Contracting America First Act

Key Points

• This bill would stop the federal government from hiring software companies that are mostly owned by people who are not U.S. citizens. It applies to new contracts, renewals, and extensions for software that manages sensitive personal information.
• The ban focuses on software used to store or process data for at least 500 federal employees. This includes high-stakes information like Social Security numbers, medical records, and other data that could lead to identity theft or national security risks if leaked.
• The goal is to protect the private information of government workers and improve national security. By requiring software to be American-owned, the bill aims to reduce the risk of foreign influence or data breaches involving sensitive government personnel files.
• Companies bidding for government work would have to sign a legal document swearing they are not foreign-owned. If a company lies or breaks the rules, the government can cancel their contract and ban them from future federal work.
• Agency heads could skip these rules on a case-by-case basis if they prove it is necessary for national security. They would have to explain their decision in writing to Congress within 30 days of granting the exception.

Impact Analysis

Govbase has not yet run an impact analysis on this legislation.