IT contractors don't need college degrees, Davis says

Work-related experience is more important than a college degree when it comes to information technology services, according to one House lawmaker.

Rep. Tom Davis, R-Va., last week introduced legislation that would restrict the use of minimum educational requirements when federal agencies procure IT goods and services.

The bill, H.R. 3582, would require federal contracting officials to explain why minimum education and experience levels are justified in a contract. It would not override a contracting official's decision to include the requirements.

Most federal contracts require that vendors use employees with four-year degrees plus added work experience. The IT industry is frustrated by this rule, because it can preclude companies from bidding on projects even if their employees have "technical skills that go far beyond those acquired college or work experience," according to the Information Technology Association of America.

With a shortage in the IT workforce, requirements that keep qualified workers off of federal projects only drive up prices and limit contractor flexibility, ITAA said.

"I think it is ironic that neither Bill Gates nor Michael Dell could work on many current government programs, since they did not complete their college studies," said ITAA President Harris N. Miller.