The Office of Federal Procurement Policy and the Small Business Administration Reinforce Small Business Participation in Federal Contracting.

9/26/2025

Briefings & Statements

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Action Summary

Objective: Streamline federal contracting regulations to boost small business participation in the federal market.
Regulatory Overhaul: Part of the Revolutionary FAR Overhaul (RFO), the initiative rewrites the FAR in plain language, eliminating non-statutory rules and reducing over 1,600 burdensome requirements.
Small Business Emphasis: Recognizes small businesses as a cornerstone of the U.S. economy, ensuring strong participation through preserved set-asides and promoting competitive awards, especially in the 8(a) business development program.
Simplification Measures: Includes one-third fewer boilerplate government requirements, increased use of simplified acquisition procedures, and easier access to government-wide and agency contracts via “on-ramps” and set-asides.
Post-Award and Registration Improvements: Emphasizes enhanced post-award debriefings for future competitiveness and streamlines contractor registration in the System for Award Management.
Strategic Acquisition Guidance: The revamped FAR, along with non-regulatory resources, will form the Strategic Acquisition Guidance (SAG) for nimble response and mission capability delivery.
Future Directions: The second phase of the RFO will introduce formal rulemaking with public input and feedback, further refining the regulations.
Broader Government Initiatives: Agencies are encouraged to use government-wide contracts, including the OASIS+ family, to further increase small business awards across various disadvantaged groups.

Risks & Considerations

The overhaul of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to promote small business participation could lead to increased competition for federal contracts. This may impact Vanderbilt University if it relies on federal contracts for research and development projects.
The emphasis on small and disadvantaged businesses might shift some federal funding away from larger institutions like Vanderbilt, potentially affecting its financial planning and resource allocation.
The streamlined processes and reduced regulatory burdens could make it easier for small businesses to enter the federal market, potentially increasing competition for contracts that Vanderbilt might pursue.
Vanderbilt may need to reassess its strategies for securing federal contracts, particularly in areas where small businesses are now more competitive due to the regulatory changes.

Impacted Programs

Vanderbilt’s Research and Development Departments may need to adapt to the increased competition for federal contracts, potentially requiring new strategies to maintain funding levels.
The Office of Sponsored Programs might need to provide additional support and guidance to faculty and researchers in navigating the new federal contracting landscape.
Vanderbilt’s Business and Economic Development Programs could see opportunities to study and engage with the evolving small business landscape, potentially offering new research and collaboration opportunities.

Financial Impact

The changes in federal contracting regulations could lead to a redistribution of federal funds, potentially impacting Vanderbilt’s ability to secure funding for certain projects.
Vanderbilt may need to explore alternative funding sources or partnerships to mitigate any potential loss of federal contract opportunities.
The increased competition from small businesses could necessitate adjustments in Vanderbilt’s budgeting and financial planning to ensure continued support for its programs and initiatives.

Relevance Score: 3 (The changes present moderate risks involving compliance and potential shifts in funding opportunities.)

Key Actions

Vanderbilt’s Office of Federal Relations should engage with the FAR Council and the Small Business Administration to understand the implications of the Revolutionary Federal Acquisition Regulation (RFO) Overhaul. This engagement will help Vanderbilt identify opportunities for collaboration with small businesses and potentially secure federal contracts that align with the university’s strategic goals.
Vanderbilt’s Business School could develop programs or workshops aimed at educating small businesses on navigating the new streamlined federal contracting processes. This initiative could position Vanderbilt as a leader in supporting small business growth and innovation.
The Vanderbilt Project on Unity & American Democracy can explore research opportunities related to the impact of the RFO on small business participation in federal contracting. This research could provide valuable insights into the economic and social implications of the overhaul, enhancing Vanderbilt’s role as a thought leader in public policy.
Vanderbilt’s Legal Department should review the changes in the FAR to ensure compliance and identify any potential legal challenges or opportunities that may arise from the new regulations. This proactive approach will help mitigate risks associated with federal contracting.
Vanderbilt’s Innovation Center can leverage the increased emphasis on technical demonstrations and simplified acquisition procedures to showcase its capabilities to federal agencies. This could lead to new partnerships and funding opportunities for innovative projects.

Opportunities

The RFO presents an opportunity for Vanderbilt’s Entrepreneurship Center to collaborate with small businesses in developing innovative solutions for federal agencies. By fostering these partnerships, Vanderbilt can enhance its reputation as a hub for entrepreneurship and innovation.
Vanderbilt can capitalize on the streamlined FAR by pursuing contracts under the OASIS+ family of contracts, which support small disadvantaged businesses. This could involve developing programs that align with the needs of these businesses and the federal market.
The focus on reducing barriers to small business participation aligns with Vanderbilt’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. The university can develop targeted outreach and support programs for small and disadvantaged businesses, enhancing their access to federal contracting opportunities.
By engaging with the broader federal contracting community, Vanderbilt can position itself as a leader in the national conversation on procurement reform. Hosting conferences, workshops, and public forums on the implications of the RFO can further establish Vanderbilt as a hub for innovative thought and practice in federal contracting.

Relevance Score: 4 (The RFO presents the potential for major process changes required for Vanderbilt’s engagement with federal contracting and small business partnerships.)

Average Relevance Score: 3

Timeline for Implementation

N/A – No specific timeline or deadline for implementation is mentioned in the provided text.

Relevance Score: 1

Impacted Government Organizations

Office of Federal Procurement Policy (via the Office of Management and Budget): Charged with streamlining procurement regulations and implementing the Revolutionary FAR Overhaul to reduce barriers for small businesses.
FAR Council: Oversees the review and reform of the Federal Acquisition Regulation, ensuring a more efficient and accessible contracting process for federal agencies and small business contractors.
Small Business Administration (SBA): Collaborates to align small business contracting rules and maintain vital support programs that enhance small business participation in federal contracts.
General Services Administration (GSA): Plays a role in promoting government-wide contracts such as OASIS+ to support and diversify the federal contractor base, including small and disadvantaged businesses.

Relevance Score: 2 (A small number of Federal Agencies are impacted by the order.)

Responsible Officials

Office of Management and Budget’s Office of Federal Procurement Policy – Tasked with overseeing and implementing the streamlined regulatory coverage and FAR reform measures.
FAR Council – Charged with executing the Revolutionary FAR Overhaul, including regulatory reforms and the reduction of burdensome requirements.
Small Business Administration (SBA) – Responsible for coordinating with the FAR Council to ensure consistency across small business contracting programs.

Relevance Score: 5 (Directives impact high-level officials, including heads of key federal agencies and White House officials.)