The House debated H.R. 1118, the Value Over Cost Act, which would let the General Services Administration award contracts under its Multiple Award Schedule program based on best overall value rather than lowest cost when GSA decides that serves the government’s interests. Rep. Burlison said the current lowest-price rule can lead to hidden costs later and supported the change. Rep. Subramanyam also supported the bill, describing the schedule program as a simplified way for agencies to buy goods and services. Both spoke in favor of passing the bill under suspension of the rules.Written by AI from the debate. Updated .
“Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1118) to amend title 41, United States Code, and title 10, United States Code, to provide best value through the multiple award schedule program, and for other purposes, as amended. The Clerk read the title of the bill. The text of the bill is as follows:”
Official Congressional Record
Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1118) to amend title 41, United States Code, and title 10, United States Code, to provide best value through the multiple award schedule program, and for other purposes, as amended. The Clerk read the title of the bill. The text of the bill is as follows:
“I support this bill. Right now, the government has to pick the cheapest option when buying products and services. That rule can lead to hidden costs later. This bill lets the government choose the best overall value instead of just the lowest price.”
“Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I support the Value Over Cost Act, H.R. 1118, which modernizes the General Services Administration’s governmentwide Multiple Award Schedule program. GSA’s Multiple Award Schedule program is the Federal Government’s most-used contracting procedure for commercial products and services. Federal agencies rely on the Multiple Award Schedule to purchase the best commercial products, services, and solutions at the best price. Currently, GSA is required to evaluate the ``lowest overall cost alternative’’ when determining what will be available on the Multiple Award Schedule. This requires a burdensome process that can actually lead to higher prices over time as contractors pass hidden administrative or ongoing support costs along to the Federal Government. This bill allows GSA to consider awarding contracts based on the best value instead of the lowest overall cost alternative. This reform mirrors a change that was made in fiscal year 2026 in the National Defense Authorization Act, putting the civilian agencies on equal footing with our defense agencies. This bill will maximize the Federal Government’s ability to get the best value when procuring modern technology. Mr. Speaker, I thank Representatives Byron Donalds and Jared Moskowitz for their leadership on this issue, and I urge my colleagues to support this targeted government efficiency bill. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.”
Official Congressional Record
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I support the Value Over Cost Act, H.R. 1118, which modernizes the General Services Administration’s governmentwide Multiple Award Schedule program. GSA’s Multiple Award Schedule program is the Federal Government’s most-used contracting procedure for commercial products and services. Federal agencies rely on the Multiple Award Schedule to purchase the best commercial products, services, and solutions at the best price. Currently, GSA is required to evaluate the ``lowest overall cost alternative’’ when determining what will be available on the Multiple Award Schedule. This requires a burdensome process that can actually lead to higher prices over time as contractors pass hidden administrative or ongoing support costs along to the Federal Government. This bill allows GSA to consider awarding contracts based on the best value instead of the lowest overall cost alternative. This reform mirrors a change that was made in fiscal year 2026 in the National Defense Authorization Act, putting the civilian agencies on equal footing with our defense agencies. This bill will maximize the Federal Government’s ability to get the best value when procuring modern technology. Mr. Speaker, I thank Representatives Byron Donalds and Jared Moskowitz for their leadership on this issue, and I urge my colleagues to support this targeted government efficiency bill. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
“I want the House to pass this bill. It lets the government pick contracts based on the best overall value, not just the lowest price.”
“Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1118, the Value Over Cost Act of 2026, as well. The GSA maintains a list of goods and services that they can order from vendors called the Multiple Award Schedule. This simplified process allows the government to make orders quickly and get discounts for bulk purchases. The Value Over Cost Act would clarify that the government can choose these contracts based on best quality, not just lowest cost. These are known as best value contracts. This is a commonsense bill that will make sure the Federal Government spends its dollars wisely while delivering for the American people the services they need. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.”
Official Congressional Record
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1118, the Value Over Cost Act of 2026, as well. The GSA maintains a list of goods and services that they can order from vendors called the Multiple Award Schedule. This simplified process allows the government to make orders quickly and get discounts for bulk purchases. The Value Over Cost Act would clarify that the government can choose these contracts based on best quality, not just lowest cost. These are known as best value contracts. This is a commonsense bill that will make sure the Federal Government spends its dollars wisely while delivering for the American people the services they need. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.
