Charleston Reporter

Representative Nancy Mace's bill (R-SC-01), known as the Allowing Contractors to Choose Employees for Select Skills Act (ACCESS Act), has successfully passed through the committee with unanimous approval. This significant milestone brings the ACCESS Act one step closer to being considered on the House Floor for a vote.

In a statement regarding the ACCESS Act, Rep. Nancy Mace expressed the core philosophy behind the bill, stating, "We believe in empowering talent over credentials, and the ACCESS Act embodies this principle. By removing unnecessary degree barriers, we're not just opening doors, but unlocking a wealth of untapped potential." The bill aims to eliminate minimum experience or educational requirements for proposed contractor personnel in government contract solicitations.

The ACCESS Act proposes amendments to Chapter 33 of title 41, specifically targeting the restriction of minimum education or experience prerequisites for proposed contractor personnel in federal contract solicitations. However, agencies may still impose such requirements if deemed necessary, but contracting officers must provide written justifications to justify their inclusion.

The focus of the bill is on recognizing skills rather than diplomas, ensuring that individuals from diverse educational backgrounds have equal opportunities to contribute to the nation's workforce and innovation landscape.

For further information about the ACCESS Act, interested parties can reach out to Gabrielle Lipsky at Gabrielle.Lipsky@mail.house.gov.