Report on barriers for small and medium-sized businesses competing for classified contracts

(a) In general 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 barriers to entry for small and medium-sized businesses seeking to compete for classified contracts with the Department of Defense. (b) Matters to be included Such report shall include the following: (1) An examination of any barriers that impede the ability of such businesses to obtain and maintain the security clearances and access to networks necessary to compete for classified contracts that require such clearances. (2) An examination of any other barriers that impede the ability of such businesses that are qualified and have subject-matter expertise to compete for classified contracts with the Department of Defense. (3) Recommendations for how to lower such barriers to entry and better allow such businesses to compete for such contracts.