On June 24, 2026, the General Services Administration (“GSA”) issued a Request for Information (“RFI”) seeking input on two proposals for promoting the purchase of American-made products on GSA Advantage, an online shopping and ordering system, which GSA advertises as providing access to thousands of contractors with millions of products and services. Comments in
Government Contractors Face Unique Risks Amid Growing Congressional Scrutiny
In recent years, investigators in Congress have ramped up scrutiny of government contractors and other recipients of federal funds. This trend has only accelerated in the current Congress, with Republican-led committees pursuing expansive inquiries targeting a wide variety of federal contractors and grantees. Along with familiar allegations of waste or misuse of federal funds, these
Supreme Court Decision in National Republican Senatorial Committee v. Federal Election Commission Empowers Political Parties, Calls Other Restrictions into Question
In a major decision today, the Supreme Court in NRSC v. FEC struck down longstanding limits on “coordinated party expenditures” that restricted the amounts political parties could spend in coordination with federal candidates. With this decision, national party committees and the federal accounts of state parties can now spend unlimited funds to support individual federal
What the Updated 1260H List Means for Biotechnology Procurement
On June 8, 2026, the Department of War (“DoW”) published its updated list of “Chinese military companies” operating in the United States (“1260H List”), as required by Section 1260H of the Fiscal Year (“FY”) 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (“NDAA”). The updated list includes, among other companies, WuXi AppTec Co., Ltd. (“WuXi AppTec”), a China-based
SBA’s Proposed Update to the 8(a) Business Development Program: A New Approach to Social Disadvantage
On June 11, 2026, the Small Business Administration (“SBA”) published a proposed rule that would fundamentally alter how individuals qualify as “socially disadvantaged” under the 8(a) Business Development Program (“8(a) BD Program” or “Program”). The comment period will be underway until July 13, 2026.
This five-page proposed rule states that it aims to align the
New Restrictions on Defense Contractors Retaining Outside Consultants Set to Take Effect
In January 2025, Covington issued a client alert noting that the National Defense Authorization Act (“NDAA”) for Fiscal Year (“FY”) 2025, which sets annual spending and policy for the Pentagon, introduced new China-related prohibitions on defense contractors and their consultants. The provision is finally set to take effect on June 30, 2026. Covington’s latest
New Restrictions on Defense Contractors Retaining Outside Consultants Will Take Effect This Month
In January 2025, Covington issued a client alert noting that the National Defense Authorization Act (“NDAA”) for Fiscal Year (“FY”) 2025, which sets annual spending and policy for the Pentagon, introduced new China-related prohibitions on defense contractors and their consultants. The provision is finally set to take effect on June 30, 2026. This cli
Covington Launches Election Year Toolkit
As the election season intensifies, companies face a rapidly evolving landscape of regulatory, compliance, and reputational considerations. With heightened scrutiny on political engagement, lobbying, campaign finance, and communications, organizations must be prepared to navigate complex and fast-moving legal requirements.
Drawing on our deep experience in election and political law, public policy, and regulatory compliance, Covington
GAO Scrutinizes DoD Civilian Workforce Cuts: What the Report Means for Federal Contractors
The Government Accountability Office recently issued a report on the Department of Defense’s civilian workforce reductions. It offers a concrete record of how DoD has reduced staffing, where those reductions have occurred, and how the Department has assessed their effects. GAO’s report matters not only as a workforce-management review, but also as a practical resource
Proposed Rule Would Fundamentally Impact Federal Grant and Financial Assistance Framework
On May 29, 2026, the Office of Management and Budget (“OMB”), together with several other federal agencies, published a proposed rule that would fundamentally change many aspects of the regulations in 2 CFR Part 200 governing federal financial assistance awards, including grants, cooperative agreements, loans, and loan guarantees. The comment period will be underway until