H.R. 856: Safe and Smart Federal Purchasing Act

The "Safe and Smart Federal Purchasing Act" is a bill that requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to conduct a review of certain federal procurement practices. The focus of this review is specifically on the "lowest price technically acceptable" (LPTA) source selection process used by federal agencies, including defense and civilian agencies. Here is a breakdown of the key components of the bill:

Purpose of the Review

The main goal of the review is to assess whether the LPTA process poses any risks to national security. This assessment will involve examining how this procurement method affects the quality and reliability of goods and services procured by federal agencies.

Agencies Involved

The review will encompass both defense agencies, which are involved in national defense and security, and civilian agencies, which are responsible for various government functions unrelated to defense.

Timeline for Reporting

After completing the review, the OMB Director is required to submit a report detailing the findings within 180 days of the bill's enactment. This report will be directed to:

• The Committee on Oversight and Government Reform of the House of Representatives
• The Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate

Definitions

The bill defines key terms such as "Defense and Civilian agency," which aligns with the definitions provided in Title 41 of the United States Code. The term "Director" refers specifically to the Director of the OMB.

Summary

In summary, this bill aims to evaluate whether using the lowest price as the main criterion for federal procurement could compromise national security. The results of this evaluation will guide future procurement policies to enhance security while purchasing goods and services for federal purposes.

Relevant Companies

None found.