VA Seeks Input on Boring Data Privacy Contract Tweaks
Published Date: 1/16/2026
Notice
Summary
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.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Contractors Must Secure VA-Connected IT
If you contract with the VA for information technology services and the solicitation, contract, or order exceeds the micro-purchase threshold, VA requires Clause 852.239-70. That clause makes the contractor responsible for information technology security for all systems connected to a VA network or operated by the contractor for VA.
Design/Hosting Contractors Must Follow VA Rules
If you provide information system design, development, hosting, operation, or maintenance services for the VA, Clauses 852.239-72 and 852.239-73 are required in solicitations, contracts, orders, or agreements. Those clauses require contractor and subcontractor personnel to be subject to the same Federal laws, regulations, standards, and VA directives and handbooks as VA personnel for information and information system security.
Paperwork Burden and Comment Deadline
VA estimates the annual paperwork burden for this information collection at 4,815 hours, with an average of 19 minutes per respondent and an estimated 15,384 respondents. Comments must be submitted through Regulations.gov and received on or before March 17, 2026.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-11973, Implementing Regulation for National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA): Environmental Effects of the Department of Veterans Affairs Actions
The Department of Veterans Affairs is updating how it checks the environmental impact of its projects to be faster, clearer, and more in line with new laws passed since 1989. This change affects VA staff and veterans by improving planning and making sure VA actions protect the environment while delivering care. The new rules start June 15, 2026, and the VA welcomes feedback until July 15, 2026.
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.
2026-16500, Agency Information Collection Activity: Mandatory Verification of Dependents
Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA), Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), is announcing an opportunity for public comment on the proposed collection of certain information by the agency. Under the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995, Federal agencies are required to publish notice in the Federal Register concerning each proposed collection of information, including each proposed revision of a currently approved collection, and allow 60 days for public comment in response to the notice.
2026-16308, Agency Information Collection Activity: Veteran/Servicemembers Supplemental Application for Assistance in Acquiring Specially Adapted Housing
In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995, this notice announces that the Veterans Benefits Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs, will submit the collection of information abstracted below to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and comment. The PRA submission describes the nature of the information collection and its expected cost and burden and it includes the actual data collection instrument.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-00763, Agency Information Collection Activity: Gray Market Clauses: 852.212-71 and 852.212-72
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!
Next: 2026-00766, Arms Sales Notification
The U.S. is planning a big $6.75 billion arms sale to Israel, including thousands of smart bombs and guidance kits. This deal supports Israel’s defense with advanced gear and is funded by foreign military financing and national funds. The announcement kicks off the official process, so expect updates and action soon!