10 U.S.C. § 8669c: Assessments required prior to start of construction on first ship of a shipbuilding program

submits a report to the congressional defense committees on the results of any production readiness review; certifies to the congressional defense committees that the findings of any such review support the start of construction; and certifies to the congressional defense committees that at least 95 percent of all the basic and functional design drawing packages for the ship have reached final approval. An identification of the degree to which detail design and production design drawings and related documents have been completed in accordance with the shipbuilding contract. An assessment of the readiness of the shipyard facilities and workforce to begin construction. The Navy’s estimated delivery date and a description of any risks that could affect such delivery date. An assessment of the extent to which adequate processes and metrics are in place to measure and manage program risks. With respect to the first ship, a description of the plans of the Navy to oversee and document the construction of the ship to ensure that the detail design supports the construction schedule for the ship. is applicable to the first ship; and after the completion of 5 percent of lightship displacement; or after the advance procurement or advance construction of the ship. An identification of any fabrication of the hull and superstructure of the ship that will occur before the date on which the Secretary submits the certifications required under paragraphs (2) and (3) of subsection (a). whether vendor selection is complete for major distributive systems and key equipment supporting operational requirements; whether specifications are finalized for major distributive systems and key equipment; and the status of factory acceptance testing, as applicable, to validate finalized specifications for major distributive systems and key equipment through manufacturing. supports the major hull structure of the vessel; sets the hydrodynamics of the vessel; and positions and routes all major distributive systems of the ship, including electricity, water, and other utilities. the ship is the first ship to be constructed under that shipbuilding program; or the shipyard at which the ship is to be constructed has not previously started construction on a ship under that shipbuilding program. The term “major shipbuilding program” means a program for the construction of combatant and support vessels required for the naval vessel force, as reported within the annual naval vessel construction plan required by section 231 of this title . The term “production readiness review” means a formal examination of a program prior to the start of construction to determine if the design is ready for production, production engineering problems have been resolved, and the producer has accomplished adequate planning for the production phase. Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [ Dec. 18, 2025 ], the Secretary of the Navy shall select a metric to measure the progression of basic and functional design with respect to the construction of ships. Not later than 45 days after the selection of a metric under subsection (a), the Secretary of the Navy shall submit to the congressional defense committees [Committees on Armed Services and Appropriations of the Senate and the House of Representatives] a report on such metric that includes the justification for the selection of the metric. In this section, the term ‘basic and functional design’ has the meaning given such term in section 8669c(1) [sic; probably means 8669c(c)(1)] of title 10, United States Code.”