Redstone Government Consulting Blog (3)

The Department of War has suspended CMMC Phase II implementation while it reviews the program and seeks industry input on reducing compliance burdens. Government contractors should understand which requirements remain in effect, how active solicitations may change, and what the temporary pause could mean for assessment costs and future cybersecurity obligations.

Topics: Small Business Compliance, Contracts & Subcontracts Administration, DFARS Business Systems, Government Regulations, Cybersecurity, Manufacturing Operations Consulting, REAs, Claims & Terminations

Government contractors often focus on billing formulas, revenue setup, and reporting outputs without realizing Project Account Group (PAG) structure helps drive those outcomes. PAG decisions can affect how costs are categorized, which then affects financial reporting, project reporting, billing, and revenue calculations. A well-designed PAG structure helps create consistency across projects, while a misaligned structure can lead to unexpected reporting results, additional reconciliation efforts, and unnecessary maintenance over time. In this article, we'll explore what PAGs are, why they matter, and how proper configuration can help support more reliable billing, revenue, and project reporting.

Topics: Accounting System Compliance, DFARS Business Systems, Deltek Costpoint

The CASB’s final rule rescinds CAS 408 and 411 and most of CAS 404 and 409 to align CAS with GAAP, effective August 7, 2026. For government contractors, the change may reduce duplicative requirements, but it does not eliminate considerations related to disclosure, consistency, or cost impact tied to accounting practice changes.

Topics: Accounting System Compliance, Contracts & Subcontracts Administration, DCAA Audit Support, Government Regulations, Cost Accounting Standards (CAS), Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR)

Federal acquisition policy is shifting fixed-price contracting back to the default and preferred approach under Executive Order 14402 and updated FAR Council guidance. With implementation beginning in July 2026, government contractors should consider how contract type, pricing risk, existing awards, and contract administration may be affected.

Topics: Proposal Cost Volume Development & Pricing, Contracts & Subcontracts Administration, DFARS Business Systems, Contractor Purchasing System Review (CPSR), Government Regulations, Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), Manufacturing Operations Consulting

The FAR Council’s June 23, 2026, proposed rules begin implementing the Revolutionary FAR Overhaul, with comments due July 23, 2026. Government contractors should evaluate how streamlined FAR text, revised clauses, security requirements, acquisition planning changes, and termination timelines may affect contract administration and compliance.

Topics: Contracts & Subcontracts Administration, DFARS Business Systems, Government Regulations, Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), Cybersecurity

Two new Executive Orders signal increased federal action around quantum innovation and post-quantum cryptography. For government contractors and new entrants, participation in these initiatives will require careful attention to funding structures, FAR changes, NIST requirements, and compliance expectations.

Topics: Contracts & Subcontracts Administration, DFARS Business Systems, Contractor Purchasing System Review (CPSR), Government Regulations, Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), Cybersecurity, Commercial Determination, Manufacturing Operations Consulting

Buy American Act compliance now requires closer review of component origin, domestic content thresholds, and contract-specific exceptions. For government contractors, the increased domestic content requirements and differences between FAR and DFARS make sourcing, supplier certifications, and documentation critical to supporting accurate compliance certifications.

Topics: Contracts & Subcontracts Administration, DFARS Business Systems, Contractor Purchasing System Review (CPSR), Government Regulations, Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), Material Management & Accounting System (MMAS), Commercial Determination, Manufacturing Operations Consulting

The Department of Defense (DoD) issued an advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPR) on July 2, 2026, Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement: Modifications to Printed Circuit Board Acquisition Restrictions (DFARS Case 2022-D-011) on prohibiting the acquisition of printed circuit boards (PCBs) from certain countries. DoD is requesting input from experts and industry to assist in the development and revision of DFARS. Comments are due August 31, 2026.

Topics: Contracts & Subcontracts Administration, DFARS Business Systems, Contractor Purchasing System Review (CPSR), Government Regulations, Export & Import, Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), Material Management & Accounting System (MMAS), Estimating System Compliance, Commercial Determination, Manufacturing Operations Consulting

QuickBooks is often one of the first accounting systems used by small and growing government contractors. It is accessible, familiar, and capable of supporting many core accounting needs. But the way QuickBooks is set up matters. Early decisions about accounts, projects, payroll, cost pools, and reporting may not seem significant at the time, but those choices can create problems later when the government contractor needs to support contract billing, indirect rate analysis, incurred cost preparation, or questions from a government customer or auditor.

Topics: Accounting System Compliance, Small Business Compliance, DCAA Audit Support, Quickbooks

The FY 2026 NDAA changed how fixed price contracts are treated in Cost Accounting Standards (CAS) cost impacts, but timing remains critical. Government contractors with CAS covered awards issued before implementation may still face current clause requirements, making award dates and clause language important compliance considerations.

Topics: Accounting System Compliance, Contracts & Subcontracts Administration, Government Regulations, Cost Accounting Standards (CAS), Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR)