Bill Summary
The "DPA Advanced Procurement Act of 2026" is legislation aimed at enhancing the procurement and stockpiling processes for long-lead items under the Defense Production Act of 1950. The Act mandates the Comptroller General of the United States to conduct a study within one year of its enactment. This study will assess the current methods employed by agencies under the Defense Production Act (DPA) to procure and stockpile long-lead items—critical components that require significant time to design and fabricate.
Key objectives of the study include:
1. Evaluating existing procurement and stockpiling practices.
2. Identifying opportunities for federal agencies to collaborate more effectively in these areas.
3. Providing legislative recommendations, which may include amendments to the DPA, to improve the procurement and stockpiling processes for long-lead items.
The Act aims to ensure that the U.S. government can efficiently manage the procurement of essential defense materials, thereby enhancing national security and operational readiness. Additionally, it includes a technical amendment for the Defense Production Act to clarify its citation.
Possible Impacts
The **DPA Advanced Procurement Act of 2026** could affect people in various ways, particularly those involved in defense procurement, production, and related industries. Here are three examples:
1. **Job Security and Creation in Defense Industries**: The study mandated by the Act may lead to improved procurement strategies for long-lead items, which could enhance the efficiency of defense production. As agencies streamline their procurement processes, defense contractors might secure more contracts, leading to job stability and potential job creation within these industries. Employees in manufacturing, logistics, and supply chain management could see increased demand for their skills.
2. **Impact on Military Readiness**: The examination of stockpiling practices and long-lead items may result in more effective management of critical resources needed for national defense. This could ensure that the military has timely access to essential equipment and components, thereby enhancing military readiness. Service members could benefit from improved equipment availability, which could impact their operational effectiveness and safety.
3. **Legislative and Policy Changes**: The recommendations provided by the Comptroller General might prompt legislative amendments to the Defense Production Act. Changes in policy could affect various stakeholders, including federal agencies, contractors, and suppliers. For instance, if the study identifies inefficiencies leading to delays in procurement, the resulting legislative changes could alter funding timelines or procurement regulations, impacting how businesses operate and plan for future projects, potentially affecting their financial stability and growth prospects.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 8136 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. R. 8136
To direct the Comptroller General to study the efficacy of procurement
for long-lead items and stockpiling under the Defense Production Act of
1950, and for other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
March 27, 2026
Mr. Fields introduced the following bill; which was referred to the
Committee on Financial Services
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To direct the Comptroller General to study the efficacy of procurement
for long-lead items and stockpiling under the Defense Production Act of
1950, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``DPA Advanced Procurement Act of
2026''.
SEC. 2. GAO STUDY ON STOCKPILING AND LONG-LEAD ITEMS.
(a) In General.--The Comptroller General of the United States
shall, not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this
Act, submit to the Committee on Financial Services of the House of
Representatives and the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban
Affairs of the Senate a study on the efficacy of the current methods
used by DPA agencies to address DPA-related long-lead items and related
stockpiling challenges.
(b) Requirements.--When conducting the study required under
subsection (a), the Comptroller General shall--
(1) examine how DPA-related long-lead items are currently
procured and stockpiled by DPA agencies;
(2) identify ways in which Federal agencies can work
together to better address procurement and stockpiling of DPA-
related long-lead items; and
(3) provide legislative recommendations, including
amendments to the DPA, to address procurement of DPA-related
long-lead items and the stockpiling of such items.
(c) Definitions.--In this section:
(1) DPA.--The term ``DPA'' means the Defense Production Act
of 1950 (50 U.S.C. 4501 et seq.).
(2) DPA agency.--The term ``DPA agency'' means a Federal
agency to which the President has delegated authority under the
DPA.
(3) Long-lead item.--The term ``long-lead item'' means
components of a system or piece of equipment for which the
times to design and fabricate are the longest, and therefore,
to which an early commitment of funds may be desirable to
complete the system by the earliest possible date.
SEC. 3. SHORT TITLE CORRECTION.
The first undesignated section of the Defense Production Act of
1950 is amended, effective on the date of enactment of such Act, by
striking ``cited as `the Defense''' and inserting ``cited as the
`Defense'''.
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