The memorandum from the Office of Government-wide Policy, issued by William Clark, outlines updates regarding class deviations from the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) in response to Executive Orders 14173 and 14168. These orders mandate changes to ensure compliance with new anti-discrimination policies, following the revocation of Executive Order 11246, which previously enforced equal employment opportunity standards. The supplement eliminates certain outdated clauses and specifies new provisions that agencies must follow in future contracts and solicitations.
Agencies are directed to remove specific provisions related to apprenticeship and affirmative action from current solicitations and to include updated clauses relevant to wage rate requirements and subcontracting standards. The document emphasizes that contractors remain subject to existing civil rights laws, regardless of their status as government contractors. It also highlights the need for agencies to consult with legal counsel when creating FAR deviations. The memorandum aims to provide a clear framework for federal agencies to adapt to these regulatory changes, ensuring fair contracting practices that align with the current administration's priorities.
The CAAC Letter 2025-02 Supplement 1 outlines a directive to civilian agencies regarding class deviations from the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) in response to Executive Order 14148, which rescinds prior executive orders impacting procurement practices. Specifically, it revokes Executive Order 14057 on federal sustainability and Executive Order 14208 regarding paper straws, facilitating a shift in federal purchasing policies towards a more favorable stance on plastic straws and sustainability requirements. The memorandum mandates that contracting officers amend solicitations and contracts by excluding certain FAR clauses linked to sustainability and implementing new provisions as defined in the attachment. Agencies are guided to ensure compliance with these executive orders while adapting their acquisition policies and procedures, especially in regards to sustainable products and services. Additionally, existing contracts will require agencies to develop compliance strategies without the sustainability mandates established in prior regulations. This document serves to realign federal procurement efforts to reflect the latest directives from the executive branch, supporting a shift in focus on policy adherence in environmental and sourcing practices.
The U.S. International Boundary and Water Commission (USIBWC) is implementing changes to its procurement processes in response to recent class deviations from the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and related Executive Orders. This notice outlines necessary actions to ensure compliance, including the exclusion of certain provisions and clauses from new solicitations and the inclusion of specified deviations. Key updates are also highlighted for existing contracts, with the intention to facilitate modifications through unilateral adjustments. Additionally, it addresses potential delays in system updates within the System for Award Management (SAM) as entities may still need to complete representations based on older provisions. Furthermore, provisions tied to sustainability regulations are being updated to comply with Executive Order 14208, which removes non-statutory sustainability preferences in purchasing food service wares. An attached list identifies vendors affected by these changes. These updates reflect the USIBWC's commitment to align its operations with federal standards while adapting its procurement processes to evolving regulatory environments.