FAR Council Drops Plan to Overhaul Contract Protest Rules

2025-08022, Federal Acquisition Regulation: List of Domestically Nonavailable Articles

The government just updated the list of products that can’t be bought from U.S. suppliers under the Buy American rules. This change affects companies selling to federal agencies like the DoD, GSA, and NASA, making sure only truly unavailable items get special treatment. The new list kicks in soon, helping save taxpayer money and support American businesses.

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!

2026-20271, 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.

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.

Previous: 2025-10610, Federal Acquisition Regulation: Small Business Participation on Certain Multiple-Award Contracts

The government decided to stop a plan that would have changed how small businesses join certain big contract groups. This means no new rules for now, so small businesses can keep doing their thing without extra hoops. If you’re a small business or work with them, nothing new is changing right now, and no extra costs or deadlines are coming.

Next: 2025-10701, Safety Zone; Gulf of America; Sand Key Beach, Clearwater, FL

The Coast Guard is setting up a temporary safety zone near Sand Key Beach, Clearwater, FL, for a fast-paced jet ski race on August 23-24, 2025. Boats and people can’t enter this area unless they get special permission, keeping everyone safe during the event. This rule helps protect racers and spectators without any extra costs for the public.