Military contractors are actively opposing a right-to-repair provision included in the annual defense policy bill, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Concerns have emerged that the proposed language may be replaced with a “data-as-a-service” model, which would lead the Department of Defense (DoD) to pay for access to necessary repair information for military equipment.
This initiative, driven by Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and Tim Sheehy (R-MT), aims to empower all branches of the military to conduct their own repairs by mandating that contractors supply the information needed for such tasks. The NDAA passed the Senate in October, incorporating elements of the Warrior Right to Repair Act.
In recent remarks, Senator Warren highlighted her worries regarding outside influences on the legislation. The National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA), a trade group representing major DoD contractors, has circulated a white paper advocating for a data-as-a-service approach. The NDIA argues that this model would safeguard contractors’ intellectual property by allowing the DoD to negotiate for access to a comprehensive technical data library on a pay-per-use basis.
This language appears to align with proposals from Representatives Mike Rogers (R-AL) and Adam Smith (D-WA), who lead the House Armed Services Committee. Their SPEED Act also emphasizes the need for negotiations on data access concerning repair tools and information.
Industry leaders, including Eric Fanning, president of the Aerospace Industries Association (AIA), have expressed concerns that the right-to-repair provision may compel contractors to relinquish their intellectual property. The influence of defense contractors, represented by organizations like the NDIA and AIA, is notable, as both Rogers and Smith have received substantial political contributions from the defense sector.
The final version of the NDAA is anticipated to be released early next week.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/news/830715/military-contractors-right-to-repair-ndaa-data-as-a-service