Skills-Based Federal Contracting Act of 2025
Sponsored By: Representative Mace, Nancy [R-SC-1]
Passed House
Summary
Ends blanket college-degree rules on federal contracts by barring solicitations that demand a degree unless a contracting officer gives a written justification explaining why that education is necessary and how it ensures the agency's needs are met.
Show full summary
- Workers and job seekers: More applicants without associate or higher degrees could compete for federal contract work when agencies drop blanket education barriers. This shifts emphasis toward skills and experience.
- Agencies and contractors: Contracting officers would have to document and review every use of an education requirement and consider alternatives like specific skills or experience. The Office of Management and Budget must issue guidance within 180 days on how to write and review those justifications.
- Timing and oversight: The rule would apply to solicitations issued 15 months after enactment and would repeal the older Section 813 authority when OMB's guidance takes effect. The Government Accountability Office must evaluate agency compliance and report to Congress within 3 years.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Fewer degree rules for federal contracts
If enacted, most federal contract solicitations would not be allowed to require a college degree. A contracting officer would need a written justification in the solicitation to keep any education requirement and explain why it is needed. "Education" would mean an accredited or state‑approved college degree, named coursework, or other approved college‑level attainment. These rules would apply to solicitations issued 15 months after enactment.
Guidance and oversight for contracting rules
If enacted, the Office of Management and Budget would have 180 days to issue guidance on these education rules. The guidance would require that each education requirement be determined, justified, and reviewed, and would urge use of alternatives. When that guidance becomes effective, an older defense law provision and its related Federal Acquisition Regulation would be repealed. Not later than 3 years after enactment, the Comptroller General would report to Congress on agency compliance.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Mace, Nancy [R-SC-1]
SC • R
Cosponsors
Rep. Krishnamoorthi, Raja [D-IL-8]
IL • D
Sponsored 9/9/2025
Rep. Perez, Marie Gluesenkamp [D-WA-3]
WA • D
Sponsored 12/16/2025
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov