USFCR Blog

FAR Basics: Your First Guide to Federal Acquisition Regulations

Oct 16, 2025 10:00:00 AM / by USFCR posted in News, Registration & Compliance Management

What is FAR? Federal Acquisition Regulation Explained for New Contractors
Thinking about federal contracting? The Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) isn't just paperwork you can figure out later. The FAR provides the legal framework for the entire federal procurement process, covering contract formation, administration, and closeout. It establishes requirements for competitive bidding, defines different contract types, sets standards for contractor qualifications, and outlines dispute resolution procedures.

Up to $18 Million Allocated Towards Innovative Farm to School Projects

Oct 3, 2025 12:30:00 PM / by Mari Crocitto posted in News, Hot Grants

The Food & Nutrition Service, under the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), is granting up to $18 million towards FY 2026 Farm to School Grant Program. The purpose of this program is to enhance access to local foods in eligible Child Nutrition Program (CNP) sites through comprehensive farm-to-CNP programming that includes local sourcing and agricultural education efforts.

Understanding the Different 8(a) Certifications and Their Impact

Oct 1, 2025 12:00:00 PM / by USFCR posted in News, Set-asides

Right now in 2025, the 8(a) Business Development Program, administered by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), helps small, disadvantaged businesses access federal contracts. It provides set-aside and sole-source opportunities, business development support, and mentoring. Recent legal changes have affected eligibility requirements, making it more important than ever for businesses to understand how the program works.

Government Shutdown Impact on Federal Contractors: Your Complete Preparation Guide

Oct 1, 2025 10:00:00 AM / by USFCR posted in News

October 1, 2025, Shutdown Update: USFCR continues monitoring contractor impacts. Confirmed operational: SAM systems remain functional with limited support staff. Confirmed disrupted: Federal Service Desk for UEI assignments, Census Bureau NAICS lookup system.

Contractor workarounds verified effective: Alternative NAICS lookup via naicscode.com, direct contracting officer communication for urgent matters, existing contract work continuation based on essential/non-essential classification.

Right now in 2025, smart federal contractors are preparing for potential government shutdowns while their competitors hope for the best. Here's what most people get wrong: shutdowns aren't just political theater that might affect you. They're predictable business disruptions that create both risks and opportunities for contractors who know how to respond.

Important Update for New GSA MAS Award Recipients

Sep 30, 2025 11:00:00 AM / by USFCR posted in General Services Administration (GSA), News

If your business recently received a GSA Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) contract award, this announcement directly impacts your next steps. GSA has issued critical guidance that could save you significant time and prevent duplicative work during your catalog setup process.

WEXMAC 2.1: Subcontractor Opportunities Now Available

Sep 16, 2025 3:30:00 PM / by USFCR posted in Success Stories, News

The West Expeditionary Mission Assurance Contract (WEXMAC 2.1) is one of the largest worldwide contracting opportunities in recent years. This multi-billion-dollar IDIQ covers logistics, construction, medical, communications, and security services and provides full-spectrum expeditionary mission support.

CMMC Final Rule: The 60-Day Countdown That Will Reshape Defense Contracting

Sep 10, 2025 11:00:00 AM / by USFCR posted in News, cmmc

The Department of War has issued the final DFARS rule implementing the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC). It was published on September 10, 2025, and will take effect on November 10, 2025. On that date, contracting officers can begin including new DFARS clauses in solicitations and contracts, formally tying cybersecurity compliance to eligibility for defense awards.

The Next Big Shift in Federal Contracting: Shared Services and Outsourced Operations

Aug 26, 2025 6:30:00 PM / by USFCR posted in News

The Shift Agencies Won’t Say Out Loud
Right now, federal agencies are quietly rethinking how they deliver mission-critical services. It’s not just about buying better software or upgrading IT systems. The real shift is toward systematizing and industrializing entire service functions that have historically been managed in-house or awarded through one-off contracts.

Made in America Agenda: What Government Contractors Should Know

Aug 18, 2025 8:00:00 AM / by USFCR posted in News

Manufacturing-related federal contracts are on the rise following the White House’s recent Made in America Agenda announcement. This presidential action outlines new steps to boost domestic production and expand U.S.-based supply chains, creating fresh opportunities for manufacturers across multiple industries.

CMMC Levels Explained: What Contractors Need to Know in 2025

Jul 23, 2025 9:00:00 AM / by USFCR posted in News, cmmc

What Is CMMC and Why It Matters in 2025

The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification, or CMMC, is the Department of Defense’s framework for protecting sensitive information in the federal contracting space. Starting in October 2025, CMMC requirements will begin appearing in DoD solicitations. The rollout will occur in phases through 2028.

CMMC applies to both prime contractors and subcontractors that handle Federal Contract Information (FCI) or Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). Even if it’s not yet written into your current contract, many prime contractors are already requesting proof of compliance or system readiness from their subs.