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Requires non-sole-source federal contractors and substantial first-tier subcontractors to certify they do not discriminate against firearm entities and trade associations, with contract penalties for violations.
Official title: To amend title 41, United States Code, to prohibit the Federal Government from entering into contracts with an entity that discriminates against the firearm and ammunition industry, and for other purposes.
Introduced January 3, 2025 by John Bergman · Last progress January 3, 2025
The bill seeks to protect certain businesses from exclusion and give agencies clearer enforcement and procurement predictability by requiring non-discrimination certifications, but it raises compliance and administrative costs, can limit subcontracting competition, and may spur legal disputes.
Federal agencies and contracting officers get clearer enforcement tools (termination for default, suspension/debarment) to respond when contractors violate the non-discrimination certification.
Vendors (prime contractors and first-tier subcontractors) gain more predictable procurement rules because the requirement is applied to new contracts, which can simplify vendor selection and compliance expectations.
Firearm-related small businesses that receive or depend on federal contracting gain protection from being excluded when prime contractors certify they do not discriminate.
Prime contractors (and their eligible first-tier subcontractors) face increased compliance costs to verify, document, and manage non-discrimination certifications.
Limiting which first-tier subcontractors are eligible under the rule may reduce competition and flexibility in bidding, which can raise contract prices and cost taxpayers more.
Agencies and contracting officers will incur additional administrative burdens to enforce certifications, monitor subcontract tiers, and potentially initiate debarment or suspension proceedings.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Prohibits federal executive agencies from awarding non-sole-source contracts unless the prime contractor certifies it does not discriminate against firearm manufacturers, sellers, or firearm trade associations and will not adopt discriminatory policies during the contract term. Requires similar certifications from substantial first-tier subcontractors, allows contract termination and suspension/debarment for violations, and takes effect for contracts awarded on or after enactment. The law defines key terms by reference to existing federal statutes, exempts sole-source contracts, and amends the title 41 table of sections. It contains no new appropriations or agency deadlines beyond contract certification and enforcement mechanics tied to procurement rules.