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Preventing Organizational Conflicts of Interest in Federal Acquisition Act

5/11/2023, 3:46 PM

Summary of Bill HR 7602

Bill 117 HR 7602, also known as the Preventing Organizational Conflicts of Interest in Federal Acquisition Act, aims to address conflicts of interest that may arise in federal contracting processes. The bill seeks to enhance transparency and accountability in federal acquisitions by requiring contractors to disclose any potential conflicts of interest that may exist.

Under this legislation, contractors would be required to identify and disclose any organizational conflicts of interest that could potentially impact their ability to provide unbiased and objective services to the government. This includes situations where a contractor may have financial or personal interests that could influence their decision-making process.

The bill also establishes a process for agencies to evaluate and mitigate any conflicts of interest that are identified. This may involve implementing measures such as recusal of certain individuals from decision-making processes or establishing firewalls to prevent the improper sharing of information. Overall, the Preventing Organizational Conflicts of Interest in Federal Acquisition Act seeks to promote fairness and integrity in federal contracting processes by ensuring that contractors are held accountable for disclosing and addressing any conflicts of interest that may arise. By enhancing transparency and accountability, the bill aims to protect the interests of the government and taxpayers while promoting a level playing field for all contractors.

Congressional Summary of HR 7602

Preventing Organizational Conflicts of Interest in Federal Acquisition Act

This bill addresses conflicts of interest in federal acquisitions.

Specifically, the bill directs the Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council to (1) identify contracting methods, types, and services that raise heightened concerns for potential organizational conflicts of interest beyond those currently addressed in the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); and (2) revise the FAR to address organizational conflicts of interest and require executive agencies to take certain actions.

The council must revise the FAR to

  • provide and update definitions related to organizational conflicts of interest, to include specified contractor relationships;
  • provide executive agencies with solicitation and contract provisions that require contractors to disclose information relevant to potential organizational conflicts of interest and limit future contracting with respect to potential conflicts; and
  • require executive agencies to establish or update agency conflict of interest procedures to implement these FAR revisions and address agency-specific conflict of interest issues.

Current Status of Bill HR 7602

Bill HR 7602 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since April 27, 2022. Bill HR 7602 was introduced during Congress 117 and was introduced to the House on April 27, 2022.  Bill HR 7602's most recent activity was Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 24 - 17. as of July 20, 2022

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 7602

Total Number of Sponsors
1
Democrat Sponsors
1
Republican Sponsors
0
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
2
Democrat Cosponsors
2
Republican Cosponsors
0
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 7602

Primary Policy Focus

Government Operations and Politics

Potential Impact Areas

- Administrative law and regulatory procedures
- Government ethics and transparency, public corruption
- Government information and archives
- Public contracts and procurement

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 7602

Preventing Organizational Conflicts of Interest in Federal Acquisition Act
Preventing Organizational Conflicts of Interest in Federal Acquisition Act
To prevent organizational conflicts of interest in Federal acquisition, and for other purposes.

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