S.310 (ENR) – Disaster Contract Improvement Act
Summary:
The Disaster Contract Improvement Act (DCIA) seeks to enhance the transparency, efficiency, and accountability of federal disaster response contracts. It aims to streamline the contracting process, reduce waste, and improve coordination among federal agencies.
Key Provisions:
- Simplified Contracts: Establishes a simplified contracting process for disaster response contracts below a certain threshold, reducing administrative burdens.
- Centralized Oversight: Creates a centralized office within the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to oversee disaster contracting and ensure compliance with best practices.
- Transparency and Accountability: Mandates disclosure of contractor information, including past performance and any potential conflicts of interest, to increase transparency and accountability.
- Performance-Based Contracting: Encourages the use of performance-based contracts to align contractor incentives with the desired outcomes of disaster response efforts.
- Improved Coordination: Streamlines coordination among federal agencies involved in disaster response, reducing duplicative contracting and ensuring effective collaboration.
Background:
The DCIA was introduced in response to concerns raised about the handling of disaster response contracts in the aftermath of Hurricanes Maria and Harvey. These concerns included a lack of transparency, inflated costs, and slow contract execution, which hindered the delivery of assistance to affected communities.
Proposed Amendments:
Several amendments have been proposed to the DCIA, including:
- Expanding the simplified contracting process to contracts below $10 million, instead of the current threshold of $500,000.
- Requiring contractors to submit detailed proposals outlining their experience, qualifications, and cost estimates.
- Establishing a tiered approach to oversight, with more stringent requirements for contracts over certain thresholds.
Current Status:
S.310 was introduced in the Senate on March 13, 2023, and is currently in the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs for review. Similar legislation (H.R. 728) was introduced in the House of Representatives on February 1, 2023.
Potential Impact:
If passed, the DCIA would have a significant impact on the contracting process for disaster response. It would enhance transparency, improve efficiency, and promote accountability, ultimately leading to more effective and timely disaster response efforts.
S. 310 (ENR) – Disaster Contract Improvement Act
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