H.R. 4435 (113^th): Howard P. “Buck” McKeon National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015

A detailed timeline for the modernization of the entire fleet of UH–60A aircraft of the Army National Guard.

The number of UH–60L, UH–60L Digital, and UH–60M aircraft that the Army National Guard will possess upon completion of such modernization plan.

The cost, by year, associated with such modernization plan.

In general

Subject to section 2306b of title 10, United States Code, the Secretary of the Navy may enter into one or more multiyear contracts for a period of not more than five years, beginning with the fiscal year 2015 program year, for the procurement of Tomahawk block IV missiles.

Submission of written certification by Secretary of Defense

For purposes of carrying out subsection (i)(1) of such section 2306b with respect to a contract entered into under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall substitute the date that is 45 days before the date on which the Secretary enters into a contract under section 121 of the Howard P. ‘Buck’ McKeon National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015 for March 1 of the year in which the Secretary requests legislative authority to enter into such contract.

the Commander has submitted to the congressional defense committees the transition plan under subsection (b)(2);

the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics has submitted to such committees the certification under subsection (c)(1); and

the Secretary of the Navy has completed the review under subsection (d)(1).

In general

The Commander shall develop a transition plan for undersea mobility capabilities that includes the following:

Submission

The Commander shall submit to the congressional defense committees the transition plan under paragraph (1).

In general

Except as provided by paragraph (2), the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics shall certify an acquisition strategy for covered elements developed by the Commander if such strategy—

Waiver

The Secretary of Defense may waive the certification requirement in paragraph (1) if the Secretary—

review the transition plan under subsection (b)(1) and the acquisition strategy described in subsection (c)(1); and

ensure that the development of requirements for the Navy and the acquisition plans of the Navy take into account such transition plan and acquisition strategy.

The term covered element means any of the following elements of the undersea mobility acquisition program of the United States Special Operations Command:

The term Milestone B approval has the meaning given that term in section 2366(e) of title 10, United States Code.

take any action to cancel or modify the avionics modernization program of record for C–130 aircraft; or

initiate an alternative communication, navigation, surveillance, and air traffic management program for C–130 aircraft that is designed or intended to replace the avionics modernization program described in paragraph (1).

Study

The Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct a study evaluating the platforms of the Air Force used, as of the date of the study, to conduct close air support missions.

Report

Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the study under paragraph (1), including—

The extent to which the F–35 aircraft acquisition program is meeting cost, schedule, and performance goals.

The progress and results of developmental and operational testing.

The progress of the procurement and manufacturing of F–35 aircraft.

An assessment of any plans or efforts of the Secretary of Defense to improve the efficiency of the procurement and manufacturing of F–35 aircraft.

The Department of Defense has begun its process of permanently stationing the F–35 at installations in the Continental United States (in this section referred to as CONUS) and forward-basing Outside the Continental United States (in this section referred to as OCONUS).

The Secretary of the Air Force is assessing operating bases for the F–35A to support Pacific Air Forces, which includes two United States candidate bases in Alaska and three foreign OCONUS candidate bases.

are capable of hosting fighter-based bilateral and multilateral training opportunities with international partners;

have sufficient airspace and range capabilities and capacity to meet the training requirements;

have existing facilities to support personnel, operations, and logistics associated with the flying mission;

have limited encroachment that would adversely impact training or operations; and

minimize the overall construction and operational costs.

In general

Not later than March 1, 2015, the Secretary of the Army shall submit to the congressional defense committee a report on the armored multi-purpose vehicle program.

Matters included

The report under paragraph (1) shall include the following:

certifies that a review of the requirements for air vehicle segments of the unmanned carrier-launched surveillance and strike system is complete; and

includes the results of such review.

a detailed plan regarding using such funds for such purpose during fiscal year 2015; and

a strategic plan for the funding of advanced airborne reconnaissance technologies supporting manned and unmanned systems.

the congressional defense committees; and

the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence of the House of Representatives and the Select Committee on Intelligence of the Senate.

place the last remaining satellite of the defense meteorological satellite program on the launch manifest for the evolved expendable launch vehicle program; and

establish an additional launch, for acquisition during fiscal year 2015, under the evolved expendable launch vehicle program using full and open competition among certified providers.

How the Secretary will launch and use existing assets of the defense meteorological satellite program.

How the Secretary will use other sources of data, such as civil, commercial satellite weather data, and international partnerships, to meet such requirements.

An explanation of the relevant costs and schedule.

The requirements of the weather satellite follow-on system.

the completion of the ongoing analysis of alternatives for such program of record; and

a period of 60 days has elapsed following the date on which the Secretary of the Air Force and the Commander of the United States Strategic Command jointly provide to the appropriate congressional committees a briefing on the findings and recommendations of the Secretary and Commander under such analysis of alternatives, including the cost evaluation of the Director of Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation.

The congressional defense committees.

The Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence of the House of Representatives.

The Select Committee on Intelligence of the Senate.

the completion of the ongoing analysis of alternatives for such program of record; and

a period of 60 days has elapsed following the date on which the Secretary of the Air Force and the Commander of the United States Strategic Command jointly provide to the congressional defense committees a briefing on the findings and recommendations of the Secretary and Commander under such analysis of alternatives, including the cost evaluation of the Director of Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation.

in paragraph (3), by adding and after the semicolon;

in paragraph (4)—

by striking paragraph (5).

The total costs associated with the procurement of non-lead alternatives for small arms, broken down by type.

The total costs associated with the qualification of non-lead alternatives for small arms, broken down by type.

An assessment of the extent to which non-lead variants of ammunition exist for small arms, and to the extent such variants exist, the extent to which such variants meet service requirements and specifications.

The date on which the cost of the biofuel is equal to the cost of conventional fuels purchased by the Department.

The date on which the Budget Control Act of 2011 (Public Law 112–25), and the sequestration in effect by reason of such Act, are no longer in effect.

in limited quantities necessary to complete test and certification; or

for the biofuel research and development efforts of the Department.

in accordance with the Arms Export Control Act and other relevant export control laws of the United States;

in accordance with section 516(c)(2) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2321j);

in direct support of training activities—

Each nation for which logistic support was provided under the pilot program.

For each such nation, a description of the type and value of logistic support, and the excess defense article or articles conveyed.

The term logistics support means—

The term excess defense article has the meaning given such term in section 516(c)(2) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2321j).

A list of enduring mission requirements, equipping, training, sustainment, and other operation and maintenance activities of the military departments, combat support agencies, and Department of Defense that are funded through amounts authorized to be appropriated for overseas contingency operations.

The amounts appropriated for fiscal year 2014 for the activities described in paragraph (1).

The amounts provided in the budget for fiscal year 2015 submitted to Congress by the President under section 1105(a) of title 31, United States Code.

A three-year plan to migrate the requirements and activities on the list described in paragraph (1) to be funded other than through amounts authorized to be appropriated for overseas contingency operations.

Reduction in contracts for Other Services, including—

Reductions in contracts for facility sustainment, restoration, and modernization, including—

Reductions in civilian personnel, including—

Reductions in unobligated balances of prior-year funding, including—

Any other information that the Under Secretary determines is relevant to enhancing the committees’ understanding of the impacts of the required reductions in funding.

Transfer and redesignation

Section 2336 of title 10, United States Code, is transferred to chapter 159 of such title, inserted after section 2678, and redesignated as section 2679.

Revised section heading

The heading of such section, as so transferred and redesignated, is amended to read as follows:

in subsection (a)—

by adding at the end of subsection (e) the following new paragraph:

The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 137 of such title is amended by striking the item relating to section 2336.

The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 159 of such title is amended by inserting after the item relating to section 2678 the following new item:

Reliable access to military training ranges is an essential component of military readiness.

The training opportunities provided by military training ranges are critical to maintaining the technical and operational superiority of the Armed Forces.

The 2014 Quadrennial Defense Review states that the operational readiness of the Armed Forces hinges on unimpeded access to land, air, and sea training and test space.

The 2014 Quadrennial Defense Review states that United States forces in the Asia-Pacific region will resume regular bilateral and multilateral training exercises, pursue increased training opportunities to improve capabilities and capacity of partner nations, as well as support humanitarian, disaster relief, counterterrorism, and other operations that contribute to the stability of the region.

A number of critical military training ranges, including the Pohakuloa Training Center in Hawaii, are located within the United States Pacific Command area of responsibility providing units from all the military services, as well as allied and partner militaries with realistic joint and combined arms training opportunities.

Due to the tyranny of distance in the Asia-Pacific region, there are significant challenges in transporting equipment and personnel to the various military training ranges within the United States Pacific Command area of responsibility.

The Department of Defense continues a number of efforts aimed at preserving military training ranges, while also minimizing the environmental effects of training activities.

The Department of Defense has a variety of authorities that may be used to mitigate encroachment on military testing and training missions.

ensure that members of the Armed Forces continue to have reliable access to military training ranges;

optimize the use of multilateral, joint training facilities overseas in order to increase readiness and interoperability with allies and partners of the United States;

utilize a full range of assets, including both air- and sea-based assets, including inactive Joint High Speed Vessels, to improve accessibility to military training areas within the United States Pacific Command area of responsibility;

provide stable budget authority for long-term investments in range and test center infrastructure to lower the cost of access to the ranges and training centers;

take appropriate action to identify and leverage existing authorities and programs, as well as work with State and municipalities to leverage their authorities, to mitigate encroachment or other challenges that have the potential to impact future access or operations on military training ranges;

maximize the use of the United States Pacific Command training ranges, including Pohakuloa Training Center in Hawaii, by the military departments and increase the use of such training ranges for bilateral and multilateral exercises with regional allies and partners; and

take appropriate action to leverage existing authorities and programs, as well as work with local governments to leverage their authorities, to address any challenges that have the potential to impede future access to or operations on military training ranges.

The Army National Guard of the United States, 350,200.

The Army Reserve, 202,000.

The Navy Reserve, 57,300.

The Marine Corps Reserve, 39,200.

The Air National Guard of the United States, 105,000.

The Air Force Reserve, 67,100.

The Coast Guard Reserve, 7,000.

the total authorized strength of units organized to serve as units of the Selected Reserve of such component which are on active duty (other than for training) at the end of the fiscal year; and

the total number of individual members not in units organized to serve as units of the Selected Reserve of such component who are on active duty (other than for training or for unsatisfactory participation in training) without their consent at the end of the fiscal year.

National guard

Within the limitation provided in section 10217(c)(2) of title 10, United States Code, the number of non-dual status technicians employed by the National Guard as of September 30, 2015, may not exceed the following:

Army reserve

The number of non-dual status technicians employed by the Army Reserve as of September 30, 2015, may not exceed 595.

Air force reserve

The number of non-dual status technicians employed by the Air Force Reserve as of September 30, 2015, may not exceed 90.

Joint officer management

Section 667 of title 10, United States Code, is repealed.

Promotion policy objectives for joint officers

Section 662 of such title is amended—

in subsection (a), by striking the sum of (1) and all that follows through the period at end of the subsection and inserting the following:

in subsection (b), by striking Not more than 300 enlisted members and inserting Not more than the lesser of 300 enlisted members or the number of enlisted members determined for a fiscal year under subsection (a).

by striking A reserve officer of and inserting (A) A reserve officer of the Army, Navy, Air Force, or Marine Corps described in subparagraph (B) who is required to be removed from the reserve active-status list under section 14504 of this title, or a reserve officer of;

by striking of this title may, subject to the needs of the service and to section 14509 of this title, and inserting of this title, may;

by adding at the end the following new subparagraphs:

by redesignating subsection (b) as subsection (c); and

by inserting after subsection (a) the following new subsection (b):

in subparagraph (A), by striking selected by the Secretary of the Army and inserting recommended by the Chief of the National Guard Bureau, in consultation with the Secretary of the Army,; and

in subparagraph (B), by striking selected by the Secretary of the Air Force and inserting recommended by the Chief of the National Guard Bureau, in consultation with the Secretary of the Air Force,.

in subparagraph (A), by striking The President and inserting Consistent with paragraph (1), the President;

in subparagraph (B), by striking the Secretary of the military department concerned and inserting the Chief of the National Guard Bureau as provided in paragraph (1);

by striking subparagraph (D); and

by redesignating subparagraph (E) as subparagraph (D).

In general

Chapter 1 of title 32, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section:

Clerical amendment

The table of sections at the beginning of such chapter is amended by adding at the end the following new item:

by inserting duty as specified in section 116(b) of this title or may perform after subsection (a) may perform; and

by inserting (A) and (B) after specified in section 502(f)(2).

A timeframe of when stationing of the Cyber Protection Teams will be finalized.

A timeframe of activation of the Cyber Protection Teams and whether the teams will be activated at the same time or staggered over time.

A description of what manning and basing requirements have been established.

The number and location of nominations received for a Cyber Protection Team and the activation date estimate provided in each nomination.

An assessment of the range of stated cost projections included in the nominations.

An assessment of any identified patterns regarding ease or difficulty of staffing individuals with required credentials within particular regions.

Any additional information deemed relevant by the Chief of the National Guard Bureau.

In general

Chapter 79 of title 10, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section:

Clerical amendment

The table of sections at the beginning of such chapter is amended by adding at the end the following new item:

Notice of denial; procedures for judicial review

Subsection (g) of section 1034 of such title is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:

Secretary of defense review; notice of denial

Subsection (h) of such section is amended—

Sole basis for judicial review

Such section is further amended—

by redesignating subsection (f) as subsection (h); and

by inserting after subsection (e) the following new subsections (f) and (g):

In general

The amendments made by this section shall take effect 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, and shall apply to all final decisions of the Secretary of Defense under section 1034(h) of title 10, United States Code, and of the Secretary of a military department and the Secretary of Homeland Security under sections 1034(g), 1552, or 1554a of such title rendered on or after such date.

Treatment of existing cases

This section and the amendments made by this section do not affect the authority of any court to exercise jurisdiction over any case that was properly before the court before the effective date specified in paragraph (1).

by redesignating subsections (c), (d), and (e), as subsections (d), (e), and (f), respectively; and

by inserting after subsection (b) the following new subsection (c):

in paragraph (1), by striking and 2017 and inserting , 2017, and 2019; and

in paragraph (2), by striking March 1, 2019 and inserting March 1, 2020.

to each officer candidate during initial training;

to each recruit during basic training; and

to other members of the Armed Forces at such times as the Secretary of Defense considers appropriate.

by inserting (a) before There; and

by adding at the end the following new subsection:

by inserting (a) before There; and

by adding at the end the following new subsection:

conduct a preliminary review of the effectiveness of current programs and controls of the Department of Defense and the military departments regarding professionalism; and

submit, not later than September 1, 2015, to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives recommendations to strengthen professionalism programs in the Department of Defense.

Validation; purpose

The Secretary of Defense shall direct the Secretary of each military department to validate the gender-neutral occupational standards used by the Armed Forces under the jurisdiction of that Secretary for the purpose of ensuring that the standards—

Role of independent research entity

To comply with paragraph (1), the Secretaries of the military departments shall work with an independent research entity identified by the Secretaries.

determining what metrics the Marine Corps used to develop the research requirements and elements for the Marine Corps Expanded Entry-Level Training Research;

indicating what is being evaluated during these research studies, along with how long both research studies will last; and

identifying how data gathered during the research studies will be used to open infantry and other closed occupations.

Review required

The Comptroller General of United States shall conduct a review of Services’ Outreach and Recruitment Efforts gauged toward women representation in the officer corps.

Elements of Review

In conducting the review under this subsection, the Comptroller General shall—

Submission of results

Not later than April 1, 2015, the Comptroller General shall submit to Congress a report containing the results of the review under this subsection.

Revision required

Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall issue a revised instruction to replace Department of Defense Instruction 1300.17.

Purpose

The revision of Department of Defense Instruction 1300.17 shall address the Congressional intent and content of section 533 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013 (Public Law 112–239; 126 Stat. 1727; 10 U.S.C. prec. 1030 note), as amended by section 532 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014 (Public Law 113–66; 127 Stat. 759), to ensure that verbal and written expressions of an individual’s religious beliefs are protected by the Department of Defense as an essential part of a the free exercise of religion by a member of the Armed Forces.

Revision required

Not later than 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Air Force shall issue a revised instruction to replace Air Force Instruction 1–1.

Purpose

The revision of Air Force Instruction 1–1 shall reflect the protections for religious expressions contained in—

Termination

If, before the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Air Force issues a revised instruction to replace Air Force Instruction 1–1 and such revision is consistent with the purpose specified in paragraph (2), the requirement imposed by paragraph (1) shall no longer apply.

by redesignating subsection (g) as subsection (h); and

by inserting after subsection (f) the following new subsection (g):

Review for certain former members with PTSD or TBI

Subsection (d)(1) of section 1553 of such title is amended by striking physician, clinical psychologist, or psychiatrist the second place it appears and inserting clinical psychologist or psychiatrist, or a physician with training on mental health issues connected with post traumatic stress disorder or traumatic brain injury (as applicable).

Review for certain former members with mental health diagnoses

Such section is further amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:

In general

Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the National Institute of Mental Health of the National Institutes of Health shall submit to Congress and the Secretary of Defense a report on preliminary mental health assessments of members of the Armed Forces.

Matters included

The report under paragraph (1) shall include the following:

Coordination

The National Institute of Mental Health shall carry out paragraph (1) in coordination with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the surgeons general of the military departments, and other relevant experts.

the impact of the use of mental health records by the defense during the preliminary hearing conducted under section 832 of title 10, United States Code (article 32 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice), and during court-martial proceedings; and

the use of mental health records in civilian criminal legal proceedings in order to identify any significant discrepancies between the two legal systems.

by redesignating paragraphs (6), (7), (8), and (9) as paragraphs (7), (8), (9), and (10), respectively; and

by inserting after paragraph (5) the following new paragraph (6):

Article 84 effecting unlawful enlistment, appointment, separation.

Article 85 desertion.

Article 86 absent without leave.

Article 87 missing movement.

Article 88 contempt towards officials.

Article 89 disrespect toward superior commissioned officer.

Article 90 assaulting, willfully disobeying superior commissioned officer.

Article 91 insubordinate conduct toward warrant, noncommissioned, petty officer.

Article 92 failure to obey order or regulation.

Article 93 cruelty and maltreatment of subordinates.

Article 94 mutiny and sedition.

Article 95 resisting apprehension, flight, breach of arrest, escape.

Article 96 releasing a prisoner without proper authority.

Article 97 unlawful detention.

Article 98 noncompliance with procedural rules.

Article 99 misbehavior before enemy.

Article 100 subordinate compelling surrender.

Article 101 improper use of countersign.

Article 102 forcing safeguard.

Article 103 captured, abandoned property.

Article 104 aiding the enemy.

Article 105 misconduct as prisoner.

Article 106a espionage.

Article 107 false official statements.

Article 108 loss, damage, destruction, disposition of military property.

Article 109 loss, damage, destruction, disposition of property other than military property of the United States.

Article 110 improper hazarding of vessel.

Article 111 drunk or reckless operation of vehicle, aircraft, or vessel.

Article 112 wrongful use, possession, manufacture or introduction of controlled substance.

Article 113 misbehavior of sentinel or lookout.

Article 114 dueling.

Article 115 malingering.

Article 116 riot.

Article 117 provoking, speech, gestures.

Article 133 conduct unbecoming an officer.

Article 134 general article of the Uniform Code of Military Justice.

Attempts, conspiracy, or solicitation to commit such offenses.

the psychological and physical aspects of the individual’s experience in connection with the sex-related offense; and

what bearing such experience may have had on the circumstances surrounding the individual's discharge or separation from the Armed Forces.

Rape or sexual assault under subsection (a) or (b) of section 920 of title 10, United States Code (article 120 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice).

Forcible sodomy under section 925 of title 10, United States Code (article 125 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice).

An attempt to commit an offense specified in paragraph (1) or (2) as punishable under section 880 of title 10, United States Code (article 80 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice).

the suicide prevention policy developed pursuant to section 582 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013 (Public Law 112–239. 10 U.S.C. 1071 note); and

the suicide prevention and resilience program for the National Guard and Reserves established pursuant to section 10219 of title 10, United States Code.

the Secretary of Defense shall develop the policy required by subsection (a) in consultation with the Chief of the National Guard Bureau; and

the adjutants general of the States, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the District of Columbia, Guam, and the Virgin Islands shall implement the policy within 180 days after the date of the submission of the policy under subsection (b).

Members of the Armed Forces and their families make enormous sacrifices in defense of the United States.

Military spouses face a unique lifestyle marked by frequent moves, increased family responsibility during deployments, and limited career opportunities in certain geographic locations.

These circumstances present significant challenges to military spouses who desire to build a portable career commensurate with their skills, including education and experience.

According to a recent Department of Defense survey, the unemployment rate for civilians married to a military member is 25 percent, but the unemployment rate is 33 percent for spouses of junior enlisted members. The same survey revealed that 85 percent of military spouses want or need to work.

A recent Military Officers Association of American (MOAA)/Institute for Veterans and Military Families’ (IVMF) Military Spouse Employment Report revealed that an overwhelming ninety percent of female military spouses are underemployed.

The Department of Defense has demonstrated its commitment to helping military spouses obtain employment by creating the Military Spouse Employment Partnership (MSEP), the Military Spouse Career Center, and the Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts (MyCAA). More than 61,000 military spouses have been hired as part of the Military Spouse Employment Partnership (MSEP) since the MSEP launch in June 2011.

the Secretary of Defense should continue to work to reduce the unemployment and underemployment of spouses of members of the Armed Forces (in this section referred to as military spouses) and support closing the wage gap between military spouses and their civilian counterparts;

in this process, the Secretary should prioritize efforts that assist military spouses in pursuing portable careers that match their skill set, including education and experience; and

in evaluating the effectiveness of military spouse employment programs, the Secretary should collect information that provides a comprehensive assessment of the program, including whether program goals are being achieved.

Data collection required

In addition to monitoring the number of military spouses who obtain employment through military spouse employment programs, the Secretary of Defense shall collect data to evaluate the effectiveness of military spouse employment programs in addressing the underemployment of military spouses and in closing the wage gap between military spouses and their civilian counterparts. Information collected shall include whether positions obtained by military spouses through military spouse employment programs match their education and experience.

Report required

Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report evaluating the progress of military spouse employment programs in reducing military spouse unemployment, reducing the wage gap between military spouses and their civilian counterparts, and addressing the underemployment of military spouses.

assisting such members in obtaining post-service employment; and

reducing the amount of Unemployment Compensation for Ex-Servicemembers that the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of the Department in which the Coast Guard is operating pays into the Unemployment Trust Fund.

Program described

The Secretary of Defense shall execute a program to evaluate the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of utilizing the services of civilian employment staffing agencies to assist eligible members of the Armed Forces in obtaining post-service employment.

Program management

The program required by this subsection shall be managed by an civilian organization (in this section referred to as the program manager) whose principal members have experience—

Exclusion

The program manager may not be a staffing agency.

program monitoring standards; and

reporting requirements, including the hourly wage for each eligible member of the Armed Forces obtaining employment under the program, the numbers of hours worked during the month, and the number of members who remained employed with the same employer after completing the first 800 hours of employment.

Report Required

Not later than January 15, 2019, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report describing the results of the program, particularly whether the program achieved the purposes specified in subsection (a).

Comparison with other programs

The report shall include a comparison of the results of the program conducted under this section and the results of other employment assistant programs utilized by the Department of Defense. The comparison shall include the number of members of the Armed Forces obtaining employment through each program and the cost to the Department per member.

Appropriate congressional committees defined

In this section, the term appropriate congressional committees means the congressional defense committees, the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives, and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate.

Report Required

Not later than March 1, 2019, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report describing the results of the pilot program. The Secretary shall prepare the report in coordination with the Chief of the National Guard Bureau.

Elements of Report

A report under paragraph (1) shall include the following:

In general

The authority to carry out the pilot program expires September 30, 2018.

Extension

Upon the expiration of the authority under paragraph (1), the Secretary of Defense may extend the pilot program for not more than two additional fiscal years.

evaluation of the potential savings in costs resulting from requiring all service members to wait a period of 1 year after training described in subsection (a) before becoming eligible for the Army’s tuition assistance program;

evaluation of the impact that the 1-year waiting period described in subsection (a) will have on recruitment for the National Guard; and

explanation of the extent to which the qualities of the National Guard, including the role of college students and college-bound students in the National Guard, were considered before reaching the decision to require all service members to wait a period of 1 year before becoming eligible for the Army’s tuition assistance program.

in paragraph (1), by inserting , and of the domestic dependent elementary and secondary school system established under section 2164 of title 10, United States Code, after of the defense dependents’ education system; and

in paragraph (2), by inserting and in the domestic dependent elementary and secondary school system before the comma at the end.

by inserting and the domestic dependent elementary and secondary schools established under section 2164 of title 10, United States Code after the defense dependents’ education system; and

by inserting either before such system.

Award

Retroactive effective date and application

Review of the November 5, 2009, attack at Fort Hood, Texas

If the Secretary concerned determines, after a review under subsection (a)(2)(B) regarding the attack that occurred at Fort Hood, Texas, on November 5, 2009, that the death or wounding of any member of the Armed Forces in that attack qualified as a death or wounding resulting from an attack inspired or motivated by a foreign terrorist organization as described in section 1129a of title 10, United States Code (as added by subsection (a)), the Secretary of Defense shall make a determination as to whether the death or wounding of any civilian employee of the Department of Defense or civilian contractor in the same attack meets the eligibility criteria for the award of the Secretary of Defense Medal for the Defense of Freedom.

Award

If the Secretary of Defense determines under paragraph (1) that the death or wounding of any civilian employee of the Department of Defense or civilian contractor in the attack that occurred at Fort Hood, Texas, on November 5, 2009, meets the eligibility criteria for the award of the Secretary of Defense Medal for the Defense of Freedom, the Secretary shall take appropriate action to award the Secretary of Defense Medal for the Defense of Freedom to the employee or contractor.

Current Armed Forces and United States Special Operations Command policy guidelines on the prevention of suicide among members of United States Special Operations Forces and their dependents.

Current and direct Armed Forces and United States Special Operations Command suicide prevention programs and activities for members of United States Special Operations Forces and their dependents, including programs provided by the Defense Health Program and the Office of Suicide Prevention and programs supporting family members.

Current Armed Forces and United States Special Operations Command strategies to reduce suicides among members of United States Special Operations Forces and their dependents, including the cost of such strategies across the future years defense program.

Current Armed Forces and United States Special Operations Command standards of care for suicide prevention among members of United States Special Operations Forces and their dependents, including training standards for behavioral health care providers to ensure that such providers receive training on clinical best practices and evidence-based treatments as information on such practices and treatments becomes available.

The integration of mental health screenings and suicide risk and prevention efforts for members of United States Special Operations Forces and their dependents into the delivery of primary care for such members and dependents.

The standards for responding to attempted or completed suicides among members of United States Special Operations Forces and their dependents, including guidance and training to assist commanders in addressing incidents of attempted or completed suicide within their units.

The standards regarding data collection for individual members of United States Special Operations Forces and their dependents, including related factors such as domestic violence and child abuse.

The means to ensure the protection of privacy of members of United States Special Operations Forces and their dependents who seek or receive treatment related to suicide prevention.

The need to differentiate members of United States Special Operations Forces and their dependents from members of conventional forces and their dependents in the development and delivery of the Department of Defense suicide prevention program.

Such other matters as the Secretary of Defense considers appropriate in connection with the prevention of suicide among members of United States Special Operations Forces and their dependents.

to identify all members of the Armed Forces who, since January 1, 2002, were separated from the Armed Forces after making an unrestricted report of sexual assault;

to determine the circumstances of and grounds for each such separation, including—

if an identified member was separated on the grounds of having a personality or adjustment disorder, to determine whether the separation was carried out in compliance with Department of Defense Instruction 1332.14 and any other applicable Department of Defense regulations, directives, and policies.

The appropriate Federal role and responsibility in the management of the records of National Guard members.

The extent to which selected States have digitized the records of National Guard members.

The extent to which those States and Federal agencies have entered into agreements to share the digitized records.

The extent to which Federal agencies face any constraints in their ability to effectively manage National Guard records.

identify those elements of defense doctrine, if any, that should be revised to address attention to women and gender;

evaluate the need for a gender advisor training program, including the length of training, proposed curriculum, and location of training;

determine how to best equip military leadership to integrate attention to women and gender across all lines of effort;

determine the extent to which personnel qualified to advise on women and gender are available within the Department of Defense, including development of a billet description for gender advisors; and

evaluate where to assign gender advisors within operational commands from the strategic to tactical levels, with particular attention paid to assigning advisors to combatant commanders and service chiefs.

Report required

Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to the designated congressional committees a report on the policies to prevent hazing, and systems initiated to track incidents of hazing, in each of the Armed Forces, including reserve components, officer candidate schools, military service academies, military academy preparatory schools, and basic training and professional schools for enlisted members.

Elements

The report required by paragraph (1) shall include the following:

Designated congressional committees defined

In this subsection, the term designated congressional committees means—

Reports required

Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, each Secretary of a military department, in consultation with the Chief of Staff of each Armed Force under the jurisdiction of such Secretary, shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report containing an update to the hazing reports required by section 534 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013 (Public Law 112–239; 126 Stat. 1726).

Elements

Each report on an Armed Force required by paragraph (1) shall include the following:

The mental, behavioral, and psychological health of the United States Special Operations Force, the United States Special Operations Command’s Preservation of the Force and Families Program’s focus on physical development to address the mental, behavioral, and psychological health of the United States Special Operations Force, including measurements of effectiveness on reducing suicide and other mental, behavioral and psychological risks, and increasing resiliency of the United States Special Operations Forces.

The United States Special Operations Command’s Human Performance Program, including measurements of effectiveness on reducing risk and increasing resiliency of United States Special Operations Forces.

Such other matters as the Director of the National Institute of Mental Health considers appropriate.

In general

The Working Group shall carry out a pilot program that will co-locate the services and personnel of the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs to create an integrated model that continues the improvement of the Integrated Disability Evaluation System process through—

Duration

The pilot program under paragraph (1) shall be carried for a period not exceeding three years.

The period beginning on the date on which an eligible member begins to participate in the pilot program and ending on the date on which the Secretary of Veterans Affairs determines the disability rating of the member is not more than 295 days.

Employees of the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs who carry out the pilot program are co-located in the same facility, to the extent practicable, to determine the efficiencies provided by locating services of the Departments in the same location.

The elimination of redundant forms by creating and using a standardized electronic form set with respect to information that the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs both require for an eligible member participating in the pilot program.

The establishment of an information technology bridging solution between the existing E-benefits program and the MYIDES dashboard to ensure that both such programs contain the information that is added to the claim of an eligible member participating in the pilot program.

Using the solution established under paragraph (4), eligible members participating in the pilot program are able to use the existing identification number of the member used by the Department of Defense to—

Using the solution established under paragraph (4), the Working Group and the Secretaries may—

Eligible members who participate in the pilot program have the opportunity to use an exit survey (approved by the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs) that informs the Working Group of the satisfaction of the member with respect to the pilot program.

the member is referred to the Integrated Disability Evaluation System beginning on or after the date of the commencement of the pilot program by the specific medical authority of a military department; and

the evaluation of the member under the Integrated Disability Evaluation System is processed at the disability rating activity site in Providence, Rhode Island.

establish the pilot program under subsection (b);

establish standards for the products, software, personnel, approved standardized electronic form set described in subsection (c)(3), and other matters required to carry out the pilot program; and

identify the security required for the information systems of the pilot program.

Assignment

The Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall assign employees of both Departments to the location specified in subsection (f) during the period in which the pilot program is carried out.

Prioritization

As determined appropriate by the Department of Veterans Affairs-Department of Defense Joint Executive Committee, employees of the Veterans Benefits Administration who rate claims for disability may be assigned to the pilot program under subsection (b) in a sufficient number to ensure that claims for disability that are approved are processed—

Quarterly reports

During each 90-day period during the period in which the Working Group carries out the pilot program under subsection (b), the Working Group shall submit to the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and the Department of Veterans Affairs-Department of Defense Joint Executive Committee a report on the status of the pilot program. The report shall include—

Submission of quarterly reports

Not later than 30 days after the date on which the Working Group submits a report under paragraph (1), the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall jointly submit to the appropriate congressional committees such report.

Final report

Not later than 180 days after the date on which the pilot program under subsection (b) is completed, the Working Group shall submit to the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and the Department of Veterans Affairs-Department of Defense Joint Executive Committee a report on the pilot program, including an analysis of the pilot program and any recommendations regarding whether the pilot program should be expanded.

Submission of final report

Not later than 30 days after the date on which the Working Group submits the report under paragraph (3), the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall jointly submit to the appropriate congressional committees such report.

Number and appointment

The Working Group shall be composed of 15 members appointed by the Department of Veterans Affairs-Department of Defense Joint Executive Committee from among individuals who have subject matter expertise or other relevant experience in government, the private sector, or academia regarding—

Disqualification

An individual may not be appointed to the Working Group if the individual has served on the Department of Veterans Affairs-Department of Defense Joint Executive Committee or any working group thereof.

Employees of Departments

Not more than a total of four individuals who are employed by either the Department of Defense or the Department of Veterans Affairs may be appointed to the Working Group to ensure that the efficiencies and best practices of the pilot program do not violate the policies of the Departments. Such an individual who is appointed may not serve as chairman of the Working Group or serve in any other supervisory or leadership role.

Advisors

The Working Group shall seek advice from experts from nongovernmental organizations (including veterans service organizations, survivors of members of the Armed Forces or veterans, and military organizations), the Internet technology industry, private sector hospital administrators, and other entities the Working Group determines appropriate.

Chairman

Except as provided by paragraph (3), the Department of Veterans Affairs-Department of Defense Joint Executive Committee shall designate a member of the Working Group to serve as chairman of the Working Group.

Period of Appointment

Members of the Working Group shall be appointed for the life of the Working Group. A vacancy shall not affect its powers.

Vacancy

A vacancy on the Working Group shall be filled in the manner in which the original appointment was made.

Appointment deadline

The appointment of members of the Working Group established in this section shall be made not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act.

Compensation of Members

Each member of the Working Group who is not an officer or employee of the United States shall be compensated at a rate equal to the daily equivalent of the annual rate of basic pay prescribed for level IV of the Executive Schedule under section 5315 of title 5, United States Code, for each day (including travel time) during which the member is engaged in the performance of the duties of the Working Group. All members of the Working Group who are officers or employees of the United States shall serve without compensation in addition to that received for their services as officers or employees of the United States.

Initial meeting

The Working Group shall hold its first meeting not later than 15 days after the date on which a majority of the members are appointed.

Minimum number of meetings

The Working Group shall meet not less than twice each year regarding the pilot program under subsection (b), including the progress, status, implementation, and execution of the pilot program.

The term appropriate congressional committees means the following:

The term Integrated Disability Evaluation System means the disability evaluation system used jointly by the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.

The United States is a country of great honor and integrity.

The United States has made a sacred promise to members of the Armed Forces deployed overseas in defense of the United States that their sacrifice and service will never be forgotten.

The United States can never thank the proud members of the Armed Forces enough for their sacrifice and service on behalf of the United States.

abandoning the search efforts for members of the Armed Forces who are missing or captured in the line of duty now or in the future is unacceptable;

the United States has a responsibility to keep the promises made to members of the Armed Forces deployed overseas in defense of the United States, including the promise of the United States Soldier’s Creed and the Warrior Ethos, which state that I will never leave a fallen comrade; and

while the United States continues to transition leadership roles in combat operations in Afghanistan to the people of Afghanistan, the United States must continue to fulfill these important promises to any member of the Armed Forces who is in a missing status or captured as a result of service in Afghanistan now or in the future.

by inserting before If a cemetery the following:

by striking his jurisdiction and inserting the jurisdiction of the Secretary concerned; and

by inserting before With respect to the following:

Department of Defense Form DD 214.

A personal email address.

A personal telephone number.

A mailing address.

Commencing August 26, 1946, though late February 1947 the United States Navy Antarctic Developments Program Task Force 68, codenamed Operation Highjump initiated and undertook the largest ever-to-this-date exploration of the Antarctic continent.

The primary mission of the Task Force 68 organized by Rear Admiral Richard E. Byrd Jr. USN, (Ret) and led by Rear Admiral Richard H. Cruzen, USN, was to do the following:

While on a hazardous duty/all volunteer mission vital to the interests of National Security and while over the eastern Antarctica coastline known as the Phantom Coast, the PBM–5 Martin Mariner Flying Boat George 1 entered a whiteout over Thurston Island. As the pilot attempted to climb, the aircraft grazed the glacier’s ridgeline and exploded within 5 seconds instantly killing Ensign Maxwell Lopez, Navigator and Wendell Bud Hendersin, Aviation Machinists Mate 1st Class while Frederick Williams, Aviation Radioman 1st Class died several hours later. Six other crewmen survived including the Captain of the George 1’s seaplane tender U.S.S. Pine Island.

The bodies of the dead were protected from the desecration of Antarctic scavenging birds (Skuas) by the surviving crew wrapping the bodies and temporarily burying the men under the starboard wing engine nacelle.

Rescue requirements of the George 1 survivors forced the abandonment of their crewmates’ bodies.

Conditions prior to the departure of Task Force 68 precluded a return to the area to the recover the bodies.

For nearly 60 years Navy promised the families that they would recover the men: If the safety, logistical, and operational prerequisites allow a mission in the future, every effort will be made to bring our sailors home..

The Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command twice offered to recover the bodies of this crew for Navy.

A 2004 NASA ground penetrating radar overflight commissioned by Navy relocated the crash site three miles from its crash position.

The Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command offered to underwrite the cost of an aerial ground penetrating radar (GPR) survey of the crash site area by NASA.

The Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command studied the recovery with the recognized recovery authorities and national scientists and determined that the recovery is only medium risk.

National Science Foundation and scientists from the University of Texas, Austin, regularly visit the island.

The crash site is classified as a perishable site, meaning a glacier that will calve into the Bellingshausen Sea.

The National Science Foundation maintains a presence in area of the Pine Island Glacier.

The National Science Foundation Director of Polar Operations will assist and provide assets for the recovery upon the request of Congress.

The United States Coast Guard is presently pursuing the recovery of 3 WWII air crewmen from similar circumstances in Greenland.

On Memorial Day, May 25, 2009, President Barack Obama declared: * * * the support of our veterans is a sacred trust * * * we need to serve them as they have served us * * * that means bringing home all our POWs and MIAs * * *.

The policies and laws of the United States of America require that our armed service personnel be repatriated.

The fullest possible accounting of United States fallen military personnel means repatriating living American POWs and MIAs, accounting for, identifying, and recovering the remains of military personnel who were killed in the line of duty, or providing convincing evidence as to why such a repatriation, accounting, identification, or recovery is not possible.

It is the responsibility of the Federal Government to return to the United States for proper burial and respect all members of the Armed Forces killed in the line of duty who lie in lost graves.

reaffirms its support for the recovery and return to the United States, the remains and bodies of all members of the Armed Forces killed in the line of duty, and for the efforts by the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command to recover the remains of members of the Armed Forces from all wars, conflicts and missions;

recognizes the courage and sacrifice of all members of the Armed Forces who participated in Operation Highjump and all missions vital to the national security of the United States of America;

acknowledges the dedicated research and efforts by the US Geological Survey, the National Science Foundation, the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command, the Fallen American Veterans Foundation and all persons and organizations to identify, locate, and advocate for, from their temporary Antarctic grave, the recovery of the well-preserved frozen bodies of Ensign Maxwell Lopez, Naval Aviator, Frederick Williams, Aviation Machinist’s Mate 1ST Class, Wendell Hendersin, Aviation Radioman 1ST Class of the George 1 explosion and crash; and

encourages the Department of Defense to review the facts, research and to pursue new efforts to undertake all feasible efforts to recover, identify, and return the well-preserved frozen bodies of the George 1 crew from Antarctica’s Thurston Island.

The Second Amendment to the United States Constitution provides that the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.

Approximately 40,000 servicemen and women across all branches of the Armed Forces either live in or are stationed on active duty within the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area. Unless these individuals are granted a waiver as serving in a law enforcement role, they are subject to the District of Columbia’s onerous and highly restrictive laws on the possession of firearms.

Military personnel, despite being extensively trained in the proper and safe use of firearms, are therefore deprived by the laws of the District of Columbia of handguns, rifles, and shotguns that are commonly kept by law-abiding persons throughout the United States for sporting use and for lawful defense of their persons, homes, businesses, and families.

The District of Columbia has one of the highest per capita murder rates in the Nation, which may be attributed in part to previous local laws prohibiting possession of firearms by law-abiding persons who would have otherwise been able to defend themselves and their loved ones in their own homes and businesses.

The Gun Control Act of 1968 (as amended by the Firearms Owners’ Protection Act) and the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act provide comprehensive Federal regulations applicable in the District of Columbia as elsewhere. In addition, existing District of Columbia criminal laws punish possession and illegal use of firearms by violent criminals and felons. Consequently, there is no need for local laws that only affect and disarm law-abiding citizens.

On June 26, 2008, the Supreme Court of the United States in the case of District of Columbia v. Heller held that the Second Amendment protects an individual’s right to possess a firearm for traditionally lawful purposes, and thus ruled that the District of Columbia’s handgun ban and requirements that rifles and shotguns in the home be kept unloaded and disassembled or outfitted with a trigger lock to be unconstitutional.

On July 16, 2008, the District of Columbia enacted the Firearms Control Emergency Amendment Act of 2008 (D.C. Act 17–422; 55 DCR 8237), which places onerous restrictions on the ability of law-abiding citizens from possessing firearms, thus violating the spirit by which the Supreme Court of the United States ruled in District of Columbia v. Heller.

On February 26, 2009, the United States Senate adopted an amendment on a bipartisan vote of 62–36 by Senator John Ensign to S. 160, the District of Columbia House Voting Rights Act of 2009, which would fully restore Second Amendment rights to the citizens of the District of Columbia.

Section 2130a(a)(1), relating to nurse officer candidate accession program.

Section 16302(d), relating to repayment of education loans for certain health professionals who serve in the Selected Reserve.

Section 302c–1(f), relating to accession and retention bonuses for psychologists.

Section 302d(a)(1), relating to accession bonus for registered nurses.

Section 302e(a)(1), relating to incentive special pay for nurse anesthetists.

Section 302g(e), relating to special pay for Selected Reserve health professionals in critically short wartime specialties.

Section 302h(a)(1), relating to accession bonus for dental officers.

Section 302j(a), relating to accession bonus for pharmacy officers.

Section 302k(f), relating to accession bonus for medical officers in critically short wartime specialties.

Section 302l(g), relating to accession bonus for dental specialist officers in critically short wartime specialties.

by redesignating subsection (f) as subsection (g); and

by inserting after subsection (e) the following new subsection (f):

using variable pricing in commissary stores to reduce the expenditure of appropriated funds to operate the defense commissary system;

implementing a program to make available more private label products in commissary stores;

converting the defense commissary system to a nonappropriated fund instrumentality; and

eliminating or at least reducing second-destination funding.

The impact of changes to the operation of the defense commissary system on commissary patrons, in particular junior enlisted members and junior officers and their dependents, that would result from displacing current value and name-brand products with private-label products.

The sensitivity of commissary patrons to pricing changes.

The feasibility of generating net revenue from pricing and stock assortment changes.

The relationship of higher prices and reduced patron savings to patron usage and accompanying sales, both on a national and regional basis.

The impact of changes to the operation of the defense commissary system on industry support; such as vendor stocking, promotions, discounts, and merchandising activities and programs.

The ability of the current commissary management and information technology systems to accommodate changes to the existing pricing and management structure.

The product category management systems and expertise of the Defense Commissary Agency.

The impact of changes to the operation of the defense commissary system on military exchanges and other morale, welfare, and recreation programs for members of the Armed Forces.

The identification of management and legislative changes that would be required in connection with changes to the defense commissary system.

An estimate of the time required to implement recommended changes to the current pricing and management model of the defense commissary system.

The value that members of the Armed Forces place on the following forms of compensation relative to one another:

How the members value different levels of pay or benefits, including the impact of co-payments or deductibles on the value of benefits.

Any other issues related to military pay and benefits as the Secretary of Defense considers appropriate.

How information collected pursuant to a previous paragraph varies by age, rank, dependent status, and such other factors as the Secretary of Defense considers appropriate.

in subsection (a)(1)—

in subsection (c)(1)(A)—

In general

Section 1100 of title 10, United States Code, is amended—

Increase and offset

In General

The Secretary of Defense may not restructure or realign a military medical treatment facility until a 120-day period has elapsed following the date on which the Comptroller General of the United States is required to submit to the congressional defense committees the report under subsection (b)(3).

Report

The Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report that includes the following:

Review

The Comptroller General of the United States shall review the report under subsection (a)(2).

Elements

The review under paragraph (1) shall include the following:

Report

Not later than 180 days after the date on which the Secretary submits the report under subsection (a)(2), the Comptroller General shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the review under paragraph (1).

in paragraph (1), by striking Deputy Director of the TRICARE Management Activity and inserting Deputy Director of the Defense Health Agency; and

in paragraph (2), by striking Deputy Director of the TRICARE Management Activity both places it appears and inserting Deputy Director of the Defense Health Agency.

In general

The Secretary of Defense shall develop and carry out an acquisition strategy with respect to entering into contracts for the services of health care professional staff at military medical treatment facilities.

Elements

The acquisition strategy under paragraph (1) shall include the following:

Patients who participate in the pilot program are patients who—

Medication therapy management services provided under the pilot program are focused on improving patient use and outcomes of prescription medications.

The design of the pilot considers best commercial practices in providing medication therapy management services, including practices under the prescription drug program under part D of title XVIII of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395w–101 et seq.).

The pilot program includes methods to measure the effect of medication therapy management services on—

Selection

The Secretary shall carry out the pilot program under subsection (a) in not less than three locations.

First location criteria

Not less than one location selected under paragraph (1) shall meet the following criteria:

Second location criteria

Not less than one location selected under paragraph (1) shall meet the following criteria:

Third location criterion

Not less than one location selected under paragraph (1) shall be a pharmacy located at a location other than a military medical treatment facility.

information on the effect of medication therapy management services on—

the recommendations of the Secretary with respect to incorporating medication therapy management into the TRICARE program; and

such other information as the Secretary determines appropriate.

The term medication therapy management means professional services provided by qualified pharmacists to patients to improve the effective use and outcomes of prescription medications provided to the patients.

The term TRICARE program has the meaning given that term in section 1072 of title 10, United States Code.

by redesignating subsections (b) and (c) as subsections (c) and (d), respectively; and

by inserting after subsection (a) the following new subsection (b):

The programs, policies, and regulations that affect the transition of care, particularly with respect to individuals who are taking or have been prescribed antidepressants, stimulants, antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, anxiolytic, depressants, or hallucinogens.

Upon transitioning to care furnished by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, the extent to which the pharmaceutical treatment plan of an individual changes, and the factors determining such changes.

The extent to which the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs have worked together to identify and apply best pharmaceutical treatment practices.

A description of the off-formulary waiver process of the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and the extent to which the process is applied efficiently at the treatment level.

The benefits and challenges of combining the formularies across the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Any other issues that the Comptroller General determines appropriate.

Increase

Notwithstanding the amounts set forth in the funding tables in division D, the amount authorized to be appropriated in section 1405 for the Defense Health Program, as specified in the corresponding funding table in section 4501, is hereby increased by $20,000,000.

Offset

Notwithstanding the amounts set forth in the funding tables in division D—

In general

Not less than once each year, the Secretary concerned (as defined in section 101(a)(9) of title 10, United States Code) shall contract with a third party unaffiliated with the Department of Veterans Affairs or the Department of Defense to conduct an evaluation of the mental health care and suicide prevention programs carried out under the laws administered by such Secretary.

Elements

Each evaluation conducted under paragraph (1) shall—

An assessment of treatment options available at military medical treatment facilities throughout the military health system.

An identification of factors that might disrupt treatment, including availability of options, lack of timely access to treatment, change in duty station, or overseas deployments.

The number of members of the Armed Forces who have used specific treatment options, including in vitro fertilization.

The number of dependents of members who have used specific treatment options, including in vitro fertilization.

An identification of non-Department of Defense treatment options for infertility that could benefit members and the dependents of members.

Any other matters the Secretary determines appropriate.

Traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder are the signature injuries of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Post-traumatic stress disorder is prevalent throughout the regular component of the Armed Forces.

For example, with respect to Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, which has a base population of 41,753 active duty personnel, including 38,020 marines and 3,533 sailors—

hyperbaric oxygen therapy is a medical treatment that can be used to treat active duty members of the Armed Forces for traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder if—

the Secretary of Defense should increase awareness among members of the Armed Forces, including military medical doctors, of hyperbaric oxygen therapy to treat traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder.

in subsection (a), by inserting and the contract is in an amount of $1,000,000 or greater after appropriate for use;

by striking the second sentence of subsection (d) and inserting the following: The maximum number specified in the solicitation shall not exceed 5 unless the head of the agency approves the contracting officer’s justification with respect to the solicitation that a number greater than 5 is in the Federal Government’s interest. The contracting officer shall provide written documentation of how a maximum number exceeding 5 is consistent with the purposes and objectives of the two-phase selection procedures.; and

by adding at the end the following new subsection:

in subsection (a), by inserting and the contract is in an amount of $1,000,000 or greater after appropriate for use;

by striking the second sentence of subsection (d) and inserting the following: The maximum number specified in the solicitation shall not exceed 5 unless the head of the agency approves the contracting officer’s justification with respect to an individual solicitation that a number greater than 5 is in the Federal Government’s interest. The contracting officer shall provide written documentation of how a maximum number exceeding 5 is consistent with the purposes and objectives of the two-phase selection procedures.; and

by adding at the end the following new subsection:

in paragraph (1), by striking paragraph (3) and inserting paragraph (4);

by redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph (4), and in that paragraph by striking $5,000,000 and inserting $100,000,000; and

by inserting after paragraph (2) the following new paragraph (3):

Amendments

Subsection (d) of section 834 of such Act is amended—

Repeal of suspension of subsection (d)

Section 402 of Public Law 101–574 (15 U.S.C. 637 note) is repealed.

In general

Paragraph (1) of section 834(f) of such Act is amended by striking March 1, 1994, and March 1, 2012 and inserting September 30, 2015.

Correction of reference to committee

Such paragraph is further amended by striking Committees and all that follows through the end of such paragraph and inserting the following: Committees on Armed Services and on Small Business of the House of Representatives and the Committees on Armed Services and on Small Business and Entrepreneurship of the Senate.

Covered small business concern

Subsection (g) of section 834 of such Act is amended to read as follows:

Conforming amendment

Subsection (a)(1) of section 834 of such Act is amended by striking small business concerns and small business concerns owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals and inserting covered small business concerns.

by amending paragraph (2) to read as follows:

by adding at the end the following:

by striking subsection (h); and

in subsection (l)(2), by striking means and all that follows through the period at the end and inserting the following: has the meaning given that term under section 3(q) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 632(q))..

by redesignating section 47 as section 48; and

by inserting after section 46 the following:

by adding at the end the following:

in the table of contents for such chapter, by adding at the end the following:

Study

The Comptroller General of the United States shall carry out a study on the following:

Report

Not later than the end of the 3-year period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall issue a report to the Committee on the Judiciary of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Homeland Security and Government Affairs of the Senate containing all findings and determinations made in carrying out the study required under subsection (a).

Definitions

For purposes of this section:

in clause (i), by striking 23 percent and inserting 25 percent; and

by adding at the end the following new clause:

the effectiveness of contracting for warfighting mission areas, such as nuclear command and control, space situational awareness, or integrated threat warning, with effectiveness determined by the ability to consistently access domain experts and respond to emerging requirements in a timely manner; and

the efficiency of contracting for the warfighting mission area, with efficiency measured by the amount of time to get new task orders on contract.