Value over Cost Act of 2026

What this does

The bill changes the standard that governs the federal government's multiple award schedule purchasing program. It amends Section 152(3)(B) of title 41 of the United States Code by striking the phrase "lowest overall cost alternative" and inserting "best value." Under current law that provision treats a purchase made through the program as competitive when it results in the lowest overall cost alternative. The bill shifts that benchmark so the purchase is measured against best value instead of lowest cost alone. In short, agencies buying through these schedules would weigh overall value rather than price by itself.