diff --git a/CONTRIBUTING.md b/CONTRIBUTING.md
index 6ecad5c..9832411 100644
--- a/CONTRIBUTING.md
+++ b/CONTRIBUTING.md
@@ -1,17 +1,19 @@
-# Welcome
+**Contribution Policy**
 
-We're so glad you're thinking about contributing to a [open source project of the U.S. government](https://code.gov/)! If you're unsure about anything, just ask -- or submit the issue or pull request anyway. The worst that can happen is you'll be politely asked to change something. We love all friendly contributions.
+Cloud.gov is an open source project operated by the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) to support federal agency missions. While we value transparency and collaboration, we must balance openness with the responsibilities of operating a secure, compliant, and trusted federal platform.
 
-We encourage you to read this project's CONTRIBUTING policy (you are here), its [LICENSE](LICENSE.md), and its [README](README.md).
+✅ **Who can contribute**
+We welcome contributions from:
 
-## Policies
+- Employees of U.S. federal agencies
+- Contractors working under a current agreement with a U.S. government entity
+- GSA-approved contributors as part of official interagency collaboration
 
-We want to ensure a welcoming environment for all of our projects. Our staff follow the [TTS Code of Conduct](https://18f.gsa.gov/code-of-conduct/) and all contributors should do the same.
+❌ **Who we cannot accept contributions from**
+To avoid the appearance of government endorsement, manage supply chain risk, and maintain the integrity of our compliance posture, we do **not** accept unsolicited contributions from:
 
-We adhere to the [18F Open Source Policy](https://github.com/18f/open-source-policy). If you have any questions, just [shoot us an email](mailto:18f@gsa.gov).
+- Individuals unaffiliated with the U.S. government
+- International contributors or organizations
+- Unvetted accounts or first-time contributors submitting minor changes
 
-As part of a U.S. government agency, the General Services Administration (GSA)’s Technology Transformation Services (TTS) takes seriously our responsibility to protect the public’s information, including financial and personal information, from unwarranted disclosure. For more information about security and vulnerability disclosure for our projects, please read our [18F Vulnerability Disclosure Policy](https://18f.gsa.gov/vulnerability-disclosure-policy/).
-
-## Public domain
-
-This project is in the public domain within the United States, and copyright and related rights in the work worldwide are waived through the [CC0 1.0 Universal public domain dedication](https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/).
\ No newline at end of file
+If you're unsure whether your contribution fits, feel free to open an issue first so we can discuss it.