Good morning. Here's your federal-contracting briefing for June 26, 2026 — 10 new items from across the market.

📡 The Wire

Boeing Holds $10.5 Billion NASA Contract for Ares I Upper Stage Development Under Constellation Program
Federal contracting records on USASpending.gov show a $10.5 billion NASA contract held by The Boeing Company for developmental hardware, test articles, and manufacture and assembly of Ares I upper stages under NASA's Constellation program, which developed the Ares I launch vehicle.

Surface Transportation Board Tentatively Approves TBL Group Acquisition of Escot Bus Lines, Effective July 28
The U.S. Surface Transportation Board published a notice on June 26, 2026 tentatively approving TBL Group, Inc.'s application to acquire control of Escot Bus Lines, L.L.C., a federally regulated motor passenger carrier, with the transaction set to become effective July 28, 2026.

Battelle Savannah River Alliance Holds $1.58 Billion DOE Management Contract for Savannah River National Laboratory
The U.S. Department of Energy's Savannah River National Laboratory in Aiken, South Carolina is managed under a $1.58 billion definitive contract with Battelle Savannah River Alliance, LLC, according to federal contracting records on USASpending.gov.

Federal Transit Administration Proposes Updates to Bus Testing Program Under 49 CFR Part 665
The Federal Transit Administration published a proposed rule on June 26, 2026 that would amend bus testing regulations under 49 CFR Part 665, aiming to streamline the testing program, improve bus test report quality, and remove outdated test certifications from the federal system.

CMS Proposes CY 2027 Updates to End-Stage Renal Disease Payment System and Quality Incentive Program
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services published a proposed rule on June 26, 2026 that would update the End-Stage Renal Disease Prospective Payment System for calendar year 2027, revise AKI dialysis payment rates, and modify ESRD Quality Incentive Program requirements.

Department of Energy Awards Alliance for Energy Innovation $10.7 Billion to Manage National Renewable Energy Laboratory
The U.S. Department of Energy has recorded a $10.7 billion management and operating contract with Alliance for Energy Innovation, LLC to manage and operate the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, federal contracting records on USASpending.gov show.

DoD Proposes DFARS Certification Requirement for Military Recruitment Advertising Contracts
The Department of Defense proposed amending the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) to add a certification requirement for contractors providing military recruitment advertising services. The proposed rule (DFARS Case 2024-D022) implements provisions from three consecutive National Defense Authorization Acts. Comments are due August 24, 2026.

Caltech Holds $1.5 Billion NASA Contract to Operate Jet Propulsion Laboratory and Deep Space Network
The California Institute of Technology holds a $1.47 billion total obligation under NASA contract 80NM0018F0850 to operate the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) as a federally funded research and development center. The contract includes management of NASA's Deep Space Network and runs through September 2028.

GSA Seeks Public Comment on DEI Discrimination Certification for Federal Contract-Like Instruments Under E.O. 14398
The General Services Administration published a notice on June 25, 2026 inviting public comment on a new information collection requirement under Executive Order 14398, which addresses DEI discrimination by federal contractors. The collection covers contract-like instruments using FAR Clause 52.222-90. Comments are due August 24, 2026.

EPA Proposes NEPA Procedure Overhaul Aligned With One Big Beautiful Bill Act and E.O. 14154
The Environmental Protection Agency published a proposed rule on June 25, 2026 to amend its National Environmental Policy Act implementing procedures. The rule incorporates changes required by the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025, Executive Order 14154, and the Supreme Court's May 2025 Seven County decision. Public comments are due July 27, 2026.

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