RIA Mold Update: National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) | Restoration Industry Association (RIA)

The landscape for mold remediation is changing, and if you do business with the federal government—or want to start, it’s time to level up.

The Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), alongside the MOLD Act, is set to overhaul how mold is handled across National Defense and military housing projects.

Here is the "bottom line up front" on what you need to know to stay competitive.

1. The New Gold Standard: ANSI/IICRC S520

Moving forward, the federal government is mandating that work follow ANSI/IICRC S520 standards. If your crew isn't currently operating under these specific protocols, now is a great time to update your training and documentation.

2. Certification is Your "License to Play"

The days of general contractors "self-performing" mold cleanup without specialized credentials on military bases are ending. Future projects will increasingly require firms to hold recognized mold remediation certifications.

The Advantage: If you already hold IICRC certifications, you are now at the front of the line for federal contracts.
The Move: If you aren't certified, get your lead techs enrolled in certification courses now. It is about to become your strongest competitive advantage. (Check out our Education Affinity Partners for discounts on IICRC Schools)

3. Documentation is the New Currency

Expect a "paperwork" revolution. With these new standards comes a much higher expectation for stricter inspections, detailed reporting, and verifiable remediation logs. You won't just be paid for the work you do; you’ll be paid for the work you can prove you did.

4. Why This is Good News for Our Members

While the bar is higher, so is the opportunity. As these standards become mandatory, unqualified restorers will be squeezed out of the federal marketplace. This creates a massive opening for professional, qualified trade companies to capture a larger share of military housing and federal remediation contracts.

The Advocacy Outlook

Your association, along with IICRC, is monitoring the rollout of these regulations to ensure that the implementation timeline is fair for small businesses. However, the direction of the wind is clear: changes are coming.

The Takeaway: Review your S520 compliance today. If you’re ready for the standard, you’re ready for the work.

Lastly, A huge thank you to the work that IICRC is doing for mold bills federally and across the country.