This bill sets a maximum time period for contracts to supply products like vaccines and medical devices to the U.S. government's Strategic National Stockpile. Most contracts would be limited to 5 years, with an option to extend them for up to 5 more years at a time. Contracts for particularly complex products could initially be up to 10 years long.
Latest Action
Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
AI Summary
Plain-English explanation of this bill
This bill sets a maximum time period for contracts to supply products like vaccines and medical devices to the U.S. government's Strategic National Stockpile. Most contracts would be limited to 5 years, with an option to extend them for up to 5 more years at a time. Contracts for particularly complex products could initially be up to 10 years long.
Last updated: 12/29/2025
Official Summary
Congressional Research Service summary
<p><strong>Improving Contract Transparency for the SNS Act</strong></p><p>This bill establishes a maximum period for a contract for supplies for the Strategic National Stockpile.</p><p>Specifically, an initial contract to procure a drug, vaccine or other biological product, medical device, or other supplies for the stockpile may be for up to 5 years; initial contracts that are particularly difficult or complex to perform may be for up to 10 years, if determined necessary. Contracts may be renewed for up to five years at a time. </p>
Key Points
Main provisions of the bill
Establishes a 5-year maximum for most contracts to supply the Strategic National Stockpile, with the option to extend for up to 5 more years
Allows for contracts up to 10 years long for particularly complex or difficult products
Aims to improve transparency and oversight of contracts for critical medical supplies
How This Impacts Americans
Potential effects on citizens and communities
If passed, this bill would affect companies that supply medical products and devices to the U.S. government's Strategic National Stockpile, as well as the government agencies that manage the stockpile. It could lead to more frequent contract bidding and renewal processes, potentially impacting the stability and pricing of the stockpile's supplies. The public may benefit from increased transparency around these government contracts.
Policy Areas
Primary Policy Area
Health
Related Subjects
Congressional oversight
Health technology, devices, supplies
Public contracts and procurement
Strategic materials and reserves
Scope & Jurisdiction
Jurisdiction Level
federal
Congressional Session
119th Congress
Citation Reference
4458, 119th Congress (2025). "COUNTER Act of 2025". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-hr-4458
