The "Federal Program Integrity and Fraud Prevention Act of 2026" aims to prohibit federal funds from being provided to individuals convicted of certain federal felonies. It specifies the prohibition and waiver processes, notice requirements, and the issuance of guidance for implementation. The bill outlines definitions for terms like "agency," "beneficial owner," "convicted," and "covered felony." It authorizes agency heads to waive the prohibition on a case-by-case basis and requires written congressional notification for such waivers. Additionally, it mandates the update of relevant lists to include convicted individuals and specifies the necessary revision of the Federal Acquisition Regulation.
Federal Program Integrity and Fraud Prevention Act of 2025
This bill prohibits federal agencies, including the military, from awarding contracts, grants, cooperative agreements, or other types of financial assistance for three years to individuals who are convicted of specified fraud-related felonies related to the use of federal financial assistance.
Specifically, the bill requires individuals who are convicted of specified felonies arising out of agency contracts, grants, cooperative agreements, loans, or other financial assistance to be included on the exclusion list for the government’s e-procurement and data and award management system (i.e., the System for Award Management). Federal agencies, including the Departments of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, may not award any form of financial assistance to these individuals for three years. The prohibition generally applies to fraud-related felonies, such as aggravated identity theft, mail or computer fraud, and embezzlement of funds.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) must notify the General Services Administration (GSA) in a timely manner when individuals are convicted of such felonies so that GSA may add these individuals to the exclusion list.
Agencies may exempt individuals from the prohibition but must notify Congress of any such exemptions.
DOJ must issue guidance on the bill's implementation.