The 2025 overhaul of Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 10 introduces major changes to how federal agencies conduct market research, with significant implications for contractors. The updated rules emphasize flexibility, innovation, and the adoption of advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), to inform procurement decisions.
Increased Flexibility in Market Research Approaches
The revised FAR Part 10 removes prescriptive requirements, allowing acquisition teams to tailor their market research methods to the specific needs of each procurement. Agencies are now encouraged to use a wide range of techniques, such as reverse industry days, expert panels, and online engagement, rather than adhering to a fixed checklist. The new “Practitioner Album” serves as a repository of best practices and tools, guiding without mandating specific steps.
Artificial Intelligence: A New Standard in Market Research
A notable development in the updated FAR is the explicit encouragement for agencies to leverage modern technology, including AI-powered tools, in their market research process. AI enables agencies to analyze large volumes of industry data, identify emerging trends, and match requirements with qualified vendors more efficiently than traditional methods. With AI, agencies can rapidly scan contractor databases, review past performance, and even predict which suppliers are most likely to meet future needs based on historical and real-time data.
Early and Diverse Industry Engagement
With greater flexibility and AI integration, agencies are expected to engage with industry earlier and through more varied channels. This means that the window for contractors to be discovered and considered as potential sources may open sooner and close faster than before. Agencies may use AI to identify and reach out to suppliers who have not yet responded to formal Requests for Information (RFIs) or who are active in related markets.
Streamlined and Targeted Information Requests
The updated FAR also emphasizes that agencies should only request information necessary for informed decision-making, thereby reducing the burden on contractors and focusing on concise, relevant data. AI can help agencies filter and prioritize the most pertinent information from contractor submissions, making it essential for businesses to communicate their capabilities clearly and efficiently.
What Contractors Should Do Next
The evolution of market research under the new FAR Part 10 means contractors must adapt to a more dynamic and technology-driven environment. Maintaining a strong digital presence, ensuring accurate and up-to-date profiles on government databases, and being proactive in industry engagement are now more important than ever.
Our company supports contractors by leveraging market intelligence and targeted outreach strategies that align with these regulatory and technological changes. We help ensure our clients are visible to agency decision-makers, especially as AI tools become standard in the federal market research process.
By understanding and responding to these changes, contractors can position themselves for success in the increasingly competitive and data-driven federal procurement landscape.
Citations:
- https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-10
- https://www.acquisition.gov/far-overhaul/far-part-deviation-guide/far-overhaul-part-10
- https://www.washingtontechnology.com/contracts/2025/05/rewrite-far-market-research-rules-aims-give-agencies-more-flexibility/405571/?oref=ng-author-river
- https://fedbizaccess.com/understanding-the-far-a-beginners-guide-to-government-contracting-part-10/
- https://aaf.dau.edu/aaf/services/step3/
- https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/far-part-10-market-research-owen-igori-msire-btdvf
- https://publiccontractinginstitute.com/mastering-market-research-a-comprehensive-guide-to-far-part-10-compliance/