OMB's Backup Bosses for Emergency Budget Approvals

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!

2026-20270, 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.

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.

2026-20128, Submission for OMB Review; Preaward Survey Forms (Standard Forms 1403, 1404, 1405, 1406, 1407, and 1408)

The government is asking to keep using six preaward survey forms that help check if contractors can do the job before signing a contract. This affects contractors and contracting officers who need to prove financial strength, reliability, and ability to deliver on time. Comments on this request are open until November 2, 2026, with no new costs expected.

2026-20127, Submission for OMB Review; Acquisition 360 Voluntary Survey

The government is asking for approval to keep using the Acquisition 360 Voluntary Survey, which lets companies give feedback on how the government handles contract talks and debriefings. This survey helps agencies improve how they work with vendors before awarding contracts. If you’re a business interested in government contracts, your input matters! Comments on this plan are open until November 2, 2026, and there’s no cost to participate.

2026-20126, Submission for OMB Review; Certain Federal Acquisition Regulation Part 28 Requirements

If you’re a contractor working with the federal government, you’ll want to know that some paperwork rules about bonds and payment protections are up for review and extension. These rules help make sure contractors provide the right guarantees on projects, especially construction ones over $35,000. Comments on these rules are open until November 2, 2026, so get ready to weigh in if this affects you!

Previous: 2025-06952, Proposed Collection; Comment Request

The Railroad Retirement Board wants your feedback on updates to the Employer's Quarterly Report of Contributions form, which railroad employers use to report payments for unemployment and sickness benefits. They’re tweaking some form labels to make things clearer and want to make sure the process stays easy and accurate. Employers will keep filing this form every quarter, and your comments can help improve it without adding extra hassle or cost.

Next: 2025-06955, Combined Notice of Filings #1

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission got several new filings from energy companies about their status and rates. These filings affect companies like Shelby Onsite Generation, TES MAS23 Energy Storage, and PJM Interconnection, with some changes set to take effect as soon as April or June 2025. If you’re involved, watch for comment deadlines mostly around late April and early May—these could impact how energy rates and services roll out soon.