; and (2) that the Department of Defense will procure critical minerals and products made using supply chains involving critical minerals that are not mined or processed in or by covered countries. (c) Strategy to achieve critical mineral supply chain independence for the Department of Defense (1) In general Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a strategy to develop supply chains for the Department of Defense that are not dependent on mining or processing of critical minerals in or by covered countries, in order to achieve critical mineral supply chain independence from covered countries for the Department by 2035. (2) Elements The strategy required by paragraph (1) shall— (A) identify and assess significant vulnerabilities in the supply chains of contractors and subcontractors of the Department of Defense involving critical minerals that are mined or processed in or by covered countries; (B) identify and recommend changes to the acquisition laws, regulations, and policies of the Department of Defense to ensure contractors and subcontractors of the Department use supply chains involving critical minerals that are not mined or processed in or by covered countries to the greatest extent practicable; (C) evaluate the utility and desirability of leveraging the process for acquiring shortfall materials for the National Defense Stockpile under the Strategic and Critical Materials Stock Piling Act ( 50 U.S.C. 98 et seq. ) to strengthen mining and processing capacity for critical minerals in the United States and in countries that are allies or partners of the United States; (D) identify areas of potential engagement and partnership with the governments of countries that are allies or partners of the United States to jointly reduce dependence on critical minerals mined or processed in or by covered countries