# The COVS Act: Getting Old Government Computers to People Who Need Them

The COVS Act (Computers for Veterans and Students Act) is a straightforward bill that tackles a real problem: millions of Americans don't have access to computers, which puts them at a serious disadvantage in today's world. The bill creates a system to take old computers that the federal government no longer needs and get them into the hands of people who actually need them—students, veterans, seniors, and low-income individuals.

Here's how it works in practice. When federal agencies have computers and tech equipment that are still repairable but no longer useful to them, instead of throwing them away or selling them off, the General Services Administration (the government agency that manages federal property) will send them to nonprofit organizations that specialize in refurbishing computers. These nonprofits will fix up the equipment and distribute it to people who need it most. The bill splits the computers into two groups: 40 percent go directly to nonprofits that distribute them to individuals and schools in their communities, while 60 percent get refurbished and sent back to the government to distribute through state agencies. Any equipment that can't be fixed gets returned to the government for proper disposal.

The nonprofits receiving these computers have an additional responsibility: they must offer training programs to help people actually learn how to use the technology. This addresses a key part of the digital divide—it's not just about having a computer, but knowing how to use it. The bill also requires the government to report back to Congress every two years on how the program is working. Essentially, this bill takes something the government would otherwise waste and redirects it to bridge the gap between people who have technology access and those who don't, particularly helping veterans, students, people with disabilities, and seniors who are isolated or struggling to live independently.

COVS Act

Spanberger, Abigail Davis

Computers for Veterans and Students Act of 2021 or the COVS Act This bill requires the General Services Administration (GSA) to quarterly transfer surplus computers and related technology to nonprofit refurbishers for eventual distribution to (1) schools, veterans, seniors, and other specified populations in need; and (2) state and local agencies for donation to nonprofit and public entities. Currently, the GSA operates the Computers for Learning Program, which distributes surplus computers and related technology from federal agencies to schools and educational nonprofits; the program does not allow property to be transferred directly to refurbishers.