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2025-11-25 Federal Market Insights Episode 32 — Session Overview

WPI Podcast Episode 32 Summary 

FAR Overhaul, The Contracting Academy, Marketplace

The Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) governs federal contracts. Over the years, the information contained has increased and expanded along with the growth and expansion of federal regulations. It contains both procedures or procedure-like information and statutory requirements.

The FAR is Part 48 of the Code of Federal Regulations which is “the codification of the general and permanent rules published in the Federal Register by the departments and agencies of the Federal Government.” The CFR is comprised of 50 parts. “The Parallel Table of Authorities and Rules lists rulemaking authority (except 5 U.S.C. 301) for regulations codified in the Code of Federal Regulations. Also included are statutory citations which are noted as being interpreted or applied by those regulations.”

The Federal Register is the official daily publication for federal agency rules, proposed rules, and notices.  See: FederalRegister.gov Rulemaking is subject to the Administrative Procedure Act. The process begins when an agency publishes a proposed rule in the Federal Register and invites public comments. Comments can be submitted by businesses, associations or individuals. All comments are reviewed. Responses are made to comments which are directly applicable to the issue. Comments that fall outside of the scope of the proposed rule are not addressed. Comments on all responses are published for public review.

The agency that published the proposed rule has three options. The rule can be canceled/postponed, a final rule can be published or in urgent circumstances and interim-final rule which takes effect on publication can be published while allowing for post publication comments. For major rules, Congress may exercise oversight through the Congressional Review Act, but this is not part of the standard rulemaking process.

The FAR which is 48 CFR also includes portions of other CFR Parts. Examples are 13 CFR Small Business, 29 CFR Labor, 32 CFR National Defense, 40 CFR EPA and 41 CFR Public Contracts and Property Management. Naturally, as these other areas require changes they are incorporated into FAR.

The Revolutionary FAR Overhaul was undertaken to accomplish the following – “this initiative will return the FAR to its statutory roots, rewrite it in plain language, and remove most non-statutory rules.  In addition, non-regulatory buying guides will provide practical strategies grounded in common sense while remaining outside the FAR. “

“The goal is clear: faster acquisitions, greater competition, and better results.”

Currently, the revised FAR is expected to be adopted by Class Deviations. See: https://www.acquisition.gov/far-overhaul/far-part-deviation-guide

The revised FAR is not one single document. The overhaul process has in some cases eliminated some text, and in other cases, that text has been shifted to other documents.

They are:

  • Parts & Deviations – Access the definitive list of overhauled parts and agency deviations.
  • FAR Companion – FAR Companion Version 2 feedback.
  • Practitioner Albums – Explore non-regulatory training materials for overhauled FAR Parts, including deviation summaries and line-out documents highlighting removed text.
  • Policy Memos – Choose from a list of frequently asked questions pertaining to the RFO.
  • See: https://www.acquisition.gov/far-overhaul

The “new” FAR is being rolled out. Many agencies have issued Class Deviations necessary to formally adopt the new document. Visit Parts & Deviations to see which agencies have taken this step and review the other resources as needed. If there is a Class Deviation adopting the “New FAR” that should be interpreted as meaning the Old FAR and its requirements are no longer in effect.

When in doubt – don’t assume; ask questions.

There will be future actions required to formally implement the “New FAR” as the single standard reference.

The Contracting Academy – A Virtual Event to be held: December 9, 2025

Companies interested in learning how to compete and perform in the public sector should take special note of this upcoming free event.  Agenda topics touch on essential facets of this broad and competitive market. 

For questions, contact Michael Steger: Michaels@wispro.org or  (414) 270-3600.

To Register visit: https://wicontractingacademy.org/

AGENDA:

9:00 AMDoing Business with the State of Wisconsin – Products and Services
10:00 AMDoing Business with the State of Wisconsin – Construction, A/E & Related Services
11:00 AMSelling to Local Governments
12:15 PMLUNCH
1:00 PMUpdate on Government Small / Diverse Certifications
2:00 PMProposal Management in the Early Days of AI
 3:00 PMNavigating CMMC: Practical Strategies for Defense Contractors and Subcontractors

Marketplace Wisconsin

This is perhaps the single most important in-person event that a small business can choose to attend. It is being held at the Fiser Center in Milwaukee on December 10th and 11th.

What is happening –

You can hold one-on-meetings with select buyers representing both industry and government.

You can explore new exciting growth industries.

You can meet and learn about resources that can help grow and help their business reach its potential.

You can visit vendor booths to identify new resources, identify suppliers and/or subcontractors, or catch up with past acquaintances.

Lastly, You can network, network and network with peers and attendees.

For more information or to register visit – https://www.marketplacewisconsin.com/

It’s just a week away so take action today.