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Congress·In Committee·H.R. 6882

Congress Pushes Defense Department to Favor U.S.-Owned Firms for Professional Service Contracts

SAFE Services Act

3 months ago·View on Congress.gov

Legislative Progress

House
Senate
President
Law

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.
National SecurityTradeSmall BusinessLabor Employment

Impact Analysis

Personal Impact

How this policy affects specific groups of people

Mixed Impacts(2)
Federal Employee
Neutral
Military Active
Neutral
Positive Impacts(1)
Small Business Owner
Helps

Milestones

2 milestones2 actions
Dec 18, 2025House

Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.

Dec 18, 2025

Introduced in House

What Happens Next

Projected impacts based on AI analysis

As soon as the updated rule is in place (after the 180-day update deadline)

Preference starts affecting new professional services competitions and award decisions

U.S.-owned firms may win more awards; foreign-owned/controlled firms may need teaming partners or may lose some bids unless a waiver is granted

Source Information

Document Type

Congressional Bill

Official Title

SAFE Services Act

Bill NumberHR 6882
Congress119th Congress
ChamberHouse of Representatives
Latest ActionReferred to the House Committee on Armed Services.

Sponsor

Cosponsors

(1)
R: 1

Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.