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), DoW FOCI rules, quantum cryptography order, and ongoing CMMC rollout will significantly impact government contractors, especially small businesses, requiring enhanced cybersecurity and compliance measures.
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 certification deadlines start 2025; FAR CUI rule proposed with 60-day comment period; quantum order effective immediately for certain contracts.. 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 mandates CUI protection per NIST SP 800-171; DoW FOCI rule tightens foreign ownership controls; quantum cryptography order requires post-quantum cryptography adoption; CMMC rollout continues with certification deadlines.
Who it affects
Small business set-asides, defense contractors, GSA schedule holders, federal grant recipients
What you must do
Review and update cybersecurity practices to comply with NIST 800-171, prepare for CMMC certification, assess foreign ownership structures, and plan for quantum-resistant cryptography.
Deadline
Varies: CMMC certification deadlines start 2025; FAR CUI rule proposed with 60-day comment period; quantum order effective immediately for certain contracts.
Never miss a change like this again
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.
Start your free trialRelated changes in Government Contracting (SAM/FAR)
- New Proposed Rulemaking Targets Federal Grants - The National Law Review
- A New Rulebook for Federal Grantmaking: An Analysis of OMB’s Proposed “Uniform Grants Regulation” - Arnold & Porter
- CyberSheath Reopens Free Defense Contractor Cybersecurity Compliance Training Program as the DIB Races Toward CMMC Phase 2 Deadline - Business Wire
- CyberSheath Opens Registration for CMMC CON 2026 as Phase 2 Deadline and Assessor Shortage Bear Down on Defense Contractors - Business Wire
- Public weighs in on affordable housing set-aside law - Halston Media Group