Bill > S3541

This bill aims to boost competition in defense contracting by requiring the Secretary of Defense to issue guidance on accepting a wider range of past performance, including commercial or non-government projects, to allow more firms to compete, and by establishing methods to verify these non-government references. It also mandates the Secretary to convene the Defense Acquisition Regulations Council (Council) to identify and remove procedural barriers that hinder small businesses and nontraditional defense contractors—companies that have not previously supplied defense products or services—from competing for Department of Defense contracts, with a focus on simplifying documentation and qualification requirements. The Council will consult with the public, including the APEX Accelerators program (formerly known as the Procurement Technical Assistance Center network), to find obsolete or overly burdensome regulations, and the Secretary will implement non-legislative changes to remove these barriers within two years, while also briefing Congress on legislative actions and implemented changes. Furthermore, the bill emphasizes prioritizing contracting policies that ensure cost efficiency and quality are key factors in awarding contracts.

Military Affairs and Security

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/3541/all-info