# Time to Choose Act of 2025 - Plain Language Summary

## What This Bill Does

This bill aims to prevent consulting firms from working with both the U.S. Government and certain foreign countries (particularly China) at the same time. The law would require consulting firms bidding for federal contracts to certify that neither they nor their subsidiaries work for "covered foreign entities." If they do have such foreign contracts, they would be barred from receiving U.S. Government contracts. The bill's core argument is that this creates a conflict of interest—firms shouldn't be able to help foreign governments while simultaneously advising U.S. agencies on national security matters.

## Who Is Affected

**Consulting firms** would be the primary targets, especially those in management consulting (classified under industry code 5416). These firms would need to choose between working for covered foreign entities or the U.S. Government, but not both. **Federal agencies** (particularly the Department of Defense) would need to implement new certification and screening procedures. **Congress** would receive notifications about any waivers granted, and the **public** would have access to lists of foreign entities involved (unless national security concerns prevent disclosure).

## Key Provisions

- Consulting firms must self-certify they have no contracts with covered foreign entities before bidding on federal work
- The Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council has one year to implement these rules
- **Waiver option**: Agency heads can request exceptions if national security requires it, but waivers last only one year (extendable once for 180 days) and require approval from the Office of Management and Budget and congressional notification
- Only one waiver per company across all agencies at any given time
- Agencies must publicly disclose which foreign entities waived contractors work for (unless national security concerns apply)