S.2118 - Value Over Cost Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
The Value Over Cost Act of 2025 aims to amend Title 41 (U.S. Code) and Title 10 (U.S. Code) to prioritize 'best value' in federal contracting through the Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) program. Currently, the MAS program defaults to the 'lowest overall cost alternative'. The proposed change allows the Administrator of General Services to prioritize 'best value' when it is deemed in the best interest of the federal government.
Expected Effects
This act will likely shift the focus of federal procurement away from simply selecting the lowest-cost option. It empowers the Administrator of General Services to consider factors beyond price, such as quality, performance, and long-term value. This could lead to higher-quality goods and services for the government, but potentially at a higher initial cost.
Potential Benefits
- Potentially higher quality goods and services for the government.
- Increased focus on long-term value rather than short-term cost savings.
- Greater flexibility for the Administrator of General Services in procurement decisions.
- May incentivize innovation and better performance from contractors.
- Could lead to better outcomes and greater efficiency in the long run.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased costs in the short term.
- Risk of subjective 'best value' assessments leading to favoritism or inefficiency.
- May require more complex and time-consuming procurement processes.
- Possibility of contractors increasing prices knowing that 'best value' is prioritized.
- Could lead to less transparency in the procurement process.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Constitution, specifically Article I, Section 8, which grants Congress the power to "provide for the common Defence and general Welfare of the United States." The act seeks to improve government procurement practices, which falls under Congress's authority to manage federal spending and ensure efficient use of taxpayer dollars. There are no apparent conflicts with individual rights or liberties outlined in the Bill of Rights.
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).