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Value Over Cost Act

1/14/2025, 7:03 PM

Summary of Bill HR 9596

Bill 118 hr 9596, also known as the Value Over Cost Act, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. The main goal of this bill is to prioritize the value of goods and services over their cost when making procurement decisions for federal agencies.

The Value Over Cost Act aims to ensure that federal agencies are not solely focused on finding the cheapest option when purchasing goods and services. Instead, the bill encourages agencies to consider factors such as quality, performance, and long-term benefits when making procurement decisions.

The bill includes provisions that require federal agencies to conduct cost-benefit analyses for procurement decisions, taking into account the overall value that a particular product or service will provide. This analysis will help agencies determine the best value for taxpayer dollars and ensure that they are making informed and responsible purchasing decisions. Additionally, the Value Over Cost Act promotes transparency and accountability in federal procurement by requiring agencies to publicly disclose their procurement decisions and the rationale behind them. This will help ensure that taxpayer dollars are being spent wisely and that federal agencies are held accountable for their purchasing choices. Overall, the Value Over Cost Act is aimed at improving the efficiency and effectiveness of federal procurement processes by prioritizing value over cost. By encouraging agencies to consider a broader range of factors when making purchasing decisions, the bill seeks to ensure that the government is getting the best possible value for taxpayer dollars.

Congressional Summary of HR 9596

Value Over Cost Act of 2024

This bill specifies that contracts and orders under the multiple award schedule program of the General Services Administration (GSA) may be evaluated on best value, rather than lowest overall cost, if the GSA determines that to be in the best interests of the federal government. (Best value allows consideration of non-cost factors when evaluating contract proposals to determine the offer that provides the greatest overall benefit. The GSA's multiple award schedules provide federal agencies with a simplified process for obtaining commercial supplies and commercial services at prices associated with volume buying.) 

Current Status of Bill HR 9596

Bill HR 9596 is currently in the status of Introduced to Senate since November 13, 2024. Bill HR 9596 was introduced during Congress 118 and was introduced to the House on September 16, 2024.  Bill HR 9596's most recent activity was Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 755. as of December 19, 2024

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 9596

Total Number of Sponsors
15
Democrat Sponsors
0
Republican Sponsors
15
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
7
Democrat Cosponsors
1
Republican Cosponsors
6
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 9596

Primary Policy Focus

Government Operations and Politics

Potential Impact Areas

- Public contracts and procurement

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 9596

Value Over Cost Act
Value Over Cost Act
To amend title 41, United States Code, and title 10, United States Code, to provide best value through the multiple award schedule program, and for other purposes.

Comments

Rhys Meyer profile image

Rhys Meyer

460

1 year ago

I love this new bill, it's gonna make everything better for us! Can't wait to see how it works out. What do you think will happen in the short term?

Cora Stevens profile image

Cora Stevens

493

1 year ago

This bill is great, it will help us save money and get better value for our tax dollars. But how will it impact small businesses in rural areas?

Bethany Haas profile image

Bethany Haas

421

1 year ago

Excited for this new bill! Can't wait to see how it helps us all out. #ValueOverCostAct