434 for WIMSA.
Pilot program on the remote provision by the National Guard for
cybersecurity
The budget request included $7.4 billion in Operation and
Maintenance, Army National Guard (OMARNG), of which $7.9
million was for SAG 151 Cyberspace Activities--Cyberspace
Operations. The budget request also included $6.8 billion in
Operation and Maintenance, Air National Guard (OMANG), of which
$16.3 million was for SAG 012D Cyberspace Activities.
Elsewhere in this report, the committee recommends pilot
programs on the National Guard's remote provision to State
governments and National Guards in other States of
cybersecurity technical assistance in training for, preparation
for, and response to cyber incidents.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $3.0
million in OMARNG for SAG 151 and an increase of $3.0 million
in OMANG for SAG 012D to conduct these National Guard
cybersecurity pilot programs.
PDI: Asia Pacific Regional Initiative, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command
The budget request include $61.5 million in Operation and
Maintenance, Navy (OMN), for SAG 1CCH Combatant Commander Core
Operations, including $9.4 million for the Asia Pacific
Regional Initiative (APRI).
The committee notes that, last year, APRI funds helped to
facilitate the deployment of a Royal Thai Army infantry
battalion to the Joint Readiness Training Center at Fort Polk,
Louisiana, for a month-long training exercise alongside U.S.
Army soldiers. The committee commends this unique combined
training event as a tangible step forward for the U.S.-Thai
alliance. To the extent that the Royal Thai Army continues its
modernization on the basis of U.S. formations and equipment,
the committee encourages further opportunities for U.S.-Thai
combined training, including in the United States. Moreover, in
general, the committee encourages U.S. Indo-Pacific Command to
facilitate, as appropriate, additional training opportunities
for allies and partners in the United States.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $5.0
million in OMN for SAG 1CCH for the Asia Pacific Regional
Initiative.
PDI: Joint Task Force Indo-Pacific, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command
The budget request included $102.3 million in Operation and
Maintenance, Navy (OMN), for SAG 1CCM Combatant Commander
Direct Mission Support.
The unfunded priorities list submitted by the Commander,
U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, included additional funding for
Joint Task Force INDOPACOM (JTF-IP). The committee agrees with
the assessment of the National Defense Strategy (NDS) that U.S.
competitors and adversaries are ``using other areas of
competition short of open warfare to achieve their ends,''
including information warfare, and that ``these trends, if
unaddressed, will challenge our ability to deter aggression.''
The committee believes that increased resources for information
operations in the Indo-Pacific are important for addressing the
challenges described by the NDS.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $6.3
million in OMN for SAG 1CCM for Special Operations Pacific's
Joint Task Force Indo-Pacific information operations in support
of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command.
PDI: Counterterrorism Information Facility in Singapore, U.S. Indo-
Pacific Command
The budget request included $102.3 million in Operation and
Maintenance, Navy (OMN), for SAG 1CCM Combatant Commander
Direct Mission Support.
The unfunded priorities list submitted by the Commander,
U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, included additional funding to
assist the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in
establishing the Counterterrorism Information Facility in
Singapore.
The committee recommends an increase of $2.0 million in OMN
for SAG 1CCM for support to the establishment of the
Counterterrorism Information Facility in Singapore.
PDI: Countering Chinese malign influence, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command
The budget request included $8.8 million in Operation and
Maintenance, Navy (OMN), for SAG 1CCS Military Information
Support Operations (MISO).
The National Defense Strategy warns that competitors and
adversaries of the United States are using areas of competition
short of open warfare, including information warfare, to
achieve their ends. If unaddressed, this trend will undermine
the ability of the United States to deter aggression. In
particular, the committee notes the urgent need for intensified
efforts to counter Chinese malign influence the Indo-Pacific
region, including through disinformation and propaganda. These
efforts will require expanded and deeper collaboration between
the Department of Defense and other Federal departments and
agencies.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $17.7
million in OMN for SAG 1CCS for WebOps, force presence related
to MISO, support for Radio Free Asia, and other campaign
support activities. The committee does not recommend additional
funding for the Indo-Pacific Defense Forum.
USNS Mercy MTF improvements
The budget request included $49.7 billion in Operation and
Maintenance, Navy (OMN), of which $99.4 million was for SAG
2C1H Expeditionary Health Services Systems.
The committee notes that, as part of his unfunded
requirements list, the Chief of Naval Operations requested
additional funds to support optimization of the military
treatment facility (MTF) in conjunction with the USNS Mercy's
service-life extension program to improve the hospital ship's
ability to maintain Role 3 MTF capabilities.
Accordingly, the committee recommends an increase of $11.6
million in OMN for SAG 2C1H for USNS Mercy MTF improvements.
Energy Security Programs Office
The budget request included $49.6 billion in the Operation
and Maintenance, Navy (OMN), of which $519.7 million was for
SAG 4B2N Planning, Engineering, and Program Support.
The committee continues to strongly support the Department
of the Navy's Energy Security Programs Office (ESPO), which has
successfully executed over 49 energy resilience projects
leveraging non-Department of Defense funding in Texas,
Tennessee, Mississippi, Florida, North Carolina, Virginia,
Georgia, South Carolina, Arizona, Nevada, California, Maryland,
New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Washington,
Hawaii, Italy, and Japan. These projects range from microgrids
to efforts to improve mission assurance. However, the Navy has
made funding choices insufficient to support the ESPO for
fiscal year 2021, and projects may not occur in Georgia, North
Carolina, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Maryland,
California, Hawaii, Washington, Guam, Bahrain, and Japan.
Accordingly, the committee recommends an increase of $5.0
million in OMN for SAG 4B2N for the ESPO office to ensure that
fiscal year 2021 projects are executed.
A-10 Aircraft
The budget request included $34.8 billion in Operation &
Maintenance, Air Force (OMAF), including $731.5 million for SAG
011A Primary Combat Forces, of which $1.4 billion was for SAG
011D Air Operations Training (OJT, Maintain Skills), $0.0 was
for SAG 011M Depot Purchase Equipment Maintenance, and $4.4
billion was for SAG 011Y Flying Hour Program.
The budget request assumed a reduction of A-10 aircraft and
squadrons in fiscal year 2021. The committee believes that this
reduction is premature and as such recommends restoring such
funding.
Therefore, the committee recommends the following increases
in OMAF: $1.7 million to SAG 011A Primary Combat Forces, $12.4
million to SAG 011D Air Operations Training (OJT, Maintain
Skills), $3.4 million to SAG 011M Depot Purchase Equipment
Maintenance, and $52.9 million to SAG 011Y Flying Hour Program.
Air Force Facilities Sustainment, Restoration, and Modernization
increases
The budget request included $34.8 billion in Operation and
Maintenance, Air Force (OMAF), of which $3.2 billion was for
SAG 011R Facilities Sustainment, Restoration, and
Modernization, $3.4 billion in Operation and Maintenance, Air
Force Reserve (OMAFR), of which $103.4 million was for SAG 011R
Facilities Sustainment, Restoration, and Modernization, and
$6.8 billion in Operation and Maintenance, Air National Guard
(OMANG), of which $323.6 million was for SAG 011R Facilities
Sustainment, Restoration, and Modernization.
The committee notes that, as part of his required unfunded
requirements list, the Chief of Staff of the Air Force
requested additional funds for facility maintenance and repair
investment to achieve 1.85 percent of plant replacement value
(PRV), accelerating the ramp-up to meet the Department of the
Air Force Infrastructure Investment Strategy goal of 2 percent
PRV.
Accordingly, the committee recommends the following
increases: $101.8 million in OMAF to SAG 011R, $4.2 million in
OMAFR to SAG 011R, and $8.9 million in OMANG to SAG 011R.
Transfer to OCO
The budget request included $1.5 billion in Operation and
Maintenance, Air Force, SAG 011W for Contractor Logistics
Support and System Support.
The committee recommends a decrease of $30.5 million to
transfer such funding to Operation and Maintenance, Air Force,
Overseas Contingency Operations, SAG 011W for Contractor
Logistics Support and System Support. The committee notes a
corresponding increase in that account.
Slowing Air Force KC-135 and KC-10 tanker fleet divestment
The budget request included $34.8 billion in Operation and
Maintenance, Air Force (OMAF), of which no funds were for SAG
011M Depot Purchase Equipment Maintenance and $4.4 billion was
for SAG 011Y Flying Hour Program.
The committee notes that the National Defense Strategy of
2018 specifically calls for ``Resilient and Agile Logistics.''
The committee further notes that program delays for the KC-46
tanker have exacerbated a growing tanker capacity problem and
yet the Air Force chose to divest of crucial KC-10 and KC-135
resources. The committee notes that, according to the United
States Transportation Command (TRANSCOM), this proposed
divestment would cause significant negative impacts to
TRANSCOM's posture during wartime and daily competition and
negatively impact senior leader decision space for mobilization
if confronted with a crisis. The committee believes that the
Air Force should be planning for contested logistics while
accounting for delays in the KC-46 and other future programs.
Accordingly, the committee recommends the following
increases for the KC-135 tanker fleet: $3.4 million in OMAF to
SAG 011M Depot Purchase Equipment Maintenance and $36.6 million
in OMAF to SAG 011Y Flying Hour Program. Additionally, the
committee recommends the following increases for the KC-10
tanker fleet: $48.4 million in OMAF to SAG 011M Depot Purchase
Equipment Maintenance and $16.2 million in OMAF to SAG 011Y
Flying Hour Program.
PDI: Mission Partner Environment (MPE) local upgrades, U.S. Indo-
Pacific Command
The budget request included $34.8 billion for Operation and
Maintenance, Air Force, of which $849.8 million was for SAG 12A
Global C3I & Early Warning.
The unfunded priorities list submitted by the Commander,
U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM), included additional
funding for Mission Partner Environment (MPE) local upgrades to
modernize the command, control, communications, and computers
architecture in the INDOPACOM area of responsibility and
provide local systems to support and enhance operations with
allies and partners.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $30.8
million for SAG 12A for MPE local upgrades within the INDOPACOM
area of responsibility.
Hunt Forward missions
The budget request included $314.5 million in Operation and
Maintenance, Air Force (OMAF), for SAG 15E Cyber Command
(CYBERCOM).
The committee recognizes the importance of CYBERCOM's cyber
hunt forward missions as an integral component of the
Department's persistent engagement strategy. The committee also
notes the need for a framework to enhance consistency across
these missions, as described elsewhere in this report.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $13.8
million in OMAF for SAG 15E in order to provide to the Cyber
National Mission Force the capabilities it needs to implement
systems and strategies as it seeks to deter, disrupt, and
defeat cyber adversaries as reflected in the unfunded
priorities list of the Commander, U.S. Cyber Command.
Securing the Department of Defense Information Network
The budget request included $314.5 million in Operation and
Maintenance, Air Force (OMAF), for SAG 15E Cyber Command
(CYBERCOM) and $1.9 billion in Operation and Maintenance,
Defense-wide (OMDW), for SAG 280 Defense Information System
Agency (DISA).
The committee recognizes the importance of CYBERCOM and
DISA's missions in securing the Department of Defense
Information Network (DODIN). The committee is encouraged by the
recent efforts of the Department to develop enterprise-wide
common security product integration frameworks to enable
interoperability and coordinated orchestration among
cybersecurity services, devices, appliances, agents,
applications, tools, command and control centers, and the
network. The committee understands that additional funding
would allow the Department to support improvements in the
situational understanding, monitoring, analytics, training, and
inspections needed to enhance cyber resiliency and readiness.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $2.9
million in OMAF for SAG 15E and an increase of $40.0 million in
OMDW for SAG 280 in order to enhance the Department's ability
to secure, operate, and defend mission areas of the DODIN as
described in the unfunded priorities list of the Commander,
U.S. Cyber Command.
Air Force marketing reduction
The budget request included $34.8 billion in Operation and
Maintenance, Air Force (OMAF), of which $155.1 million was for
SAG 033A Recruiting and Advertising. The budget request also
included $3.4 billion in Operation and Maintenance, Air Force
Reserve (OMAFR), of which $23.1 million was for SAG 042J
Recruiting and Advertising. Finally, the budget request
included $6.8 billion in Operation and Maintenance, Air
National Guard (OMANG), of which $48.6 million was for SAG 042J
Recruiting and Advertising.
The committee notes that the Air Force Audit Agency
recently completed its review of Air Force advertising and
recruiting programs. The audit found that ``Air Force personnel
in all three components did not effectively manage marketing
and recruiting programs.'' The audit further notes that Air
Force personnel ``did not display fiscal responsibility'' and
were unable to demonstrate that the Air Force received ``fair
and reasonable pricing for over $130 million (88 percent) of
$149 million in sample contract actions reviewed.''
Additionally, the audit details numerous violations of the
basic rules of government contracting and financial management.
The committee is disappointed by such disregard for taxpayer
dollars.
While the Air Force deserves credit for taking immediate
action to correct some of the audit findings, the committee
believes that the Air Force advertising and recruiting
organization requires major reform. In response to similar
audit findings, the Army completely revamped its entire
advertising organization. The committee expects the Air Force
to dedicate similar effort in restoring the Congress' trust
that advertising dollars are being spent efficiently and
effectively.
Accordingly, the committee recommends the following
decreases: $20.0 million in OMAF to SAG 033A Recruiting and
Advertising, $5.0 million in OMAFR to SAG 042J Recruiting and
Advertising, and $15.0 million in OMANG to SAG 042J Recruiting
and Advertising.
COVID-related throughput decrease
The budget request included $34.8 billion in Operation and
Maintenance, Air Force (OMAF).
The committee notes that the Air Force will likely
experience COVID-19-related throughput issues, thereby
decreasing the need for depot carryover balances funded through
the Air Force Working Capital Fund.
Therefore, the committee recommends a decrease of $75.8
million in OMAF to reflect COVID-related throughput issues.
Syria exfiltration reconstitution
The budget request included $898.0 million in Operation and
Maintenance, Defense-wide (OMDW), for SAG 1PL6 Special
Operations Command Combat Development Activities.
The committee notes that U.S. Special Operations Command
identified the replacement of items destroyed in connection
with the exfiltration of forces in Syria as an unfunded
requirement.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $3.0
million in OMDW for SAG 1PL6 for Syria exfiltration
reconstitution.
Contractor logistics support
The budget request included $685.1 million in Operation and
Maintenance, Defense-wide, for SAG 1PL7 Special Operations
Command Maintenance.
The committees notes that the availability of intelligence,
surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities remains a
perennial shortfall across the geographic combatant commands.
The committee notes that, despite this, the budget request for
fiscal year 2021 cuts the contractor logistics support
necessary for the deployment of manned ISR aircraft operated by
U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) without identifying a
follow-on ISR solution to mitigate the loss in capability in
fiscal year 2021.
Additionally, the committee notes that the budget request
for fiscal year 2021 and the future years defense program
includes proposals to modify the composition of SOCOM's
airborne ISR fleet through the acquisition of new platforms and
the divestment of platforms currently in its inventory. The
committee is concerned that there does not exist an overarching
strategy to guide SOCOM's airborne ISR acquisition efforts,
particularly one that clearly identifies current or anticipated
special operations-peculiar capability gaps and describes
future manned and unmanned ISR requirements. The committee
believes that it is not prudent to divest of important ISR
capabilities without a clearly articulated strategy for how
critical ISR requirements will be satisfied in the near-, mid-,
and long-term. The committee notes that elsewhere in this Act,
there is a provision that would require the Assistant Secretary
of Defense for Special Operations and Low-Intensity Conflict
and the Commander, SOCOM, to jointly submit to the
congressional defense committees an acquisition roadmap to meet
the manned and unmanned airborne ISR requirements of United
States Special Operations Forces.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $22.0
million in Operation and Maintenance, Defense-wide, for SAG
1PL7 for contractor logistics support for manned ISR aircraft.
U.S. Special Operations Command flying hours
The budget request included $2.6 billion in Operation and
Maintenance, Defense-wide, for SAG 1PLR Special Operations
Command Theater Forces.
The committee notes that, elsewhere in this Act, there is a
provision that would prohibit the divestiture of manned
intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft
operated by U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) in fiscal
year 2021 due to the lack of a plan to mitigate the loss of ISR
capability in fiscal year 2021 as well as an overarching ISR
acquisition roadmap for SOCOM's airborne ISR capabilities to
meet its requirements over the near-, mid-, and long-term. The
committee believes that the submission of the required roadmap
should precede congressional consideration of any plan of SOCOM
to change the composition of its airborne ISR capabilities.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $1.3
million in Operation and Maintenance, Defense-wide, for SAG
1PLR for flying hours.
Innovative Readiness Training increase
The budget request included $40.3 billion in Operation and
Maintenance, Defense-wide (OMDW), of which $147.9 million was
for SAG 4GT3 Civil Military Programs.
The committee notes that the $13.1 million of the request
for Civil Military Programs was for the Innovative Readiness
Training (IRT). The committee is aware that the military
services continue to face readiness challenges due to budgetary
constraints. The committee continues to recognize the value of
the IRT, which affords to the military services realistic joint
training opportunities for National Guard, Reserve, and Active-
duty servicemembers.
The committee understands that the IRT offers complex and
challenging training opportunities for domestic and
international crises. The committee is also aware that Alaska,
Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Indiana,
Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana,
Nebraska, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina,
North Dakota, South Dakota, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, and
Wyoming all use the IRT.
Accordingly, the committee recommends an increase of $16.9
million in OMDW for SAG 4GT3 Civil Military Programs.
Starbase
The budget request included $44.6 billion for Operation and
Maintenance, Defense-wide (OMDW), of which $148.0 million was
for SAG 4GT3 Civil Military Programs.
The committee notes that the Science and Technology
Academies Reinforcing Basic Aviation and Space Exploration
(STARBASE) program is an effective program that improves the
knowledge and skills of students in kindergarten through 12th
grade in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $15.0
million for SAG 4GT3 Civil Military Programs for the STARBASE
program.
Defense Contract Management Agency
The budget request included $1.4 billion in Operation and
Maintenance, Defense-wide (OMDW), for SAG 4GTO Defense Contract
Management Agency (DCMA).
The committee notes that the Congress has previously
directed that the Department of Defense centrally conduct
commercial item determinations to ensure consistency in the
application of professional judgment, as is now required under
section 2380 of Title 10 United States code. Thus, the
delegation and transfer of this function would violate the law.
The DCMA has developed the requisite subject matter expertise
to perform this function and should maintain such expertise.
The committee also notes the importance of certain contract
administration functions that the DCMA performs, including the
recovery of cancelling funds and contract closeout.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $56.4
million in OMDW for SAG 4GTO to restore proposed reductions
resulting from the Defense-Wide Review.
DWR restore: Congressional oversight
The budget request included $1.5 billion in Operation and
Maintenance, Defense-wide, for SAG 4GTN Office of the Secretary
of Defense.
The committee records its remarks about the Defense-Wide
Review (DWR) 1.0 elsewhere in this report. In particular, the
oversight materials produced, as well as the proposal to
transfer the burden of payment for background investigations to
the U.S. Congress, did not meet or reflect the stated goals of
the DWR.
Accordingly, the committee recommends a decrease of $3.0
million in Operation and Maintenance, Defense-wide, for SAG
4GTN for the Office of the Secretary of the Defense.
Joint Regional Security Stacks SIPR funding--O&M
The budget request included $582.6 million in Operation and
Maintenance, Defense-wide (OMDW), for SAG 4GU9 Defense
Information Systems Agency--CYBER.
The committee is aware of the operational cybersecurity
limitations of the Joint Regional Security Stacks (JRSS)
technology as assessed by the Director, Operational Test and
Evaluation, the difficulty of training personnel to use the
JRSS, and the shortage of feasible tactics, techniques, and
procedures to make effective use of the JRSS. The committee
believes that the deployment of JRSS on the Secret Internet
Protocol Router Network is thus inappropriate, given JRSS'
limited cybersecurity capability and the existence of
alternative capabilities to execute its network functions.
Therefore, the committee recommends a decrease of $4.7
million in OMDW for SAG 4GU9 for JRSS, due to the operational
cybersecurity limitations of the JRSS technology.
DWR restore: blankets for homeless program
The budget requested included $382.1 million for Operation
and Maintenance, Defense-wide, for SAG 4GTB Defense Logistics
Agency.
The Defense-Wide Review eliminated funding for the Defense
Logistics Agency's (DLA's) Blankets for Homeless Program. The
Stewart B. McKinley Homeless Assistance Act of 1987 (Public Law
100-77) enables the DLA to provide blankets to qualified U.S.
501(c)3 organizations working with the homeless, many of whom
are veterans. Homeless shelters request blankets, which are
issued on a first-come first-served basis up to the amount of
funding.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $3.6
million for Operation and Maintenance, Defense-wide, for SAG
4GTB for the Defense Logistics Agency to continue this program.
Defense Institute of International Legal Studies
The budget request included $2.7 million in Operation and
Maintenance, Defense-wide (OMDW), SAG 4GTD, Defense Security
Cooperation Agency for the Defense Institute of International
Legal Studies.
The committee notes that the reforms to the Department of
Defense's security cooperation enterprise contained in the
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 (Public
Law 114-328) emphasized institutional capacity building as a
critical component of the Department's security cooperation
efforts. The committee notes that the Defense Institute of
International Legal Studies plays an important role in building
partner nation legal capacity, which strengthens accountability
within the security and justice sectors, civilian control of
the military, enhanced compliance with human rights standards
and international humanitarian law, democracy, and democratic
rule of law.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $2.0
million in Operation and Maintenance, Defense-wide, for SAG
4GTD, Defense Security Cooperation Agency for the Defense
Institute of International Legal Studies to increase its
capacity to conduct its expanding mission of legal
institutional capacity building as a significant component of
the Department's security cooperation efforts. The committee
notes that, elsewhere in this report, the committee recommends
a correlated decrease in funding for the Institute for Security
Governance.
Institute for Security Governance
The budget request included $58.8 million in Operation and
Maintenance, Defense-wide (OMDW), SAG 4GTD, Defense Security
Cooperation Agency, for the Institute for Security Governance.
The committee notes that the reforms to the Department of
Defense's security cooperation enterprise contained in the
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 (Public
Law 114-328) emphasized institutional capacity building as a
critical component of the Department's security cooperation
efforts. The committee notes that the Department has made
progress in integrating institutional capacity building as a
core element of its security cooperation activities and expects
the Department to continue to expand these efforts. The
committee also notes the importance of legal institutional
capacity building, a key mission of the Defense Institute of
International Legal Studies, to the long-term sustainability of
these programs. The budget request of $58.8 million for the
Institute for Security Governance would represent a more than
57 percent increase over fiscal year 2020 funding levels.
In line with the committee's support for legal
institutional capacity building, the committee recommends a
decrease of $2.0 million in Operation and Maintenance, Defense-
wide, SAG 4GTD, Defense Security Cooperation Agency, for the
Institute for Security Governance. The committee notes that,
elsewhere in this report, the committee recommends a correlated
increase for the Defense Institute of International Legal
Studies.
PDI: Indo-Pacific Maritime Security Initiative
The budget request included $410.7 million in Operation and
Maintenance, Defense-wide, for SAG 4GTD Defense Security
Cooperation Agency for the National Defense Strategy
Implementation account.
The committee notes that the budget request for the
National Defense Strategy Implementation account included
amounts intended for building partner capacity (BPC) activities
in the Indo-Pacific Command area of responsibility, utilizing
authorities provided in section 333 of title 10, United States
Code, and section 1263 of the National Defense Authorization
Act for Fiscal Year 2016 (Public Law 114-92). The committee
continues to support the Indo-Pacific Maritime Security
Initiative (MSI) as a standalone and signature security
cooperation initiative for strengthening partnerships in the
Department of Defense's priority theater, the Indo-Pacific. The
initiative's flexibility with regard to multinational projects
offers unique opportunities for increasing regional cooperation
and deepening regional interoperability. Furthermore, the
initiative is a tangible and recognizable symbol of the
enduring American commitment to the Indo-Pacific region at a
time when our strategic competitors are seeking to sow doubt
about the value of our alliances and partnerships. For these
reasons, the committee believes that the funding requested in
the National Defense Strategy Implementation account for
maritime-focused BPC activities in the Indo-Pacific Command
area of responsibility is most appropriately executed pursuant
to the MSI authority.
Therefore, the committee directs that, of the amount
requested for BPC activities in the Indo-Pacific Command area
of responsibility in Operation and Maintenance, Defense-wide,
for SAG 4GTD for the National Defense Strategy Implementation
account, not less than $200.0 million be used pursuant to
section 1263 of the National Defense Authorization Act for
Fiscal Year 2016 (Public Law 114-92). This amount shall only
come from those amounts requested by the Department of Defense
for security cooperation activities in the Indo-Pacific Command
area of responsibility.
PDI: Indo-Pacific Maritime Security Initiative
The budget request included $627.8 million in Operation and
Maintenance, Defense-wide, Overseas Contingency Operations, for
SAG 4GTD Defense Security Cooperation Agency for the National
Defense Strategy Implementation account.
The committee notes that the budget request for the
National Defense Strategy Implementation account included
amounts intended for building partner capacity (BPC) activities
in the Indo-Pacific Command area of responsibility, utilizing
authorities provided in section 333 of title 10, United States
Code, and section 1263 of the National Defense Authorization
Act for Fiscal Year 2016 (Public Law 114-92). The committee
continues to support the Indo-Pacific Maritime Security
Initiative (MSI) as a standalone and signature security
cooperation initiative for strengthening partnerships in the
Department of Defense's priority theater, the Indo-Pacific. The
initiative's flexibility with regard to multinational projects
offers unique opportunities for increasing regional cooperation
and deepening regional interoperability. Furthermore, the
initiative is a tangible and recognizable symbol of the
enduring American commitment to the Indo-Pacific region at a
time when our strategic competitors are seeking to sow doubt
about the value of our alliances and partnerships. For these
reasons, the committee believes that the funding requested in
the National Defense Strategy Implementation account for
maritime-focused BPC activities in the Indo-Pacific Command
area of responsibility is most appropriately executed pursuant
to the MSI authority.
Therefore, the committee directs that, of the amount
requested for BPC activities in the Indo-Pacific Command area
of responsibility in Operation and Maintenance, Defense-wide,
for SAG 4GTD for the National Defense Strategy Implementation
account, not less than $200.0 million be used pursuant to
section 1263 of the National Defense Authorization Act for
Fiscal Year 2016 (Public Law 114-92). This amount shall only
come from those amounts requested by the Department of Defense
for security cooperation activities in the Indo-Pacific Command
area of responsibility.
Staffing of Department of Defense Education Activity schools
The budget request included $44.6 billion in Operation and
Maintenance, Defense-wide (OMDW), of which $2.9 billion was for
SAG 4GTJ Department of Defense Education Activity (DODEA). The
amount authorized to be appropriated for OMDW includes the
following change from the budget request. The provision
underlying this change in funding levels is discussed in
greater detail in title V of this committee report.
[Changes in millions of dollars]
Maintenance of student-teacher ratios in DODEA schools +1.5
-----------------
Total............................................. +1.5
Impact aid
The budget request included $44.6 billion in Operation and
Maintenance, Defense-wide (OMDW), of which $2.9 billion was for
SAG 4GTJ Department of Defense Education Activity. The amount
authorized to be appropriated for OMDW includes the following
changes from the budget request. The provisions underlying
these changes in funding levels are discussed in greater detail
in title V of this committee report.
[Changes in millions of dollars]
Impact aid for schools with military dependent +50.0
students.............................................
Impact aid for children with severe disabilities...... +20.0
-----------------
Total............................................. +70.0
Defense Community Infrastructure Program
The budget request included $40.3 billion in Operation and
Maintenance, Defense-wide (OMDW), of which $40.2 million was
for SAG 4GTM Office of Economic Adjustment.
The committee notes that section 2861 of the John S. McCain
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (Public
Law 115-232) established a pilot for the Defense Community
Infrastructure Program. The committee continues to recognize
the importance of the military services' establishing and
strengthening their relationships with local communities and
looks forward to reviewing the results of the pilot program
upon its completion.
Accordingly, the committee recommends an increase of $50.0
million in OMDW to SAG 4GTM Office of Economic Adjustment.
National Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence
The budget request included $1.5 billion in Operation and
Maintenance, Defense-wide, for SAG 4GTN Office of the Secretary
of Defense.
The committee recognizes the important work that the
National Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence (NSCAI)
has put forth in its interim reports and is aware of the first
quarter recommendations of the Commission. Additionally, the
committee is aware that additional funds are needed to cover
additional Freedom of Information Act request expenses. The
committee is supportive of the NSCAI and looks forward to its
final report and recommendations.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $2.5
million in Operation and Maintenance, Defense-wide, for SAG
4GTN for the NSCAI.
Bien Hoa dioxin cleanup
The budget request included $1.5 billion in Operation and
Maintenance, Defense-wide (OMDW), for SAG 4GTN Office of the
Secretary of Defense, of which no funds were proposed for Bien
Hoa dioxin cleanup in Vietnam.
Accordingly, the committee recommends an increase of $15.0
million in OMDW for SAG 4GTN for Bien Hoa dioxin cleanup.
Energy Resilience Readiness Exercises
The budget request included $1.5 billion in Operation and
Maintenance, Defense-wide (OMDW), for SAG 4GTN Office of the
Secretary of Defense, of which no funds were for Energy
Resilience Readiness Exercises (ERREs).
The committee continues to support the significant success
of ``black start'' ERREs performed by the military services and
overseen by the Department of Defense (DOD). The committee
believes that low-cost ERREs, which each cost roughly $500,000,
provide a real-world opportunity to ``pull the plug'' on
military installations and truly test how each would respond in
the event of a cyberattack or natural disaster. The committee
believes that this is a small but warranted investment for
Department of Defense installation readiness. Unfortunately,
the Department elected not to program for any ERREs in fiscal
year 2021.
Accordingly, the committee recommends an increase of $2.0
million in OMDW for SAG 4GTN for ERREs.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention nation-wide human health
assessment
The budget request included $1.5 billion in Operation and
Maintenance, Defense-wide (OMDW), for SAG 4GTN Office of the
Secretary of Defense, of which no funds were proposed for the
ongoing Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Nation-wide human health assessment related to contaminated
sources of drinking water from per- and poly-fluoroalkyl
substances.
The committee continues to support the ongoing human health
assessment. Accordingly, the committee recommends an increase
of $10.0 million in OMDW for SAG 4GTN for the ongoing CDC
assessment.
Funding for commission relating to Confederate symbols
The budget request included $1.5 billion in Operation and
Maintenance, Defense-wide (OMDW), for SAG 490 Office of the
Secretary of Defense.
The committee recommends an increase of $2.0 million in
OMDW for SAG 490 to provide adequate resources for the
commission on Confederate symbols established elsewhere in this
Act.
Cooperative program for Vietnam personnel MIA
The budget request included $1.5 billion in Operation and
Maintenance, Defense-wide (OMDW), for SAG 490 Office of the
Secretary of Defense.
The committee recommends an increase of $2.0 million in
OMDW for SAG 490 to provide adequate resources to a cooperative
program with the Ministry of Defense of Vietnam to account for
Vietnamese missing in action, a program which is authorized
elsewhere in this Act.
DWR restore: Congressional background investigations
The budget request included $949.0 million in Operation and
Maintenance, Defense-wide, for SAG 5GTE Defense
Counterintelligence and Security Agency.
The Defense-Wide Review proposed transferring the burden
for processing security clearance background investigations for
congressional staff from the Department of Defense to the
congressional defense committees.
Accordingly, the committee recommends an increase of $3.0
million in Operation and Maintenance, Defense-wide, for SAG
4GTE for the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency to
continue processing congressional background investigations.
The committee notes a corresponding decrease elsewhere in this
report.
Energy performance contracts
The budget request included $1.5 billion in the Operation
and Maintenance, Defense-wide (OMDW), for SAG 4GTN Office of
the Secretary of Defense, of which no funds were for energy
performance contracts.
The committee supports efforts by the Department of Defense
and the military services to include energy resilience and
cybersecurity in all energy performance contract projects.
However, in too many instances, the upfront costs of resilience
do not pencil out despite providing a direct mission benefit
and capability. To facilitate inclusion of mission-critical
resilience and cybersecurity across the Department, the
committee recommends adding $10.0 million to leverage
performance contracting efforts. These funds should be used
only to leverage resilience and cybersecurity into a
performance contract when those measures cannot be effectively
paid for with a performance contract and leverage at least $10
of private capital for every dollar of Department funds.
Accordingly, the committee recommends an increase of $10.0
million in OMDW for SAG 4GTN for energy performance contract
funding.
Personnel in the Office of Assistant Secretary of Defense Sustainment
and Environment, Safety, and Occupational Health
The budget request included $1.5 billion in Operation and
Maintenance, Defense-wide (OMDW), for SAG 4GTN Office of the
Secretary of Defense, of which no funds were for sufficient
numbers of personnel in the Office of the Assistant Secretary
of Defense for Sustainment in Environment, Safety, and
Occupational Health (ESOH).
The committee recognizes the challenges facing the
Department of Defense in the Office's remit, ranging from per-
and polyfluoroalkyl substances to the Military Housing
Privatization Initiative.
Accordingly, the committee recommends an increase of $2.0
million in OMDW for ESOH personnel in the Office of the
Assistant Secretary of Defense for Sustainment.
Improvement of occupational license portability for military spouses
through interstate compacts
The budget request included $1.5 billion in Operation and
Maintenance, Defense-wide (OMDW), for SAG 4GTN Office of the
Secretary of Defense.
The committee remains concerned about the lack of
portability of employment licenses and credentials across State
lines, which hinders military spouse employment. Due to the
delays and expense involved in re-licensure and re-
credentialing, many military spouses decide not to practice
their professions. This becomes a financial and career choice
issue for military families, impacting servicemembers' desire
to stay in the military.
Accordingly, the committee recommends an increase of $4.0
million in OMDW for SAG 4GTN, for the activities outlined in
section 575 of the National Defense Authorization Act for
Fiscal Year 2020 (Public Law 116-92), which required the
Secretary of Defense to enter into a cooperative agreement with
the Council of State Governments to assist with the funding and
development of interstate compacts on licensed occupations.
National Cyber Director independent study funding
The budget request included $1.5 billion in Operation and
Maintenance, Defense-wide (OMDW), for SAG 4GTN Office of the
Secretary of Defense.
Elsewhere in this report, the committee recommends a
independent study on the establishment of a National Cyber
Director.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $2.5
million in OMDW for SAG 4GTN for conducting an independent
study on the establishment of a National Cyber Director.
Readiness and Environmental Protection Initiative
The budget request included $1.5 billion in Operation and
Maintenance, Defense-wide (OMDW), for SAG 4GTN Office of the
Secretary of Defense, of which $75.0 million was for the
Readiness and Environmental Protection Initiative (REPI).
The committee continues to support the mission of the REPI
and believes that the program has proven to be highly effective
in addressing encroachment. However, the committee is concerned
that the Department of Defense continues to underfund the REPI
despite its success to date and the cost-efficiency of
Department investments, born from substantial partner
contributions. The Department has expressed concerns about the
growing need to protect key installations, ranges, and airspace
but has failed to match those concerns with adequate resources.
Accordingly, the committee recommends an increase of $25.0
million in OMDW for SAG 4GTN for the REPI and strongly
encourages the Department to reflect in future REPI budget
requests the urgency of the problem of encroachment and the
success that the REPI has achieved in addressing this problem.
DWR restore: support to commissions
The budget request included $340.3 million in Operation and
Maintenance, Defense-wide, for SAG 4GTQ Washington Headquarters
Services.
The Defense-Wide Review 1.0 proposed ending support for
commissions and transferring the burden onto other components.
Accordingly, the committee recommends an increase of $3.0
million in Operation and Maintenance, Defense-wide, for SAG
4GTQ for the Washington Headquarters Services to continue to
provide support for commissions.
Biological Threat Reduction Program
The budget request included $238.5 million in Miscellaneous
Appropriations for SAG 1PL3 Cooperative Threat Reduction.
The committee believes that the Biological Threat Reduction
Program (BTRP) has provided valuable assistance in the
prevention and detection of emergent biological threats.
Accordingly, the committee recommends an increase of $50.0
million in Miscellaneous Appropriations for SAG 1PL3 for the
BTRP.
Acquisition Workforce Development Account
The budget request included $58.2 million in Operation and
Maintenance, Defense-wide (OMDW), for SAG 012 Acquisition
Workforce Development Account (DAWDA).
The committee notes that the budget request included a
$199.0 million reduction for the DAWDA based on the Defense-
Wide Review. The committee notes that this account was
originally authorized due to the Department's inability to
adequately invest in the training and education of its
professional acquisition workforce. The committee is concerned
that, at a reduced funding level, the Department will face
challenges in building the acquisition workforce it needs to
support the National Defense Strategy. The acquisition
workforce is currently demonstrating its critical role as the
Department works to meet the national security and economic
challenges resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. The committee
believes that DAWDA is critical to meeting the Department's
need to streamline procurement, work with Silicon Valley
innovators, support research on and development of new
acquisition tools and innovative acquisition policies, and
develop a workforce to implement modern acquisition reforms and
practices.
Therefore, the committee recommends an increase of $98.5
million in OMDW for SAG 012 to increase funding for the
Acquisition Workforce Development Account.
Operation and maintenance adjustments
The budget request included $253.9 billion in Operation and
Maintenance funding.
The committee notes that the onset of COVID-19 has forced
the delay or cancellation of numerous training and exercise
events, as well as slowed operations. The committee expects
that COVID-19 will continue to affect such activities in an
unpredictable and non-linear fashion.
Therefore, the committee recommends a decrease of $550.0
million across the Operation and Maintenance accounts to
account for the impacts of COVID-19 on training and operations.
Bulk fuel adjustment
The budget request included $7.7 billion across the
Operation and Maintenance accounts, both base and Overseas
Contingency Operations, for the purchase of bulk fuel.
Analysis conducted by the Government Accountability Office
(GAO) using the most recent data indicates that the Department
of Defense will underexecute its bulk fuel purchases by $1.5
billion in fiscal year 2021 owing to the rapid decrease in bulk
fuel prices. The committee commends GAO for its forward-leaning
work in analyzing bulk fuel prices to assist Congress in
decision-making given the unique uncertainty of the current
fuel markets.
Accordingly, the committee recommends a decrease in the
Operation and Maintenance accounts of $1.5 billion to account
for likely underexecution in bulk fuel purchases.
Foreign currency adjustment
The budget request included $5.4 billion in the Operation
and Maintenance and Military Personnel accounts for activities
requiring conversion of U.S. dollars to foreign currencies.
The committee notes that the Government Accountability
Office has repeatedly issued recommendations for the Department
of Defense to analyze its Foreign Currency Fluctuations,
Defense account balance given historical trends and managerial
usage of the account.
Accordingly, the committee recommends a decrease of $450.0
million across the Operation and Maintenance and Military
Personnel accounts.
Items of Special Interest
Adversary air
The committee is aware of the ongoing and growing
requirements for near-peer representative air-to-air training
using aggressor aircraft with capability similar to that of the
advanced adversaries that these aircraft are designed to
replicate. Additionally, it is becoming clear that this
requirement will not be met in the near-term with solely
organic service assets.
Therefore the committee directs the Secretary of the Air
Force and the Secretary of the Navy, no later than February 1,
2021, to submit to the congressional defense committees a
report that sets forth a plan to develop and implement an Air
Aggressor Enterprise that incorporates advanced organic and
contract services to maintain full-spectrum readiness for Air
Force and Navy 4th and 5th generation aircraft.
The report shall include: (1) A description of the current
Air Aggressor Enterprise for the Air Force and Navy; (2) A
description of the needs, resources, and requirements that the
Air Force and Navy require to maintain full-spectrum readiness
for all required joint and single service exercises as well as
daily, home station, in-garrison training requirements; (3) A
description and identification of any tactical, operational, or
strategic risk that is incurred by maintaining, retiring, or
modernizing the current Air Aggressor Enterprise; (4) A
description of the basic requirements for an aircraft that can
replicate a modern ``2030'' adversary in the air domain; and
(5) An assessment of the costs and benefits of organic versus
contract-supplied adversary air.
Air Force aerospace ground equipment
As the Air Force implements its ``Base of the Future''
concept, the committee encourages the use of new technologies
and alternatives to the current method of powering aircraft on
the flight-line through diesel generators and aerospace ground
equipment (AGE). Existing AGE lack efficiency and can be costly
for operations and repairs. Electrical Ground Power Units
(eGPUs) can use automotive propulsion batteries to power an
electronics package and be integrated onto a self-propelled
cart, providing near silent operation while eliminating
emissions. The committee understands that eGPUs could also
increase overall system efficiency by nearly 75 percent and
provide the additional function of having a one-solution power
system to support a variety of loads. Furthermore, the
elimination of mechanical moving parts and diesel fuel could
decrease the ongoing need for periodic maintenance, which could
reduce the total ownership costs of the units to the Air Force.
By leveraging the economies of scale provided by using proven
commercial automotive batteries to power aircraft on the
flight-line, the Air Force could see a reduction in
development, procurement, and lifecycle costs.
Accordingly, the committee directs the Secretary of Air
Force to brief the committee not later than October 1, 2020, on
the following: (1) Readiness status of the current AGE fleet;
(2) Sustainment and operation and maintenance costs of the
current AGE fleet; (3) Identification of alternate types of AGE
that can provide flight-line power to aircraft; and (4) An
assessment of total life cycle cost savings of replacing
current diesel-powered flight-line AGE with eGPUs.
Air Force Reserve runway infrastructure
The committee believes that the Air Force's physical runway
infrastructure is an essential component of the readiness of
U.S. operational and strategic forces, including the crucial
reserve component forces that support the National Defense
Strategy. The committee believes that the maintenance and
extension of such assets is critical to launching aircraft
quickly and effectively across a variety of mission areas. The
committee is concerned by multiple examples where the Air Force
Reserve has yet to or is not addressing these requirements with
urgency.
In particular, the committee notes that the continued
operation at Gila Bend Air Force Auxiliary Field, home of the
56th Fighter Wing, is crucial to emergency operations for both
Luke Air Force Base and Davis-Monthan Air Force Base. The
committee understands that the current end-of-runway turnaround
does not meet current requirements, thus requiring the 56th
Fighter Wing to operate under a waiver. The committee further
understands that Gila Bend accounted for 18,000 sorties in 2018
alone and will continue to increase as the 56th Fighter Wing
fields additional F-35As. Additionally, the committee notes
that the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station's existing runway is
not long enough to allow KC-135 aircraft to take off or land at
high gross weights under all weather conditions. The committee
further understands that the current taxi pattern does not
allow for the use of the full runway without back taxi, which
is not an option during the free-flow launch of aircraft
required to support certain critical missions. The committee
notes that both examples, if not addressed, increase risk to
aircraft and crew safety during inclement weather or other
emergency situations.
Accordingly, the committee directs the Secretary of the Air
Force to conduct an assessment and provide a briefing to the
congressional defense committees, no later than November 1,
2020, detailing the operational requirements for Air Force
Reserve and Air Guard airfields in addition to the state of
airfields where runway degradation currently poses a threat to
operations. Additionally, the assessment shall include a list
of all runways currently utilizing a waiver authority of
current requirements and the cost associated for improving said
runways to meet current requirements. The briefing shall
include the operational requirement for airfields, an
assessment of the impact to operations, cost to repair, cost to
replace, remaining useful life, and narrative on the required
daily maintenance to ensure that the runway is acceptable for
full operations at the installation as well as any challenges
with infrastructure acquisition methods and processes.
If required, a classified annex may accompany the
unclassified briefing.
Air Force Special Operations Command total force utilization
The committee believes that the Air Force Special
Operations Command (AFSOC) should make every effort to fully
utilize the total force to meet aircrew training and
operational requirements in platforms like the AC-130J, CV-22,
MC-12W, and A-29 in order to meet the requirements of the
National Defense Strategy (NDS). The committee notes that
AFSOC's 2020 Strategic Guidance document indicated the need to
``appropriately structure and resource its training enterprise
to ensure full-spectrum readiness across the total force.''
Additionally, the committee believes that AFSOC should fully
utilize infrastructure and personnel across the total force, to
include those of the Air National Guard. Such assets include
hanger space, taxiway, and parking space at available
installations. Furthermore, the committee believes that AFSOC
should fully utilize Active/National Guard associated
installations with access to bombing ranges and large-scale
military operating areas, low-level training routes, and
advanced training environments.
Therefore, the committee encourages AFSOC to work with the
National Guard Bureau to fully utilize the total force in
support of AFSOC's strategic objectives and in furtherance of
the NDS.
Assessment of potential transfer of real property, equipment and
facilities in the Assembled Chemical Weapons Alternative
Program
The Assembled Chemical Weapons Alternative Program carries
out the destruction of chemical weapons produced by the United
States as required under the Chemical Weapons Convention, which
entered into force on April 29, 1997. The Department of Defense
is responsible for the construction of facilities with
specialized equipment to perform such destruction where the
stockpile of chemical weapons is located. Given the highly
toxic nature of this process, much of the equipment and
facilities cannot be re-utilized, except for a small number of
limited cases where re-use by local communities would be
beneficial. The committee directs the Secretary of Defense to
report to the congressional defense committees, no later than
February 28, 2021, on the ability of the Assembled Chemical
Weapons Alternatives Program to transfer for follow on use by
the military or to local communities real property, equipment,
and facilities, safe to use for additional duties at minimal
cost to the U.S. Government and consistent with section
1521(d)(2) of title 50, United States Code, including necessary
legislative changes if so required. The committee directs the
Department of Defense to engage with relevant local
communities, as appropriate, in preparation of the required
report as well as planning related to any such transfers.
Backup power technology
The committee is concerned that the critical
telecommunications and cybersecurity networks on our military
installations throughout the United States and abroad are
increasingly susceptible to power outages caused by attacks
from our adversaries or by natural disasters. Loss of power to
communications equipment contradicts mission readiness and
assurance and must be mitigated.
The committee strongly encourages the Department of Defense
to ensure that all military installations across the military
services have backup power technology that adheres to master
energy plans as well mission critical resilience and
cybersecurity measures, meets performance standards set by the
Environmental Protection Agency, and provides power for no less
than 48 hours without refueling. The committee also strongly
encourages the Department to pursue technologies with low noise
while ensuring cost-effectiveness.
Briefing on contested logistics in support of the National Defense
Strategy
The committee strongly supports the National Defense
Strategy (NDS) and the Department of Defense's focus in
preparing both the individual military services and the
combatant commands for great power competition. The committee
notes that, in the event of a large scale conflict, the
Department will be required to maneuver in a contested
environment, which will require logistics planning for
manpower, liquid energy, munitions, sustainment, and many other
facets of projecting a forward presence. The committee believes
that the individual military service components' working
together with the United States Transportation Command
(TRANSCOM) will be essential to ensuring that the Department is
ready and resourced to project and sustain U.S. forces.
Accordingly, the committee directs the Secretary of
Defense, in coordination with Commander, TRANSCOM, to brief the
committee no later than October 15, 2020, on how the Department
creates and sustains long-term logistics plans to inform the
NDS to meet the requirements of great power competition. The
briefing should address but not be limited to: (1) How
logistics-centric war games inform future warplans; (2) How the
Department shares best practices across the military services
to improve potential outcomes for issues like operational
energy; (3) The current logistics-focused documents used to
support the NDS; and (4) The Department's view on whether a
separate logistics-focused strategy document as an addendum to
the NDS would bolster current plans. This briefing should also
consider the unique geographic constraints, security risks, and
potential for operations under a contested environment and any
other issues the Department deems appropriate.
If required, the briefing may include a classified annex.
Briefing on microturbine technology for military applications
The committee notes the importance of installation and
operational energy in support of both basing and contested
logistics, which directly support the National Defense
Strategy. The committee is aware of advances in microturbine
and mobile substation technology that now enables rapid
deployments of resilient power units that could maximize
operational flexibility by using multiple fuel types, including
natural gas and diesel, as well as alternative fuels such as
propane, hydrogen, ethanol, biogas, and landfill gas, depending
on fuel availability in the theater of operations. The
committee understands that these units are compact, that they
can be transported via air, sea, rail, or road, and that they
can be operational in a matter of hours. The committee further
understands that microturbines not only produce potential fuel
savings but can also connect to existing power assets using a
micro-grid controller to ensure that all assets are used in the
most efficient manner. The committee notes that this power
generation should allow for lower overall fuel usage and fewer
fuel convoys on the road, which are vulnerable to potential
enemy action.
The committee encourages the Secretary of Defense, in
coordination with the Secretary of the Army, who serves as the
executive agent for Joint Force Logistics, to review this
technology and study its military applications. The committee
directs the Secretary of Defense to provide a briefing to the
committee on the potential applicability and effectiveness of
microturbines for both installation and operational energy
needs no later than November 1, 2020. If deemed viable, the
briefing should also include a cost estimate and schedule for
conducting a proof of concept demonstration.
Cold spray applications for Department of Defense sustainment and
medical activities
The committee recognizes the importance of further
advancement, procurement, and deployment of high pressure cold
spray systems that can be used to repair high performance
materials for the Department of Defense. The committee highly
encourages further integration of portable deployable high
pressure cold spray systems. Such systems will potentially
enable improved performance, readiness, and sustainability of
deployed joint forces. Examples may include ships underway,
deployed ground forces, and expeditionary aviation units.
The committee encourages the Department to explore
additional cold spray applications during original manufacture
of new weapon systems as well as for the application of
antimicrobial copper surfaces. The committee recognizes that
copper surfaces have proven effective at reducing or
eliminating bacteria and viruses on touch surfaces and that
cold spray technology is an efficient and cost-effective method
of coating touch surfaces with antimicrobial copper. These
applications may provide means of preventing the spread of
harmful pathogens and reducing hospital-acquired infections.
Consideration for local broadcasting and traditional media for
Department of Defense advertising
The committee encourages the service chiefs, in
coordination with their respective recruiting commands, to give
all due consideration toward the use of local broadcasting and
traditional media sources when advertising for the Department
of Defense.
Consideration of variable refrigerant flow systems
The committee acknowledges that variable refrigerant flow
systems already deployed at United States Army, Air Force, and
Navy installations, as well as on ships, play an important role
in assisting the Department of Defense in achieving energy
efficiency requirements. Further, the committee recognizes that
variable refrigerant flow systems provide the Department with a
number of benefits, including precise individual control and
inverter technology to minimize energy consumption and optimize
energy savings, adaptable designs suitable for both retrofits
and new builds, large allowances for piping length and level
difference to provide a flexible layout, and individualized
climate control settings to maximize comfort.
Accordingly, the committee encourages the Department, in
selecting equipment for heating, ventilation, and air
conditioning, to consider life-cycle costs, energy efficiency,
design flexibility, and individualized comfort. Additionally,
when considering modifications to the Unified Facilities
Criteria regarding the use of variable refrigerant flow systems
at Department facilities, the committee encourages the
Assistant Secretary of Defense for Sustainment to work
collaboratively with industry to mitigate technical concerns,
optimize equipment performance, minimize energy consumption,
and maximize energy savings.
Defense Personal Property Program
The committee appreciates the work the United States
Transportation Command (TRANSCOM) has undertaken to address
shortfalls with the Defense Personal Property Program (DP3)
through a single contractor known as the Global Household Goods
Contract (GHC). The committee appreciates TRANSCOM's
responsiveness to congressional inquiries regarding this topic
and looks forward to continued transparency from TRANSCOM.
The committee remains concerned, however, of GHC's
implementation as it relates to remote and isolated
installations. The committee is aware that locations, such as
Alaska and Hawaii, generally have fewer shipping companies to
assist in boosting capacity and much higher transit costs due
to the time, space, and distance required for such moves. The
committee notes that these unique challenges are often not
considered in the planning and execution of Nation-wide
government programs, leading to poor customer experiences,
which could reflect poorly on the newly established GHC
program.
Accordingly, as TRANSCOM begins its transition from DP3 to
GHC, the committee encourages the use of small businesses to
ensure that capacity and quality of service are maintained
across all installation locations, especially in areas with
remote, isolated, and insular installations.
Defense Personal Property Program
The committee is aware of the continued frustrations of
servicemembers and their families with the quality and
efficiency of the Defense Personal Property Program (DP3),
provided by U.S. Transportation Command (TRANSCOM). The
committee notes that DP3 arranges for the movement and storage
of about 400,000 personal property shipments of servicemembers
and their families annually--40 percent of them during peak
moving season. The committee understands that TRANSCOM has
identified problems meeting peak moving season demand and
addressing longstanding quality issues.
The committee notes that TRANSCOM announced that, no
earlier than April 30, 2020, it would award a Global Household
Goods Contract to a single commercial move manager to oversee
DP3 activities that relate to the movement and storage-in-
transit of household goods. While the committee is encouraged
by TRANSCOM's desire to improve the program's delivery of
services to servicemembers, the committee believes that the
Department of Defense should maintain certain services for
servicemembers. The committee expects that servicemembers and
their families will continue to have the option to utilize or
reject any vendor to assist in their Personally Procured Move
(PPM) relocation. Further, military exchanges should continue
to enter into contracts and arrange marketing programs with PPM
relocation vendors, as they deem appropriate, and market PPM
relocation vendors to servicemembers who select the PPM
relocation option.
Additionally, as the Department moves forward to implement
the Global Household Goods Contract, the committee remains
concerned about the recommendations described by the Government
Accountability Office in a report titled ``Movement of
Household Goods: DOD Should Take Additional Steps to Assess
Progress toward Achieving Program Goals'' (GAO-20-295). The
committee strongly encourages the Commander, TRANSCOM, to
develop a process for tracking data during the first 3 years of
the Global Household Goods Contract to inform the planned
manpower study during the third year of the contract. The
committee also encourages the development of performance
metrics for those DP3 activities that will still be performed
by the military services, such as servicemember counseling and
claims resolution. The committee believes that servicemembers
and their families deserve a process that relies on quality
data and include performance metrics to ensure accountability.
Defense Readiness Reporting Reform briefing
The committee recognizes that the Defense Readiness Report
System must evolve to meet the demands of irregular warfare
environments and capture whether force elements are able to
compete and win in a high-intensity near-peer scenario. The
committee is encouraged by the Department of Defense's ongoing
efforts in readiness reporting reform, guided by the findings
and milestones established in the Department's recent
assessment of the current readiness reporting system, Defense
Readiness Reporting Systems Reform (D-C613F67), and applauds
the Department for its assessment of how readiness reporting
can be improved using new analytical technologies.
The committee believes that the Department can benefit
greatly from improving its readiness reporting, as implementing
the National Defense Strategy depends on a more lethal and
ready force. The committee notes that the report outlined
specific measures the Department could take to successfully
measure readiness of components and therefore enable a more
effective warfighting force. The committee further notes that
this report identifies threat-based reporting, improved
information technology systems, interoperability, and agility
as some of the elements required of the future data
architecture. For example, the Department found that effective
data modeling requires artificial intelligence-enabled
technologies and that commercial-off-the-shelf products would
benefit a future analytics workbench. The committee agrees that
leveraging artificial intelligence-enabled technologies would
allow the Department to better understand system data and make
actionable decisions in near-real time.
Accordingly, the committee encourages the Department to
consider inclusion of artificial intelligence as it develops
guidance for the Defense Readiness Reporting System and expects
the Department to implement the recommendations from its
report, D-C613F67.
Additionally, the committee directs the Secretary of
Defense to provide a briefing on Department of Defense
Instruction 7730.66, Guidance for the Defense Readiness
Reporting System, and Department of Defense Directive 7730.65,
Department of Defense Readiness Reporting System, as well as an
update on implementing the aforementioned recommendations no
later than February 1, 2021.
Diverse training for special operations forces
The committee notes that training of special operations
forces (SOF) requires access to diverse venues and locations to
enable realistic military training. In particular, training in
austere, remote, and rough terrain supports the development of
operational tactics, techniques, and procedures and testing of
special operations-peculiar equipment. The committee believes
that former surface mine sites may provide SOF with training
opportunities for accomplishing SOF-unique tasks and encourages
U.S. Special Operations Command to evaluate the use of such
locations for future training opportunities.
Eastern Gulf Test and Training Range (EGTTR)
The committee notes that the Air Force Development Test
Center's mission is to plan, conduct, and evaluate testing of
U.S. and allied non-nuclear munitions, electronic combat,
target acquisition, weapon delivery, base intrusion protection,
and supporting systems. That mission is executed at Eglin Air
Force Base in Florida, whose land test areas encompass 463,000
acres and water test areas, including the Eastern Gulf Test and
Training Range (EGTTR), which cover 86,500 square miles in the
Gulf of Mexico, making it the Department of Defense's (DOD)
largest test and training area in the world.
The committee notes that the DOD uses the EGGTR to develop
and maintain the readiness of our combat forces and that the
EGGTR is critical to achieving the objectives contained in the
National Defense Strategy. The EGTTR connects test and training
ranges and capabilities across the Eastern Gulf of Mexico
extending from Key West to NW Florida. The test and training
areas contain multiple live-fire bombing ranges, including
Pinecastle Range, Avon Park Air Force Range, and the Eglin
Bombing Range, supporting simultaneous maritime, air, and land
training exercises.
Due to its capabilities, the EGTTR complex is an integral
part of DOD's Major Range and Test Facilities Base and the
Training Resources Strategy. Additionally, the EGTTR supports
multiple users, which include all military services within the
DOD, other government agencies, foreign countries, and private
companies. The Air Force currently expends annually in the
EGTTR approximately 550 bombs, 580 missiles, 1,218,000 rounds
of ammunition, and 637,000 countermeasures.
All the military services, plus other government agencies,
allied nations, and commercial entities, use the EGTTR to test
the newest weapons and to ensure that legacy inventory weapons
still work as intended.
The committee understands that emerging technologies such
as hypersonics, autonomous systems, and advanced sub-surface
systems could require enlarged testing and training footprints.
Therefore, the committee recognizes the importance of the
EGTTR to the national security of the United States.
Electronic component failures
The committee notes that the Department of Defense has
found that electronics maintenance is a leading driver of
weapon systems non-availability, accounting for over $10
billion in fiscal year 2018 sustainment costs. This has
exacerbated electronics availability issues and resulted in
over 278,000 days of end-item system nonavailability and
approximately $3 billion in non-value-added sustainment costs
annually.
To address these issues, the committee directs the
Secretary of Defense to provide a report to the congressional
defense committees, no later than December 31, 2020, that
analyzes this persistent maintenance issue. The report should:
recommend best practices to be used by the Department of
Defense to address electronics component failures due to
intermittent faults; identify responsible organizations in the
military services and the Defense Agencies and Department of
Defense Field Activities to address these issues; and include
strategic plans and a roadmap to field intermittent fault
detection and isolation capabilities.
Emerging viral threats
The committee believes that emerging viral threats such as
the 2019 novel coronavirus highlight the need for innovative
and real-time forecasting and modeling techniques to ensure
that the U.S. military and civilians are best positioned to
respond, as appropriate, to emerging public health and national
security threats. The committee encourages the Department of
Defense (DOD) to leverage emerging infectious disease
forecasting and modeling methods and data developed by
university and private partners to the extent practicable. The
committee also encourages the Defense Threat Reduction Agency,
in collaboration with other agencies such as the Department of
Health and Human Services, to examine the zoonotic features of
emerging viruses, such as COVID-19 and Ebola, with the goal of
understanding how such pathogens cause disease in humans and
the potential impact on U.S. national security interests.
Engine optimization initiatives at Tinker Air Force Base
The committee notes that the National Defense Strategy
(NDS) requires a lethal and ready force and, to support that
force, aviation platforms will have a key role in strategic
airlift. Jet engine ingestion of debris and contaminants during
operations erodes engine compressor blades, decreasing engine
efficiency and power, increasing fuel burn and exhaust gas
temperature, and causing higher maintenance costs and decreased
aircraft availability.
The committee understands that the Air Force Office of
Operational Energy, in conjunction with the Advanced Power
Technology Office, Air Force Research Laboratory, Naval Air
Systems, commercial airlines, industry, and the Air Force Life
Cycle Management Center Propulsion Directorate at Tinker Air
Force Base, is exploring blade coating certifications for the
F-117 engine, blade scanning testing for the F-108 engine
program, and an engine foam wash. The committee further
understands that the Air Force is currently validating return
on investment data and will have an implementation report of
any proven concepts later this year.
The committee notes that coating high pressure compressor
blades with erosion/corrosion-resistant finish preserves
structures and increases time between repairs. Laser and
infrared scanning of high pressure compressor blades can be
used to determine physical characteristics of the airfoils and
group them to ``tune'' the engine and improve efficiency.
Finally, washing engines on wing with atomized water to remove
debris from the compressor blade airfoil surfaces can be used
to maintain optimal efficiency and deliver a cooler running
engine.
The committee agrees with the Air Force's assessment that,
if the return on investment can be demonstrated through testing
and certification, these optimization initiatives can reduce
fuel consumption of the largest USAF consumers and lead to
second and third order benefits, including improved performance
and increased readiness. The committee understands that
industry is already realizing fuel savings of up to 3 percent
using this technology. A roughly 2 percent fuel savings for the
KC-135, for example, is $17.0 million (2018 fuel expenditures).
The committee is encouraged by these potential savings as
there are secondary and tertiary benefits in readiness and in
the performance of contested logistics missions and looks
forward to the final implementation report.
Improving depot best practice sharing
The committee notes that the Government Accountability
Office (GAO) has issued several reports on the challenges
experienced at the organic maintenance depots, including
challenges pertaining to deteriorating equipment and facility
condition, filling critical personnel skill gaps, meeting
service repair needs, and excesses in carryover of workload.
These problems can lead to delays in the maintenance of weapon
systems that ultimately affect readiness by impeding the
military services' ability to conduct training and provide
forces to perform missions around the world. Despite these
challenges, it is not clear the extent to which the Department
of Defense (DOD) is assessing and mitigating the risk of
maintenance delays when identifying its depot workload
requirements.
The committee notes that the GAO's most recent report on
the subject, ``DOD Can Benefit from Further Sharing of Best
Practices and Lessons Learned'' (GAO-20-116), outlined specific
areas where the DOD can improve both its information sharing
practices as well as implementation of said practices between
the military services. For example, the GAO found that while
the DOD has more than 60 working groups, the Office of the
Secretary of Defense does not maintain a centralized list of
working groups nor points of contact. Additionally, the GAO
found that differing military service priorities and strategies
were also a barrier to successful best practice sharing. The
committee agrees with GAO's assessment that the inability to
locate these working groups combined with competing service
priorities can impede the sharing of best practices.
The committee notes the benefits of cross-service sharing
of best practices. The committee was encouraged, for example,
to learn that the Navy Fleet Readiness Center Southwest
implemented an intermittent fault detection system from Ogden
Air Logistics Complex, an Air Force organization, reducing
repair time from 90 days to 30 days while quadrupling the
generators' time between failures. The committee further notes,
however, that according to the GAO, the Army stated that, while
it established lessons learned for sharing maintenance best
practices and lessons learned, it did not maintain them due to
organizational restructuring and resource constraints.
The committee notes that the GAO provided two
recommendations, both of which the Department of Defense
concurred with: 1) The Under Secretary of Defense for
Acquisition and Sustainment should ensure that the Deputy
Assistant Secretary of Defense for Materiel Readiness create,
share, and maintain a comprehensive and up-to-date list of all
DOD sharing venues, including points of contact, related to
depot maintenance; and 2) The Secretary of the Army should
ensure that Army Materiel Command reestablishes and maintains
organizations dedicated to sharing materiel best practices and
lessons learned, as required by Army regulations.
Accordingly, the committee expects the Secretary of Defense
to implement the recommendations of GAO-20-116.
Informing War Plans Through Accurate War Gaming
The committee notes the 2018 National Defense Strategy
calls for resilient and agile logistics in the era of great
power competition. The committee believes that the delivery of
liquid energy, including, but not limited to JP5, JP8, Jet A1,
and F76, is crucial to achieving that success.
The committee notes that the Air Force Office of
Operational Energy has developed modeling and simulation tools
to analyze fuel consumption and installation supply during
wargames. The committee believes that these tools can better
inform wargame outcomes and must be designed to reflect the new
reality of the contested logistics environment that
characterizes the operating environment to improve future
warplans.
The committee encourages the Joint Staff to work in
coordination with the Air Force Office of Operational Energy to
produce energy-informed warplans through wargaming, campaign
analysis, and modeling and simulation.
Infrared uniform management
The committee notes that the National Defense Strategy
cites growing threats from China and Russia, whose forces are
equipped with thermal detection sensors. The committee believes
that, to counter this threat, it is important that
servicemembers are equipped with uniforms that are effective in
concealing servicemembers from enemy infrared (IR) and thermal
sensors and durable enough to withstand wear and tear from
combat operations. The committee further believes that, as
advanced IR and thermal detection technology becomes
increasingly available to the Nation's military competitors,
effective and durable personal signature management becomes
critical to force protection and mission execution.
The committee notes that the military services have
previously established baseline standards for flame resistant
uniforms for servicemembers deployed in hostile areas, which
include a laundering durability requirement to ensure that
servicemembers have an enduring protective capability that
extends well into the predicted service life of the uniform.
However, the committee understands that the military services
do not currently maintain a similar durability requirement for
uniforms with IR signature management capability. The committee
understands that recent technical developments in flame
resistant garments have begun to reduce costs while offering
options that include a durable IR management capability. The
committee notes that these emerging technological developments
could provide the military services with ways to protect their
forces, regardless of the environment, without imposing undue
burden on already strained budgets.
As such, the committee encourages the military services to
explore these technologies further and to incorporate durable
IR signature management capabilities designed to fully protect
our men and women in uniform.
Installation energy
The committee recognizes that the energy consumption of
large, energy-intensive systems, such as heating, ventilation,
and air conditioning (HVAC) systems of the Department of
Defense (DOD), are monitored and managed by industrial control
systems (ICS) to maximize their efficiency and cost savings.
Unfortunately, computers, printers, and other smaller items
plugged into an electrical system are not. While the More
Situational Awareness for Industrial Control Systems (MOSAICS)
program is focused on the cybersecurity of ICS platforms, it is
not aimed at providing energy cost savings. Recent technologies
have emerged on the market to provide comprehensive plug-load
energy savings with cybersecurity protection.
Therefore, to further a DOD priority to leverage building
control systems to achieve substantial energy savings in a
highly secure architecture, the committee authorizes and
encourages the Secretary of Defense to establish a pilot
program that incorporates technologies relating to energy
management on an installation that is not reliant on a single
telecommunications provider or energy provider. This approach
will assure that, if successful, the technology suite and
architecture will be easily implemented across the DOD and will
be able to generate the maximum level of energy savings in a
secure environment.
The pilot should: (1) Include at least three installations;
(2) Incorporate energy efficiency technology for an entire
plug-load (large and small systems); (3) Incorporate
comprehensive cybersecurity technology; (4) Integrate with
current and future architectures; (5) Allow scalability and
flexibility; and (6) Avoid single points of failure. The pilot
program shall sunset on September 30, 2023. Within 90 days of
completion of the pilot, the DOD shall brief the Committees on
Armed Services of the Senate and the House Representatives on
the results of the pilot, whether or not it should be expanded
as appropriate, and explanation as to the outcome of that
decision.
Installation Utility and Energy Authority Integration
The committee supports the Department of Defense's (DOD's)
efforts to improve installation utility resilience. The
committee recognizes that the DOD has a variety of statutory
authorities that can be used to fulfill the Department's
installation utility needs, including third-party financing,
utilities privatization, and capital investment using
appropriated dollars.
Accordingly, the committee directs the Secretary of Defense
to brief the congressional defense committees, not later than
April 1, 2021, on initiatives that leverage and integrate
existing utility and energy authorities to support installation
resiliency projects that improve utilities efficiency, upgrade
infrastructure, and strengthen mission assurance.
Joint Military Information Support Operations WebOps Center
The committee notes that U.S. Special Operations Command
(SOCOM) is designated as the coordinating authority for web-
based military information support operations. The committee
supports the establishment of the Joint Military Information
Support Operations WebOps Center (JMWC) at SOCOM to enable
global coordination of web-based MISO, counter transregional
misinformation challenges, share best practices, and leverage
efficiencies whenever possible.
However, the committee is concerned that the overall
resource requirements to support the JMWC, in both funding and
personnel, are not well understood and should be better refined
as the JMWC seeks to achieve initial operating capacity later
this year. Additionally, the committee believes that projected
personnel requirements for some combatant commands are
excessive and not aligned with the priorities outlined in the
National Defense Strategy. The committee also believes that
SOCOM should prioritize the development of rigorous standards
and assessments to appropriately characterize the success or
failure of web-based messaging efforts and make recommendations
for re-directing resources when appropriate.
Military Munitions Response Program
The committee recognizes and supports the ongoing and
costly efforts by the Department of Defense to address the
significant challenges of cleaning up military installations
contaminated by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances.
Additionally, the Department must weigh the pressing priority
of executing the Military Munitions Response Program (MMRP) in
a manner consistent with its budget request. The committee is
also concerned about public safety at the over 5,000 MMRP sites
across the country that potentially contain unexploded
ordnance. The committee understands that tough choices must be
made by the Department and the military services when balancing
the priorities of environmental contamination and unexploded
ordnance in executing the MMRP. The committee strongly
encourages the Department and the military services to execute
and obligate funds for the MMRP within the environmental
restoration accounts in accordance with their budget requests
as best as possible, given the competing priorities of MMRP and
the need to clean up installations contaminated by per- and
polyfluoroalkyl substances.
Military working dogs Comptroller General review
The committee recognizes the importance of working dogs,
who serve honorably alongside servicemembers and support
agencies across the Federal Government. However, the committee
is concerned by the September 2019 State Department Office of
the Inspector General report on the ``Evaluation of the Anti-
terrorism Assistance Explosive Detection Canine Program--Health
and Welfare,'' which documented serious animal welfare concerns
for working dogs.
Given that the committee recognizes the importance of
welfare protections for humane treatment, the committee directs
the Comptroller General of the United States to submit to the
Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of
Representatives a report no later than February 1, 2021, that
reviews the use of working dogs across the Federal Government
and evaluates whether welfare standards for working dogs are
upheld. This report should include the total number of working
dogs at each Federal entity and a summary of their support
roles.
Additionally, the Comptroller General should summarize any
Federal policies related to the protection or health and
welfare of working dogs and evaluate whether Federal entities
with working dogs implement and adhere to these policies.
Finally, the Comptroller General should provide recommendations
to strengthen oversight and protection of working dogs,
including suggestions to standardize contracts relating to the
use of working dogs by foreign countries or Federal
contractors. These written agreements should ensure a mutual
understanding regarding the health, welfare, and retirement of
working dogs, require that any foreign partner or contractor
provide welfare evaluations and healthcare for canines, and
stipulate that medical needs after deployment or service are
met.
National all-domain warfighting center
The committee recognizes the critical need for the National
Guard, as an essential component of the Joint Force, to conduct
all-domain training and exercises in support of the National
Defense Strategy (NDS).
The committee notes the Joint Staff's development of an
all-domain warfighting concept to support the NDS. It also
notes that the National Guard Bureau has successfully sponsored
exercise Northern Strike as a Joint National Training
Capability accredited exercise to provide readiness-building
opportunities for all the military services through joint
combined arms training. This exercise occurs at Camp Grayling
Joint Maneuver Training Center and the Alpena Combat Readiness
Training Center, installations which have already provided
opportunities for units from any service, allies, and partners
to achieve or sustain proficiency in conducting joint command
and control, air, maritime, and ground maneuver integration,
and the synchronization of lethal and non-lethal (cyber) fires
in a joint, multinational major combat operations environment
that is scalable across unit resources levels. It also has
multi-modal capabilities to train and exercise joint logistics
and sustainment at operationally relevant distances. This
training environment addresses training gaps and builds
readiness at multiple echelons with the scope and scale
required to address emerging challenges of near-peer
competitors.
The committee encourages the Secretary of the Army and the
Secretary of the Air Force to appropriately resource training
and exercise opportunities for the Army and Air National Guards
to maintain readiness in an all-domain training environment to
the maximum extent feasible.
Naval expeditionary sustainment and repair
The committee supports investments that align mature
technology-based solutions with expeditionary shipboard
sustainment and repair concepts of operations to improve
warship resiliency, lethality, and availability.
Navy Converged Enterprise Resource Planning
The committee supports Navy efforts to modernize financial
management and logistics systems using best-in-class commercial
enterprise resource planning solutions and notes strong initial
progress in this area. The committee urges the Navy to adopt a
flexible staffing model to scale progress across the Navy
enterprise, ensure cost-effective staffing, keep pace with
innovation, and leverage the value of cloud computing-enabled
platforms. To achieve this, the committee believes that the
Navy should avoid excessive on-site place of performance
requirements, restrictive experience level requirements
inconsistent with commercial practices, and other policies that
restrict available workforce, increase costs, and reduce the
scalability needed to achieve audit readiness and logistics
modernization goals. The committee notes that the recent
challenges in response to the COVID-19 crisis highlighted the
need for flexible policies with respect to place of performance
of appropriate Department of Defense missions.
Navy shipyard infrastructure optimization
The committee notes that the Department of the Navy
operates and maintains four public shipyards in the United
States: Norfolk Naval Shipyard, Virginia; Portsmouth Naval
Shipyard, Maine; Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, Washington; and
Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard, Hawaii. The committee recognizes
the vital role these shipyards play in generating readiness,
supporting the Navy's surface and submarine fleet by performing
depot- and intermediate-level maintenance, modernization work,
emergent repairs, and in-activations.
In recognizing the importance of maintaining these public
shipyards, in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal
Year 2018 (Public Law 115-91), the committee directed the
Secretary of the Navy to provide a report to the congressional
defense committees to address shortfalls in the public shipyard
enterprise. The committee notes that the Navy created the
Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Plan (SIOP) within the
Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) to recapitalize and
modernize the infrastructure at all four public shipyards. The
committee understands that subsequently the Navy established a
program office, PMS-555, to help coordinate the various Navy
stakeholders as they optimized the SIOP and began
implementation of the plan.
The committee believes the infrastructure improvements
needed at the Navy's public shipyards must be consistent and
keep pace with the anticipated growth of Navy force structure,
consistent with the 30-year shipbuilding plan, required
annually pursuant to section 231 of title 10, United States
Code. The committee is concerned that necessary SIOP
infrastructure investments have seen little military
construction or facilities, sustainment, restoration and
modernization (FSRM) funding programmed to date. These
investments are critical to ensuring the readiness of the Navy
and for maintaining the fleet. The committee appreciates that
the Navy is trying to optimize the program but remains
concerned that further delays will add cost and complicate
fulfillment of fleet maintenance needs.
Accordingly, the committee directs the Secretary of the
Navy to provide a briefing to the congressional defense
committees every 6 months, beginning on September 1, 2020, on
the status of the SIOP. Specifically, the briefing should
include updates on the following plans: (1) Personnel Roadmap;
(2) Infrastructure Development Plan; (3) Metrics Assessment
Plan; (4) Workload Management Plan; and (5) Funding and
Authorities Plan.
Additionally, the briefing shall include a listing of
equipment from Federal Supply Class 3411 (Boring Machines),
3416 (Lathes), and 3441 (Bending and Forming Machines) that has
been unserviceable for over 30 consecutive days. The listing
shall include, for each such piece of equipment: (1) The reason
for the delayed repair; (2) The availability of technical
representatives from the manufacturer to provide assistance in
diagnosing and repairing the discrepancy; and (3) The estimated
time to repair.
Lastly, the committee directs the Secretary of the Navy to
provide to the congressional defense committees a report with
the annual budget request for each of fiscal years 2022 through
2027. This report shall include details surrounding the
anticipated investment in the public shipyards contained in the
future years defense program, including military construction
and FSRM-funded projects. These investments shall be broken out
by project, public shipyard, and fiscal year.
Partnerships with industrial base for hypersonic and directed energy
programs
The committee recognizes the strategic importance of the
defense industrial base. The committee also recognizes that
hypersonic and directed energy programs are developing crucial
platforms in support of the National Defense Strategy. The
committee believes that, in order to efficiently utilize the
combined capabilities of the organic and non-organic industrial
bases, the Department of Defense should pursue partnerships and
joint ventures between non-organic and established Centers of
Excellence within the organic industrial base for any contract
actions pertaining to enduring research and development,
design, prototyping, testing, production, and sustainment,
including for hypersonic and directed energy programs.
Preservation of the Force and Families program
The committee recognizes the near- and long-term physical,
mental, and emotional effects of nearly two decades of
continuous operations in high-stress environments experienced
by our special operations forces (SOF). One of the top
priorities of U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) is to
take care of its people, and, in responding to the demand
signal from SOF components, SOCOM created the Preservation of
the Force and Families (POTFF) program. The committee strongly
supports all aspects of the POTFF initiative, especially the
nesting of human, psychological, spiritual, and social
performance support programs within an integrated care model,
intended to maximize access and minimize stigma.
The committee also recognizes the stress caused by high
operational tempo and unexpected deployment and training
schedules on the families of SOF personnel and strongly
supports the POTFF programs that provide families with the
tools to deal with these unique challenges. The committee
encourages SOCOM across all echelons to continue to prioritize
the POTFF program and to utilize all tools at its disposal to
drive forward the POTFF's continuous innovation and evolution
to meet the needs of the SOF force and family.
Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration program
The committee recognizes the important role that the
Department of Defense plays as a Federal partner in multi-state
watershed restoration projects and the importance of the
Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration (REPI)
program in advancing a critical military goal: limiting
encroachment and land use conflicts on and near military
installations.
The committee strongly encourages the Department to support
REPI projects that leverage other Federal and non-Federal
funding sources to deploy best management practices on lands
conserved through the REPI program to enhance resilience and
improve water quality in watersheds where the Department has
restoration partnership obligations and where land subsidence
compounds the threat of sea level fluctuation and associated
flooding.
Red Hill
The committee encourages the Navy and the Defense Logistics
Agency (DLA) to prioritize engagement with local community
stakeholders as well as the Environmental Protection Agency and
the State of Hawaii as they continue efforts to carry out
requirements established in the Administrative Order of Consent
(AOC). The purpose of the AOC is to ensure that the drinking
water supply is protected while allowing the Red Hill Bulk Fuel
Storage Facility adjacent to Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam,
Hawaii, to remain in use as a vital resource for our national
defense. The committee also encourages the Navy to continue to
hold quarterly informational updates on the Red Hill Bulk Fuel
Storage Facility, as per the National Defense Authorization Act
for Fiscal Year 2020 (Public Law 116-92), that are open to the
public.
Additionally, the committee supports the Navy's continuing
effort to improve the integrity of its bulk fuel storage
systems, including its plan to acquire and implement a
secondary containment solution for Red Hill where 27,000
gallons of fuel leaked in January 2014. The committee strongly
encourages the Secretary of the Navy to appoint a senior
executive solely responsible for overseeing and executing the
Navy's obligations related to Red Hill, including those
detailed in its October 2019 Tank Upgrade Alternative report.
This individual should be given decision authority related to
research and development, procurement, resourcing requirements,
and community engagement, while continuing to rely on expert
advice concerning engineering matters that affect the integrity
of the bulk fuel storage facility.
Report on Department of Defense small arms training system capabilities
The committee notes that the past four National Defense
Authorization Acts have called on the Department of Defense to
transition to advanced small arms synthetic training systems to
improve Active Duty, Reserve, and National Guard lethality and
combat readiness training. The committee further notes that
this directive aligns with the Department of Defense's National
Defense Strategy objective to achieve a more lethal force and
to accelerate ongoing reforms to ensure that the military
services are making the most of the resources that the Congress
provides and to focus on processes that free up time, money,
and manpower to further readiness recovery. The committee is
concerned that the military services have not yet achieved a
consistent standard of verifying that all small arms synthetic
training systems are leveraging advanced technology to achieve
these objectives.
Despite years of program acquisition efforts by each of the
military services coupled with reports from the Department
confirming the importance of transitioning to next generation
small arms training systems, the committee remains concerned
that there is a lack of substantial financial investments in
the improvement of legacy small arms simulation systems and
programs of record, currently capable of only rudimentary
training and data collection capabilities and lacking the
requirement to integrate and validate key biometrics, human
performance, and cognitive data that enable tracking and
verification of trainee performance and skills enhancement.
Accordingly, the committee directs the Comptroller General
of the United States to conduct an audit of each military
service's existing and planned small arms simulation training
systems. The report shall include, but not be limited to, a
detailed description and assessment of each system's
effectiveness in delivering: advanced human performance and
cognitive training techniques; integrated biometric systems;
advanced software-based data processing and collection
capabilities beyond basic fundamentals of marksmanship; the
ability to establish cognitive and physical baselines at the
individual level; and the ability to track and report detailed
trainee results without requiring man-in-the-loop logging and
aggregation. In addition, the audit shall report: the type of
data collected; how the data are retained and tracked to
validate system effectiveness, lethality requirements, and
measurable live fire qualification improvements at the
individual, small unit, and collective levels; and how the data
are being used to inform determinations for training and
readiness resourcing of small arms trainers.
The committee directs that the Comptroller General provide
a report on its findings no later than February 1, 2021.
Software to automate manufacturing
Noting that the National Defense Strategy cites the
importance of maintaining the Department of Defense's domestic
technological advantage, which requires changes across the
National Security Innovation Base, the committee understands
that automotive manufacturers, aerospace companies, medical
technology companies, industrial automation companies, and
consumer packaged goods manufacturers leverage software that
further automates manufacturing through the use of computer
aided design (CAD), computer aided manufacturing (CAM),
computerized numerically controlled (CNC) machining, and
similar manufacturing technologies. These can optimize
manufacturing, even at very low minimum order quantities.
The committee believes that, as the Department of Defense
aims to balance near term readiness recovery with investments
in long term combat capability and faces challenges with
mission-critical repair part obsolesce and shortages across the
organic industrial base, the use of such technologies could
help address these challenges.
Therefore, the committee directs the Secretary of Defense,
through the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and
Sustainment and the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and
Engineering, in consultation with each Service Acquisition
Executive, to: (1) Assess how using automated technologies
related to CAD, CAM, and CNC machining at arsenals, depots, and
fleet readiness centers could address spare part obsolescence
issues; (2) Evaluate which service components would implement
such digital manufacturing approaches and which current
domestic industrial base entities could support these
technologies; and (3) Submit a report to the congressional
defense committees on (1) and (2) no later than October 1,
2021.
Utilities privatization
The committee continues to support the successful utilities
privatization (UP) effort that has been underway for the past 2
decades. The UP program has succeeded for many years due to
robust oversight from the military departments. This committee
has repeatedly expressed its support for UP, both in
legislative text and in accompanying report language. In the
Senate report accompanying S. 1790 (S. Rept. 116-48) of the
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020, this
committee reiterated its support for UP and specifically
praised the Army for its successful privatization of the storm
water system at Fort Knox. Existing legal authority, including
the authority to privatize storm water systems under the
current text of section 2688 of title 10, United States Code,
allows the Department of Defense (DOD) to leverage private-
sector expertise to enhance installation resiliency and to
improve water, wastewater, storm water, and electrical services
for tenant commands and residents in a cost-effective manner.
The committee strongly encourages the DOD to take
additional action to use UP capabilities to the fullest extent
possible, consistent with the intent of the original
authorization. Thus, the committee encourages the Under
Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment to issue
additional guidance to the military departments, building on
the February 7, 2019, memorandum issued by the Under Secretary,
authorizing the military departments to competitively seek
proposals for storm water system privatization, consistent with
section 2688 of title 10, United States Code. The committee
encourages the Assistant Secretaries of the military
departments with responsibility for energy, installations, and
environment, in turn, to engage with installation leaders to
consider options for using the UP model for storm water
infrastructure on the installations that they oversee under
those authorities.
Accordingly, the committee directs the Under Secretary of
Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, in coordination with
the Assistant Secretaries of the military departments with
responsibility for energy, installations, and environment, to
provide a report to the Committees on Armed Services of the
Senate and the House of Representatives no later than March 1,
2021, on any updated guidance released by the DOD on UP and a
list of any cases where the military departments have declined
to privatize the storm water infrastructure of a base or
installation that has already privatized water and wastewater
systems, to include a detailed explanation for each such
decision.
Water and energy infrastructure
The committee notes that the definition of military
installation resilience, codified in section 101(e)(8) of title
10, United States Code, includes water and energy
infrastructure improvement projects, as well as the protection
of water sources, under ``necessary resources on or outside of
the military installation.'' For example, the committee
understands that El Paso Water provides approximately 30
percent of the water and 100 percent of the wastewater service
for Fort Bliss. The committee strongly encourages the Army to
maintain this relationship and these specific ratios as they
relate to water and wastewater, which are crucial to the
installation's mission.
The committee also notes that an April 2019 report by the
Department of Defense found that ``water shortages can
significantly impact military readiness through reduced
training opportunities and limited operational capacity.'' As
such, the Department and the military services should be doing
everything they can to ensure sustainable access to water for
each installation, especially at locations that ``may benefit
[from] using additional water conservation measures to avoid
potential water shortages or increased costs associated with
water scarcity'' like Fort Hunter Liggett, Fort Stewart,
Mountain Home Air Force Base, Naval Air Station Lemoore, and
Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake.
Given that water shortages pose a risk to the long-term
viability of military bases, the committee directs the Army to
brief the committee no later than October 1, 2020, on lessons
learned from its Net Zero Initiative Pilot Program. Lastly, the
committee encourages the Department and the military services
to increase its focus on and maximize efforts in leak detection
and repair, which the Department found is the ``most promising
water conservation strategy that DOD can apply.''
TITLE IV--MILITARY PERSONNEL AUTHORIZATIONS
Subtitle A--Active Forces
End strengths for active forces (sec. 401)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize
Active-Duty end strengths for fiscal year 2021, as shown below:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FY 2021 Change from
FY 2020 -----------------------------------------------------
Service Authorized FY 2021 FY 2020
Request Recommendation Request Authorized
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Army.......................................... 480,000 485,900 485,000 -900 +5,000
Navy.......................................... 340,500 347,800 346,730 -1,070 +6,230
Marine Corps.................................. 186,200 184,100 180,000 -4,100 -6,200
Air Force..................................... 332,800 333,700 333,475 -225 +675
-----------------------------------------------------------------
DOD Total................................. 1,339,500 1,351,500 1,345,205 -6,295 +5,705
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As COVID-19 continues to wreak havoc on the nation, the
committee has monitored closely the military's ability meet its
recruiting and retention mission. Due to social distancing,
school closures, and other virus mitigation measures, military
recruiting has shifted to an online activity. It is too early
to know whether this virtual approach will prove successful.
Meanwhile, the military departments were forced to reduce basic
training capacity to approximately 50 percent of normal
operations. While each service believes it will be able to
return to normal basic training throughput by early summer,
this is not guaranteed. Based on these factors, the military's
ability to achieve authorized end strength in fiscal year 2020
is uncertain.
Many of the assumptions utilized in determining the
military's fiscal year 2021 end strength request are no longer
accurate. Each military department may begin the fiscal year
with fewer personnel than anticipated due to COVID-19.
Recruiters may still be unable to access potential recruits in
schools and in their homes, which could exacerbate recruiting
challenges. Reduced basic training capacity could continue,
limiting the military's ability to process new recruits.
Therefore, the committee has taken a cautious approach to
the end strength authorization for active forces. This
provision would authorize end strength levels within existing
variance authority for the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Based on
detailed modelling conducted by the Marine Corps, the committee
would further reduce Marine Corps end strength by 4,100
compared to the budget request.
The committee emphasizes that this provision does not
signal a lack of support for the military's end strength goals.
If conditions improve throughout the summer and fall of 2020,
the committee would support restoring end strength to the
requested level.
End strength level matters (sec. 402)
The committee recommends a provision that would repeal
section 691 of title 10, United States Code, which would
consolidate Active-Duty end strength management legal
requirements into one statute. The provision would also amend
section 115 of title 10, United States Code, to authorize the
Secretary concerned to vary Active-Duty end strength levels as
previously authorized by section 691.
The committee notes that the military departments are
required to adhere to statutory end strength levels as
specified in section 115 of title 10, United States Code. The
amendments made by this provision would remove a mostly
redundant requirement, which complicates the ability of the
Secretary of Defense to manage the military.
Subtitle B--Reserve Forces
End strengths for Selected Reserve (sec. 411)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize
Selected Reserve end strengths for fiscal year 2021, as shown
below:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FY 2021 Authorized Change from
-----------------------------------------------------
Service FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2020
Request Recommendation Request Authorized
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Army National Guard............................ 336,000 336,500 336,500 0 +500
Army Reserve................................... 189,500 189,800 189,800 0 +300
Navy Reserve................................... 59,000 58,800 58,800 0 -200
Marine Corps Reserve........................... 38,500 38,500 38,500 0 0
Air National Guard............................. 107,700 108,100 108,100 0 400
Air Force Reserve.............................. 70,100 70,300 70,300 0 200
----------------------------------------------------------------
DOD Total.................................. 800,800 802,000 802,000 0 +1,200
Coast Guard Reserve............................ 7,000 7,000 7,000 0 0
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
End strengths for Reserves on active duty in support of the reserves
(sec. 412)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize
full-time support end strengths for fiscal year 2021, as shown
below:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FY 2021 Authorized Change from
-----------------------------------------------------
Service FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2020
Request Recommendation Request Authorized
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Army National Guard............................ 30,595 30,595 30,595 0 0
Army Reserve................................... 16,511 16,511 16,511 0 0
Navy Reserve................................... 10,155 10,215 10,215 0 60
Marine Corps Reserve........................... 2,386 2,386 2,386 0 0
Air National Guard............................. 22,637 25,333 25,333 0 2,696
Air Force Reserve.............................. 4,431 5,256 5,256 0 825
----------------------------------------------------------------
DOD Total.................................. 86,715 90,296 90,296 0 3,581
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
End strengths for military technicians (dual status) (sec. 413)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize
military technicians (dual status) for the reserve components
of the Army and Air Force for fiscal year 2021, as shown below:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FY 2021 Authorized Change from
-----------------------------------------------------
Service FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2020
Request Recommendation Request Authorized
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Army National Guard............................ 22,294 22,294 22,294 0 0
Army Reserve................................... 6,492 6,492 6,492 0 0
Air National Guard............................. 13,569 10,994 10,994 0 -2,575
Air Force Reserve.............................. 8,938 7,947 7,947 0 -991
----------------------------------------------------------------
DOD Total...................................... 51,293 47,727 47,727 0 -3,566
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The provision would also prohibit under any circumstances
the coercion of a military technician (dual status) by a State
into accepting an offer of realignment or conversion to any
other military status, including as a member of the Active,
Guard, and Reserve program of a reserve component. The
provision would further specify that if a technician declines
to participate in such a realignment or conversion, no further
action may be taken against the individual or the individual's
position.
Maximum number of reserve personnel authorized to be on active duty for
operational support (sec. 414)
The committee recommends a provision that would establish
limits on the number of reserve personnel authorized to be on
Active Duty for operational support under section 115(b) of
title 10, United States Code, as of September 30, 2021, as
shown below:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FY 2021 Authorized Change from
-----------------------------------------------------
Service FY 2020 FY 2021 FY 2020
Request Recommendation Request Authorized
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Army National Guard............................ 17,000 17,000 17,000 0 0
Army Reserve................................... 13,000 13,000 13,000 0 0
Navy Reserve................................... 6,200 6,200 6,200 0 0
Marine Corps Reserve........................... 3,000 3,000 3,000 0 0
Air National Guard............................. 16,000 16,000 16,000 0 0
Air Force Reserve.............................. 14,000 14,000 14,000 0 0
----------------------------------------------------------------
DOD Total.................................. 69,200 69,200 69,200 0 0
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Separate authorization by Congress of minimum end strengths for non-
temporary military technicians (dual status) and maximum end
strengths for temporary military technicians (dual status)
(sec. 415)
The committee recommends a provision that would amend
section 115 of title 10, United States Code, to require the
separate authorization of minimum end strengths for non-
temporary dual status military technicians and maximum end
strengths for temporary dual status military technicians for
each fiscal year by the Congress. The provision would also
require the Department of Defense to include, as part of the
President's annual budget request, a request for end strength
authorizations for non-temporary and temporary dual status
military technicians.
The use of temporary dual status military technicians is
largely not subject to congressional oversight. While the
committee authorizes annually the minimum number of permanent
dual status technician positions, temporary technician
positions are not subject to any similar limitation. The
committee has learned that each reserve component likely
utilizes thousands of temporary technician positions every year
but that the actual number is difficult to determine and each
reserve component struggles to explain the purpose for the
temporary technician workforce. A new end strength
authorization for temporary military technicians would enable
the Department of Defense and the Congress to understand the
size and role of this population.
Subtitle C--Authorization of Appropriations
Military personnel (sec. 421)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize
the appropriations for military personnel activities at the
levels identified in section 4401 of division D of this Act.
Budget Items
Military personnel funding changes
The amount authorized to be appropriated for military
personnel programs includes the following changes from the
budget request:
[Changes in millions of dollars]
Military personnel underexecution..................... -1,611.69
End strength reduction................................ -755.0
Total............................................. -2,366.69
The committee recommends a total reduction in the Military
Personnel (MILPERS) appropriation of $2,366.69 million. This
amount includes: (1) A reduction of $1,611.69 million to
reflect the Government Accountability Office's most recent
assessment of annual MILPERS under-execution; and (2) A
decrease of $755.0 million to reflect active component end
strength reductions from the President's Budget request.
TITLE V--MILITARY PERSONNEL POLICY
Subtitle A--Officer Personnel Policy
Repeal of codified specification of authorized strengths of certain
commissioned officers on active duty (sec. 501)
The committee recommends a provision that would amend
section 523 of title 10, United States Code, to require that
the number of officers serving on Active Duty in the grades of
major, lieutenant colonel, and colonel in the Army, Air Force,
and Marine Corps or lieutenant commander, commander, and
captain in the Navy in a given fiscal year be specifically
authorized by the Congress.
The committee notes that the officer strength table was
originally included as a fundamental feature of the Defense
Officer Personnel Management Act (DOPMA) (Public Law 96-513).
The strength table was designed to serve as an effective
limitation on the number of mid-grade officers within each
military service. The House report accompanying the legislation
(H. Rept. 96-1462) explained that the table would be adjusted
over time to align with emerging officer manpower requirements.
However, in practice, the authorized strength table is rarely
updated, and it is no longer linked to strategy or actual
officer requirements.
The committee authorizes annual end strength levels for the
overall active and reserve components and numerous other
subsets of total force manpower. This allows end strength to
fluctuate to meet strategic and budgetary necessities.
Similarly, this provision would require each military service
to annually justify required mid-grade officer manpower needs
to support an annual authorization from the Congress. This
provision would provide greater flexibility to the military
while also ensuring that the Congress continues to perform its
vital oversight role in ensuring that the officer corps is
effectively managed.
Temporary expansion of availability of enhanced constructive service
credit in a particular career field upon original appointment
as a commissioned officer (sec. 502)
The committee recommends a provision that would amend
sections 533 and 12207 of title 10, United States Code, to
provide temporary authority for the Secretaries of the military
departments to award constructive service credit upon original
appointment in particular officer career fields for advanced
education.
Section 502 of the John S. McCain National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (Public Law 115-232)
enacted authority to permit additional credit for ``special
training or experience in a particular officer career field as
designated by the Secretary concerned, if such training or
experience is directly related to the operational needs of the
armed force concerned.'' No authority was provided to award
additional credit for ``advanced education,'' however. This
provision would afford the Secretaries of the military
departments greater flexibility to award credit for not only
special training or experience but also advanced education in
designated career fields such as those related to cyberspace or
specialized skillsets.
The provision would also require each of the Secretaries of
the military departments to submit a report detailing the use
and benefits of enhanced constructive credit authority in
meeting the operational needs of the Armed Forces.
Requirement for promotion selection board recommendation of higher
placement on promotion list of officers of particular merit
(sec. 503)
The committee recommends a provision that would amend
section 616 of title 10, United States Code, to clarify that
the secretary of the military department concerned shall
prescribe guidelines and procedures for placing officers higher
on a promotion selection list based on an officer's merit.
Special selection review boards for review of promotion of officers
subject to adverse information identified after recommendation
for promotion and related matters (sec. 504)
The committee recommends a provision that would delay until
January 1, 2021, the applicability of the amendments made by
section 502 of the National Defense Authorization Act for
Fiscal Year 2020 (Public Law 116-92), germane to the manner in
which adverse information about a regular officer would be
furnished to a promotion selection board convened under section
611(a) of title 10, United States Code, to consider such an
officer for promotion to a grade below brigadier general in the
Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps, rear admiral (lower half) in
the Navy, or the equivalent grade in the Space Force.
The provision would also modify section 14107 of title 10,
United States Code, to extend prescriptions for furnishing
adverse information to promotion selection boards convened
pursuant to section 14101(a) of title 10, United States Code,
to consider a reserve officer for promotion to a grade above
lieutenant colonel in the Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps,
commander in the Navy, or the equivalent grade in the Space
Force.
Finally, the provision would codify in two new sections of
law the authority of the Secretary of the military department
concerned to convene a special selection review board--pursuant
to section 628a of title 10, United States Code, for regular
officers and pursuant to section 14502a of title 10, United
States Code, for reserve officers--upon determining that an
officer recommended for promotion to a grade at or below major
general in the Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps, rear admiral
in the Navy, or the equivalent grade in the Space Force is the
subject of adverse information that was not furnished to a
promotion selection board that recommended the officer for
promotion, as required by sections 615 or 14107 of title 10,
United States Code.
Any special selection review board convened--whether for a
regular or reserve officer--would, to the greatest extent
practicable, apply the same standards used by the promotion
selection board that originally recommended the officer for
promotion and would consider the record of the officer as
presented to the original promotion board, together with the
adverse information regarding the officer. The special
selection review board would be conducted so as not to indicate
or disclose the officer or officers for whom the board was
convened and the members of the board would apply a competitive
process to determine whether or not to sustain the
recommendation of the officer or officers at issue for
promotion. An officer whose promotion is recommended for
sustainment by a special selection review board and approved by
the President would be appointed to the next higher grade as
soon as practicable and, upon appointment, would have the same
date of rank as the officer would have had pursuant to the
recommendation of the original promotion board. If a special
selection review board did not sustain a recommendation for
promotion of an officer, that officer would be considered to
have failed selection for promotion.
The amendments to section 14107 and the codification of
sections 628a and 14502a of title 10, United States Code, would
take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act.
Number of opportunities for consideration for promotion under
alternative promotion authority (sec. 505)
The committee recommends a provision that would amend
section 649c of title 10, United States Code, to make a
technical correction related to the definition of the term
``promotion zone'' in the alternative promotion authority
provided by section 507 of the John S. McCain National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (Public Law 115-232).
Section 645 of title 10, United States Code, defines the
term ``promotion zone'' in part as officers who have not
``failed of selection for promotion to the next higher grade.''
Though appropriate for traditional promotion policy, this
portion of the definition inhibits the full implementation of
the alternative promotion authority.
Mandatory retirement for age (sec. 506)
The committee recommends a provision that would amend
section 1251 of title 10, United States Code, to include the
Space Force and expand the authority of the Secretaries of the
military departments to permit an officer to defer retirement
until the officer reaches age 68. The provision would also
clarify benefit eligibility for officers who reach mandatory
retirement age.
Clarifying and improving restatement of rules on the retired grade of
commissioned officers (sec. 507)
The committee recommends a provision that would clarify the
rules governing the retired grades of commissioned officers.
The codification of rules pertaining to regular officers would
be restated in section 1370 of title 10, United States Code,
and the rules applicable to non-regular officers--including
guidance to address certain unique circumstances particular to
a non-regular career path--set forth in new section 1370a of
title 10, United States Code.
Both sections 1370 and 1370a would address the principles
underpinning determinations of satisfactory service, the effect
of misconduct in a lower grade on such determinations, service-
in-grade requirements and waivers and reductions thereto, and
requirements for notice to the Congress.
As a general rule, the restatement would reserve to the
Secretary of the military department concerned the authority to
make grade determinations with regard to officers--regular and
non-regular--to be retired at or below major general, rear
admiral, or the equivalent grade, but without the power of
delegation. The restatement would reserve to the Secretary of
Defense most actions related to officers proposed for
retirement in a grade above major general, rear admiral, or the
equivalent.
The restatement would promulgate enhanced guidelines for
the assignment of a conditional retired grade to officers under
investigation for misconduct or pending adverse personnel
action and the determination of an officer's final retired
grade and adjustment of retired pay on the resolution of such
matters.
Finally, the restatement would clarify the conditions
pursuant to which an administratively final retirement grade
could be reopened, and the manner by which a proposed change to
a reopened grade would be effectuated and the officer's retired
pay recalculated. Although the committee has undertaken to
clarify section 509 of the National Defense Authorization Act
for Fiscal Year 2020 (Public Law 116-92), it remains strongly
committed to the principle that a determination to increase an
officer's retired grade to O-9 or O-10 after reopening an
administratively final determination may be effectuated only by
the President, by and with the advice and consent of the
Senate. Although the committee ultimately declined to take this
step, it considered returning to the long-held practice--of
requiring that all O-9 and O-10 retirements, of both active and
reserve officers, be made by the President, by and with the
advice and consent of the Senate. The current practice, enacted
by section 502 of the National Defense Authorization Act for
1996 (Public Law 104-106)--pursuant to which the Secretary of
Defense certifies to Congress the highest grade in which such
officers have served satisfactorily and should be retired, is a
creature of statute, derived from Congress' authority under
Article I, Section 8, of the U.S. Constitution to raise,
support, and regulate the armed forces. Prior to 1996, an
officer could be retired in the grade of O-9 or O-10 only by
the President, by and with the advice and consent of the
Senate. The committee expects that any reopening of an
administratively final determination of retired grade that
results in the proposal to increase an officer's retired grade
to O-9 or O-10, be submitted by the President to the Senate
under provisions of section 509 of the National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020, as amended by the
instant provision.
Repeal of authority for original appointment of regular Navy officers
designated for engineering duty, aeronautical engineering duty,
and special duty (sec. 508)
The committee recommends a provision that would repeal
section 8137 of title 10, United States Code, which authorizes
the Secretary of the Navy to appoint regular officers who are
designated for engineering, aeronautical engineering, and
special duty.
Repealing this section of law will provide additional
flexibility to the Navy to assign commanders and manage
officers according to emerging needs. The committee notes that
under current law the Navy needs to request a legislative
change for every new category of unrestricted line officers,
which delays the Navy's ability to adjust its officer corps to
reflect current priorities. The other military departments
already possess the flexibility that would be provided by this
provision.
Subtitle B--Reserve Component Management
Exclusion of certain reserve general and flag officers on active duty
from limitations on authorized strengths (sec. 511)
The committee recommends a provision that would amend
section 526a of title 10, United States Code, to authorize the
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to allocate 15 general
and flag officer positions in the combatant commands and 3
general and flag officer positions on the Joint Staff to be
exclusively filled by reserve component officers. The provision
would also create an exclusion from general and flag officer
strength limitations for a Reserve general or flag officer who
is on Active Duty for training or who is on Active Duty under a
call or order specifying a period of less than 180 days.
Subtitle C--General Service Authorities
Increased access to potential recruits (sec. 516)
The committee recommends a provision that would amend
sections 503 and 983 of title 10, United States Code, to add e-
mail addresses and mobile telephone numbers to the list of
information required to be provided to recruiters by
institutions of higher education and secondary schools. The
provision would also require secondary schools to provide
student information within 60 days of a request from a military
recruiter. Additionally, this provision would require colleges
and universities to provide student directory information
within 60 days of the start of a school year or 60 days of the
date of a recruiter's request as well as to provide lists of
those students who do not return to the institution from the
previous semester.
Current law only allows for the collection of outdated
communication information, such as address and telephone
listings. Further, no response time is mandated, so many
schools do not provide this information until it is too late
for military recruiters to make the best use of it by providing
students with pertinent information enabling them to explore
their options.
The committee emphasizes that parents continue to have the
right to opt out of releasing their child's information under
the same terms and conditions as are available under current
law.
Studies show that half of today's youth admit that they
know little of the military. This provision would allow
recruiters to collect better information for contacting today's
students, improving the military's ability to inform students
and parents about the opportunities provided by military
service.
Temporary authority to order retired members to active duty in high-
demand, low-density assignments during war or national
emergency (sec. 517)
The committee recommends a provision that would amend
section 688a of title 10, United States Code, to make certain
constraints on the Secretary of a military department's
authority to order to Active Duty a retired member who agrees
to serve on Active Duty inapplicable during a time of declared
war or national emergency.
Certificate of release or discharge from Active Duty (DD Form 214)
matters (sec. 518)
The committee recommends a provision that would require the
Department of Defense Form DD 214 to be redesignated as the
Certificate of Military Service. The provision would also amend
section 569 of the National Defense Authorization Act for
Fiscal Year 2020 (Public Law 116-92) to require the Certificate
of Military Service to be a standard total force record of
military service for all members of the Armed Forces that
summarizes the record of service for each member and to require
that the Certificate of Military Service be provided to members
of the reserve components of the Armed Forces at appropriate
times throughout a servicemember's career. Lastly, the
provision would repeal section 570 of the National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020.
Evaluation of barriers to minority participation in certain units of
the Armed Forces (sec. 519)
The committee recommends a provision that would require not
later than 30 days after the date of the enactment of this Act
the Secretary of Defense, acting through the Under Secretary of
Defense for Personnel and Readiness, to seek to enter into an
agreement with a federally funded research and development
center to conduct a study on reducing barriers to minority
participation in elite units in the Armed Services.
Subtitle D--Military Justice and Related Matters
Part I--Investigation, Prosecution, and Defense of Sexual Assault and
Related Matters
Modification of time required for expedited decisions in connection
with applications for change of station or unit transfer of
members who are victims of sexual assault or related offenses
(sec. 521)
The committee recommends a provision that would amend
section 673 of title 10, United States Code, to extend the
approval or disapproval time of an expedited transfer request
from 72 hours to 5 calendar days.
This proposed change would allow commanders to have access
to sexual assault victims' complete career information before
counseling victims on their options. By providing more time for
commanders to gather information, a victim of sexual assault
requesting an expedited transfer will be able to make a fully
informed decision.
Defense Advisory Committee for the Prevention of Sexual Misconduct
(sec. 522)
The committee recommends a provision that would include the
United States Coast Guard (USCG) Academy in the Defense
Committee for the Prevention of Sexual Assault (DAC-PSA)
established by section 550B of the National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 (Public Law 116-92).
Additionally, this provision would require the DAC-PSA to
advise the Secretary of the Department under which the USCG is
operating on policies, programs, and practices of the USCG
Academy.
Report on ability of Sexual Assault Response Coordinators and Sexual
Assault Prevention and Response Victim Advocates to perform
duties (sec. 523)
The committee recommends a provision that would require the
Secretary of Defense to conduct a survey of sexual assault
response coordinators and sexual assault prevention and
response victim advocates on their experiences in assisting
victims of sexual assault by June 30, 2021.
The provision would require the Secretary to submit a
report on the results of the survey, including any actions to
be taken based on the results, to the Committees on Armed
Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives.
Briefing on Special Victims' Counsel program (sec. 524)
The committee recommends a provision that would require the
Judge Advocates General of the Army, the Navy, the Air Force,
and the Coast Guard and the Staff Judge Advocate to the
Commandant of the Marine Corps to brief the congressional
defense committees on the status of the Special Victims'
Counsel program of the Armed Force concerned.
Accountability of leadership of the Department of Defense for
discharging the sexual harassment policies and programs of the
Department (sec. 525)
The committee recommends a provision that would require the
Secretary of Defense to develop and implement a strategy on
holding leadership accountable for discharging the sexual
harassment policies and programs of the Department of Defense.
Safe-to-report policy applicable across the Armed Forces (sec. 526)
The committee recommends a provision that would require the
Department of Defense to prescribe in regulations a safe-to-
report policy regarding the handling of minor collateral
misconduct involving a member of the Armed Forces who is the
alleged victim of sexual assault that applies to all members of
the Armed Forces and cadets and midshipmen at the military
service academies.
Additional bases for provision of advice by the Defense Advisory
Committee for the Prevention of Sexual Misconduct (sec. 527)
The committee recommends a provision that would amend
section 550B of the National Defense Authorization Act for
Fiscal Year 2020 (Public Law 116-92) to include additional
items for the Defense Advisory Committee for the Prevention of
Sexual Misconduct to review.
Additional matters for reports of the Defense Advisory Committee for
the Prevention of Sexual Misconduct (sec. 528)
The committee recommends a provision that would amend
section 550B of the National Defense Authorization Act for
Fiscal Year 2020 (Public Law 116-92) to include additional
matters for reports provided by the Defense Advisory Committee
for the Prevention of Sexual Misconduct.
Policy on separation of victim and accused at military service
academies and degree-granting military educational institutions
(sec. 529)
The committee recommends a provision that would require the
Secretary of Defense to promulgate regulations for the military
academies and degree-granting military educational institutions
to minimize the association between an alleged victim of sexual
assault and the accused until both complete their courses of
study.
Briefing on placement of members of the Armed Forces in academic status
who are victims of sexual assault onto Non-Rated Periods (sec.
530)
The committee recommends a provision that would require the
Secretary of Defense to brief the Committees on Armed Services
of the Senate and the House of Representatives on the
feasibility and advisability of granting requests from members
of the Armed Forces who are in academic status and who are
victims of sexual assault to be placed on a non-rated period
for their performance report.
Part II--Other Military Justice Matters
Right to notice of victims of offenses under the Uniform Code of
Military Justice regarding certain post-trial motions, filings,
and hearings (sec. 531)
The committee recommends a provision that would amend
Article 6b(a)(2) of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (10
U.S.C. 802b(a)(2)), to provide that victims of offenses under
the Uniform Code of Military Justice have the right to
reasonable, accurate, and timely notice of a post-trial motion,
filing, or hearing that may address the finding or sentence of
a court-martial with respect to the accused, unseal privileged
or private information of the victim, or result in the release
of the accused.
Consideration of the evidence by Courts of Criminal Appeals (sec. 532)
The committee recommends a provision that would amend
Article 66 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (10 U.S.C.
866) to authorize the Court of Criminal Appeals, when
considering appeals of court-martial convictions, to consider
the weight of the evidence only upon a specific showing by the
accused of deficiencies of proof. Under the provision, the
Court could set aside and dismiss a finding if clearly
convinced that the finding was against the weight of the
evidence.
Further, the provision would require a minimum of twelve
years of experience in military justice assignments to qualify
as a military judge on the Court of Criminal Appeals, with a
waiver. The provision would also require the entire Court of
Criminal Appeals review a determination by a panel of the Court
that a finding of guilty was clearly against the weight of the
evidence.
Preservation of records of the military justice system (sec. 533)
The committee recommends a provision that would require the
Department of Defense to retain records of the military justice
system for a minimum of 15 years.
Comptroller General of the United States report on implementation by
the Armed Forces of recent GAO recommendations and statutory
requirements on assessment of racial, ethnic, and gender
disparities in the military justice system (sec. 534)
The committee recommends a provision that would require the
Comptroller General of the United States to study and submit to
the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and House of
Representatives a report on the implementation of the
recommendations in the May 2019 report of the Government
Accountability Office titled ``Military Justice: DOD and the
Coast Guard Need to Improve Their Capabilities to Assess Racial
and Gender Disparities''' (GAO-19-344) and the requirements in
section 540I(b) of the National Defense Authorization Act for
Fiscal Year 2020 (Public Law 116-92).
Briefing on mental health support for vicarious trauma for certain
personnel in the military justice system (sec. 535)
The committee recommends a provision that would require the
Judge Advocates General of the Army, the Navy, and the Air
Force and the Staff Judge Advocate to the Commandant of the
Marine Corps to brief the Committees on Armed Services of the
Senate and the House of Representatives on the mental health
support for vicarious trauma provided to certain personnel in
the military justice system no later than 180 days after the
date of the enactment of this Act.
Guardian ad litem program for minor dependents of members of the Armed
Forces (sec. 536)
The committee recommends a provision that would amend
section 540L of the National Defense Authorization Act for
Fiscal Year 2020 (Public Law 116-92) by adding an element to
the report on the establishment of a guardian ad litem program
for certain military dependents who are victims or witnesses of
offenses under the Uniform Code of Military Justice involving
abuse or exploitation.
Subtitle E--Member Education, Training, Transition, and Resilience
Training on religious accommodation for members of the Armed Forces
(sec. 541)
The committee recommends a provision that would require the
Secretary of Defense to develop and implement training
regarding religious liberty and accommodation for members of
the Armed Forces in consultation with the Chief of Chaplains of
each service. Recipients of this training shall include
commanders, chaplains, judge advocates, and others as
recognized by the Secretary.
Additional elements with 2021 certifications on the Ready, Relevant
Learning initiative of the Navy (sec. 542)
The committee recommends a provision that would require the
Secretary of the Navy to submit a life cycle sustainment plan
and report on the use of readiness assessment teams with the
2021 Ready Relevant Learning certifications required by section
545 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year
2018 (Public Law 115-91).
Report on standardization and potential merger of law enforcement
training for military and civilian personnel across the
Department of Defense (sec. 543)
The committee recommends a provision that would require the
Secretary of Defense to submit a report on the standardization
and potential merger of law enforcement training for military
and civilian personnel across the Department of Defense to the
Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of
Representatives no later than June 8, 2021.
Quarterly Report on Implementation of the Comprehensive Review of
Special Operations Forces Culture and Ethics (sec. 544)
The committee recommends a provision that would require
quarterly reports on the implementation of the Comprehensive
Review of Special Operations Forces Culture and Ethics.
The committee strongly supports efforts by the United
States Special Operations Command (SOCOM) to address the root
causes of ethical lapses and misconduct by Special Operations
Forces (SOF) identified by the Comprehensive Review of Special
Operations Forces Culture and Ethics completed in January 2020.
The committee notes that the Comprehensive Review found that
``selective implementation'' of recommendations from four
previous reviews related to SOF culture and ethics since 2011,
including two mandated by the Congress, have resulted in
continued challenges related to the assessment and selection of
SOF, leader development, force structure, and employment.
The committee also notes that, while the Assistant
Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low-Intensity
Conflict (ASD SOLIC) is the ``service secretary-like'' civilian
responsible for oversight of and advocacy for SOF, the ASD
SOLIC played a relatively minor role in the comprehensive
review. The committee believes that the ASD SOLIC must play a
direct and active role in overseeing implementation of the
actions recommended by the comprehensive review if such reforms
are to be successful.
Therefore, the committee recommends a provision that would
require the ASD SOLIC, in coordination with the Commander,
SOCOM, to provide the congressional defense committees with
quarterly updates on progress in implementing the 16 actions
recommended by the Comprehensive Review.
Information on nominations and applications for military service
academies (sec. 545)
The committee recommends a provision that would require, no
later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act,
the Secretary of the Defense, in consultation with the
Superintendents of the military service academies, to submit a
report to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and
the House of Representatives on the feasibility and
advisability of creating a uniform online portal for all
congressional nominations to the military service academies.
The provision would also require the Secretary of Defense,
in consultation with the Superintendents of the military
service academies, to establish standard classifications that
cadets, midshipmen, and applicants to the academies may use to
self-identify gender, race, and ethnicity.
Pilot programs in connection with Senior Reserve Officers' Training
Corps units at Historically Black Colleges and Universities and
minority institutions (sec. 546)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize
the Secretary of Defense to carry out pilot programs to reduce
barriers to participation in the Senior Reserve Officers'
Training Corps (SROTC) through partnerships with nearby
military installations and to assess the feasibility and
advisability of providing financial assistance to members of
SROTC who participate in flight training. Historically black
colleges and universities and minority institutions would be
given preference for participation in the pilot programs that
would be authorized by this provision.
Expansion of Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps program (sec. 547)
The committee recommends a provision that would amend
section 2031(a)(2) of title 10, United States Code, to insert
language expanding the purpose of the Junior Reserve Officers'
Training Corps (JROTC) to include an introduction to service
opportunities in military, national, and public service. The
provision would also require the Secretary of Defense to
develop and implement a plan to establish and support not fewer
than 6,000 JROTC units by September 30, 2031.
Department of Defense STARBASE program (sec. 548)
The committee recommends a provision that would amend
section 2193b(h) of title 10, United States Code, to include
the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and American
Samoa in the Department of Defense STARBASE program.
Subtitle F--Decorations and Awards
Award or presentation of decorations favorably recommended following
determination on merits of proposals for decorations not
previously submitted in a timely fashion (sec. 551)
The committee recommends a provision that would amend
section 1130 of title 10, United States Code, to authorize a
Secretary of a military department to present an award or
decoration, following the favorable review of a request of a
Member of Congress, after a 60-day period for congressional
review. This provision would eliminate the requirement for
legislation to waive the statute of limitation for award of
that medal or decoration.
Honorary promotion matters (sec. 552)
The committee recommends a provision that would amend
chapter 80 of title 10, United States Code, by authorizing the
Secretary of Defense to make honorary promotions, whether or
not posthumous, of a former member or retired member of the
Armed Forces to any grade not exceeding the grade of major
general, rear admiral (upper half), or an equivalent grade in
the Space Force. At least 60 days prior to making an honorary
promotion, the Secretary would provide notification to the
Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of
Representatives and the requesting Member of Congress, if
applicable, including a detailed discussion of the rationale
supporting the determination.
In addition, the provision would amend section 1563 of
title 10, United States Code, to require that all promotions
made using this authority would be honorary, whether or not
posthumous, with no effect on pay, retired pay, or other
benefits.
Subtitle G--Defense Dependents' Education and Military Family Readiness
Matters
Part I--Defense Dependents' Education Matters
Continuation of authority to assist local educational agencies that
benefit dependents of members of the Armed Forces and
Department of Defense civilian employees (sec. 561)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize
$50.0 million in Operation and Maintenance, Defense-wide, for
continuation of the Department of Defense (DOD) assistance
program to local educational agencies impacted by enrollment of
dependent children of military members and DOD civilian
employees. The committee increased the funding amount for
fiscal year 2021 to provide additional assistance to local
educational agencies that may experience unforeseen expenses
related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Impact aid for children with severe disabilities (sec. 562)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize
$10.0 million in Operation and Maintenance, Defense-wide, for
impact aid payments for children with disabilities (as enacted
by Public Law 106-398; 114 Stat. 1654A-77; 20 U.S.C. 7703a),
using the formula set forth in section 363 of the Floyd D.
Spence National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2001
(Public Law 106-398), for continuation of Department of Defense
assistance to local educational agencies that benefit eligible
dependents with severe disabilities. Subsection (b) of the
provision would authorize the Secretary of Defense to use an
additional $10.0 million for payments to local educational
agencies determined by the Secretary to have higher
concentrations of military children with severe disabilities.
Subsection (c) of the provision would establish a one-time
requirement for the Secretary to brief the Committees on Armed
Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives by
March 1, 2021, on the Department's evaluation of each local
educational agency with higher concentrations of military
children with severe disabilities and its subsequent
determination of the amounts of impact aid each such agency
should receive. The committee increased the funding amount for
fiscal year 2021 to provide additional assistance to local
educational agencies that may experience unforeseen expenses
related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Staffing of Department of Defense Education Activity schools to
maintain maximum student-to-teacher ratios (sec. 563)
The committee recommends a provision that would establish
maximum student-to-teacher ratios for Department of Defense
Education Activity (DODEA) schools through the 2023-2024 school
year.
The committee remains concerned about the Department of
Defense's plans to reduce staffing in grades K-3 as part of the
Defense-Wide Review, which seeks to move funding from lower
priority to higher priority programs. The committee believes
that the education of children in the DODEA system should
remain among the Department's highest priorities. Nevertheless,
since the Department seeks to harvest savings from DODEA's
budget, the committee directs the Secretary of Defense to
review DODEA's above-school staffing and funding as of the date
of this committee report and to brief the Committees on Armed
Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives by
December 1, 2020, on the results of this review. This review
shall include: (1) An analysis of the number of employees,
full-time and part-time, employed by the DODEA who are not
assigned to a school; (2) The number of contractors so employed
and the amount of contract payments made to such individuals;
and (3) The amount of headquarters funding associated with the
DODEA, along with a comparison to headquarters or overhead
spending in domestic school districts in the continental United
States.
Matters in connection with free appropriate public education for
dependents of members of the Armed Forces with special needs
(sec. 564)
The committee recommends a provision that would require
each of the Secretaries of the military departments to collect
and maintain information on special education disputes filed by
servicemembers and the outcomes of such disputes, based on
information from Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP)
personnel, installation or other military leadership, and any
other sources that the Secretary concerned considers
appropriate.
Additionally, the provision would require the Comptroller
General of the United States to conduct a study and brief the
Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of
Representatives, no later than March 31, 2021, on: (1) The
consequences for a State or local educational agency of a
finding of failure to provide free, appropriate public
education to a military dependent; (2) The manner in which
local educational agencies with military families utilize
impact aid funds; (3) The efficacy of attorney and other legal
support for military families in special education disputes;
(4) The standardization of policies and guidance for school
liaison officers between the Office of Special Needs of the
Department of Defense (DOD) and the military departments and
the efficacy of such policies and guidance; and (5) The
improvements of family support programs of the Office of
Special Needs, and of each military department, in light of the
recommendations of the Comptroller General in the report titled
``DOD Should Improve Its Oversight of the Exceptional Family
Member Program'' (GAO-18-348).
Pilot program on expanded eligibility for Department of Defense
Education Activity Virtual High School program (sec. 565)
The committee recommends a provision that would require the
Secretary of Defense to carry out a 4-year pilot program that
would permit certain dependents of Active-Duty servicemembers
to enroll in the Department of Defense Education Activity
Virtual High School (DVHS) program. The provision would
prescribe the selection of DVHS participants and limitations on
the program. Additionally, the provision would require the
Secretary to submit an interim report on the pilot program no
more than 2 years after the date of the enactment of this Act
to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House
of Representatives and a final report to the same committees no
more than 180 days after completion of the program.
Pilot program on expansion of eligibility for enrollment at domestic
dependent elementary and secondary schools (sec. 566)
The committee recommends a provision that would require the
Secretary of Defense, beginning not later than 180 days after
the date of the enactment of this Act, to carry out a pilot
program to authorize a dependent of a full-time Active-Duty
servicemember, without regard to whether the member resides on
a military installation, to enroll in a domestic Department of
Defense Education Activity school on a space-available basis.
Comptroller General of the United States report on the structural
condition of Department of Defense Education Activity schools
(sec. 567)
The committee recommends a provision that would require the
Comptroller General of the United States to submit a report to
the congressional defense committees, within 1 year of the date
of the enactment of this Act, on the structural condition of
all Department of Defense Education Activity schools, including
the infrastructure or other means to support the virtual
education of students attending such schools with no physical
structure.
Part II--Military Family Readiness Matters
Responsibility for allocation of certain funds for military child
development programs (sec. 571)
The committee recommends a provision that would amend
section 1791 of title 10, United States Code, to require the
Secretary of Defense to be responsible for the allocation of
Office of the Secretary of Defense-level funds for military
child development programs for children from birth through 12
years of age. The provision would disallow delegation of the
Secretary's responsibility to the military departments.
The committee remains concerned about the Department of
Defense's plans to transfer funds to the military services to
provide childcare fee assistance as part of the Defense-Wide
Review. The committee believes that military family childcare
should remain among the Department's highest priorities and
transferring resources to the military services would degrade
standardization of the program and hinder oversight
capabilities of the Office of the Secretary of Defense.
Currently, the military services administer two separate
contracts with different fee assistance benefits for military
families, one more generous to military families than the
other. The committee understands that there are ongoing
discussions within the Department about creating a single
contract for the childcare fee assistance program across the
Department. Since the Army's childcare fee assistance contract
provides the greatest benefit to military families, the
committee encourages the Department to model any Department-
wide contract after that currently used by the Army.
Improvements to Exceptional Family Member Program (sec. 572)
The committee recommends a provision that would amend
section 1781c of title 10, United States Code, to standardize
and improve the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP). The
provision would: (1) Require the Secretary of Defense to
implement certain performance metrics; (2) Create additional
protections and options for servicemembers and their families
enrolled in EFMP; and (3) Require the Office of Special Needs
to create policies and procedures to confirm that each military
service has the right staffing to ensure effective and
efficient operation of the program so that military families
receive the required support.
Procedures of the Office of Special Needs for the development of
individualized services plans for military families with
special needs (sec. 573)
The committee recommends a provision that would amend
section 1781c(d)(4) of title 10, United States Code, to require
that the policy of the Department of Defense Office of Special
Needs must include requirements for the development and
continuous updating by an appropriate office of an
individualized services plan--whether medical, educational, or
both--for each military family with special needs and
procedures for the development of an individualized services
plan for military family members with special needs who have
requested family support services and have completed family
needs assessments.
Restatement and clarification of authority to reimburse members for
spouse relicensing costs pursuant to a permanent change of
station (sec. 574)
The committee recommends a provision that would amend
section 453 of title 37, United States Code, to authorize the
Secretaries of the military departments to reimburse a
servicemember of the Armed Forces for the qualified relicensing
or credentialing costs of his or her spouse. The provision
would repeal the expiring authority in section 476(p) of title
37, United States Code.
The committee notes that the provision would clarify the
existing statutory language to ensure that servicemembers and
their spouses can request reimbursement for qualified
relicensing or credentialing costs when undergoing a permanent
change of station from an overseas duty location to a duty
location in the continental United States. Additionally, the
provision would clarify the requirement for a military spouse
to have been previously credentialed or certified, regardless
of location or professional engagement.
Improvements to Department of Defense tracking of and response to
incidents of child abuse involving military dependents on
military installations (sec. 575)
The committee recommends a provision that would require the
Secretary of Defense, consistent with the recommendations of
the Comptroller General of the United States in the Government
Accountability Office report titled ``Child Welfare: Increased
Guidance and Collaboration Needed to Improve DOD's Tracking and
Response to Child Abuse'' (GAO-20-110), to improve the efforts
of the Department of Defense to track and respond to incidents
of child abuse involving dependents of members of the Armed
Forces that occur on military installations.
Military childcare and child development center matters (sec. 576)
The committee recommends a provision that would amend
section 1793 of title 10, United States Code, to require: (1)
The liberal issuance of hardship waivers for childcare fees;
(2) A family discount to be offered in child development
centers (CDCs), charging any child after the first child an
amount equal to 85 percent of the fee otherwise chargeable; (3)
Secretaries of the military departments to carry out a fee
assistance program modeled after the Army Fee Assistance
program; (4) Additional actions to allow for the hiring of
qualified employees for CDCs; and (5) Reports on installations
with imbalances between demand and availability for childcare.
Expansion of financial assistance under My Career Advancement Account
program (sec. 577)
The committee recommends a provision that would amend
section 453 of title 37, United States Code, to allow the
reimbursement to a servicemember of the cost that his or her
spouse incurs for the maintenance of professional licenses and
credentials and continuing education courses associated with a
permanent change of station. Additionally, the provision would
expand the My Career Advancement Account Program to include
expenses relating to continuing education courses and national
testing.
Subtitle H--Other Matters
Removal of personally identifying and other information of certain
persons from investigative reports, the Department of Defense
Central Index of Investigations, and other records and
databases (sec. 586)
The committee recommends a provision that would require
that, not later than October 1, 2021, the Secretary of Defense
establish and implement a policy and process through which a
person's name, personally identifying information, and other
pertinent information could be expunged or otherwise removed
from: (1) The subject or title block of a Department of Defense
(DOD) law enforcement or criminal investigative report; (2) The
Department of Defense Central Index of Investigations (DCII);
and (3) Any other record maintained by the DOD in connection
with such a report or DCII entry, under circumstances in which
probable cause did not or does not exist to determine that the
offense for which the person was titled occurred or that the
titled person actually committed the offense.
Further, the provision would require the Department to
establish a mechanism to assist a person whose information is
expunged or removed from DOD records in correcting or expunging
the person's information from records and databases maintained
by organizations or entities external to the DOD, based on
information previously provided by the Department.
Finally, the provision would require the Secretary of
Defense to submit a report to the Committees on Armed Services
of the Senate and the House of Representatives, not later than
October 1, 2021, detailing actions taken to implement these
requirements.
National emergency exception for timing requirements with respect to
certain surveys of members of the Armed Forces (sec. 587)
The committee recommends a provision that would amend
sections 481, 481a, 7461, 8480, and 9461 of title 10, United
States Code, to authorize the Secretary of Defense to postpone
the conduct of the following surveys when conducting these
surveys is not practicable due to a war or national emergency
declared by the President or the Congress: (1) Armed Forces
Workplace and Gender Relations Surveys; (2) Armed Forces
Workplace and Equal Opportunity Surveys; (3) Assessments of
sexual harassment and sexual violence at the military service
academies; and (4) The workplace and gender relations survey of
Department of Defense civilian employees.
The committee expects that the Secretary would exercise
this authority to postpone these surveys and assessments only
when conditions are such that the survey cannot be conducted
or, if conducted, the results of the survey would not be
meaningful. The committee also expects that any survey
postponed under this authority would be conducted as soon as
practicable and appropriate.
Sunset and transfer of functions of the Physical Disability Board of
Review (sec. 588)
The committee recommends a provision that would amend
section 1554a of title 10, United States Code, to authorize the
Secretary of Defense to sunset the Physical Disability Board of
Review (PDBR) on or after October 1, 2020. The provision would
require the Secretary to transfer any remaining requests
pending the Board's review at that time and to assign them to a
board for the correction of military records operated by the
Secretary of the military department concerned.
Extension of reporting deadline for the annual report on the assessment
of the effectiveness of activities of the federal voting
assistance program (sec. 589)
The committee recommends a provision that would amend
section 105A(b) of the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee
Voting Act (52 U.S.C. 20308(b)) to change the deadline to
submit the annual report on the effectiveness of activities of
the Federal Voting Assistance Program from March 31 of every
year to September 30 of odd-numbered years. The provision also
would clarify that the information submitted in the report
should cover the previous calendar year to align with regularly
scheduled elections for Federal office.
Pilot programs on remote provision by National Guard to State
governments and National Guards in other States of
cybersecurity technical assistance in training, preparation,
and response to cyber incidents (sec. 590)
The committee recommends a provision that would authorize
the Secretary of the Army and the Secretary of the Air Force to
each conduct a pilot program to develop and use a capability
within the National Guard through which a National Guard of a
State would remotely provide State governments and National
Guard units of other States with cybersecurity technical
assistance. The provision would establish the development and
exercise activities to be assessed and executed as part of the
program, should it be carried out.
The committee is supportive of programs to facilitate
National Guard cyber assistance to State and local entities. In
future contingencies, such assistance will need to be provided
rapidly if it is to be efficacious, meaning that physical
transportation and access to compromised systems are likely
unaffordable luxuries for the National Guard and other cyber
forces. The committee sees merit in such a program in preparing
the National Guard for remote provision of cybersecurity
assistance, a likely demand of governors and Federal
authorities in the wake of cyberattacks of significant
consequence.
The committee encourages the Secretary of the Army and the
Secretary of the Air Force, if they opt to carry out such a
program, to coordinate with the Commander, U.S. Cyber Command.
The committee understands that Cyber Command has made concerted
efforts to reduce its physical deployment of cyber protection
teams and has developed capabilities and tactics, techniques,
and procedures (TTPs) to enable remote provision of
cybersecurity capability. The committee sees merit in the
development of common architectures, toolsuites, and TTPs
across the National Guard and Cyber Mission Forces for use in
missions such as hunt forward operations, securing the
Department of Defense Information Network, and the provision of
assistance to critical infrastructure companies.
Plan on performance of funeral honors details by members of other Armed
Forces when members of the Armed Force of the deceased are
unavailable (sec. 591)
The committee recommends a provision that would require the
Secretary of Defense, within 180 days of the date of the
enactment of this Act, to provide a briefing to the Committees
on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of
Representatives on a plan for the performance of funeral honors
functions at the funeral of a deceased member of the Armed
Forces by one or more members of the Armed Force of the
deceased or by such other servicemembers or organizations as
described in the provision. The provision would amend section
1491(b)(2) of title 10, United States Code, to repeal the
requirement that one member of the Armed Force of the deceased
be a member of the funeral detail.
Limitation on implementation of Army Combat Fitness Test (sec. 592)
The committee recommends a provision that would prohibit
the Secretary of the Army from implementing the Army Combat
Fitness Test until the Secretary receives the results of a
study from an independent entity on the extent that the test:
(1) Would adversely impact Army members stationed or deployed
to climates or areas with conditions that would prevent outdoor
physical training on a frequent or sustained basis; and (2)
Would affect recruitment and retention in critical support
military occupational specialties of the Army, such as medical
personnel.
Items of Special Interest
Air Force Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps Flight Academy
As the United States confronts a shortage of pilots and
aviation professionals, both the military and the private
sector must look to increase awareness and enthusiasm for
aviation-related careers among today's youth. The committee
supports the Air Force's attempts to boost interest in aviation
professions through its Air Force Junior Reserve Officers'
Training Corps (ROTC) Flight Academy program. The first 2
years' results of the program are promising. More than 40
percent of participants have come from historically
underrepresented groups in the aviation community, and at least
80 percent of all participants have earned their private pilot
certificates. 5 2018 participants earned U.S. Air Force Academy
appointments, and 20 2019 participants earned service academy
appointments. In addition, 62 2019 participants earned ROTC
scholarships. In 2020, the program received 2,594 applications
for 200 scholarships, compared with 621 applications for 120
scholarships in 2018, and the number of university partners has
grown from 6 to 17, demonstrating clear success in
accomplishing the program's goals of increasing awareness and
enthusiasm for opportunities in aviation. The committee
encourages the Air Force to continue and expand this important
program.
Air Ground Operations Wings
The committee supports the Air Force's continued focus on
ensuring that it has highly trained battlefield airmen who are
ready to deploy at a moment's notice to provide commanders with
combat-ready tactical air control party personnel, battlefield
weather, and force protection assets. However, due to these
units' high operational tempo, the committee is concerned about
sustaining their long-term combat readiness and effectiveness.
Therefore, the committee directs the Secretary of the Air
Force to provide a briefing to the Committees on Armed Services
of the Senate and the House of Representatives no later than
March 1, 2021, that assesses the long-term sustainment of Air
Force's Air Ground Operations Wings (AGOW). This briefing
should include the following components: (1) A description of
the organisational structure of the Air Force's Air Ground
Operations Wings; (2) An evaluation of AGOW equipment, manning,
and training; (3) The status of AGOW base infrastructure and
support; (4) An evaluation of AGOW training capability; and (5)
Recommendations on improving the overall readiness of AGOWs and
their associated personnel.
Ban on unsafe products at Department of Defense Child Development
Centers
The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (Public
Law 110-314) prohibits the sale of recalled consumer products.
While this Act has helped clear store shelves of dangerous
products, it fails to ensure that they are removed from
childcare facilities, potentially leaving children across the
country at risk. While some states have banned the use of
recalled products at childcare facilities, there remains no
Federal requirement that childcare facilities, including on
military installations, prohibit the use of these dangerous
products. The committee is concerned about military children
encountering recalled consumer products in Department of
Defense (DOD) Child Development Centers (CDCs) and strongly
encourages the Department to develop policy identifying and
removing such products from DOD CDCs.
Briefing on current efforts to reduce non-essential training
The committee commends the Department of Defense and each
of the military departments on recent efforts to reduce
administrative, ancillary, and computer-based training
requirements in order to give warfighters additional time to
focus on combat lethality. These steps, when combined with a
focus on empowering local commanders to manage training
requirements, should significantly improve the quality of life
and quality of service for all servicemembers.
Therefore, the committee directs the Under Secretary of
Defense for Personnel and Readiness to provide a briefing to
the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of
Representatives on the effect of these non-essential training
reductions on the morale and readiness of military personnel by
November 1, 2020. The briefing shall include the Department's
definition of non-essential training, as well as an update on
any ongoing efforts to identify and reduce non-essential
training. Additionally, the briefing shall highlight any non-
essential training mandated by law that, in the Department's
view, should be curtailed or eliminated.
Comptroller General report on the dual status military technician
workforce
Over the last several years, the military technician
workforce has been subject to several major transformation and
realignment initiatives. For example, recent National Defense
Authorization Acts reduced and eventually eliminated entirely
non-dual status military technician position authorizations.
Additionally, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal
Year 2017 (Public Law 114-328) required the Department of
Defense to convert a significant number of dual status military
technician positions into full-time Federal civilian positions.
Meanwhile, the committee is monitoring current efforts in the
Air National Guard to convert large numbers of dual status
military technicians into Active Guard Reserve positions.
An additional confusing aspect of the military technician
workforce is the use and prevalence of temporary military
technician positions, which are meant to fill in for vacancies
in permanent positions that occur when an employee deploys or
is on another long-term military duty. This ``temporary''
workforce is not subject to any congressional oversight, so its
size, structure, and purpose are largely unknown outside of the
Department of Defense.
Therefore, the committee directs the Comptroller General of
the United States to provide to the Committees on Armed
Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives, not
later than March 31, 2021, a report on the military technician
workforce, with an emphasis on determining how temporary
positions align with law, rules, and procedures governing the
permanent technician workforce. The report should include the
following components:
(1) The number of temporary technicians utilized by
each reserve component in recent fiscal years;
(2) The justification for utilizing temporary dual
status technicians;
(3) A thorough description of the type of work
performed by temporary dual status technicians;
(4) An explanation of the approval process and any
other management controls related to temporary dual
status technicians;
(5) A summary of benefits and employment protections
for temporary dual status technicians;
(6) An assessment of the degree to which the civilian
duties of these temporary technicians align with
military duties;
(7) An analysis of the average Federal civilian
experience of individuals employed as temporary
technicians;
(8) An analysis of the average Federal civilian
experience of individuals employed as dual-status
technicians who were converted to Active Guard Reserve
positions in the Air National Guard in fiscal year
2019; and
(9) An assessment of the effect on unit and personnel
readiness resulting from the use of temporary positions
compared to permanent dual status technicians.
Comptroller General review on Department of Defense's accreditation of
confinement and other detention facilities
The committee is aware that the Department of Defense has
contracted with the American Correctional Association for the
accreditation of confinement and other detention facilities in
the United States, South Korea, Germany, and Okinawa. The
committee recognizes the importance of maintaining military
facilities at home and abroad that meet basic health and safety
standards, including the risks posed to members of the military
services and the military's credibility by the maintenance of
facilities that do not meet these standards.
Therefore, the committee directs the Comptroller General of
the United States to provide to the Committees on Armed
Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a
briefing on preliminary observations by February 27, 2021,
followed by a report to be delivered on a mutually agreeable
date, on the Department of Defense's accreditation of
confinement and other detention facilities. This report shall
include: (1) Information, including cost information, related
to the contracts awarded by the Office of the Secretary of
Defense and the military services for accreditation of these
facilities over the past 3 years; (2) An assessment of DOD's
process for ensuring that its accredited facilities meet
established health and safety standards; and (3) An assessment
of possible alternatives to the current use of contractors,
such as creation of an independent unit, internal to the
Department of Defense, responsible for oversight, auditing, and
accreditation of these facilities.
Grade of Director of the Joint Artificial Intelligence Center
The committee notes that the Joint Artificial Intelligence
Center (JAIC) has become the central organization for the
adoption and incorporation of artificial intelligence
capabilities throughout the Department of Defense. The
committee recognizes the recommendation made by the National
Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence with respect to
the benefits of having a senior military official direct the
JAIC. Therefore, the committee encourages the Secretary of
Defense to ensure that the Director of the JAIC has the grade
of lieutenant general in the Army, Air Force, or Marine Corps,
or vice admiral in the Navy. The committee further encourages
the Secretary of Defense to ensure that the JAIC Director has
operational experience in artificial intelligence, machine
learning, or relevant career fields.
Interagency cooperation impacting recruiting
The committee remains concerned by studies that have found
that up to 71 percent of young people in the United States may
be ineligible for military service due to medical disqualifying
factors, a lack of educational attainment, or a record of crime
or substance abuse. The committee understands that these are
deeper issues, outside the purview of the Department of
Defense, but they have a direct impact on the military's
ability to recruit new servicemembers.
The committee notes that barriers to recruitment cause a
monetary cost to the Department of Defense by necessitating the
use of enhanced recruiting tactics to meet mission. There are
also risks associated with providing waivers to potential
recruits who are otherwise ineligible to serve.
The committee recommends that the Secretary of Defense
collaborate with the Secretaries and Administrators of relevant
Federal departments and agencies, including the Departments of
Agriculture, Education, Health and Human Services, and Justice,
with the purpose of taking a holistic approach to addressing
issues that ultimately impact the ability of the military
services to recruit new servicemembers.
Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps computer science and
cybersecurity education
The committee recognizes that the United States in general,
and the military in particular, currently struggles to find and
produce a sufficient number of Americans trained to succeed in
computer science and cybersecurity careers. The Junior Reserve
Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) can serve as a catalyst to
overcoming these systemic shortages by providing an
extracurricular experience to this public service-oriented,
highly diverse population of young Americans who demonstrate a
penchant for computer science and related subjects. The
committee encourages the Secretary of the Air Force to partner
with Federal, State, and industry leaders to continue pilot
programs that provide evidence-based computer science and
cybersecurity education at schools serving JROTC youth.
Mental health discrimination during accession
During the military accession process, recruits with
potentially disqualifying medical conditions are reviewed on a
case-by-case basis to determine whether a given applicant is a
candidate to receive a medical waiver. Although the committee
recognizes that the physical, mental, and emotional strain
associated with military service necessitates rigorous medical
standards to protect servicemembers, the committee is concerned
that existing medical waiver policies related to mental health
conditions in pre-adolescent or early adolescent years could
deter aspiring recruits from seeking mental healthcare. Given
the propensity for military dependents to serve and the
stresses of military family life, these policies could
disproportionately impact military children. The committee
encourages the military services to review the medical waiver
request process as it pertains to mental health conditions,
particularly in instances of temporary or adolescent diagnoses
with demonstrable clinical improvement.
Military Family Readiness and Command Climate Surveys
The committee believes that commanders and other
individuals, both military and civilian, with military family
readiness responsibilities must be adequately trained so that
they are equipped to encourage, support, and increase military
family readiness among the personnel within the unit or
installation under such individual's command or purview,
including by providing servicemembers and their families with a
fuller understanding of the resources available locally within
such units or installations. Further, the committee believes
that leaders with these responsibilities must be evaluated on
how well they encourage, support, and increase military family
readiness, including through incorporation of these matters
into command assessments and other surveys as appropriate to
ensure that leaders at all levels pay the necessary attention
to these matters.
The committee directs the Secretary of Defense to provide a
briefing to the committee by no later than December 1, 2020, on
the feasibility and advisability of incorporating military
family readiness matters into command climate surveys or other
appropriate mechanisms to assess the adequacy of command and
unit efforts: (1) To welcome new military families to the
installation concerned and to ensure that such families are
immediately connected with any resources necessary to
acclimatize to such installation; (2) To provide support for
military families experiencing challenges with military family
housing, including privatized military housing; (3) To inform
military spouses of employment opportunities; (4) To provide
support for military families seeking childcare opportunities,
including for children with special needs; (5) To provide
support for military families during deployment and training
exercises of the unit concerned; (6) To provide support for
military spouses during pregnancy and after childbirth; (7) To
provide support for military families preparing to transition
into civilian life; (8) To provide support for military
families seeking healthcare or mental health resources; and (9)
To provide support for military families experiencing food
insecurity or seeking nutrition assistance program support.
Plan for enhancement of recruitment for the Armed Forces among rural,
isolated, and native populations
The committee notes that recent Office of Personnel
Management data show that people who come from native or
isolated populations comprise less than 0.1 percent of the
military. As the Department of Defense seeks to improve
recruiting practices to improve performance among
underrepresented groups, the native and isolated populations of
the country can be a vital source of quality military
personnel.
Therefore, the committee directs the Secretary of Defense
to submit a report to the Committees on Armed Services of the
Senate and the House of Representatives by December 1, 2020,
detailing current military recruiting efforts among populations
in rural areas, isolated areas, socially disadvantaged areas,
and among native populations.
The report should include the following elements:
(1) A summary of current and planned recruiting
efforts in rural, isolated, and socially disadvantaged
areas, as well as among native populations;
(2) A discussion of challenges germane to access to
rural and isolated populations;
(3) An analysis of cultural challenges involved with
recruiting rural, isolated, and native populations; and
(4) An assessment of any funding shortfalls related
to rural, isolated, and native population recruiting.
Senior officer accountability and use of ``proximate cause'' standard
The committee has recently become aware of a troubling
practice within the military services of finding that, because
the actions or inactions of senior military officials are not
the ``proximate cause'' of events on the battlefield, such
officials bear no responsibility for their leadership failures,
even in cases in which a properly conducted investigation found
that such officers should bear responsibility for their
conduct.
Black's Law Dictionary defines proximate cause as ``the
result of a direct action . . . that sets in motion a chain of
events that is unbroken and causes damage, injury, and
destruction with no other interference.'' Would-be proximate
cause is overcome by intervening causes. In the context of
military action on a battlefield, those closest to the action
and most in harm's way, enlisted service members and junior
officers, will almost always provide intervening cause that
under this standard could absolve senior commanders from ever
being responsible for anything that happens under their
command. In short, the committee believes that application of
the legal principle of proximate cause is inappropriate in
determining a military commander's responsibility for the
actions of subordinate units. A commander's responsibility for
the actions of subordinates goes hand-in-hand with the
commander's authority. The committee strongly urges the
military services to ensure that senior military officials are
held accountable, to the extent appropriate, under traditional
military norms of command responsibility that have served the
United States military well for over 200 years.
Status of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Culture and Process Improvement
Program
In 2016, the Air Force launched the Culture and Process
Improvement Program (CPIP) for the Remotely Piloted Aircraft
(RPA) community. At the time, the Air Force described the CPIP
as providing focus to build a sustainable RPA enterprise for
the long term. Based on numerous focus groups and other
feedback, the CPIP cataloged over 170 recommendations to
improve the health of the RPA workforce. Four years later,
however, the Air Force struggles to explain how many of the
CPIP recommendations have been, or are planned to be,
implemented.
The RPA workforce continues to face challenges not
experienced by any other community in the Air Force. RPA crews
are highly recruited to fly for government contractors who fly
the same RPAs as the Air Force on ``government owned-contractor
operated'' combat lines. Essentially, the government has
established a dynamic in which it pays contractors to poach Air
Force talent. Other well-known problems related to shift work,
dwell time, and austere base locations continue to dampen
morale among the RPA workforce. The CPIP identified these and
other problems years ago, yet the Air Force seems to have made
little progress in addressing them. From the perspective of the
workforce, the time and effort spent on the CPIP amounted to
little actual improvement.
Therefore, the committee directs the Secretary of the Air
Force to provide a report to the Committees on Armed Services
of the Senate and the House of Representatives by March 1,
2021, containing a detailed update on the status of each
recommendation made by the Remotely Piloted Aircraft Culture
and Process Improvement Program. The update shall include an
explanation of each recommendation and, for each
recommendation, a statement as to whether the Air Force has
already implemented or intends to implement it. If a
recommendation has already been, or is intended to be,
implemented, the report shall include an actual or planned
implementation date, designate a responsible official for the
recommendation, and note whether additional resources are
required for implementation. If the Air Force does not intend
to implement a recommendation, the report shall include an
explanation of the factors that led the Air Force to reach that
decision.
Supporting innovations for 21st century servicemember and family
readiness and resiliency
The committee is concerned that the Department of Defense
lacks a modern, software-driven approach to support
servicemember and military family population health, readiness,
and resiliency, and it believes that the Department must
implement transformative innovations that deliver 21st century
servicemember and family readiness and resiliency.
Therefore, the committee directs the Secretary of Defense
to provide a briefing to the Committees on Armed Services of
the Senate and the House of Representatives, not later than 90
days after the date of the enactment of this Act, on the
Department's plan to develop partnership-driven innovation
efforts featuring multi-domain, software-driven solutions that
actively assist servicemembers and military families with
implementation of the eight categories of total force fitness
across their daily lives.
The report shall include the following elements: (1) A
proposal and timeline describing how the Department will change
its approach to total force fitness by better aligning its
efforts across all operational elements of the military
departments to support implementation of software-driven,
systemic approaches to address total force fitness; (2) An
overview of the Department's current activities to accelerate
partnerships for total force fitness innovation; and (3) A
description as to how the Department can use existing
authorities in combination with public-private partnerships to
support pilot/prototype projects for the development of
scalable, modern software-as-a-platform approaches that are
agile and comprehensive in breadth and capability.
The Veterans Metrics Initiative Study
Every year, over 200,000 servicemembers transition out of
the military to civilian life. The Departments of Defense and
Veterans Affairs, along with over 40,000 public and private
organizations, offer a vast array of services to assist
servicemembers during their military-to-civilian transitions:
helping them find fulfilling employment or educational
opportunities; meeting physical and mental healthcare needs;
retaining secure housing; and successfully re-integrating them
with civilian society. The committee is concerned, however, by
the lack of evidence-based methods to determine the value of
these many transition programs to veterans' long-term well-
being.
The committee applauds The Veterans Metrics Initiative
study, a public-private research partnership that evaluated
programs currently being used by transitioning veterans. The
study examined veteran well-being across four key areas--mental
and physical health; vocation; finances; and social
relationships--to identify factors associated with well-being
over a 3-year period following separation from military
service. The study also identified characteristics that can be
tracked to predict which veteran populations will have
increased difficulty in adjusting to civilian life, and which
types of programs may be of greatest use to them, by
identifying and characterizing program components that led to
positive well-being.
Therefore, the committee encourages the Secretaries of
Defense and Veterans Affairs to work with The Veterans Metrics
Initiative study coordinator to collaborate on the use of these
data to refine the Transition Assistance Program. Adjustments
to the program could address those areas of greatest risk to
the well-being of servicemembers as they transition to civilian
life and provide enhanced programs for the populations
predicted to have greater challenges in transition.
TITLE VI--COMPENSATION AND OTHER PERSONNEL BENEFITS
Subtitle A--Pay and Allowances
Reorganization of certain allowances other than travel and
transportation allowances (sec. 601)
The committee recommends a provision that would amend
chapter 7 of title 37, United States Code, to authorize the
Department of Defense to continue making payments beyond fiscal
year 2022 for per diem while on duty outside the continental
United States and for funeral honors duties.
Hazardous duty pay for members of the Armed Forces performing duty in
response to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (sec. 602)
The committee recommends a provision that would require the
Secretary of the military department concerned to pay hazardous
duty pay in the amount of $150 per month to members of the
Armed Forces who perform duty in response to the coronavirus
disease 2019 (COVID-19). Hazardous duty pay for COVID-19 would
not be prorated.
Subtitle B--Bonuses and Special and Incentive Pays
One-year extension of certain expiring bonus and special pay
authorities (sec. 611)
The committee recommends a provision that would extend,
through December 31, 2021, various expiring bonus and special
pay authorities for military personnel. The provision would
extend special pay and bonus authority for reserve personnel,
military heathcare professionals, and nuclear officers and
consolidated pay authorities for officer and enlisted
personnel. The provision would also extend the authority to
provide a temporary increase in the rate of Basic Allowance for
Housing in certain circumstances.
Increase in special and incentive pays for officers in health
professions (sec. 612)
The committee recommends a provision that would amend
subparagraphs (A) through (E) of section 335(e)(1) of title 37,
United States Code, to increase the maximum amounts of special
and incentive pays for military health professions officers.
A recent report by the Comptroller General of the United
States (GAO-20-165) ``found that for 21 of the 27 physician and
dentist specialties, the maximum cash compensation was less
than the private sector civilian median within four officer pay
grades (O-3 to O-6).'' Additionally, the report stated that
``the maximum military cash compensation for 16 of 21 physician
and 5 of 6 dental specialties was less than the civilian median
for all pay grades.'' Furthermore, a previous Comptroller
General report (GAO-18-77) highlighted significant gaps in the
military departments for numerous Active-Duty physician
specialties, including those considered critical for combat
casualty care. As a result of the information provided in these
reports, the committee believes that it should enhance the cash
compensation of military health professions officers to ensure
that the Department of Defense can recruit and retain such
officers, especially those serving in critical wartime medical
and dental specialties.
Subtitle C--Disability Pay, Retired Pay, and Survivor Benefits
Inclusion of drill or training foregone due to emergency travel or duty
restrictions in computations of entitlement to and amounts of
retired pay for non-regular service (sec. 621)
The committee recommends a provision that would amend
sections 12732 and 12733 of title 10, United States Code, to
authorize the Secretary of Defense, or the Secretary of
Homeland Security with respect to the Coast Guard, to provide
points for Reserve retirement purposes if a Reserve
servicemember is prevented from participating in required
drills or training during the emergency period beginning on
March 1, 2020, which coincides with the COVID-19 pandemic.
Modernization and clarification of payment of certain Reserves while on
duty (sec. 622)
The committee recommends a provision that would amend
section 12316 of title 10, United States Code, to modify the
existing priority of payments so that a Reservist, who is
entitled to retired or retainer pay and who performs paid
reserve duty, would receive compensation for the reserve duty
unless the Reservist elects to waive that compensation to
receive the retired or retainer pay.
Subtitle D--Other Matters
Permanent authority for and enhancement of the Government lodging
program (sec. 631)
The committee recommends a provision that would amend
section 914 of the Carl Levin and Howard P. ``Buck'' McKeon
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015 (Public
Law 113-291) to permanently authorize a government lodging
program for employees of the Department of Defense and members
of the uniformed services under the jurisdiction of the
Secretary of Defense. The provision would also require the
Secretary concerned to exclude from the lodging program
Department of Defense civilian employees who are traveling for
the performance of mission functions of a public shipyard of
the Department of Defense, if the purpose or mission of such
travel would be adversely affected by the requirements of the
Government lodging program.
Approval of certain activities by retired and reserve members of the
uniformed services (sec. 632)
The committee recommends a provision that would amend
section 908 of title 37, United States Code, to authorize
retired members of the uniformed services, members of a reserve
component of the Armed Forces not on Active Duty for more than
30 days, and members of the Commissioned Reserve Corps of the
Public Health Service to accept payment for speeches, travel,
meals, lodging, or registration fees, if approved by the
Secretary concerned. The provision would also require that
annual reports on approvals for employment or compensation of
retired general and flag officers include the following
elements: (1) The foreign government involved; (2) The duties
to be performed; and (3) The compensation or payment to be
provided.
Items of Special Interest
Commissary and Exchange loyalty programs
Military commissaries offer many benefits to their patrons
through the Commissary Rewards Program, such as digital coupon
offers, digital receipts, and at-cashier discounts. To improve
sales and revenues at commissaries and military exchanges, the
committee encourages the Military Exchange Service to adopt a
loyalty program using lessons learned from the Defense
Commissary Agency. The committee believes that both retail
venues would benefit from cross-linking loyalty programs, which
would further incentivize commissary customers to patronize
both commissaries and exchanges. Similar loyalty programs in
the private retail industry have proven to be highly successful
in expanding sales.
Comptroller General report on the impact of reforms in the defense
commissary system
The Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) operates about 240
commissaries worldwide that sell groceries and household goods
at reduced prices to eligible customers, including uniformed
servicemembers, their families, and retirees. To pay for
operating costs that exceed sales revenue, the Congress has
appropriated approximately $1.3 billion annually from amounts
appropriated to the Defense Working Capital Fund for commissary
use from fiscal years 2015 through 2019. Additionally, sales at
the commissaries have fallen from $5.5 billion in fiscal year
2015 to $4.5 billion in fiscal year 2019. To help the DeCA
improve its business operations without diminishing customer
savings, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for
Fiscal Year 2017 (Public Law 114-328) authorized certain
reforms for the commissary system. For example, the NDAA
authorized the DeCA to set commissary prices in response to
market conditions and customer demand (i.e., variable pricing),
and it authorized the Secretary of Defense to convert the
commissary system to a non-appropriated fund entity or
instrumentality, subject to certain conditions.
The committee seeks to understand the extent to which the
DeCA has used these authorities and/or implemented other
reforms (e.g., the sale of private label goods) to improve its
operations and to reduce its need for appropriated funds.
Therefore, the committee directs the Comptroller General of the
United States to conduct a review and to provide a briefing to
the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of
Representatives no later than March 1, 2021, with a report to
follow, that includes the following: (1) What reforms the DeCA
has implemented within the past 5 years to improve its business
operations; (2) What effect those reforms have had on DeCA's
sales, expenses, need for appropriated funds, and/or customer
savings and satisfaction; (3) What challenges the DeCA faces in
providing reduced-price groceries and household goods, and what
steps the DeCA is taking to address those challenges; and (4)
Any other issues that the Comptroller General determines are
applicable to DeCA's operations and reform efforts.
Operation of commissaries during government shutdowns
Military commissaries provide a reliable source of high
quality food and subsistence for military servicemembers and
their families. During government shutdowns prompted by an
expiration of congressional appropriations, commissary closures
deprive families of this vital subsistence source. Due to the
critical importance of commissaries to military families, the
committee believes that the Department of Defense should
designate commissary operations as excepted programs during
government shutdowns.
Special operations special and incentive pay
The committee directs the Assistant Secretary of Defense
for Special Operations and Low Intensity Conflict (ASD SOLIC),
in coordination with the Commander, United States Special
Operations Command (SOCOM), the Secretary of the Army, and the
Chief of Staff of the Army, to study the effect on steady-state
retention of offering a Critical Skills Retention Bonus to Army
Special Operations Forces (SOF) commissioned officers.
Specifically, the ASD SOLIC shall evaluate the Navy's Special
Warfare Officer Continuation Pay program and make a
recommendation on whether such a program should be emulated by
the other military departments. Not later than October 1, 2020,
the ASD SOLIC shall provide a briefing to the Committees on
Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives
on its findings and recommendations for SOF special and
incentive pay. Lastly, the committee encourages the ASD SOLIC
and SOCOM to develop a dynamic modeling system to assess how
adjustments in other special and incentive pay policy could
increase retention within Army Special Operations Forces.
TITLE VII--HEALTH CARE PROVISIONS
Subtitle A--Tricare and Other Health Care Benefits
Authority for Secretary of Defense to manage provider type referral and
supervision requirements under TRICARE program (sec. 701)
The committee recommends a provision that would amend
section 1079(a)(12) of title 10, United States Code, to provide
the Department of Defense with greater flexibility in
determining which provider types under the TRICARE program may
diagnose or assess a mental or physical illness, injury, or
bodily malfunction and, by extension, the extent to which
referrals and supervision may be required for these provider
types.
Removal of Christian Science providers as authorized providers under
the TRICARE Program (sec. 702)
The committee recommends a provision that would amend
subsection (a) of section 1079 of title 10, United States Code,
by striking paragraph (4) to remove Christian Science providers
as authorized providers under the TRICARE program.
The Congress originally enacted the authorization of
Christian Science providers and the associated statutory
exemption of Christian Science services from TRICARE's medical
necessity requirement because the Church of Christ, Scientist
instructed its members to seek the care of Christian Science
practitioners in lieu of other clinicians, including
physicians. The Church has changed its position, however, and
it no longer prohibits members from seeking traditional medical
care, making this statutory exemption unnecessary.
Waiver of fees charged to certain civilians for emergency medical
treatment provided at military medical treatment facilities
(sec. 703)
The committee recommends a provision that would amend
section 1079b of title 10, United States Code, to require the
Secretary of Defense to implement procedures that would
authorize military treatment facilities (MTFs) to waive fees
for medical care provided to civilians at MTFs if, after any
insurance payments, the civilian is unable to pay for the care
provided and that care enhanced the medical readiness of the
health care providers who furnished the care.
Mental health resources for members of the Armed Forces and their
dependents during the COVID-19 pandemic (sec. 704)
The committee recommends a provision that would require the
Secretary of Defense to develop a plan, within 180 days of the
date of the enactment of this Act, to protect and promote the
mental health and well-being of servicemembers and their
dependents during the current pandemic. The provision would
require the Secretary to conduct outreach to the military
community to identify resources and healthcare services,
including mental healthcare services, available under the
TRICARE program to support servicemembers and their dependents.
Transitional health benefits for certain members of the National Guard
serving under orders in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19)
(sec. 705)
The committee recommends a provision that would require the
Secretary of Defense to provide to a National Guard (NG) member
separating from active service after serving on full-time duty
pursuant to section 502(f) of title 32, United States Code, the
health benefits authorized under section 1145 of title 10,
United States Code, for a member of a reserve component
separating from Active Duty, if the active service from which
the NG member is separating was in support of the whole of
government response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Extramedical maternal health providers demonstration project (sec. 706)
The committee recommends a provision that would require the
Secretary of Defense, within 1 year of the date of the
enactment of this Act, to conduct a 5-year demonstration
project designed to evaluate the cost, quality of care, and
impact on maternal and fetal outcomes of using certain extra-
medical maternal health providers (doulas and lactation
consultants) under the TRICARE program to determine whether to
make coverage of the services of such providers permanent under
TRICARE.
Pilot program on receipt of non-generic prescription maintenance
medications under TRICARE pharmacy benefits program (sec. 707)
The committee recommends a provision that would require the
Secretary of Defense to conduct a 3-year pilot program whereby
covered TRICARE beneficiaries may elect to receive certain non-
generic prescription maintenance medications either through
military treatment facility pharmacies, the TRICARE mail order
pharmacy program, or retail network pharmacies. The provision
would prescribe certain conditions of the pilot program and
would require the Secretary to provide a briefing to the
congressional defense committees, within 90 days of the date of
the enactment of this Act, on implementation of the pilot
program. Subsequently, the Secretary would provide an interim
report to the same committees within 18 months after the
commencement of the pilot program. Finally, the Comptroller
General of the United States would submit a report on the
program to the same committees by March 1, 2024.
Subtitle B--Health Care Administration
Modifications to transfer of Army Medical Research and Development
Command and public health commands to Defense Health Agency
(sec. 721)
The committee recommends a provision that would amend
section 1073c(e) of title 10, United States Code, and section
737 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year
2020 (Public Law 116-92) to delay the transfer of the Army
Medical Research and Development Command (and such other
medical research organizations of the Armed Forces, as
appropriate) and the public health commands or programs of the
military services to the Defense Health Agency from September
30, 2022, to September 30, 2024, and correcting the name of the
Army Medical Research and Development Command.
Delay of applicability of administration of TRICARE dental plans
through Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program
(sec. 722)
The committee recommends a provision that would amend
section 713(c) of the John S. McCain National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (Public Law 115-232) to
delay the transition of the administration of TRICARE dental
plans for Active-Duty family members, non-activated National
Guard/Reserve members, family members of National Guard/Reserve
members, and certain survivors to the Federal Employees Dental
and Vision Insurance Program until January 1, 2023.
Authority of Secretary of Defense to waive requirements during national
emergencies for purposes of provision of health care (sec. 723)
The committee recommends a provision that would amend
chapter 55 of title 10, United States Code, to authorize the
Secretary of Defense to waive or modify the requirements of
such chapter, or any regulation prescribed under such chapter,
for a period of 60 days for services furnished by a health care
provider (or class of providers) in an emergency area (or
portion of such area) during an emergency period (or portion of
such period). The provision would authorize the Secretary to
renew any such waiver or modification for subsequent 60-day
periods during an applicable emergency declaration.
Additionally, the provision would require the Secretary to
submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and
the House of Representatives, at least 2 days before exercising
a waiver or modification, a certification and advance written
notice that describes the impact and duration of the waiver or
modification. Finally, the provision would require the
Secretary to submit a report to the same committees on the use
of this authority within 1 year of the end of an emergency
period during which the Secretary exercised this authority.
Subtitle C--Reports and Other Matters
Extension of authority for Joint Department of Defense-Department of
Veterans Affairs Medical Facility Demonstration Fund (sec. 741)
The committee recommends a provision that would amend
section 1704(e) of the National Defense Authorization Act for
Fiscal Year 2010 (Public Law 111-84) to extend the authority
for the Joint Department of Defense-Department of Veterans
Affairs Demonstration Fund from September 30, 2021, to
September 30, 2022.
Membership of Board of Regents of Uniformed Services University of the
Health Sciences (sec. 742)
The committee recommends a provision that would amend
section 2113a(b) of title 10, United States Code, to designate
the Director of the Defense Health Agency as an ex officio
member of the Board of Regents of the Uniformed Services
University of the Health Sciences.
Military health system Clinical Quality Management Program (sec. 743)
The committee recommends a provision that would require the
Secretary of Defense to implement a comprehensive clinical
quality management program within the military health system.
The provision would prescribe the elements of the program and
include clinical quality management of healthcare delivery
outside military medical treatment facilities, on ships,
planes, in deployed settings, and in the purchased care
component of the military health system.
The committee is aware of several recent incidents in which
a military service waited years until a substantial claim was
paid under the Federal Tort Claims Act before initiating a
review to determine whether any involved healthcare provider
met National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB) reporting criteria.
This delay in conducting a review of substandard medical care
allowed providers who failed to meet medical practice standards
to continue treating TRICARE beneficiaries. This provision
would require initiation of the review as soon as possible
after an event to expedite reports to the NPDB and other
accountability measures in appropriate cases.
Modifications to pilot program on civilian and military partnerships to
enhance interoperability and medical surge capability and
capacity of National Disaster Medical System (sec. 744)
The committee recommends a provision that would amend
section 740 of the National Defense Authorization Act for
Fiscal Year 2020 (Public Law 116-92) to require the Secretary
of Defense to implement the pilot program on civilian and
military partnerships to enhance interoperability and medical
surge capability and capacity of the National Disaster Medical
System not later than September 30, 2021. The provision would:
(1) Designate the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health
Affairs as the lead official for design and implementation of
the program; (2) Describe the requirements for a phased
selection of pilot program sites at not fewer than five sites;
and (3) Describe the conditions for consideration and
prioritization of such sites. The provision would authorize the
appropriation of $5.0 million to the Secretary to establish and
implement the pilot program.
The committee recognizes the importance of developing
strong military-civilian partnerships to enhance and expand the
capabilities and capacities of the National Disaster Medical
System. These partnerships would: (1) Provide additional
training platforms to improve the clinical readiness skills of
military medical providers; (2) Expand the Nation's capacity to
redistribute mass casualties of war to civilian medical
centers; and (3) Establish an enduring framework for a well-
coordinated Federal response to pandemics, such as COVID-19, or
to nuclear, radiological, biological, and chemical threats.
Study on force mix options and service models to enhance readiness of
medical force of the Armed Forces to provide combat casualty
care (sec. 745)
The committee recommends a provision that would require the
Secretary of Defense, within 30 days of the date of the
enactment of this Act, to seek to enter into an agreement with
a federally funded research and development center or other
independent entity to conduct a study on force mix options and
service models to optimize readiness of the medical force to
deliver combat casualty care. The Secretary would submit a
report on the findings of the study to the Committees on Armed
Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives within
15 months of the date of the enactment of this Act.
The committee remains concerned that existing force mix
options and service models do not meet the total combat
casualty care requirements of the combatant commanders in their
areas of responsibility. Therefore, the committee expects this
study to consider, examine, and explore: (1) A design for an
optimal scalable model for embedding critically skilled Active-
Duty medical providers in civilian trauma centers; (2) The
potential impact of expanding the current model of Reservists'
serving in civilian trauma centers; and (3) Any options for
alternative Reservists models, including various accession and
training models.
Comptroller General study on delivery of mental health services to
members of the reserve components of the Armed Forces (sec.
746)
The committee recommends a provision that would require the
Comptroller General of the United States to conduct a study on
the delivery of Federal, State, and private mental health
services to members of the reserve components. The provision
would require the Comptroller General to submit to the
Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of
Representatives a report on the study not later than 1 year
after the date of the enactment of this Act.
Review and report on prevention of suicide among members of the Armed
Forces stationed at remote installations outside the contiguous
United States (sec. 747)
The committee recommends a provision that would require the
Comptroller General of the United States to conduct a review of
efforts by the Department of Defense to prevent suicide among
servicemembers stationed at remote installations outside the
contiguous United States. The provision would prescribe the
elements of such review and require the Comptroller General to
brief the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the
House of Representatives, not later than October 1, 2021, on
preliminary observations relating to the review. The
Comptroller General would then submit a report containing the
results of the review to the same committees not later than
March 1, 2022.
Audit of medical conditions of tenants in privatized military housing
(sec. 748)
The committee recommends a provision that would require the
Inspector General of the Department of Defense (DODIG) to
conduct an audit of the medical conditions of servicemembers
and their families who have resided in unsafe or unhealthy
privatized military housing. One of the objectives of the audit
is to determine the association between the exposure to
specified hazards and the occurrence of a medical condition.
Not later than 1 year after commencement of the audit, the
DODIG would be required to submit to the Secretary of Defense
and the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the
House of Representatives a report on the results of the audit
and to publish the audit on a publicly available internet
website of the Department of Defense.
Comptroller General study on prenatal and postpartum mental health
conditions among members of the Armed Forces and their
dependents (sec. 749)
The committee recommends a provision that would require the
Comptroller General of the United States to conduct a study on
prenatal and postpartum mental health conditions among members
of the Armed Forces and their dependents. The Comptroller
General would submit a report on the study's findings to the
Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of
Representatives within 1 year of the date of the enactment of
this Act.
Plan for evaluation of flexible spending account options for members of
the uniformed services and their families (sec. 750)
The committee recommends a provision that would require the
Secretary of Defense to submit, by March 1, 2021, to the
congressional defense committees a plan to evaluate flexible
spending account options that allow pre-tax payment of health
and dental insurance premiums, out-of-pocket health care
expenses, and dependent care expenses for members of the
uniformed services.
Assessment of receipt by civilians of emergency medical treatment at
military medical treatment facilities (sec. 751)
The committee recommends a provision that would require the
Comptroller General of the United States, within 1 year of the
date of the enactment of this Act, to complete an assessment of
the provision of emergency medical treatment by the Department
of Defense to non-covered civilian patients at military medical
treatment facilities during the period from October 1, 2015, to
September 30, 2020. The Comptroller General would provide a
report containing the results of the assessment to the
Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of
Representatives within 180 days after completion of such
assessment.
Items of Special Interest
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis research of the Department of Defense
The committee encourages the Department of Defense to
expand funding for research related to amyotrophic lateral
sclerosis (ALS), an insidious, non-curable neurodegenerative
disease, in the annual core medical research budget of the
Department of Defense. Evidence from scientific research
suggests a mutually inclusive relationship between military
service and ALS with a higher incidence in the veteran
population without known reasons. The committee directs the
Department to brief, not later than September 30, 2020, the
Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of
Representatives on the initiatives and funding for ALS research
of the Department during the 5-year period preceding the date
of the briefing. The briefing shall include a description of
any existing or promising breakthroughs in the diagnosis and
treatment of ALS resulting from such research.
Clinical performance management system
The committee is aware of web-enabled software that can
empower health system administrators and frontline clinicians
to transform healthcare delivery and reduce costs through a
unique clinical performance management system. The software
allows comparison of clinical effectiveness across key
variables, including patient demographics, individual
clinicians, procedures, medications, and facilities. With such
available software, the Defense Health Agency and military
treatment facility clinicians could perform rapid analyses of
clinical data using actionable, accurate statistical process
control charts to improve health outcomes, reduce variability,
and improve performance throughout the military health system.
The committee encourages the Defense Health Agency to explore
this opportunity to improve the quality of care delivered in
military treatment facilities.
Diagnostic medical devices for traumatic brain injury
The Department of Defense continues to seek ways to
evaluate troops rapidly for suspected traumatic brain injury.
Still, the committee remains concerned by the Department's
failure to field certain diagnostic tools already approved by
the Food and Drug Administration. The committee believes that
such tools could have more rapidly diagnosed servicemembers'
mild TBI (mTBI) following the January 8, 2020, missile attack
on Al Asad Air Base, Iraq. Although the Al Asad incident is a
troubling example, the committee understands that most mTBIs
occur in training, sports, and off-duty events at home station.
More than ever, the committee believes that FDA-approved mTBI
screening devices should be available for use in troop clinics
where service personnel with no apparent symptoms are too often
returned to duty without further medical evaluation. Therefore,
the committee encourages the Secretary of Defense to deploy
mTBI/concussion multi-modal diagnostic devices to the lowest
possible echelon of medical care to help medical personnel and
commanders better understand when injured troops must receive
more specialized medical evaluation and treatment for mTBI.
Ensure eating disorder treatment for servicemembers and dependents
The committee is aware of studies indicating that there is
a higher prevalence of eating disorders among members of the
Armed Forces and veterans than among the general population and
that research has found a significant relationship between
eating disorders and these individuals with a history of post-
traumatic stress and trauma. The committee recognizes that
family members of the Armed Forces have a higher prevalence of
eating disorders than the general population, with 20 percent
of children of members of the Armed Forces found at risk of
developing an eating disorder. The committee also recognizes
that female members have a particularly high risk for an eating
disorder, as studies have found that 16 percent of such members
have an eating disorder and 34 percent of such members are at
risk of developing an eating disorder.
Therefore, the committee encourages the Department of
Defense and the Defense Health Agency to identify eating
disorders as a health condition to be treated and to: (1)
Ensure that facilities are available to treat these disorders
for all servicemembers; (2) Provide eating disorder treatment
under TRICARE to a dependent without regard to the age of the
dependent; and (3) Require commanders and supervisory personnel
to undertake mental health early identification training,
including on the warning signs and symptoms of eating
disorders.
Improve academic collaboration and streamline traumatic brain injury
funding streams
The committee understands that the Department of Defense
has identified traumatic brain injury (TBI) as a top medical
priority for combat casualties and commends the significant
investments in identifying and treating TBI and related pain.
Additionally, the committee acknowledges that there are
multiple federal funding streams available for research into
identifying and treating TBI and that the Department
collaborates with a wide variety of research institutions to
develop improved identification and treatment tools.
The committee is concerned, however, that a lack of
collaboration and information sharing between civilian
researchers in these areas has slowed progress in developing
diagnostic and treatment tools and that there appears to be
only limited progress in deploying a diagnostic tool for TBI.
Therefore, the committee directs the Secretary of Defense, in
coordination with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, the
Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, and
the heads of other Federal agencies as deemed appropriate by
the Secretary of Defense, to coordinate available streams of
federal funding for research in these critical areas. The
Department should seek partnerships with civilian researchers
and encourage collaboration and information sharing between
such researchers receiving federal funds. Finally, the
committee directs the Secretary of Defense to streamline the
approval process for research funding, particularly those
studies relating to TBI, to the greatest extent possible to
accelerate the development of identification and treatment
tools.
Improvements to the TRICARE Extended Care Health Option program
The Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) provides
comprehensive, coordinated community support, housing,
educational, medical, and personnel services worldwide to U.S.
military families with children with special needs. The
committee is aware that many families participating in the EFMP
are not provided with consistent opportunities and services
throughout each Permanent Change of Station move. Such moves
disrupt family members as the unique services provided to
special needs children can differ between States. As a
component of EFMP, the TRICARE Extended Care Health Option
(ECHO) program serves as an alternative to States' Home and
Community-Based Services 1915(c) waiver programs for families
of Active-Duty servicemembers. State waiver programs often
operate under existing enrollment caps, which create lengthy
waiting lists for services, making them inaccessible to many
military family members. The committee is concerned that the
current ECHO program may not provide comparable services to
programs in States where military families reside, and, as
such, the Department of Defense should consider program changes
to provide more equitable access to services that States offer
more widely.
Military health clinical readiness
Ensuring a ready medical force can only be accomplished
when Active-Duty clinicians receive the necessary volume and
diversity of clinical cases or surgeries in a peacetime setting
sufficient to prepare them for the types of injuries they will
treat in the combat theater. The committee supports the Defense
Health Agency's (DHA) adoption of a knowledge, skills, and
abilities (KSA) clinician readiness framework. Furthermore, the
committee believes that a joint KSA center of excellence,
leveraging the input of the combatant commands (through the
Joint Staff Surgeon) and the military services' medical
departments, will help sustain, integrate, and standardize the
methodology across the military health system. Specifically, a
joint KSA center of excellence will incorporate industry best
practices, integrate clinical readiness metrics into DHA's
performance planning process, track National Guard and
Reservist clinician KSAs, and help inform future service and
joint medical training platforms. Accordingly, the committee
recommends that the Secretary of Defense establish a joint KSA
center of excellence.
Modification of Post Deployment Health Assessment (DD Form 2796) to
increase reporting of exposure to burn pit smoke
The committee is aware that many servicemembers returning
from deployment in support of a contingency operation do not
report that they have experienced exposure to airborne
contaminants from burn pits. As a result, they are not
evaluated for the effects of such exposure, and there is no
documentation in the member's health record. The DD Form 2796
contains a general question asking servicemembers if they are
worried about their health because they believe they were
exposed to something in the environment while deployed. Many
servicemembers respond ``no'' if they are not experiencing
health issues. To address underreporting of exposures, the
committee directs the Secretary of Defense to modify DD Form
2796 to ask explicitly whether a servicemember was exposed to
an open burn pit in an operational environment.
Musculoskeletal injury prevention
The committee is aware that musculoskeletal disorders
account for almost 25 percent of all military injuries.
Musculoskeletal injuries among Active-Duty servicemembers
result in over 10 million limited duty days each year and
account for over 70 percent of the medically non-deployable
population. Servicemembers experience anterior cruciate
ligament (ACL) injuries at 10 times the rate of the general
population. Investing in injury prevention education and human
performance programming can greatly reduce the number of
musculoskeletal injuries, resulting in both improved
servicemember health and improved combat force readiness.
The committee encourages the Secretary of Defense, in
coordination with the Army Holistic Health and Fitness Program,
to carry out a program on musculoskeletal injury prevention
research to identify risk factors for musculoskeletal injuries
among members of the Armed Forces and to create a better
understanding for adaptive musculoskeletal and bone formation
during initial entry military training. Additionally, the
committee supports partnerships between the Department of
Defense and institutions of higher education to expand current
injury prevention and human performance education programs.
These partnerships could support on-site medical coverage,
musculoskeletal recovery, and physical performance improvement
capabilities to improve unit readiness.
Rare cancer research and treatment
The Department of Defense has begun to address
environmental exposure risks which may correlate with certain
cancers. The committee remains concerned, however, with
servicemembers' receipt of medical care following a rare cancer
diagnosis. Over 60 cancers may disproportionately impact
servicemembers, and many are rare cancers affecting fewer than
6 per 100,000 Americans annually. Some targeted therapies for
such cancers have been developed, but more work must be done.
Understanding specific molecular drivers for each patient's
cancer and then sharing those data are key to providing the
most effective therapies and to advancing research that will
lead to new treatments. Therefore, the committee directs the
Department to provide a briefing to the Committees on Armed
Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives, not
later than March 1, 2021, that: (1) Describes the specific
types of molecular diagnostic tests that are available to
cancer patients within the military health system; (2) Provides
recommendations on expansion of molecular diagnostic testing
for servicemembers with cancer; and (3) Outlines data-sharing
practices with the Department of Veterans Affairs, the National
Institutes of Health, and the external research community.
Remote health capabilities in the tactical environment
Rapidly evolving telehealth capabilities--hardware with
advanced remote vital signs monitoring, software facilitating
medical records documentation and reach-back consultation in
real time, and cloud storage of documentation--can
significantly improve warfighter survival on the battlefield.
In the critical moments after a combat injury, direct, two-way
physician/combat medic interaction in the tactical environment
at very low bandwidths can bridge communications gaps among
medics, forward surgical hospital teams, and echelon III
medical centers. The Army's Medical Communications for Combat
Casualty Care (MC4) initiative demonstrates how the development
of medical information management and information technology
infrastructure facilitates point-of-injury care for combat
casualties and ultimately saves lives. The committee encourages
the Department of Defense to consider implementation of MC4 as
a joint battlefield medical solution across the military
services.
Status of pilot program to treat post-traumatic stress disorder
resulting from sexual trauma
Section 702 of the John S. McCain National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (Public Law 115-232)
authorized a 3-year pilot program to assess the feasibility and
advisability of using intensive outpatient programs to treat
servicemembers suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder
resulting from sexual trauma. The legislation required the
pilot program to be carried out through partnerships with
public, private, and non-profit health care organizations,
universities, and institutions.
The committee is concerned that, nearly 2 years after the
enactment of this provision, the Department of Defense has not
yet selected civilian partners to participate in this pilot
program. The committee urges the Department to expedite
required policy and TRICARE manual changes needed to reach
agreements with civilian partners to facilitate testing of new
models of care that will be evidence-based and measurable. The
committee further directs the Secretary of Defense to provide
the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of
Representatives with a briefing on the status of this pilot
program not later than July 31, 2020.
Substance abuse prevention
The committee recognizes the ongoing work of the Department
of Defense to reduce substance abuse among servicemembers.
Certain studies from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health
Administration conclude that a large percentage of suicide
victims suffer from depression, substance use disorders, or
both. The committee recognizes the importance of programs that
teach harm reduction techniques and offer confidential
educational information that can help reduce substance use and
potential relapse. Therefore, the committee recommends that the
Department initiate a pilot program to test an evidence-based,
confidential, internet-based substance abuse education, peer
coaching, and case management program.
TBI medical research
The Department of Defense continues to seek methods for
expeditiously evaluating servicemembers for acute traumatic
brain injury (TBI). The committee recognizes that over 320,000
servicemembers were diagnosed with a TBI within the last 15
years and that these injuries are associated with a variety of
long-term effects, including cognitive impairment, psychiatric
disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, and chronic traumatic
encephalopathy. The committee further recognizes that the early
diagnosis of a TBI, while it is still in its acute phase and
especially prior to the display of symptoms, significantly
improves military medical professionals' ability to treat this
injury and to prevent or mitigate those long-term effects. The
committee therefore encourages the Secretary of Defense to
support the basic research required to develop and field acute
TBI diagnostic capabilities as quickly as possible, to include
multi-modal research models focused on medical imaging,
molecular biomarkers, and biophysical sensors, among other
diagnostic capabilities.
Telehealth and virtual health technology implementation
Section 718 of the National Defense Authorization Act for
Fiscal Year 2017 (Public Law 114-328) required the military
health system (MHS) to incorporate telehealth services
throughout its direct and purchased care components. The
Department of Defense's (DOD) slow implementation of telehealth
and virtual health technologies, however, has hindered
transformation of the MHS into a modern healthcare delivery
platform. A rapid expansion of DOD's virtual health
technologies over the last few years would have given
beneficiaries more options to access certain healthcare
services while practicing physical distancing at their homes
during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The committee remains interested in the continued, expanded
use of both telehealth and virtual health technologies
throughout the MHS and recommends an approach that implements
those technologies using a flexible, evolutionary acquisition
process that encourages healthy competition, enables
incremental improvements to provider workflows, improves access
and care for beneficiaries, and potentially lowers overall
costs to the MHS.
Traumatic brain injury treatment
The committee is encouraged by the recent successful
clinical trial involving non-implanted neurostimulation devices
and physical therapy for preventing headaches and improving
balance for patients with mild-to-moderate traumatic brain
injury (mmTBI). The committee supports continuing research into
mmTBI treatments for the hundreds of thousands of
servicemembers diagnosed with this illness. Therefore, the
committee encourages the Department of Defense to pursue
additional clinical trials with non-implanted neurostimulation
devices to treat mmTBI.
TRICARE managed care support contract structure
The committee is aware that the Defense Health Agency (DHA)
has been working to draft requirements for the fifth generation
of TRICARE managed care support contracts, known as ``T-5.''
The DHA held two industry day events in 2019 to conduct market
research and to present T-5 concepts to potential offerors, but
the contracting plans presented by the DHA at each of these
meetings differed drastically. At one event, the DHA presented
the concept of potentially awarding multiple TRICARE contracts
via an indefinite delivery indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract
structure. At a subsequent meeting, the DHA announced that it
had shifted away from the IDIQ and/or multiple region concept
and pivoted back to considering a two-region structure for
TRICARE Prime contracts, similar to that of the existing
TRICARE managed care support contracts.
The current TRICARE contract structure does not support
innovation, beneficiary choice, increased competition, or
market-based management strategies. Continuing the current
contract structure limits the DHA and does not comport with the
reforms directed by this committee. Specifically, maintaining a
two-region structure will neither provide the DHA with options
to swiftly address contractor performance issues or shortfalls
nor will it incentivize contractors to comport with the most
high quality, innovative, and cost-effective industry best
practices to improve quality of care for TRICARE beneficiaries
and to maximize returns on DHA investment. Furthermore, a DHA
choice to continue to limit TRICARE managed care support
contracts to two large regions stifles competition because the
incumbents have a significant advantage. Additionally, very few
private sector health care delivery companies have both the
significant financial resources as well as the relevant past
performance required to compete for such large scale, widely-
scoped contracts.
In defense of maintaining the status quo, the DHA has
informed the committee that there exists a legal barrier to the
DHA's contracting for multiple TRICARE networks, either via an
increased number of smaller regions, by medical markets, or by
means of a multiple award IDIQ contract vehicle. The committee
notes, however, that to date the DHA has been unable to provide
a citation to any such legal barrier. Moreover, an examination
of relevant statutory (chapter 55 of title 10, United States
Code) and regulatory (title 32, Code of Federal Regulations,
part 199) language confirms that no such legal barrier exists.
To the contrary, the statutory and regulatory language
contemplates multiple contracts as well as multiple provider
networks.
The committee believes that shifting the next iteration of
TRICARE managed care support contracts to a multiple region
construct will allow private sector support plans to better
serve beneficiaries by more closely matching local beneficiary
needs with innovative service and care capabilities, improve
integration with military treatment facility leadership, and
facilitate a more agile, cost-effective approach for the
Department. The committee therefore urges the Secretary to
ensure that the contract structure for T-5 departs from the
current two-region design.
The committee directs the Secretary to review the
legislative reforms enacted over the past several years and
report to the committee on how the acquisition strategy for the
next set of TRICARE managed care support contracts incorporates
those reforms in a manner that increases competition and
beneficiary choice. This report should be provided to the
committee prior to the release of any T-5 Request for Proposal.
TITLE VIII--ACQUISITION POLICY, ACQUISITION MANAGEMENT, AND RELATED
MATTERS
Subtitle A--Industrial Base Matters
Policy recommendations for implementation of Executive Order 13806
(Assessing and Strengthening the Manufacturing and Defense
Industrial Base and Supply Chain Resiliency) (sec. 801)
The committee recommends a provision that would require the
Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment to
submit a series of recommendations surrounding United States
industrial policies to the Secretary of Defense, who would
subsequently be required to submit these recommendations to the
President, the Office of Management and Budget, the National
Security Council, the National Economic Council, and the
congressional defense committees.
The committee commends the Department of Defense for its
leadership in implementing the July 21, 2017, Presidential
Executive Order on Assessing and Strengthening the
Manufacturing and Defense Industrial Base and Supply Chain
Resiliency of the United States. The challenges and shortfalls
highlighted in the report authored in response to the executive
order are of such scale that the committee believes that only a
national approach can effectively address these deficits.
Therefore, the committee expects the Department to exercise its
leadership position, analytical capabilities, and policy
expertise in developing recommendations for the industrial
policies that the United States ought to pursue.
Assessment of national security innovation base (sec. 802)
The committee recommends a provision that would require the
Deputy Secretary of Defense to conduct an assessment of how
economic forces and structures are shaping the capacity of the
national security innovation base. The provision would require
the Deputy Secretary to submit an assessment along with any
policy recommendations proceeding from it to the Secretary of
Defense no later than 540 days after the date of the enactment
of this Act and the Secretary of Defense to submit such
assessment and recommendations, no later than 30 days after
receipt, to the President, the Office of Management and Budget,
the National Security Council, the National Economic Council,
and the congressional defense committees.
The committee recognizes the Department of Defense's
substantial efforts to ensure that the industrial base is
innovative, robust, and expansive and remains concerned that
the wider U.S. economy has a significant impact on the
industrial base. The committee believes that ensuring domestic
production and supply of critical national security
technologies and source materials may extend beyond the
activities, industrial policies, and scope of the Department of
Defense and require serious interagency and private sector
cooperation. Developing a strategy to address this issue should
be an inclusive, whole-of-government deliberative process that
involves the Department of Defense, other relevant government
agencies, and relevant stakeholders. The committee also
recognizes that Department of Defense appropriations are
downstream of economic health and Federal budgets. This
provision would therefore allow the Department to identify
critical economic features, propose policies to guarantee that
its development, industrial, and budgetary needs are
recognized, and ensure that broader economic policy decisions
are fully informed.
Improving implementation of policy pertaining to the national
technology and industrial base (sec. 803)
The committee recommends a provision that would require the
Secretary of Defense, in executing the activities required
under sections 2501, 2502, and 2505 of title 10, United States
Code, to also identify critical National Technology and
Industrial Base (NTIB) member country development and
manufacturing activities and capabilities. The provision would
also: modify section 2502 of title 10, United States Code, to
require the establishment of a regulatory council comprised of
the member countries; modify section 2350a of title 10, United
States Code, to allow for the consummation of cooperative
research and development agreements among the NTIB member
countries; and require the Secretary of Defense to establish a
process for considering additional NTIB member countries,
conduct an assessment on certain countries, and report on that
assessment within 540 days of the date of the enactment of this
Act.
Modification of framework for modernizing acquisition processes to
ensure integrity of industrial base (sec. 804)
The committee recommends a provision that would amend
section 2509 of title 10, United States Code, to add references
to matters of existing law, regulation, policy, and associated
activities and that would make a technical change related to
optical transmission components. The committee appreciates the
Department of Defense's continued attention to challenges that
it faces in modernizing acquisition processes to ensure the
integrity of the defense industrial base.
In carrying out the assessment required by section 2509 of
title 10, United States Code, due March 15, 2022, the
Comptroller General of the United States shall incorporate the
following additional objectives: (1) The use by the Defense
Logistics Agency and the Defense Health Agency of contracts for
the purchase of drugs and medical devices; (2) The effect that
increasing domestic manufacturing may have on the price and
quality of drugs and medical devices used by the Department of
Defense; and (3) The opportunities for investment in domestic
advanced manufacturing capabilities for drugs and medical
devices to reduce supply chain dependence risks to members of
the Armed Forces and civilians.
Assessments of industrial base capabilities and capacity (sec. 805)
The committee recommends a provision that would require the
Secretary of Defense to establish a process for assessing
foreign industrial bases, to integrate that process with other
industrial base analysis activities, and to report to the
congressional defense committees on that approach by March 15,
2021.
The Department of Defense's September 2018 report on
Assessing and Strengthening the Manufacturing and Defense
Industrial Base and Supply Chain Resiliency identifies
industrial policies of competitor nations as one of the five
macro forces driving risk into the United States industrial
base, noting ``the erosion of parts of our industrial base[]
is, in part, attributable to the industrial policies of major
trading partners that have created an unfair and non-reciprocal
trade environment.'' The report goes on to cite China's
behavior in particular, to include Chinese economic aggression,
as a contributing factor. The committee remains concerned not
only about the United States' overreliance on China for key
components of national security capabilities but also about how
China's own industrial policy has facilitated this.
The committee notes the respective roles for the Director,
Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA), and the
Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Industrial Policy
outlined in section 2509 of title 10, United States Code, as
