Federal Contracting

Recent recompete contracts have been awarded to small HUBZone firms, emphasizing their strategic position in the evolving government contracting landscape. As established primes appear out of touch, nimble HUBZone companies are poised to capture significant federal opportunities.

DARPA is hosting an Industry Day on August 18, 2026, inviting vendors to provide architecture and engineering services. The project aims to modernize its headquarters in Arlington, Virginia, including updating museum-quality exhibits. This presents a significant opportunity for companies skilled in federal renovations and exhibit installations to engage with a key defense agency.

Collaborative Shared Technologies LLC, a WOSB and SDVOSB, is expanding its capabilities in AI governance and Microsoft technologies. This growth emphasizes the company's commitment to supporting federal agencies in responsible AI adoption and digital workforce innovation, presenting new procurement opportunities.

The termination of a significant legal aid contract by HHS jeopardizes legal representation for 20,000 migrant children. This disruption raises concerns about compliance with federal protections and presents risks for contractors involved in immigration legal services.

Camille T. Jones, a former supervisory official at the U.S. Census Bureau, was sentenced to two years in prison for accepting approximately $790,000 in kickbacks related to a multi-million dollar contract. This case highlights the ongoing need for rigorous oversight and the enforcement of compliance programs to prevent fraud in federal contracting.

The Senate EPW Committee is progressing with the bipartisan Water Resources Development Act of 2026, authorizing crucial infrastructure projects nationwide. Procurement opportunities are anticipated for firms engaged in water resources, environmental engineering, and infrastructure modernization as new funding is made available.

The GSA has awarded Cherokee Federal a sole Blanket Purchase Agreement for Modernization Support Services. This BPA positions Cherokee Federal to enhance operational efficiency across federal agencies, opening pathways for technology contractors to engage in modernization initiatives.

The U.S. Department of Labor now requires public disclosure of discrimination findings under the Elijah E. Cummings Act. This regulation aims to enhance accountability in federal contracting, urging contractors to strengthen their EEO compliance efforts.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has awarded a $16.3 million contract for pipeline dredging on the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway. This project, vital for waterway maintenance, will enhance navigability and operational efficiency, creating opportunities for contractors in marine construction.

The EEOC has filed a lawsuit against Federal Express for not providing reasonable accommodations to blind employees at its North Carolina facility, citing potential ADA violations. This case emphasizes the necessity for federal contractors to ensure compliance with accessibility and accommodation standards to mitigate legal and contract risks.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection faces contract extension uncertainties, posing risks for federal contractors. The current contract's potential for extension underscores the need for proactive workforce planning amidst ongoing protest challenges.

The Federal Acquisition Regulatory (FAR) Council has updated Parts 16 and 52 as of July 1, 2026, following Executive Order 14402. The revisions alter contract types and solicitation provisions, requiring procurement officials to adapt their contract management and solicitation documentation to ensure compliance with new regulations.

NOBLE Supply & Logistics has been awarded a position on NASA’s SEWP VI contract, which has a $60 billion ceiling across a decade. This prime opportunity enhances federal access to sophisticated IT solutions, supporting critical modernization and cybersecurity initiatives across multiple agencies.

The General Services Administration has announced new DEI compliance requirements for federal contractors under Executive Order 14398. Entities must adhere to these requirements by July 24, 2026, or face suspension and debarment risks, emphasizing the need for organizations to audit their compliance measures immediately.

The $16.4M refurbishment of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool has raised significant regulatory concerns for contractors like KBR, AECOM, and Jacobs Solutions. With increased oversight likely affecting project timelines and compliance requirements, firms must navigate these complexities to maintain future federal contract opportunities.

The FDA plans to hire around 2,200 staff, while USDA aims for 9,500 new positions. These initiatives are crucial as both agencies face ongoing operational challenges and legal scrutiny over past workforce reductions, indicating potential procurement opportunities in staffing and technology services.

The CMMC-AB has clarified that only a limited set of controls are deferrable under POA&M for Level 2 assessments. Conditional certification becomes the status for those utilizing POA&Ms, emphasizing the need for contractors to meet critical controls before assessment. The 180-day remediation period poses additional challenges for compliance.

A recent podcast featuring Shauna Weatherly sheds light on critical procurement challenges for small contractors. Key topics include navigating complex set-aside statuses and the urgency of compliance with the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC). Insights provided can enhance strategic alignment and business growth for contractors in a competitive federal environment.

Federal agencies including **GSA**, **USACE**, and **NAVFAC** are actively seeking construction contractors for various projects. To remain competitive, contractors must comply with federal procurement regulations and incorporate sustainability into their bids.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Pittsburgh District will host an Open House on July 14, 2026. This event is crucial for contractors aiming to understand upcoming projects and contracting opportunities, promoting vital networking with agency personnel.

Recent clarifications from federal agencies emphasize that qualified employees cannot be denied consecutive FMLA and PPL leave. This ruling has significant implications for government contractors in managing employee leave policies in compliance with federal regulations.

On June 2, 2026, President Trump signed an executive order to strengthen cybersecurity for AI systems across federal, state, and local governments. The directive increases collaboration with the private sector, cutting review timelines for AI models and presenting new contracting opportunities in cybersecurity services for government entities and critical infrastructure.

Plurilock Security Inc. has successfully extended its NASA SEWP V contract, affirming its role as a key vendor for U.S. federal cybersecurity solutions. This extension ensures ongoing partnerships with federal defense and civilian agencies, expanding procurement opportunities in a critical sector.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers awarded a **$20.4 million** contract for replacing **11 spillway gates** at Albeni Falls Dam, enhancing flood control and hydropower generation. This initiative reflects a shift towards streamlined acquisition processes aimed at infrastructure modernization and operational continuity for regional safety.

CVRD Health has raised **$5 million** in seed funding to enhance its compliance platform for federal contractors. This investment aims to streamline complex regulatory obligations under the Service Contract Act and Davis-Bacon Act, potentially improving contractor margins and operational efficiency in benefits management.

The SBA's 8(a) program, critical for disadvantaged small businesses, faces legal and political challenges. Recent court rulings have invalidated eligibility criteria, leading to uncertainty for thousands of contractors. Procurement professionals should prepare for possible significant changes in eligibility and contract awards based on legislative outcomes.

A webinar on June 24, 2026, will explore AI's transformative impact on business development within government contracting. Featuring insights from Bruce Feldman of Procurement Sciences AI, participants will learn how evolving AI capabilities can enhance strategies and workflows, ensuring a competitive edge in federal procurement.

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has endorsed Cyber Defense Inc. for a significant upcoming $18-$20 billion IDIQ contract focused on cybersecurity services. This endorsement enhances CDI's position as federal agencies modernize legacy systems and adopt Zero Trust architectures, creating numerous opportunities amid increased competition.

New legislation could transform federal procurement by eliminating race and gender preferences in contracting. This shift raises concerns among procurement professionals regarding minority business participation and changes to evaluation criteria.

The USDA FSA has designated several Maryland counties as disaster areas due to drought, enabling federal assistance programs that will need contractor support. Additionally, a Nebraska FSA webinar on ARC and PLC programs presents further procurement opportunities for those in agricultural risk management and outreach services.

The Department of Homeland Security awarded Amentum Services a $1.3 billion contract for the management of the Camp East Montana immigration detention center at Fort Bliss, replacing the previous contractor amid ongoing operational challenges. Amentum's history of regulatory violations raises procurement concerns for federal contractors in similar sectors.

Vendors face persistent challenges with SAM registration and delayed payments affecting cash flow. Understanding the complexities of ITIN validation and compliance is essential for successful contracting operations.