Markey, Inhofe Introduce NDAA Amendment on Micro-Purchasing

Press Release

U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), senior member of Senate Armed Services Committee, and Sen. Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) introduced amendment #4094 to the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 that would raise the micro-purchase threshold for universities, Independent Research Institutes, and non-profit research organizations to $10,000, the same level that was included in the NDAA for Department of Defense (DOD) research programs.

"Our universities and research organizations receiving federal funding should be focusing on conducting important science and discovery not sidetracked by administrative burdens and extra paperwork," said Markey. "Complexities in the federal acquisition process can lead to higher costs, less innovation and weak performance. I'm pleased to partner with Senator Inhofe to introduce this legislation that will greatly simplify the procurement process so that university researchers can efficiently and quickly buy critical lab equipment and spend less time on procedural details that do nothing to improve value."

"Our research institutes and universities should be focused on fostering breakthrough innovation and not administrative burdens that hinder that process," said Inhofe. "This common-sense, bipartisan solution helps them dedicate their time to important research instead of piles of paperwork. Language in the NDAA to raise the micro-purchasing threshold for DOD research programs shows a need to make this adjustment across the board. I appreciate Sen. Markey for working with me to ensure all universities and major research institutes can continue to do what they do best."

"The Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, and the Association of Independent Research Institutes, applaud Senator Inhofe's efforts to address the administrative burden associated with micro-purchases, or the procurement of low-cost supplies essential for research," said Steve Prescott, M.D. and president of the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation. "This legislation will allow scientists to focus more on research and less on administration. We appreciate your efforts helping independent research institutes like the Oklahoma Medical Research Institute pursue discovery based research on some of the world's most challenging diseases."

Inhofe and Markey also introduced this language as a standalone bill on Monday, S.2973.

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