VA Cracks Down on Shady Gray Market Goods in Contracts
Published Date: 1/16/2026
Notice
Summary
The Department of Veterans Affairs wants your thoughts on keeping two important contract rules about gray market goods. These rules help make sure the VA gets legit products and avoid shady sellers. If you work with VA contracts or sell to them, you’ve got until March 17, 2026, to share your feedback—no cost changes, just a smooth extension!
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
VA Keeps Gray-Market Contract Rules
The VA will continue using two contract clauses (852.212-71 and 852.212-72) to block gray-market and counterfeit parts for new medical equipment, new medical supplies, new information technology equipment, and maintenance that includes replacement parts. This is an extension without change; the agency estimates an annual paperwork burden of 2,171 hours, an average of 30 minutes per respondent, and about 4,342 respondents. If you sell to the VA or respond to VA solicitations, you can submit comments through Regulations.gov by March 17, 2026.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2025-21242 — Extending Deadline for Debtor To Request a Waiver
The VA is giving veterans more time—up to one year instead of 180 days—to ask for a waiver on debts related to benefits. This change, effective January 26, 2026, helps reduce stress by giving veterans extra breathing room to handle their debt issues. It doesn’t cost veterans extra money but makes the process friendlier and fairer.
2025-18827 — Extension of Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers Eligibility for Legacy Participants and Legacy Applicants
The VA is giving family caregivers of veterans more time to stay in their special support program by extending the deadline from 2025 to 2028. This means caregivers and veterans who joined the program earlier (the legacy group) can keep getting help for three more years. No changes to money or benefits, just extra time to enjoy the support they deserve!
2025-14687 — Reproductive Health Services
The VA is planning to stop covering abortions and abortion counseling again, reversing a 2022 change. This affects veterans and their families who use VA and CHAMPVA health benefits. The change aims to focus VA services on what they consider essential care, with no new costs or timing details shared yet.
2026-10084 — Expanding Access to State Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs
The VA is making it easier and clearer for certain VA health workers to check State Prescription Drug Monitoring Programs (PDMPs) to keep an eye on prescription drug use. This change helps prevent medicine misuse and protects those checking the data while they do their jobs. Comments on this new rule are open until July 20, 2026, and it aims to make prescribing safer for veterans.
2026-09777 — Agency Information Collection Activity: VA Health Professional Scholarship Programs (HPSP, VIOMPSP)
The VA is asking for your thoughts on updating the forms used for its Health Professional Scholarship Programs, which help train medical pros for veterans. This update aims to make the paperwork clearer and easier to handle, with a public comment period open until July 14, 2026. If you’re involved in these programs or just care about veterans’ health, now’s the time to weigh in!
2026-09542 — Agency Information Collection Activity Under OMB Review: Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program (SSG Fox SPGP)
The VA is renewing its paperwork for the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program, which helps communities support veterans at risk of suicide. This means organizations applying for or renewing grants will keep submitting forms to show how they’re helping and following rules. If you’re involved, get ready to send your feedback by June 12, 2026, so the program can keep saving lives smoothly and smartly.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-00762 — Joint Industry Plan; Order Approving an Amendment to the National Market System Plan Governing the Consolidated Audit Trail, as Modified by Amendment Nos. 1 and 2 and by the Commission, Regarding the Customer and Account Information System
The big stock market players agreed to share less customer info in the national audit system to keep things safer and simpler. This change affects all major U.S. stock exchanges and trading firms and will roll out soon without extra costs. It’s a smart move to protect investors while keeping the market running smoothly.
Next: 2026-00764 — Agency Information Collection Activity: Department of Veterans Affairs Acquisition Regulation (VAAR)-Information Security and Privacy Contract Clauses
The Department of Veterans Affairs wants your thoughts on updating contract rules that protect information security and privacy. This affects companies working with the VA, who’ll need to follow clearer, safer guidelines. Comments are open until March 17, 2026, and the changes aim to keep data safe without adding extra hassle or costs.