H.R.856 - Safe and Smart Federal Purchasing Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 856, the "Safe and Smart Federal Purchasing Act," directs the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to review the impact of the lowest price technically acceptable (LPTA) source selection process on national security within Defense and Civilian agencies. The bill mandates a report to Congress detailing the findings of this review. The report is to be submitted to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate.
Expected Effects
The primary effect will be a formal review and report on the potential risks to national security posed by prioritizing the lowest price in federal procurement. This could lead to changes in procurement practices if the review identifies significant risks. Ultimately, the goal is to ensure that cost-saving measures do not compromise national security.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced National Security: By identifying and addressing potential vulnerabilities in procurement, the act aims to strengthen national security.
- Improved Procurement Practices: The review may lead to more effective and secure procurement processes.
- Increased Transparency: The report to Congress will provide greater transparency regarding the impact of LPTA on national security.
- Informed Decision-Making: The findings of the review can inform future policy decisions related to federal purchasing.
- Potential Cost Savings: By optimizing procurement strategies, the government may achieve cost savings without sacrificing security.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential Delays: The review process could potentially slow down procurement processes in the short term.
- Limited Scope: The review is focused solely on national security implications and may not address other potential drawbacks of LPTA.
- Bureaucratic Burden: The reporting requirement may create an additional administrative burden for the OMB Director and relevant agencies.
- Uncertain Outcomes: The review may not identify any significant risks, rendering the effort largely inconsequential.
- Potential for Increased Costs: If the review leads to a shift away from LPTA, procurement costs could increase.
Constitutional Alignment
The Act aligns with the Constitution's broad mandate to "provide for the common defence" (Preamble). By seeking to ensure that federal purchasing practices do not compromise national security, the Act supports this constitutional objective. Article I, Section 8, which grants Congress the power to provide for the common defense and general welfare, also supports the Act's purpose.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).