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New Pro-Competitive Restrictions On DoD Prototype Line Items and Options

Client Alert | 1 min read | 06.18.10

On June 8, 2010, DoD issued an interim rule, intended to prevent competitively awarded contracts for new technology from becoming noncompetitive efforts long-term. The interim DFARS provisions require that contract line item purchases and contract options must be limited to the minimum number of initial or additional prototype items that will allow for timely competitive solicitation and award of a follow-on development or production contract for those items; that the term of the contract line item or contract option cannot be longer than 12 months; and that the dollar value of the work to be performed pursuant to the contract line item or contract option may not exceed three times the dollar value of the work previously performed under the contract or $20 million, whichever is less.

Insights

Client Alert | 8 min read | 12.11.25

Director Squires Revamps the Workings of the U.S. Patent Office

In March 2025, President Trump nominated John A. Squires for the positions of Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). After being approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee by a vote of 20-2, Squires was confirmed by the Senate on September 17, 2025, by a vote of 51-47 after anti-filibuster measures were invoked. During and after the confirmation process, Squires emphasized several goals for the USPTO during his time as Director. Such goals included:...