PATHS Act
Latest action (23 Sep 2024): On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
What this bill does
H.R. 9459, the PATHS Act, would amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to extend the Department of Homeland Security's research and development acquisition pilot program, which uses "other transaction" authority (a flexible contracting method outside standard federal procurement rules), from its current September 30, 2024 expiration to September 30, 2027. The bill also adds a new requirement that, whenever this authority is used or extended for contracts involving artificial intelligence technology, the Secretary of Homeland Security must notify relevant congressional committees within 72 hours and offer them a briefing explaining why. Separately, the bill lowers the dollar threshold for a related contract-award reporting requirement, from $4 million to $1 million, under a provision originally enacted in the fiscal year 2023 defense authorization law.
The bill primarily affects the Department of Homeland Security, its contracting processes, and companies that work with DHS on research and development projects, including those involving AI. It also affects congressional oversight committees, which would receive more information about AI-related contracting and about smaller-dollar contracts than previously required.
The bill was introduced by Rep. Michael Guest and passed the House by voice vote on September 23, 2024. It was not taken up and passed by the Senate before the end of the 118th Congress, so it did not become law.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Producing Advanced Technologies for Homeland Security Act or the PATHS Act
This bill extends through FY2027 the other transaction authority (OTA) of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to enter into other transactions to carry out research and prototype projects when the use of contracts, grants, and cooperative agreements is not feasible or appropriate. (Agreements under OTA are exempt from the Federal Acquisition Regulations.) DHS must notify Congress within 72 hours of using or extending OTA for research projects related to artificial intelligence technology and must offer to brief Congress on the rationale for such a decision.
The bill also lowers from $4 million to $1 million the minimum value of contract awards that DHS must publicly report on its website.
Timeline
23 Sep 2024
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
11 Sep 2024
Ordered to be Reported by Voice Vote.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 9459 do?
- H.R. 9459, the PATHS Act, would amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to extend the Department of Homeland Security's research and development acquisition pilot program, which uses "other transaction" authority (a flexible contracting method outside standard federal procurement rules), from its current September 30, 2024 expiration to September 30, 2027. The bill also adds a new requirement that, whenever this authority is used or extended for contracts involving artificial intelligence technology, the Secretary of Homeland Security must notify relevant congressional committees within 72 hours and offer them a briefing explaining why. Separately, the bill lowers the dollar threshold for a related contract-award reporting requirement, from $4 million to $1 million, under a provision originally enacted in the fiscal year 2023 defense authorization law. The bill primarily affects the Department of Homeland Security, its contracting processes, and companies that work with DHS on research and development projects, including those involving AI. It also affects congressional oversight committees, which would receive more information about AI-related contracting and about smaller-dollar contracts than previously required. The bill was introduced by Rep. Michael Guest and passed the House by voice vote on September 23, 2024. It was not taken up and passed by the Senate before the end of the 118th Congress, so it did not become law.
- Has H.R. 9459 become law?
- Not yet. As of 23 Sep 2024, H.R. 9459 is passed house (senate next).
- Who sponsored H.R. 9459?
- H.R. 9459 was sponsored by Rep. Michael Guest [R-MS3] (Republican-MS), with 1 cosponsor.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 9459?
- On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (23 Sep 2024).
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