September 1–5, 2025
This week in federal contracting featured a mix of major policy shifts, oversight findings, and landmark deals. The GSA unveiled two rounds of apparently successful Polaris bidders, signaling progress on a key small business IT vehicle. A new multi-billion dollar OneGov agreement with Microsoft promises steep discounts on Microsoft 365, Copilot, and Azure services across agencies. Meanwhile, Congress is debating reforms to the SBIR program as its reauthorization deadline approaches, and GAO is pressing the Pentagon for better data on OTAs. The GSA also confirmed a fall launch for FAR rulemaking, while an executive order to rename the Department of Defense as the Department of War stirred widespread attention.
DOGE Chief: ‘We Need to Hire’ After Federal Workforce Cuts
Following significant federal workforce reductions, the Director of the Office of Government Ethics (DOGE) emphasized the urgent need to replenish staff. The remarks highlight growing concern about talent gaps in government operations. 
Federal News Network
GSA Unveils 2 Batches of ‘Apparently Successful’ Polaris Bidders
The GSA released two rounds of “apparently successful” bidders under the Polaris GWAC. The announcement marks a major milestone in awarding this long-anticipated small business IT contract vehicle. Washington Technology
SBIR Program Faces Debate Ahead of Reauthorization Deadline
Lawmakers are weighing major reforms to the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program as its reauthorization deadline approaches. Proposals focus on program oversight, commercialization outcomes, and fraud prevention. Federal News Network
GSA OneGov Agreement with Microsoft Secures Billions in Discounts
GSA finalized a multi-billion dollar OneGov deal with Microsoft, delivering steeply discounted access to Microsoft 365, Copilot, and Azure cloud services across federal agencies. The agreement follows GSA’s Gemini partnership with Google last month. GSA.gov
GAO Calls for Improved Data on DOD’s Other Transaction Agreements
A new GAO report recommends that the DOD collect better contracting data on Other Transaction Agreements (OTAs). The watchdog argues more visibility is needed to assess the effectiveness and oversight of these nontraditional contracts. GAO.gov
GSA Plans Fall Launch of Formal FAR Rulemaking
GSA’s Office of Government-wide Acquisition Policy announced plans to launch formal FAR rulemaking this fall. The move will align with broader efforts to simplify, modernize, and rewrite major sections of the FAR. Federal News Network
Trump Executive Order to Rename DOD as Department of War
A new executive order from President Trump directs that the Department of Defense be renamed the Department of War. The controversial change rebrands the Pentagon for the first time since 1949. Federal News Network