I 116th CONGRESS 2d Session H. R. 8148 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES September 1, 2020 Mr. Lamb (for himself and Mr. Banks ) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs A BILL To amend title 38, United States Code, to authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to enter into contracts for statistical analyses and data evaluation.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the VA Data Analytics and Technology Assistance Act or the VA DATA Act . 2. Statistical analyses and data evaluation by Department of Veterans Affairs (a) In general Chapter 1 of title 38, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following new section: 119. Contracting for statistical analyses and data evaluation (a) In general The Secretary may enter into a contract or other agreement with an academic institution or other qualified entity, as determined by the Secretary, to carry out statistical analyses and data evaluation as required of the Secretary by law. (b) Rule of construction Nothing in this section may be construed to limit the authority of the Secretary to enter into contracts or other agreements for statistical analyses and data evaluation under any other provision of law. . (b) Clerical amendment The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 1 of such title is amended by adding at the end the following new item: 119. Contracting for statistical analyses and data evaluation. .