We previously published an update on the bid protest procedures in the state of Alabama, discussing the revised statutory and regulatory processes and procedures implemented effective October 1, 2022. Certain of these statutes have since been updated again, effective June 1, 2025. This article provides a brief update on those revised statutory processes and procedures
As federal agencies continue to navigate budget constraints, geopolitical uncertainty, workforce shortages, and rapid technological change, government contractors entering 2026 face an increasingly complex legal and enforcement environment. Recent case law, agency guidance, and enforcement activity reflect a clear trend: Contractors are being held to higher standards of documentation, transparency, and internal controls across the
The U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia recently issued a significant ruling in City of Saint Paul, Minnesota, et al. v. Christopher Wright, addressing constitutional constraints on executive agency conduct in the context of federal grant terminations. The decision — issued by Judge Amit P. Mehta — saw the court enter judgment
The Small Business Administration’s (SBA) ostensible subcontractor rule remains one of the most consequential — and misunderstood — affiliation principles in federal procurement. For small businesses pursuing set-aside contracts, failing to navigate this rule properly can result in bid protests, loss of eligibility, and even contract termination.
Under 13
In a recent decision, the Civilian Board of Contract Appeals (CBCA) held that contractors performing loan-servicing work for the Department of Education are entitled to reimbursement for increased labor costs resulting from federal minimum wage and paid sick leave mandates. The ruling clarifies that such adjustments are permissible even under fixed-price contracts when the
The federal procurement landscape is shifting rapidly. Agencies, Congress, and the courts have pushed major changes recently that affect how contracts are written, awarded, challenged, and performed. Below is a concise survey of the most important emerging trends — and practical steps contractors should take now.
Under Executive Order 14275, Restoring Common Sense to Federal Procurement, and accompanying OMB Memorandum M-25-26, the FAR Council is undertaking a comprehensive redesign of the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR). The stated goal of this “Revolutionary FAR Overhaul (RFO)” is to streamline the FAR, eliminate non-statutory or duplicative provisions, adopt clearer or “plain language”
Debriefings can be one of the most valuable opportunities for government contractors in the procurement process. Whether you win or lose a competition, a well-conducted debriefing provides insight into the agency’s evaluation, helps strengthen future proposals, and preserves certain protest rights. To maximize these benefits, contractors should approach debriefings strategically.
Federal
Contractors pursuing work with the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) must be aware that the Postal Service operates under a unique set of rules. Unlike most federal agencies, the USPS is not subject to the jurisdiction of the Government Accountability Office (GAO) for bid protests. Instead, protests are governed by Section 3.6 of the USPS Purchasing
One of the most powerful but often misunderstood tools available to government contractors is the pre-award protest. Unlike post-award protests, which generally challenge the outcome of a procurement, pre-award protests generally focus on the terms of the solicitation itself and/or the ground rules of the competition. When used strategically, a pre-award protest can help level