The FY 2026 NDAA: A Turning Point for Research Security and Federal Funding
The proposed FY 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) introduces significant changes that will significantly affect ongoing and future federally funded research activities. These provisions reflect a growing congressional focus on strengthening research security across the U.S. research enterprise, particularly in response to concerns about foreign influence, supply chain vulnerabilities, and the protection of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and biotechnology.
One of the most consequential elements of the proposed legislation is the restriction of certain foreign partnerships. The House version of the NDAA includes the SAFE Research Act, which would require institutions to terminate federal funding if they maintain partnerships with entities designated as hostile foreign actors. Institutions affected by this provision would face a mandatory five-year separation period before becoming eligible for federal research funding again, raising the stakes for universities with extensive international collaborations.
The legislation also places strong emphasis on securing research-related supply chains. Both House and Senate drafts prioritize increasing domestic production of critical materials, including rare earth elements, to reduce reliance on foreign suppliers, particularly those based in China. In addition, the NDAA would prohibit procurement from specific Chinese companies and require comprehensive vulnerability assessments of the medical and research supply chains, signaling a shift toward more rigorous oversight of sourcing and procurement practices.
Safeguarding sensitive technologies and data is another central focus of the proposed NDAA. New measures aim to strengthen protections for genomic data and restrict contracts with biotechnology firms linked to the Chinese military. For artificial intelligence, the legislation mandates the development of a secure acquisition and security framework while expanding cybersecurity support from the National Security Agency to help protect sensitive research environments from exploitation or intrusion.
Finally, the NDAA significantly expands oversight and reporting requirements for federally funded researchers and institutions. Researchers would be subject to new disclosure and certification obligations related to foreign affiliations and support. The bill also introduces a “cooling-off” period designed to prevent personnel from immediately transitioning to foreign-affiliated organizations after working on sensitive research projects. Collectively, these measures underscore a more assertive federal approach to research security, placing increased responsibility on institutions to proactively manage risk, ensure compliance, and protect U.S. technological leadership.
Source: Congress imposes new security restrictions on U.S. researchers
