Turning Surplus into Strategy: The Complex Path of Federal Property Disposition
Disposing of surplus federal property is far from simple. This blog explores the legal, political, and practical hurdles involved in repurposing government-owned real estate—and what that means for developers, contractors, and public-private partnerships aiming to unlock new value.
GAO Denies Protest Over SBIR Phase III Award to Clear Align for Air Force Tactical Security System
The GAO denied a protest by Digital Force Technologies challenging the Air Force's decision to issue a sole-source SBIR Phase III solicitation to Clear Align for a tactical security system. The ruling clarifies successor-in-interest eligibility and the threshold for SBIR-derived work under Phase III.
FAR Rewrites and the Section 809 Vision
The May 2025 FAR lineouts show growing alignment with the Section 809 Panel’s vision for reform—highlighting mission-first acquisition, industry engagement, and streamlined oversight. This blog explores whether these changes mark a true transformation of federal procurement or just the beginning.
Properly Handling FCI and CUI in Federal Contracts
Federal contractors must guard Federal Contract Information with FAR 52.204-21 basics and protect Controlled Unclassified Information with NIST SP 800-171, DFARS 252.204-7012, and upcoming FAR CUI rules. Vet every subcontractor, cloud, and component, police dissemination, and stay ahead of new CMMC-style mandates to keep awards and avoid False Claims Act risk.
GAO Dismisses Perimeter Solutions’ Protest Over Sole-Source Award for Wildfire Retardant Testing
GAO dismissed Perimeter Solutions' protest over a Forest Service sole-source contract to Fortress North America for wildfire retardant testing, citing Perimeter’s lack of standing due to incomplete testing. This decision reaffirms the government’s discretion in determining readiness for field evaluations under public safety exigencies.
Why Generative AI Isn’t Revolutionizing Government — Yet
Despite grand claims, generative AI has yet to transform government services. Tiago C. Peixoto explores the real barriers—technical, institutional, and cultural—slowing adoption, and proposes actionable strategies to responsibly deploy AI for social impact through augmentation, governance, and citizen engagement.
FAR 2.0: Ambition, Ambiguity, and the Need for Human-Centered Reform
President Trump’s FAR 2.0 rewrite aims to streamline procurement, but as Jennifer Ogren argues, success depends less on removing regulations and more on investing in people and judgment. This article explores the implications of the Executive Order and Revolutionary FAR Overhaul for government contractors.
AI in Financial Services: GAO Report Highlights Benefits, Risks, and Oversight Gaps
The GAO’s May 2025 report examines the use of artificial intelligence in financial services, outlining its benefits, associated risks, and the oversight mechanisms in place. It highlights regulatory gaps, especially at the National Credit Union Administration, and suggests paths forward for ensuring trustworthy AI deployment.
Mastering the FAR Life Cycle: A Roadmap for Federal Contractors
This 750-word guide demystifies the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) for federal contractors, walking through each phase of the contract life cycle—from requirements and competition to performance, claims, closeout, and a new 2025 executive order to streamline FAR. A must-read for navigating federal procurement with confidence.
Navigating Truthful Cost or Pricing Data Obligations: What Prime Contractors Must Know When Contracts Exceed $2 Million
Prime federal contractors with awards over $2 million face strict compliance under the Truth in Negotiations Act (TINA), now known as Truthful Cost or Pricing Data. This article explores key disclosure obligations, audit risks, subcontractor liabilities, and compliance strategies.
Veterans Affairs Faces Critical Gaps in Software License Management
GAO finds the Department of Veterans Affairs is failing to track and reconcile software licenses, risking over-purchasing and cloud migration delays. The report urges immediate reforms.
FAR Part 52 Lineout Highlights Push Toward Transparency, Performance Oversight, and Industrial Base Integration
The proposed FAR Part 52 updates emphasize contractor feedback via Acquisition 360, stricter Earned Value Management System (EVMS) compliance, and integration of Title III industrial resources. These clauses, if adopted, will increase performance oversight and industry engagement in federal acquisitions. Contractors should assess readiness now.
Proposed Revisions to FAR Part 34 Signal Stronger Emphasis on Innovation, Competition, and Earned Value Oversight in Major System Acquisitions
The proposed rewrite of FAR Part 34 emphasizes mission-based acquisition, expanded use of Earned Value Management Systems (EVMS), and integration of Title III Defense Production Act resources. While not yet adopted, these changes signal a shift toward performance accountability in major system procurements. Contractors should begin preparing now.
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.