Catalyst Pathfinder Program

(a) Establishment Not later than January 1, 2027, the Secretary of the Army shall establish a program that— (1) creates partnerships between operational units of the Army and research universities to provide a platform for university-based researchers and small businesses to collaborate directly with soldiers on innovative applied research and development; and (2) integrates soldiers into the problem identification process and early-stage development efforts to ensure technical solutions are meeting soldier needs and enhancing lethality. (b) Activities In carrying out the program, the Secretary shall— (1) establish activities at select divisions of the Army to accelerate the incorporation of soldier insights into capability development; (2) establish policies that streamline collaboration between soldiers, Army Transformation and Training Command, research universities, and small businesses; (3) establish a governance board that includes representatives from the research, development, test, and evaluation, acquisition, requirements, and research university communities; and (4) promote transition of successful program projects to Army programs. (c) Inclusion in future-years defense program The program shall be treated as a research, development, test, and evaluation activity in the Army’s input to the future-years defense program submitted to Congress under section 221 of title 10, United States Code.