Revolutionary FAR Overhaul? Weigh In on Paperwork Cuts by November
Published Date: 9/23/2026
Notice
Summary
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.
Analyzed Economic Effects
7 provisions identified: 7 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Less data for indirect cost proposals
The rule edits FAR 52.216-7(d)(2)(iii) to reduce the amount of data contractors must submit to support an adequate final indirect cost rate proposal. Contractors estimate this change will reduce time preparing submissions by about 10% and is intended to speed initial adequacy determinations.
Summary-only reporting for time-and-materials
Detailed labor data previously required for time-and-materials and labor-hour contracts (such as labor rates, labor hours, and other detailed cost elements) is removed from paragraph (k) and only summary-level information will be required in paragraph (h).
Simpler close-out info for completed contracts
Information previously required for contracts physically completed in a fiscal year (paragraph (o)) is moved to paragraph (h) and limited to level-of-effort information, the contract ceiling amount, and an indication whether the contract is ready to close; contract fee computations are no longer required.
Aggregate burden and estimated time savings
The revised annual public burden for OMB Control No. 9000-0069 is reported as 6,265 respondents, 6,265 total annual responses, and 1,353,807 total burden hours. The proposed changes are expected to decrease overall burden and contractors estimated about a 10% reduction in time preparing incurred cost submissions.
Subcontract reporting limited by pricing threshold
Paragraph (j) on Subcontract Information is limited to only those subcontracts with a value exceeding the threshold that triggers certified cost or pricing data under FAR 15.403-3. That narrows which subcontract details contractors must provide.
Payroll-to-cost reconciliation removed
Paragraph (l), which required submission of a reconciliation of total payroll per IRS Form 941 to total labor cost distribution, is removed entirely. Contractors will no longer have to submit that reconciliation as part of the collection.
No extra reporting from FAR 52.216-15 change
Clause FAR 52.216-15 (Predetermined Indirect Cost Rates) repeats the contractor requirement to submit an adequate final indirect cost rate proposal as in FAR 52.216-7(d), but does not add any new reporting requirements.
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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!
2026-20271, 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.
2026-20270, 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.
2026-20128, 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.
2026-20127, 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.
2026-20126, 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: 2026-19442, Information Collection; Paperwork Reduction Act Changes in FAR Case 2026-010, Revolutionary Federal Acquisition Regulation Overhaul Parts 14, 28, 36, and 52
The FAR Council (including DoD, GSA, NASA, and OFPP) is shaking up federal buying rules in parts 14, 28, 36, and 52 to make paperwork easier and smarter. They want your thoughts on how these changes affect the info they collect and how much time it takes. If you work with government contracts, this could save you time and hassle—just be sure to share your feedback by November 23, 2026!
Next: 2026-19444, Information Collection; Paperwork Reduction Act Changes in FAR Case 2026-011, Revolutionary Federal Acquisition Regulation Overhaul Parts 9, 27, and 47
The FAR Council is shaking things up with a big update to federal rules on government buying, focusing on parts 9, 27, and 47. This affects contractors and agencies by changing how they collect and handle paperwork, aiming to make it easier and clearer. They want your thoughts by November 23, 2026, to help reduce hassle and keep costs in check.