Value Over Cost Act of 2025

This bill changes how the federal government buys goods and services through its schedule programs. Today, agencies often must pick the lowest overall cost. Under this bill, they could also pick the “best value” option—like better quality, reliability, or support—when the head of the General Services Administration decides that doing so is in the government’s best interest, as described in federal purchasing rules (FAR 15.101). This applies to both civilian and defense contracts. The lowest-cost choice is still allowed; this simply adds the option to choose best value when justified .

Put simply: it lets the government consider more than price when that makes sense, aiming to get better results for taxpayers and mission needs .

• Who is affected: Federal agencies that buy through schedule programs, and the businesses that sell to them. Communities may see improved performance from government services when value matters more than just price .
• What changes: Agencies may choose the best overall value instead of the lowest price when the GSA Administrator determines it’s in the government’s best interest, for both civilian and defense buys. The change aligns with FAR 15.101’s “best value” approach .
• When: The text updates the law but does not state an effective date in the excerpt provided .