DOT's Paperwork Renewal: Same Old, Simpler Soon?
Published Date: 12/29/2025
Notice
Summary
The Department of Transportation wants to renew its paperwork rules for buying stuff, called TAR Part 1239, while they work on making these rules simpler. This affects businesses and people who deal with DOT contracts, and they’re asking for public comments by January 28, 2026. No big cost changes yet, but the DOT promises a smoother process soon!
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Three‑Year Renewal of TAR ICRs
DOT proposes to extend OMB approval of the Transportation Acquisition Regulation (TAR) Part 1239 information collections for three additional years beyond the current expiration date of December 31, 2025. That extension will keep the existing paperwork rules in force while DOT reviews and streamlines the TAR; DOT anticipates publishing a proposed TAR rule for public comment later in 2026.
Annual Paperwork Burdens Quantified
DOT lists five TAR Part 1239 OMB control numbers with annual respondent counts, per-response times, and total burden hours: OMB 2105-0578 (534 respondents, 90 minutes, 339 hours), 2105-0579 (311 respondents, 60 minutes, 622 hours), 2105-0580 (366 respondents, 90 minutes, 550 hours), 2105-0581 (844 respondents, 30 minutes, 422 hours), and 2105-0582 (145 respondents, 30 minutes, 73 hours). These information collections are described as annual and will continue if OMB extends approval.
Possible Future Reduction in Burden
DOT states it is reviewing TAR to streamline and align with FAR changes and says this review "may include potential reductions in information collection requirements and burden". Any reductions would come as part of a later proposed TAR rule to be published for public comment, anticipated in 2026.
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Key Dates
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