Contract Our Veterans Act of 2026
- Sponsor
- Rep. Fine, Randy [R-FL-6]
- Committees
- Small Business Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Feb 12, 2026
Bottom line
This bill aims to significantly increase federal procurement opportunities for veteran-owned small businesses by setting a mandatory government-wide contracting goal and expanding their access to set-aside contracts.
What it actually does
This bill amends the Small Business Act to establish a government-wide goal of not less than 5% for federal prime and subcontract awards to small business concerns owned and controlled by veterans (VOSBs). It expands the authority of federal contracting officers to award sole-source and restricted-competition contracts to VOSBs and integrates VOSBs into various existing Small Business Act programs and detailed reporting requirements.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue this bill will honor veterans by providing them with greater economic opportunities, leveraging their skills and dedication in the private sector, and ensuring that federal contracts contribute to the success of businesses owned by those who have served the nation. They would also emphasize that this promotes economic growth within the veteran community and strengthens the small business sector.
Opponents contend
Opponents might argue that setting specific percentage goals and expanding set-aside authorities could potentially limit overall competition, increase procurement costs, or create administrative burdens for federal agencies. They might also raise concerns about the potential for fraud or abuse within the certification process, or that it could divert contracts from other disadvantaged business categories.
The bill is short and clearly written, making it accessible for a quick but thorough review.
Section 2, inserting new Section 36B(b) into the Small Business Act.
Authority for Sole Source Contracts for Veteran-Owned Small Businesses
This provision allows federal contracting officers to award contracts directly to veteran-owned small businesses (VOSBs) without full competition. This is permissible provided the VOSB is determined to be a responsible source, the contract value does not exceed specific thresholds (as defined in 15 U.S.C. 657f(c)(2)), and the contracting officer determines the award can be made at a fair and reasonable price that offers the best value to the United States.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this streamlines the contracting process for VOSBs, allowing agencies to quickly award contracts to qualified veteran businesses, thereby supporting veteran entrepreneurship and achieving federal contracting goals more efficiently.
Critics contend
Critics might contend that sole-source contracts, while efficient, can reduce competition, potentially leading to higher costs for the government or limiting opportunities for other small business categories.
Tradeoffs
This provision balances the desire for efficiency and direct support for VOSBs against the principles of full and open competition and potential cost savings from broader bidding.
Section 2, inserting new Section 36B(c) into the Small Business Act.
Mandate for Restricted Competition for Veteran-Owned Small Businesses
This provision requires federal contracting officers to restrict competition for certain contracts exclusively to veteran-owned small businesses (VOSBs). This mandate applies if the contracting officer has a reasonable expectation that two or more VOSBs will submit offers and that the contract can be awarded at a fair and reasonable price, offering the best value to the United States.
Section 3(a)(2), amending Section 15(g)(1)(A) of the Small Business Act.
Establishment of 5% Governmentwide Goal for VOSB Contracts
This provision establishes a new government-wide goal that not less than 5 percent of the total value of all prime contract and subcontract awards for each fiscal year must go to small business concerns owned and controlled by veterans. This adds VOSBs to existing categories like small businesses, small disadvantaged businesses, and women-owned small businesses, setting a clear target for federal agencies.
Section 3(b), amending Section 15(h)(2) of the Small Business Act.
Enhanced Reporting on Veteran-Owned Small Business Contract Awards
This provision expands existing federal reporting requirements to include detailed breakdowns of contract awards to veteran-owned small businesses (VOSBs). Agencies will now report VOSB participation in aggregate, through sole-source contracts, restricted competitions (both general small business and VOSB-specific), unrestricted competition, and specific scenarios involving changes in ownership or other restricted procurement methods.
Section 4, amending various sections of the Small Business Act.
Integration of VOSBs into Existing Small Business Administration Programs
This section makes numerous technical amendments to explicitly integrate veteran-owned small businesses (VOSBs) into various existing provisions of the Small Business Act. This includes references in sections related to Business Opportunity Specialists, Commercial Market Representatives, consideration of offers, the Best in Class Addendum, Offices of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization, the Scorecard Program, Mentor-Protege reporting, and limitations on subcontracting. This ensures VOSBs are explicitly considered and supported across a wider range of SBA programs and federal contracting mechanisms.