Value Over Cost Act

12/20/2024, 11:56 AM

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.) 

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.
Congress
118

Number
HR - 9596

Introduced on
2024-09-16

# Amendments
0

Sponsors
+5

Cosponsors
+5

Variations and Revisions

9/16/2024

Status of Legislation

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

Purpose and Summary

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.) 

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.
Alternative Names
Official Title as IntroducedTo 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.

Policy Areas
Government Operations and Politics

Potential Impact
Public contracts and procurement

Comments

APPROVED
RM
Rhys Meyer
@poppy_seed_kinh_gioi_hemp22868
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?

APPROVED
CS
Cora Stevens
@snap_pea_mint_mccormick88677
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?

APPROVED
BH
Bethany Haas
@oregano_tomato_black_peppercorn74535
Excited for this new bill! Can't wait to see how it helps us all out. #ValueOverCostAct

Recent Activity

Latest Summary11/12/2024

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 ove...


Latest Action12/19/2024
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 755.