RELIEF FROM CONTRACTORS FOR FAILURE TO DELIVER READY-FOR-ISSUE SPARE PARTS FOR THE F-35 AIRCRAFT PROGRAM.

SEC. 162. RELIEF FROM CONTRACTORS FOR FAILURE TO DELIVER READY-FOR-ISSUE SPARE PARTS FOR THE F-35 AIRCRAFT PROGRAM. (a) Requirement to Seek Relief.—Consistent with the findings and recommendations of the Inspector General of the Department of Defense in the report titled “Audit of F-35 Ready-For-Issue Spare Parts and Sustainment Performance Incentive Fees” (DODIG-2019-094) and dated June 13, 2019, the Secretary of Defense shall seek relief, as described in subsection (b), from prime contractors that delivered noncompliant ready-for-issue spare parts pursuant a contract under the F-35 aircraft program. (b) Relief Described.—The relief sought by the Secretary of Defense under subsection (a) may include the following: (1) Specific performance. (2) Compensation for costs incurred by the Department of Defense as a result of the contractor’s failure to deliver compliant ready-for-issue spare parts under the contract. (3) Any other form of remediation or compensation the Secretary determines to be appropriate. (c) Rule of Construction.—Nothing in this section shall be construed— (1) to alter the terms of a contract under the F-35 aircraft program; or (2) to authorize the Secretary of Defense to seek forms of relief beyond those otherwise available under law.