Sec. 244. Biotechnology supply chain resiliency program
730 words·~3 min read·
/bill/119/s/1071/eah/section-244A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.
The Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Secretaries of the military departments and the heads of relevant Defense Agencies, may establish and implement a program (referred to in this section as the Program ) to develop and scale within the laboratories of the military departments, and transition from the laboratories of the military departments, biotechnology-based technologies and capabilities (including products such as chemicals, materials, and fuels) that are relevant to the mission of the Department of Defense and support the resilience, sustainability, and responsiveness of the defense supply chain.
Under the Program, the Secretary of Defense may carry out the following activities: Conduct an assessment of supply chain vulnerabilities in the Department of Defense. Direct the laboratories of the military departments to establish mechanisms to collaboratively— conduct applied research, including experimentation, advanced technological development, advanced component development, and rapid prototyping in bioindustrials, biomanufacturing, and related disciplines to support defense missions; develop, prototype, test, and transition biologically derived materials and products to reduce reliance on foreign supply chains and vulnerable supply chains; upgrade, expand, or construct physical and digital infrastructure, including laboratory facilities, of the Department and its partners to support bioindustrial research, development, testing, prototyping, and production; as needed, enter into contracts, cooperative agreements, grants, or other transactions with relevant Federal entities and non-Federal entities, such as commercial entities, research institutions, and academic organizations, to execute the activities under this subparagraph (B); and support education, training, and workforce development initiatives to build and sustain a skilled bioindustrial and biomanufacturing workforce.
Collaborate across the military departments, Defense Agencies, and other Federal entities to ensure alignment with national bioindustrial and supply chain strategies. Promote the development and utilization of next-generation feedstocks and processes in ways that support local economic growth. Modernize infrastructure through investment in facilities that enable rapid prototyping and advanced materials testing. Establish performance metrics and benchmarks to measure progress toward operational integration and transition to programs of record.
In the event the Secretary of Defense carries out the Program, the Secretary shall— prioritize technologies and capabilities that address critical defense supply chain vulnerabilities and enhance military readiness, including technologies and capabilities necessary to— reduce logistics through field-enabled manufacturing of materials and deployable infrastructure components; enhance performance through development of novel materials; or improve cost efficiency of manufacturing and reduce dependency on foreign supply chains; consult with representatives of industry, academia, and other Federal agencies with relevant expertise, to accelerate development and transitions; and ensure the Program supports the development and fielding of emerging technologies such as biotechnologies that provide operational and strategic advantages to the Armed Forces, including through— cross-service and public-private partnerships; and applied research, pilot-scale production, and technology transition efforts focused on biomanufacturing and materials innovation.
Not later than one year after commencing the Program, and biennially thereafter until the Program terminates under subsection (c), the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report detailing all activities carried out under the program. Each report shall include, to the extent applicable, the following: A summary of key research, development, and prototyping efforts initiated or continued during the year or years covered by the report, including technical objectives, anticipated defense applications, and funding.
A list of significant partnerships or agreements executed with industry, academic institutions, and other Federal agencies, including the purpose, national security nexus, and funding level of each such partnership or agreement. An assessment of infrastructure enhancements undertaken to support bioindustrial development and scale-up, including facility modernization and equipment acquisition. An evaluation of program performance against established milestones or metrics, including progress toward the transition of technologies to operational use or acquisition programs.
An identification of major technical, logistical, or policy challenges encountered, and actions taken to mitigate such challenges. Each report under this subsection shall be submitted in unclassified form but may contain a classified annex. Except as provided in paragraph (2), the authority to carry out the Program shall terminate on the date that is 10 years after the date of the enactment of this Act. The Program may be continued after the termination date specified in paragraph
(1)if, before such date, the President— determines that continuation of the Program is necessary to meet national economic or national security needs; and submits notice of such determination to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives.