WASHINGTON — The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026, signed by President Trump in January 2026, includes provisions requiring the Department of Defense to use IICRC S520 Standard for Professional Mold Remediation protocols when addressing mold conditions in military housing.
The NDAA provisions represent the first time a federal statute has explicitly cited an IICRC standard as the required methodology for a specific remediation activity. Industry observers describe the citation as a significant milestone for the restoration industry and a validation of the IICRC's standard-setting role.
The NDAA requires DoD to report to Congress within 180 days on the current state of mold conditions in military housing, the remediation actions taken or planned, and the estimated cost of bringing all affected housing into compliance with IICRC S520 standards.
The legislation also requires DoD to establish a centralized database of mold complaints and remediation actions across all military installations, creating a transparency mechanism that military family advocates have sought for years.
The IICRC issued a statement welcoming the NDAA provisions, noting that the citation of S520 in federal law demonstrates the standard's credibility and may accelerate adoption of IICRC protocols by state and local governments, insurance carriers, and property managers.
