https://www.morganlewis.com/rss/blogsBlogs RSS Feed15https://www.morganlewis.com/blogs/governmentcontractorguidebook/2026/06/dojs-new-fca-fast-track-could-mean-earlier-whistleblower-litigationThe US Department of Justice (DOJ) is changing how it reviews certain False Claims Act (FCA) whistleblower cases, and organizations participating in federally funded benefits programs should take notice.Mon, 15 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0500a9f9a1fa-ef07-47d1-9918-da49297d4b21Government ContractsGovernment Contractor ComplianceFalse Claims Act & Qui Tam LitigationWhite Collar Litigation & Government InvestigationsLitigation, Regulation & InvestigationsLabor, Employment & BenefitsUnited StatesLITLBRREFDAEBLBRMoshe KleinAlexander B. Hastingshttps://www.morganlewis.com/blogs/governmentcontractorguidebook/2026/06/supreme-court-edition-contractor-immunity-federal-removal-preemptionWith the US Supreme Court’s 2025–2026 term nearing its conclusion, several recent decisions have already emerged as important developments for government contractors. Although arising in different contexts, three rulings this term address the boundaries of contractor liability and the circumstances under which contractors may invoke federal protections when facing litigation. The decisions underscore a common theme: contractors are most likely to receive legal protection when they can demonstrate a clear connection between the challenged conduct and specific government direction or authorization.Tue, 09 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0500a000a0e9-13a5-4d0b-a13b-308dc978c99aGovernment ContractsGovernment Contractor ComplianceAppellateEnvironmental Counseling & LitigationLabor, Employment & BenefitsLitigation, Regulation & InvestigationsUnited StatesAerospace & DefenseDefense & Government ProcurementDefense Contractors Enforcement MattersLITLBRREEBLBRAlexander B. HastingsMoshe Kleinhttps://www.morganlewis.com/blogs/governmentcontractorguidebook/2026/06/upcoming-govcon-webinar-for-tech-companiesAs the US government expands procurement of commercial products and services, technology companies, from startups to established firms, have growing opportunities to sell to and collaborate with federal agencies.Mon, 08 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0500650f4442-2bac-45e0-913e-214b1130d075Government ContractsWhite Collar Litigation & Government InvestigationsFalse Claims Act & Qui Tam LitigationCybersecurity, Incident Response & PrivacyLitigation, Regulation & InvestigationsIntellectual PropertyUnited StatesAerospace & DefenseTechnologyLITFDAACCPIPAlexander B. HastingsAmanda B. RobinsonJaclyn Unis Whittakerhttps://www.morganlewis.com/blogs/governmentcontractorguidebook/2026/06/govcon-update-fy27-ndaa-fca-enforcement-transportation-fundingRecent developments in government contracting include the release of the House Armed Services Committee’s draft National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2027, a new Department of Justice (DOJ) initiative aimed at accelerating review of certain False Claims Act (FCA) whistleblower cases, and the advancement of a major surface transportation reauthorization bill in the House of Representatives, highlighting continued congressional and executive branch focus on defense modernization, fraud enforcement, and major infrastructure investment.Tue, 02 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0500b00bc735-9055-41cb-9cd8-78c8fb603eeaGovernment Contractor ComplianceGovernment ContractsGovernment SolutionsWhite Collar Litigation & Government InvestigationsInternational Trade & National SecurityFalse Claims Act & Qui Tam LitigationLitigation, Regulation & InvestigationsUnited StatesLBRRELITFDAAlexander B. HastingsMoshe Kleinhttps://www.morganlewis.com/blogs/governmentcontractorguidebook/2026/06/fixed-price-contracting-is-becoming-the-default-contractors-should-prepare-nowThe White House’s recent executive order on federal contracting could significantly reshape how agencies structure procurements and allocate performance risk. Executive Order 14402, Promoting Efficiency, Accountability, and Performance in Federal Contracting , directs executive agencies to default to fixed-price contracts unless they can justify and obtain approval for another contract type.Mon, 01 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0500d7b88f71-f438-4dd6-ba6b-21239f277c5eLitigation, Regulation & InvestigationsGovernment ContractsLabor, Employment & BenefitsGovernment Contractor ComplianceWhite Collar Litigation & Government InvestigationsGovernment SolutionsUnited StatesLITEBLBRLBRREAlexander B. HastingsMoshe Kleinhttps://www.morganlewis.com/blogs/governmentcontractorguidebook/2026/05/govcon-update-quantum-funding-fixed-price-contracts-rule-of-twoRecent developments in government contracting include a major Department of Commerce initiative to fund domestic quantum computing capabilities, continued implementation of the administration’s fixed-price contracting directive, and legislative efforts to codify the small business “Rule of Two” into statute. Together, these developments reflect continued emphasis on industrial policy, procurement reform, and preservation of longstanding small business contracting requirements.Wed, 27 May 2026 00:00:00 -05001e1ce095-5dd7-45da-b2ca-1becd23b7f4dGovernment ContractsGovernment Contractor ComplianceWhite Collar Litigation & Government InvestigationsGovernment SolutionsLitigation, Regulation & InvestigationsLabor, Employment & BenefitsUnited StatesTechnologyElectronics & SemiconductorsLITLBRREEBLBRAlexander B. HastingsChristian Kozlowskihttps://www.morganlewis.com/blogs/governmentcontractorguidebook/2026/05/govcon-update-foci-rule-gao-oversight-fca-trade-enforcementRecent developments in government contracting include a proposed US Department of Defense rule expanding foreign ownership, control, or influence (FOCI) requirements, a Government Accountability Office report focused on procurement reform and oversight, and a major False Claims Act settlement tied to customs duty evasion.Mon, 18 May 2026 00:00:00 -050062b7c60b-135a-413a-ab52-5e9716dee25bLitigation, Regulation & InvestigationsGovernment ContractsFalse Claims Act & Qui Tam LitigationInternational Trade & National SecurityWhite Collar Litigation & Government InvestigationsUnited StatesLITFDAAlexander B. HastingsScott Whitmanhttps://www.morganlewis.com/blogs/governmentcontractorguidebook/2026/05/govcon-update-buy-american-cybersecurity-enforcement-sba-certificationsRecent developments in government contracting highlight increased scrutiny of domestic sourcing and country-of-origin certifications, anticipated enforcement of cybersecurity requirements, and Small Business Administration activity focused on small business program compliance. These developments reflect continued alignment of procurement and enforcement priorities with supply chain security, data protection, and program integrity, directly impacting contractors across the federal marketplace.Tue, 12 May 2026 00:00:00 -0500b7a8f4b2-dcd8-47e6-9fc0-947f6d870292White Collar Litigation & Government InvestigationsCybersecurity, Incident Response & PrivacyGovernment ContractsGovernment Contractor ComplianceLitigation, Regulation & InvestigationsLabor, Employment & BenefitsUnited StatesAerospace & DefenseDefense & Government ProcurementDefense Contractors Enforcement MattersLITACCPLBRREEBLBRAlexander B. HastingsDaniel Funarohttps://www.morganlewis.com/blogs/governmentcontractorguidebook/2026/05/govcon-update-procurement-eo-solicitation-cancellation-grant-conditions-far-overhaulRecent developments in government contracting include a new executive order focused on procurement discipline, two federal court decisions addressing agency discretion and grant conditions, and additional updates under the ongoing FAR Overhaul initiative. Together, these developments signal continued emphasis on cost control, performance accountability, and policy-driven procurement, with practical implications for contractors across the federal marketplace.Tue, 05 May 2026 00:00:00 -0500e588ab03-3f89-4146-80e9-1eddac79a194Litigation, Regulation & InvestigationsGovernment ContractsLabor, Employment & BenefitsOrganizational Culture: Change & ComplianceGovernment SolutionsGovernment Contractor ComplianceUnited StatesLITEBLBRWTRLBRREAlexander B. HastingsMoshe Kleinhttps://www.morganlewis.com/blogs/governmentcontractorguidebook/2026/04/gov-con-update-cofc-decision-far-deviation-dpa-actions-commercial-acquisitionsRecent developments in government contracting include a notable US Court of Federal Claims decision involving US Agency for International Development (USAID) contract terminations, a significant Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) deviation implementing Executive Order 14398, new Defense Production Act (DPA) actions by the administration, and an Office of Management and Budget (OMB) memorandum aimed at increasing the use of commercial products and services in federal procurement.Thu, 30 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -050091cd6e0e-97bb-4221-8a59-d3594ef15c11Litigation, Regulation & InvestigationsGovernment ContractsGovernment SolutionsAdministrative Law & Federal AgenciesGlobal Supply Chain Risk ManagementWhite Collar Litigation & Government InvestigationsUnited StatesAerospace & DefenseEnergyDefense & Government ProcurementDefense Contractors Enforcement MattersLITSECAlexander B. HastingsMoshe Kleinhttps://www.morganlewis.com/blogs/governmentcontractorguidebook/2026/04/government-contractor-ma-the-diligence-issues-most-likely-to-affect-valueWhile M&A involving government contractors continues to attract strategic buyers and sponsors, with these deals comes a different level of diligence than a typical commercial transaction. The reason is straightforward: when a company does business with the government, contract performance, compliance, and enforcement risk are often closely linked. In addition to creating operational friction, a diligence issue may affect valuation or future eligibility for work or expose the buyer to inherited liability.Thu, 23 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -05001ef2ad6d-d5b7-4eb7-9cab-4d6638835037Government ContractsFalse Claims Act & Qui Tam LitigationMergers & AcquisitionsCybersecurity, Incident Response & PrivacyUnited StatesLITFDACBTMAACCPAlexander B. HastingsJustin D. Weitzhttps://www.morganlewis.com/blogs/governmentcontractorguidebook/2026/04/cmmc-in-effect-cybersecurity-compliance-measuresThe US Department of Defense (DOD) has implemented the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) program as of November 2025. The final rule implementing CMMC established new cybersecurity requirements for federal contractors and subcontractors and, resultingly, heightened the risks of noncompliance, including potential False Claims Act (FCA) risks.Wed, 22 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -05005eb1ba2e-2048-4105-9679-d938fd85b8bfGovernment ContractsCybersecurity, Incident Response & PrivacyEnergyLITACCPAlexander B. HastingsDaniel Funarohttps://www.morganlewis.com/blogs/governmentcontractorguidebook/2026/04/govcon-update-ai-clause-fy-2027-budget-signals-and-cas-threshold-reformsRecent developments across procurement policy, federal budgeting, and cost accounting standards signal meaningful shifts for government contractors. A newly proposed acquisition clause from the General Services Administration (GSA) would introduce government-unique requirements for artificial intelligence (AI). The White House’s FY 2027 budget request underscores a continued prioritization of defense spending. And the Cost Accounting Standards (CAS) Board has proposed long-anticipated reforms that could narrow CAS applicability.Wed, 22 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0500312b260b-469e-4bd4-b046-487ccbb7334cGovernment ContractsLitigation, Regulation & InvestigationsUnited StatesArtificial IntelligenceTechnologyLITAlexander B. HastingsClinton Smallhttps://www.morganlewis.com/blogs/governmentcontractorguidebook/2026/04/the-white-houses-latest-fraud-initiative-points-to-more-audits-data-sharing-and-enforcement-activityThe March 16, 2026 executive order establishing the new interagency Task Force to Eliminate Fraud signals a more coordinated, enforcement-focused approach to fraud risks in federally funded benefit programs. The initiative emphasizes front-end eligibility and identity verification, expanded data sharing across federal and state systems, and increased reliance on civil enforcement tools, including the False Claims Act (FCA). With accelerated implementation timelines and broad agency participation, the order points to heightened scrutiny for contractors, grantees, and other entities involved in administering or receiving federal funds.Tue, 21 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0500ea5f76e5-523f-4604-b2c4-c487a582385cGovernment ContractsFalse Claims Act & Qui Tam LitigationWhistleblowing & RetaliationTax-Exempt OrganizationsUnited StatesLITFDALBRTAXAmanda B. RobinsonAlexander B. HastingsScott WhitmanJustin D. Weitzhttps://www.morganlewis.com/blogs/governmentcontractorguidebook/2026/04/executive-order-targeting-dei-practices-will-expand-fca-risk-for-federal-contractorsA recent executive order targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices in federal contracting signals a significant escalation in enforcement risk, particularly under the False Claims Act (FCA). The order introduces a broad definition of prohibited conduct, mandates new contract clauses with short implementation timelines, and directs more aggressive use of whistleblower-driven enforcement. These changes point to heightened scrutiny of contractor policies, subcontractor oversight, and internal compliance systems.Mon, 20 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -050035ad89a6-a5b3-4d23-9e8f-51003b5274f2Government ContractsFalse Claims Act & Qui Tam LitigationOrganizational Culture: Change & ComplianceUnited StatesLITFDAWTRLisa C. DykstraSharon Perley MaslingAlexander B. HastingsE. Pierce BlueJonathan WiltMargaret M. McDowellScott Whitman