FAR & DFARS: Procurement Power

We unpack FAR and DFARS information-security changes, including revised clause numbering, SPRS assessments, mandatory flowdowns, class deviations, and what the CMMC Phase 2 suspension does—and does not—change. Learn why contract modifications matter, which security duties remain in force, and what contractors should verify in their contract files. Show Notes CMMC Phase 2 Suspension: Class Deviatio...

Discover how the new DFARS Part 240 and Class Deviation 2026-O0025 reshape cybersecurity flowdowns for defense subcontractors. Learn how to separate mandatory statutory clauses from data-dependent requirements to push back against prime contractor over-compliance.

Defense cyber rules shifted again as CMMC Phase 2 was suspended, keeping the safeguarding baseline in place while pausing third-party certification at Level 2. The episode also breaks down new DFARS flowdowns on DoD employee data, foreign-made drones, semiconductor restrictions, and how to tell statute-driven obligations from data-triggered cyber clauses.

This episode breaks down the latest federal cybersecurity rule changes for contractors, from the shift to NIST SP 800-171 Revision 3 in civilian contracts to CMMC Level 2’s continued use of Revision 2 in defense work. It also covers the end of basic assessments, new breach reporting rules, key subcontractor flowdown issues, and the new form agencies must use to define CUI scope before demanding co...

Defense contractors are facing a major shift as the DoD replaces self-reported SPRS scores with government-led validation assessments under new DFARS Part 240 rules. The episode also covers supply chain exclusion authority, unreviewable risk decisions, rapid incident reporting, and the urgency of updating subcontract flowdowns. Show Notes [PDF] MEMORANDUM FOR - acq.osd.mil: https://www.acq.osd.mil...

This episode breaks down Class Deviation 2026-O0025 and its impact on DFARS cybersecurity flowdowns, subcontractor obligations, and incident reporting across the defense supply chain. It also covers CMMC assessment non-duplication rules and the government’s expanded authority to remove risky vendors from covered programs.

Defense contractors are facing a major DFARS renumbering that turns old cybersecurity citations into a compliance hazard, especially when primes accidentally flow down retired clauses to subcontractors. The episode also breaks down how the new rule shifts verification away from basic self-attestation and toward government-led assessments that demand real evidence, not paper promises.

This episode breaks down the end of contractor self-attestation under the 2026 DoD class deviation, explaining how government-led assessments now replace SPRS-based assumptions. It also tackles the subcontracting fallout, showing why primes must verify data scope and flowdowns before pushing CMMC requirements onto lower-tier suppliers.

The DoD’s class deviation keeps contractors on Rev 2 for now, but the episode explains why Rev 3 is still looming and how its Organization-Defined Parameters will reshape compliance. It also breaks down the parallel timelines for DFARS and CMMC Level 2, plus the practical steps contractors should take to prepare.

Eric Marquette and Paul Netopski break down the new 20-year SBIR/STTR data protection period under DFARS, including the move to perpetual Government Purpose Rights after expiration. They also unpack the compliance realities of CUI, ITAR, NIST SP 800-171, and why small businesses must carefully manage markings, deliverables, and IP strategy from day one.

This episode breaks down the February 1, 2026 class deviation that creates DFARS Part 240, consolidating legacy cybersecurity and supply chain rules into a new structure without rewriting most contractor obligations. The hosts walk through key clause transfers, including 252.204-7012, the new 252.240-7997 assessment clause, and 252.204-7021’s CMMC award and flowdown requirements. They also cover p...

Explore how a structured repository of acquisition artifacts, memos, guides, and case studies can help contractors find relevant references faster and reduce time spent searching across scattered files. The discussion covers practical uses for proposal writing, compliance research, market intelligence, and performance-based acquisition support.

This episode of FAR & DFARS: Procurement Power breaks down the 2026 DoD class deviation 2026-O0025 that implements the Revolutionary FAR Overhaul for Part 40 and creates the new DFARS Part 240 for Information Security and Supply Chain Security. Hosts Paul Netopski and Eric Marquette explain how key cybersecurity requirements are being relocated, rewritten, and tightened—especially around safeguard...

This episode takes listeners through the federal rulemaking process, breaking it down into three essential stages: Initiation, Notice & Comment, and Finalization. We examine what can speed up or delay each phase, and spotlight where public input influences the rules that affect us all.

Eric and Paul explore leading resources for aspiring and experienced contract managers. From professional associations to certification paths and practical learning opportunities, this episode helps listeners tap into the tools needed for success in contract management.

Eric and Paul break down contract flow downs—covering what they are, why they're critical for primes and subs, and how to approach both mandatory and non-mandatory clauses. They share targeted best practices from CohnReznick and key resources, with actionable advice for small businesses and new contractors navigating FAR and DFARS compliance.

Join Eric Marquette and Paul Netopski as they break down the newly established FAR Part 40, explore supply chain and data security regulations, and discuss their impact on federal contractors. Learn how consolidating regulations impacts compliance, enhances national security, and introduces new overhead challenges.

This episode provides a practical look at the opportunities and challenges small businesses face when entering federal government contracting. We'll share advice, highlight pros and cons, and discuss real-world pitfalls and success stories based on Small Business Administration resources.

Eric Marquette and Paul Netopski break down the major federal contract types, discussing their characteristics, when to select each, and how they impact procurement speed and complexity. The hosts also explore how FAR and DFARS requirements shape the process, highlighting strategies for balancing compliance with agility.

Eric and Paul examine how government shutdowns happen, agency preparations, furlough procedures, employee impacts, and the legislative framework behind federal shutdowns. Listen in as they unpack the chronology, federal protocols, and both operational and human dimensions of this crucial federal event.

Dive into the complexities of supply chain risks in federal procurement. We examine how these vulnerabilities are identified, mitigated, and managed through pivotal FAR and DFARS clauses. Join Eric, Ruby, and Paul as they clarify the evolving landscape of supply chain security for contractors and agencies alike.

Explore how to become a supplier or service provider for the Federal Government, including essential requirements, the major benefits of government contracting, and practical paths to team up or partner on contracts. Drawing from official resources and expert insights, this episode demystifies the journey from readiness to stellar contract performance.

This episode explores the critical differences between Commercial Off-the-Shelf (COTS) products and Commercial Items for federal procurement. Join our hosts as they clarify definitions, share applicable FAR and DFARS clauses, and illustrate real-world examples of how these distinctions impact users and compliance strategies.

This episode unpacks the Department of Defense’s Supplier Performance Risk System (SPRS), exploring how it blends diverse risk metrics—far beyond cost and cybersecurity scores—to drive procurement decisions. The hosts delve into the technical algorithms, data sources, and risk management frameworks at the core of SPRS, and discuss why modern supplier evaluations require more than just NIST SP 800-...

This episode unpacks the critical role of the order of precedence clause in the FAR, revealing why it matters for federal contracting professionals negotiating with prime and sub-contractors. Through practical scenarios, the hosts explore how understanding and applying this order defuses conflicts over terms and enables smarter negotiations when certain T&Cs just don’t fit.