PILOT PROGRAM ON USE OF AUTOMATED SHIPBUILDING TECHNOLOGIES AND CAPABILITIES.

SEC. 1021. [10 U.S.C. 8661 note] PILOT PROGRAM ON USE OF AUTOMATED SHIPBUILDING TECHNOLOGIES AND CAPABILITIES. (a) In General.—Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Navy shall establish a pilot program on the use of automated assembly technologies and capabilities in naval shipbuilding to reduce overall construction times and alleviate workforce constraints (in this section referred to as the “pilot program”). (b) Elements of Pilot Program.—In carrying out the pilot program, the Secretary of the Navy shall— (1) identify and select available novel automated hull assembly technologies for incorporation and demonstration; (2) designate at least one surface ship or submarine program to demonstrate the automated technologies identified under paragraph (1); (3) carry out such demonstrations; (4) evaluate the demonstrated automated technologies— (A) across a range of functions, including plate preparation, welding, and block assembly; and (B) for compatibility and ease of adoption into the existing shipbuilding value chain; and (5) assess the feasibility and effectiveness of automated approaches in improving subassembly construction times, overall ship construction schedules, and workforce efficiency and safety. (c) Reports.— (1) In general.—Not later than September 30, 2026, and annually thereafter until the pilot program terminates, the Secretary of the Navy shall submit to the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate and the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives a report on the implementation and results of the pilot program. (2) Elements of reports.—Each report required by paragraph (1) shall include the following: (A) An identification of the time required to adapt specific technologies and processes. (B) A description of the impact of the pilot program on workforce and construction schedules. (d) Termination.—The pilot program shall terminate on the date that is three years after the date of the enactment of this Act.