The Department of Defense (DoD) published a proposed rule on June 25, 2026 to amend the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) by adding a certification requirement for certain DoD contracts related to military recruitment advertising.

The proposed rule, identified as DFARS Case 2024-D022 (Document No. 2026-12826), implements sections of the National Defense Authorization Acts (NDAAs) for Fiscal Years 2024, 2025, and 2026. Per the proposal, these statutory provisions require contractors providing military recruitment advertising services to provide a specific certification and establish a sunset date for that certification requirement.

The rule is being processed by DoD's Defense Acquisition Regulations System, the office within the Department responsible for maintaining the DFARS. The DFARS supplements the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and applies specifically to DoD procurements.

For contractors in the marketing, advertising, and media sectors who hold or pursue DoD recruitment advertising contracts — a specialized segment that supports military branch recruiting efforts — the proposed certification requirement adds a new compliance obligation. Such certifications are typically tied to representations made at time of contract award and may affect teaming and subcontracting arrangements in this space.

Practitioners should review the specific statutory language in the FY2024, FY2025, and FY2026 NDAAs to understand the scope of the certification requirement and the applicable sunset date referenced in the proposed rule.

Comments on the proposed rule are due August 24, 2026, and should be submitted to the address provided in the Federal Register notice.

Source: Federal Register — Document No. 2026-12826