Improving Efficiency to Increase Competition Act

HR 6684, the *Improving Efficiency to Increase Competition Act*, directs the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to study how the Bayh-Dole Act’s patent disclosure rules affect contractors (like universities and companies receiving federal research funds). The GAO must report within one year on issues including delays in patent disclosures, burdens on institutions of higher education, challenges with the iEdison patent reporting system, and inconsistencies across federal agencies. This study aims to identify inefficiencies in current reporting requirements that may hinder U.S. competitiveness. The bill itself does not change laws but mandates this review to inform potential improvements to federal reporting processes.