GSA Puts Contract Rules on Hold – Again

2026-19160, Federal Acquisition Regulation: Revolutionary Federal Acquisition Regulation Overhaul Parts 16, 17, and 35

The government is shaking up how it buys stuff by simplifying key contract rules in parts 16, 17, and 35 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation. This change affects federal agencies and contractors, aiming to cut red tape and save taxpayer money. Comments on the proposed changes are open until October 19, 2026, so get ready to weigh in!

2026-04486, General Services Property Management Regulation (GSPMR); Nondiscrimination on the Basis of the Age Act Regulation for Programs or Activities Receiving Federal Financial Assistance

Starting March 6, 2026, the General Services Administration (GSA) is moving its age discrimination rules from a general government-wide spot to its own property management rulebook—without changing the actual rules. This update affects programs or activities that get federal money and helps keep things clear and organized. No new costs or policy changes, just a smarter way to find and follow the rules!

2025-22915, Federal Management Regulation; Aligning the Federal Management Regulation (FMR) With the Administration's Deregulatory Priorities

Starting December 16, 2025, the government is updating its Federal Management Regulation to make rules simpler and smarter. This affects how federal agencies handle things like vehicles, mail, property, and transportation, cutting red tape and boosting efficiency. These changes save time and money while making sure everything follows the law and the President’s deregulatory goals.

2025-22289, Federal Travel Regulation; Reorganizing and Streamlining the Federal Travel Regulation To Improve Operational Efficiency

Starting December 8, 2025, the government is making federal travel rules simpler and easier to follow. These changes affect all federal employees who travel or relocate for work, cutting out confusing and repeated rules to save time and taxpayer money. It’s a smart update that keeps things modern and efficient without losing important protections.

2026-20271, Information Collection; Federal Acquisition Regulation Part 11 Requirements

The government agencies in charge of buying stuff (like DoD, NASA, and GSA) want to keep collecting info under a rule called FAR Part 11 for three more years. They’re asking the public to share thoughts by December 1, 2026, on how to make this info collection easier and more useful. This won’t cost extra money but helps keep government buying smooth and clear.

2026-20270, Information Collection; Presolicitation Notice and Response

The government wants to keep collecting info about presolicitation notices, which help agencies plan buying stuff. They’re asking the public to share thoughts on how useful this info is and how to make it easier to provide. This extension would last three more years, with comments due by December 1, 2026, but no new costs are expected.

Previous: 2025-05427, Additions to the Entity List

The U.S. government just added 12 companies—11 in China and 1 in Taiwan—to a special watchlist called the Entity List. This means these companies face new export restrictions because they’re seen as a risk to U.S. security or policies. Starting now, businesses must get special permission to sell certain products to these entities, which could slow down deals and impact money flow.

Next: 2025-04905, Amendment of Class E Airspace; Ahoskie, NC

The FAA fixed a small mistake about airspace rules near ECU Health Roanoke Chowan Heliport in Ahoskie, NC. They’re updating the start date for new GPS-based flight paths to June 12, 2025. Pilots and local air traffic will be affected, but no extra costs are involved.