Government Contracts
Regulatory Round-Up
Regulatory considerations, industry best practices, relevant audits and reviews, and upcoming industry events
BRG’s Government Contracts Advisory Services (GCAS) group is a leading provider of consulting services to government contractors in the defense, construction, engineering, healthcare/health insurance, higher education, nonprofit, manufacturing, technology, hospitality and retail industries.
The US federal government is the largest consumer of services and goods in the world. With that comes a highly complex and regulated acquisition environment. GCAS experts and consultants specialize in providing advice throughout the entire lifecycle of contracts and grants. From solicitation to contract and grant closeout, our BRG professionals work with awardees and contractors to address regulatory complexity proactively. GCAS service offerings include government contract and grant accounting, Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), and Cost Accounting Standards (CAS) consulting, business system validation services, indirect rates and incurred cost submissions consultation, bid protest, and investigation and litigation services.
This Regulatory Round-Up highlights the latest news, regulations, and impactful updates that could impact clients and businesses, along with regulatory considerations, industry best practices, relevant audits and reviews, and upcoming industry events.
Streamlining USAID’s Provisional NICRA Process
Key Updates and What They Mean for Implementing Partners
Proposed CAS and DFARS Business Systems Changes
Midsummer regulatory updates
To Do or Not To Do an External Restructuring
Acquisition of company or business unit
Is It Time to Submit a Request for Equitable Adjustment?
Dealing with unexpected cost increases on your contract
Uniform Guidance Rewrite Part 3: Procurement Updates
OMB changes to procurement requirements in Uniform Guidance
Uniform Guidance Rewrite Part 2: Increase of De Minimis Rate
OMB increases de minimis rate from 10 to 15 percent.
Uniform Guidance Rewrite Part 1: Overview
What’s happening with the Uniform Guidance?
By the Numbers: Trends in 2023 False Claims Act Recoveries
With a record-breaking number of settlements and judgments, 2023 proved to be a busy year for False Claims Act recoveries. Here’s what key stakeholders need to know.
Final Rule on Use of PLAs in Federal Construction Projects
Implementing Provisions of Executive Order 14063
2024 National Defense Authorization Act
$886.3 billion authorized for national defense discretionary programs.
Final Rule on Nondisplacement of Qualified Workers Under Service Contracts
The Department of Labor issued a final rule establishing standards and procedures for the nondisplacement protections of Executive Order (EO) 14055.
DCAA Contract Audit Manual Compensation Limit Updated
The Office of Federal Procurement Policy recently published the compensation cap amount for the Statutory Fiscal Year 2024.
OMB Rewrite of Uniform Guidance – Part 2: Procurement
We highlight key proposed changes related to procurement standards. The proposed rule contains several revisions that affect procurement standards.
OMB Rewrite of Uniform Guidance – Part 1: Cost Principles
The proposed revisions span a number of 2 CFR 200 requirements. This initial discussion addresses the proposed revisions that affect cost principles only.
GAO Releases 2023 Bid Protest Report
The Government Accountability Office (GAO) released an annual report to congressional committees highlighting key bid protest statistics and high-level insights into GAO’s bid protest–related activities.
DCAA Revises Guidance Regarding Cost Impact Calculations
The Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA) issued a memorandum revising audit guidance to DCAA personnel regarding cost impact calculations for unilateral cost accounting changes.
ASBCA Ruling on Northrop Grumman’s Reimbursement Request for Certain Post-Retirement Benefit Costs
The Armed Services Board of Contract Appeals (ASBCA) granted the Defense Contract Management Agency’s (DCMA) cross-motion for partial summary judgment against Northrop Grumman.
Davis-Bacon Act Updates - A New Final Rule
The new Final Rule issued in August updating the Davis-Bacon Act (DBA) increases construction contractors’ need for robust compliance capabilities.
ASBCA Ruling on DCMA CAS 410 Claim Against Honeywell International
The Armed Services Board of Contract Appeals (ASBCA) ruled that the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) could pursue a $151 million claim against Honeywell International, Inc. (Honeywell) for alleged noncompliant treatment of general and administrative (G&A) expenses under cost accounting standard (CAS) 410.
Preparing for a Government Shutdown
A US government shutdown on October 1 remains an ever-present risk for government contractors. Many contractors are rightfully concerned about the status of negotiations on the Hill and the potential length of a shutdown and impact on current and future contracts.
Joint OIG Focus on Funding for Ukraine Response
The Department of Defense, US Agency for International Development (USAID), and Department of State Offices of Inspector General issued a Joint Strategic Oversight Plan for Ukraine Response.
New DFARS Rule
The Department of Defense (DoD) recently issued a final Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) rule authorizing the DoD to acquire innovative commercial products and services through a competitive selection of proposal resulting from a general solicitation, known as a commercial solutions opening (CSO), and the peer review of such proposals in conjunction with a FAR part 12 contract.
Key Takeaways from DCAA's FY2022 Report to Congress
DCAA recently issued its annual report to Congress detailing its audit performance, audit process recommendations, outreach activities, and major accomplishments over the past fiscal year.
Artificial Intelligence Remains at the Center of White House’s Focus
The Biden-Harris administration has secured voluntary commitments from seven leading artificial intelligence (AI) companies to address major risks posed by AI.
Government Contracts
Find out more about BRG’s Government Contracts Advisory Services.