# FAR Protects Contractor Telework

OPM is cited as reporting a 73% decline in federal telework from 2024 to 2025 after a return-to-office order, although a second signal repeats that figure without providing supporting data. For contractors, the procurement-relevant development is FAR 7.108: agencies generally may not prohibit contractor employees from teleworking or evaluate offers unfavorably because of telework unless the contracting officer documents a determination tied to agency requirements, including security, and addresses the matter in the solicitation. Reports of agency-specific exceptions and workplace effects are anecdotal and should not be treated as measured outcomes.

- Contractors should review solicitations for telework restrictions and confirm that any restrictions or evaluation procedures are stated and supported as FAR 7.108 requires.
- Contracting officers should document the basis for any determination to restrict telework, including relevant security or mission requirements, and address the procedures in the solicitation.
- The reported federal employee telework decline does not itself establish a change to contractor telework rules; businesses should distinguish workforce policy developments from solicitation-specific requirements.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Topics:** Regulatory Compliance
**Published:** November 11, 2026

### Government Entities
- Office of Personnel Management (OPM)
- Department of Transportation (DOT)

### Key Quotes
> The contracting officer shall document the basis for the determination in writing and address the evaluation procedures in the solicitation.
> — Original post (FAR 7.108(b))

> An agency shall generally not discourage a contractor from allowing its employees to telecommute in the performance of Government contracts.
> — Original post (FAR 7.108)

### Sources
- [OoFederal Telework Plunges 73% After Return-to-Office Order, OPM Reports](https://www.reddit.com/r/FedEmployees/comments/1xtuoyz/oofederal_telework_plunges_73_after) - reddit-fedemployees
- [Federal telework decreased by 73% from 2024 to 2025](https://www.reddit.com/r/fednews/comments/1xtlnph/federal_telework_decreased_by_73_from_2024_to_2025) - reddit-fednews