S.1592 - Safe and Smart Federal Purchasing Act (119th Congress)
Summary
S.1592, 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 within 180 days of enactment. The aim is to assess whether current procurement practices, specifically those prioritizing the lowest price, pose risks to national security.
Expected Effects
The bill will likely lead to a reassessment of federal procurement strategies, potentially shifting away from a strict LPTA approach in favor of methods that prioritize quality and security. This could result in changes to the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and influence how government contracts are awarded. Ultimately, the goal is to ensure that federal purchasing decisions do not compromise national security.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced National Security: By reviewing LPTA's impact, the bill aims to identify and mitigate potential security risks in federal procurement.
- Improved Procurement Practices: The review may lead to more robust and secure procurement processes.
- Informed Decision-Making: The report to Congress will provide valuable insights for future legislation and policy adjustments.
- Potential for Higher Quality Goods/Services: Moving away from LPTA could result in the government acquiring better quality goods and services.
- Increased Accountability: The OMB Director is held accountable for conducting the review and reporting findings.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for Increased Costs: Moving away from LPTA could lead to higher procurement costs for the government.
- Bureaucratic Delays: The review process and subsequent policy changes could introduce delays in federal procurement.
- Limited Scope: The bill focuses narrowly on national security risks, potentially overlooking other negative impacts of LPTA.
- Report may be Inconclusive: The report may not provide definitive answers or actionable recommendations.
- Potential for Political Bias: The review's findings could be influenced by political considerations.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Constitution, particularly the implied powers related to national security and the common defense, as outlined in the Preamble. Congress has the power to legislate on matters related to federal procurement and to oversee the executive branch's implementation of those laws, as established in Article I, Section 8. The requirement for a report to Congress ensures legislative oversight.
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).