Value Over Cost Act

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in favor of H.R. 9596, the Value Over Cost Act. The GSA keeps a list of goods and services that

are available to Federal agencies for multiple GSA-approved vendors at different prices. This schedule is known as the Federal supply schedule. Agencies can order commercial goods and services listed on this schedule in different quantities at the prices stated on the schedule.

It provides a simplified process for agencies to acquire goods and services while also earning the volume discounts for the Federal Government as a whole.

Current law is ambiguous about whether the contracts and orders under the Federal supply schedule program must be the lowest price or the best value price. Best value contracts consider price but also things like the quality of the product and the expertise of the service provider.

The bill clarifies that both the lowest price and the best value are acceptable outcomes for contracts obtained under the scheduled program.

I commend Representative Byron Donalds and Representative Gerry Connolly from Virginia for their work on the legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the Value Over Cost Act. This is a simple, commonsense piece of legislation that modernizes the antiquated Federal procurement process. Specifically, this bill provides the General Services Administration with additional contracting flexibility by allowing for the consideration of best value in addition to the lowest overall cost alternative.

Instead of just looking at the initial price tag, the Federal Government should be fiscally responsible and also consider the contractual value of products and services over time, if it is in the best interest of the Federal Government.

Ultimately, my bill increases contractual flexibility and contracting competition, provides clarity for acquisition stakeholders, maximizes the Federal Government's ability to procure modern technology, and helps the small business community by reducing regulatory burdens associated with Federal procurement.

In sum, I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of this commonsense piece of legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 9596) to amend title 41, United States Code, and title 10, United States Code, to provide best value through the multiple award schedule program, and for other purposes.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material for this measure.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 9596, the Value Over Cost Act.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Donalds).

Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers on this bill, and I am prepared to close.

Mr. Speaker, I encourage my House colleagues to support this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.