SAFE Services Act

Key Points

• Directs the Defense Department to update its contracting rules within 180 days to favor U.S. companies when buying professional services.
• Covers services like engineering, architecture, design, environmental consulting, financial consulting, program management, and legal work.
• Defines a “U.S. company” as one based in the U.S. and not owned or controlled by a foreign entity; certain joint ventures qualify if U.S. ownership is at least half.
• Allows the Defense Secretary to waive the preference if an urgent need must be met or if no U.S. firm can do the job on time or at a reasonable cost.
• Requires waivers to be written, explained, and reported to Congress within 30 days, adding a paper trail for exceptions.