S. 2118 – Value Over Cost Act of 2025

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Updated November 23, 2025 at 11:51 PM UTC

The Value Over Cost Act of 2025 updates federal procurement rules for the Multiple Award Schedule program. It tells civilian and defense agencies that contracts should be chosen based on the lowest overall cost, unless the GSA Administrator decides that a best‑value approach—considering factors beyond price—is needed to serve the government's interests. The changes affect all federal agencies that use the MAS system for purchasing goods and services.

Key Provisions

Amends the rules for civilian contracts (Title 41) so that orders placed through the Multiple Award Schedule must either be the lowest‑cost option or, if the General Services Administration (GSA) Administrator decides best‑value is needed, must follow the best‑value criteria in FAR 15.101.
Makes the same change for defense contracts (Title 10), requiring that Multiple Award Schedule purchases either be the lowest‑cost alternative or, when the GSA Administrator determines best‑value is required, meet the best‑value standards in FAR 15.101.

Legislative Activity

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1 earlier action

SenateIntro Referral Latest Action

Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.

Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee

June 18, 2025

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SenateIntro Referral

Introduced in Senate

June 18, 2025

SenateIntro Referral

Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.

Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee

June 18, 2025

Bill Text

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Introduced in SenateIssued June 18, 2025

II

119th CONGRESS

1st Session

S. 2118

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

June 18, 2025

Mr. Scott of South Carolina introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs

A BILL

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.

1.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the Value Over Cost Act of 2025.

2.

Providing best value through the multiple award schedule program

(a)

Civilian contracts

Section 152(3)(B) of title 41, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:

(B)

orders and contracts under those procedures result in—

(i)

the lowest overall cost alternative; or

(ii)

in the case that the Administrator of General Services determines that obtaining best value (as described under section 15.101 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation) is necessary to promote the best interests of the Federal Government, obtaining the best value to meet the needs of the Federal Government.

.

(b)

Defense contracts

Section 3012(3)(B) of title 10, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:

(B)

orders and contracts under those procedures result in—

(i)

the lowest overall cost alternative; or

(ii)

in the case that the Administrator of General Services determines that obtaining best value (as described under section 15.101 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation) is necessary to promote the best interests of the Federal Government, obtaining the best value to meet the needs of the United States.

.