Sponsors (121)
The bill prioritizes clearer enforcement and predictable procurement rules (including protections for firearm-related vendors) at the cost of higher compliance and administrative burdens, reduced subcontracting flexibility, potential higher taxpayer costs, and increased litigation risk.
Federal agencies and contracting officers gain clearer contractual enforcement tools (termination for default, suspension/debarment) to address alleged discrimination and a single rule to apply to new contracts.
Vendors (including prime contractors and first-tier subcontractors) get more predictable procurement rules when bidding on new federal contracts, which may simplify vendor selection and compliance expectations.
Firearm-related small businesses are less likely to be excluded from federal contracting opportunities because prime contractors and eligible first-tier subcontractors can certify non-discrimination.
Limiting which first-tier subcontractors are eligible under the certification could reduce competition for federal contracts and flexibility, likely increasing contract costs paid by taxpayers.
Agencies and contracting officers will face added administrative burdens to enforce certifications, monitor subcontract tiering, and pursue suspension/debarment actions.
Prime contractors and first-tier subcontractors will incur increased compliance and documentation costs to verify and maintain the required non-discrimination certifications.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Requires certifications from prime contractors and large first-tier subcontractors that they do not discriminate against firearm businesses or firearm trade associations as a condition of non-sole-source federal contracts.
Prohibits executive agencies from awarding non-sole-source federal contracts unless the prime contractor certifies it does not and will not enforce policies that discriminate against firearm businesses or firearm trade associations, and requires large first-tier subcontractors to provide the same certification. Violations can lead to contract termination and suspension or debarment. The rule exempts sole-source contracts and applies to contracts awarded on or after enactment.
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