Policy
All articles →-
Policy
CHIPS Act status: $30.9B awarded to 19 firms, but the tax credit expires December 2026
As of mid-2025, Commerce has awarded $30.9B direct + $5.5B loans across 19 semiconductor companies and 40 projects. The Advanced Manufacturing Investment Tax Credit (Section 48D) sunsets for construction starts after December 31, 2026.
-
Policy
Federal workforce down 271,000 in 2025 — and contractors are absorbing the displaced work
The federal civilian workforce declined by 249,000-271,000 (9%) between January and November 2025 — the largest peacetime reduction on record. RIF moratorium expired January 30; implementation plans due April 14. Contractors absorb workload by default.
-
Policy
Trump's March 13 Made-in-America EO — FTC enforcement + contract-level origin verification
The March 13, 2026 executive order directs the FTC to prioritize enforcement against false 'Made in America' claims and requires federal agencies to verify Made-in-USA and Buy American Act claims at the contract level. Online marketplace verification rule forthcoming.
-
Policy
Trump's January 7 Warfighter EO — stock-buyback ban for 'underperforming' defense primes
The January 7, 2026 EO 'Prioritizing the Warfighter in Defense Contracting' directs DoW to identify underperforming primes, prohibit their stock buybacks and dividends until performance issues cure, and link future executive compensation to performance metrics.
-
Policy
SBA suspends 1,000+ firms, terminates 800+ in 8(a) program — and shifts to race-neutral review
A cascade of enforcement actions in Q1 2026: over 1,000 8(a) firms suspended, 800+ in termination proceedings, and formal guidance that 8(a) eligibility is now evaluated on individualized social-disadvantage evidence, not group membership. New-firm admissions dropped from ~525/year to 65 in 2025. What current participants actually need to do.
-
Policy
The 43-day shutdown is over — but the contracting damage will linger through Q2
The longest government shutdown in U.S. history ended November 12, 2025 after 43 days. New contracts froze, options weren't exercised, and the post-shutdown CR keeps DoD frozen at FY24 levels. Some DoD civilians still chasing back pay weeks later.
-
Policy
Hegseth orders DoD-wide review of every small-business contract over $20M
A January directive from the Secretary of Defense triggered a line-by-line review of all 8(a) and small-business set-aside awards above $20M. Compliance verification owed by Feb 28. What it actually changes for legitimate small primes.
-
Policy
June 2026: DoD bans procurement from listed China-affiliated companies — supply chain audit time
Starting June 2026, DoD cannot directly procure from listed Chinese Military Companies (CMCs) or firms hiring lobbyists for them. June 2027 extends the ban to indirect procurement. The supply-chain audit work to comply starts now.