STUDY ON LIGHTWEIGHT BODY ARMOR SOLUTIONS.

SEC. 125. STUDY ON LIGHTWEIGHT BODY ARMOR SOLUTIONS.(a) Study Required.—The Secretary of Defense shall enter into a contract with a federally funded research and development center to conduct a study to—(1) assess the effectiveness of the processes used by the Secretary to identify and examine the requirements for lighter weight body armor systems; and(2) determine ways in which the Secretary may more effectively address the research, development, and procurement requirements regarding reducing the weight of body armor.(b) Matters Covered.—The study conducted under subsection (a) shall include findings and recommendations regarding the following:(1) The requirement for lighter weight body armor and personal protective equipment and the ability of the Secretary to meet such requirement.(2) Innovative design ideas for more modular body armor that allow for scalable protection levels for various missions and threats.(3) The need for research, development, and acquisition funding dedicated specifically for reducing the weight of body armor.(4) The efficiency and effectiveness of current body armor funding procedures and processes.(5) Industry concerns, capabilities, and willingness to invest in the development and production of lightweight body armor initiatives.(6) Barriers preventing the development of lighter weight body armor (including such barriers with respect to technical, institutional, or financial problems).(7) Changes to procedures or policy with respect to lightweight body armor.(8) Other areas of concern not previously addressed by equipping boards, body armor producers, or program managers.(c) Submission to Congress.—Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the study conducted under subsection (a).124 STAT. 4161