Voters should care about this bill because it aims to protect national security by reducing the federal government's reliance on biotechnology providers that could pose a risk. In an era where data security and supply chain integrity are critical, this bill seeks to prevent potential adversaries from accessing sensitive information or compromising vital systems through biotech equipment and services. If this bill becomes law, it means the government will be actively working to identify and restrict relationships with certain biotech companies, potentially leading to a more secure and resilient federal supply chain for these technologies.
If the bill does not become law, federal agencies and contractors might continue to use biotechnology equipment and services from companies that are later identified as security risks, potentially exposing sensitive data or critical infrastructure to foreign influence or cyber threats. However, implementing these restrictions could also lead to increased costs for government contracts and grant recipients as they seek new, compliant suppliers, and it might narrow the pool of available technology options.
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-extracted
PROVISION 01
Prohibits federal executive agencies from buying or obtaining biotechnology equipment or services from designated 'biotechnology companies of concern.'
This directly targets and restricts the federal government's engagement with companies deemed national security risks in the biotech sector.
PROVISION 02
Bans federal executive agencies from contracting with any entity that uses biotechnology equipment or services from a 'biotechnology company of concern' (acquired after the effective date) when performing work for the agency.
This extends the prohibition beyond direct purchases, impacting government contractors and subcontractors who must ensure their supply chains are free of restricted biotech products.
PROVISION 03
Prohibits the use of federal loan or grant funds to procure or use biotechnology equipment or services from 'biotechnology companies of concern.'
This prevents indirect federal funding from supporting these companies, affecting a wide range of recipients including academic institutions and research organizations.
PROVISION 04
Establishes a process for the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to publish a list of 'biotechnology companies of concern' within one year of the bill's enactment, based on input from national security agencies.
This creates the mechanism for identifying the specific companies subject to the prohibitions, making the bill enforceable.
PROVISION 05
Allows for case-by-case waivers for these prohibitions under specific conditions, such as for national security interests or for overseas healthcare services, and includes exceptions for intelligence activities and public health emergencies.
These provisions provide flexibility to ensure critical government operations and national security needs are not unduly hampered by the restrictions.
Voters should care about this bill because it aims to protect national security by reducing the federal government's reliance on biotechnology providers that could pose a risk. In an era where data security and supply chain integrity are critical, this bill seeks to prevent potential adversaries from accessing sensitive information or compromising vital systems through biotech equipment and services. If this bill becomes law, it means the government will be actively working to identify and restrict relationships with certain biotech companies, potentially leading to a more secure and resilient federal supply chain for these technologies.
If the bill does not become law, federal agencies and contractors might continue to use biotechnology equipment and services from companies that are later identified as security risks, potentially exposing sensitive data or critical infrastructure to foreign influence or cyber threats. However, implementing these restrictions could also lead to increased costs for government contracts and grant recipients as they seek new, compliant suppliers, and it might narrow the pool of available technology options.
KEY PROVISIONS
AI-extracted
high
Prohibits federal executive agencies from buying or obtaining biotechnology equipment or services from designated 'biotechnology companies of concern.'
This directly targets and restricts the federal government's engagement with companies deemed national security risks in the biotech sector.
high
Bans federal executive agencies from contracting with any entity that uses biotechnology equipment or services from a 'biotechnology company of concern' (acquired after the effective date) when performing work for the agency.
This extends the prohibition beyond direct purchases, impacting government contractors and subcontractors who must ensure their supply chains are free of restricted biotech products.
med
Prohibits the use of federal loan or grant funds to procure or use biotechnology equipment or services from 'biotechnology companies of concern.'
This prevents indirect federal funding from supporting these companies, affecting a wide range of recipients including academic institutions and research organizations.
high
Establishes a process for the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to publish a list of 'biotechnology companies of concern' within one year of the bill's enactment, based on input from national security agencies.
This creates the mechanism for identifying the specific companies subject to the prohibitions, making the bill enforceable.
med
Allows for case-by-case waivers for these prohibitions under specific conditions, such as for national security interests or for overseas healthcare services, and includes exceptions for intelligence activities and public health emergencies.
These provisions provide flexibility to ensure critical government operations and national security needs are not unduly hampered by the restrictions.
Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act
OMB Director to publish a list of 'biotechnology companies of concern'.
60 days after the Federal Acquisition Regulation is revised
Prohibitions take effect for certain biotechnology companies of concern (covered by subsection (f)(2)(A)).
90 days after the Federal Acquisition Regulation is revised
Prohibitions take effect for other biotechnology companies of concern (covered by subparagraphs (B) or (C) of subsection (f)(2)).
Not later than 30 days after granting such waiver
Waiver notification and justification must be submitted to Congress.
Not more than 365 days
Standard waiver duration.
Not later than 10 days after granting such waiver extension
Waiver extension notification and justification must be submitted to Congress.
Up to 180 days
Maximum duration for a waiver extension.
GLOSSARY
AI-written
Executive agency
A department or independent establishment of the U.S. government, such as the Department of Defense or the Environmental Protection Agency.
Biotechnology
Technology that uses biological systems, living organisms, or parts of this to develop or create different products. This can include genetic engineering, drug development, and diagnostic tools.
Biotechnology company of concern
An entity, to be identified by the Office of Management and Budget, that is involved in the biotechnology industry and poses a potential national security risk to the United States.
Procure or obtain
To buy, acquire, or get something, usually through a formal purchasing process by a government agency.
Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR)
The primary set of rules used by all federal executive agencies in the United States to govern their acquisition and purchasing processes.
Multiomic data
Comprehensive biological data that includes information from multiple 'omics' fields, such as genomics (genes), proteomics (proteins), and metabolomics (metabolites), often used to get a complete picture of biological systems.
Medical countermeasures
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTS
DEC 11, 25
Introduced in Senate
INTROREFERRAL
DEC 11, 25
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
Specific drugs, vaccines, and other medical products that can be used to diagnose, prevent, or treat harm from public health threats, including chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear incidents or emerging infectious diseases.
