S.905 - Arsenal Workload Sustainment Act (119th Congress)
Summary
The Arsenal Workload Sustainment Act aims to establish a pilot program within the Department of Defense to ensure sufficient workload at Army arsenals. This program seeks to strategically utilize the organic industrial base, maintain cost efficiency, and preserve the ability to respond to national defense needs. The Act prioritizes public-private partnerships where the private partner uses an Army arsenal, offering a 20% price preference in procurement actions.
Expected Effects
The Act will likely increase the workload and funding for Army arsenals through public-private partnerships. It may also lead to increased reliance on these arsenals for defense procurement. The pilot program is set to last for five years, with a report due to Congress within one year of enactment detailing the program's activities and challenges.
Potential Benefits
- Increased workload and potential job creation at Army arsenals.
- Enhanced cost efficiency and technical competence in defense manufacturing.
- Strengthened organic industrial base for national defense.
- Promotion of public-private partnerships for defense procurement.
- Potential for innovation through the utilization of the Advanced Manufacturing Center of Excellence of the Army.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased costs due to the 20% price preference for certain partnerships.
- Possible limitations on competition in defense procurement.
- Risk of inefficient resource allocation if arsenals are not the most cost-effective option.
- Dependence on non-public partners may create vulnerabilities.
- Potential for delays in procurement processes due to the pilot program's requirements.
Constitutional Alignment
The Act aligns with the constitutional mandate to "provide for the common defence" (Preamble). Congress has the power to raise and support armies (Article I, Section 8). The Act's focus on maintaining a strong industrial base for defense is consistent with this constitutional responsibility. However, the preference given to specific types of partnerships could raise questions about equal protection under the law.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).