Us Congress Senate Bill SB1463

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/4/23
• Refer: 5/4/23

Caption

A bill to establish a defense industrial base advanced capabilities pilot program.

Impact

Upon enactment, SB1463 will create structured pathways for collaboration between the Department of Defense and the private sector, focusing on small and nontraditional defense businesses. This collaboration aims to streamline processes for the development and deployment of advanced defense capabilities while ensuring that the defense supply chain remains robust against external pressures. Notably, the legislation emphasizes investment in domestic capabilities, potentially reshaping how defense contracts and partnerships are established.

Summary

SB1463 seeks to establish a Defense Industrial Base Advanced Capabilities Pilot Program aimed at enhancing national security through improved production capabilities. This initiative will involve a public-private partnership framework where the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment will partner with private entities to foster innovation and investment in domestic defense industries. The primary goals include bolstering the defense industrial base, strengthening supply chain resilience, and leveraging private equity to boost domestic manufacturing capacity.

Contention

There may be points of contention regarding the criteria for eligible partners and the extent of foreign influence in the defense sector. The bill stipulates that participating entities must be independent and free from foreign oversight, which could raise questions about the definition of independence and the capacity for small businesses to meet these standards. Additionally, stakeholders might debate the effectiveness of pilot partnerships and how to balance innovation with the secure handling of classified information.