On March 13, 2026, President Trump issued an Executive Order (EO) titled “Adjusting Certain Delegations Under the Defense Production Act.” As we have covered in prior blog posts, the Defense Production Act (DPA) has traditionally been considered the primary federal means to manage and support defense production.
The March 13th EO seeks…
On March 13, 2026, the Department of Energy issued a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for projects supporting the development of domestic processing, manufacturing, and recycling capabilities for battery materials. With $500 million in total available funding, the NOFO solicits proposals in three topic areas: (1) domestic critical minerals processing from raw feedstocks, (2) domestic…
On February 20, 2026, the Supreme Court struck down an extensive series of tariffs imposed last year by President Trump, holding that they were not authorized under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (“IEEPA”). And on March 4, 2026, the United States Court of International Trade began the process of refunding certain of “the millions…
On March 3, 2026, the Senate took a major step toward reauthorizing the Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Technology Transfer (“SBIR/STTR”) programs, by passing the Small Business Innovation and Economic Security Act (S. 3971). Known collectively as “America’s Seed Fund,” the SBIR and STTR programs provide small businesses with early-stage funding to commercialize their new…
Introduction
On February 27, 2026, the Defense Industrial Base Consortium (DIBC) issued a new Request for Project Proposals (RPP) focused on Strategic and Critical Materials. Phase 1 submissions are due March 20, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. (Eastern).
This solicitation represents the second DIBC RPP targeting critical minerals since the issuance of Executive Order (EO)…
On February 17, 2026, the Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, proposing amendments to the FAR to implement Section 5949 of the FY23 National Defense Authorization Act (“NDAA”). Section 5949 prohibits executive agencies from obtaining semiconductor parts, products, or services traceable to certain named Chinese companies – currently, Semiconductor Manufacturing International…
On February 18, 2026, the General Services Administration (“GSA”) issued a proposed revision to the certifications that federal financial assistance recipients or applicants must make in order to register in the System for Award Management (“SAM”), adding certifications related to diversity, equity, and inclusion programs; immigration; and national security. The proposed revision also addresses applicability…
On January 23, 2026, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) issued Memorandum M-26-05 “Adopting a Risk-based Approach to Software and Hardware Security,” which rescinds a previous Biden Administration’s requirement for all federal agencies to obtain a self-attestation from software producers in the “Common Form” developed by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency…
A recent decision from the Armed Services Board of Contract Appeals (ASBCA) is a timely reminder that, when it comes to stop‑work orders, the clause the government actually invokes—not the one it later wishes it had—can be outcome‑determinative. In Wolverine Tube, Inc., ASBCA No. 63877 (Jan. 22, 2026), the Board rejected the Air Force’s attempt…
On January 23, 2026, Vice President Vance announced the administration’s intent to expand the “Mexico City Policy.” First established by President Reagan, the Mexico City Policy originally prohibited foreign non-governmental organizations (“NGOs”) from using funds to “promote abortion as a method of family planning in other nations.” The policy was repealed by the…
