S-2606 : Still Just a Bill

The bill S. 2606, introduced by Mr. Rounds, mandates the Commander of United States Cyber Command to develop a roadmap for industry collaboration on artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled cyber capabilities for the Department of Defense (DoD).

Key Provisions:

• Requires the creation of a roadmap by August 1, 2026, in coordination with several DoD officials and agencies including the Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Officer, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, and the Defense Innovation Unit.
• Aims to establish a framework for private sector and DoD coordination to integrate AI into cyber operations.
• Focuses on convening AI developers, cybersecurity experts, and relevant government offices, and facilitating information exchange on AI technology for cyber operations.

Roadmap Elements:

• Courses of action for collaborative research and development partnerships with industry.
• Development lines for AI-enabled cyber capabilities.
• Strategies for industry engagement and commercial collaboration, including contractual mechanisms and security clearance requirements.
• Implementation objectives, milestones, and status of pilot programs.
• Technology transition mechanisms for operational use.
• Infrastructure requirements and associated costs.
• Assessment of organizational structure options.

Congressional Briefings:

• An initial briefing is required by November 1, 2026, to the congressional defense committees.
• Annual updates on industry collaboration activities are required from fiscal year 2028 through December 31, 2030.