The Essential GovCon Brief - January 2026

In the January 2026 episode of the Essential GovCon Brief, hosts Patrick Burns and Meredith Thielbahr break down three developments government contractors should be watching as the new year begins. The discussion covers GAO’s FY 2025 Bid Protest Annual Report and what the latest filing, sustain, and effectiveness rates mean in practice; expanding agency implementation of the Administrative False Claims Act and the compliance risks that come with agency-level enforcement; and a recent Federal Circuit decision reminding contractors of the limits of informal cost agreements under cost-reimbursement contracts. Tune in for a practical discussion of how these developments affect competition, compliance, and contract performance.