FIND Act

Summary#

This bill, the Firearm Industry Non-Discrimination Act (FIND Act), adds a new section to federal procurement rules in title 41. It requires executive agencies to put a clause in contracts that makes prime contractors certify they do not have policies or practices that discriminate against firearm entities or firearm trade associations, and that they will not adopt such policies during the contract. The bill also bars prime contractors from awarding first-tier subcontracts worth more than 10 percent of the prime contract to entities that do not make the same certification. It prohibits structuring subcontract tiers to avoid the 10 percent limit. If a prime contractor violates the clause, the contract must be terminated for default and suspension or debarment proceedings must be started. Sole-source contracts are exempt. The bill defines "discriminate," "firearm entity," and related terms and applies to contracts awarded after the law takes effect.

What it means for you#

  • If you are a prime contractor for a federal agency: you will need to include the required certification clause in your contracts and collect written certifications from first-tier subcontractors when a subcontract exceeds 10 percent of the total contract value. You must not structure tiers to avoid the subcontract rule.
  • If you are a first-tier subcontractor: you may need to provide a written certification that you do not discriminate against firearm entities in order to be eligible for subcontracts over the 10 percent threshold.
  • If you are a business in the firearm or ammunition industries or a firearm trade association: federal contractors will be required to certify they do not discriminate against you, and contractors who violate that requirement may face contract termination and debarment.
  • If you work at a federal agency: you must include the new clause in most procurement contracts (except sole-source contracts) awarded after the law takes effect.

Expenses#

No publicly available information.

Proponents' View#

The bill's stated purpose is to prohibit the Federal Government from entering into contracts with entities that discriminate against firearm or ammunition industries. It requires certifications and limits on subcontracting to enforce that prohibition.

Opponents' View#

No publicly available information.