Bill Overview
Title: American Defense PLANS Act of 2022
Description: This bill requires the Department of Defense (DOD) to enter into an arrangement with a federally funded research and development center to conduct a study of the programs, acquisitions, and budget of DOD and make recommendations regarding how DOD can ensure program development cycles and acquisition of new technologies keep pace with the rate at which DOD technologies become outdated or are replaced.
Sponsors: Sen. Cornyn, John [R-TX]
Target Audience
Population: Individuals affected by U.S. Department of Defense operations and contracts
Estimated Size: 330000000
- The bill pertains to the operations of the Department of Defense, which has global implications due to the United States' role in international security.
- DOD programs and acquisitions often involve international partners and impacts, spanning countries involved in defense contracts, cooperation, and joint exercises.
- Technological advancements and acquisitions by the DOD can influence global defense strategies, affecting many nations' security postures.
Reasoning
- The policy predominantly affects employees and partners of the Department of Defense, encompassing military personnel, defense industry contractors, and technology researchers.
- The policy's implementation is likely to have a negligible direct impact on the general American public's daily life, but could have moderate to high impacts on those within defense-related roles and industries.
- Well-being changes from policy usually are related to job security, economic activities, and technological advancements that come with implemented programs.
- The policy budget constraints will focus the assessments primarily on DOD operations without direct transfers or economic benefits flowing to broader communities.
Simulated Interviews
Retired Army General (Austin, TX)
Age: 64 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I believe this policy is crucial to keeping our defense capabilities up to date.
- It will help identify and eliminate obstacles in our current system, which can be cumbersome.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
Defense Contractor Engineer (Seattle, WA)
Age: 35 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy can streamline the processes that often delay the deployment of new technologies.
- It should aid in job security for people like me.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 4 |
Technological Researcher (San Diego, CA)
Age: 42 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy holds potential to boost funding in sectors critical to national security like cybersecurity.
- Any increase or continuity in defense research funds is beneficial for our work.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Civilian Employee, Defense Logistics Agency (Colorado Springs, CO)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Improving acquisition cycles can better align with real-time logistical needs.
- I'm optimistic it might resolve issues we currently tackle daily.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 4 |
Policy Analyst (Arlington, VA)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This will encourage smarter, more efficient use of defense budgets.
- I'm hopeful it means more sustainable defense programs long term.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Defense Lawyer (Boston, MA)
Age: 39 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy might bring more clarity to the processes underlying defense acquisitions.
- This could potentially increase litigations or consultations needed.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Navy Veteran (Norfolk, VA)
Age: 55 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The bill could positively transform aging traditional acquisition processes.
- Though I'm retired, I'm hopeful for the future of our defense.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Software Developer (Raleigh, NC)
Age: 27 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Indirectly, this might encourage tech startups like mine to innovate if defense firms look to partner with newer tech solutions.
- It's not affecting me directly though.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Defense Industry Consultant (Fort Worth, TX)
Age: 61 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This is a positive step, encouraging more companies to become compliant and efficient.
- I anticipate increased demand for my services.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Human Resources Manager at Defense Manufacturing Firm (San Antonio, TX)
Age: 46 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- If well implemented, the policy could boost workforce training alignment with new technology developments.
- I hope this leads to greater investment in human resources.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $25000000 (Low: $20000000, High: $30000000)
Year 2: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 3: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 5: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 10: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- The success of the study in generating actionable recommendations is speculative and depends on implementation by the DOD.
- Future savings and efficiencies are contingent on the adoption and execution of the study's findings.
- The cost primarily covers administration and consultation over a short term without direct long-term obligations.