https://www.morganlewis.com/rss/blogsBlogs RSS Feed25https://www.morganlewis.com/blogs/governmentcontractorguidebook/2026/09/federal-contractors-face-changing-employment-rules-and-persistent-fca-riskRecent developments related to government contracting include significant changes to federal contractor affirmative action requirements and two developments involving False Claims Act (FCA) enforcement. The latest updates include US Department of Labor rules that formally rescind the regulations implementing Executive Order 11246 and modify Section 503 requirements, an Eleventh Circuit decision rejecting an Appointments Clause challenge to the FCA’s qui tam provisions, and a $2 million cybersecurity-related FCA settlement involving a defense contractor.Wed, 09 Sep 2026 00:00:00 -0500f7677c6f-40ec-4e85-86d3-c05195a9882eGovernment ContractsGovernment Contractor ComplianceWorkplace Government Relations and RegulationWhite Collar Litigation & Government InvestigationsGovernment SolutionsFalse Claims Act & Qui Tam LitigationAppellateCybersecurity, Incident Response & PrivacyLitigation, Regulation & InvestigationsLabor, Employment & BenefitsUnited StatesAerospace & DefenseDefense Contractors Enforcement MattersLITLBRREWSGRWTRFDAACCPEBLBRAlexander B. HastingsMoshe Kleinhttps://www.morganlewis.com/blogs/governmentcontractorguidebook/2026/09/cybersecurity-rules-gsa-fraud-referrals-and-the-armys-janus-programRecent government contracting developments include a potential milestone for governmentwide contractor cyber incident reporting requirements, the General Services Administration’s (GSA’s) identification of more than $13 billion in suspected procurement fraud, and the Army’s selection of contractors and installations for its Janus nuclear microreactor program.Wed, 02 Sep 2026 00:00:00 -0500cff7f52f-c820-4373-a319-68f902d9cc74Government ContractsGovernment Contractor ComplianceCybersecurity, Incident Response & PrivacyLitigation, Regulation & InvestigationsLabor, Employment & BenefitsUnited StatesDefense & Government ProcurementNuclear EnergyAerospace & DefenseEnergyLITLBRREACCPEBLBRAlexander B. HastingsScott Whitmanhttps://www.morganlewis.com/blogs/governmentcontractorguidebook/2026/08/section-1260h-listings-affiliate-past-performance-and-best-value-awardsRecent developments in government contracting include several significant court decisions affecting national security designations and bid protest practice. The latest updates include a US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit decision requiring additional process before certain companies are designated as Chinese military companies, two US Court of Federal Claims decisions addressing when agencies may consider the experience and past performance of affiliated entities, and another Court of Federal Claims decision examining the level of analysis required to support a higher-priced best-value award.Tue, 25 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -05009867b7b5-7abb-4e92-8b03-6116541aa41bGovernment ContractsGovernment Contractor ComplianceGovernment SolutionsWhite Collar Litigation & Government InvestigationsLitigation, Regulation & InvestigationsUnited StatesDefense Contractors Enforcement MattersDefense & Government ProcurementAerospace & DefenseLITLBRREAlexander B. HastingsClinton Smallhttps://www.morganlewis.com/blogs/governmentcontractorguidebook/2026/08/sba-8a-changes-small-business-teaming-dow-accounting-reform-and-beneficial-ownership-reportingRecent developments in government contracting include the Small Business Administration’s new framework for establishing social disadvantage under the Section 8(a) Business Development Program, a Government Accountability Office decision requiring the US Army to permit small business teaming under its Marketplace for the Acquisition of Professional Services procurement, Department of War efforts to simplify contractor accounting requirements, and the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network’s final rollback of Corporate Transparency Act reporting requirements.Wed, 19 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -05002a5faffc-0508-481e-9fca-6ddf5a113351Government ContractsGovernment Contractor ComplianceWorkplace Government Relations and RegulationGovernment SolutionsWhite Collar Litigation & Government InvestigationsCorporate Ethics & ComplianceLitigation, Regulation & InvestigationsLabor, Employment & BenefitsUnited StatesDefense & Government ProcurementDefense Contractors Enforcement MattersAerospace & DefenseLITLBRREWSGRWTRACCPEBLBRAlexander B. HastingsDaniel Funarohttps://www.morganlewis.com/blogs/governmentcontractorguidebook/2026/08/from-critical-materials-to-bid-protests-contractors-face-new-supply-chain-and-litigation-considerationsRecent developments in government contracting include a notable Government Accountability Office (GAO) decision involving proposal submission requirements, continued US Department of War (DoW) investment in critical defense supply chains, a US Department of Commerce action under the Defense Production Act involving critical materials, and two significant litigation developments involving the state secrets privilege and the Competition in Contracting Act’s (CICA’s) automatic stay provisions.Tue, 11 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -050011c2715f-1bbb-45ff-8064-4c5bb9b566c2Government Contractor ComplianceGovernment SolutionsIntellectual Property LitigationGlobal Supply Chain Risk ManagementLabor, Employment & BenefitsLitigation, Regulation & InvestigationsIntellectual PropertyUnited StatesDefense & Government ProcurementDefense Contractors Enforcement MattersAerospace & DefenseLBRRELITIPLITSECEBLBRIPScott WhitmanChristian KozlowskiAlexander B. Hastingshttps://www.morganlewis.com/blogs/governmentcontractorguidebook/2026/08/government-contractors-face-growing-scrutiny-across-compliance-grants-and-supply-chainsRecent developments in government contracting highlight continued expansion of False Claims Act (FCA) enforcement and growing federal attention to supply chain resilience. The latest updates include two Department of Justice (DOJ) FCA resolutions involving organizational conflicts of interest and grant administration, the department’s first healthcare declination under its revised corporate enforcement policy, and a new executive order directing sweeping changes to defense supply chain sourcing and oversight.Wed, 05 Aug 2026 00:00:00 -05004b7fe07e-f2ca-4c71-8923-8b01a869f80eGovernment ContractsGovernment Contractor ComplianceWhite Collar Litigation & Government InvestigationsFalse Claims Act & Qui Tam LitigationGlobal Supply Chain Risk ManagementLitigation, Regulation & InvestigationsLabor, Employment & BenefitsUnited StatesHospitals, Health Systems & Academic Medical CentersHealthcareLITLBRREFDASECEBLBRAlexander B. HastingsMoshe Kleinhttps://www.morganlewis.com/blogs/governmentcontractorguidebook/2026/07/govcon-update-grant-jurisdiction-epa-litigation-saudi-nuclear-agreementRecent developments in government contracting highlight questions surrounding federal court jurisdiction over grant-related disputes and a significant international agreement that could create future opportunities for the US nuclear industry. The latest updates include two court decisions addressing the line between Administrative Procedure Act (APA) challenges and Tucker Act contract claims, as well as a new civil nuclear cooperation agreement between the United States and Saudi Arabia.Tue, 28 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0500002bb116-44f0-4ed3-8765-4e831287b897Government Contractor ComplianceGovernment ContractsWhite Collar Litigation & Government InvestigationsEnvironmental Counseling & LitigationClimateLabor, Employment & BenefitsLitigation, Regulation & InvestigationsCorporate, Finance & Investment ManagementUnited StatesMiddle EastSaudi ArabiaEnergyNuclear EnergyHealthcareHospitals, Health Systems & Academic Medical CentersLBRRELITEBLBRCBTAlexander B. HastingsClinton Smallhttps://www.morganlewis.com/blogs/governmentcontractorguidebook/2026/07/govcon-update-cmmc-delay-defense-m-and-a-asbca-decisions-dei-grantsRecent developments in government contracting highlight significant changes affecting cybersecurity compliance, defense industry consolidation, contract disputes, and federal grant conditions. The latest updates include the Department of War’s decision to delay implementation of the next phase of the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification program, continued Department of Justice scrutiny of mergers in the defense industrial base, an Armed Services Board of Contract Appeals ruling on the public availability of Board decisions, and a federal court injunction blocking enforcement of certain DEI-related grant conditions.Thu, 23 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -05000d69fc63-d6ce-463a-a800-758c71a37533Government ContractsGovernment Contractor ComplianceWorkplace Government Relations and RegulationGovernment SolutionsCybersecurity, Incident Response & PrivacyAntitrust & CompetitionOrganizational Culture: Change & ComplianceGlobal Employment & ImmigrationLabor, Employment & BenefitsLitigation, Regulation & InvestigationsUnited StatesLITLBRREWSGRWTRACCPATRIMMLBREBAlexander B. Hastingshttps://www.morganlewis.com/blogs/governmentcontractorguidebook/2026/07/govcon-update-cas-changes-ai-model-sharing-small-business-participationRecent developments in government contracting highlight continued regulatory modernization, evolving artificial intelligence policy, and bid protest guidance on small business participation requirements. The latest updates include changes to the Cost Accounting Standards (CAS), a new executive order directing agencies to design a voluntary framework for federal engagement with developers of covered frontier models, and a Government Accountability Office (GAO) decision addressing how agencies calculate small business participation under solicitation requirements.Tue, 14 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -05002687b9de-3719-4c01-a95b-3b9e1d0a1c4dGovernment ContractsGovernment SolutionsGovernment Contractor ComplianceLitigation, Regulation & InvestigationsLabor, Employment & BenefitsUnited StatesTechnologyArtificial IntelligenceLITLBRREEBLBRAlexander B. Hastingshttps://www.morganlewis.com/blogs/governmentcontractorguidebook/2026/07/govcon-update-gao-jurisdiction-doj-declination-cui-ruleRecent developments in government contracting highlight important updates in bid protest jurisdiction, national security enforcement, and cybersecurity compliance. This includes a Government Accountability Office decision clarifying the limits of its protest jurisdiction, the US Department of Justice’s first National Security Division declination under its revised corporate enforcement policy, and a proposed Federal Acquisition Regulation rule that would establish governmentwide requirements for safeguarding and reporting Controlled Unclassified Information.Mon, 06 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -05007693efd1-7c7c-4fe8-b755-e43c29c70121Government ContractsGovernment SolutionsWhite Collar Litigation & Government InvestigationsInternational Trade & National SecurityLitigation, Regulation & InvestigationsUnited StatesTechnologyElectronics & SemiconductorsTelecoms & InfrastructureSoftwareLITAlexander B. HastingsScott Whitmanhttps://www.morganlewis.com/blogs/governmentcontractorguidebook/2026/07/govcon-update-far-overhaul-ai-driven-fca-enforcement-bid-protests-and-trade-secretsRecent developments in government contracting highlight continued procurement reform, evolving False Claims Act (FCA) enforcement, and significant litigation affecting bid protests, labor cost recovery, and protection of contractor intellectual property. The latest updates include the first proposed rules under the FAR Council’s Revolutionary FAR Overhaul, new US Department of Justice (DOJ) initiatives leveraging artificial intelligence in fraud enforcement, a Federal Circuit decision reinforcing bid protest timeliness requirements, and two contractor disputes involving labor costs and trade secrets.Wed, 01 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0500d11c1eaf-5dd3-4284-ad2f-4eb399e0bf2eGovernment ContractsGovernment Contractor ComplianceWhite Collar Litigation & Government InvestigationsGovernment SolutionsWorkplace Government Relations and RegulationLitigation, Regulation & InvestigationsLabor, Employment & BenefitsUnited StatesDefense & Government ProcurementAerospace & DefenseLITLBRREWSGRWTREBLBRAlexander B. HastingsClinton SmallScott Whitmanhttps://www.morganlewis.com/blogs/governmentcontractorguidebook/2026/06/govcon-update-ai-and-ict-compliance-rare-earth-supply-chains-small-business-fraud-cyber-enforcementRecent developments in government contracting highlight growing federal attention to artificial intelligence (AI) governance, technology supply chain security, domestic industrial capacity, and contractor compliance obligations. The latest updates include new General Services Administration (GSA) rulemaking affecting information and communication technology (ICT) acquisitions, a significant Department of Defense (DoD) investment in domestic rare earth processing, and two Department of Justice (DOJ) settlements reinforcing continued enforcement priorities in the small business and cybersecurity arenas.Tue, 23 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -050071c805a6-9224-4617-b253-0e51e772b9c0Government ContractsGovernment Contractor ComplianceGovernment SolutionsGlobal Supply Chain Risk ManagementCybersecurity, Incident Response & PrivacyFalse Claims Act & Qui Tam LitigationLitigation, Regulation & InvestigationsLabor, Employment & BenefitsUnited StatesTechnologyArtificial IntelligenceAerospace & DefenseDefense & Government ProcurementLITLBRRESECACCPFDAEBLBRAlexander B. HastingsScott Whitmanhttps://www.morganlewis.com/blogs/governmentcontractorguidebook/2026/06/govcon-update-ai-policy-sba-8a-eligibility-nonprofit-funding-review-dei-litigationRecent developments in government contracting highlight the administration’s evolving approach to artificial intelligence, continued scrutiny of DEI initiatives, and ongoing implementation of Executive Order 14398. The latest updates include a new national security policy memorandum on AI adoption, a proposed Small Business Administration rule affecting 8(a) eligibility, an Office of Management and Budget directive concerning federal funding of certain nonprofit organizations, and litigation challenging the administration’s DEI-related contractor requirements.Tue, 16 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -050096d86a64-fec7-405f-ac40-213bb6cda6d4Government ContractsGovernment Contractor ComplianceWhite Collar Litigation & Government InvestigationsOrganizational Culture: Change & ComplianceWorkplace Government Relations and RegulationLabor, Employment & BenefitsLitigation, Regulation & InvestigationsUnited StatesLITLBRREWTRWSGREBLBRDaniel FunaroAlexander B. Hastingshttps://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/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 Small