Require a Defense Science Board study on optimal organizational structure for digital solutions.

This bill tells the Defense Department to have the Defense Science Board study how best to organize its teams that build and run digital tools like AI, software, and data systems. The study will look at what exists now, what works, what doesn’t, and options for the future—such as creating a new agency, using an existing one, or reorganizing current offices. It must also examine costs, hiring needs, buying rules, and how to manage AI models and data across the department . The goal is to recommend the most effective setup to deliver digital solutions for military and business needs, and to lay out a clear plan to make any changes, with timelines, risks, and success metrics. A final report is due to the Secretary of Defense by February 1, 2027, and then sent to Congress within 30 days .

If these changes move forward, service members, civilian staff, and contractors could see clearer roles, faster software updates, and better tools for daily work. The study also looks at special hiring and purchasing powers to speed up getting the right talent and technology in place .

• Key points:
  • Who is affected: Defense Department offices that build software and digital tools, and the people who use them across the military .
  • What may change: How these teams are organized (new agency, existing agency, or reorganized offices), how they hire, and how they buy and manage tech, including AI and data platforms .
  • When: Study finishes by February 1, 2027; recommendations go to Congress shortly after .