H.R. 5235, the Skills-Based Federal Contracting Act of 2025, passed both the House and Senate on September 30, 2026.
H.R. 5235 — Skills-Based Federal Contracting Act of 2025
What it does
This bill prohibits federal agencies from requiring minimum education credentials (degrees, coursework) for contractor personnel unless the contracting officer writes a detailed justification explaining why the agency's needs cannot be met without that requirement. It repeals a prior rule requiring education credentials for defense contracts, mandates OMB guidance within 180 days, and requires a GAO audit within 3 years to assess compliance.
Quorum's transparency scan gave Skills-Based Federal Contracting Act of 2025 a moderate transparency flag.
What happens next
H.R. 5235 passed both the House and Senate. It now goes to the President.
Who is behind it
Filed by Nancy Mace. Cosponsored by Marie Gluesenkamp Perez and Raja Krishnamoorthi.
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