Bill > S79

This bill, known as the Allowing Contractors to Choose Employees for Select Skills (ACCESS) Act, aims to provide more flexibility in federal contract hiring by restricting how educational requirements can be used in contract solicitations. Specifically, the bill prohibits contracting officers from setting minimum educational requirements for potential contractor personnel without first providing a written justification explaining why such requirements are absolutely necessary to meet the agency's needs. The bill defines "education" broadly, including degrees from accredited colleges and universities, and allows education requirements to be satisfied through various combinations of education and experience. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) must issue guidance within 180 days to help agencies implement these restrictions, and contracting officers will be encouraged to consider alternatives to strict educational requirements. The bill also requires the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to evaluate agency compliance with these new rules within three years of enactment, and the changes will apply to contract solicitations issued 15 months after the bill becomes law. Additionally, the bill repeals a previous provision related to education requirements in federal contracting, ultimately aiming to create more opportunities for contractors by reducing educational barriers.

Military Affairs and Security

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/79/all-info