GSA Administrator Forst to Open the Winter Training Conference
The Coalition for Common Sense in Government Procurement (Coalition) is honored and excited to announce that The Honorable Edward C. Forst, Administrator of the General Services Administration (GSA), will open the 2025–2026 Winter Training Conference: The Revolutionary Federal Market with a Keynote Fireside Chat alongside Coalition President Roger Waldron. Administrator Forst will discuss his leadership and management priorities for GSA as the federal acquisition system undergoes restructuring.
As GSA Administrator, Ed Forst brings 40 years of leadership experience managing complex organizations across both the private sector and public service. His career includes experience in the real estate market at Cushman & Wakefield, public service at the Department of the Treasury, and financial services at Goldman, Sachs & Co. Throughout his career, Administrator Forst has emphasized disciplined execution, operational efficiency, risk management, and investing in people as the foundation for achieving results at the highest level.
Administrator Forst’s participation underscores the importance of the Winter Training Conference as an opportunity for direct engagement with senior federal leaders shaping the future of government procurement.
Don’t Miss Your Chance to Register!
The Coalition’s Winter Training Conference is just days away, and there is still time to register to join senior government officials, policy leaders, and industry experts for two days of timely discussions on the future of federal procurement. Taking place January 14–15 at the Fairview Park Marriott in Falls Church, VA, the conference will examine how ongoing efforts to streamline acquisition are reshaping the federal market and what those changes mean for agencies and contractors heading into 2026.
To register, click here. For questions or assistance with registration, please contact Madyson Whiting at mady.whiting@thecgp.org.
Governmentwide Day – January 14
The Honorable Dr. Kevin Rhodes, OFPP Administrator
Day One will explore governmentwide acquisition policy and reforms. In addition to Administrator Forst’s Keynote Fireside Chat, Day One will feature a Keynote Address from The Honorable Dr. Kevin Rhodes, Administrator of the Office of Federal Procurement Policy (OFPP), offering a governmentwide perspective on acquisition policy and reform. The agenda also includes an acquisition panel with GSA’s Larry Allen, Associate Administrator, Office of Governmentwide Policy, and Laura Stanton, Deputy Commissioner, Federal Acquisition Service. Additional sessions will address:
- The Revolutionary FAR Overhaul – What’s Next?
- GSA’s Consolidation Action Plan
- Updating MAS Ordering Guidance to Support FAR Overhaul Enhancements
- The New IT GWAC Market
- Integrated Award Environment (IAE) / SAM.gov
- The New MAS Market, including Transactional Data Reporting
View the full Governmentwide Agenda.
Healthcare Day – January 15
Keynote Speakers: Howard Manuel, Deputy Senior Advisor to the VA Secretary and Phil Christy, OALC Principal Executive Director and Chief Acquisition Officer
Day Two will focus on healthcare acquisition issues and will begin with Keynote Remarks from Phil Christy, Principal Executive Director and Chief Acquisition Officer, Office of Acquisition, Logistics & Construction, Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The Luncheon Keynote Address will be delivered by Howard Manuel, Deputy Senior Advisor to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Sessions will also address:
- VA Acquisition Leadership Priorities
- Federal Budget and Legislative Updates
- Impacts of the Revolutionary FAR Overhaul on Federal Healthcare Contractors
- VA Medical/Surgical Prime Vendor Program
- DHA Pharmaceutical Program
- VA Federal Supply Schedule Program
- VA Pharmacy Program
- VA Community Care Program
View the full Healthcare Agenda.
With senior leadership from GSA, OFPP, VA, and other key agencies, the Winter Training Conference offers an unparalleled opportunity to gain clarity on what’s next for federal procurement and what it means for government and industry. Register now to join us for these timely and important conversations while there is still time. We look forward to seeing you next week!
Reminder: OFPP Seeks Public Input for Next Phase of FAR Overhaul
The Revolutionary Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Overhaul (RFO) is moving into its next phase in 2026, and the Office of Federal Procurement Policy (OFPP) is seeking broad public input to help shape it. To support this effort, OFPP has launched a new IdeaScale community designed to collect feedback from the acquisition workforce, industry, and other stakeholders on ways to streamline and modernize the FAR.
Through the platform, participants can submit ideas on practices agencies should start, stop, or refine as the government works toward a rewritten and simplified FAR. Community members may also view, comment on, and vote for ideas posted by others, helping OFPP identify the most impactful recommendations.
OFPP describes this as a key opportunity to contribute to a “historic initiative” that aims to reset the foundation of Federal buying. The IdeaScale community will accept feedback through January 12, 2026.
White House Issues New Defense Contracting Executive Order
On Wednesday, the President issued an Executive Order (EO), “Prioritizing the Warfighter in Defense Contracting,” aimed at strengthening the defense industrial base by accelerating production and prioritizing performance on U.S. government contracts.
The EO directs the Secretary of War to identify defense contractors producing critical weapons, supplies, and equipment that are underperforming, failing to invest adequately in production capacity, or not sufficiently prioritizing government requirements. Identified contractors may be required to submit remediation plans and could face enforcement actions, including the use of Defense Production Act authorities and existing contract remedies. The EO also requires that future defense contracts include language prohibiting stock buybacks and corporate distributions for underperforming contractors.
House Spending Bills Add Guardrails on Agency Cuts and Reorganizations
Federal News Network reports that fiscal year 2026 spending bills released by the House this week would limit deep agency budget cuts and place new “guardrails” on unilateral agency reorganizations. The legislation would prohibit covered agencies from eliminating or significantly restructuring programs, projects, or activities without providing advance notice to appropriators. It would also prevent agencies from cutting more than five percent of employees or program funding without Congressional notification.
The provisions apply to a broad set of agencies, including the Departments of Justice, Interior, Commerce, and Energy, as well as the Environmental Protection Agency, National Science Foundation, and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. The bills would fund agencies for the full fiscal year and must be enacted before the January 30 funding deadline.
DISA Expands Use of Acquisition Accelerators
Federal News Network reports that the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) is implementing new requirements to accelerate acquisition timelines. By March, at least 40 percent of all task and delivery orders issued through the General Services Administration’s (GSA) Schedule Program or DISA blanket purchase agreements must use at least one “acquisition accelerator.” By September, that requirement increases to 80 percent.
To support broader use of these tools, the Department of War (DoW) has issued 31 class deviations to the FAR, effective February 1. The updates include changes to FAR Part 6 (competition), Part 10 (market research), and Part 12 (commercial products and services), among others, as part of the RFO.
Department of War Seeks AI Input on Zero Trust Assessments
Meritalk reports that the DoW is seeking industry input on how artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning could be used to accelerate and scale Zero Trust cybersecurity assessments across the department.
In a Request for Information (RFI), DoW’s Zero Trust Portfolio Management Office said it is exploring how emerging technologies could support “purple team assessments,” which evaluate how offensive and defensive cyber teams operate within information technology (IT) environments. The RFI seeks feedback on how AI-enabled automation could improve assessment speed, identify and prioritize attack paths, simulate realistic threat scenarios, and support continuous zero trust compliance.
Responses are due by February 9, 2026.
Spending Deal Boosts NIST Funding to $1.8B
Federal News Network reports that the recently announced appropriations minibus package includes $1.8 billion in funding for the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), above the agency’s FY25 funding level of $1.46 billion. The package rejects proposed funding cuts and supports continued NIST work in areas such as AI, cybersecurity, and advanced research.
The agreement provides $1.25 billion for NIST’s research and services division, more than $500 million above the White House’s budget request. Appropriators also included $175 million to continue funding the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Program, which supports a nationwide network of centers providing services to small and medium-sized U.S. manufacturers. The legislation includes language prohibiting major changes to the MEP program, which the White House had proposed to defund.
In addition, the package allocates $55 million for NIST’s AI research and measurement efforts, including direction for NIST to evaluate U.S. and Chinese AI capabilities. The bill also provides $128 million to repair and modernize NIST’s major research facilities and includes $405 million for Community Project Funding, commonly referred to as earmarks.
NIST Invests $20M to Advance AI in Manufacturing and Cybersecurity
NIST has announced a $20 million investment to establish two new centers aimed at advancing AI adoption in U.S. manufacturing and strengthening cybersecurity for critical infrastructure. The initiative expands NIST’s collaboration with the nonprofit MITRE Corporation and supports U.S. leadership in emerging technologies.
The AI Economic Security Center for U.S. Manufacturing Productivity will focus on developing AI-driven tools and “agents” to improve efficiency, output, and competitiveness across American manufacturing. The AI Economic Security Center to Secure U.S. Critical Infrastructure from Cyberthreats will develop technologies to enhance the cybersecurity of critical systems and reduce risks associated with vulnerable or adversarial uses of AI.
According to NIST, the centers represent an important step in implementing its Strategy for American Technology Leadership in the 21st Century and will rely on adaptive, public-private partnerships to develop, pilot, and deploy new AI capabilities. NIST also announced plans to make an additional award in the coming months to establish the AI for Resilient Manufacturing Institute.
GSA Announces OneGov Agreement with Cohesity for Cybersecurity Protections
GSA announced a new OneGov agreement with Cohesity that provides Federal agencies with discounted pricing on the company’s data protection and replication software, as well as custom-built solution bundles available through GSA’s Multiple Award Schedule (MAS).
Under the agreement, agencies are eligible for:
- Up to 72.25 percent off select Cohesity software;
- 65 percent off the Cohesity OneGov FedShield bundle; and
- 35 percent off the Cohesity OneGov FedCloud bundle
The discounted pricing is available through September 30, 2027.
“Under my leadership, GSA is focused on executing President Trump’s priorities to reduce the cost of government and centralize procurement, driving significant taxpayer savings, and equipping our Federal workforce with the cutting-edge tools they need to excel,” said Edward C. Forst, GSA Administrator.
GSA Expands OneGov Rideshare Partnership with Uber
GSA announced enhancements to its OneGov rideshare partnership with Uber, aimed at making government travel more cost-effective, flexible, and efficient for Federal employees. As part of the update, Uber will now offer complimentary Uber One memberships to participating Federal employees to generate additional savings and encourage broader adoption.
Since the partnership launched last July, agencies have reported more than 50 percent savings compared to other ground transportation options and over 80 percent savings by replacing shuttle contracts with on-demand rides. GSA estimates it saved nearly $1 million last year by eliminating more than 170 underutilized fleet vehicles. Officials say that shifting all taxi and unmanaged rideshare spending to the program could save the Federal Government more than $46 million annually.
Complimentary Uber One memberships are available to Federal employees through November 30, 2027.
Kirsten Davies Confirmed as Pentagon Chief Information Officer
NextGov reports that Kirsten Davies was officially sworn in on December 23 as the Pentagon’s Chief Information Officer (CIO), becoming the DoW’s first permanent CIO under the second Trump Administration. Davies was nominated by the President in May 2025 and confirmed by the Senate in December.
Davies’ nomination received strong support from the cybersecurity community. She brings extensive private-sector IT and cybersecurity experience, having previously held leadership roles at Unilever, the Estée Lauder Companies, and Booz Allen Hamilton. She is also the founder and former Chief Executive Officer of the nonprofit Institute for Cyber, which focuses on promoting digital safety.
Register for the Small Business Summit! Jan. 13
On January 13, the Coalition will host its third annual Small Business Summit, a half-day forum featuring key insights and analyses into the latest developments regarding small business policy, subcontracting, teaming, joint venture agreements, and more.
The program will consist of valuable sessions featuring experts from government and industry, and the chance to network with peers in the procurement community. The Summit is an excellent opportunity for both small and large businesses to increase their knowledge about small business policy and what makes for a successful, sound business relationship.
This event is complimentary to all Coalition members, and both in-person and virtual attendance are available! Register here. For any assistance, please contact Madison Whiting at mady.whiting@thecgp.org.
SBA Office of Government Contracting and Business Development Update
This session will feature an update from Larry Stubblefield, Deputy Associate Administrator of the Office of Government Contracting and Business Development at the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), on current priorities, recent policy developments, and key initiatives impacting small businesses in the federal marketplace.
Small Business Subcontracting
The Summit also features a panel on small business subcontracting, with perspectives and insights from large and small businesses. Speakers will discuss compliance considerations, opportunities, and practical strategies for building successful partnerships in today’s federal marketplace. Attendees will gain a clearer understanding of how primes and subs can work together to meet subcontracting goals and deliver best value to government customers.
This event is complimentary to all Coalition members, and both in-person and virtual attendance are available! Register here. For any assistance, please contact Madison Whiting at mady.whiting@thecgp.org.
Webinar – Overview of the NDAA for Fiscal Year 2026, Jan. 22
Join the Coalition and Moshe Schwartz, President of Etherton and Associates, Inc., on January 22 from 12:00 – 1:00 PM (ET) for an Overview of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026 webinar.
During the webinar, Moshe will highlight trends and focus areas of the NDAA, including:
- Acquisition;
- The Industrial Base;
- Cybersecurity Provisions; and
- More
To register, click here. For assistance with registration, please contact Mady Whiting at Mady.Whiting@thecgp.org.
Webinar – OASIS+ Phase II: New Domains. Continuous Enrollment. Bigger Possibilities, Jan. 27
GSA is set to reopen all six OASIS+ solicitations on January 12, 2026, under a continuous enrollment model—introducing five new service domains that expand the playing field for professional services contractors. This update reflects Executive Order 14240 and GSA’s push to simplify acquisition and consolidate spend.
On January 27 from 12:00 – 1:00 PM (ET), please Join Leo Alvarez, Principal at Baker Tilly, Dylan Schreiner, Government Contractor Solutions Senior Manager at Baker Tilly, and the Coalition for a practical briefing on Phase II of OASIS+. Leo and Dylan will cover the upcoming pre-amendment notice, draft scorecards, and strategies to position your firm for success.
Topics include:
- The five new domains and their implications;
- Preparing for continuous enrollment; and
- Teaming and qualification best practices.
Whether you’re an incumbent or a newcomer, this session will help you navigate the next chapter of OASIS+.
To register, click here. For assistance with registration, please contact Mady Whiting at Mady.Whiting@thecgp.org.
Webinar – Commerciality Considerations of DoD’s Memo on “Transforming the Defense Acquisition System into the Warfighting Acquisition System,” Jan. 29
On November 7th, the Department of War released a memorandum outlining its initiative to “Transform the Defense Acquisition System into the Warfighting Acquisition System.” Join the Coalition on January 29 from 12:00 – 1:00 PM (ET) for a presentation by Peter Terenzio of Covington and Mike Tomaselli of Chess Consulting as they examine the memo’s major themes and the implications for government contractors.
The session will include a focused discussion on the regulatory framework governing commercial contracting, given the memorandum’s emphasis on expanding the defense industrial base through a “commercial first” strategy. Topics will include:
• Key themes and objectives identified in the memo;
• FAR Part 12 vs. FAR Part 15 (commercial vs. negotiated acquisitions);
• Definitions of commerciality under FAR 2.101;
• Commercial item determinations and DCMA’s role; and
• Alignment with the FAR Overhaul and proposed CAS changes.
To register, click here. For assistance with registration, please contact Mady Whiting at Mady.Whiting@thecgp.org.
2025 Small Business Year in Review, Feb. 4
The Coalition for Common Sense in Government Procurement (Coalition) will host a virtual 2025 Small Business Year in Review webinar on February 4 from 12:00-1:00 PM (ET)! The event features industry experts David Black, Partner at Holland and Knight, Jon Williams, Partner at PilieroMazza, and Ken Dodds, Executive Vice President and General Counsel at the Coalition, who will provide insights on the regulatory changes and decisions of the past year that impact both large and small business contractors.
During the event, Black, Dodds, and Williams will cover a wide range of topics, including observations on:
- Small Business Administration (SBA) updates;
- Office of Hearings and Appeals (OHA) cases;
- Government Accountability Office (GAO)/Court of Federal Claims (COFC) decisions; and
- Part 19 of the Revolutionary Federal Acquisition Regulation Overhaul
Small and large businesses are encouraged to attend. If you have any questions in advance of the event, please contact Joseph Snyderwine at Jsnyderwine@thecgp.org.
To register, click here. For assistance with registration, please contact Mady Whiting at Mady.Whiting@thecgp.org.
GSA Contract Management Best Practices, Feb. 5
Join us on Thursday, February 5, 2026, from 12:00 – 1:00 PM (ET) for an insightful webinar on GSA Contract Management Best Practices, led by Sergey Bogol, VP of GSA Contract Management Operations at Price Reporter.
With over 20 years of hands-on experience in supporting GSA contractors, Price Reporter experts will share strategies that successful contractors use to grow and thrive in their GSA business as we move into 2026. In this webinar, Sergey will provide you with a practical contract management playbook centered on repeatable routines designed to protect your contracts and enhance performance. Their playbook is founded on three core pillars that ensure long-term success with GSA:
- Best Practices for Compliance: Learn how to maintain compliance effectively.
- Strategies for Business Growth: Discover ways to expand your business with government contracts.
- Automation and Scaling Techniques: Find out how to automate processes for next-level growth.
Don’t miss this opportunity to elevate your GSA contract management skills!
To register, click here. For assistance with registration, please contact Mady Whiting at Mady.Whiting@thecgp.org.