RFO Timeline
Updated: Sept 9, 2025
Key milestones with inline links to public sources.
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Apr 15, 2025 — EO 14275 announced
“Restoring Common Sense to Federal Procurement” launches RFO. Source: White House.
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May 2, 2025 — First class deviations
Initial rewrite package (e.g., FAR Parts 1 & 34). Coverage: National Defense, Coalition for Government Procurement.
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Aug 2025 — Large rollout (Parts 4, 5, 8, 12, 26, 29, 31, 35, 36, 50)
Socioeconomic (Part 26) overlaps with small‑business policy; groundwork for Part 19. Coverage & breakdowns: Federal News Network, CGP Updates.
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Late Aug 2025 — New model deviation drafts (Parts 28, 30, 48)
Open for feedback until mid‑Oct. Source: Acquisition.gov.
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Fall 2025 — Expected Part 19 draft deviation
Small‑Business Programs overhaul anticipated; watch items: Rule of Two, set‑aside thresholds, JV/mentor‑protégé interplay, subcontracting. Commentary: PilieroMazza, status trackers: MoFo GovCon.
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Spring 2026 — Formal rulemaking
Notice‑and‑comment for revised parts after deviation period. Overview: Taft Law.
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2026–2027 — Finalization & sunset reviews
Non‑statutory provisions may carry a 4‑year sunset unless re‑affirmed. Implications: NASBP / PilieroMazza.
Projected Small‑Business Impact Areas
Indicative scoring (0–10) for where changes may be most felt. Values are illustrative for planning discussions and should be revisited as Part 19 text is released.
Key considerations for Part 19
- Rule of Two: Will plain‑language rewrite retain current set‑aside triggers? (PilieroMazza)
- JV/Mentor‑Protégé: How will MP JVs be treated relative to direct small‑biz primes? (Industry forums via CGP)
- Socioeconomic alignment: Interaction with Part 26 updates (Federal News Network).
- Subcontracting Plans: Potential simplification v. accountability (Acquisition.gov trackers).
- Sunset clause risk: Non‑statutory protections may lapse without affirmative renewal (NASBP).
Prep Checklist (for Small Businesses & Partners)
| Area | Action | Why it matters | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Set‑aside posture | Map opportunities by vehicle & threshold; prepare alternate bid paths | Part 6/19 interaction could shift when set‑asides apply | PilieroMazza |
| JV & Mentor‑Protégé | Re‑evaluate JV vs. prime/sub roles; document value add | Alignment with Part 19 may affect evaluation & continuity | CGP |
| Socioeconomic strategy | Confirm certifications (8(a), HUBZone, WOSB/EDWOSB, SDVOSB) & teaming mix | Part 26 updates may interact with Part 19 language | Federal News Network |
| Subcontracting & LoS | Audit current plans, cyber/data clauses; ready templates | Potential simplification but need accountability | Acquisition.gov |
| Advocacy & comments | Prepare comment letters; coordinate with PTAC/SBA/associations | Deviation → rulemaking; sunset risk without feedback | NASBP |
Sources & Further Reading
- White House (EO announcement context): Fact Sheets — Apr 15, 2025
- Acquisition.gov (official postings & deviation text): Acquisition.gov • Model deviation (Parts 28, 30, 48): Notice
- National Defense Magazine: RFO shows progress (June 3, 2025)
- Coalition for Government Procurement: RFO overview • Sept 5 update
- Federal News Network: Aug 2025 package explained
- PilieroMazza (Part 6 & Rule of Two implications for small business): Insight
- Schwabe (EO & rewrite overview): Overview
- Taft Law (process & timeline explainer): Explainer
- NASBP • PilieroMazza (sunset clause & contractor considerations): Advisory