Big Changes Coming for Government Contractors: Proposed FAR CUI and DoW FOCI Rules, New Quantum Cryptography Order and Ongoing CMMC Rollout - Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP
New proposed FAR rules on Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and DoW FOCI, a quantum cryptography order, and ongoing CMMC rollout will significantly impact government contractors, requiring updates to cybersecurity and compliance practices.
Aforeworn detected this change in the Government Contracting (SAM/FAR) space on July 6, 2026 and published this briefing so affected operators are forewarned rather than caught off guard. It is rated High urgency. Small business set-asides, defense contractors, GSA schedule holders, federal grant recipients should confirm how it applies to their specific situation before acting. There is a time constraint attached: Varies: CMMC compliance deadlines start 2025; FAR CUI rule expected final 2024 with 180-day effective date; quantum order immediate attention; DoW FOCI rule comment period ends soon.. Acting after that point can mean penalties, a lapsed licence, or lost eligibility — exactly the kind of surprise Aforeworn exists to prevent. Aforeworn monitors Government Contracting (SAM/FAR) continuously and turns every detected change into a plain-English briefing like this one, so you always know first. Forewarned is forearmed.
What changed
Proposed FAR rule for CUI (FAR Case 2023-XXX) will mandate NIST SP 800-171 compliance for all contractors handling CUI; DoW FOCI rule will tighten foreign ownership controls; new quantum cryptography order requires post-quantum encryption readiness; CMMC 2.0 rollout continues with phased implementation.
Who it affects
Small business set-asides, defense contractors, GSA schedule holders, federal grant recipients
What you must do
Review and update cybersecurity policies to align with NIST SP 800-171, assess foreign ownership structures, begin planning for quantum-safe cryptography, and prepare for CMMC certification if handling CUI.
Deadline
Varies: CMMC compliance deadlines start 2025; FAR CUI rule expected final 2024 with 180-day effective date; quantum order immediate attention; DoW FOCI rule comment period ends soon.
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Aforeworn watches Government Contracting (SAM/FAR) around the clock and alerts you the moment a rule moves — with a plain-English brief on what to do.
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