Strategy for integration of National Guard physical range capabilities into cyber testing activities

(a) Strategy (1) In general Not later than January 15, 2028, the Secretary of Defense shall, acting through the Director of the Test Resource Management Center and in coordination with the Principal Cyber Advisor to the Secretary of Defense, the executive agent for cyber test ranges, the executive agent for cyber training ranges, and the Chief of the National Guard Bureau, submit to the congressional defense committees a strategy for integrating National Guard physical ranges with cyber-peculiar or cyber-peculiar test and evaluation capabilities into Department of Defense cyber test and evaluation activities, including within the National Cyber Range Complex. (2) Elements The strategy required under paragraph (1) shall include— (A) an assessment of National Guard physical ranges with unique infrastructure relevant to testing cyber capabilities against physical systems; (B) an identification of existing interoperability between such ranges and cyber test and training platforms and any gaps therein; (C) an inventory of skills and subject-matter expertise within National Guard units supporting such ranges relevant to cyber, operational technology, and test and evaluation; (D) an assessment of current utilization of such ranges by the Department of Defense and the military departments for cyber test and evaluation, including frequency, scope, and activity types; (E) a projection of demand for such ranges during the five-year period beginning on the date of the submission of the strategy under paragraph (1); and (F) a programming and budgeting approach for utilization of such ranges, including estimated costs disaggregated by fiscal year for the five-year period covered by the strategy based on the demand projections in subparagraph (E). (b) Evaluation of funding models (1) In general Not later than January 15, 2028, and concurrent with submittal of the strategy under subsection (a), the Secretary of Defense shall, acting through the Director of the Test Resource Management Center and in coordination with the Principal Cyber Advisor to the Secretary of Defense and the Chief of the National Guard Bureau, submit to the congressional defense committees an evaluation of the adequacy of funding models under Volume 11A of the Department of Defense Financial Management Regulation (DoD 7000.14–R) for resourcing National Guard physical ranges with cyber-peculiar capabilities or cyber-peculiar test and evaluation requirements. (2) Elements The evaluation required under paragraph (1) shall include the following: (A) An analysis of the suitability for testing cyber effects on physical systems of the current funding models for such ranges. (B) An identification of barriers within each such model impeding consistent access to and resourcing of such ranges, including impact of fall outside the Major Range and Test Facility Base designation. (C) A determination of whether any funding model in effect is sufficient, as currently structured, to ensure sustained resourcing of such ranges. (D) Recommendations for modifications to the Financial Management Regulation or alternative funding mechanisms not currently available thereunder, including any legislative changes required.