APEX Accelerator: Foreign Ownership, Control or Influence (FOCI) Rules for Federal Contractors (2026 Update)

Time: 12:00 – 1:30 p.m. CDT

APEX Accelerator: Foreign Ownership, Control or Influence (FOCI) Rules for Federal Contractors (2026 Update)

Description: Government Industrial Base (GIB) Readiness. Could foreign ownership—even indirectly—put your contracts at risk? If your company performs classified work, partners with foreign investors, has overseas affiliates, or is considering outside funding, Foreign Ownership, Control, or Influence (FOCI) rules may apply to you. And the stakes are rising. In 2026, the Department of War (DoW) is expected to release its “Section 847” rules, expanding FOCI principles to certain unclassified prime contracts and subcontracts valued at $5 million or more. As a result, companies that have never had to consider FOCI may soon need to do so. Why This Matters for Contractors. FOCI issues can:

• Delay or block contract awards
• Prevent access to classified work
• Trigger additional reporting and compliance requirements
• Impact eligibility for certain programs

Under Section 847, FOCI considerations may also extend further into the supply chain than many contractors expect. Understanding these rules before they affect your eligibility is far better than discovering them in the middle of an award process. What You’ll Learn:

• Which federal contracts are subject to FOCI rules?
• How will Section 847 apply FOCI principles to unclassified DoW contracts and subcontracts?
• How does the government evaluate whether a contractor is operating under foreign ownership, influence, or control?
• What responsibilities do a contractor or potential contractor have to identify and report FOCI concerns?
• How can a contractor mitigate an actual or potential FOCI problem?
• What are some common misconceptions about the FOCI rules?
• How do FOCI concepts apply to the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs?

Who Should Attend?

• Contractors performing or pursuing classified work
• Companies with foreign investors, parent companies, or affiliates
• Small businesses seeking DoW prime or subcontract awards
• SBIR/STTR participants
• Growth and compliance leaders monitoring regulatory risk

If your business touches defense, classified information, or international ownership in any way, this is an issue you can’t afford to misunderstand. This session will help you identify potential exposure early and position your company to stay eligible and competitive.

Cost: Free

Location: Online

Questions contact: Veronica Doga, nebraskaAPEX@unomaha.edu

Registration Link: https://www.sba.gov/event/81158