Revolutionary Overhaul Part Deux Hits Federal Buying
Published Date: 6/23/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
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!
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 5 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Less Paperwork, Fewer Rules for Contractors
The FAR is being rewritten in plain language and many nonstatutory “how-to” rules are being moved out of regulation into non-regulatory guidance (the FAR Companion). The change is intended to remove unnecessary mandates and reduce compliance burden for contractors and agencies so contracting officers can use discretion to buy faster and with less paperwork.
Clearer Rules for Commercial Sellers
The FAR Council proposes to revise prescriptions to clearly state when provisions and clauses apply to commercial products, commercially available off-the-shelf (COTS) items, and commercial services. The change is intended to reduce inclusion of nonstatutory requirements in commercial acquisitions and increase commercial sellers' willingness to bid.
Buy Commercial First: Market Research Moved
Market research content is moved into FAR subpart 7.2 and FAR 7.201(f) will require agencies to procure commercial products and services to the maximum extent practicable. The reorganization treats market research as part of acquisition planning and is intended to refocus buying toward commercial solutions.
Justification Thresholds Aligned to NDAA
The proposed rule adjusts justification and approval thresholds to align with Section 1804 of the FY2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for 10 U.S.C. 3204. The revised thresholds and approval authorities for other-than-full-and-open competition affecting DoD, NASA, and the U.S. Coast Guard will be presented in table format (Table 6-1 in FAR 6.104-2).
Fewer Contractor Reporting Rules (A-76 Clauses Removed)
The proposed rule removes Contractor Versus Government Performance coverage and FAR clauses 52.207-1, 52.207-2, and 52.207-3 because a congressional moratorium has blocked new A-76 competitions since 2008. Removing these clauses eliminates contractor reporting requirements about hiring displaced Federal employees.
Food Donation Flowdown Removed for Subcontracts
The proposed revision to FAR 52.226-6 removes a nonstatutory flowdown paragraph (e) that required the clause to be flowed to subcontractors for Promoting Excess Food Donation to Nonprofit Organizations. The preamble explains the underlying statute already covers liability protections for subcontractors.
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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!
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-12559, Federal Acquisition Regulation: Revolutionary Federal Acquisition Regulation Overhaul Parts 1, 2, 4, 33, 39, 40, and 53
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!
Next: 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!