Evaluation of relocation assistance programs

(a)

In general

The Secretary of Defense shall conduct an in-depth evaluation of relocation assistance programs carried out under section 1056 of title 10, United States Code, and the use of such programs by members of the Armed Forces.(b)

Elements

The evaluation required by subsection (a) shall include the following:(1)An analysis of whether the relocation assistance programs offered by the Department of Defense as of the date of the enactment of this Act—(A)conform to the requirements for such programs under section 1056 of title 10, United States Code; and (B)meet the needs of members of the Armed Forces.(2)An identification of the relocation assistance programs most frequently used by members, including an identification of the key factors that contribute to such usage.(3)An identification of—(A)specific barriers faced by members in accessing effective relocation assistance; and (B)strategies to mitigate those barriers.(4)An identification of a representative sample of military installations located in high-cost areas and, with respect to such installations, an assessment of the following:(A)The success of relocation assistance programs at such installations.(B)Partnerships between such installations and local communities aimed at helping alleviate financial burdens for members, specifically related to housing.(C)Housing supply for members, both accompanied and unaccompanied by dependents, comparing supply with total need.(5)An analysis of the support mechanisms available as of the date of the enactment of this Act for military families facing significant financial burdens as a result of permanent changes of station to high-cost areas.(c)

Consultations

In conducting the evaluation required by subsection (a), the Secretary shall consult with the following:(1)Military family support organizations.(2)Members of the Armed Forces who have recently undergone permanent changes of station, both accompanied and unaccompanied by dependents.(3)Members who have used relocation assistance services, with a focus on those who have moved to or from high-cost areas.(4)Commanders of military installations.(5)A selection of State and local officials that represent areas in the vicinity of military installations.(6)The Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation of the Department of Defense.(7)Housing and urban development experts with expertise in accommodations in high-cost areas.(8)Such other individuals or organizations as the Secretary considers appropriate.(d)

Best practices guide

(1)

In general

Not later than 180 days after the completion of the evaluation required by subsection (a), the Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Secretaries of the military departments, shall publish a best practices guide to be used by the leadership of military installations and by local communities to assist members of the Armed Forces with accessing relocation assistance programs.(2)

Elements

The best practices guide required by paragraph (1) shall address access to relocation assistance programs determined, pursuant to the evaluation conducted under subsection (a), to be successful in assisting members who make permanent changes of station to high-cost areas. Such programs shall include programs offered both through the Department of Defense and through local communities.(e)

Report required

Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the congressional defense committees (as defined in section 101 of title 10, United States Code) a report that includes the following:(1)Detailed findings from the evaluation conducted under subsection (a).(2)The best practices guide required by subsection (d), not later than 30 days before publication of the guide.(3)Recommendations for legislative or policy changes to relocation assistance programs to better fulfill the objectives of section 1056 of title 10, United States Code.(4)A roadmap, including projected timelines and resources required, for—(A)implementation and integration of the best practices set forth in the guide; and (B)addressing the needs of members of the Armed Forces making permanent changes of station to high-cost areas.(f)

Review of best practices guide implementation

Not later than 3 years after the best practices guide required by subsection (d) is published, the Comptroller General of the United States shall review the implementation of the guide, relocation assistance programs, and other resources provided to members of the Armed Forces to assist such members with permanent changes of station, specifically focusing on high-cost areas.(g)

High-Cost area defined

(1)

In general

In this section, the term high-cost area shall have the meaning determined by the Secretary of Defense in regulations prescribed in accordance with paragraph (2). (2)

Regulations

In prescribing regulations defining the term high-cost area for purposes of this section, the Secretary shall—(A)solicit and incorporate feedback from—(i)appropriate officials of the General Services Administration who work on relevant matters; and(ii)individuals and entities described in subsection (c); and (B)consider relevant factors from across various Federal agencies that may indicate areas that are high cost, such as the non-standard per diem rates of the General Services Administration.