Sec. 1251. Comparative analyses and reports on efforts by the United States and the People’s Republic of China to advance critical modernization technology with respect to military applications
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Not later than 270 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering, in coordination with the Director of the Office of Net Assessment, shall develop procedures by which comparative analyses, including the assessments under paragraph (2), shall be conducted. The procedures developed under subparagraph (A)— shall include processes— by which senior officials of the Department of Defense may request that such comparative analyses be conducted with respect to a specific technology, sector, or system of interest; by which teams of technical, industrial, policy, intelligence, and operational experts consisting of personnel of the Department and private sector organizations may be established for the purpose of conducting such comparative analyses; to ensure adequate funding to support the conduct of such comparative analyses; and by which classified and unclassified information, including necessary data, records, and technical information, may be shared with Department personnel for the purpose of carrying out such comparative analyses; and may include the development of quantitative and qualitative metrics for use in, and new intelligence collection requirements to support, such comparative analyses.
The Under Secretary, in coordination with the Director of the Office of Net Assessment, shall conduct a comparative analysis assessment of the efforts of the United States Government and the Government of the People’s Republic of China to develop and deploy critical modernization technology with respect to military applications in each of the following areas of critical modernization technology: Directed energy systems. Hypersonics. Emerging biotechnologies. Quantum science. Cyberspace capabilities.
Each comparative analysis assessment under subparagraph
(A)shall include an evaluation of each of the following: With respect to the applicable area of critical modernization technology described in subparagraph (A), research and development activities carried out in the United States and the People's Republic of China by governmental entities and nongovernmental entities. The ability of research programs carried out by the United States Government and the Government of the People's Republic of China to achieve the goals of— transitioning emerging technologies into acquisition efforts and operational use; and incorporating emerging technologies into military applications. Operational effectiveness and suitability of current or planned defense systems of the United States and the People's Republic of China, including relevant operational concepts relating to the application and operationalization of critical modernization technologies. The ability of defense systems of the United States and the People's Republic of China to counter relevant threat capabilities. Not later than March 15, 2022, the Under Secretary shall submit a report and provide a briefing to the congressional defense committees on efforts to develop the procedures required by subsection (a)(1). Not later than December 31, 2023, the Under Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the results of the comparative analysis assessments conducted under clauses
(i)and
(ii)of subsection (a)(2)(A). Not later than December 31, 2024, the Under Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the results of the comparative analysis assessments conducted under clauses (iii), (iv), and
(v)of subsection (a)(2)(A). The reports required by subparagraphs
(A)and
(B)shall include the following for each such comparative analysis assessment: The results of the evaluation of each element described in subsection (a)(2)(B). An analysis of significant research and development programs and activities outside the United States or the People’s Republic of China designed to advance the applicable area of critical modernization technology described in subsection (a)(2)(A), and a discussion of such programs and activities. With respect to each such area of critical modernization technology, an identification of any area in which the degree of uncertainty due to an insufficient knowledge base is such that an analysis of whether the United States or the People’s Republic of China has an advantage would be inconclusive. A description of the limitations, constraints, and challenges encountered in carrying out the comparative analysis assessment. A description of any other research and development efforts or elements the Under Secretary considers appropriate for purposes of the comparative analysis assessment. Recommendations with respect to additional activities by the Department necessary to address the findings of the comparative analysis assessment. The reports required by subparagraphs
(A)and
(B)shall be submitted in unclassified form but may contain a classified annex. The Under Secretary may enter into an agreement with a federally funded research and development corporation under which such corporation may— carry out any part of a comparative analysis assessment required by subsection (a); or prepare the reports required by subsection (b)(2). If the Under Secretary enters into an agreement under paragraph (1), the Under Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report that— identifies the federally funded research and development corporation concerned; and describes the scope of work under the agreement.