waiver of repayment otherwise required under paragraph (3) for failure to satisfy such agreement as the Secretary specifies in such agreement. (k) Regulations The Secretary of Defense shall administer the pilot program under regulations prescribed by the Secretary for purposes of the pilot program. (l) Termination (1) In general The authority of the Secretary of Defense to appoint individuals for service with the Department of Defense as cybersecurity or legal professionals under the pilot program shall expire on December 31, 2029. (2) Effect on existing appointments The termination of authority in paragraph (1) shall not be construed to terminate or otherwise affect any appointment made under this section before December 31, 2029, that remains valid as of that date. (m) Implementation (1) Interim final rule Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall prescribe an interim final rule to implement the pilot program. (2) Final rule Not later than 180 days after prescribing the interim final rule under paragraph (1) and considering public comments with respect to such interim final rule, the Secretary shall prescribe a final rule to implement the pilot program. (3) Objectives The regulations prescribed under paragraphs (1) and (2) shall accomplish the objectives set forth in subsections (a) through (j) and otherwise ensure flexibility and expedited appointment of cybersecurity and legal professionals in the Department of Defense under the pilot program. (n) Reports (1) Reports required Not later than January 30 of each of 2022, 2025, and 2028, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report on the carrying out of the pilot program. Each report shall include the following: (A) A description and assessment of the carrying out of the pilot program during the period since the commencement of the pilot program or the previous submittal of a report under this subsection, as applicable. (B) A description and assessment of the