§1.Defense Science Board study on optimal organizational structure for digital engineering solutions
This section directs the Defense Science Board to conduct a study evaluating the optimal organizational structure within the Office of the Secretary of Defense to support digital solutions engineering (i.e., development, deployment, and sustainment of artificial intelligence systems, software applications, data engineering solutions, data analytics platforms, and other digital technologies) across the Office of the Secretary of Defense and the military departments. The study must (1) assess existing organizational structures and organizations, including service-based software delivery organizations, statutory responsibilities, data platforms, effectiveness, resource allocation, and integration challenges; (2) evaluate potential structures such as establishing a new defense agency or field activity, integrating into an existing one, consolidating functions, optimizing current structures, or hybrid approaches; (3) recommend the optimal structure, analyzing advantages/disadvantages, capability gaps, costs, governance (including AI model management), coordination, unique hiring and acquisition authorities, and lessons from industry/academia; and (4) provide transition recommendations, including timelines, personnel changes, resources, legislative needs, risks, and success metrics. Not later than February 1, 2027, the Board shall transmit the final report to the Secretary of Defense, who shall submit it to the congressional defense committees within 30 days, along with any comments.