Proposed Changes to FAR Part 1 Signal a Shift in Federal Procurement Philosophy
Proposed changes to FAR Part 1, released May 2, 2025, emphasize acquisition workforce empowerment, risk management, and industry engagement. Although not yet adopted, these updates could significantly impact how federal contractors compete and perform. Learn what these revisions could mean for your business strategy.
GAO Urges NRC Action on Radiological Security, Cost Estimates, and Climate Risks
GAO’s May 2025 report highlights nine priority recommendations to the NRC focused on radioactive material security, cost estimate reliability, and climate change data integration. The report underscores risks of inaction and urges legislative oversight to improve public safety and regulatory effectiveness.
GAO Denies Lockheed Martin’s OCI Protest in TOC-L Competition
The GAO denied Lockheed Martin’s protest of the Air Force’s TOC-L procurement, finding no unreasonable conflict of interest by SAIC and affirming the solicitation allowed fair competition. This decision reinforces the high threshold for overturning agency OCI determinations.
Governing in the Age of AI: A Call to Reimagine Local Government
A new report by the Tony Blair Institute outlines how AI can revolutionize local government services in the UK, unlocking billions in productivity and transforming public service delivery for the 21st century.
Unlocking Innovation While Protecting National Security: DoD’s New Intellectual Property Guidebook
The DoD’s 2025 Intellectual Property Guidebook outlines how acquisition professionals can balance innovation, competition, and national security through strategic IP planning and rights management across the defense acquisition lifecycle.
Strengthening Patent Quality: GAO Urges USPTO to Rebalance Efficiency and Rigor
A new GAO report calls on the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to reassess its examination and quality procedures, citing longstanding challenges that may undermine patent validity, examiner performance, and public confidence in innovation.
Defense Manufacturing Maturity: Key Takeaways from the 2025 MRL Deskbook
The 2025 MRL Deskbook offers essential best practices for evaluating manufacturing readiness in defense acquisitions. This guide helps prime contractors reduce risk, align with DoD expectations, and improve production outcomes using the standardized MRL framework.
GAO Examines Potential Variables for New Highway Funding Formulas
GAO's May 2025 report explores variables for new federal highway formula grant programs, identifying 27 supported metrics and assessing available federal data, while highlighting challenges and stakeholder preferences.
Fishery Disaster Relief Program Struggles With Delays Despite Legislative Reform
A new GAO report reveals that while legislative reforms have aimed to improve the timeliness of fishery disaster assistance, the National Marine Fisheries Service still faces long processing times, staffing shortfalls, and communication gaps. These issues delay recovery efforts for communities hit by marine disasters.
The Persistent Shadow of Bad Public Policy
Explore Bad Public Policy by Howlett, Leong, and Legrand—a powerful critique of policy failures driven by malign intent, non-compliance, and institutional flaws. This essential analysis urges a shift from naïve optimism to vigilant, values-based policy design. A must-read for understanding the risks behind today’s public policy decisions.
GAO Report Highlights Gaps in HHS Oversight of Human Genomic Data Security
A new GAO report reveals that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) must improve its tracking of foreign testing entities and enforcement of security measures to protect Americans' genomic data from national security risks.
GAO Denies Protest Over USDA's Strict Formatting Rejection in RiverNorth Case
GAO denies RiverNorth’s protest after USDA rejected its proposal for violating font size formatting rules. The ruling stresses the importance of strict RFQ compliance and clarifies what does and does not constitute unequal treatment or required SBA referral.
GAO Highlights GSA’s Challenges and Opportunities in Managing Inflation Reduction Act Funds
GAO’s April 2025 report reveals that while GSA has made progress in using Inflation Reduction Act funds for sustainability projects, significant improvements are needed in project selection frameworks, performance tracking, and transparency.
GAO Dismisses 4K Global-ACC JV's Request for Reconsideration on PLA Protest
The GAO dismissed 4K Global-ACC JV’s request for reconsideration of a protest related to a PLA requirement, emphasizing that new court decisions issued after a protest ruling do not establish errors of fact or law warranting reversal.
GAO Finds State Department Must Improve Civilian Harm Response for U.S. Arms Transfers
The GAO’s April 2025 report reveals that the State Department’s civilian harm tracking process for U.S. arms transfers is incomplete and understaffed, risking gaps in accountability and human rights protections.
2023 Investigation Reveals U.S. Military Members’ Personal Data Being Sold to Overseas Buyers
A West Point-backed study reported by Politico finds that U.S. servicemembers’ personal data is being sold to foreign buyers by data brokers, posing serious national security threats.
GAO Denies Protest by BAE Systems Over USS Russell Contract Award
GAO denies BAE Systems' protest of the USS Russell maintenance contract, finding the Navy reasonably evaluated dry dock capacity and manpower in selecting CMSD. The decision affirms compliance with FY 2024 NDAA Section 126 and solicitation criteria.
Rising Costs and Shifting Competition: A GAO Review of TRICARE Contracts
GAO's 2025 review of TRICARE contracts reveals rising costs, reduced competition, and structural changes in DOD healthcare agreements worth $168 billion. The report highlights trends in pricing, contract modifications, and oversight challenges.
GAO Warns of Hidden Costs and Risks of Generative AI in New Environmental and Human Impact Report
The GAO’s latest report warns of significant environmental and human risks from generative AI, urging improved data transparency, risk management, and policy reform to protect public interests.
GAO Urges OMB to Modernize Burden Reduction Guidance for Federal Benefit Programs
GAO urges OMB to revise outdated guidance to reduce administrative burdens on federal benefit applicants, highlighting missed opportunities to improve access and equity in service delivery.BEFT