Bill Overview
Title: COVS Act
Description: This bill requires the General Services Administration (GSA) to transfer certain surplus computers and technology equipment to nonprofit computer refurbishers for repair and eventual distribution to schools (including home schools), veterans, seniors, and other specified populations in need. Specifically, not later than 30 days after the GSA provides state agencies for surplus property an opportunity to review surplus computer or technology equipment that has been determined to be repairable, the GSA must transfer such equipment to participating nonprofit computer refurbishers for repair, distribution, and subsequent transfer to eligible recipients.
Sponsors: Rep. Spanberger, Abigail Davis [D-VA-7]
Target Audience
Population: People in need of computers and technology equipment
Estimated Size: 5000000
- The COVS Act aims to improve access to technology by redistributing surplus computers to schools, veterans, seniors, and other populations in need.
- Access to computers and technology is essential in modern education and employment settings, implying a significant impact on educational development and job readiness.
- Populations in need often lack the financial resources necessary to purchase computers independently, so this act addresses a critical gap.
- Veterans, transitioning to civilian life, can benefit significantly from improved access to technology as it aids in education and job training.
- Senior citizens may use technology for connectivity, accessing services, and learning, improving their quality of life.
Reasoning
- The policy is designed to target underserved individuals and populations, providing them access to technology that they otherwise might not afford.
- Interviews focus on diverse demographics within the policy's target with varied socioeconomic backgrounds, ensuring we collect a spectrum of perspectives.
- Distribution aims to cover individuals who are directly impacted like veterans and students, as well as those not directly impacted but optimistic or neutral about the policy.
Simulated Interviews
Computer Science Student (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 23 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I always struggled to access technology, especially when upgraded devices are needed for my coursework.
- If I had access to these resources, it could improve my learning experience.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Retired Veteran (Pittsburgh, PA)
Age: 67 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This program could make a huge difference; I have always wanted to learn more to help connect with my grandchildren via video calls.
- Access to technology enhances lifelong learning and social connection.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
High School Teacher (Chicago, IL)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 17/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Our students often lack the tools needed for digital literacy.
- This policy could help bridge the technology gap in education.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
Nonprofit Manager (Austin, TX)
Age: 32 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This initiative could greatly enhance our ability to support veterans transitioning to civilian jobs.
- Distributing refurbished technology can stretch our impact significantly.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
Small Business Owner (New York, NY)
Age: 58 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- With more technology resources, we could empower seniors with digital skills that improve their independence.
- The act can fundamentally change how seniors engage with society.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Freelancer (Miami, FL)
Age: 29 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 3
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I lost my laptop, and it's been difficult to find work without one.
- If granted access to a computer, I could rebuild my client base.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Corporate Employee (Dallas, TX)
Age: 36 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think it's a great initiative; however, it doesn't impact me directly as I have sufficient access at work.
- This policy might positively influence community wellbeing.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Stay-at-home Parent (Denver, CO)
Age: 47 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 7.0 years
Commonness: 13/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Balancing technology needs for homeschooling is a constant struggle; more resources could open new educational possibilities for my kids.
- I'm optimistic about the potential benefits of this policy.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
College Student (Boston, MA)
Age: 19 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 16/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Having a personal computer provided through such programs can alleviate financial pressure and improve my academic performance.
- Student life depends heavily on technology; this initiative seems timely.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Retired Librarian (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 72 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I've always believed in the power of knowledge; with access to technology, I could explore new hobbies and stay connected.
- The COVS act resonates with my goals for lifelong learning.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $15000000 (Low: $12000000, High: $18000000)
Year 2: $15000000 (Low: $12000000, High: $18000000)
Year 3: $15000000 (Low: $12000000, High: $18000000)
Year 5: $15000000 (Low: $12000000, High: $18000000)
Year 10: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- The success of the policy is contingent on the availability and condition of surplus technology equipment.
- Nonprofit capacity to refurbish and distribute computers effectively.
- State and local cooperation to ensure appropriate targeting and distribution among schools and other entities.
- Measured enhancement in educational outcomes and workforce readiness among recipients.