Small Businesses Get Updated Trade Agreement Spending Limits

2026-04911 — Federal Acquisition Regulation; Federal Acquisition Circular 2026-01; Introduction

The government just updated its big rulebook for buying stuff, called the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR). These changes affect businesses that want to sell to the government, especially small companies, by adjusting trade agreement rules and making it easier to follow the rules. The new rules kick in soon, so sellers should get ready to save time and maybe money!

2026-04912 — Federal Acquisition Regulation: Trade Agreements Thresholds

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

Contractors working with the government need to keep their records open for audits by the Comptroller General and contract auditors. The government is asking to extend the current rules that make sure these records stay available for review, with no big changes or extra costs. If you’re involved, you’ve got until March 30, 2026, to share your thoughts on this extension.

2026-03065 — Federal Acquisition Regulation: Prohibition on Certain Semiconductor Products and Services

Starting December 23, 2027, federal agencies like the DoD, NASA, and others won’t be allowed to buy certain semiconductor products or services that don’t meet new rules. This change affects companies selling tech parts to the government and aims to boost national security. If you’re involved, get ready to adjust your contracts and plans before the deadline, and don’t forget to share your thoughts by April 20, 2026!

2025-13614 — Federal Acquisition Regulation: Ending Procurement and Forced Use of Paper Straws

The government is stopping the purchase and forced use of weak paper straws and switching to stronger, plastic-like straws instead. This change affects all federal agencies and aims to make straw use more durable and practical. The new rules will roll out soon, helping save money and reduce waste by ditching flimsy paper straws.

2025-10610 — Federal Acquisition Regulation: Small Business Participation on Certain Multiple-Award Contracts

The government decided to stop a plan that would have changed how small businesses join certain big contract groups. This means no new rules for now, so small businesses can keep doing their thing without extra hoops. If you’re a small business or work with them, nothing new is changing right now, and no extra costs or deadlines are coming.

Previous: 2026-04912 — Federal Acquisition Regulation: Trade Agreements Thresholds

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.

Next: 2026-04915 — Revocation of the Domestic Low Altitude Reporting Point, Farmington Very High Frequency Omnidirectional Range/Tactical Air Navigation (VORTAC) and the Establishment of the Domestic Low Altitude Reporting Point, Rattlesnake VORTAC in New Mexico

The FAA is updating the name of a low altitude reporting point in New Mexico from Farmington VORTAC to Rattlesnake VORTAC. This change fixes a naming mix-up from 2003 but doesn’t move the location or affect flight paths. Pilots and air traffic controllers will see this update take effect on May 14, 2026, with no extra costs involved.