Rapid and Smooth Technological Development Under Threat from 26 Defense Policy Bill
The 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) is making its way through both the House and Senate, with a focus on modernizing IT and software within the Department of Defense (DoD). This year's bill aims to streamline defense procurement, accelerate the delivery of modern warfighting technologies, and encourage the use of commercial innovation to maintain technological superiority.
Both versions of the bill contain provisions aimed at speeding up the process of getting new software and technology into the hands of warfighters. The House bill, for instance, instructs the Secretary of the Air Force to study the ways flightline support equipment can be connected on austere and isolated bases, including the feasibility of incorporating military-grade radio systems.
The bill also mandates the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) to launch the BOOST program. This program aims to support the transition of new commercial technologies into programs of record. The BOOST program will match identified technologies with program requirements and serve as an on-ramp to the integration of the needed technology into programs of record.
The DIU, originally set up in 2015 as a kind of DOD embassy to Silicon Valley, has grown into an acquisition powerhouse. The House bill gives new mandates to the Defense Innovation Unit, including setting up more regional outreach centers, known as OnRamp Hubs. The DIU OnRamp Hubs are designed to educate and assist local businesses and universities in working with the DOD, connecting them directly to DOD needs and strengthening the defense industrial base.
The key provisions in the 2026 defense policy bill related to IT modernization, software modernization, and technology for warfighters focus largely on reforming and streamlining DoD acquisition processes. Both the House and Senate versions emphasize cutting red tape and eliminating onerous reporting requirements to increase efficiency in these areas, reflecting goals to modernize budgeting and acquisitions within the Pentagon and the services, including the Army.
The Senate bill also requires the establishment of a plan for an open missions system computing environment for the F-35, capable of connection to all relevant aircraft apertures.
Moreover, the House version directs Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to establish an ATO Expedited Appeals Board. This board would take decisions on ATO applications that have gone undecided for more than 180 days.
The bill requires the secretary of defense to report to Congress after two years on the effectiveness of the BOOST program. It also 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.
In sum, the 2026 NDAA in both chambers centers its IT and software modernization efforts on acquisition and budgeting reforms that streamline defense procurement, promote faster delivery of modern warfighting technologies, and encourage use of commercial innovation to maintain technological superiority. More granular details on exact programs or funding allocations would require review of the finalized bill text or committee reports as they become publicly available.
- The 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) is pushing for the modernization of IT and software within the Department of Defense (DoD), with a focus on streamlining defense procurement and encouraging the use of commercial innovation for technological superiority.
- The bill directs the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) to launch the BOOST program, which aims to support the transition of new commercial technologies into programs of record, matching identified technologies with program requirements.
- The House bill instructs the Secretary of the Air Force to study the feasibility of incorporating military-grade radio systems into flightline support equipment for use on austere and isolated bases.
- The Defense Innovation Unit, previously known as a DOD embassy to Silicon Valley, has grown into an acquisition powerhouse, and the House bill gives new mandates to the DIU, including setting up more regional outreach centers to educate and assist local businesses and universities in working with the DOD.
- The Senate bill requires the establishment of a plan for an open missions system computing environment for the F-35, capable of connection to all relevant aircraft apertures, and 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.
