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
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
The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) proposed that the 2 CFR 200 revisions would convert Uniform Guidance into government-wide grant regulation, with comments due July 13, 2026, and a proposed effective date of October 1, 2026. Government contractors, recipients, and subrecipients should assess how the changes may affect funding terms, subawards, procurement, payments, and cost principles.
Topics: Contracts & Subcontracts Administration, Contractor Purchasing System Review (CPSR), System Award Management (SAM), Government Regulations, Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), Grants & Cooperative Agreements (2 CFR 200), Commercial Determination
The launch of the CAPE (Consolidated Administration and Processing of Entries) system by U.S. Customs and Border Protection marks a significant opportunity for importers to recover duties previously paid under IEEPA tariffs that were later ruled invalid by the U.S. Supreme Court. By enabling consolidated refund claims and streamlining the process through the ACE portal, this program reduces administrative burden and accelerates reimbursement. For importers, especially small businesses that directly paid these tariffs, this development is highly relevant because it provides a time-sensitive pathway to reclaim costs, improve cash flow, and correct past overpayments in a changing tariff environment.
Topics: Contracts & Subcontracts Administration, Contractor Purchasing System Review (CPSR), Government Regulations, Export & Import, Material Management & Accounting System (MMAS), Manufacturing Operations Consulting
Government contractors should be aware of a proposed FAR rule implementing FY 2023 NDAA Section 5949 that will prohibit the use of certain covered semiconductor products and services in federal procurements by December 23, 2027. The rule introduces new certification, disclosure, and supply chain review requirements that may significantly impact sourcing, compliance, and contract performance.
Topics: Proposal Cost Volume Development & Pricing, Contracts & Subcontracts Administration, DFARS Business Systems, Contractor Purchasing System Review (CPSR), Government Regulations, Export & Import, Material Management & Accounting System (MMAS), Commercial Determination, Manufacturing Operations Consulting
The FY 2026 NDAA, Section 1807, directs DoD to maintain Project Spectrum, a no-cost online platform offering cybersecurity training, tools, and resources for small and medium-sized government contractors. Originally launched in 2019, the platform supports CMMC compliance and is available to any company pursuing DoD work, regardless of current contract status.
Topics: Small Business Compliance, Contracts & Subcontracts Administration, DFARS Business Systems, Contractor Purchasing System Review (CPSR), Government Regulations, Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), Material Management & Accounting System (MMAS), Cybersecurity, Commercial Determination, Manufacturing Operations Consulting
The Department of War has introduced an Acquisition Transformation Strategy aimed at prioritizing commercial solutions and expanding participation from nontraditional contractors. While the direction signals reduced barriers and faster acquisition, contractors must evaluate how evolving expectations, timing, and risk tolerance will affect compliance, pricing, and engagement strategies.
Topics: Accounting System Compliance, Small Business Compliance, Contracts & Subcontracts Administration, DFARS Business Systems, Contractor Purchasing System Review (CPSR), Government Regulations, Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), Commercial Determination
The United States Supreme Court has ruled that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act does not authorize presidential tariffs, effectively invalidating prior IEEPA-based duties. This decision creates uncertainty around potential refunds and shifts attention to new tariff measures now in effect. Importers and trade compliance teams must reassess duty exposure, documentation practices, and forward-looking trade strategies in a rapidly changing regulatory environment.
Topics: Contracts & Subcontracts Administration, DFARS Business Systems, DCAA Audit Support, Contractor Purchasing System Review (CPSR), Government Regulations, Export & Import, Material Management & Accounting System (MMAS), Estimating System Compliance, Manufacturing Operations Consulting