FIT Procurement Act

Bill Number

H.R. 4123

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Government Operations and Politics

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2026-02-04: Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 42 - 0.

Last Updated

2026-02-06T09:06:20Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

The Federal Improvement in Technology Procurement Act (FIT Procurement Act) aims to modernize and streamline how the federal government buys information and communications technology (ICT), such as software, cloud services, and cybersecurity tools. It focuses on improving training for government procurement staff, reducing barriers for small businesses, increasing competition, and promoting efficient, innovative purchasing methods without authorizing new funding.

Key Provisions

• Acquisition Workforce Enhancements (Section 3):
• Establishes a pilot program within 18 months to incorporate "experiential learning" (hands-on experiences like simulations) into key federal certification programs for procurement roles.
• Requires development of a cross-functional ICT acquisition training program within 18 months, covering topics like market research, contract planning, emerging technologies (e.g., cloud computing, AI, cybersecurity), use of commercial products, case studies, and streamlined procurement methods (e.g., prize competitions, oral presentations). The program must include anti-waste/fraud measures and privacy protections, be updated every two years, and run for at least six years.
• Increases the Acquisition Workforce Training Fund allocation from 5% to 7.5% of procurement savings.
• Harmonizes AI training requirements by shifting oversight from the Office of Management and Budget to the Administrator of General Services.

• Innovative Procurement Methods (Section 4):
• Raises the simplified acquisition threshold (the dollar limit for faster, less formal buying processes) from $250,000 to $500,000.
• Increases the micro-purchase threshold (for small, routine buys without full competition) from $10,000 to $25,000.
• Allows government agencies to make advance payments for ICT subscriptions, reservations, or shared computing resources (e.g., cloud tenancy) under controlled access and security standards.

• Increasing Competition in Federal Contracting (Section 5):
• Directs the Administrator for Federal Procurement Policy to issue guidance within one year on broadening "past performance" evaluations to include commercial or non-government projects, validating references, and using alternatives like product demonstrations for novel requirements.
• Convenes the Chief Acquisition Officers Council within 90 days to recommend removing procedural barriers (e.g., excessive documentation) that hinder small business participation, with input from public stakeholders. Implements non-legislative changes within two years and briefs Congress on legislative needs.
• Prioritizes contracting policies that emphasize cost-efficiency and quality in awards.

• Comptroller General Assessment (Section 6):
• Requires a report within 18 months assessing small business participation in federal procurement, including barriers, program effectiveness, and trends in technology contracts (e.g., awards, sectors, geography).

• Conflict of Interest Procedures (Section 7):
• Mandates updates to the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to provide clearer guidance on preventing personal or organizational conflicts for procurement staff.

• No Additional Funding (Section 8):
• All provisions must be implemented using existing resources.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Amends Title 41 of the U.S. Code to raise procurement thresholds, allowing quicker purchases for larger amounts without full competitive bidding.
• Modifies the Acquisition Workforce Training Fund (41 U.S.C. § 1703) by increasing its percentage share.
• Updates the Artificial Intelligence Training for the Acquisition Workforce Act (Public Law 117-207) to reassign administrative responsibilities.
• Expands advance payment allowances under Title 31 (31 U.S.C. § 3324) to include ICT subscriptions, previously limited to narrower categories like publications.
• Supplements FAR policies on past performance and small business barriers without overriding them.

Potential Impacts

• Government Agencies: Streamlined procurement could speed up ICT acquisitions, reduce administrative burdens, and improve workforce skills, leading to better use of technologies like AI and cloud services. However, reliance on existing funds may strain resources initially.
• Citizens and Businesses: Small businesses gain easier entry to federal contracts through higher thresholds, reduced barriers, and broader past performance recognition, potentially increasing opportunities and innovation in government tech. Citizens may benefit from more efficient, cost-effective government services.
• International Relations: Minimal direct impact, as the focus is on domestic federal procurement; it could indirectly favor U.S.-based small businesses in competing for government tech needs, but encourages commercial off-the-shelf products that may include international vendors.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Federal Acquisition Workforce: Procurement officers, contracting specialists, and program managers in executive agencies, who receive enhanced training and tools.
• Small Businesses: Providers of ICT and related services, benefiting from lowered entry barriers and increased competition.
• Executive Agencies: Including the General Services Administration, Office of Management and Budget, and others involved in tech buying, which must adapt to new training and processes.
• Congress and Oversight Bodies: Relevant committees (e.g., House Oversight and Government Reform, Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs) receive reports and briefings; the Comptroller General conducts assessments.
• Industry and Public: Tech vendors, APEX Accelerators (procurement assistance programs), and contractors providing input on barriers.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: Strengthens existing procurement frameworks (e.g., FAR) by adding specificity on training, conflicts, and innovations, potentially reducing litigation over past performance evaluations or small business exclusions. Ensures compliance with privacy, civil rights, and anti-fraud standards in ICT buys.
• Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's spending power (Article I, Section 9) by optimizing federal funds without new appropriations; promotes equal protection by addressing small business barriers, though no major challenges anticipated.
• Political: Bipartisan sponsorship (introduced by Reps. Burlison, Subramanyam, Luna, and Lynch) signals broad support for efficiency and small business aid. Could influence future budgets by demonstrating cost savings through higher training funds and thresholds, but no additional funding requirement emphasizes fiscal restraint. May spark debates on balancing speed with oversight in sensitive tech procurements like AI and cybersecurity.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Burlison, Eric [R-MO-7]

Cosponsors (3)

Rep. Subramanyam, Suhas [D-VA-10], Rep. Luna, Anna Paulina [R-FL-13], Rep. Lynch, Stephen F. [D-MA-8]

Recent Actions

• 2026-02-04: Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 42 - 0.
• 2026-02-04: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
• 2025-06-25: Referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and in addition to the Committee on Small Business, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
• 2025-06-25: Referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and in addition to the Committee on Small Business, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
• 2025-06-25: Introduced in House
• 2025-06-25: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• Federal Improvement in Technology Procurement Act — issued 2025-06-25 — PDF (16 pages)