This bill directs the Secretary of Defense to take steps to increase competition for Department of Defense contracts. It requires guidance, within one year, on when the Department should accept a wider range of past performance (including commercial or non-government projects) and how to validate non-government references. The guidance must also describe alternative evaluation methods (for example, demonstrations or testing) for requirements without much precedent. The bill also directs the Defense Acquisition Regulations Council to identify and recommend removal of procedural barriers that limit small businesses and nontraditional defense contractors from competing. The Council must be convened within 90 days and the Department must implement non-legislative fixes within two years. The Secretary must also prioritize cost efficiency and quality when awarding contracts. Definitions for "nontraditional defense contractors" and "small business concern" refer to existing law.
No publicly available information on costs, spending estimates, or budgetary impact is provided in the text of the bill.
Supporters seek to expand the pool of firms that can compete for defense contracts by accepting broader forms of past performance, reducing unnecessary procurement barriers, and using demonstrations or testing when past precedent is limited. They also want contracting to emphasize cost efficiency and quality.
No publicly available information on opponents' views in the bill text.