May 28, 2026 · 2 min read

NFFE President Erwin: NDA Proposal Yet Another Baseless Threat to Intimidate Federal Workers

What happened

National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE) President Randy Erwin condemned recent proposals to require non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) for federal employees as “yet another baseless threat to intimidate federal workers.” The remarks came in response to discussions within the Trump administration about implementing NDAs for certain federal positions, particularly those involved in sensitive contract oversight or financial operations.

Why it matters

Federal employees play critical roles in contract compliance and proposal evaluation processes. Mandatory NDAs could create barriers to whistleblower protections and transparency in government contracting. The NFFE argues such requirements would undermine the public’s ability to hold contractors and agencies accountable for misconduct or wasteful spending.

Contractor impact

While the proposal directly targets federal employees, government contractors could face indirect consequences:

Reduced transparency in proposal evaluation processes
Potential chilling effect on contract oversight
Increased compliance complexity for contractors working with federal employees

Risks and caveats

Legal experts note significant questions about enforceability of broad NDAs for federal workers, given existing whistleblower protections. The proposal’s scope remains unclear, and implementation would likely face legal challenges. Contractors should monitor developments but avoid premature operational changes.

Action checklist

For contractors concerned about potential NDA requirements:

Review existing compliance protocols for handling sensitive information
Monitor official announcements from OPM and contracting agencies
Consult legal counsel regarding NDA implications for current contracts
Ensure proposal teams understand current disclosure requirements
Document all communications with federal employees regarding contract matters