NASA Panel to Discuss Space Safety in Virtual Meeting March 16

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!

2026-13245, Procedures for Implementing the National Environmental Policy Act

NASA is updating its rules for how it checks the environmental impact of its projects to make the process clearer and faster for everyone involved. This change affects NASA staff, project partners, and the public by providing new guidelines and updated lists of projects that don’t need detailed reviews. The new rules take effect on August 17, 2026, and NASA is asking for public comments by July 31, 2026.

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.

2026-20127, 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.

2026-20128, 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.

Previous: 2026-04062, Options Price Reporting Authority; Order Approving Amendment, as Modified by Amendment No. 1 Thereto, To Modify the OPRA Fee Schedule Regarding Certain Direct Access Connectivity Fees

The Options Price Reporting Authority (OPRA) just got a green light to change some fees for direct access connections used by traders and firms. These updates tweak prices for faster data ports and rename a key exchange, starting soon. If you’re in the options trading world, expect some fee updates that could affect your costs and tech setup.

Next: 2026-04065, Annual Notice of Interest Rates for Fixed-Rate Federal Student Loans Made Under the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program

Starting July 1, 2025, new fixed-rate federal student loans will have updated interest rates that affect students borrowing under the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program. These rates stay the same for the life of the loan, so borrowers know exactly what to expect. If you’re planning to take out a Direct Subsidized, Unsubsidized, or PLUS Loan between July 2025 and June 2026, these new rates will apply and impact your repayment costs.