Sec. 1257. INDEPENDENT ASSESSMENT OF THE ABILITY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE TO COUNTER ANTI-ACCESS AND AREA-DENIAL STRATEGIES, CAPABILITIES, AND OTHER KEY TECHNOLOGIES OF POTENTIAL ADVERSARIES

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## SEC. 1257 INDEPENDENT ASSESSMENT OF THE ABILITY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE TO COUNTER ANTI-ACCESS AND AREA-DENIAL STRATEGIES, CAPABILITIES, AND OTHER KEY TECHNOLOGIES OF POTENTIAL ADVERSARIES ###

(a)Assessment Required ####

(1)In general The Secretary of Defense shall enter into an agreement with an independent entity to conduct an assessment of the ability of the Department of Defense to counter anti-access and area-denial strategies, capabilities, and other key technologies of potential adversaries. ####

(2)Matters to be included The assessment required under paragraph

(1)shall include the following: #####

(A)An assessment of anti-access and area-denial strategies, capabilities, and other key technologies of potential adversaries during each of the fiscal year periods described in paragraph

(3)that would represent a significant challenge to deployed forces and systems of the United States military, including an assessment of the extent to which such strategies, capabilities, and other key technologies could affect United States military operations. #####

(B)An assessment of gaps and deficiencies in the ability of the Department of Defense to address anti-access and area-denial strategies, capabilities, and other key technologies described in subparagraph (A), including an assessment of the adequacy of current strategies, programs, and investments of the Department of Defense. #####

(C)Recommendations for adjustments in United States policy and strategy, force posture, investments in capabilities, systems and technologies, and changes in business and management processes, or other novel approaches to address gaps and deficiencies described in subparagraph (B), or to restore, maintain, or expand United States military technological advantages, particularly in those areas in which potential adversaries are closing gaps or have achieved technological superiority with respect to the United States. #####

(D)Any other matters the independent entity determines to be appropriate. ####

(3)Fiscal year periods described The fiscal year periods described in this paragraph are the following: #####

(A)Fiscal years 2015 through 2019. #####

(B)Fiscal years 2020 through 2030. #####

(C)Fiscal years 2031 and thereafter. ###

(b)Report Required ####

(1)In general Not later than March 1, 2016, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report that includes the assessment required under subsection

(a)and any other matters the Secretary determines to be appropriate. ####

(2)Form The report required under paragraph

(1)shall be submitted in unclassified form, but may contain a classified annex if necessary. ###

(c)Department of Defense Support The Secretary of Defense shall provide the independent entity described in subsection

(a)with timely access to appropriate information, data, resources, and analysis so that the entity may conduct a thorough and independent assessment as required under subsection (a).