PATHS Act
Sponsored By: Representative Guest, Michael [R-MS-3]
Passed House
Summary
Extends DHS authority to use other transactions (OT) for research and prototype projects through FY2028. This bill would also require fast congressional notice and a briefing when OT authority is used or extended for artificial intelligence work, and it would lower DHS's public reporting threshold for contract awards to $1 million.
Show full summary
- Department of Homeland Security: Keeps the flexible OT option for research and prototypes when contracts, grants, or cooperative agreements are not suitable and extends that authority through FY2028.
- Congress and oversight committees: Must be notified within 72 hours of any use or extension of OT authority tied to artificial intelligence and be offered a briefing explaining the rationale.
- Companies and public transparency: More awards will appear on DHS's website because the public-reporting threshold falls from $4 million to $1 million, and the bill also lowers the NDAA "covered contract" threshold to $1 million.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
More DHS contracts covered at $1 million
If enacted, the "covered contract" floor would drop from $4 million to $1 million. More DHS contractors with awards at $1 million or more would face the related rules and oversight. This would take effect when the bill becomes law.
DHS R&D pilot extended, AI alerts to Congress
If enacted, DHS could keep its R&D buying pilot through September 30, 2028. This mainly affects companies that work on DHS research projects. For any AI-related deals using this authority, DHS would need to notify House and Senate appropriations and homeland security committees within 72 hours and offer a briefing.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Guest, Michael [R-MS-3]
MS • R
Cosponsors
Rep. Thanedar, Shri [D-MI-13]
MI • D
Sponsored 2/27/2025
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov