ACCESS Act

Senate Bill

S. 79

119th Congress

ACCESS Act

In Committee

Introduced:Jan 13, 2025

Primary Sponsor

James Lankford

R - OK

Cosponsors

1

Quick Stats

Policy Area

Government Operations and Politics

Summary

This bill prohibits federal contracts from requiring minimum educational degrees unless the contracting officer specifically justifies why the degree is necessary. It encourages using skills and experience as alternatives to education requirements.

Latest Action

Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.

AI Summary

Plain-English explanation of this bill

This bill prohibits federal contracts from requiring minimum educational degrees unless the contracting officer specifically justifies why the degree is necessary. It encourages using skills and experience as alternatives to education requirements.

Last updated: 1/5/2026

Official Summary

Congressional Research Service summary

Allowing Contractors to Choose Employees for Select Skills Act or the ACCESS ActThis bill prohibits federal contract bid solicitations for contractor personnel from including minimum educational requirements unless the contracting officer justifies the requirements. The prohibition applies to educational requirements that may be met through education alone, education or experience, or a combination of education and experience.The bill also requires the Office of Management and Budget to issue implementing guidance to federal agencies, including instructions for contracting officers that encourage using alternatives to education requirements.

Key Points

Main provisions of the bill

Prohibits automatic degree requirements in federal contracts
Requires justification for education minimums
Encourages skills-based hiring alternatives
Applies to contractor personnel requirements
OMB must issue implementing guidance

How This Impacts Americans

Potential effects on citizens and communities

Federal contractors would hire more based on skills and experience rather than college degrees. This could open government-related jobs to skilled workers who lack formal credentials but have relevant abilities and experience.

Policy Areas

Primary Policy Area

Government Operations and Politics

Related Subjects

Congressional oversight

Government information and archives

Public contracts and procurement

Scope & Jurisdiction

Jurisdiction Level

federal

Congressional Session

119th Congress

Citation Reference

79, 119th Congress (2025). "ACCESS Act". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-s-79