University-based secure innovation incubator program of Department of Defense

(a) Establishment The Secretary of Defense shall establish a program to develop, operate, and maintain incubator programs for secure facilities and networks at select universities across the United States— (1) to accelerate the development and transition of innovative technologies to meet national security needs; (2) to increase the availability of secure facilities and networks for classified work at university locations; (3) to foster collaboration between academic researchers, private sector entities, and Department of Defense personnel; (4) to expand the pool of security-cleared technical talent available to support defense organizations and personnel in critical defense technology areas; and (5) to create regional innovation hubs that strengthen the national security innovation base. (b) Program elements The program established pursuant to subsection (a) shall include the following elements: (1) Facility requirements Each university-based secure facility and network shall— (A) meet all physical, technical, and personnel security requirements for handling classified information up to the Top Secret or Sensitive Compartmented Information level; (B) be designed to accommodate diverse use cases, including secure meetings, classified research, and technology development activities; (C) include collaborative workspaces appropriate for innovation activities; and (D) leverage modern design principles to maximize utilization and effectiveness. (2) University selection criteria The Secretary shall select universities based on— (A) the absence of a fully functional secure facility and network on the university campus; (B) demonstrated commitment to national security-relevant research and development; (C) existing relationships with the Department of Defense; (D) technical capabilities relevant to defense innovation priorities; (E) geographic distribution to ensure nationwide access; and (F) capacity to support the administrative and security requirements of operating a secure facility and network. (3) Access to facilities and networks (A) Access model The Secretary shall establish a flexible subscription-based system for access to the university-based secure facilities and networks, with— (i) tiered access levels calibrated to different user needs and security requirements; (ii) pricing structures that may vary based on organizational size, usage patterns, and security clearance-processing needs; and (iii) priority access for Department components and entities working on projects sponsored by the Department. (B) Access protocols and security clearance requirements (i) In general Access to classified information and secure facilities within the program established pursuant to subsection (a) shall be strictly controlled and granted consistent with Executive Order 12968 (50 U.S.C. 3161 note; relating to access to classified information). (ii) Authorized users Authorized users of classified information and secure facilities within the program established pursuant to subsection (a) may include— (I) university faculty, staff, and students; (II) private sector entities, particularly small businesses and startups, that are participating in specific defense innovation programs; (III) personnel and contractors of the Department of Defense; and (IV) personnel from other Federal agencies engaged in work related to national security. (c) Implementation (1) Pilot program In carrying out the program required by subsection (a), the Secretary shall— (A) not later than 540 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, establish an initial pilot program with not fewer than three university partners; (B) ensure that at least one of the locations for the pilot program established pursuant to subparagraph (A) is at a university located within 100 miles of the geographic center of the United States; (C) evaluate the effectiveness of the pilot program established pursuant to subparagraph (A) based on metrics, including utilization rates, project outcomes, and participant feedback; and (D) not more than 900 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, submit to the congressional defense committees a report on— (i) the findings of the Secretary with respect to the pilot program established pursuant to subparagraph (A); and (ii) such recommendations as the Secretary may have for expanding the pilot program. (2) Program expansion Subject to successful evaluation of the pilot program established pursuant to paragraph (1)(A), the Secretary shall, not later than four years after the date of the enactment of this Act, expand the program required by subsection (a) to not fewer than 10 universities. (d) Cost-sharing The Secretary may enter into cost-sharing agreements or other appropriate agreements with universities participating in the program established pursuant to subsection (a), other Federal departments and agencies, State and local governments, Tribal governments, and private sector partners to support the establishment and operation of the secure facilities and networks under the program. (e) Annual report (1) In general Each year, the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees an annual report on the program established pursuant to subsection (a). (2) Contents Each report submitted pursuant to paragraph (1) shall cover the following: (A) Current locations and expansion plans. (B) Utilization metrics and user demographics. (C) Financial information, including fees collected and program costs. (D) Measurable outcomes from activities conducted within the secure facilities and networks included in the program. (E) Recommendations for legislative or administrative action relating to the program. (f) Program and report expiration The program authorized under subsection (a) and the annual report requirement under subsection (e) shall terminate 10 years after the date of the enactment of this Act.