Government buying rules get another efficiency overhaul proposal
Published Date: 9/18/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The government is shaking up how it buys stuff by cutting out confusing rules that waste taxpayer money. This big update affects companies and agencies working with the government, making the process simpler and smarter. If you want to weigh in, send your comments by October 19, 2026, before these changes become official and start saving money and time.
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
DoD Excluded from Pre‑award Testing Cost Rule
The rule would implement section 812(a)(6) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (Pub. L. 119-60) by changing FAR 9.204(a)(2)(i) to exclude the Department of Defense from the statutory requirement that, when fewer than two actual manufacturers exist for a qualification requirement, the agency must make a determination before bearing the cost for a small business and prospective competitor to undergo testing and evaluation.
DEI Noncompliance Can Trigger Debarment
The proposed rule would add noncompliance with the new FAR clause 52.222-XX, "Addressing DEI Discrimination by Federal Contractors," (implementing E.O. 14398 of March 26, 2026) to the list of causes for debarment and suspension at FAR 9.406-2(b)(1) and 9.407-2(a).
SBIR/STTR Data Protection: 20‑Year Limit
The rule would update SBIR/STTR coverage to align with the SBA SBIR/STTR Policy Directive (effective May 3, 2023), setting a single, non-extendable 20-year SBIR/STTR data protection period and granting the Government a Government Purpose Rights (GPR) license after that period expires instead of an unlimited rights license.
FAR Aligns Data Rights with DFARS
The proposed FAR subpart 27.4 overhaul would replace current Rights in Data coverage with DFARS-derived content, add separate subpart 27.5 for commercial acquisitions, and add DFARS-derived clauses (including FAR 52.227-24 and 52.227-25). The agencies state this alignment will reduce contractor uncertainty about applicable data rights and lower contractor costs.
Clearer Rules for Commercial/COTS Applicability
The proposed rule would revise provision and clause prescriptions (including a detailed table) to explicitly state which FAR provisions and clauses apply to commercial products, commercial services, and commercially available off-the-shelf (COTS) items, clarifying applicability for offerors and contracting officers.
Rewriting FAR to Cut Compliance Burden
The Revolutionary FAR Overhaul (RFO) would remove non‑statutory requirements from the FAR, shift many 'how to' rules into non‑regulatory guidance (e.g., a FAR Companion), rewrite parts in plain language, and standardize prescriptions, with the stated goals of faster procurement, lower cost, and increased competition.
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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!
2026-19162, Federal Acquisition Regulation: Revolutionary FAR Overhaul Parts 8, 12, 13, 15, 38, 44, and 51
The government is shaking up how it buys stuff by simplifying big rules that slowed things down and wasted money. This affects contractors, agencies, and taxpayers by cutting red tape in key buying steps, making deals faster and smarter. Comments on these changes are open until October 19, 2026, so get ready for a smoother, more efficient federal buying process soon!
2026-19158, Federal Acquisition Regulation: Revolutionary Federal Acquisition Regulation Overhaul Parts 14, 28, 36, and 52
The government is shaking up how it buys stuff by simplifying key rules in the Federal Acquisition Regulation. This affects contractors and agencies working with parts 14, 28, 36, and 52, aiming to save taxpayer money and cut red tape. Comments on these changes are open until October 19, 2026, so get ready to weigh in!
2026-16680, Submission for OMB Review; Privacy Training
Under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act, the Regulatory Secretariat Division has submitted to OMB a request to review and approve an extension of a previously approved information collection requirement regarding privacy training.
2026-16681, Submission for OMB Review; Prohibition on Contracting With Entities Using Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment
Under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act, the Regulatory Secretariat Division has submitted to OMB a request to review and approve an extension of a previously approved information collection requirement regarding the prohibition on contracting with entities using certain telecommunications and video surveillance services.
2026-16678, Submission for OMB Review; Contract Financing
The government is asking for approval to keep collecting info from contractors about how they want to get paid during contracts. This affects companies working with the government, who must share details about payment schedules and amounts. Comments are open until September 14, 2026, so now’s the time to speak up if you have thoughts!
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-19158, Federal Acquisition Regulation: Revolutionary Federal Acquisition Regulation Overhaul Parts 14, 28, 36, and 52
The government is shaking up how it buys stuff by simplifying key rules in the Federal Acquisition Regulation. This affects contractors and agencies working with parts 14, 28, 36, and 52, aiming to save taxpayer money and cut red tape. Comments on these changes are open until October 19, 2026, so get ready to weigh in!
Next: 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!