DoW Acquisition Reform Targets CAS, Pricing, Audits, and Business Systems

DoW is pursuing significant acquisition reforms that could reshape CAS applicability, pricing, audits, and contractor business system oversight. The planned changes emphasize greater use of GAAP, reduced administrative requirements, and streamlined acquisition practices, with implementation actions scheduled over the next 30 to 120 days and additional regulatory changes potentially required.

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Topics: Proposal Cost Volume Development & Pricing, Contracts & Subcontracts Administration, DFARS Business Systems, DCAA Audit Support, Government Regulations, Cost Accounting Standards (CAS), Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), Estimating System Compliance, Manufacturing Operations Consulting

Department of War Suspends CMMC Phase II and Seeks Input on Government Contractor Burdens

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.

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

Fixed-Price Contracting Returns as the Default for Federal Contractors

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.

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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

Opportunities for Government Contractors and New Entrants to Engage in Quantum Innovation

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.

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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 Requires More Than a Certificate

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.

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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

DoD Seeks Feedback on 9 Areas in the PCB Acquisition Restrictions ANPR

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.

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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

Building a Successful Deltek Costpoint Manufacturing Implementation

A successful Deltek Costpoint manufacturing implementation requires more than system configuration. Cross functional involvement, early data planning, thorough testing, and continuous training help government contractors build internal capability, reduce rework, and establish processes that can support the business well beyond go-live.

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Topics: Deltek Costpoint, Material Management & Accounting System (MMAS), Organizational Change Management Consulting, Manufacturing Operations Consulting

OMB Directs Agencies to Buy Commercial or Justify Non-Commercial Acquisitions

OMB’s new guidance directs agencies to expand commercial acquisitions and justify non-commercial awards. Government contractors may see closer review of commerciality, pricing, option periods, and cost-reimbursement contracts, making support for market research and contract decisions more important.

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Topics: Proposal Cost Volume Development & Pricing, Small Business Compliance, Contracts & Subcontracts Administration, DFARS Business Systems, DCAA Audit Support, Government Regulations, Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), Material Management & Accounting System (MMAS), Cybersecurity, Commercial Determination, Manufacturing Operations Consulting

Here We Go Again, DCAA Reorganization Phase 3

On April 20, 2026, the Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) announced yet another reorganization: a transition to 23 “hub” organizations while maintaining office locations at key defense contractor sites. This reduction reduces the 180 office (branch and suboffices) locations to 23 hubs covering only 19 of the 50 states in the continental U.S.

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Topics: Accounting System Compliance, Small Business Compliance, Contracts & Subcontracts Administration, DCAA Audit Support, Human Resources, Government Regulations, Organizational Change Management Consulting, Manufacturing Operations Consulting

Businesses Can Now Claim IEEPA Tariff Refunds Through the New Portal

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.

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