Bill on Defense Policy of 2026 Targets Speed and Simplicity of Technological Advancement
The 2026 Defense Policy Bill Proposes Mandatory Time Limits for Technology Authorization
In a bid to accelerate technology modernization efforts for the Defense Department, particularly in cloud computing and digital engineering tools, the House version of the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) proposes to establish mandatory time limits for the authorization process of new cloud-hosted platforms, services, and applications.
However, the exact specific time limits are not disclosed in the available search results. The bill aims to streamline approvals and innovation adoption, but the specific time frames will likely be revealed once the full House committee report or bill text becomes available.
In addition to setting time limits, the House NDAA also requires the Defense Department to launch the Bridging Operational Objectives and Support for Transition (BOOST) program. This program aims to help program managers and acquisition officials incorporate new technologies into programs of record by matching identified technologies with program requirements and serving as an on-ramp to the integration of the needed technology.
The Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) is also receiving new mandates in the House NDAA. The bill calls for the launch of five OnRamp Hubs in Washington, Arizona, Hawaii, Ohio, and Kansas, with three more promised in Kentucky, Minnesota, and Montana. The OnRamp Hubs aim to educate and assist local businesses and universities in working with the Department of Defense, connecting them directly to DOD needs and strengthening the defense industrial base.
The House bill also requires each military department secretary to review digital engineering tools and produce a single standard reference architecture. Meanwhile, the Senate version tasks the Defense Science Board with studying and recommending the most optimal organizational structure within the Office of the Secretary of Defense to support digital solutions engineering.
The ATO Expedited Appeals Board is another mandate given to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth by the House version of the NDAA. Katie Arrington, the department's Chief Information Security Officer, has expressed frustration with the Authorization to Operate (ATO) process, and this board could help address some of those concerns.
The Senate bill focuses on the F-35 and requires the establishment of a plan for an open missions system computing environment, enabling connection to all relevant aircraft apertures. The bill is currently advancing through both the House and Senate.
- The Pentagon is instructed to establish the Bridging Operational Objectives and Support for Transition (BOOST) program for integrating new technologies into existing programs.
- The House Defense Policy Bill proposes launching five OnRamp Hubs to facilitate collaboration between local businesses, universities, and the Defense Department in various states.
- The Defense Department is expected to review digital engineering tools and produce a standard reference architecture according to the House Defense Policy Bill.
- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is given a mandate to form the ATO Expedited Appeals Board to potentially address concerns with the Authorization to Operate (ATO) process.
- The Senate Defense Policy Bill emphasizes the F-35 aircraft, requiring the development of an open missions system computing environment to enable connection to all relevant aircraft apertures.
