Sponsors (2)
Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to purchase, modify, research, and test software and data needed to develop, deploy, and operate artificial intelligence (AI) systems, and to use any funds already available to the Secretary for those actions. Requires the Secretary to issue or update regulations to govern these purchases and defines key terms like “artificial intelligence system,” “software as a service,” and different data delivery models. The change is procedural and focused on expanding DoD procurement flexibility for AI tools and data, while directing the Department to set rules and oversight for those acquisitions.
Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to procure software as a service or software as a product to support AI systems.
Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to procure data as a service or data as a supply to support AI systems.
Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to modify software to support artificial intelligence systems.
Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to research, develop, test, and evaluate software to support artificial intelligence systems.
Allows the Secretary of Defense to use amounts appropriated or otherwise made available to the Secretary for any purpose to carry out the authorizations in subsection (a).
Primary impacts will be on Department of Defense acquisition and program offices, AI and software vendors, and research/testing personnel. DoD components gain clearer authority and flexibility to buy, modify, and test AI software and the data that support it, which can speed procurement and experimentation. Vendors offering AI services (including SaaS and cloud/data delivery models) may see increased contract opportunities and will need to comply with new DoD regulations and oversight requirements. Internal DoD workload will increase for rulemaking, contract management, testing, and technical evaluation. Research labs and test units may receive expanded access to software and datasets for development and validation. Because the provision uses existing funds, it reallocates internal budget flexibility rather than adding dedicated appropriations; program priorities and existing budgets will determine how much is actually purchased. The legislation also raises implementation and oversight issues: the content and strength of the required regulations will shape risk management (security, safety, interoperability, and privacy) and vendor compliance costs. Broader public impacts (e.g., on civil liberties or operational behavior) will depend on subsequent DoD policies and how acquired AI systems are used in practice.
Last progress June 6, 2025 (8 months ago)
Introduced on June 6, 2025 by Pat Fallon
Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.