XL EagleRevolutionary FAR Overhaul (Revolutionary FAR Overhaul (RFO))
Revolutionary FAR Overhaul stands for Revolutionary FAR Overhaul (RFO). The Revolutionary FAR Overhaul is a government-wide effort, launched in 2025 under an executive order, to rewrite the FAR in plainer language and remove rules that are not required by law. The FAR Council released rewritten 'model deviation' text part by part, and agencies adopted it through class deviations so they could start using it right away.
The second phase is formal rulemaking, where the rewrites are published as proposed rules for public comment. The first batch of proposed rules was published in June 2026, with more parts still to follow. Until the process finishes, the rules in a given solicitation depend on which deviations that agency has adopted.
Why it matters to a small contractor
During the overhaul, two agencies can use different versions of the same FAR part. That means you cannot assume a rule you learned last year still applies. Read the clauses and any deviation notices in each solicitation, and watch for changes to Part 19 (small business), which was still under review.
Example
A small security firm notices a new solicitation cites a 'RFO deviation' version of a FAR part instead of the old clause numbers. They read the attached clause text instead of relying on memory, and find a changed submission instruction.
Revolutionary FAR Overhaul: common questions
Is the Revolutionary FAR Overhaul finished?
Not yet. Agencies have been operating under class deviations, and formal rulemaking began with proposed rules published in June 2026. Check acquisition.gov for the latest status.
Does the FAR overhaul change small business set-asides?
The small business part (Part 19) is part of the rewrite and was still pending in formal rulemaking as of mid-2026. Watch for the final version before assuming any change.
Where can I track the FAR overhaul?
The FAR Council posts deviation text and updates on acquisition.gov, and proposed rules appear in the Federal Register.
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