Top Government Contracting News for March 2025
Key takeaways for government contractors from January 2025 include evolving cybersecurity mandates, shifts in affirmative action, and potential procurement process changes. Read more about these updates below:
- Suspension and Debarment Procedures Harmonized: DoD, GSA, and NASA finalized a rule to improve consistency between procurement and non-procurement suspension and debarment procedures, effective January 17, 2025. Read more
- Cybersecurity EO Mandates Threat Hunting and Zero Trust: President Biden is expected to sign a cybersecurity executive order mandating continuous threat hunting, AI security enhancements, and zero-trust architecture adoption. Read more
- Pay History Ban Proposed Rule Withdrawn: The FAR Council withdrew a proposed rule that would have prohibited contractors from seeking job applicants’ compensation history. Read more
- DoD Pilot Program for Protest Cost Reimbursement: A new law directs the DoD and GAO to develop a pilot program requiring companies that lose bid protests to reimburse the DoD for legal expenses. Read more
- EO 14055 Rescinded: The incoming administration rescinded Executive Order 14055, which required federal contractors to offer a “right of first refusal” to predecessor employees. Read more
- Affirmative Action Order Revoked: President Trump revoked Executive Order 11246, impacting affirmative action requirements for federal contractors and raising questions about DEI programs. Read more
- GSA Regulatory Agenda Released: The GSA released its semiannual regulatory agenda, outlining proposed regulatory actions including enhanced contractor performance transparency. Read more
- FAR Amendments Proposed for Small Business Set-Asides: Proposed FAR amendments clarify protest rights for small business set-asides under multiple-award contracts. Read more