Research, development, and implementation of unattended robotic process automation

(a) In general The Secretary of Defense shall carry out activities to support the research, development, implementation, and oversight of unattended robotic process automation within the Department of Defense. Such activities shall include— (1) the allocation of funding for research and development initiatives to enhance the capabilities of unattended robotic process automation in combat, intelligence analysis, and defense infrastructure management; (2) the development and implementation of a framework for expanding unattended robotic process automation technologies across mission-critical operations, logistics, and administrative processes of the Department, with priority given to interoperability, cybersecurity protections, and real-time adaptability of automated systems; (3) the implementation of policies and processes to ensure that any deployment of unattended robotic process automation adheres to existing cybersecurity and defense data protection regulations; and (4) the establishment of a task force to oversee the implementation, effectiveness, and long-term integration of unattended robotic process automation within the Department. (b) Reporting Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the progress of the Secretary in carrying out the activities required under subsection (a). Such report shall include— (1) performance metrics for such activities; (2) an analysis of the cost-effectiveness of such activities; and (3) an assessment of the potential risks associated with the expansion of unattended robotic process automation within the Department of Defense.