DFARS Final Rule for Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) program

Department of Defense (DoD) issued a final rule on September 10, 2025, amending Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS), incorporating contractual requirements under the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) program as part of the National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2020 to enhance cybersecurity for the US defense industrial base. The final rule is effective November 10, 2025.

Read More

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

Recent ITAR Amendments Expand the U.S. Munitions List and Indicate Further Expansion

The U.S. Department of State’s Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC) has finalized a significant set of amendments to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), effective September 15, 2025, which expand the U.S. Munitions List (USML) and introduce new definitions and a licensing exemption. These changes mark the first time in years that DDTC has expanded the USML’s coverage more than it has reduced it. The final rule amends 15 of the 21 USML categories, representing a substantial increase in the number of controlled items.

Read More

Topics: Contracts & Subcontracts Administration, Contractor Purchasing System Review (CPSR), Government Regulations, Export & Import, Material Management & Accounting System (MMAS), Manufacturing Operations Consulting

Steps to Take Now to Mitigate Federal Government Shutdown Impacts

The federal government has shut down again. It happens. With fiscal year 2025 funding lapsed and in our rearview mirror, how can government contractors mitigate the risk of potential stop-work orders and financial hardship? In this article, we discuss areas to consider not only to mitigate your risk but also to avoid significant financial hardship.

Read More

Topics: Contracts & Subcontracts Administration, Government Regulations, REAs, Claims & Terminations

DCAA Says Good-Bye to Its Field Detachment

Six months after the Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) made its major reorganization, it made another one: the elimination of its Field Detachment (FD) as a separate entity within DCAA. The Field Detachment was a separate entity within DCAA that handled DCAA’s classified audit work. It was a separate and distinct DCAA entity from the current Land, Air, and Sea Directorates of DCAA.

Read More

Topics: Contracts & Subcontracts Administration, DCAA Audit Support, Government Regulations

FAR Final Rule Updates Acquisition-Related Thresholds for Inflation

The Federal Acquisition Regulatory (FAR) Council, consisting of the Office of Federal Procurement Policy (OFPP), DoD, GSA, and NASA, has finalized changes to acquisition-related thresholds in the FAR to account for inflation. Published in the Federal Register on August 27, 2025, and effective October 1, 2025, this rule (FAR Case 2024-001, FAC 2025-06) fulfills the statutory requirement under 41 U.S.C. 1908 to review and adjust thresholds every five years using the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for all urban consumers.

Read More

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

DFARS Final Rule Prohibits Conflicts of Interest in Certain Consulting Services

The Department of Defense (DoD) has finalized a rule that will significantly impact contractors providing management, scientific, and technical consulting services. Published in the Federal Register on August 25, 2025, and effective October 24, 2025, the rule (DFARS Case 2024-D007) implements section 812 of the FY 2024 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Under the new requirement, contracting officers cannot award contracts assigned to NAICS codes beginning with 5416 if the offeror, or its subsidiaries or affiliates, holds a contract for consulting services with certain covered foreign entities, unless an approved conflict-of-interest mitigation plan is in place.

Read More

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

DFARS Final Rule Updates Acquisition-Related Thresholds for Inflation

The Department of Defense (DoD) has finalized changes to acquisition-related thresholds in the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) to reflect inflation. Published in the Federal Register on August 25, 2025, and effective October 1, 2025, this rule (DFARS Case 2024-D002) fulfills the statutory requirement under 41 U.S.C. 1908 to review and adjust thresholds every five years using the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for all urban consumers.

Read More

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

SAM.gov is Being Streamlined as Part of the FAR Overhaul

The President’s Executive Order – Restoring Common Sense to Federal Procurement involves a comprehensive overhaul of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and subsequently the FAR Supplements. As the FAR is being updated it includes changes to contract provisions and clauses. The System for Award Management (SAM.gov), the official U.S. government website where entities register to do business with the federal government is also being streamlined.

Read More

Topics: Contracts & Subcontracts Administration, DCAA Audit Support, Contractor Purchasing System Review (CPSR), System Award Management (SAM), Government Regulations, Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR)

Why Most HR Software Consultants Miss Critical GovCon Compliance Requirements

A well-configured HR system can feel like the backbone of a thriving organization by streamlining processes, enhancing employee experience, and offering powerful data insights. However, even the most advanced HR technology can quickly become a liability if one critical element is overlooked - compliance. Government contractors risk turning their greatest HR asset into a hidden source of vulnerability if they fail to consider compliance in their implementation strategy.

Read More

Topics: Small Business Compliance, Contracts & Subcontracts Administration, DCAA Audit Support, Human Resources, Government Regulations, Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs, Service Contract Act, Organizational Change Management Consulting, UKG Ready HR Software Consulting

Does My Product Have to Be Sold to Commercial Companies to Be Commercial?

This is a myth. Let’s review the commercial definition:

FAR 2.101 Commercial Product definition Paragraph 1 states:

(1)  A product, other than real property, that is of a type customarily used by the general public or by nongovernmental entities for purposes other than governmental purposes, and–

(i) Has been sold, leased, or licensed to the general public; or

(ii) Has been offered for sale, lease, or license to the general public;

Read More

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