Value Over Cost Act of 2025
The Value Over Cost Act of 2025 would modify how the federal government uses the General Services Administration’s (GSA) Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) program and how the Department of Defense conducts MAS-related procurements. Specifically, it codifies two paths for MAS orders and contracts: (1) awarding the lowest overall cost, or (2) when the Administrator of General Services determines that pursuing “best value” is in the government's best interests, procuring the best value to meet agency needs in line with FAR 15.101. A parallel conforming amendment would apply the same standard to DoD acquisitions under title 10 U.S.C. Section 3012(3)(B). In short, the bill makes “best value” an explicit option within MAS procurement, rather than a mandate only in specific circumstances, while preserving the option to choose lowest cost.
Key Points
- 1Adds a best-value option to MAS procurements: orders and contracts can be awarded based on the lowest overall cost, or (if GSA determines it’s in the government’s best interests) based on best value as described in FAR 15.101.
- 2Conforming DoD change: The same best-value standard applies to certain DoD MAS purchases via a parallel amendment to 10 U.S.C. 3012(3)(B).
- 3Maintains existing lowest-cost path: The bill does not remove the lowest overall cost option; it simply adds a clear, codified pathway for best-value decisions.
- 4Ties to FAR 15.101: The “best value” standard referenced is the FAR framework (Best Value procurement, including non-price factors and tradeoffs).
- 5Scope limited to MAS programs: The changes specifically address the MAS procedures, not all federal procurement rules outside MAS.