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Safe and Smart Federal Purchasing Act

3/7/2025, 4:23 AM

Summary of Bill HR 856

Bill 119 hr 856, also known as the "Lowest Price Technically Acceptable Source Selection Impact on National Security Act," aims to address concerns about the impact of the lowest price technically acceptable (LPTA) source selection process on national security. The bill requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to conduct a review to determine how the use of LPTA in federal contracting may be affecting national security.

The LPTA source selection process involves awarding contracts to the bidder with the lowest price that meets the minimum technical requirements. While this process can save money for the government, critics argue that it may not always result in the best quality products or services being provided, especially in areas critical to national security.

The bill seeks to evaluate the potential risks and benefits of using LPTA in federal contracting, particularly in relation to national security. The review conducted by the Director of the Office of Management and Budget will assess how the use of LPTA may impact the ability of federal agencies to acquire the best possible products and services to meet their national security needs. Overall, Bill 119 hr 856 aims to ensure that the federal government is making informed decisions about the use of the LPTA source selection process in order to prioritize national security interests.

Congressional Summary of HR 856

Safe and Smart Federal Purchasing Act

This bill requires the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to evaluate the procurement activities of federal agencies to determine whether provisions of the Federal Acquisition Regulation related to the lowest price technically acceptable source selection process have created any national security risk and report to Congress.

Current Status of Bill HR 856

Bill HR 856 is currently in the status of Introduced to Senate since March 4, 2025. Bill HR 856 was introduced during Congress 119 and was introduced to the House on January 31, 2025.  Bill HR 856's most recent activity was Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. as of March 4, 2025

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 856

Total Number of Sponsors
9
Democrat Sponsors
0
Republican Sponsors
9
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
1
Democrat Cosponsors
1
Republican Cosponsors
0
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 856

Primary Policy Focus

Government Operations and Politics

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 856

To require the Director of the Office of Management and Budget conduct a review to determine the impact of the lowest price technically acceptable source selection process on national security, and for other purposes.
To require the Director of the Office of Management and Budget conduct a review to determine the impact of the lowest price technically acceptable source selection process on national security, and for other purposes.

Comments

Jadiel Sparks profile image

Jadiel Sparks

472

10 months ago

I don't understand why this is happening. How does it affect me and my family? Who else is impacted by this?