Consideration of modular construction methods for military construction projects with protective design elements

(a) In general In determining the requirements for a proposed military construction project with protective design elements, the Secretary of Defense shall consider the use of modular construction methods along with other construction methods to determine the most effective method for such military construction project to meet mission needs. (b) Report (1) In general Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report on the use of modular construction methods as described in subsection (a). (2) Elements The report required by paragraph (1) shall include the following: (A) A summary of current policy and guidance of the Department of Defense governing the use of modular construction for military construction projects, including modular construction methodologies with protective design elements. (B) A cost-benefit analysis that— (i) compares modular construction methods to other construction methods for military construction projects; and (ii) describes the effect of modular construction methods on construction timelines and life-cycle costs. (C) An identification of potential use cases for modular construction methods and any limitations or constraints on the use of such methods. (c) Definitions In this section: (1) Modular construction The term modular construction means a construction process in which components of a construction project are prefabricated off-site under controlled conditions and then transported to the site of such project for assembly. (2) Protective design elements The term protective design elements means, with respect to a military construction project, that such project requires use of materials that have been blast hardened or ballistic hardened, or requires incorporation of measures intended to mitigate blast or ballistic threats, including minimum standoff distance requirements, berms, or barriers as identified in the security or antiterrorism design criteria for the project.