Revolutionary Trilogy Continues With FAR Simplification
Published Date: 6/23/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The government is shaking up the Federal Acquisition Regulation to cut red tape and save taxpayer money. This big update affects anyone who works with federal contracts, making rules simpler and smarter. Comments are open until July 23, 2026, so get ready for a smoother, faster way to do business with the feds!
Analyzed Economic Effects
7 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 3 mixed.
Forms moved to a live website
The FAR will stop listing forms inside the regulation and instead point to a centralized website at https://acquisition.gov/FARforms as the authoritative place for acquisition-related forms. That means updates to the list of forms no longer require formal rulemaking in the FAR, so the Government can update forms faster and reduce administrative delay.
System for Award Management changes
The rule proposes that only entity-level representations and certifications remain in SAM, while procurement-specific reps/certs be moved into solicitations. It also proposes removing FAR 52.204-8 (Annual Representations and Certifications). The FAR Council invites feedback on potential impacts and changes in burden from this shift.
One consolidated security prohibition part
Security prohibitions, exclusions, and related clauses from multiple FAR parts will be consolidated into FAR part 40 to create a single, harmonized framework and a single "do not buy" list. The proposal also updates definitions (for example, covered telecommunications and video surveillance equipment), clarifies exceptions, and harmonizes reasonable-inquiry and reporting standards.
Major system dollar-threshold adjustment
The proposal would adjust the threshold for defining a "major system" to incorporate the thresholds described in section 1804 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (Pub. L. 119-60), applying those Title 10 thresholds to both civilian agencies and DoD.
Removal of a privacy clause and section
The proposal would remove FAR 39.105, "Privacy," and FAR clause 52.239-1, "Privacy or security safeguards," because those provisions are described as inconsistently used and redundant with other security controls in the FAR and NIST protections.
More transparency in bid protests
The proposed changes add a purpose statement for the bid protest system, require contracting officers to report protests to the head of the contracting activity, and allow protesters who seek independent review to receive a redacted copy of the agency's final technical evaluation and source selection decision and to raise additional protest grounds within a reasonable time set by the independent review official.
Regulatory sunset to trim outdated rules
The FAR would add a regulatory sunset requirement to establish a repeating review process to identify FAR sections, provisions, and clauses that are outdated or no longer required and to remove them through rulemaking. Sections do not expire until removed by rulemaking unless an expiration date is included in a clause.
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
2026-12560 — Federal Acquisition Regulation: Revolutionary Federal Acquisition Regulation Overhaul Parts 6, 7, 10, 18, 26, 37, and 41
The government is shaking up the Federal Acquisition Rules to make buying smarter, faster, and less wasteful for everyone involved—from agencies to contractors. These changes cut red tape in key areas like planning, competition, and small business support, aiming to save taxpayer money and speed up deals. If you work with federal contracts, get ready to adapt by late July 2026 when public feedback closes!
2026-12561 — Federal Acquisition Regulation: Revolutionary Federal Acquisition Regulation Overhaul Parts 5, 24, and 29
The government is shaking up how it buys stuff by simplifying rules in parts 5, 24, and 29 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation. This change affects all federal agencies and contractors, aiming to save taxpayer money and cut red tape. Comments on the proposed changes are open until July 23, 2026, so get ready to weigh in!
2026-12562 — Federal Acquisition Regulation: Revolutionary Federal Acquisition Regulation Overhaul Parts 3 and 49
The government is shaking up how it buys stuff by cutting confusing rules in parts 3 and 49 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation. This change affects contractors and agencies, aiming to save taxpayer money and speed up buying processes. Comments are open until July 23, 2026, so jump in and share your thoughts!
2026-10288 — Information Collection; Architect-Engineer Qualifications (SF-330)
The government wants to keep using the Architect-Engineer Qualifications form (SF-330) for three more years to help pick the best design pros for federal projects. They’re asking architects, engineers, and the public to share thoughts by July 21, 2026, to make sure the form is useful and not too much work. No big cost changes, just a smooth extension to keep things running well.
2026-10289 — Information Collection; Privacy Training
The government agencies OFPP, DoD, GSA, and NASA want to keep their privacy training info collection going for three more years, past October 31, 2026. This affects federal contractors and employees who handle government acquisitions, making sure everyone stays sharp on privacy rules. They’re asking for your thoughts by July 21, 2026, to keep the process smooth and easy without extra costs or hassle.
2026-10287 — Information Collection; Certain Federal Acquisition Regulation Part 28 Requirements
The government agencies in charge of buying stuff—like the Department of Defense and NASA—are asking for your thoughts on keeping some paperwork rules for three more years. These rules help make sure buying processes are clear and fair, but they want to know if the paperwork is worth the effort or if it can be easier. If you’re involved in government contracts, this could affect how you report info until 2027.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-12551 — Approval and Promulgation of Implementation Plans; Arizona; Revisions to the Cleaner Burning Gasoline, Winter Oxygenated Fuel, and Gasoline Set-Aside Programs
The EPA wants to approve Arizona’s updates to cleaner gasoline and winter fuel rules that help cut pollution in Phoenix and Tucson. They’re also getting rid of an old gasoline program in parts of Maricopa and Pima counties. These changes won’t cost extra or add new rules, and folks have until July 23, 2026, to share their thoughts.
Next: 2026-12560 — Federal Acquisition Regulation: Revolutionary Federal Acquisition Regulation Overhaul Parts 6, 7, 10, 18, 26, 37, and 41
The government is shaking up the Federal Acquisition Rules to make buying smarter, faster, and less wasteful for everyone involved—from agencies to contractors. These changes cut red tape in key areas like planning, competition, and small business support, aiming to save taxpayer money and speed up deals. If you work with federal contracts, get ready to adapt by late July 2026 when public feedback closes!