GSA Encourages Acquisition Professionals to Embrace Flexibility in FAR Overhaul!

Everyone in government contract world at least once felt like navigating the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) was like trying to find the laundry room in a 100-year-old apartment building with no map! Yes, that’s the metaphor GSA Acting Administrator Stephen Ehikian and Federal Acquisition Commissioner Josh Gruenbaum used in a new blog post encouraging acquisition pros to roll with the changes.

And with the FAR getting a long-awaited trim, GSA leaders are signaling a major cultural shift: less rule-following, more smart decision-making.No, this blog doesn’t reveal juicy new details about the FAR overhaul. Instead, it reads like a motivational talk for a workforce about to enter a brave new world where fewer regs mean more responsibility.

Lets talk about the new version of the GSA’s for acquisition emphasizes a shift from rigid procedures to empowered decision-making, with four core principles leading the charge. Firstly training and expertise matter,procurement professionals are being trusted to use their judgment rather than follow exhaustive checklists. Years of experience and deep knowledge aren’t just respected.Yes , they’re now central to how decisions are made. Secondly principles trump procedures,the focus is moving away from memorizing countless steps and toward embracing the core values of fairness, efficiency, and mission-focused results. Thirdly collaboration is key,contracting officers and acquisition teams are encouraged to share knowledge, ask questions, and work across silos to build stronger, smarter strategies together. Finally, mistakes are part of the process,in this new environment, trial and error are not just tolerated but expected. Just like learning to ride a bike, early missteps are part of the journey toward mastery. So,this is a cultural shift toward thoughtful, confident, and flexible acquisition one that relies on human judgment over bureaucracy.

Actually ,the GSA knows the shift is uncomfortable. But they argue it’s necessary and empowering. Fewer prescriptive rules mean acquisition teams will have more freedom to innovate, adapt, and actually think critically. As the FAR gets a minimalist makeover, it’s time for acquisition teams to trust themselves and each other more than ever. The days of check-the-box compliance are fading. Welcome to procurement with training wheels off.

📜 COMPLIANCE AND REGULATION UPDATES

Get ready, defense contractors cybersecurity compliance is your VIP pass to the DoD contract rave! With CMMC 2.0 dropping the beat, mandatory third-party audits are stealing the show. Demanding ironclad cybersecurity compliance to guard sensitive data.

Well no more freestyling. Contractors gotta pick their cybersecurity compliance level basic bop, to nail those tough standards. Team up with a CMMC Third-Party Assessment Organization (C3PAO) to audit your cyber moves, scrutinizing policies and controls for that cybersecurity compliance glow. The off-key gaps? Remix them fast to score your cybersecurity compliance badge! To keep rocking the defense dance floor, stay tuned to emerging threats. Get ready with a cybersecurity compliance mindset and mix with industry pros for expert tips. Starting this summer, cybersecurity compliance is the ultimate ticket to landing and keeping DoD contracts. So, crank up your cyber game, get compliant, and strut your stuff in the ever-evolving defense industry spotlight your contract crown awaits!

Procurement Woes: Taylor Made’s VA Contract Clash

In the wild world of procurement, Taylor Made Transportation Services, Inc., a plucky Baltimore small business, is raising a ruckus over the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) decision to nix its contract for van shuttle services under RFP No. 36C24524R0044. The VA deemed Taylor Made’s proposal technically unacceptable, citing insufficient proof of operating two concurrent shuttle routes with 18+ passenger capacity. Taylor Made cries foul, arguing the procurement reevaluation was unfair and the contract termination was a misstep. However, the procurement gods seem unmoved competitive prejudice, a key protest ingredient, is missing. Even if the shuttle capacity issue was a procurement blunder, Taylor Made’s proposal remains ineligible, leaving no chance for award. In the cutthroat procurement arena, where precision is king, Taylor Made’s fight highlights the high stakes of federal procurement processes.

🔓 Reshaping Security with Cybersecurity Compliance

One of the biggest shifts in government contracting today is the push for cybersecurity compliance. Agencies are tightening security requirements, and contractors must adapt or risk losing opportunities. This change is like reinforcing the walls of a fortress—without strong defenses, the entire structure is vulnerable.

Success starts with understanding the new rules. Government buyers want vendors who follow strict cybersecurity standards. They expect secure data handling, strong encryption, and regular audits. Ignoring these requirements is like leaving the front door unlocked—it invites trouble. Contractors must study updated regulations, such as the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC), and ensure their systems meet the latest standards.

The next step is strengthening internal security. Companies must train employees to recognize cyber threats, use secure passwords, and follow best practices. A careless mistake can expose sensitive data, just like a single weak link can break a chain. Regular training sessions and security drills help teams stay alert and prepared.

Investing in secure technology is another key strategy. Contractors should upgrade outdated systems, install firewalls, and use multi-factor authentication. These tools act like reinforced gates, keeping intruders out. While security upgrades may seem costly, they prevent bigger losses in the long run.

Building strong partnerships also matters. Working with cybersecurity experts and compliance consultants ensures that security measures stay up to date. A reliable partner is like a skilled lookout, spotting risks before they become problems. Contractors should seek guidance from industry specialists and collaborate with trusted vendors.

Compliance is non-negotiable. Government agencies conduct security audits and expect full transparency. Contractors must document their security practices, maintain clear records, and respond quickly to any concerns. A well-organized compliance report is like a map—it shows where risks have been addressed and where improvements are needed.

Tracking and reporting security improvements strengthen credibility. Agencies want proof that contractors take cybersecurity seriously. Companies should measure risk reduction, report security upgrades, and highlight successful audits. Clear data builds trust, just like a strong foundation supports a building.

💰 Regan Technologies Secures $89M Microsoft Support Contract!

A big win from a  Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business!  Middletown, Connecticut-based Regan Technologies Corp. just scored a massive $89.1 million contract to keep the U.S. The Air Force’s Microsoft systems are running like a dream. And this firm-fixed-price task order covers proactive and reactive Microsoft Unified Support services.Which means everything from system performance to break/fix troubleshooting and it’s all tied to NASA’s Solutions for Enterprise-Wide Procurement (SEWP) contract vehicle. In short? It is a really big deal.

It was not easy to win as the contract was fiercely competitive: 128 vendors were invited to throw their hat in the ring, and only four made it to the final round. Regan came out on top. Work will stretch across the entire Air Force, with support running through June 2026 and potentially extending to 2028 if both option years are exercised. Already, over $26.7 million in FY25 funds have been locked in.

So, who’s Regan Technologies? They’re not new to the game. Founded in 1997, this Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) has more than 25 years of experience delivering IT solutions to the federal government. Think cloud computing, cybersecurity, and enterprise infrastructure with ISO certifications to prove they do it right. Their motto is honesty, integrity, and service. And clearly, that approach is paying off.

This contract cements Regan’s role as a go-to player in federal IT, especially when it comes to enterprise-scale Microsoft support. They can be a hope and way to guide success to the small businessmen out there!

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