New York Congresswoman Introduces the Surviving Spouse Contracting Preference Act
Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY) has introduced H.R.971, the Surviving Spouse Contracting Preference Act. The bill would amend the U.S. Code “to treat small businesses, owned by surviving spouses of members of the Armed Forces killed in the line of duty, as small business concerns owned and controlled by veterans for purposes of contracting goals and preferences of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.” The company would be considered as such until the surviving spouse remarries, or relinquishes ownership.
Illinois Congressman Introduces Bill to Expand the Buy American Act
Rep. Dan Lipinski (D-IL) has introduced the Buy American Improvement Act designed to broaden the range of products federal agencies would be required to purchase from American businesses. The text of the bill is not yet available, but in a statement, Lipinski said: “Despite the fact that too many Americans still can’t find good jobs, the federal government continues to buy many products outside our country instead of using our hard-earned tax dollars to buy American products and hire American workers…. Specifically, my bill will apply ‘Buy American’ requirements to federal spending programs that are not covered in current law and will close gaping loopholes in programs where ‘Buy American’ requirements are already law. This commonsense, bipartisan legislation is especially important now with interest from the President and the new Congress in passing a comprehensive and transformative transportation infrastructure bill.”
Procurement Experts Ask President Trump to Choose Wisely in Picking Policy Leaders
Jason Miller of Federal News Radio reports that the Procurement Round Table—consisting of experts in federal procurement—have sent a letter to President Trump, recommending several areas to improve acquisition. The letter focused on three areas, largely around making government more efficient, eliminating unnecessary regulations, and installing strong leadership. It’s on the last point that Miller’s article focuses, discussing the need for procurement policy leadership to have government or industry experience.