(a) Pilot program required
Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this section, the Secretary of Defense shall carry out a pilot program under which the Secretary shall develop and implement a comprehensive wastewater monitoring system at not fewer than four military installations at which the Secretary seeks to identify the prevalence of infectious diseases among members of the Armed Forces at the installation (in this section referred to as the pilot program ).
(b) Pathogen-agnostic pilot program
(1) In general
Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this section, the Secretary shall carry out a second pilot program under which the Secretary shall develop and implement a pathogen-agnostic monitoring system that leverages emerging biotechnologies for early detection of novel pathogens (in this section referred to as the pathogen-agnostic pilot program ).
(2) Purposes
The purpose of the pathogen-agnostic pilot program shall aim to—
improve detection, identification, and analysis of infectious disease prevalence among members of the Armed Forces and other relevant Department of Defense personnel; and
strengthen early-warning capabilities for novel pathogens.
(c) Technologies and data system used
In carrying out the pilot program under subsection (a), the Secretary shall ensure all systems developed and implemented under such subsection is comprised of appropriate technologies, standardized analytical tools, and a uniform data system.
(d) Duration
The pilot program shall be carried out during a two-year period beginning on the date of the commencement of the pilot program and the pathogen-agnostic pilot program, respectively.
(e) Report
Not later than 90 days after the termination of the pilot program and the pathogen-agnostic pilot program, respectively, the Secretary shall submit to the congressional defense committees a report that includes the following:
A summary of the findings from all monitoring systems under the pilot program and pathogen-agnostic pilot program.
Recommendations for interventions or policy changes based on trends observed under the pilot program.
An assessment of the effectiveness of the pilot program in enhancing force health protection, readiness, and early pathogen detection.
(f) Strategic plan
Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this section, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a strategic plan that—
defines requirements for implementing a scalable, pathogen-agnostic monitoring capability;
identifies technologies and risk-based methodologies to achieve mission requirements; and
demonstrates coordination with the Biodefense Council ensuring compliance with Privacy Act and Department regulations.