Senate BillS 2137Armed Forces and National Security
Expedited Delivery Act
INTRO JUN 18· LAST ACTION JUN 18
READING
2MIN
COSPONSORS
0
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8
Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed Senate
Passed House
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-written
This bill matters to voters because it changes how the government spends billions of dollars of taxpayer money. If it becomes law, it could speed up the delivery of crucial equipment and services to the military by allowing them to quickly acquire cutting-edge technology or fill urgent needs without the delays of traditional competitive bidding. This might lead to more innovative solutions reaching the front lines faster.
However, a reduction in competitive bidding and oversight for large contracts could also raise concerns about transparency and accountability. Without robust competition, there's a risk that the government might pay more for goods and services than necessary, or that contracts might not always go to the most efficient providers. Voters should care because these changes could impact both national security readiness and the responsible use of public funds.
KEY PROVISIONS
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PROVISION 01
Establishes a new exception allowing non-competitive contracts if market research shows the property or service offers differentiated capabilities, accelerated delivery, or continuous improvements.
This broadens the situations in which the government can bypass competitive bidding, potentially speeding up procurement but reducing competition.
PROVISION 02
Removes several existing subsections that outlined specific procedures, justifications, and public notice requirements for non-competitive contract awards.
This streamlines the process for awarding non-competitive contracts by significantly reducing administrative and oversight burdens.
PROVISION 03
Increases the monetary thresholds for approving non-competitive contracts, with the general threshold rising from $10 million to $100 million, and others increasing tenfold or more.
This allows much larger contracts to be awarded non-competitively with less scrutiny and lower-level approval, impacting the scale of non-competitive spending.
This bill matters to voters because it changes how the government spends billions of dollars of taxpayer money. If it becomes law, it could speed up the delivery of crucial equipment and services to the military by allowing them to quickly acquire cutting-edge technology or fill urgent needs without the delays of traditional competitive bidding. This might lead to more innovative solutions reaching the front lines faster.
However, a reduction in competitive bidding and oversight for large contracts could also raise concerns about transparency and accountability. Without robust competition, there's a risk that the government might pay more for goods and services than necessary, or that contracts might not always go to the most efficient providers. Voters should care because these changes could impact both national security readiness and the responsible use of public funds.
KEY PROVISIONS
AI-extracted
high
Establishes a new exception allowing non-competitive contracts if market research shows the property or service offers differentiated capabilities, accelerated delivery, or continuous improvements.
This broadens the situations in which the government can bypass competitive bidding, potentially speeding up procurement but reducing competition.
high
Removes several existing subsections that outlined specific procedures, justifications, and public notice requirements for non-competitive contract awards.
This streamlines the process for awarding non-competitive contracts by significantly reducing administrative and oversight burdens.
high
Increases the monetary thresholds for approving non-competitive contracts, with the general threshold rising from $10 million to $100 million, and others increasing tenfold or more.
This allows much larger contracts to be awarded non-competitively with less scrutiny and lower-level approval, impacting the scale of non-competitive spending.
GLOSSARY
AI-written
Competitive procedures
The standard process where government agencies ask multiple companies to submit bids or proposals for a contract, and then select the best value based on various factors.
Non-competitive procedures
A method of awarding a contract without seeking bids from multiple companies, typically used in specific circumstances such as emergencies or when only one company can provide the required goods or services.
Differentiated capabilities
Unique features, technologies, or services that set one provider apart from others, offering distinct advantages or functionalities.
Accelerated delivery schedules
A commitment to provide goods or services much faster than typical timelines, often crucial for urgent government needs.
Continuous improvements
Ongoing enhancements or upgrades to a product or service, ensuring it remains effective and up-to-date over time.
Market research
The process of gathering information about available products, services, and suppliers in the commercial marketplace to understand capabilities, prices, and delivery options.
Monetary thresholds
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTS
JUN 18, 25
Introduced in Senate
INTROREFERRAL
JUN 18, 25
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.