TDR is an Opportunity for Partnership
On June 9, 2025, the General Services Administration (GSA) announced the mandatory expansion of Transactional Data Reporting (TDR) across GSA’s Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) program. The mandatory expansion will begin at the end of June 2025, as a part of MAS Refresh 27, with 62 product Special Item Numbers (SINs) not currently covered by TDR as well as the cloud services SIN. GSA will extend TDR as a mandatory requirement to all SINs beginning in Fiscal Year 2026. This is a momentous occasion, that, through collaboration, could benefit government and industry.
The benefits of TDR to the government are clear. TDR provides GSA with market intelligence about the pricing for the specific goods and services purchased under a MAS transaction, intelligence that is currently unavailable. TDR will enhance MAS price competition and result in better value solutions for the government and taxpayer. TDR will reduce overhead and supply chain costs, and aid in supply chain risk management. TDR will also provide other agencies with valuable price data that can be used governmentwide.
TDR benefits government and industry as well by reducing contract administration and compliance costs through the elimination of the Price Reduction Clause (PRC). The PRC dates back to the 1980s when the MAS program was 1) mandatory, 2) there were a limited number of MAS contractors and associated products, and 3) competition at the task order level was not required by statute. Under these conditions, the MAS was a limited tool used to acquire commodities based on price alone. The MAS has changed significantly since the 1980s. Services now outpace product purchasing and customer agencies use the MAS to purchase best value solutions such as cutting-edge information technology and cloud. The PRC is extremely burdensome and requires firms to identify their best commercial pricing for products and/or services sold at comparable terms and conditions, and then, for the life of the contract, constantly monitor their commercial operations to make sure that the firm never offers a commercial client a better price than the price offered to the government, at the risk of potential treble damages under the False Claims Act. Price protections such as PRC might make sense in the context of a sole source or requirements contract, but do not make sense in the highly competitive MAS market, where contractors receive a $2500 guarantee and the opportunity to compete for orders with dozens, hundreds, or even thousands of other contractors. Some of the largest MAS contractors will tell you that because of the risks associated with PRC, the costs associated with PRC compliance far exceed the costs associated with TDR reporting. The costs of PRC compliance are even more debilitating to small businesses. TDR will make the MAS more effective and efficient for government and industry, both at the contract formation and transactional level, but only if the extra TDR burden is offset by elimination of the PRC burden.
While the transition away from PRC is highly valued and applauded by industry, it is important that GSA works with industry to implement the transition in an efficient and effective manner. There are industries, such as furniture and information technology, where the items are highly configurable and can result in thousands if not millions of possible permutations. For example, buyers of furniture have numerous options, including but not limited to the legs, handles, fabric, finish, orientation and other customizable options. Laptops are customizable based on memory, software, warranty, battery power, storage, audio, processor, etc. We respectfully request that GSA work with firms in these highly configurable industries to craft TDR reporting requirements for these industries that provide GSA with meaningful data, while not overburdening these industries with reporting requirements that will drive up costs for agency customers, costs that will ultimately be borne by the taxpayer. A worst-case scenario would be reporting requirements that are so onerous that firms in highly configurable industries leave the Federal market altogether.
Moreover, under the MAS program, pricing and value are driven by competition at the order level for firm requirements and/or volume commitments from the government. In contrast, as noted, the contract level pricing is based on the overarching contract terms, namely, the $2500 minimum guarantee and the corresponding opportunity to compete for future work (competition which requires investment in bid and proposal costs by MAS contractors). As such, it would be unreasonable to use order level pricing to negotiate contract level pricing. There are no volume commitments at the contract level. As GSA moves forward with this transformational initiative, members of the Coalition for Common Sense in Government Procurement stand ready to work with all stakeholders to streamline acquisition through TDR. We also look forward to the elimination of a costly regulatory regime (for government and industry) with the removal of the PRC.
New Cyber Executive Order Reflects White House Priorities
Last Friday, the Trump Administration published an Executive Order (EO), “Sustaining Select Efforts to Strengthen the Nation’s Cybersecurity.” It amends previous EOs and adds additional cybersecurity directives for Federal agencies. According to a White House Fact Sheet, the EO:
- Advances Secure Software development
- Directs action to address border gateway security
- Directs action on post-quantum cryptography
- Directs adoption of the latest encryption methods
- Refocuses AI cybersecurity on managing vulnerabilities
- Promotes machine readable policy standards
- Limits cyber sanctions to foreign actors
- Eliminates digital ID mandates
- Profligates United States Cyber Trust Mark labeling
Some Federal contractors will be required to adopt the Cyber Trust Mark. The EO directs the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Council to amend the FAR to “require vendors to the Federal Government of consumer Internet-of-Things products, as defined by 47 CFR 8.203(b), to carry United States Cyber Trust Mark labeling for those products.”
GSA Establishes “Office of Centralized Acquisition Services” for Other Agency Contracts
Federal News Network reports that GSA is implementing the EO consolidating procurement through the establishment of an Office of Centralized Acquisition Services (OCAS). The OCAS is currently recruiting contracting officers to join the organization. According to an email obtained by Federal News Network, “OCAS will act as the central hub for acquisition execution, supporting agencies as they transition designated contracts to GSA.” The email also stated that, “OCAS will operate under a streamlined, standardized model in which GSA provides contracting officers and contract specialists to manage procurement actions. Agencies will retain responsibility for mission requirements, oversight and performance management through their contracting officer representatives and acquisition career managers.”
Coalition Testifies on Defense Acquisition and Innovation
On Wednesday, Moshe Schwartz, Defense Fellow at The Coalition for Common Sense in Government Procurement, testified before the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Subcommittee on Military and Foreign Affairs during a hearing titled, “Clearing the Path: Reforming Procurement to Accelerate Defense Innovation.”
In his testimony, Schwartz highlighted that “our defense acquisition system takes too long to deliver capability, costs more than it should, and often fails to adopt the most cutting-edge capabilities industry has to offer.” Schwartz emphasized that “buying commercial,” “removing bureaucracy,” and “rewriting the Federal Acquisition Regulation” are key efforts underway, alongside Congressional initiatives like the FoRGED and SPEED Acts to “streamline the acquisition process” and “expand the Defense Industrial Base,” which he noted has been shrinking.
He called for a renewed focus on “modernizing IT and improving the performance of the acquisition workforce,” and stressed that “defense acquisition is a human endeavor,” with better outcomes depending on “empowering people to take responsibility and make good management decisions.” Schwartz also urged investment in systems that will allow DoD to “realize the promise of artificial intelligence” and “enable acquisition at the speed of relevance.”
Read the full testimony here.
View the full recording of the hearing here.
GSA Announces Expansion of TDR Across SINs
On June 9, GSA announced the end of the Transactional Data Reporting (TDR) pilot and the expansion of TDR across the Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) program. The expansion will begin with 62 new product and cloud services Special Item Numbers (SINs) at the end of June 2025. The 62 SINs added to TDR in MAS Refresh 27 are:
According to a GSA MAS Office Hours webinar this week, MAS Refresh 27 will make participation in TDR mandatory for all contracts with a TDR-eligible SIN, including:
- All existing product SINs
- The Cloud SIN and select service SINs
- Contracts that have not yet opted into TDR will be expected to opt-in no later than September 30, 2025.
GSA Acting Administrator Stephen Ehikian said in a press statement that “GSA is leveraging technology to drive innovation, create a more efficient government, and improve citizen experiences. Data is central to these efforts to deliver the best outcomes and reduce costs in federal acquisition.”About TDR, he also explained that “[e]xpanding our use of Transactional Data Reporting will provide critical insights into pricing and procurement, ultimately ensuring taxpayer dollars are spent wisely.”
“Comprehensive data on purchased items and corresponding prices will empower our contracting officers to negotiate effectively and secure the best value for taxpayer dollars,” said Federal Acquisition Service Commissioner Josh Gruenbaum. “Much like our private industry partners, GSA depends on data to make the best decisions about procurement. Transactional Data Reporting will provide the federal government with the critical and essential market intelligence to help aid the government’s effort to create a transparent, optimized and streamlined marketplace for goods and services.”
To learn more about TDR, click here.
GSA to Issue MAS Refresh 27
According to an advanced notice posted on GSA Interact, GSA plans to issue MAS Refresh 27 by the end of June. The mass modification applying the changes associated with Refresh 27 must be accepted by contractors within 90 days of its issuance. Refresh 27 includes the following changes to the overall MAS solicitation:
- Expand TDR to 62 additional SINs and make it mandatory for all product and cloud SINs;
- Apply the following changes to the “General Information” section of each Large Category solicitation attachment:
- Add new section for Revoked Executive Orders
- Add new section for Executive Order on Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs
- Revise ‘General Out of Scope Items’statement
- Retire ten SINs (see table below);
- Implement revisions to SCP-FSS-001 Instructions Applicable to All Offerors;
- Incorporate updated Service Contract Labor Standards (SCLS) Wage Determinations;
- Limit requirement for resellers to provide a Letter of Supply to items proposed under Information Technology (Category F) and Printing and Photographic Equipment (Subcategory A10 in Category A);
- Clarify that stand-alone items must be proposed as either a base item or an accessory, they cannot be proposed as an option;
- Apply minor updates to Price Proposal Template (PPT) for Products; and
- Incorporate clause and provision updates, as necessary, through Federal Acquisition Circular (FAC) 2025-04 and GSAR Change 199, excluding GSAR Change 187.
| Category | SINs Planned for Retirement | Alternative Procurement Channel |
| Facilities | 339113G Gloves | Commercial Platforms, Other MAS SINs or Open Market |
| Furniture & Furnishings | 332439MLB Mail Lock Boxes | Other MAS SINs or Open Market |
| Furniture & Furnishings | 339113P Packaged Healthcare Furniture | Other MAS SINs or Open Market |
| Furniture & Furnishings | 337127P International Packaged Furniture | Other MAS SINs or Open Market |
| Furniture & Furnishings | 339930 Doll, Toy and Game Manufacturing | Commercial Platforms or Open Market |
| Furniture & Furnishings | 532289 Furniture Rental and Leasing | Open Market |
| Office Management | 511130 Books and Pamphlets | Commercial Platforms, Other MAS SINs or Open Market |
| Miscellaneous | 339992 Sounds of Music | Commercial Platforms or Open Market |
| Miscellaneous | 339999ASB Awards (SBSA) | Commercial Platforms or Open Market |
| Miscellaneous | 339999A Awards | Commercial Platforms or Open Market |
Less than Two Weeks Away! Don’t Miss the Spring Training Conference
As the federal marketplace continues to evolve under the new Administration, the Coalition’s 2025 Spring Training Conference is your opportunity to stay informed and engaged on the latest acquisition initiatives shaping government procurement. Taking place in less than three weeks on June 25-26 at the Fairview Park Marriott in Falls Church, Virginia, this two-day event is quickly approaching! Now is the time to secure your spot and ensure you are part of the conversation shaping the future of federal acquisition.
Explore the full governmentwide agenda here.
Explore the full healthcare agenda here.
To register, click here. For questions or assistance with registration, please contact Madyson Whiting at mady.whiting@thecgp.org.
Please note that the room block at the Fairview Park Marriott, the location of the conference, has sold out. However, the Coalition has secured an additional room block at the Residence Inn Fairfax Merrifield, located 1.5 miles away from the Fairview Park Marriott. Transportation to the conference will be provided for guests staying at the Residence Inn Fairfax Merrifield via shuttle in the morning and evening on Wednesday and Thursday. Please use the following link to secure your room in our block at the discounted rate of $249/night (plus taxes): Book your group rate at Residence Inn Fairfax Merrifield (event located at separate hotel). **Please note, our room block at this hotel is only available through Monday, June 23 or until rooms are sold out.**
Below are just a few of the major developments in procurement that government and industry leaders will address.
GSA Vision for Future of Federal Procurement
We are thrilled to kick off the Spring Training Conference with keynote remarks from Federal Acquisition Service (FAS) Commissioner Josh Gruenbaum on The New Federal Market and Delivering Best Value. FAS, under the leadership of Commissioner Gruenbaum, is consolidating domestic, government-wide procurement to streamline processes and create efficiencies. Commissioner Gruenbaum will touch on FAS’ operational processes to ingest procurement from around the government, and how these efforts will help FAS provide greater mission support for agencies. In addition, he will discuss GSA’s efforts to rightsize the Multiple Award Schedule Program, as well as its new OneGov initiative.
Procurement Consolidation Executive Order
A March Executive Order (EO), Eliminating Waste and Saving Taxpayer Dollars by Consolidating Procurement, directs agencies to consolidate overlapping contracts and reduce procurement redundancies across government. The goal of the EO is to eliminate waste, improve efficiency, and save taxpayer dollars. The New FAS in the New Federal Market: Procurement Consolidation Panel, which features General Services Administration (GSA) Senior Procurement Executive Jeff Koses and Kristen Wilson, Acting Associate Administrator of the Office of Federal Procurement Policy (OFPP), will explore the implications of this order and how it impacts agency operations.
Revolutionary FAR Overhaul
The Federal Acquisition Regulatory (FAR) Council has launched the Revolutionizing Federal Acquisition Regulation (RFO) initiative to conduct the most comprehensive overhaul of the FAR in decades. This effort aims to streamline and modernize the FAR to better reflect current market conditions, promote innovation, and reduce unnecessary complexity and duplication. The Procurement Policy and the New Federal Market Panel, featuring Larry Allen, GSA Associate Administrator, Office of Government-wide Policy, and Rob Burton, Crowell & Moring Partner, will dive into the scope of the rewrite and what it means for contractors and the acquisition workforce.
Commercial Solutions Executive Order
An April EO, Ensuring Commercial, Cost-Effective Solutions in Federal Contracts, directs agencies to prioritize commercial, cost-effective solutions and eliminate unnecessary barriers to entry. The EO emphasizes the Federal Government’s obligation to leverage the competitive marketplace and private-sector innovation to deliver more efficient goods and services to taxpayers. The New Federal Market: Acquisition Policy Reform Panel will explore how this EO is being implemented across agencies and the implications for industry. Panelists include:
- John Tenaglia, Principal Director, Defense Pricing, Contracting and Acquisition Policy
- Mathew Blum, OFPP, Office of Management and Budget (invited)
- Moshe Schwartz, President, Etherton and Associates
- Bill Greenwalt, Senior Fellow, American Enterprise Institute
GSA OneGov Initiative
GSA recently unveiled its OneGov strategy to modernize how the Federal Government purchases goods and services. By improving how agencies acquire and deliver mission support services, OneGov aims to reduce costs, boost efficiencies in acquisition, and improve customer experience across the government. The New Federal Market: OneGov Panel will explore the strategy’s implications for acquisition professionals and how it supports broader efforts to streamline government operations. Panelists include:
- Jeff Lau, Assistant Commissioner, Office of General Supplies and Services, GSA
- Christina Kingsland, Acting Assistant Commissioner, Office of Travel, Transportation and Logistics, GSA
- Pete Burr, Acting Assistant Commissioner, Office of Assisted Acquisition Services, GSA
- Greg Rollins, Deputy Assistant Commissioner, Office of Policy and Compliance, GSA
- Larry Hale, Deputy Assistant Commissioner, Office of Information Technology Category, GSA
- Adam Soderholm, Director, Center for Professional Services, Office of Professional Services and Human Capital Categories, GSA
Cybersecurity and DoD Acquisition: CMMC & SWFT
The Department of Defense (DoD) is advancing two critical efforts to improve cybersecurity and modernize software acquisition. The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) program continues to evolve and looks to reinforce supply chain security requirements for contractors. In addition, DoD has launched the Software Fast Track (SWFT) initiative to accelerate how secure software is acquired, tested, and authorized across the department. We’re honored to welcome Leslie Beavers, Principal Deputy Chief Information Officer at DoD, as the Luncheon Keynote Speaker to discuss these and other DoD initiativesin the new federal market.
VA Acquisition Operations
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is conducting a comprehensive review of its acquisition operations to better serve veterans and improve internal efficiency. This review includes an assessment of procurement structures, contract management, and vendor engagement practices. We have invited executive from the VA to participate on The New VA Office of Acquisition, Logistics, & Construction to examine the review’s early findings and its potential impact on VA contracting moving forward.
Pricing, Policy and Compliance Developments in Healthcare
A newly released EO, Delivering Most-Favored-Nation Prescription Drug Pricing to American Patients, directs federal agencies to pursue most-favored-nation pricing for prescription drugs. Our Healthcare Legal Panel will address this policy as it relates to contractors, as well as other recent policies impacting the federal healthcare market. Panelists include:
- Kristin Hicks, Partner, Arnold & Porter
- James Kim, Shareholder, Polsinelli
- Stephen Ruscus, Partner, BakerHostetler
- Jennifer Plitsch, Partner, Covington & Burling
These are just a few of the important topics that will be discussed at the Spring Training Conference. Join us June 25-26 to hear directly from policymakers and industry leaders about the road ahead for federal acquisition!
Thank You to our Spring Training Conference Sponsors!
Join the Conversation: Spring Training Conference Social Media Kit Now Available!
As we count down to the 2025 Spring Training Conference on June 25 – 26, we are excited to launch our official Social Media Kit to help you spread the word about the event! Whether you are attending or sponsoring, you can now download customizable graphics and sample social media posts to share your involvement in the Conference.
Let your network know you will be joining the conversation on “What’s Next for the Federal Market” with the hashtag #CGPSpring2025.
Follow the Coalition on LinkedIn, Facebook, and X for the latest Conference updates and highlights.
Download the kit here and help us build momentum as the conference approaches!
Revolutionary FAR Overhaul Releases 3 New Deviations
The Revolutionary FAR Overhaul, an initiative aimed at streamlining the FAR and removing non-statutory requirements, issued another three deviations on Acquisition.gov. The deviations are for:
- Part 18 - Emergency Acquisitions
- Part 39 – Acquisition of Information and Communication Technology
- Part 43 – Contract Modifications
GSA has also started posting Practitioner Albums, which provide further information and best practices related to published deviations. The Coalition’s FAR Rewrite Working Group is currently focused on commenting on deviation to FAR Part 10 – Market Research. To get involved in the FAR Rewrite Working Group, please email Greg Waldron at gwaldron@thecgp.org.
VA FSS to Issue MAS Modification
Please note the VA Federal Supply Schedule (FSS) will soon issue a mass modification that introduces a new Contractor’s Qualifications and Financial Information Form; clarifies issues related to delayed System for Award Management (SAM) processing; and provides updated versions of FAR Clauses:
- 52.203-17 Contractor Employee Whistleblower Rights (Nov 2023),
- 52.212-3 Offeror Representations and Certifications – Commercial Products and Commercial Services (May 2024) (Deviation Feb 2025),
- 52.212-5 Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders -Commercial Products and Commercial Services (JAN 2025) (DEVIATION FEB 2025), and
- 52.226-8 Encouraging Contractor Policies to Ban Text Messaging While Driving (May 2024).
Current FSS Contractors will receive email notification that includes downloadable documents and submission instructions.
Coalition Launches New EO Deliverables Resource for Members
The Coalition is happy to announce our new Executive Order Deliverables timetable for members. The EO Deliverables table includes descriptions of recent EOs affecting Federal contracting plus any major deliverables called for and the government’s deadline. The table can be arranged by date or by EO using the “Sort” function. The EO Deliverables Table is posted on our Presidential Transition Resources page here.
CMMC DFARS Final Rule Expected This Summer
Federal News Network highlights recent actions taken by the Department of Defense (DoD) to prepare for the rollout of the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) program. CMMC is designed to enforce compliance with cybersecurity requirements applicable to Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) that is handled by DoD contractors. The CMMC final rule, published in October 2024, established the program’s structure, and an August 2024 DFARS proposed rule would insert CMMC requirements into contracts. Stacy Bostjanick, DoD’s Chief of the Defense Industrial Base Cybersecurity in the CIO’s Office, stated that the second proposed rule is “close to going to the Office of Management and Budget’s Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) for final processing.” Bostjanick added that she expects the final rule “in full and published” later this summer which will officially launch the implementation of CMMC into DoD contracts.
Bostjanick also discussed a successful pilot program with “cloud service providers (CSP) and a managed service provider (MSP) to provide an easier path for companies to meet CMMC requirements.” Through the pilot, companies can inherit between 80-90 percent of the required CMMC controls by working with a CSP or MSP. This shared service approach aims to reduce the time and cost of CMMC certification. DoD estimates that there are up to 300,000 companies in the defense industrial base. According to these estimates, approximately 80,000 will need to achieve CMMC level 2 certification, and 1,500 will need to achieve CMMC level 3 certification.
DoD Prioritizes “Right to Repair” Provisions in Contracts
An April memo from Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth titled, “Army Transformation and Acquisition Reform” included “right to repair” as a top priority of acquisition reform in Army contracts. The memo tasks the Secretary of the Army with-
“[i]dentify[ing] and propos[ing] contract modifications for right to repair provisions where intellectual property constraints limit the Army’s ability to conduct maintenance and access the appropriate maintenance tools, software, and technical data – while preserving the intellectual capital of American industry. Seek[ing] to include right to repair provisions in all existing contracts and also ensure these provisions are included in all new contracts.”
“Right to repair” contract provisions would allow the Army to conduct maintenance and upgrade its equipment on its own without violating intellectual property or warranties.
Legal Corner: DOJ’s Civil Rights Fraud Initiative Bolsters Threat of False Claims Act Enforcement Under “Anti-DEI” Executive Order
The Legal Corner provides the procurement community with an opportunity to share insights and comments on relevant legal issues of the day. The comments herein do not necessarily reflect the views of The Coalition for Common Sense in Government Procurement.
Authored by Lyndsay A. Gorton, Brian Tully McLaughlin, Jason M. Crawford, Kris D. Meade, and Nkechi Kanu; Crowell & Moring
On May 19, 2025, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche issued a Memorandum creating the Civil Rights Fraud Initiative that will “utilize the False Claims Act to investigate and . . . pursue claims against any recipient of federal funds that knowingly violates federal civil rights laws.” According to the Memorandum, though racial discrimination has “always been illegal,” the Administration posits that “many corporations and schools continue to adhere to racist policies and preferences—albeit camouflaged with cosmetic changes that disguise their discriminatory nature.” In an effort to prevent federal funds from being used in connection with or support of these purportedly racist policies and preferences, the Initiative will wield the power of the False Claims Act, the government’s most powerful tool to fight fraud, waste, and abuse.
This Memorandum follows and bolsters President Trump’s Executive Order (EO) No. 14173, Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity (Jan. 21, 2025), often referred to as the “Anti-DEI Executive Order,” which seeks to end “illegal” diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts by recipients of federal funding. Most pertinent, EO 14173 directed agencies to include terms in every federal contract or grant award requiring the contractor to agree that its compliance with applicable federal anti-discrimination laws is material to the government’s payment decisions, for purposes of the False Claims Act’s materiality element, and certify that it does not operate any programs promoting DEI that violate any applicable federal anti-discrimination laws. The EO is the subject of numerous ongoing legal challenges across the country. The Initiative appears to signal that the Department of Justice is initiating efforts to utilize the False Claims Act as an anti-DEI tool irrespective of the status of EO 14173’s certification provisions.
The Initiative will be co-led by the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division and the Civil Division’s Fraud Section to “aggressively” pursue the Initiative’s goals. Each of the ninety-three United States Attorney’s Offices around the country are also required to identify an Assistant United States Attorney to advance the Initiative’s efforts. The Initiative will also coordinate with DOJ’s Criminal Division, federal agencies, and states attorneys general and local law enforcement to pursue enforcement actions.
In addition to the federal and state partners, the Memorandum deputizes private individuals as DOJ “alone cannot identify every instance of civil rights fraud.” It therefore “strongly encourages” private individuals to file lawsuits under the False Claims Act, and by extension, share in any recovery of monies to the public fisc. Under the False Claims Act, private individuals can file qui tam lawsuits and stand in the shoes of the United States to vindicate alleged injuries to the United States and share in the recovery up to 30%. 31 U.S.C. § 3730. The Initiative seems to rely on the promise of sharing in potentially large recoveries as a strong incentive to bring anti-DEI lawsuits under the False Claims Act and is a call that prospective whistleblowers and the relator’s bar are sure to answer.
The timing of Deputy Attorney General Blanche’s call to action to relators is also noteworthy as the constitutionality of the False Claims Act’s qui tam provisions has been challenged in lawsuits throughout the country and is currently on appeal in the Eleventh and Third Circuits. The first, and so far only, case to declare the qui tam provisions unconstitutional under Article II’s Appointments Clause was decided less than a year ago on September 30, 2024. U.S. ex rel. Zafirov v. Fla. Med. Assocs., LLC, 751 F.Supp.3d 1293 (M.D. Fla. 2024). Following that decision, now-Attorney General Pam Bondi committed to defending the constitutionality of the False Claims Act in response to questioning from Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) during her confirmation hearings in January 2025. Since that time, DOJ has filed several statements of interest and briefs supporting the constitutionality of the qui tam provisions in district courts and the Eleventh Circuit. The issuance of the Memorandum may offer another sign that the current Administration will continue to support the constitutionality of the qui tam provisions, here as a means of extending the False Claims Act to reach alleged violations of federal civil rights laws.
Healthcare Spotlight: New Insights from VA FSS: Read the Q2 2025 Newsletter
The latest edition of the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) Federal Supply Schedule (FSS) newsletter for Q2 of 2025 is now available with fresh updates, the latest key developments, insights, and more.
In his departing “Inside FSS” write up as VA FSS Director, Dan Shearer announced the launch of the new educational Great Rescues Impactful Treatments (GRIT) initiative. GRIT gives FSS contract holders the opportunity to apply to share real-life experiences where their products and services have saved lives or greatly benefited veterans. The goal of GRIT is to raise FSS staff awareness of the significant impacts that result from their acquisition support.
Contract holders are encouraged to submit their stories demonstrating how their offerings have made a significant difference by emailing benjamin.webb1@va.gov. The VA will hold quarterly virtual GRIT meetings that allow for video participation of those who directly benefited if they would like to volunteer to tell their story. VA FSS will release more information about GRIT soon!
Other items in the newsletter include:
- FSS’ tariff preparation plans;
- March 2025 Mass Modification in response to EO 14173 submission guidelines;
- Links to the 2025 VA Federal Benefits Guide and VA’s CCST (Contract Catalog Search Tool);
- Tips for submitting for Pre-Award OID Audit;
- Contract Award analytics from the beginning of FY 2025; and
- FAQs on the “Restoring Common Sense to Federal Procurement” EO.
Previous issues of the FSS newsletter can be found here.
Save the Date: 2025 Joseph P. Caggiano Memorial Golf Tournament, August 20
The Coalition is pleased to announce that registration is now open for the 12th annual Joseph P. Caggiano Memorial Golf Tournament, which will take place on Wednesday August 20, 2025 at the beautiful Whiskey Creek Golf Club in Ijamsville, Maryland. This much-anticipated event brings together golfers of all skill levels for a day of friendly competition, networking, and most importantly, giving back. The tournament is held each year in honor of our dear friend and colleague, Joe Caggiano. Joe served eight years as an officer in the United States Navy. To honor Joe’s legacy, proceeds from the tournament support two charitable causes dedicated to the brave men and women who have served our country.
To register for the Joseph P. Caggiano Memorial Golf Tournament, click here.
Paws for Purple Hearts
Proceeds from this year’s golf tournament will once again support Paws for Purple Hearts! Paws for Purple Hearts improves the lives of veterans and wounded service members facing mobility challenges and trauma-related conditions through assistance dogs and canine-assisted therapeutic programs. In addition, Paws for Purple Hearts builds public awareness about the important role dogs play in helping veterans and service members on the road to recovery. Thanks to the outstanding generosity of our sponsors and members, we have raised over $20,000 for this wonderful organization.
Learn more about Paws for Purple Hearts in this interview with the Coalition!
The Coalition for Government Procurement Endowed Scholarship Fund
In addition, the tournament supports The Coalition for Government Procurement Endowed Scholarship Fund at The George Washington University Law School. This fund assists qualified veterans pursuing graduate studies in U.S. government procurement, helping them build careers in federal acquisition and continue their service to the nation in a new way. We have been fortunate to raise over $140,000 for this fund due to our members and sponsors.
Whether you’re a seasoned golfer, beginner, or just want to enjoy the stunning views of Whiskey Creek, we invite you to join us for this special day of camaraderie, competition and commitment to service.
Sponsorships Now Open for the Annual Golf Tournament – Featuring New Opportunities!
We’re excited to announce that sponsorship opportunities are now open for one of the Coalition’s most anticipated events of the year – the Joseph P. Caggiano Memorial Golf Tournament, taking place on August 20 at Whiskey Creek Golf Club in Ijamsville, Maryland. From brand-new options like Golf Ball and Golf Towel Sponsors, to returning favorites like Hole and Beverage Cart Sponsors, there’s a great variety of options to choose from!
Each year, this unforgettable day brings together members, colleagues, and friends for a memorable mix of competition, camaraderie, and community impact. Proceeds from the tournament benefit Paws for Purple Hearts and The Coalition’s Endowed Scholarship Fund at The George Washington University Law School, continuing Joe Caggiano’s legacy of service and support for veterans.
We’re proud to offer a variety of sponsorship opportunities to fit every business and budget. Many of our sponsorships include golfer registrations as well, a benefit that allows you to support two outstanding veteran-focused causes, promote your company to the federal procurement community, and enjoy a round of golf at one of the area’s most scenic courses.
View the Sponsorship Prospectus here. If you have any questions, or are ready to secure your sponsorship for the annual golf tournament or Fall Training Conference, please contact Heather Tarpley at htarpley@thecgp.org.
Thank you to our current sponsors!
Join the FAR Rewrite Working Group
The Coalition is establishing a FAR Rewrite Working Group to provide written comments on the changes to the FAR made by the FAR Council and the Office of Management and Budget (as described in the above article). We are seeking volunteers who will work with the Coalition staff to review the FAR Parts posted on the new Revolutionary FAR Overhaul website and draft comments to submit to the government. Our comments will be submitted on a rolling basis through September 30, 2025. To join the FAR Rewrite Working Group, please contact Greg Waldron at gwaldron@thecgp.org.
RFI on Essential Medicine Capacity of the Public Health Industrial Base
The Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR) has issued an RFI on “Public Health Industrial Base Capabilities and Capacities: Essential Medicines.” The purpose of the RFI is to collect “market research on the domestic production capability and capacity of the Public Health Industrial Base (PHIB) as it relates to the list of essential medicines identified pursuant to section 3(c) of Executive Order 13944 of August 6, 2020.”
Responses to the RFI are due June 13, 2025.
Discounted FPS Training Offerings for Coalition Members
To complement the Coalition’s current education and training offerings, we have partnered with Federal Publications Seminars (FPS) to provide even more online training courses to our members at an affordable price. FPS will provide Coalition members access to an annual training subscription to both the FPSOnline Professional and FPSOnline Premium curriculum at a 20 percent discount.
Use promo code 20CGPSUB at checkout to receive the discounted price.
Learn more and register here.
Group Pricing Available:
For individual pricing on a OnePass subscription, or to inquire about group pricing for all subscription types, please contact Catherine Restovich at Catherine@fedpubseminars.com.