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.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
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!
2026-20270, 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.
2026-20271, 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.
2026-20127, 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.
2026-20126, Submission for OMB Review; Certain Federal Acquisition Regulation Part 28 Requirements
If you’re a contractor working with the federal government, you’ll want to know that some paperwork rules about bonds and payment protections are up for review and extension. These rules help make sure contractors provide the right guarantees on projects, especially construction ones over $35,000. Comments on these rules are open until November 2, 2026, so get ready to weigh in if this affects you!
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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!