GSA's New DEI Restrictions, Cybersecurity Requirements: What Federal Contractors Need to Know - Holland & Knight
GSA has introduced new DEI restrictions and cybersecurity requirements for federal contractors, impacting SAM registration, FAR compliance, and contract eligibility.
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: Immediate; effective upon publication or within 30-90 days depending on contract type.. 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
New DEI restrictions and enhanced cybersecurity requirements (likely CMMC/NIST 800-171) for federal contractors.
Who it affects
Small business set-asides, defense contractors, GSA schedule holders, federal grant recipients
What you must do
Review and update DEI policies and cybersecurity practices to meet new GSA/FAR requirements; ensure SAM.gov registration reflects compliance.
Deadline
Immediate; effective upon publication or within 30-90 days depending on contract type.
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