Government's Overseas Shopping Spy Program Gets a Refresh
Published Date: 12/18/2025
Notice
Summary
The government wants to keep collecting info on purchases made from outside the U.S. This affects businesses and agencies that report these purchases, and the approval to collect this info is up for renewal until 2029. They’re asking for your thoughts by February 17, 2026, to make sure the process stays clear and easy without costing too much time or money.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Three-Year Extension of Reporting Requirement
The government proposes to extend OMB approval to continue collecting reports about purchases from outside the United States for three years beyond the current expiration date of April 30, 2026 (proposed new end date April 30, 2029). The agencies invite comments by February 17, 2026, and the collection currently shows 23,134 respondents, 1,295,504 annual responses, and 12,955 total annual burden hours.
Place-of-Manufacture Checkbox Requirement
Offerors of manufactured end products must continue to comply with FAR provision 52.225-18 by indicating (usually by checking a box in a solicitation response) whether the place of manufacture is predominantly in the United States or outside the United States. Contracting officers use that information for entry into the Federal Procurement Data System and for analysis of the Buy American statute and trade agreements.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-04911 — Federal Acquisition Regulation; Federal Acquisition Circular 2026-01; Introduction
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2026-04913 — Federal Acquisition Regulation; Federal Acquisition Circular 2026-01; Small Entity Compliance Guide
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Starting March 13, 2026, new dollar limits kick in for government contracts under trade agreements like the WTO and various Free Trade Agreements. If you’re a business working with the government, these updated thresholds tell you when certain trade rules apply, often meaning bigger contracts get special treatment. This change helps keep government buying fair and up-to-date with global trade rules.
2026-03910 — Submission for OMB Review; Examination of Records by Comptroller General and Contract Audit
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2026-03065 — Federal Acquisition Regulation: Prohibition on Certain Semiconductor Products and Services
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Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-23210 — Information Collection Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission Under Delegated Authority
The FCC is checking in on some paperwork rules about sharing infrastructure to make sure they’re still useful and not too much work. Businesses that share communication equipment might need to keep providing info, but the FCC wants to hear if this process can be easier or clearer. You’ve got until February 17, 2026, to share your thoughts—no extra fees, just your feedback!
Next: 2025-23212 — Information Collection; Examination of Records by Comptroller General and Contract Audit
The government agencies OFPP, DoD, GSA, and NASA want to keep checking records and contracts to make sure everything’s on the up and up. They’re asking the public to share thoughts on extending this process for three more years, which helps keep government spending honest without adding extra hassle. Comments are open until February 17, 2026, so now’s the time to speak up!
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