Summary:
Government Neutrality in Contracting Act - Directs the head of any federal agency that awards or obligates funds for any construction contract, or that awards grants, provides financial assistance, or enters into cooperative agreements for construction projects, to ensure that bid specifications, project agreements, or other controlling documents do not: (1) require or forbid a bidder, offeror, contractor, or subcontractor to enter into or adhere to agreements with a labor organization with respect to that construction project or another related construction project; or (2) otherwise discriminate against such a party because it did or did not become a signatory or otherwise adhere to such an agreement.

Allows exemptions to avert an imminent threat to public health or safety or to serve national security. Allows additional exemptions for certain projects. Directs the Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council to amend the Federal Acquisition Regulation to implement this Act with respect to the applicable federal contracts.

government neutrality contracting act_-_directs head federal agency awards obligates funds construction contract awards grants provides financial assistance enters cooperative agreements construction projects ensure bid specifications project agreements controlling documents require forbid bidder offeror contractor subcontractor enter adhere agreements labor organization respect construction project related construction project discriminate party signatory adhere agreement allows exemptions avert imminent threat public health safety serve national security allows additional exemptions certain projects directs federal_acquisition_regulatory_council amend federal_acquisition_regulation implement act respect applicable federal contracts


Summary:
Freedom from Government Competition Act - Requires each executive or military department or independent establishment to obtain all goods and services necessary for or beneficial to the accomplishment of its authorized functions by procurement from private sources, except if: (1) such goods or services are required by law to be produced or performed by such agency; or (2) the head of the agency determines and certifies that federal production, manufacture, or provision of a good or service is necessary for the national defense or homeland security, that a good or service is so inherently governmental in nature that it is in the public interest to require production or performance by government employees, or that there is no private source capable of providing the good or service.

Requires such private sector provision of goods and services to be performed through: (1) the divestiture of federal involvement, (2) the award of a contract using competitive procedures, (3) converting an activity to performance by a qualified firm under at least 51% ownership by an Indian tribe or a Native Hawaiian Organization, or (4) conducting a public-private competitive sourcing analysis in accordance with Office of Management and Budget (OMB) procedures and determining that using the private sector is in the best interest of the United States and provides the best value to the taxpayer.

Authorizes an agency head to utilize federal employees to provide goods or services previously provided by a private sector entity upon completion of a public-private competitive sourcing analysis and after determining that provision by federal employees provides the best value.

Requires the Director of OMB to carry out a study, in conjunction with the Comptroller General (GAO), to evaluate the activities carried out in each agency.

freedom government competition act_-_requires executive military department independent establishment obtain goods services necessary beneficial accomplishment authorized functions procurement private sources goods services required law produced performed agency head agency determines certifies federal production manufacture provision good service necessary national defense homeland_security good service inherently governmental nature public interest require production performance government employees private source capable providing good service requires private sector provision goods services performed divestiture federal involvement award contract competitive procedures converting activity performance qualified firm ownership indian tribe native hawaiian organization conducting public private competitive sourcing analysis accordance office_of_management_and_budget omb procedures determining private sector best interest united_states provides best value taxpayer authorizes agency head utilize federal employees provide goods services previously provided private sector entity completion public private competitive sourcing analysis determining provision federal employees provides best value requires director omb carry study conjunction comptroller_general gao evaluate activities carried agency


Summary: Government Contractor Accountability Act of 2013 - Requires specified federal agencies (defined as establishments by the Inspector General Act of 1978) to report to Congress on their response, or lack of response, to covered final audit reports submitted to such agencies by an Inspector General or by the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction or the Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction. Defines "covered final audit report" as a final report issued by an Inspector General that includes a recommendation for implementing cost-saving measures or for seeking reimbursement for failure by a contractor or subcontractor to successfully complete a contract due to poor performance, cost-overruns, or other reasons that would, if implemented, result in at least $2 million in savings.

government contractor accountability_act requires specified federal agencies defined establishments inspector_general act report congress response lack response covered final audit reports submitted agencies inspector_general special inspector_general afghanistan_reconstruction special inspector_general iraq reconstruction defines covered final audit report final report issued inspector_general includes recommendation implementing cost saving measures seeking reimbursement failure contractor subcontractor successfully complete contract poor performance cost overruns reasons implemented result million savings


Summary:
Small Business Fairness Act of 2013 - Amends the Small Business Act to permit a contract between a federal agency and a small business teaming arrangement entity to be deemed awarded for purposes of the small business procurement and services contracting goals established by the head of that agency if the obligations of such entity are performed by a qualified HUBZone (historically underutilized business zone) small business or a small business owned and controlled by service-disabled veterans, socially and economically disadvantaged individuals, or women.

Defines "teaming arrangement entity" as a prime contractor under a contractor team arrangement as defined under specified provisions of the Federal Acquisition Regulation.

small business fairness act amends small_business_act permit contract federal agency small business teaming arrangement entity deemed awarded purposes small business procurement services contracting goals established head agency obligations entity performed qualified hubzone historically underutilized business zone small business small business owned controlled service disabled veterans socially economically disadvantaged individuals women defines teaming arrangement entity prime contractor contractor team arrangement defined specified provisions federal_acquisition_regulation


Summary:
Buy Smarter and Save Act of 2013 - Directs the President to establish: (1) an annual government-wide goal to procure goods and services using strategic sourcing, and (2) an annual government-wide goal for savings from the use of strategic sourcing. Defines "strategic sourcing" as a structured and collaborative process of critically analyzing an organization's spending patterns to better leverage its purchasing power, reduce costs, and improve overall value and performance.

Directs the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to: (1) issue guidance to executive agencies for implementing the strategic sourcing goals established by this Act, and (2) report on spending for goods and services that was strategically sourced and the extent of the savings realized.

Directs the Departments of Defense (DOD), Homeland Security (DHS), Energy (DOE), Veterans Affairs (VA), and Health and Human Services (HHS), and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the General Services Administration (GSA), and the Small Business Administration (SBA) to take certain actions to support strategic sourcing, including establishing department wide-goals and savings targets for strategic sourcing efforts and a strategic sourcing accountability official.

Directs the Comptroller General (GAO) to: (1) conduct studies on contract utilization fees and on establishing strategic sourcing initiative contract vehicles, and (2) assess and report on the performance of executive agencies in implementing the strategic sourcing goals required by this Act and the amounts saved through the use of strategic sourcing.

buy smarter save act directs president establish annual government wide goal procure goods services strategic sourcing annual government wide goal savings use strategic sourcing defines strategic sourcing structured collaborative process critically analyzing organization spending patterns better leverage purchasing power reduce costs improve overall value performance directs director office_of_management_and_budget omb issue guidance executive agencies implementing strategic sourcing goals established act report spending goods services strategically sourced extent savings realized directs departments_of_defense dod homeland_security dhs energy doe veterans_affairs health_and_human_services hhs national_aeronautics_and_space_administration nasa general_services_administration gsa small_business_administration sba certain actions support strategic sourcing including establishing department wide goals savings targets strategic sourcing efforts strategic sourcing accountability official directs comptroller_general gao conduct studies contract utilization fees establishing strategic sourcing initiative contract vehicles assess report performance executive agencies implementing strategic sourcing goals required act amounts saved use strategic sourcing


Summary:
Preventing Conflicts of Interest with Contractors Act - Provides that a contract may not be entered into, and an extension of or option on a contract may not be exercised, with a contractor to conduct a quality review process relating to background investigation fieldwork services or background investigation support services if the contractor is performing the services to be reviewed.

Defines, for purposes of this Act:

 "agency" as an executive agency, a military department, an element of the intelligence community, the U.S. Postal Service (USPS), or the Postal Regulatory Commission; "background investigation fieldwork services" as the investigatory fieldwork conducted to determine the eligibility of an individual for logical and physical access to federally-controlled facilities or information systems, suitability or fitness for federal employment, eligibility for access to classified information or to hold a national security sensitive position, or fitness to perform work for or on behalf of the federal government as a contractor or employee, including interviews with individuals who might have relevant knowledge of the individual and reviews of educational and employment records, criminal and other legal records, and credit history; and "quality review process" as performing the final quality review of a background investigation to ensure that investigative, administrative, and other required standards have been met before the completed background investigation is delivered to the adjudicating agency (i.e., the agency that requested the background check and that has final decision-making authority).

preventing conflicts interest contractors act provides contract entered extension option contract exercised contractor conduct quality review process relating background investigation services background investigation support services contractor performing services reviewed defines purposes act agency executive agency military department element intelligence_community postal_service usps postal_regulatory_commission background investigation services investigatory conducted determine eligibility individual physical access federally controlled facilities information systems suitability fitness federal employment eligibility access classified information hold national security sensitive position fitness perform work behalf federal_government contractor employee including interviews individuals relevant knowledge individual reviews educational employment records criminal legal records credit history quality review process performing final quality review background investigation ensure investigative administrative required standards met completed background investigation delivered adjudicating agency agency requested background check final decision making authority


Summary:
Contracting and Tax Accountability Act of 2014 - Requires the head of any executive agency that issues an invitation for bids or a request for proposals for a contract, or that offers a grant, in an amount greater than the simplified acquisition threshold, to require each person submitting a bid or proposal or grant application to submit a form: (1) certifying whether the person has a seriously delinquent tax debt, and (2) authorizing the Secretary of the Treasury to disclose information limited to describing whether such person has such a debt.

Subjects a person who submits a certification that he or she has a seriously delinquent tax debt, or whose certification that he or she does not have such a debt is demonstrated to be false, to a negative responsibility determination when applying for a federal contract or grant. Provides for: (1) the suspension from the federal procurement process of a person who certifies that he or she has such a debt, and (2) debarment of a person whose certification that he or she does not have such a debt is demonstrated to be false.

Defines "seriously delinquent tax debt" as an outstanding tax debt for which a notice of lien has been filed in public records. Exempts from such definition: (1) tax debts that are being paid in a timely manner under an approved installment agreement, and (2) debts for which a collection due process hearing has been requested or is pending.

contracting tax accountability_act requires head executive agency issues invitation bids request proposals contract offers grant greater simplified acquisition threshold require person submitting bid proposal grant application submit form certifying person seriously delinquent tax debt authorizing secretary treasury disclose information limited describing person debt subjects person submits certification seriously delinquent tax debt certification debt demonstrated false negative responsibility determination applying federal contract grant provides suspension federal procurement process person certifies debt debarment person certification debt demonstrated false defines seriously delinquent tax debt outstanding tax debt notice lien filed public records exempts definition tax debts paid timely manner approved installment agreement debts collection process hearing requested pending


Summary:
Women's Small Business Procurement Parity Act - Amends the Small Business Act to revise procurement program requirements for women-owned small businesses.

Authorizes a contracting officer to award a sole source contract under this Act to small businesses owned and controlled by women if each of the businesses is at least 51% owned by one or more women who are economically disadvantaged (and such ownership is determined without regard to any community property law), and if:

 the small business is in an industry in which it is underrepresented, as determined by the Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA); the contracting officer determines that it is a responsible contractor; the anticipated award price of the contract, including options, is not more than: (1) $6.5 million, in the case of a contract opportunity assigned a North American Industry Classification System code for manufacturing; or (2) $4 million, in the case of any other contract opportunity; and the contract award can be made at a fair and reasonable price. Authorizes a contracting officer to award a sole source contract to a small business owned and controlled by women meeting the same criteria in an industry in which such businesses are substantially underrepresented if the small business also meets specified certification requirements.

women small business procurement parity act_-_amends small_business_act revise procurement program requirements women owned small businesses authorizes contracting officer award sole source contract act small businesses owned controlled women businesses owned women economically disadvantaged ownership determined regard community property law small business industry underrepresented determined administrator small_business_administration sba contracting officer determines responsible contractor anticipated award price contract including options million case contract opportunity assigned north american industry classification system code manufacturing million case contract opportunity contract award fair reasonable price authorizes contracting officer award sole source contract small business owned controlled women meeting criteria industry businesses substantially underrepresented small business meets specified certification requirements


Summary:
Civilian Extraterritorial Jurisdiction Act of 2014 or the CEJA - Amends the federal criminal code to grant jurisdiction over and impose penalties on federal contractors and employees who commit certain crimes outside of the United States while employed by or accompanying any agency of the United States other than the Department of Defense (DOD) or while so employed and stationed or deployed in a country outside of the United States pursuant to a treaty or executive agreement in furtherance of a border security initiative with that country. Sets forth the crimes under federal law that are covered by this Act.

Provides for an optional venue for offenses under this Act involving federal employees and contractors overseas in the district in which is headquartered the U.S. agency that: (1) employs the offender, or any one or two or more joint offenders; or (2) the offender is accompanying, or that any one or two or more joint offenders is accompanying.

Requires the statute of limitations for an offense under this Act to be suspended for the period during which the alleged offender is outside the United States or is a fugitive from justice.

Directs the Attorney General to: (1) assign personnel and resources through task forces to investigate allegations of criminal offenses by federal contractors and employees overseas, and (2) report to Congress annually on the number of prosecutions and actions taken. Grants the Attorney General principal authority for the enforcement of this Act.

Makes this Act inapplicable to the authorized intelligence activities of the U.S. government.

civilian extraterritorial jurisdiction act amends federal criminal code grant jurisdiction impose penalties federal contractors employees commit certain crimes outside united_states employed accompanying agency united_states department_of_defense dod employed stationed deployed country outside united_states pursuant treaty executive agreement furtherance border_security initiative country sets forth crimes federal law covered act provides optional venue offenses act involving federal employees contractors overseas district headquartered agency employs offender joint offenders offender accompanying joint offenders accompanying requires statute limitations offense act suspended period alleged offender outside united_states fugitive justice directs attorney general assign personnel resources task forces investigate allegations criminal offenses federal contractors employees overseas report congress annually number prosecutions actions taken grants attorney general principal authority enforcement act makes act inapplicable authorized intelligence activities government


Summary:
Modifies design-build selection procedures for civilian and defense contracts for the design and construction of a public building, facility, or work to require the contracting officer to provide written documentation of how more than five finalists in a solicitation for a contract is consistent with the purposes and objectives of the two-phase selection process (a procurement process in which the first phase consists of prequalification or shortlisting and the second phase consists of preparation and submission of complete design-build proposals from the prequalified offerors).

Requires the use of two-phase selection procedures for civilian or defense contracts when a contracting officer determines that the contract has a value of $750,000 or greater, adjusted for inflation. Requires: (1) agencies to report on contracts for which more than five finalists were selected for phase-two requests or for which the contract was awarded without using two-phase selection procedures, and (2) the Comptroller General (GAO) to report on the compliance of executive agencies with design-build contract procedures.

modifies design build selection procedures civilian defense contracts design construction public building facility work require contracting officer provide written documentation solicitation contract consistent purposes objectives phase selection process procurement process phase consists second phase consists preparation submission complete design build proposals offerors requires use phase selection procedures civilian defense contracts contracting officer determines contract value greater adjusted inflation requires agencies report contracts selected phase requests contract awarded phase selection procedures comptroller_general gao report compliance executive agencies design build contract procedures


Summary:
Made in the U.S.A. Act - Prohibits the head of a federal agency from obligating or expending funds or providing financial assistance for projects for the construction, alteration, maintenance, or repair of a public building or public work unless substantially all of the iron, steel, wood products, cement, and manufactured goods used in the project are produced in the United States (Buy American requirements).

Authorizes the head of an agency to waive such prohibition in certain circumstances.

Amends the Internal Revenue Code, with respect to the Build America Bond program, to: (1) extend permanently the authority to issue such bonds and the authority for payments to issuers of such bonds, (2) reduce the bond holder tax credit percentage, and (3) treat as bonds qualified for the tax credit any bond (or series of bonds) issued to refund a qualified bond if certain criteria are met.

Revises Buy American requirements with respect to federal-aid highways, particularly the handling of waiver requests.

Revises similar Buy American requirements with respect to public transportation and Amtrak, particularly rolling stock. Requires the cost of rolling stock components and subcomponents produced in the United States to increase from 60% in FY2015 by 10% annual increments up to 100% for FY2019 and ensuing fiscal years.

Prescribes Buy American requirements for procurement of a facility or equipment under federal aviation programs similar to those for rolling stock.

Requires the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) to report annually to Congress on: (1) each project for which a waiver of Buy American requirements was issued; and (2) the country of origin and product specifications for steel, iron, or manufactured goods acquired pursuant to each waiver.

act prohibits head federal agency obligating expending funds providing financial assistance projects construction alteration maintenance repair public building public work substantially iron steel wood products cement manufactured goods project produced united_states buy american requirements authorizes head agency waive prohibition certain circumstances amends_the_internal_revenue_code respect build_america_bond program extend permanently authority issue bonds authority payments issuers bonds reduce bond holder tax credit percentage treat bonds qualified tax credit bond series bonds issued refund qualified bond certain criteria met revises buy american requirements respect federal aid highways particularly handling waiver requests revises similar buy american requirements respect public transportation amtrak particularly rolling stock requires cost rolling stock components produced united_states increase fy2015 annual increments fy2019 ensuing fiscal years prescribes buy american requirements procurement facility equipment federal aviation programs similar rolling stock requires secretary transportation dot report annually congress project waiver buy american requirements issued country origin product specifications steel iron manufactured goods acquired pursuant waiver


Summary:
No Federal Contracts for Corporate Deserters Act of 2014 - Prohibits an executive agency from awarding a contract (including a defense contract) for the procurement of property or services to: (1) any foreign incorporated entity determined to be an inverted domestic corporation or any subsidiary of such entity, or (2) any joint venture more than 10% of which is held by such an entity or subsidiary.

Directs each agency to include in each contract awarded with a value in excess of $10 million, other than a contract for exclusively commercial items, a clause that prohibits the prime contractor from: (1) awarding a first-tier subcontract with a value greater than 10% of the total prime contract to such an entity or joint venture, or (2) structuring subcontract tiers enabling such entity or joint venture to perform more than 10% of the total value of the prime contract.

Authorizes an agency to waive such requirements for a contract in the interest of national security or if necessary for the efficient or effective administration of federal or federally-funded programs that provide health benefits to individuals. Provides for termination of a contract or suspension or debarment of a contractor in violation of this Act.

Requires a foreign incorporated entity to be treated as an inverted domestic corporation if: (1) the entity acquires, on or after May 8, 2014, substantially all of the properties held by a domestic corporation or substantially all of the assets of, or substantially all of the properties constituting a trade or business of, a domestic partnership; and (2) after the acquisition, either more than 50% of the stock of the entity is held by former shareholders of the domestic corporation or former partners of the domestic partnership, or the management and control of the expanded affiliated group which includes the entity occurs primarily within the United States and such expanded affiliated group has significant domestic business activities. Sets forth an exception for an entity within an expanded affiliated group with substantial business activities in the foreign country in which the entity is created.

Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to prescribe regulations for determining cases in which the management and control of an expanded affiliated group is to be treated as occurring primarily within the United States.

federal contracts corporate act prohibits executive agency awarding contract including defense contract procurement property services foreign incorporated entity determined inverted domestic corporation subsidiary entity joint venture held entity subsidiary directs agency include contract awarded value excess million contract exclusively commercial items clause prohibits prime contractor awarding tier subcontract value greater total prime contract entity joint venture structuring subcontract tiers enabling entity joint venture perform total value prime contract authorizes agency waive requirements contract interest national security necessary efficient effective administration federal federally funded programs provide health benefits individuals provides termination contract suspension debarment contractor violation act requires foreign incorporated entity treated inverted domestic corporation entity acquires substantially properties held domestic corporation substantially assets substantially properties constituting trade business domestic partnership acquisition stock entity held shareholders domestic corporation partners domestic partnership management control expanded affiliated group includes entity occurs primarily united_states expanded affiliated group significant domestic business activities sets forth exception entity expanded affiliated group substantial business activities foreign country entity created requires secretary treasury prescribe regulations determining cases management control expanded affiliated group treated occurring primarily united_states


Summary:
Invest in American Jobs Act of 2014 - Revises Buy American requirements with respect to federal-aid highways, capital investment grants to support intercity passenger rail service (rail grants), and Amtrak, particularly the handling of waiver requests.

Revises similar Buy American requirements with respect to public transportation, particularly rolling stock. Requires the cost of rolling stock components and subcomponents produced in the United States to increase from 60% in FY2013 by 10% annual increments up to 100% for FY2017 and ensuing fiscal years. Revises waiver requirements as well to mirror those for federal-aid highways.

Applies the rail grant Buy American requirements under this Act to recipients of rail loans and loan guarantees with respect to railroad rehabilitation and improvement.

Prescribes Buy American requirements for procurement of a facility or equipment under federal aviation programs similar to those for rolling stock.

Requires the Secretary of Transportation (DOT) to report annually to Congress on: (1) each project for which a waiver of Buy American requirements was issued; and (2) the country of origin and product specifications for steel, iron, or manufactured goods acquired pursuant to each waiver.

Amends the Safe Drinking Water Act to prescribe Buy American requirements for steel, iron, and manufactured goods used in the construction of a public water system.

Adds similar Buy American requirements to the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965, with respect to economic development programs, and to the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, with respect to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.

Amends the Truman-Hobbs Act to prescribe Buy American requirements for steel, iron, and manufactured goods used in the alteration of a bridge over U.S. navigable waters.

invest american_jobs act revises buy american requirements respect federal aid highways capital investment grants support intercity passenger rail service rail grants amtrak particularly handling waiver requests revises similar buy american requirements respect public transportation particularly rolling stock requires cost rolling stock components produced united_states increase fy2013 annual increments fy2017 ensuing fiscal years revises waiver requirements federal aid highways applies rail grant buy american requirements act recipients rail loans loan guarantees respect railroad rehabilitation improvement prescribes buy american requirements procurement facility equipment federal aviation programs similar rolling stock requires secretary transportation dot report annually congress project waiver buy american requirements issued country origin product specifications steel iron manufactured goods acquired pursuant waiver amends safe_drinking_water_act prescribe buy american requirements steel iron manufactured goods construction public water system adds similar buy american requirements public_works_and_economic_development_act respect economic development programs robert stafford disaster relief emergency assistance_act respect federal_emergency_management_agency fema hazard mitigation grant program amends truman hobbs act prescribe buy american requirements steel iron manufactured goods alteration bridge navigable waters


Summary:
(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The expanded summary of the House reported version is repeated here.)

Contracting and Tax Accountability Act of 2015

(Sec. 2) Declares it the policy of the U.S. government that no government contracts or grants should be awarded to individuals or companies with seriously delinquent federal tax debts.

(Sec. 3) Requires the head of any executive agency that issues an invitation for bids or a request for proposals for a contract, or that offers a grant, in an amount greater than the simplified acquisition threshold, to require each person submitting a bid or proposal or grant application to: (1) certify that such person does not have a seriously delinquent tax debt, and (2) authorize the Department of the Treasury to disclose information limited to describing whether such person has a seriously delinquent tax debt. Subjects a person who has a seriously delinquent tax debt to a negative responsibility or high risk determination when applying for a federal contract or grant, or to suspension or debarment from the federal procurement process. Authorizes an agency head to waive a suspension or debarment proceeding for a person with a seriously delinquent tax debt upon a written finding of urgent and compelling circumstances significantly affecting the interests of the United States.

(Sec. 5) Defines "seriously delinquent tax debt" as a federal tax liability that has been assessed by the Internal Revenue Service and is collectible by levy or a court proceeding, except a tax debt: (1) that is being paid in a timely manner under an approved installment agreement or an offer-in-compromise, (2) for which a collection due process hearing has been requested or is pending; (3) for which a continuous levy has been issued or agreed to by an applicant for employment, or (4) with respect to which such a levy is released because it has been determined to be an economic hardship to the taxpayer.

(Sec. 6) Makes this Act applicable to contracts and grants awarded on or after 270 days after the enactment date of this Act.

measure amended introduced expanded summary house reported version repeated contracting tax accountability_act sec declares policy government government contracts grants awarded individuals companies seriously delinquent federal tax debts sec requires head executive agency issues invitation bids request proposals contract offers grant greater simplified acquisition threshold require person submitting bid proposal grant application certify person seriously delinquent tax debt authorize department_of_the_treasury disclose information limited describing person seriously delinquent tax debt subjects person seriously delinquent tax debt negative responsibility high risk determination applying federal contract grant suspension debarment federal procurement process authorizes agency head waive suspension debarment proceeding person seriously delinquent tax debt written finding urgent compelling circumstances significantly affecting interests united_states sec defines seriously delinquent tax debt federal tax liability assessed internal_revenue_service collectible levy court proceeding tax debt paid timely manner approved installment agreement offer compromise collection process hearing requested pending continuous levy issued agreed applicant employment respect levy released determined economic hardship taxpayer sec makes act applicable contracts grants awarded days enactment date act


Summary:
Boycott Our Enemies not Israel Act

Requires a revision to the Federal Acquisition Regulation to require a certification from each person that is a prospective government contractor that such person, and any person owned or controlled by such person, is not a boycotting person (a person who, with the intent to comply with or support a boycott against Israel, refuses to do business with or in Israel, with any Israeli national or resident, or with a business concern organized under Israeli law). Debars from eligibility for federal contracts for at least two years any person who submits a false certification.

boycott israel act requires revision federal_acquisition_regulation require certification person prospective government contractor person person owned controlled person person person intent comply support boycott israel refuses business israel israeli national resident business concern organized israeli law eligibility federal contracts years person submits false certification


Summary:
(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.)

Government Neutrality in Contracting Act

(Sec. 3) This bill directs the head of any federal agency that awards or obligates funds for any construction contract, or that awards grants, provides financial assistance, or enters into cooperative agreements for construction projects, to ensure that bid specifications, project agreements, or other controlling documents do not: (1) require or prohibit a bidder, offeror, contractor, or subcontractor from entering into, or adhering to, agreements with a labor organization, with respect to that construction project or another related construction project; or (2) otherwise discriminate against or give preference to such a party because it did or did not become a signatory or otherwise adhere to such an agreement.

The bill also allows exemptions to this rule to avert an imminent threat to public health or safety or to serve national security, as well as additional exemptions for certain projects meeting specified criteria. The Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council shall amend the Federal Acquisition Regulation to implement this Act with respect to the applicable federal contracts.

measure amended introduced summary expanded action occurred measure government neutrality contracting act sec bill directs head federal agency awards obligates funds construction contract awards grants provides financial assistance enters cooperative agreements construction projects ensure bid specifications project agreements controlling documents require prohibit bidder offeror contractor subcontractor entering adhering agreements labor organization respect construction project related construction project discriminate preference party signatory adhere agreement bill allows exemptions rule avert imminent threat public health safety serve national security additional exemptions certain projects meeting specified criteria federal_acquisition_regulatory_council shall amend federal_acquisition_regulation implement act respect applicable federal contracts


Summary:
Buy Smarter and Save Act of 2015

Directs the President to establish: (1) an annual government-wide goal to procure goods and services using strategic sourcing, and (2) an annual government-wide goal for savings from the use of strategic sourcing. Defines "strategic sourcing" as a structured and collaborative process of critically analyzing an organization's spending patterns to better leverage its purchasing power, reduce costs, and improve overall value and performance.

Requires the Office of Management and Budget to: (1) issue guidance to executive agencies for implementing the strategic sourcing goals established by this Act, and (2) report on spending for goods and services that was strategically sourced and the extent of the savings realized.

Directs the Departments of Defense, Homeland Security, Energy, Veterans Affairs, and Health and Human Services, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the General Services Administration, and the Small Business Administration to take certain actions to support strategic sourcing, including establishing department wide-goals and savings targets for strategic sourcing efforts and a strategic sourcing accountability official.

Directs the Comptroller General to: (1) conduct studies on contract utilization fees and on establishing strategic sourcing initiative contract vehicles, and (2) assess and report on the performance of executive agencies in implementing the strategic sourcing goals required by this Act and the amounts saved through the use of strategic sourcing.

buy smarter save act directs president establish annual government wide goal procure goods services strategic sourcing annual government wide goal savings use strategic sourcing defines strategic sourcing structured collaborative process critically analyzing organization spending patterns better leverage purchasing power reduce costs improve overall value performance requires office_of_management_and_budget issue guidance executive agencies implementing strategic sourcing goals established act report spending goods services strategically sourced extent savings realized directs departments_of_defense homeland_security energy veterans_affairs health_and_human_services national_aeronautics_and_space_administration nasa general_services_administration small_business_administration certain actions support strategic sourcing including establishing department wide goals savings targets strategic sourcing efforts strategic sourcing accountability official directs comptroller_general conduct studies contract utilization fees establishing strategic sourcing initiative contract vehicles assess report performance executive agencies implementing strategic sourcing goals required act amounts saved use strategic sourcing


Summary:
No Federal Contracts for Corporate Deserters Act of 2015

Prohibits an executive agency from awarding a contract (including a defense contract) to: (1) any foreign incorporated entity determined to be an inverted domestic corporation or any subsidiary of such entity, or (2) any joint venture more than 10% of which is held by such an entity or subsidiary.

Directs each agency to include in each contract awarded with a value in excess of $10 million, other than a contract for exclusively commercial items, a clause that prohibits the prime contractor from: (1) awarding a first-tier subcontract with a value greater than 10% of the total prime contract to such an entity or joint venture, or (2) structuring subcontract tiers enabling such entity or joint venture to perform more than 10% of the total value of the prime contract.

Authorizes an agency to waive such requirements for a contract in the interest of national security. Provides for termination of a contract or suspension or debarment of a contractor in violation of this Act.

Requires a foreign incorporated entity to be treated as an inverted domestic corporation if: (1) the entity acquires, on or after May 8, 2014, substantially all of the properties held by a domestic corporation or substantially all of the assets of, or substantially all of the properties constituting a trade or business of, a domestic partnership; and (2) after the acquisition, either more than 50% of the stock of the entity is held by former shareholders of the domestic corporation or former partners of the domestic partnership, or the management and control of the expanded affiliated group which includes the entity occurs primarily within the United States and such expanded affiliated group has significant domestic business activities. Sets forth an exception for an entity within an expanded affiliated group with substantial business activities in the foreign country in which the entity is created.

Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to prescribe regulations for determining cases in which the management and control of an expanded affiliated group is to be treated as occurring primarily within the United States.

federal contracts corporate act prohibits executive agency awarding contract including defense contract foreign incorporated entity determined inverted domestic corporation subsidiary entity joint venture held entity subsidiary directs agency include contract awarded value excess million contract exclusively commercial items clause prohibits prime contractor awarding tier subcontract value greater total prime contract entity joint venture structuring subcontract tiers enabling entity joint venture perform total value prime contract authorizes agency waive requirements contract interest national security provides termination contract suspension debarment contractor violation act requires foreign incorporated entity treated inverted domestic corporation entity acquires substantially properties held domestic corporation substantially assets substantially properties constituting trade business domestic partnership acquisition stock entity held shareholders domestic corporation partners domestic partnership management control expanded affiliated group includes entity occurs primarily united_states expanded affiliated group significant domestic business activities sets forth exception entity expanded affiliated group substantial business activities foreign country entity created requires secretary treasury prescribe regulations determining cases management control expanded affiliated group treated occurring primarily united_states


Summary:
Inspectors General Transparency Act of 2015

Amends the Inspector General Act of 1978 to require an Inspector General who issues a work product in carrying out his or her duties and responsibilities to submit such work product to: (1) the head of each establishment reviewed in the work product, (2) the House Committees on Appropriations and Oversight and Government Reform and the Senate Committees on Appropriations and Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs; (3) the congressional committees of jurisdiction, (4) any individual or entity who initiated a request for such work product, and (5) any Member of Congress, upon request. Requires the posting of such work product on the website of the Office of Inspector General not later than three days after such work product is submitted in final form to the head of the establishment.

inspectors_general transparency_act amends inspector_general act require inspector_general issues work product carrying duties responsibilities submit work product head establishment reviewed work product house committees appropriations oversight government reform senate_committees appropriations homeland_security governmental_affairs congressional committees jurisdiction individual entity initiated request work product member congress request requires posting work product website office_of_inspector_general later days work product submitted final form head establishment


Summary:
Stopping Improper Payments to Deceased People Act

Amends title II (Old Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance Benefits) of the Social Security Act to direct the Social Security Administration (SSA) to: (1) provide information on all deceased individuals that is furnished to or maintained by SSA, subject to appropriate safeguards against unauthorized use or disclosure, to federal or state agencies providing benefits or administering a federal program; and (2) provide for the use of such information by federal agencies to operate the Do Not Pay working system and to carry out tax administration or debt collection duties.

Directs the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to analyze and report to Congress on potential alternative sources of death data maintained by non-federal sources.

Amends the Improper Payments Elimination and Recovery Improvement Act of 2012 to require the OMB to: (1) issue guidance to agencies that operate or maintain a database of information relating to beneficiaries, annuity recipients, or other purposes for which improved data matching with databases would be relevant and necessary; (2) develop a plan to assist states and local agencies, and Indian Tribes and tribal organizations, to provide information, in an electronic format, to the federal government on the deaths of individuals; and (3) submit to Congress a plan to improve data matching with the federal government on the death of individuals who are benefit recipients and an annual report on the implementation of such requirements.

Directs the SSA to submit a plan to ensure the accuracy and completeness of death data of individuals who are not eligible for or receiving social security benefits.

stopping improper payments deceased people act amends title old age survivors disability_insurance benefits social_security_act direct social_security_administration ssa provide information deceased individuals furnished maintained ssa subject appropriate safeguards unauthorized use disclosure federal state agencies providing benefits administering federal program provide use information federal agencies operate pay working system carry tax administration debt collection duties directs office_of_management_and_budget omb analyze report congress potential alternative sources death data maintained non federal sources amends improper_payments_elimination recovery improvement act require omb issue guidance agencies operate maintain database information relating beneficiaries annuity recipients purposes improved data matching databases relevant necessary develop plan assist states local agencies indian tribes tribal organizations provide information electronic format federal_government deaths individuals submit congress plan improve data matching federal_government death individuals benefit recipients annual report implementation requirements directs ssa submit plan ensure accuracy completeness death data individuals eligible receiving social_security benefits


Summary:
Freedom from Government Competition Act of 2015

 Requires each executive or military department or independent establishment to obtain all goods and services necessary for or beneficial to the accomplishment of its authorized functions by procurement from private sources, except if: (1) such goods or services are required by law to be produced or performed by such agency; or (2) the head of the agency determines and certifies that federal production, manufacture, or provision of a good or service is necessary for the national defense or homeland security, that a good or service is so inherently governmental in nature that it is in the public interest to require production or performance by government employees, or that there is no private source capable of providing the good or service.

Requires such private sector provision of goods and services to be performed through: (1) the divestiture of federal involvement, (2) the award of a contract using competitive procedures, or (3) conducting a public-private competitive sourcing analysis in accordance with Office of Management and Budget (OMB) procedures and determining that using the private sector is in the best interest of the United States and provides the best value to the taxpayer.

Authorizes an agency head to utilize federal employees to provide goods or services previously provided by a private sector entity upon completion of a public-private competitive sourcing analysis and after determining that provision by federal employees provides the best value.

Requires OMB to carry out a study, in conjunction with the Comptroller General, to evaluate the activities carried out in each agency.

freedom government competition act requires executive military department independent establishment obtain goods services necessary beneficial accomplishment authorized functions procurement private sources goods services required law produced performed agency head agency determines certifies federal production manufacture provision good service necessary national defense homeland_security good service inherently governmental nature public interest require production performance government employees private source capable providing good service requires private sector provision goods services performed divestiture federal involvement award contract competitive procedures conducting public private competitive sourcing analysis accordance office_of_management_and_budget omb procedures determining private sector best interest united_states provides best value taxpayer authorizes agency head utilize federal employees provide goods services previously provided private sector entity completion public private competitive sourcing analysis determining provision federal employees provides best value requires omb carry study conjunction comptroller_general evaluate activities carried agency


Summary:
Inspector General Access Act of 2015

Amends the Inspector General Act of 1978 to eliminate a provision of such Act that requires referral of allegations of misconduct involving Department of Justice (DOJ) attorneys, investigators, or law enforcement personnel to the DOJ Office of Professional Responsibility (thus allowing the DOJ Inspector General to investigate such allegations).

inspector_general access act amends inspector_general act eliminate provision act requires referral allegations misconduct involving department_of_justice doj attorneys investigators law enforcement personnel doj office professional responsibility allowing doj inspector_general investigate allegations


Summary:
Federal Improper Payments Coordination Act of 2015

(Sec. 2) This bill amends the Improper Payments Elimination and Recovery Improvement Act of 2012 to: (1) extend the availability of the Do Not Pay Initiative to the judicial and legislative branches and to the states; and (2) authorize the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to issue guidance that establishes privacy requirements that shall be incorporated into Do Not Pay Initiative access agreements with states and the judicial and legislative branches.

(Sec. 3) The Departments of Defense and State must submit, promptly and on a regular basis, relevant information on the deaths of individuals.

The OMB, in consultation with the Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency, the heads of other relevant federal, state, and local agencies, and Indian tribes and tribal organizations, as appropriate, shall issue guidance regarding implementation of the Initiative to the Department of the Treasury and each agency or component of an agency: (1) that operates or maintains a database of death records maintained by the Social Security Administration; or (2) for which the OMB determines improved data matching would be relevant, necessary, or beneficial.

(Sec. 4) Treasury must report to Congress on:

 data analytics performed as part of the Do Not Pay Business Center operated by Treasury for the purpose of detecting, preventing, and recovering improper payments through pre-award, post-award prepayment, and post-payment analysis; the metrics used in determining whether the analytic and investigatory efforts have reduced, or contributed to the reduction of, improper payments or improper awards; and the target dates for implementing the data analytics operations performed as part of the Do Not Pay Business Center.

federal improper payments coordination act sec bill amends improper_payments_elimination recovery improvement act extend availability pay initiative judicial legislative branches states authorize office_of_management_and_budget omb issue guidance establishes privacy requirements shall incorporated pay initiative access agreements states judicial legislative branches sec departments_of_defense state submit promptly regular basis relevant information deaths individuals omb consultation council_of_the_inspectors_general_on_integrity_and_efficiency heads relevant federal state local agencies indian tribes tribal organizations appropriate shall issue guidance implementation initiative department_of_the_treasury agency component agency operates maintains database death records maintained social_security_administration omb determines improved data matching relevant necessary beneficial sec treasury report congress data analytics performed pay business center operated treasury purpose detecting preventing recovering improper payments pre award post award prepayment post payment analysis metrics determining analytic investigatory efforts reduced contributed reduction improper payments improper awards target dates implementing data analytics operations performed pay business center


Summary:
Inspector General Empowerment Act of 2016

This bill amends the Inspector General Act of 1978 to expand the investigatory powers of federal inspectors general.

(Sec. 2) Inspectors general are authorized to request access to federal grand jury materials that are protected from disclosure under the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure. An inspector general must submit such a request to the head of its establishment, who then must transmit the request to the Department of Justice (DOJ).

DOJ must grant such a request unless access to the grand jury materials would: (1) interfere with an ongoing criminal investigation, prosecution, or undercover operation; (2) identify a confidential source or protected witness; (3) pose a serious threat to national security; or (4) significantly impair the trade or economic interests of the United States. If DOJ denies such a request, it must submit a statement to Congress explaining the reason for the denial.

The DOJ Inspector General is exempt from these request procedures and shall automatically have access to information available to DOJ regarding grand jury materials.

(Sec. 3) The bill grants inspectors general subpoena authority to compel the attendance and testimony of witnesses as necessary, but they may not require by subpoena the attendance and testimony of any current federal employees, though they may use other authorized procedures.

Prior to issuing a subpoena, an inspector general must submit a request for approval of a subpoena to a Subpoena Panel comprised of three inspectors general of the Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency and then notify DOJ of intent to issue the subpoena.

If the subpoena will interfere with an ongoing investigation, DOJ may object within 10 days after being notified of the Subpoena Panel's approval and the subpoena may not be issued. But if DOJ does not object within those 10 days, the inspector general may issue the subpoena.

Inspectors general collecting information or performing computerized comparisons of automated federal records systems with other federal or nonfederal records while conducting an authorized audit, investigation, inspection, evaluation, or review are exempt from: (1) privacy protections that require agreements between agencies for the use of computerized matching programs to compare records under the Computer Matching and Privacy Protection Act of 1988, and (2) procedural requirements for information collections under the Paperwork Reduction Act.

(Sec. 4) The Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency is charged with receiving, reviewing, and mediating any disputes regarding inspector general activities involving the jurisdiction of more than one federal agency or entity, except with regard to the Inspector General of the Intelligence Community.

The Integrity Committee of the Council must make an expedited determination of whether to initiate an investigation of allegations of wrongdoing and must complete an investigation within six months after making such determination. Agencies and entities represented on the committee must provide assistance at the chairperson's request.

(Sec. 5) The Integrity Committee is granted the authority to investigate an allegation of wrongdoing against the Special Counsel or the Deputy Special Counsel (officials appointed to investigate prohibited personnel practices and government waste and abuse) on the same basis as an investigation of an allegation against an inspector general.

(Sec. 6) The bill requires: (1) the Government Accountability Office to study and report on prolonged vacancies in the offices of inspector general, and (2) the Council to conduct and report on an analysis of critical issues that involve the jurisdiction of more than one office of inspector general.

(Sec. 7) The bill requires the public disclosure of any finding of misconduct, including any violation of federal law or any significant violation of agency policy, by any senior government employee. Inspectors general must include in their semiannual reports: (1) statistical tables showing the total numbers of issued investigative reports, persons referred to DOJ for criminal prosecution, persons referred to state or local prosecutors, and indictments resulting from such referrals; and (2) descriptions of investigations involving senior government employees where allegations of misconduct were substantiated.

inspector_general empowerment act bill amends inspector_general act expand investigatory powers federal inspectors_general sec inspectors_general authorized request access federal grand jury materials protected disclosure federal_rules_of_criminal_procedure inspector_general submit request head establishment transmit request department_of_justice doj doj grant request access grand jury materials interfere ongoing criminal investigation prosecution undercover operation identify confidential source protected witness pose threat national security significantly impair trade economic interests united_states doj denies request submit statement congress explaining reason denial doj inspector_general exempt request procedures shall automatically access information available doj grand jury materials sec bill grants inspectors_general subpoena authority compel attendance testimony witnesses necessary require subpoena attendance testimony current federal employees use authorized procedures prior issuing subpoena inspector_general submit request approval subpoena subpoena panel comprised inspectors_general council_of_the_inspectors_general_on_integrity_and_efficiency notify doj intent issue subpoena subpoena interfere ongoing investigation doj object days notified subpoena panel approval subpoena issued doj object days inspector_general issue subpoena inspectors_general collecting information performing computerized comparisons automated federal records systems federal nonfederal records conducting authorized audit investigation inspection evaluation review exempt privacy protections require agreements agencies use computerized matching programs compare records computer matching privacy protection act procedural requirements information collections paperwork reduction act sec council_of_the_inspectors_general_on_integrity_and_efficiency charged receiving reviewing disputes inspector_general activities involving jurisdiction federal agency entity regard inspector_general intelligence_community integrity committee council expedited determination initiate investigation allegations wrongdoing complete investigation months making determination agencies entities represented committee provide assistance chairperson request sec integrity committee granted authority investigate allegation wrongdoing special_counsel deputy special_counsel officials appointed investigate prohibited personnel practices government waste abuse basis investigation allegation inspector_general sec bill requires government_accountability_office study report prolonged vacancies offices inspector_general council conduct report analysis critical issues involve jurisdiction office_of_inspector_general sec bill requires public disclosure finding misconduct including violation federal law significant violation agency policy senior government employee inspectors_general include semiannual reports statistical tables showing total numbers issued investigative reports persons referred doj criminal prosecution persons referred state local prosecutors resulting referrals descriptions investigations involving senior government employees allegations misconduct substantiated


Summary:
Stop Deducting Damages Act of 2015

 Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) deny a tax deduction for any amount paid or incurred for compensatory or punitive damages in connection with any judgment in, or settlement of, any action against a government; and (2) include in gross income any amount paid as insurance or otherwise due to liability for punitive damages.

stop deducting damages act amends_the_internal_revenue_code deny tax deduction paid incurred compensatory punitive damages connection judgment settlement action government include gross income paid insurance liability punitive damages


Summary:
Competitive Service Act of 2015

Authorizes an appointing authority (i.e., a federal agency appointing an individual to a position in the competitive service), other than the appointing authority that requested the certificate of eligibles for filling a position in the competitive service, to select an individual from that certificate for appointment to a position that is: (1) in the same occupational series as the position for which the certificate of eligibles was issued, and (2) at a similar grade level as the original position. Sets forth requirements relating to the sharing of certificates, notice, and selection of job applicants.

competitive service act authorizes appointing authority federal agency appointing individual position competitive service appointing authority requested certificate eligibles filling position competitive service select individual certificate appointment position occupational series position certificate eligibles issued similar grade level original position sets forth requirements relating sharing certificates notice selection job applicants


Summary:
Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act of 2015 or the Fair Chance Act

This bill prohibits federal agencies and federal contractors from requesting that applicants for employment disclose criminal history record information before receiving a conditional offer (an offer of employment conditioned upon the results of a criminal history inquiry). The bill sets forth positions to which such prohibition shall not apply, such as positions for which prior consideration of criminal history record information is otherwise required by law, positions with law enforcement and national security duties, and positions requiring access to classified information.

The bill prohibits agencies from requiring an individual or sole proprietor who submits a bid for a contract to disclose criminal history record information regarding that individual or sole proprietor before determining the apparent awardee.

The Director of the Office of Personnel Management, the Board of Directors of the Office of Compliance, the Director of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts, the Administrator of General Services, and the Secretary of Defense must: (1) establish procedures for submitting complaints about, and taking adverse actions against, agency employees and contractors for violating such prohibitions and for appealing such an adverse action; and (2) issue regulations to implement this Act. The Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council shall revise the Federal Acquisition Regulation to implement the requirements of this Act.

The Department of Labor, in coordination with the Bureau of the Census and the Bureau of Justice Statistics, must study and report every five years on the employment of individuals who are released from federal prison after completing a term of imprisonment for a federal criminal offense.

fair chance compete jobs_act fair chance act bill prohibits federal agencies federal contractors requesting applicants employment disclose criminal history record information receiving conditional offer offer employment conditioned results criminal history inquiry bill sets forth positions prohibition shall apply positions prior consideration criminal history record information required law positions law enforcement national security duties positions requiring access classified information bill prohibits agencies requiring individual sole submits bid contract disclose criminal history record information individual sole determining apparent awardee director office_of_personnel_management board_of_directors office_of_compliance director administrative_office_of_the_united_states_courts administrator general_services secretary defense establish procedures submitting complaints taking adverse actions agency employees contractors violating prohibitions appealing adverse action issue regulations implement act federal_acquisition_regulatory_council shall revise federal_acquisition_regulation implement requirements act department_of_labor coordination bureau_of_the_census bureau_of_justice_statistics study report years employment individuals released federal prison completing term imprisonment federal criminal offense


Summary:
(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.)

Fraud Reduction and Data Analytics Act of 2015

(Sec. 3) This bill requires the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to establish guidelines for federal agencies to establish financial and administrative controls to identify and assess fraud risks and design and implement control activities in order to prevent, detect, and respond to fraud, including improper payments.

The guidelines shall incorporate the leading practices identified in the report published by the Government Accountability Office on July 28, 2015, entitled "Framework for Managing Fraud Risks in Federal Programs."

The financial and administrative controls shall include:

 conducting an evaluation of fraud risks and using a risk-based approach to design and implement financial and administrative control activities to mitigate identified fraud risks; collecting and analyzing data from reporting mechanisms on detected fraud to monitor fraud trends and using that data and information to continuously improve fraud prevention controls; and using the results of monitoring, evaluation, audits, and investigations to improve fraud prevention, detection, and response. Each agency shall submit as part of its annual financial report a report on its progress in:

 implementing such financial and administrative controls, the fraud risk principle in the Standards for Internal Control in the Federal Government, and OMB Circular A-123 leading practices for managing fraud risk; identifying risks and vulnerabilities to fraud; and establishing steps to curb fraud. (Sec. 4) The OMB must establish a working group to: (1) improve the sharing of financial and administrative controls and other best practices and techniques for detecting, preventing, and responding to fraud and the sharing and development of data analytics techniques; and (2) submit a plan for a federal interagency library of data analytics and data sets for use by agencies and Offices of Inspectors General to facilitate the detection, prevention, and recovery of fraud.

measure amended introduced summary expanded action occurred measure fraud reduction data analytics act sec bill requires office_of_management_and_budget omb establish guidelines federal agencies establish financial administrative controls identify assess fraud risks design implement control activities order prevent detect respond fraud including improper payments guidelines shall incorporate leading practices identified report published government_accountability_office july entitled framework managing fraud risks federal programs financial administrative controls shall include conducting evaluation fraud risks risk based approach design implement financial administrative control activities mitigate identified fraud risks collecting analyzing data reporting mechanisms detected fraud monitor fraud trends data information continuously improve fraud prevention controls results monitoring evaluation audits investigations improve fraud prevention detection response agency shall submit annual financial report report progress implementing financial administrative controls fraud risk principle standards internal control federal_government omb circular leading practices managing fraud risk identifying risks vulnerabilities fraud establishing steps curb fraud sec omb establish working_group improve sharing financial administrative controls best practices techniques detecting preventing responding fraud sharing development data analytics techniques submit plan federal interagency library data analytics data sets use agencies offices inspectors_general facilitate detection prevention recovery fraud


Summary:
Food Waste Accountability Act of 2016

This bill amends the Federal Food Donation Act of 2008 to require contractors who enter into contracts above $25,000 with a federal executive agency for the provision, service, or sale of food in the United States to submit annual reports on the weight of food that was disposed of by donation, composting, or discarding. The agency must submit such reports to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and the OMB must then submit an annual report to Congress aggregating the information in the reports.

food waste accountability_act bill amends federal food donation act require contractors enter contracts federal executive agency provision service sale food united_states submit annual reports weight food disposed donation agency submit reports office_of_management_and_budget omb omb submit annual report congress aggregating information reports


Summary:
(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The expanded House reported version is repeated here.)

Making Electronic Government Accountable By Yielding Tangible Efficiencies Act of 2016 or the MEGABYTE Act of 2016

(Sec. 2) This bill requires the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to issue a directive to require the Chief Information Officer (CIO) of each executive agency to develop a comprehensive software licensing policy, which shall: (1) require the CIO of each agency to establish a comprehensive inventory of software licenses; (2) track and maintain such licenses; (3) analyze software usage to make cost-effective decisions; (4) provide software license management training; (5) establish goals and objectives of the agency's software license management program; and (6) consider the software license management life cycle phases to implement effective decision making and incorporate existing standards, processes, and metrics.

The CIO of each executive agency must report to the OMB, beginning in the first fiscal year after this Act's enactment and in each of the following five fiscal years, on the savings from improved software license management.

measure amended introduced expanded house reported version repeated making electronic government accountable tangible efficiencies act act sec bill requires office_of_management_and_budget omb issue directive require chief information officer cio executive agency develop comprehensive software licensing policy shall require cio agency establish comprehensive inventory software licenses track maintain licenses analyze software usage cost effective decisions provide software license management training establish goals objectives agency software license management program consider software license management life cycle phases implement effective decision making incorporate existing standards processes metrics cio executive agency report omb beginning fiscal year act enactment following fiscal years savings improved software license management


Summary:
Promoting Value Based Defense Procurement Act

This bill directs the Department of Defense (DOD) to use Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) source selection criteria for new solicitations only in situations in which:

 DOD is able to clearly describe the minimum requirements expressed in terms of performance objectives, measures, and standards that will be used to determine offer acceptability; DOD would realize no, or minimal, value from a contract proposal exceeding minimum technical or performance requirements; the proposed technical approaches will require no, or minimal, subjective judgment of competing proposals; a review of technical proposals other than the lowest bidder's would result in no, or minimal, benefit to DOD; and the contracting officer has included a justification for the use of LPTA evaluation methodology if the contract is predominately for the acquisition of information technology services, systems engineering and technical assistance services, or other knowledge-based professional services. LPTA source selection criteria shall be avoided when the procurement is predominately for the acquisition of information technology services, systems engineering and technical assistance services, audit or audit readiness services, or other knowledge-based professional services.

promoting value based defense procurement act bill directs department_of_defense dod use lowest price technically acceptable source selection criteria new solicitations situations dod able clearly describe minimum requirements expressed terms performance objectives measures standards determine offer acceptability dod realize minimal value contract proposal exceeding minimum technical performance requirements proposed technical approaches require minimal judgment competing proposals review technical proposals lowest bidder result minimal benefit dod contracting officer included justification use evaluation methodology contract predominately acquisition information technology services systems engineering technical assistance services knowledge based professional services source selection criteria shall avoided procurement predominately acquisition information technology services systems engineering technical assistance services audit audit readiness services knowledge based professional services


Summary:
Construction Consensus Procurement Improvement Act of 2016

(Sec. 3) This bill modifies the design-build selection procedures used by federal agencies soliciting offers to enter into civilian contracts for the design and construction of a public building, facility, or work. Two-phase selection procedures (i.e., submission of qualifications and then the submission of price and technical proposals in response to a request for proposal) must be used when a contracting officer determines that a project has a value of $3 million or greater. But for contracts valued at less than $3 million, the contracting officer makes the same determination under current law as to whether the use of two-phase selection procedures is appropriate when the officer anticipates at least three offers for the contract.

Federal agencies must report, each year through FY2021, on each instance where the agency awarded a design-build contract in which: (1) more than five finalists were selected for phase-two requests for proposals, or (2) the contract or order was awarded without using two-phase selection procedures. The Government Accountability Office must report on agency compliance with design-build contract procedures.

(Sec. 4) The Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council must amend the Federal Acquisition Regulation to prohibit the use of reverse auctions as part of the two-phase selection procedure for awarding contracts for construction and design services. A "reverse auction," with respect to procurement by an agency, is: (1) a real-time auction conducted through an electronic medium among at least two offerors who compete by submitting bids for a supply or service contract with the ability to submit revised lower bids before the closing of the auction; and (2) the award of the contract, delivery order, task order, or purchase order to the offeror based on the price obtained through the auction process.

construction consensus procurement improvement act sec bill modifies design build selection procedures federal agencies soliciting offers enter civilian contracts design construction public building facility work phase selection procedures submission qualifications submission price technical proposals response request proposal contracting officer determines project value million greater contracts valued million contracting officer makes determination current law use phase selection procedures appropriate officer offers contract federal agencies report year fy2021 instance agency awarded design build contract selected phase requests proposals contract order awarded phase selection procedures government_accountability_office report agency compliance design build contract procedures sec federal_acquisition_regulatory_council amend federal_acquisition_regulation prohibit use reverse auctions phase selection procedure awarding contracts construction design services reverse auction respect procurement agency real time auction conducted electronic medium offerors compete submitting bids supply service contract ability submit revised lower bids closing auction award contract delivery order task order purchase order offeror based price obtained auction process


Summary:
Civilian Extraterritorial Jurisdiction Act of 2016 or the CEJA

 This bill amends the federal criminal code to grant jurisdiction over and impose penalties on federal contractors and employees who commit certain crimes outside of the United States while employed by or accompanying any agency of the United States other than the Department of Defense or while so employed and stationed or deployed in a country outside of the United States pursuant to a treaty or executive agreement in furtherance of a border security initiative with that country.

The bill provides for an optional venue for offenses under this bill involving federal employees and contractors overseas in the district in which is headquartered the U.S. agency that: (1) employs the offender, or any one or two or more joint offenders; or (2) the offender is accompanying, or that any one or two or more joint offenders is accompanying.

It requires the statute of limitations for an offense under this bill to be suspended for the period during which the alleged offender is outside the United States or is a fugitive from justice.

It grants the Department of Justice (DOJ) principal authority for the enforcement of this bill. DOJ must: (1) assign personnel and resources through task forces to investigate allegations of criminal offenses by federal contractors and employees overseas, and (2) report to Congress annually on the number of prosecutions and actions taken.

 This bill does not apply to the authorized intelligence activities of the U.S. government.

civilian extraterritorial jurisdiction act bill amends federal criminal code grant jurisdiction impose penalties federal contractors employees commit certain crimes outside united_states employed accompanying agency united_states department_of_defense employed stationed deployed country outside united_states pursuant treaty executive agreement furtherance border_security initiative country bill provides optional venue offenses bill involving federal employees contractors overseas district headquartered agency employs offender joint offenders offender accompanying joint offenders accompanying requires statute limitations offense bill suspended period alleged offender outside united_states fugitive justice grants department_of_justice doj principal authority enforcement bill doj assign personnel resources task forces investigate allegations criminal offenses federal contractors employees overseas report congress annually number prosecutions actions taken bill apply authorized intelligence activities government


Summary:
This bill specifies that no funds are authorized to be appropriated for the programs, activities, or expenses of the Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation (SLSDC).

(The SLSDC is a government corporation within the Department of Transportation responsible for the operation, maintenance, and development of the U.S. portion of the Saint Lawrence Seaway between Montreal and Lake Erie. The SLSDC is also responsible for regional trade and economic development. )

bill specifies funds authorized appropriated programs activities expenses saint lawrence seaway development corporation government corporation department_of_transportation responsible operation maintenance development portion saint lawrence seaway montreal lake responsible regional trade economic development


Summary:
Giving Workers a Fair Shot Act

This bill amends the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to require employers to provide their employees with specified information concerning their pay, leave time, and eligibility for the minimum wage and overtime pay. Employers who fail to provide required information are subject to fines.

The bill revises the definition of "supervisor" under the National Labor Relations Act to prevent the over classification of employees as supervisors for the purpose of limiting the number of employees eligible to join a union.

The bill increases civil penalties for intentional violations of requirements under the National Labor Relations Act, the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, the Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act, and the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977, and imposes criminal penalties for violating certain requirements of those Acts, including violations of mandatory health or safety standards and for retaliation against employees who provide information about health or safety violations.

The bill expedites the establishment of an initial collective bargaining agreement by allowing either an employer or a union to seek mediation under the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service if an agreement is not reached within 90 days after bargaining begins.

The bill amends the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to: (1) require repeat votes by shareholders on executive compensation until a vote is binding, (2) prohibit the chief executive officer and the chairman of the board of directors at publicly traded companies from being the same person (except for small capitalization companies), and (3) impose restrictions the sale of stock by company directors or officers.

The bill disallows the reimbursement of costs incurred by a contractor in attempting to persuade its employees not to exercise their rights to organize or bargain collectively (union busting).

giving workers fair shot act bill amends fair labor standards act require employers provide employees specified information concerning pay leave time eligibility minimum wage overtime pay employers fail provide required information subject fines bill revises definition supervisor national_labor_relations_act prevent classification employees supervisors purpose limiting number employees eligible join union bill increases civil penalties intentional violations requirements national_labor_relations_act fair labor standards act occupational_safety_and_health_act migrant seasonal agricultural worker protection act federal_mine_safety_and_health_act imposes criminal penalties violating certain requirements acts including violations mandatory health safety standards retaliation employees provide information health safety violations bill establishment initial collective bargaining agreement allowing employer union seek mediation federal_mediation_and_conciliation_service agreement reached days bargaining begins bill amends securities_exchange_act require repeat votes shareholders executive compensation vote binding prohibit chief executive officer chairman board_of_directors publicly traded companies person small capitalization companies impose restrictions sale stock company directors officers bill disallows reimbursement costs incurred contractor attempting persuade employees exercise rights organize bargain collectively union


Summary:
(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The expanded summary of the House passed version is repeated here.)

GAO Civilian Task and Delivery Order Protest Authority Act of 2016

(Sec. 2) This bill makes permanent the Government Accountability Office's (GAO's) authority to hear a contractor's protest regarding the issuance or proposed issuance of a civilian federal agency's task or delivery order contract for the procurement of services or property valued in excess of $10 million. (Under current law, the GAO's jurisdiction over protests relating to federal defense contracts is already permanent, but the protest authority for civilian federal agency contracts is scheduled to expire after September 30, 2016.)

measure amended introduced expanded summary house passed version repeated gao civilian task delivery order protest authority act sec bill makes permanent government_accountability_office gao authority hear contractor protest issuance proposed issuance civilian federal agency task delivery order contract procurement services property valued excess million current law gao jurisdiction protests relating federal defense contracts permanent protest authority civilian federal agency contracts scheduled expire september


Summary:
Government Neutrality in Contracting Act

 Directs the head of any federal agency that awards or obligates funds for any construction contract, or that awards grants, provides financial assistance, or enters into cooperative agreements for construction projects, to ensure that bid specifications, project agreements, or other controlling documents do not: (1) require or forbid a bidder, offeror, contractor, or subcontractor to enter into or adhere to agreements with a labor organization with respect to that construction project or another related construction project; or (2) otherwise discriminate against such a party because it did or did not become a signatory or otherwise adhere to such an agreement.

Allows exemptions to avert an imminent threat to public health or safety or to serve national security. Allows additional exemptions for certain projects. Directs the Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council to amend the Federal Acquisition Regulation to implement this Act with respect to the applicable federal contracts.

government neutrality contracting act directs head federal agency awards obligates funds construction contract awards grants provides financial assistance enters cooperative agreements construction projects ensure bid specifications project agreements controlling documents require forbid bidder offeror contractor subcontractor enter adhere agreements labor organization respect construction project related construction project discriminate party signatory adhere agreement allows exemptions avert imminent threat public health safety serve national security allows additional exemptions certain projects directs federal_acquisition_regulatory_council amend federal_acquisition_regulation implement act respect applicable federal contracts


Summary:
Natural Disaster Fairness in Contracting Act of 2015

Requires agencies, in entering into a contract to procure property or services in connection with natural disaster reconstruction efforts, to use specified competitive procedures.

Allows agencies to enter into a contract to procure property or services in connection with such reconstruction efforts using other than full and open competition only upon the written approval of the President or the President's designee. Requires congressional notification when procedures other than full and open competitive procedures are to be used.

Instructs agencies that enter into a contract for the procurement of property or services in connection with such reconstruction efforts through the use of other than full and open competitive procedures to publish in the Federal Register or Federal Business Opportunities and otherwise make available to the public specified information concerning the contract seven days before it is finalized.

Permits the use of noncompetitive procedures by agencies when: (1) a contract will be performed within a six-month period, and (2) the need for the property or services is of such an unusual and compelling urgency that the government would otherwise be seriously injured.

natural disaster fairness contracting act requires agencies entering contract procure property services connection natural disaster reconstruction efforts use specified competitive procedures allows agencies enter contract procure property services connection reconstruction efforts open competition written approval president president designee requires congressional notification procedures open competitive procedures instructs agencies enter contract procurement property services connection reconstruction efforts use open competitive procedures publish federal_register federal business opportunities available public specified information concerning contract seven days finalized permits use noncompetitive procedures agencies contract performed month period need property services unusual compelling urgency government seriously injured


Summary:
Protect America's Cities from Government Blacklist Act of 2015

 Prohibits a federal agency from establishing or implementing a policy that discourages or prohibits the selection of a location for travel, an event, a meeting, or a conference because the location is perceived to be a resort or vacation destination.

protect_america cities government act prohibits federal agency establishing implementing policy discourages prohibits selection location travel event meeting conference location perceived resort vacation destination


Summary:
(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The expanded summary of the Senate reported version is repeated here.)

Federal Vehicle Repair Cost Savings Act of 2015

(Sec. 3) Defines "remanufactured vehicle component" as a vehicle component (including an engine, transmission, alternator, starter, turbocharger, steering, or suspension component) that has been returned to same-as-new, or better, condition and performance by a standardized industrial process that incorporates technical specifications (including engineering, quality, and testing standards) to yield fully warranted products.

(Sec. 4) Directs the head of each federal agency to: (1) encourage the use of remanufactured vehicle components to maintain federal vehicles if using such components reduces the cost of maintaining such vehicles while maintaining quality; and (2) not encourage the use of remanufactured vehicle components if using such components does not reduce the cost of maintenance, lowers the quality of vehicle performance, or delays the return to service of a vehicle.

measure amended introduced expanded summary senate reported version repeated federal vehicle repair cost savings act sec defines vehicle component vehicle component including engine transmission steering suspension component returned new better condition performance standardized industrial process incorporates technical specifications including engineering quality testing standards yield fully warranted products sec directs head federal agency encourage use vehicle components maintain federal vehicles components reduces cost maintaining vehicles maintaining quality encourage use vehicle components components reduce cost maintenance lowers quality vehicle performance delays return service vehicle