CONGRESS FOR VOTERS

DemocratAmendment · S.Amdt. 3165· Senate(119-SAMDT-3165)

S.Amdt. 3165

Rep. Blunt Rochester
Age: 64 years
Delaware
Introduced
7/30/2025
Sponsored by
Lisa Blunt Rochester
Cosponsors
None
Changes bill
119-S-2296 — National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026
  1. Introduced
  2. Pending Consideration

What this amendment would do

SA 3165, submitted by Ms. Blunt Rochester, aims to add a section to bill S. 2296 regarding the consideration of STEM investment in defense contracts.

The purpose of this amendment is to have the Secretary of Defense create policies and procedures that encourage contracting officers to view a potential awardee's involvement in STEM investment activities as a positive factor when selecting a contractor using best value tradeoff procedures.

The amendment specifies that contracting officers may consider:

  • The past and current performance of a potential awardee regarding STEM investment activities.
  • The STEM investment activities the potential awardee proposes to carry out under the covered contract.

STEM investment activities are defined as activities investing in STEM education or the workforce, including:

  • Kindergarten through grade 12 or postsecondary education partnerships with a STEM focus.
  • Mentoring programs, paid internships, or registered apprenticeships in a STEM field.
  • Investment in STEM nonprofit organizations or local/regional STEM coalitions.
  • STEM workforce development focused on an underrepresented community.

The Secretary must provide implementation guidance within 180 days after the Act is enacted to ensure consistency across Department agencies and services.