Good morning. Here's your federal-contracting briefing for July 19, 2026 — 3 new items from across the market.

📡 The Wire

DOE Finalizes New Conflict-of-Interest and Conflict-of-Commitment Rules for Financial Assistance Recipients
The Department of Energy published a final rule on July 16, 2026 establishing conflict-of-interest and conflict-of-commitment policy requirements for non-federal entities applying for or receiving DOE financial assistance awards. The rule takes effect August 17, 2026.

Austal USA's Coast Guard Offshore Patrol Cutter Contract Tops $1.4 Billion in Cumulative Obligations
Austal USA, LLC has reached $1.4 billion in cumulative obligations on its Department of Homeland Security contract for the Coast Guard's Offshore Patrol Cutter Stage 2 program, USASpending.gov records show. The fixed-price-incentive contract, signed in July 2022, has a base-and-options ceiling of $3.3 billion.

Bechtel National's Hanford Site Contract Tops $17.3 Billion in Cumulative DOE Obligations
Bechtel National, Inc. holds a Department of Energy contract at the Hanford Site in Richland, Washington that has reached $17.32 billion in cumulative obligations against an $18.92 billion ceiling, according to USASpending.gov records. The definitive contract was originally signed in December 2000 and runs through April 2027.

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