DPA Private-Sector Outreach Act of 2026
- Sponsor
- Rep. Beatty, Joyce [D-OH-3]
- Committees
- Financial Services Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Mar 24, 2026
Bottom line
This bill aims to increase private sector engagement and awareness regarding opportunities under the Defense Production Act by mandating new informational resources and proactive outreach activities from federal agencies.
What it actually does
This bill amends the Defense Production Act of 1950 (DPA) to mandate the creation of an online toolkit and a "one-stop shop" website for federal agencies to share information with the private sector about DPA authorities. It also requires federal agencies to develop and annually update plans for conducting outreach activities to educate businesses, including small businesses, on commercial opportunities available under the DPA.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that enhancing private-sector outreach is crucial for strengthening the nation's industrial base and supply chains, especially during national emergencies or defense needs. Improved communication will make it easier for businesses, particularly small businesses, to understand and participate in DPA contracts and voluntary agreements, thereby increasing the effectiveness and responsiveness of the DPA.
Opponents contend
Critics might contend that while the intent is good, the bill adds another layer of bureaucracy and reporting requirements without necessarily guaranteeing a significant increase in private sector participation. They might argue that existing mechanisms are sufficient or that the focus should be on streamlining the DPA itself rather than adding outreach mandates, potentially diverting resources from other critical DPA functions.
The bill is very short and clear, making it highly accessible for a quick review and understanding of its core purpose.
Section 2(a), amending Section 722(d) of the Defense Production Act of 1950
Establishment of DPA Private-Sector Toolkit and Online Resources
This provision mandates that within 365 days of enactment, the Committee (referring to the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States, CFIUS, as per 50 U.S.C. 4567) must develop a "one-stop shop" online toolkit. This site will provide federal agencies with resources to share information with interested private sector entities about DPA authorities (excluding certain sections). It will include details on solicitation processes, opportunities for businesses (including small businesses), a searchable database of awards, descriptions of voluntary agreements, and contact information for relevant agency individuals.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this will demystify the DPA for businesses, making it easier for them to engage with federal contracts and contribute to national defense and emergency preparedness, particularly benefiting small businesses that may lack resources to navigate complex federal processes.
Critics contend
Critics might argue that creating and maintaining such a comprehensive online platform and toolkit could be resource-intensive for federal agencies, potentially diverting funds or personnel from other critical DPA implementation activities without guaranteed returns.
Tradeoffs
The bill seeks to balance the need for greater private sector engagement with the administrative burden on federal agencies to create and maintain these new resources.
Section 2(a), amending Section 722(d) of the Defense Production Act of 1950
Mandate for Federal Agency Outreach Plans
Following the development of the toolkit, this provision requires the Committee to develop a plan for federal agencies to conduct outreach activities. These activities are intended to educate the private sector about commercial opportunities under DPA authorities (excluding certain sections). These plans must be updated annually to ensure ongoing relevance and effectiveness.
Section 2(b), amending Section 722(e) of the Defense Production Act of 1950
Inclusion of Outreach Activities in Annual Report
This section amends the existing annual report requirement under the Defense Production Act to include a description of the outreach activities conducted under the new subsection (d) established by this bill. This ensures transparency and accountability for the mandated outreach efforts by requiring agencies to report on their progress.
Section 3
Technical Correction to DPA Short Title
This section makes a minor technical correction to the first undesignated section of the Defense Production Act of 1950, changing "cited as ``the Defense''" to "cited as the ``Defense''". This is a grammatical fix to ensure proper statutory citation.
The bill assigns the responsibility for developing the private-sector toolkit and outreach plan to "the Committee."
Section 2(a), amending Section 722(d)(1) and (d)(2) of the Defense Production Act of 1950
Why it matters:This is standard legislative practice for amending existing statutes, where terms defined or understood within the parent act are used without redefinition in the amending bill. It is not intended to be evasive but requires statutory context.
Case for: Supporters would argue that assigning this task to CFIUS leverages an existing interagency committee with established expertise in national security and economic matters, making it a logical choice for coordinating private sector engagement under the DPA.
Case against: Critics might question whether CFIUS, primarily focused on foreign investment reviews, is the most appropriate or best-resourced body to lead broad private-sector outreach for the entire DPA, which covers a much wider range of industrial base issues. They might suggest a different agency or a dedicated DPA office.
Estimated impact: This assignment directs the administrative and coordination efforts for the new DPA outreach initiatives, potentially influencing their effectiveness and focus by leveraging CFIUS's specific mandate and interagency structure.