FAR Council Hypes 'Revolutionary' Paperwork Tweaks in Acquisition Rules

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: 2026-19441, Transwestern Pipeline Company, LLC; Notice of Request Under Blanket Authorization and Establishing Intervention and Protest Deadline

Transwestern Pipeline wants to boost the pressure on its Phoenix Lateral pipeline in Arizona from 1008 to 1126 psi. This change helps the company run more efficiently without building anything new or spending extra money. Customers won’t see any delivery problems, and folks have until a set deadline to speak up or join in.

Next: 2026-19443, Information Collection; Paperwork Reduction Act Changes in FAR Case 2026-006, Revolutionary Federal Acquisition Regulation Overhaul Parts 16, 17, and 35

The FAR Council (including DoD, GSA, NASA, and OFPP) is shaking up federal buying rules in parts 16, 17, and 35 to make paperwork easier and smarter. They want your thoughts on how these changes affect info collection, aiming to cut down hassle and boost clarity. If you’re involved in government contracts, speak up by November 23, 2026, to help shape a smoother, faster process that could save time and money.