DOL Announces 2027 Minimum Wage Rate for Contracts Covered by Executive Order 13658
The Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division has announced that, beginning January 6, 2027, the Executive Order 13658 minimum wage will rise to $14.05 per hour, and the minimum cash wage for tipped employees to $9.85 per hour. The rates apply to certain federal contracts entered into between January 1, 2015, and January 29, 2022, that were not renewed or extended on or after January 30, 2022. Contractors with such legacy contracts should confirm coverage and update payroll rates before the effective date.
GovCheck AI updated — EO 13658 2027 minimum wage rate change flagged for covered legacy contracts
DoW Suspends CMMC Phase II Requirements
Effective July 13, 2026, the Department of War has suspended the upcoming CMMC Phase II requirements and initiated a 60-day review of the entire program. Phase I self-assessments remain mandatory, and DFARS 252.204-7012 is still fully in force. Contractors should prepare for potential changes following the review period.
GovCheck AI updated — [CMMC Phase II suspension flagged]
FinCEN Proposes Funds-Transfer Ban on A7 Network Sub-Agents Tied to Russian Sanctions Evasion
FinCEN has issued a finding and notice of proposed rulemaking under Section 9714(a) of the Combating Russian Money Laundering Act, identifying transactions involving companies outside the U.S. controlled by the A7 Network as a class of transactions of primary money laundering concern. The proposal would prohibit covered financial institutions from transmitting funds in connection with those transactions. Contractors with international payment flows, foreign subcontractors, or banking relationships exposed to Russia-linked intermediaries should review screening and payment controls. Comments are due November 4, 2026.
GovCheck AI updated — FinCEN A7 Network special measure proposal flagged for contractors with cross-border payment and sanctions-screening exposure
HUD Updates Section 3 Benchmarks for Hiring and Contracting With Low-Income Persons and Businesses
HUD has published its triennial update to the Section 3 benchmarks, replacing the 2023 notice and requesting public comment on the benchmark goals. Section 3 applies to HUD-funded housing and community development work, and the benchmarks guide how contractors and subrecipients measure employment and contracting opportunities for low- and very low-income persons and eligible businesses. The notice is effective November 4, 2026, with comments due December 4, 2026. Contractors on HUD-assisted projects should review the new benchmark figures against their workforce and subcontracting plans.
GovCheck AI updated — HUD Section 3 benchmark update flagged for contractors and subrecipients on HUD-funded projects
GSA Proposes GSAR Changes Implementing Executive Order 14275 on Utility Services Acquisition
GSA has proposed amending GSAR Part 541 on procurement of utility services to implement Executive Order 14275, aligning the GSAR with the FAR Council’s proposed rule for FAR Part 41. The guidance does not apply to agencies using their special authorities under FAR 41.103(a)(2) and (3). Contractors that provide utility services to federal facilities, or support GSA utility acquisitions, should review the proposal alongside the FAR Part 41 changes. Comments are due November 4, 2026.
GovCheck AI updated — GSAR Part 541 utility services proposal flagged alongside FAR Part 41 changes for utility service contractors
DOJ Fraud Division Directive 26-12 Sets Corporate Enforcement Priorities, Including Procurement Fraud
DOJ’s National Fraud Enforcement Division issued Directive 26-12, effective immediately, naming health care fraud, tax evasion, tariff evasion and forced labor, and fraud involving government contracts and procurement as priorities. Threats to military readiness are a key charging factor, leadership must incentivize whistleblowers to report fraud, and corporate investigations must be reported to the Corporate Enforcement Section within seven days. The directive covers Fraud Division matters, not civil False Claims Act cases handled elsewhere. Contractors should review compliance programs and internal reporting channels against these priorities.
GovCheck AI updated — DOJ Fraud Division Directive 26-12 flagged for procurement fraud and whistleblower exposure
FAA Proposes Electronic Submission Options for Commercial Space Launch Licensing
The FAA has proposed amendments to its commercial space launch and reentry licensing regulations to permit submission of license and permit applications, waiver requests, alternative time frame requests, and safety element approvals through additional electronic methods. Contractors and operators in the commercial space sector should review current submission procedures and prepare for updated electronic filing requirements. Comment deadlines and effective dates have not yet been finalized; affected parties should monitor the Federal Register for the proposed rule's full text and comment period.
GovCheck AI updated — FAA proposed rule flagged for commercial space launch licensing electronic submission requirements
FCC and USAC Launch Data Matching Program to Verify Lifeline Eligibility in Georgia
The FCC and Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) have established a new computer matching program with Georgia's Department of Human Services, Department of Family and Children Services, under the Privacy Act of 1974. The program cross-references applicant and subscriber data to verify eligibility for the Lifeline low-income broadband subsidy program. Contractors administering Lifeline-related services or handling USAC subscriber data should confirm their data-handling practices align with applicable Privacy Act matching notice requirements and applicable 47 CFR Part 54 obligations.
GovCheck AI updated — FCC/USAC Privacy Act computer matching program flagged for Lifeline administrators and USAC subcontractors handling subscriber PII
FCC to Overhaul NEPA Environmental Review Rules Under 47 CFR
The FCC will consider a Report and Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking at its open meeting on September 30, 2026, to overhaul its National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) rules under 47 CFR. The reforms aim to clarify which Commission actions require environmental review and to streamline the review process. Contractors involved in FCC-regulated infrastructure deployments — including broadband, wireless, and satellite projects — should monitor this proceeding for new scoping thresholds and expedited review procedures that may affect project timelines.
GovCheck AI updated — FCC NEPA rulemaking overhaul flagged for contractors with FCC-regulated infrastructure projects under 47 CFR
DEA Proposes Extending Controlled Substance Reexport Window to 365 Days
DEA has proposed amending its regulations to extend the permitted reexportation period for controlled substances shipped outside the European Economic Area from 180 days to 365 days from the date of original release by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The change would affect exporters and distributors subject to DEA controlled substance scheduling requirements. Comment deadline has not been specified in the summary; contractors involved in pharmaceutical supply chains or international controlled substance logistics should monitor the Federal Register for the official comment period.
GovCheck AI updated — DEA proposed rule extending EEA-outside reexport window for controlled substances from 180 to 365 days flagged for review
OFAC Amends Iranian Transactions and Sanctions Regulations Under 2020 Executive Order
OFAC has adopted a final rule amending the Iranian Transactions and Sanctions Regulations (ITSR) to implement provisions of the January 10, 2020 Iran-related Executive Order. The amendment revises an existing definition, modifies an existing exemption, and incorporates two new exemptions derived from the 2020 Executive Order. Government contractors engaged in any trade, financial transactions, or supply chain activity touching Iran must review updated ITSR provisions for compliance exposure.
GovCheck AI updated — ITSR final rule flagged; Iran-related transaction screening and exemption criteria updated per 2020 EO implementation
OFAC Amends Cuban Assets Control Regulations Under 2025 NSPM-5
OFAC is amending the Cuban Assets Control Regulations to implement National Security Presidential Memorandum-5 (2025 NSPM-5), signed June 30, 2025, which strengthens U.S. policy toward Cuba. Contractors with Cuba-related transactions, travel programs, or supply chain exposure must reassess compliance posture against the amended prohibitions and any revised license requirements. Companies previously relying on general licenses or authorized categories under prior OFAC Cuba guidance should confirm those authorizations remain valid under the new framework.
GovCheck AI updated — OFAC Cuban Assets Control Regulations amended per 2025 NSPM-5; Cuba-related transaction and license reviews flagged for contractor compliance audit
OFAC Reorganizes Sanctions Penalty Provisions Across Multiple Regulatory Parts
OFAC is removing duplicative penalties provisions from multiple sanctions program regulations and consolidating that information into the Sanctions Penalties Regulations, with cross-references added to each affected part. Additionally, OFAC is expanding the opening subpart of each affected part to include delegations of authority, recordkeeping and reporting requirements, and Paperwork Reduction Act notices. No substantive compliance obligations are created or eliminated — this is a structural reorganization for regulatory clarity. Contractors should update internal compliance reference maps accordingly.
GovCheck AI updated — OFAC sanctions program regulatory reorganization flagged; no new substantive obligations, recordkeeping or penalty thresholds unchanged
SBA Removes Affirmative Action Requirements from Small Business Contracting Programs
The SBA has issued a final rule removing regulatory provisions that required affirmative action by applicants and recipients of SBA programs, citing constitutional concerns. Technical corrections to related regulatory provisions are also included. Contractors participating in 8(a), HUBZone, WOSB, and other SBA set-aside programs should review their compliance posture and internal policies referencing these now-removed affirmative action obligations under FAR Subpart 19. Program documentation and subcontracting plans relying on the rescinded provisions must be updated accordingly.
GovCheck AI updated — SBA final rule removing affirmative action provisions from small business contracting programs flagged under FAR Subpart 19
SBA Extends Comment Period on Revised Small Business Size Standards to November 20, 2026
The Small Business Administration (SBA) has extended the public comment period on its proposed Small Business Size Standards revision — originally published August 20, 2026 — by an additional 60 days, now closing November 20, 2026. The rulemaking, governed by FAR Subpart 19, proposes updates to the size standard methodology used to determine small business eligibility for set-aside contracts. Government contractors relying on small business status for competition eligibility should review the revised methodology and submit comments by the new deadline.
GovCheck AI updated — SBA size standards comment deadline extended to November 20, 2026 under FAR Subpart 19
FAA Proposes Higher Altitude Oxygen Mask Thresholds for Pilot Operations
The FAA has issued a proposed rule to raise the altitudes at which pilots must don oxygen masks during commuter, on-demand, and general aviation pressurized aircraft operations, as mandated by the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024. The proposal would permit flight at higher altitudes without requiring at least one pilot at the controls to wear and use an oxygen mask. Government contractors operating aircraft fleets or holding aviation-related contracts should assess whether current standard operating procedures align with the anticipated revised thresholds. A comment deadline will apply once the NPRM is published in full.
GovCheck AI updated — FAA proposed rule flagged for aviation contractors: revised pilot oxygen mask altitude thresholds under FAA Reauthorization Act 2024
OFAC Issues Two New Iran General Licenses Y and Z
OFAC has formally published two new Iran-related General Licenses — GL Y and GL Z — in the Federal Register, providing authorized categories of transactions otherwise prohibited under Iran sanctions. While previously posted to OFAC's website, Federal Register publication establishes official legal standing. Contractors and exporters engaging in any Iran-nexus transactions must review both GLs immediately to assess applicability and ensure operations remain within licensed scope. Unauthorized transactions remain subject to civil and criminal penalties.
GovCheck AI updated — OFAC Iran General Licenses Y and Z flagged for contractor Iran-nexus transaction review
ATF Proposes to Consolidate Explosives Magazine Safety Requirements into Single Regulation
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) has issued a proposed rule to consolidate explosives magazine storage safety requirements currently spread across four regulatory sections into a single unified section. The proposal would eliminate certain existing provisions while retaining and restructuring core safety requirements. Government contractors who store, handle, or transport explosive materials — including defense and construction contractors — should review the proposed changes and submit comments during the open comment period. Monitor the Federal Register for the official comment deadline.
GovCheck AI updated — ATF proposed rule flagged for contractors subject to federal explosives magazine storage regulations
PHMSA Incorporates 2015 ASME Section XII into Hazardous Materials Regulations
PHMSA is amending the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) to incorporate by reference the 2015 edition of ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, Section XII, governing construction and continued service of cargo tank motor vehicles (CTMVs), cryogenic portable tanks, and multi-unit tank car tanks. The rule also incorporates the National Board Inspection Code. Contractors involved in hazardous materials transport, tank fabrication, or inspection services must verify their equipment certifications and service documentation align with the newly authorized standards.
GovCheck AI updated — PHMSA HMR amendment incorporating 2015 ASME Section XII and National Board Inspection Code for transport tank construction and continued service
ATF Finalizes Safe Explosives Act Rules, Rescinds 2003-5 Ruling
ATF has issued a final rule converting two 2003 interim final rules implementing the Safe Explosives Act to permanent status, responding to public comments received over two decades ago. The rule rescinds ATF Ruling 2003-5 and makes targeted revisions to explosives licensing and permitting provisions under 27 CFR Part 555. Government contractors involved in explosives manufacturing, storage, or handling should verify current licensing and recordkeeping practices align with the revised permanent requirements.
GovCheck AI updated — ATF Safe Explosives Act final rule published; ATF Ruling 2003-5 rescinded; 27 CFR Part 555 provisions revised
DOT Finalizes DBE/ACDBE Rule Eliminating Race- and Sex-Based Presumptions
The U.S. Department of Transportation has issued a final rule amending its Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) and Airport Concession DBE (ACDBE) program regulations, completing a transition begun by an interim final rule on October 3, 2025. The rule eliminates race- and sex-based presumptions of social and economic disadvantage, which DOT determined to be unconstitutional, replacing them with individualized eligibility determinations. Contractors working on DOT-funded surface transportation and airport concession projects must update DBE certification and counting procedures accordingly.
GovCheck AI updated — DOT final rule eliminating race/sex presumptions in DBE/ACDBE eligibility determinations flagged for transportation contractors
ATF Adds Annual Written Notice Requirement for Explosive Materials Storage Sites
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives has amended 27 CFR Part 555 to require that any person storing explosive materials subject to ATF regulation submit annual written notices to the local authority having jurisdiction for fire safety — in addition to the existing one-time notification upon commencing storage. Contractors engaged in demolition, mining, construction, or defense-related activities who store explosives must now establish recurring annual compliance procedures to satisfy this new reporting obligation. Failure to comply may expose licensees and permittees to regulatory sanctions.
GovCheck AI updated — ATF annual explosive materials storage notice requirement flagged for contractors with ATF explosives licenses or permits
DEA Proposes Schedule I Placement for Five Tryptamine Hallucinogens
The Drug Enforcement Administration has issued a proposed rule to place five tryptamine hallucinogens — 4-OH-DiPT, 5-MeO-AMT, 5-MeO-MiPT, 5-MeO-DET, and DiPT — into Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act. Contractors involved in pharmaceutical research, laboratory services, or chemical supply chains must assess whether these substances appear in their operations, procurement, or export activities. Handling, manufacturing, or distributing Schedule I substances without DEA registration carries significant federal criminal and civil liability.
GovCheck AI updated — DEA proposed Schedule I scheduling of five tryptamine compounds flagged for contractor substance control and export compliance review
CMS Modifies Hospice Item Set SORN to Add Real-Time Data Collection
HHS/CMS has amended System of Records Notice No. 09-70-0548 (Hospice Item Set System) under the Privacy Act of 1974 to incorporate real-time data collection at the point of patient assessment. The modification expands the scope of data captured to improve understanding of patient care needs. Contractors handling CMS hospice data or operating under related HHS agreements should review updated data handling, access, and retention obligations under this SORN.
GovCheck AI updated — CMS Hospice Item Set SORN 09-70-0548 modified to include real-time assessment data collection
DoD Consolidates Defense Travel System and CTIM into Single Privacy Act SORN
The Department of Defense is modifying and reissuing the Defense Travel System (DTS) System of Records Notice (DHRA 08 DoD) under the Privacy Act of 1974, consolidating it with the Commercial Travel Information Management System (CTIM, DHRA 14 DoD). The merger centralizes DoD-wide travel data — covering pre-travel arrangements through post-travel payments — into a single system of records. Contractors whose employees travel on official DoD business and whose PII is processed through DTS should review updated data handling and disclosure routines under the revised SORN.
GovCheck AI updated — DoD DTS/CTIM Privacy Act SORN consolidation flagged for contractors handling DoD travel PII
GSA Proposes Moving FSS Ordering Procedures from FAR to GSAR Part 538
GSA has issued a proposed rule to amend the General Services Administration Acquisition Regulation (GSAR) by relocating Federal Supply Schedule ordering procedures from FAR to GSAR Part 538, implementing Executive Order 14275. The change would direct all ordering activities to follow GSA-established FSS procedures exclusively under GSAR. Contractors who sell through the FSS program and ordering agencies must monitor this shift, as compliance obligations will migrate from FAR to GSAR authority. A comment deadline has not been specified in this summary — contractors should consult the Federal Register docket.
GovCheck AI updated — proposed GSAR Part 538 rule flagged; FSS ordering procedure authority shifting from FAR to GSAR under EO 14275
OFAC Removes Ethiopia Sanctions Designees from SDN List
The U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has removed named individuals and entities from the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons (SDN) List previously designated under Ethiopia sanctions authorities. Government contractors and subcontractors must update their screening workflows to reflect these removals. Transactions with formerly blocked parties may now be permissible, subject to any remaining license requirements or other applicable sanctions programs.
GovCheck AI updated — OFAC SDN List removals under Ethiopia sanctions authority flagged for contractor screening workflow review
BIS Removes One Turkish Entity from EAR Entity List
The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) has amended the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) by removing one entity located in Turkey from the Entity List. Exporters previously subject to license requirements when transacting with this entity should update their restricted party screening lists accordingly. While this action reduces export control burden for affected transactions, contractors must ensure their compliance systems reflect the updated list promptly to avoid over-restriction or administrative errors.
GovCheck AI updated — BIS Entity List removal for one Turkey-based entity flagged for EAR restricted party screening updates
BIS Removes Two Arrow Electronics Hong Kong Addresses from Entity List
The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) has revised the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) Entity List by removing two addresses associated with Arrow Electronics (Hong Kong) Co., Ltd. under the China destination. This follows the November 2025 removal of Arrow China Electronics Trading Co., Ltd. and six aliases for the Hong Kong entity. Exporters previously screening transactions against these entries should update their restricted party screening databases to reflect the reduced listing footprint for this supplier.
GovCheck AI updated — BIS Entity List revised; Arrow Electronics (Hong Kong) Co., Ltd. address entries removed under China destination
Contractor Pays Record AbilityOne False Claims Act Settlement
A government contractor has agreed to pay one of the largest AbilityOne program-related False Claims Act settlements on record, signaling heightened DOJ enforcement scrutiny of AbilityOne set-aside procurement compliance. Contractors participating in the AbilityOne program must ensure accurate representation of qualified nonprofit agency partnerships, direct labor hour calculations, and compliance with 41 U.S.C. § 8501 et seq. False certifications of AbilityOne compliance expose contractors to treble damages and per-claim penalties under the FCA. GovCheck AI users with AbilityOne-related contracts should conduct immediate internal audits.
GovCheck AI updated — AbilityOne False Claims Act enforcement risk flagged for contractors with AbilityOne set-aside contract vehicles
FDA Updates 21 CFR to Allow Non-Animal Methods for Pre-Clinical Drug Safety Testing
The FDA issued a direct final rule amending 21 CFR to clarify that non-animal testing methods may be used where appropriate to establish safety of drugs and biological products intended for human use prior to first-in-human trials. This rule does not eliminate animal testing requirements but formally recognizes validated alternatives. Government contractors supporting FDA-regulated drug development programs or operating under contracts requiring pre-clinical safety testing should review whether existing performance standards reference animal-only methodologies that may now be updated.
GovCheck AI updated — FDA 21 CFR direct final rule permitting non-animal pre-clinical safety testing methods flagged for contractors supporting drug and biologics development programs
FDA Grants Partial 510(k) Exemption for Radiology AI Diagnostic Devices
FDA has issued a final order granting a partial exemption from premarket notification (510(k)) requirements under 21 CFR for radiology computer-aided detection/diagnosis (CADe/CADx) devices and computer-aided triage and notification devices. The exemption follows a petition received and noticed on December 29, 2025. Contractors developing or procuring FDA-regulated radiology AI tools for federal health programs should reassess premarket submission obligations, as qualifying devices may no longer require 510(k) clearance prior to commercialization.
GovCheck AI updated — FDA partial 510(k) exemption finalized for radiology CADe/CADx and triage AI devices under 21 CFR
DHS Finalizes HSAR Rule Mandating Domestic PPE Acquisition Under Make PPE in America Act
DHS has issued a final rule amending the Homeland Security Acquisition Regulation (HSAR Case 2024-003) to codify compliance with the Make Personal Protective Equipment in America Act. The rule restricts DHS procurement of certain PPE categories to domestically manufactured sources, targeting sustainment and expansion of U.S. production capacity for national public health emergency response. Contractors supplying PPE to DHS must audit their supply chains to confirm domestic manufacturing compliance or risk non-award or contract termination. Affected contractors should review solicitation and contract terms for new HSAR clauses reflecting these restrictions.
GovCheck AI updated — HSAR Case 2024-003 final rule flagged; DHS PPE domestic manufacturing restrictions added to supply chain compliance checks
State Dept Amends ITAR: Updates Major Non-NATO Ally List, Country Policies
The Department of State has amended the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) to clarify policy-of-denial provisions, update country-specific export policies for Ethiopia and Somalia, and add Saudi Arabia and Peru to the Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA) list. These changes affect license eligibility determinations and policy-of-denial applicability for defense exporters. Contractors engaged in ITAR-controlled exports must immediately review their export compliance programs, license portfolios, and country-specific policies to reflect updated ally classifications and denial frameworks.
GovCheck AI updated — ITAR country policy changes flagged for Ethiopia, Somalia, Saudi Arabia, and Peru; Major Non-NATO Ally list updated
State Dept Removes Certain UUVs from USML, Seeks Public Comment
The Department of State has amended the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) to remove certain uncrewed underwater vehicles (UUVs) from U.S. Munitions List Category XX(a), with conforming changes to related controls. The Department is simultaneously soliciting public comments to further refine UUV controls and identify enhancements to the license exemption for UUV-related activities. Contractors manufacturing, exporting, or brokering UUVs should reassess their USML classification obligations and monitor the comment period for potential additional decontrol opportunities.
GovCheck AI updated — ITAR USML Category XX(a) UUV decontrol flagged; license exemption comment period opened
OPM Proposes Overhaul of Excepted Service, Pathways Programs, and ALJ Appointments
OPM has issued a proposed rule to amend regulations governing the excepted service schedules (including Schedules E, Policy/Career, and G), Pathways Programs conversions, and administrative law judge appointments. The rule modernizes Part 302 hiring procedures while preserving veterans' preference, compensable-injury restoration rights, and priority placement rights. Contractors relying on federal staffing pipelines or employing personnel who transition between government and contractor roles should monitor conversion eligibility changes. A public comment deadline applies — review the Federal Register notice for the specific date.
GovCheck AI updated — OPM proposed rule flagged affecting excepted service hiring, Pathways conversions, and ALJ appointment procedures
EPA Proposes Revised 'Waters of the United States' Definition Post-Sackett
The EPA and Army Corps of Engineers issued a supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking to revise the regulatory definition of "Waters of the United States" (WOTUS) under the Clean Water Act, following the U.S. Supreme Court's 2023 Sackett v. EPA decision. This supplements an earlier proposal published November 20, 2025. Federal contractors involved in construction, land disturbance, dredge-and-fill activities, or infrastructure projects may face revised permitting obligations under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act depending on final scope.
GovCheck AI updated — EPA supplemental WOTUS rulemaking flagged for contractors with construction, infrastructure, or land-disturbing federal contract activities
EPA Proposes Rescission of GHG Emission Standards for Fossil Fuel Power Plants
The U.S. EPA has proposed to repeal all greenhouse gas emission standards for fossil fuel-fired electric generating units (EGUs) under Clean Air Act Section 111, asserting the statute does not authorize EPA to regulate power plant emissions in response to global climate change. This supplemental proposal adds independent legal rationale to an earlier repeal proposal. Government contractors in energy, utilities, and related sectors should monitor comment periods and assess whether existing GHG compliance programs tied to these standards require adjustment.
GovCheck AI updated — EPA proposed repeal of CAA Section 111 GHG standards for fossil fuel-fired EGUs flagged for energy sector contractors
Maduro Ally Alex Saab Pleads Guilty in Venezuela Bribery and Laundering Scheme
Alex Saab, former Venezuelan Minister of Industry and Maduro regime ally, pleaded guilty to conspiring to launder proceeds of a massive bribery and fraud scheme tied to public contracts for food and medicine in Venezuela and the United States. Government contractors operating in high-risk jurisdictions or with Venezuela-linked counterparties should review beneficial ownership disclosures, anti-money laundering controls, and OFAC screening protocols. The case underscores DOJ's continued aggressive enforcement posture on foreign bribery schemes intersecting with U.S. public procurement and reinforces False Claims Act exposure where tainted funds touch federal contracts.
GovCheck AI updated — Venezuela-linked bribery enforcement flagged for OFAC screening and third-party vetting obligations
DOJ Surge Action Targets $245M+ in PPP and EIDL COVID Loan Fraud
The DOJ National Fraud Enforcement Division, SBA, and SBA OIG announced a nationwide surge enforcement action resulting in criminal charges, guilty pleas, and sentencings exceeding $245 million in COVID-era fraud targeting the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program. The Middle District of Florida served as a key enforcement hub. Contractors who received PPP or EIDL funds under potentially false certifications face heightened False Claims Act exposure as DOJ signals continued prioritization of pandemic-era fraud prosecutions.
GovCheck AI updated — DOJ PPP/EIDL surge enforcement action flagged; False Claims Act exposure risk elevated for contractors with outstanding COVID-era loan certifications
CASB Rescinds CAS 407 on Standard Costs for Direct Material and Labor
The Cost Accounting Standards Board has issued a final rule rescinding CAS 407 (Use of Standard Costs for Direct Material and Direct Labor), conforming the standard to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). One definition previously housed under CAS 407 is transferred to another location within 48 CFR Chapter 99. CAS-covered contractors must review existing disclosed practices and forward pricing agreements for compliance gaps arising from the rescission. This follows the NPRM published at 91 FR 13562.
GovCheck AI updated — CAS 407 rescission flagged; CAS-covered contractor cost accounting disclosures and forward pricing rate agreements require review
DoD Seeks Public Comment on Mentor-Protégé Program Information Collection Extension
DoD has published a Paperwork Reduction Act notice proposing to extend the existing information collection requirement supporting the DFARS Mentor-Protégé Program. Comments are invited on the necessity, practical utility, and burden accuracy of the collection. This is not a substantive regulatory change but signals the program's continued administrative operation. Contractors participating in or considering the Mentor-Protégé Program should monitor the Federal Register for the comment deadline and any associated burden estimate updates.
GovCheck AI updated — DFARS Mentor-Protégé Program information collection extension under PRA flagged for awareness
FCC Adopts Regulatory Fee Schedule for Fiscal Year 2026
The Federal Communications Commission has adopted its final regulatory fee schedule for Fiscal Year 2026, establishing updated assessment and collection rates for regulated entities. Government contractors holding FCC licenses — including those operating radio, satellite, or telecommunications systems — should review the updated fee schedule to ensure timely payment and budget compliance. Failure to pay regulatory fees can result in license revocation or denial of renewal applications.
GovCheck AI updated — FCC FY2026 regulatory fee schedule finalized; review for applicable license categories and payment obligations
EPA Proposes Approval of Wisconsin Coal Combustion Residuals Permit Program
The EPA is proposing to grant partial approval of Wisconsin's Coal Combustion Residuals (CCR) permit program under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), following review of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources application. If finalized, Wisconsin facilities managing CCR — including fly ash and bottom ash disposal units — would operate under state-administered permitting rather than direct federal oversight. Contractors operating or remediating CCR sites in Wisconsin should assess whether this shift affects existing compliance obligations and permit status.
GovCheck AI updated — EPA proposed RCRA partial approval for Wisconsin CCR state permit program flagged for contractors with CCR site operations or remediation work in Wisconsin
FCC Seeks Comment on Prohibiting Importation of Section 1709 NDAA UAS Equipment
The FCC's Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau and Office of Engineering and Technology have issued a Public Notice proposing to prohibit the continued importation and marketing of certain previously authorized UAS and UAS critical components identified in Section 1709 of the FY2025 NDAA as posing unacceptable national security risk. The proposal would extend existing equipment authorization prohibitions to covered unmanned aircraft systems. Government contractors procuring, operating, or integrating UAS platforms should monitor this proceeding closely, as final rules could restrict supply chains and mandate equipment replacement.
GovCheck AI updated — FCC NDAA Section 1709 UAS importation and marketing prohibition proposal flagged for contractor supply chain review
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