ARCA Act of 2025
Sponsored By: Senator Moran, Jerry [R-KS]
Passed Senate
Summary
Centralizes VA acquisition authority and adds independent cost and program checks. This bill would create an Office of Acquisition led by an Assistant Secretary, set up Program Executive Officers and certified program managers, require independent cost estimates, and require independent verification and validation for large programs defined by clear dollar thresholds.
Show full summary
- Veterans and taxpayers would get more transparency and risk oversight because an independent Director of Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation must produce cost estimates and annual reports that flag cases where independent estimates exceed the budget request by more than 5%.
- VA staff would see a consolidated acquisition structure across VA components within one year, expanded acquisition leadership, and a larger internship pipeline that must be at least twice but not more than four times the 2025 level until workforce needs are met. Mandatory relocation of personnel is prohibited.
- Contractors and program managers face stricter rules. Program managers must hold Project Management Level 3 or equivalent certification and the VA must competitively award independent verification and validation contracts only to firms with recent relevant prime contracts and no conflicts of interest.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.
New major acquisition thresholds
If enacted, the bill would define a "major acquisition program" at the VA. A program would be "major" if life-cycle cost is over $1 billion or annual cost is over $200 million. Those dollar amounts would be adjusted under section 1908 of title 41. If a program becomes "major," it would face stronger oversight and reporting. If you work for the VA or sell to the VA, this could change who reviews and runs those programs.
Veterans Affairs acquisition reorganization
If enacted, the bill would create an Office of Acquisition led by an Assistant Secretary who would be the VA's Chief Acquisition Officer. The Secretary would have to consolidate VA acquisition, procurement, and logistics under that office within one year and give Congress a plan and briefing within 90 days. The bill would add three deputy roles for logistics, procurement, and program management. It would require at least four program executive officers and certified program managers who set baselines, track cost and schedule, and report phase changes. The bill would also increase Assistant Secretaries from seven to eight and rename procurement functions to acquisition functions.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Moran, Jerry [R-KS]
KS • R
Cosponsors
Sen. Banks, Jim [R-IN]
IN • R
Sponsored 7/30/2025
Sen. Warner, Mark R. [D-VA]
VA • D
Sponsored 9/2/2025
Sen. King, Angus S., Jr. [I-ME]
ME • I
Sponsored 10/20/2025
Mike Rounds
SD • R
Sponsored 11/4/2025
Sen. Blumenthal, Richard [D-CT]
CT • D
Sponsored 12/10/2025
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov