Us Congress 2025-2026 Regular Session

Us Congress Senate Bill SB1591

Introduced
5/5/25  

Caption

ARCA Act of 2025 Acquisition Reform and Cost Assessment Act of 2025

Impact

If enacted, SB1591 would significantly impact the operational procedures of the VA by introducing a framework designed for independent verification and validation of acquisition programs. The new structure intends to ensure compliance with standardized processes that facilitate better cost estimation, risk management, and resource allocation. This could lead to improved healthcare delivery for veterans, as project managers will be held accountable for managing program budgets and timelines effectively. Furthermore, it empowers the VA to enter into new types of transactions, enhancing its ability to innovate and adapt to changing healthcare needs.

Summary

SB1591, titled the Acquisition Reform and Cost Assessment Act of 2025, aims to enhance the procurement practices of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) by reorganizing its acquisition structure. The bill proposes the establishment of a Director of Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation to oversee major acquisition programs, ensuring they are conducted with greater efficiency and accountability. The legislation seeks to address inefficiencies in the current procurement methods and aims to improve the overall management of resources within the department.

Contention

During discussions around SB1591, some points of contention surfaced regarding the potential for increased bureaucracy and the efficiency of the newly proposed roles within the VA. Critics expressed concerns that the restructured procurement process might slow down decision-making, particularly in urgent healthcare situations. Furthermore, stakeholders emphasized the need for a balance between innovative procurement strategies and maintaining the flexibility required to address veterans' immediate healthcare needs.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US SB2422

ARCA Act of 2023 Acquisition Reform and Cost Assessment Act of 2023

US HB4225

VA Acquisition Review Board Act of 2023

US SB4366

ENABLE IC Acquisitions Act of 2024 Enabling New Agile Buying-power and Leveraging Enhancements in Intelligence Community Acquisitions Act 2024

US SB4976

Artificial Intelligence Acquisitions Act of 2024

US SB145

AFAC Act Accountability in Federal Acquisitions and Contracting Act of 2023

US SB5310

Federal Acquisition Security Council Improvement Act of 2024

US HB9597

Federal Acquisition Security Council Improvement Act of 2024

US SB1591

Domestic Terrorism Prevention Act of 2023

US SB2226

National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 Securing Maritime Data from China Act of 2023 Military Service Promotion Act of 2023 Space Force Personnel Management Act Department of Defense Overdose Data Act of 2023

US HB2670

Military Construction Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 Black Sea Security Act of 2023 Preventing Child Sex Abuse Act of 2023 Department of Veterans Affairs Minor Construction Threshold Adjustment Act of 2023 Ensuring Interagency Cooperation to Support Veterans Act of 2023 Nuclear Fuel Security Act of 2023 Beryllium Testing Fairness Act International Port Security Enforcement Act Ending China's Developing Nation Status Act Radiation Exposure Compensation Expansion Act U.S. Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Day Act of 2023 Department of Veterans Affairs Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Processing Claims Improvement Act of 2023 Department of Defense Overdose Data Act of 2023 Radiation Exposure Compensation Act Amendments of 2023 Sensible Classification Act of 2023 Classification Reform Act of 2023 Intergovernmental Critical Minerals Task Force Act GRATEFUL Act Granting Recognition to Accomplished Talented Employees for Unwavering Loyalty Act Western Hemisphere Partnership Act of 2023 International Children with Disabilities Protection Act of 2023 Combating Global Corruption Act Securing Maritime Data from China Act of 2023 Combating Cartels on Social Media Act of 2023 American Security Drone Act of 2023 Military Service Promotion Act of 2023 FEND Off Fentanyl Act Fentanyl Eradication and Narcotics Deterrence Off Fentanyl Act Space Force Personnel Management Act CONVENE Act of 2023 Connecting Oceania’s Nations with Vanguard Exercises and National Empowerment Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 Fort Belknap Indian Community Water Rights Settlement Act of 2023 Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Reauthorization Act of 2023 Fair Debt Collection Practices for Servicemembers Act Architect of the Capitol Appointment Act of 2023 UAP Disclosure Act of 2023 Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena Disclosure Act of 2023 Department of State Authorization Act of 2023 ADVANCE Act of 2023 Accelerating Deployment of Versatile, Advanced Nuclear for Clean Energy Act of 2023

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