Pilot program to improve participation by small business concerns in certain Department of Defense contracts

(a) Establishment Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall establish a pilot program to improve participation by small business concerns (as defined under section 3 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 632)) seeking to submit offers for Department of Defense contracts relating to artificial intelligence, software modernization, cybersecurity, quantum technologies, autonomous systems, advanced software development, and related dual-use technologies. (b) Procedures The pilot program established by subsection (a) shall include the following: (1) Alternative acquisition pathways, including commercial solutions openings, simplified proposal requirements, accelerated acquisition timelines, and other streamlined acquisition procedures. (2) Coordination with existing Department of Defense innovation organizations, including the Defense Innovation Unit, AFWERX, NavalX, Army Applications Laboratory, Strategic Capabilities Office, or similar organizations. (c) Report Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this section, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees, the Committee on Small Business of the House of Representatives, and the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship of the Senate a report describing implementation of the pilot program established by subsection (a), including participation outcomes for small business concerns, barriers to submitting contracts described in subsection (a) identified by participants, and recommendations for improving participation of small business concerns in Department of Defense emerging technology acquisition programs.