Executive agencies would explain why contractor staff need college credentials

A solicitation could set a minimum education requirement only with a contracting officer's written justification. This covers proposed staff on executive-agency contracts and college degrees, coursework, or similar achievement. It includes requirements met through education alone, education or experience, or both. The justification must explain why the agency cannot meet its needs without the requirement and how the requirement meets those needs. The restriction would apply to solicitations issued on or after 15 months following enactment.

The Office of Management and Budget would issue guidance, and the Comptroller General would evaluate executive-agency compliance. The guidance would go to the heads of executive agencies, with instructions for contracting officers. The guidance must require each education requirement to be determined, justified, and reviewed. It must also encourage alternatives to education requirements. The guidance would be due within 180 days after enactment. The compliance evaluation would be due within three years after enactment.

The bill would repeal section 813 of the fiscal year 2001 defense authorization law. The text identifies the section as implemented in Federal Acquisition Regulation subpart 39.104, as that rule existed on January 3, 2025. The repeal would occur when the required Office of Management and Budget guidance takes effect.