VA Tightens Rules to Safeguard Vets' Data in Contractor Deals
Published Date: 3/25/2026
Notice
Summary
The Department of Veterans Affairs is updating rules to keep veterans' information safe when contractors work with their computer systems. These changes affect companies that provide IT services or develop and host VA information systems. Comments on these updates are open until April 24, 2026, and the goal is to make sure everyone handles data securely without adding extra costs.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
VA IT Contractors Must Secure Systems
If your company provides information technology services to the VA, Clause 852.239-70 requires your firm to be responsible for information technology security for all systems connected to a VA network or operated by your company for VA, regardless of location. This clause must be included in all solicitations, contracts, and orders exceeding the micro-purchase threshold that include IT services.
Design/Hosting Contracts Must Include VA Clauses
Clause 852.239-72 must be included in all solicitations, contracts, orders, and agreements where information system design and development services are required. Clause 852.239-73 must be included where information system hosting, operation, or maintenance services are required, and both 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 security.
Paperwork Burden for VA Contractors
The VA estimates the annual information-collection burden for affected businesses at 4,815 hours total, with an estimated average burden of 19 minutes per respondent and an estimated 15,384 respondents. The affected public is listed as "Business or other for-profit."
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