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Government Contractors: Skills Over Degrees for Federal Jobs.

New rules aim to make it easier for companies bidding on government contracts to hire individuals based on their actual skills and experience, rather than just their degrees. This means government agencies will need to justify why specific educational qualifications are required, potentially opening doors for more skilled professionals without traditional higher education. The goal is to broaden access to public sector work for those with practical abilities.
Key points
No automatic degree requirements: Government agencies cannot automatically demand degrees from personnel of companies bidding for contracts unless they provide a written justification.
Increased opportunities for experienced individuals: People with practical skills but without formal higher education may find it easier to access work on government projects.
Promoting alternative career paths: The act encourages hiring based on actual competencies, which could impact the job market and education.
Implementation and oversight: The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) will issue guidance, and the Government Accountability Office (GAO) will evaluate agency compliance.
article Official text account_balance Process page
Introduced
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Additional Information
Print number: 119_S_79
Sponsor: Sen. Lankford, James [R-OK]
Process start date: 2025-01-13
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Summarized by: gemini-2.5-flash-preview-05-20
Source data: api.congress.gov
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OFFICIAL LEGAL TITLE

ACCESS Act

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the official ID of this bill?

The official print number for this legislation is 119_S_79.

Which chamber initiated this legislation?

This legislation was initiated in the Senate.

When did the legislative process begin?

The process officially started on 2025-01-13.

What are the main provisions?

Key points include:

  • No automatic degree requirements: Government agencies cannot automatically demand degrees from personnel of companies bidding for contracts unless they provide a written justification.
  • Increased opportunities for experienced individuals: People with practical skills but without formal higher education may find it easier to access work on government projects.
  • Promoting alternative career paths: The act encourages hiring based on actual competencies, which could impact the job market and education.
  • Implementation and oversight: The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) will issue guidance, and the Government Accountability Office (GAO) will evaluate agency compliance.
What is the specific legal status?

The current status is Introduced.

Where can I read the full text of this legislation?

The full official text is available at: View full text

Who is the primary sponsor?

The primary sponsor is Sen. Lankford, James [R-OK].

What is the latest detailed status?

The latest detailed status is: Introduced in Senate

Is this summary verified?

Yes. This content was analyzed by AI and verified by the Lustra Judge System on 2025-12-23.

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Labor Public Investments