(a) Establishment
The Secretary of the Army shall establish a pilot program, to be carried out through the United States Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Soldier Center, to evaluate the feasibility, performance, and scalability of hydrophobin-based biomanufactured treatments as flame-resistant and water-repellent treatments for military textile systems, including as potential alternatives to conventional chemical treatments currently used in Department of Defense uniforms.
(b) Selection of contractors
In carrying out the pilot program, the Secretary shall prioritize partnerships with entities that—
demonstrate domestic biomanufacturing capability within the United States;
use advanced biotechnology to produce hydrophobin proteins or related bioderived compounds suitable for textile performance applications; and
possess the capability to transition successful pilot outcomes into large-scale textile finishing or coating processes supporting Department of Defense procurement.
(c) Report to congress
Not later than three years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Army shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report on the results of the pilot program, including recommendations regarding potential integration of hydrophobin-based biomanufactured treatments into Department of Defense military textile systems.
(d) Duration
The authority to carry out a pilot program under this section shall terminate four years after the date of the enactment of this Act.