Skills-Based Federal Contracting Act of 2025
Latest action (30 Sep 2026): Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent.
What this bill does
The Skills-Based Federal Contracting Act of 2025 would change how the U.S. government solicits contracts. It would generally prohibit requiring specific educational degrees for individuals proposed to work on federal contracts. Instead, contracting officers would need to provide a written justification explaining why such a requirement is necessary and how it meets the agency's needs. The bill also encourages exploring alternatives to educational prerequisites.
This act would affect executive agencies when they issue contract solicitations. It would also impact potential contractors by potentially broadening the pool of eligible personnel who can be proposed for contract work, provided they possess the necessary skills and experience, rather than solely focusing on educational attainment. The Office of Management and Budget is required to issue guidance on implementing these changes.
The bill has passed both the House of Representatives and the Senate and now awaits action from the President. After enactment, the new rules would take effect for solicitations issued 15 months after the bill becomes law. The Government Accountability Office will also report on agency compliance three years after the enactment date.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
This bill was passed by Congress on September 30, 2026 and goes to the President next.
Timeline
30 Sep 2026
Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent.
23 Feb 2026
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
2 Dec 2025
Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 44 - 0.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 5235 do?
- The Skills-Based Federal Contracting Act of 2025 would change how the U.S. government solicits contracts. It would generally prohibit requiring specific educational degrees for individuals proposed to work on federal contracts. Instead, contracting officers would need to provide a written justification explaining why such a requirement is necessary and how it meets the agency's needs. The bill also encourages exploring alternatives to educational prerequisites. This act would affect executive agencies when they issue contract solicitations. It would also impact potential contractors by potentially broadening the pool of eligible personnel who can be proposed for contract work, provided they possess the necessary skills and experience, rather than solely focusing on educational attainment. The Office of Management and Budget is required to issue guidance on implementing these changes. The bill has passed both the House of Representatives and the Senate and now awaits action from the President. After enactment, the new rules would take effect for solicitations issued 15 months after the bill becomes law. The Government Accountability Office will also report on agency compliance three years after the enactment date.
- Has H.R. 5235 become law?
- Not yet. As of 30 Sep 2026, H.R. 5235 is passed house & senate (president next).
- Who sponsored H.R. 5235?
- H.R. 5235 was sponsored by Rep. Nancy Mace [R-SC1] (Republican-SC), with 0 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 5235?
- Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent. (30 Sep 2026).
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