Consideration of modular construction methods for military construction projects with protective design elements

(a) In general In determining the requirements for a proposed military construction project with protective design elements, the Secretary of Defense shall consider the use of modular construction methods along with other construction methods to determine the most effective method for such military construction project to meet mission needs. (b) Report Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and Senate a report on the use of modular construction methods as described in subsection (a). Such report shall include the following: (1) A summary of current Department of Defense policy and guidance governing the use of modular construction for military construction projects with protective design elements. (2) An assessment of the cost effectiveness, construction timelines, performance characteristics, and life-cycle costs of modular construction methods compared to other construction methods for military construction projects. (3) Identification of the types of military construction projects for which modular construction methods are the most appropriate or advantageous, and any limitations or constraints on the use of such methods. (4) Any recommendations to promote appropriate consideration of modular construction methods for military construction projects where such methods offer cost, schedule, or operational benefits. (c) Definitions In this section: (1) The term modular construction means a construction process in which components of a military construction project are prefabricated off-site under controlled conditions and then transported to the site of such project for assembly. (2) The term protective design elements means, with respect to a military construction project, that such project requires use of materials that have been blast hardened or ballistic hardened.