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ACCESS Act
2/11/2025, 5:53 AM
Summary of Bill S 79
The bill seeks to ensure that contractors are not unfairly excluded from bidding on government contracts due to arbitrary educational requirements. By removing these requirements, the bill aims to promote fair competition and increase opportunities for a wider range of contractors to participate in government projects.
In addition to prohibiting minimum educational requirements, the bill also includes provisions for other purposes related to government contracting. These additional purposes are not specified in the summary provided. Overall, Bill 119 s 79 is focused on promoting fairness and inclusivity in government contracting by removing unnecessary barriers for contractors. It will be interesting to see how this bill progresses through the legislative process and what impact it may have on government contracting practices.
Congressional Summary of S 79
Allowing Contractors to Choose Employees for Select Skills Act or the ACCESS Act
This bill prohibits federal contract bid solicitations for contractor personnel from including minimum educational requirements unless the contracting officer justifies the requirements. The prohibition applies to educational requirements that may be met through education alone, education or experience, or a combination of education and experience.
The bill also requires the Office of Management and Budget to issue implementing guidance to federal agencies, including instructions for contracting officers that encourage using alternatives to education requirements.
Read the Full Bill
Current Status of Bill S 79
Bipartisan Support of Bill S 79
Total Number of Sponsors
3Democrat Sponsors
0Republican Sponsors
3Unaffiliated Sponsors
0Total Number of Cosponsors
1Democrat Cosponsors
1Republican Cosponsors
0Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill S 79
Primary Policy Focus
Alternate Title(s) of Bill S 79
Comments
Jalen Ford
10 months ago
I think this bill is a good idea. It's about time we stop requiring unnecessary educational qualifications for contractor personnel. This could open up more opportunities for people who may not have a traditional education but still have valuable skills to offer. But, how will this affect the quality of work being done? Will there be any negative consequences in the short term?
