PATHS Act

10/1/2024, 7:56 PM

Producing Advanced Technologies for Homeland Security Act or the PATHS Act

This bill extends through FY2027 the other transaction authority (OTA) of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to enter into other transactions to carry out research and prototype projects when the use of contracts, grants, and cooperative agreements is not feasible or appropriate. (Agreements under OTA are exempt from the Federal Acquisition Regulations.) DHS must notify Congress within 72 hours of using or extending OTA for research projects related to artificial intelligence technology and must offer to brief Congress on the rationale for such a decision. 

The bill also lowers from $4 million to $1 million the minimum value of contract awards that DHS must publicly report on its website. 

Congress
118

Number
HR - 9459

Introduced on
2024-09-06

# Amendments
0

Sponsors
+5

Cosponsors
+5

Variations and Revisions

9/23/2024

Status of Legislation

Bill Introduced
Introduced to House
Passed in House
Introduced to Senate
Senate to Vote

Purpose and Summary

Producing Advanced Technologies for Homeland Security Act or the PATHS Act

This bill extends through FY2027 the other transaction authority (OTA) of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to enter into other transactions to carry out research and prototype projects when the use of contracts, grants, and cooperative agreements is not feasible or appropriate. (Agreements under OTA are exempt from the Federal Acquisition Regulations.) DHS must notify Congress within 72 hours of using or extending OTA for research projects related to artificial intelligence technology and must offer to brief Congress on the rationale for such a decision. 

The bill also lowers from $4 million to $1 million the minimum value of contract awards that DHS must publicly report on its website. 

Alternative Names
Official Title as IntroducedTo amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to enable secure and trustworthy technology through other transaction contracting authority, and for other purposes.

Policy Areas
Government Operations and Politics

Potential Impact
Advanced technology and technological innovations
Computers and information technology
Internet, web applications, social media
Public contracts and procurement
Research and development

Comments

Recent Activity

Latest Summary9/26/2024

Producing Advanced Technologies for Homeland Security Act or the PATHS Act

This bill extends through FY2027 the other transaction authority (OTA) of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to enter into other transactions ...


Latest Action9/24/2024
Received in the Senate.