On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended
✓ PassedPassed421 Yea · 1 Nay · 9 Not Voting
Yea:210 D210 R
Nay:0 D1 R
What This Bill Does
This bill specifies that contracts and orders under the multiple award schedule program of the General Services Administration (GSA) may be evaluated on best value, rather than lowest overall cost, if the GSA determines that to be in the best interests of the federal government. (Best value allows consideration of non-cost factors when evaluating contract proposals to determine the offer that provides the greatest overall benefit. The GSA's multiple award schedules provide federal agencies with a simplified process for obtaining commercial supplies and commercial services at prices associated with volume buying.)
The Value Over Cost Act prioritizes value in government contracts.
What it actually does
The Value Over Cost Act allows the GSA to evaluate government contracts on best value, not just lowest cost, if it's in the government's best interest.
Watch Items
•The bill only applies to the GSA's multiple award schedule program, which may be a narrow scope.
•The word 'Over' is not explained, but it could imply the government is taking on costs beyond the original budget, which is not necessarily the case.
•The bill's focus on 'value over cost' might lead people to think it has broader implications than just government contracting.