H.R. 6009 — Defense Biotechnology Strategy Act

This section directs the Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Under Secretaries of Defense for Research and Engineering and for Acquisition and Sustainment, to submit to the Senate and House Armed Services Committees, not later than one year after enactment, a strategy on the national security implications of emerging biotechnologies—including biotechnology's future role in defense—and means to improve industry, interagency, and international relationships in the sector. The strategy must include the following elements: (1) development and expansion of a network of commercial facilities for biomanufacturing defense-critical products; (2) review and update of military specifications to incorporate or substitute biotechnology-based products; (3) updated plans and policies for advance market commitments and offtake agreements for biotechnology products with defense applications; (4) incorporation of military-relevant biotechnology applications into wargaming exercises, tabletop exercises, or net assessments; (5) benefits, costs, and implementation of a research grand challenge or series of challenges to make biotechnology predictably engineerable; (6) development of a biotechnology regulation science and technology program, including digital infrastructure for simplified regulation and biometrology tools; (7) updated plans for intergovernmental support to encourage NATO members to aggregate demand and pool purchasing power for biotechnology products; and (8) review of plans and guidance for developing, integrating, and disseminating biotechnology research initiatives across NATO members and coordinating with international stakeholders.