41 U.S.C. § 6707 (2024) — Title 41: PUBLIC CONTRACTS / Chapter 67 / Section 6707: Enforcement and administration of chapter
Enforcement and administration of chapter
Status: in_force

(a) Enforcement of Chapter.—Sections 6506 and 6507 of this title govern the Secretary's authority to enforce this chapter, including the Secretary's authority to prescribe regulations, issue orders, hold hearings, make decisions based on findings of fact, and take other appropriate action under this chapter.

(b) Limitations and Regulations for Variations, Tolerances, and Exemptions.—The Secretary may provide reasonable limitations and may prescribe regulations allowing reasonable variation, tolerances, and exemptions with respect to this chapter (other than subsection (f)), but only in special circumstances where the Secretary determines that the limitation, variation, tolerance, or exemption is necessary and proper in the public interest or to avoid the serious impairment of Federal Government business, and is in accord with the remedial purpose of this chapter to protect prevailing labor standards.

(c) Preservation of Wages and Benefits Due Under Predecessor Contracts.—

(1) In general.—Under a contract which succeeds a contract subject to this chapter, and under which substantially the same services are furnished, a contractor or subcontractor may not pay a service employee less than the wages and fringe benefits the service employee would have received under the predecessor contract, including accrued wages and fringe benefits and any prospective increases in wages and fringe benefits provided for in a collective-bargaining agreement as a result of arm's-length negotiations.

(2) Exception.—This subsection does not apply if the Secretary finds after a hearing in accordance with regulations adopted by the Secretary that wages and fringe benefits under the predecessor contract are substantially at variance with wages and fringe benefits prevailing in the same locality for services of a similar character.

(d) Duration of Contracts.—Subject to limitations in annual appropriation acts but notwithstanding any other law, a contract to which this chapter applies may, if authorized by the Secretary, be for any term of years not exceeding 5, if the contract provides for periodic adjustment of wages and fringe benefits pursuant to future determinations, issued in the manner prescribed in section 6703 of this title at least once every 2 years during the term of the contract, covering each class of service employee.

(e) Exclusion of Fringe Benefit Payments in Determining Overtime Pay.—In determining any overtime pay to which a service employee is entitled under Federal law, the regular or basic hourly rate of pay of the service employee does not include any fringe benefit payments computed under this chapter which are excluded from the definition of "regular rate" under section 7(e) of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (29 U.S.C. 207(e)).

(f) Timeliness of Wage and Fringe Benefit Determinations.—It is the intent of Congress that determinations of minimum wages and fringe benefits under section 6703(1) and (2) of this title should be made as soon as administratively feasible for all contracts subject to this chapter. In any event, the Secretary shall at least make the determinations for contracts under which more than 5 service employees are to be employed.

(Pub. L. 111–350, §3, Jan. 4, 2011, 124 Stat. 3815.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised 
Section
Source (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large)

6707(a)–(d)
41:353.
Pub. L. 89–286, §4, Oct. 22, 1965, 79 Stat. 1035; Pub. L. 92–473, §3, Oct. 9, 1972, 86 Stat. 789.

6707(e)
41:355.
Pub. L. 89–286, §6, Oct. 22, 1965, 79 Stat. 1035.

6707(f)
41:358.
Pub. L. 89–286, §10, as added Pub. L. 92–473, §5, Oct. 9, 1972, 86 Stat. 790; Pub. L. 94–273, §29, Apr. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 380.

In subsection (e), the words "the definition of 'regular rate' under section 7(e) of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (29 U.S.C. 207(e))" are substituted for "the regular rate under the Fair Labor Standards Act by provisions of section 7(d) thereof " for clarity, to correct the reference to "the Fair Labor Standards Act" in accordance with section 1 of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (29:201), which provided the short title for the Act, and to correct the reference to "section 7(d) thereof " in accordance with section 204(d)(1) of the Fair Labor Standards Amendments of 1966 (Public Law 89–601, 80 Stat. 836), which amended the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 by redesignating section 7(d) as 7(e).

In subsection (f), the words "paragraphs (1) and (2) of section 2", which appear in section 10 of the Service Contract Act of 1965, as added by section 5 of Public Law 92–473 (86 Stat. 790), are treated as a reference to paragraphs (1) and (2) of section 2(a) of the Service Contract Act of 1965 to reflect the probable intent of Congress. The words "which are entered into during the applicable fiscal year", 41:358(1)–(4), and the words "On and after July 1, 1976" are omitted as obsolete.
41 U.S.C. § 1703 (2024) — Title 41: PUBLIC CONTRACTS / Chapter 17 / Section 1703: Acquisition workforce
Acquisition workforce
Status: in_force

(a) Description.—For purposes of this section, the acquisition workforce of an agency consists of all employees serving in acquisition positions listed in subsection (g)(1)(A).

(b) Applicability.—

(1) Nonapplicability to certain executive agencies.—Except as provided in subsection (i), this section does not apply to an executive agency that is subject to chapter 87 of title 10.

(2) Applicability of programs.—The programs established by this section apply to the acquisition workforce of each executive agency.

(c) Management Policies.—

(1) Duties of head of executive agency.—

(A) Establish policies and procedures.—After consultation with the Administrator, the head of each executive agency shall establish policies and procedures for the effective management (including accession, education, training, career development, and performance incentives) of the acquisition workforce of the agency. The development of acquisition workforce policies under this section shall be carried out consistent with the merit system principles set forth in section 2301(b) of title 5.

(B) Ensure uniform implementation.—The head of each executive agency shall ensure that, to the maximum extent practicable, acquisition workforce policies and procedures established are uniform in their implementation throughout the agency.

(2) Duties of administrator.—

(A) In general.—The Administrator shall issue policies to promote uniform implementation of this section by executive agencies, with due regard for differences in program requirements among agencies that may be appropriate and warranted in view of the agency mission. The Administrator shall coordinate with the Deputy Director for Management of the Office of Management and Budget to ensure that the policies are consistent with the policies and procedures established, and enhanced system of incentives provided, pursuant to section 5051(c) of the Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act of 1994 (Public Law 103–355, 108 Stat. 3351). The Administrator shall evaluate the implementation of this section by executive agencies.

(B) Government-wide training standards and certification.—The Administrator, acting through the Federal Acquisition Institute, shall provide and update government-wide training standards and certification requirements, including—

(i) developing and modifying acquisition certification programs;

(ii) ensuring quality assurance for agency implementation of government-wide training and certification standards;

(iii) analyzing the acquisition training curriculum to ascertain if all certification competencies are covered or if adjustments are necessary;

(iv) developing career path information for certified professionals to encourage retention in government positions;

(v) coordinating with the Office of Personnel Management for human capital efforts; and

(vi) managing rotation assignments to support opportunities to apply skills included in certification.

(d) Authority and Responsibility of Senior Procurement Executive.—Subject to the authority, direction, and control of the head of an executive agency, the senior procurement executive of the agency shall carry out all powers, functions, and duties of the head of the agency with respect to implementing this section. The senior procurement executive shall ensure that the policies of the head of the executive agency established in accordance with this section are implemented throughout the agency.

(e) Collecting and Maintaining Information.—The Administrator shall ensure that the heads of executive agencies collect and maintain standardized information on the acquisition workforce related to implementing this section. To the maximum extent practicable, information requirements shall conform to standards the Director of the Office of Personnel Management establishes for the Central Personnel Data File.

(f) Career Development.—

(1) Career paths.—

(A) Identification.—The head of each executive agency shall ensure that appropriate career paths for personnel who desire to pursue careers in acquisition are identified in terms of the education, training, experience, and assignments necessary for career progression to the most senior acquisition positions. The head of each executive agency shall make available information on those career paths.

(B) Critical duties and tasks.—For each career path, the head of each executive agency shall identify the critical acquisition-related duties and tasks in which, at minimum, employees of the agency in the career path shall be competent to perform at full performance grade levels. For this purpose, the head of the executive agency shall provide appropriate coverage of the critical duties and tasks identified by the Director of the Federal Acquisition Institute.

(C) Mandatory training and education.—For each career path, the head of each executive agency shall establish requirements for the completion of course work and related on-the-job training in the critical acquisition-related duties and tasks of the career path. The head of each executive agency also shall encourage employees to maintain the currency of their acquisition knowledge and generally enhance their knowledge of related acquisition management disciplines through academic programs and other self-developmental activities.

(2) Performance incentives.—The head of each executive agency shall provide for an enhanced system of incentives to encourage excellence in the acquisition workforce that rewards performance of employees who contribute to achieving the agency's performance goals. The system of incentives shall include provisions that—

(A) relate pay to performance (including the extent to which the performance of personnel in the workforce contributes to achieving the cost goals, schedule goals, and performance goals established for acquisition programs pursuant to section 3103(b) of this title); and

(B) provide for consideration, in personnel evaluations and promotion decisions, of the extent to which the performance of personnel in the workforce contributes to achieving the cost goals, schedule goals, and performance goals.

(g) Qualification Requirements.—

(1) In general.—Subject to paragraph (2), the Administrator shall—

(A) establish qualification requirements, including education requirements, for—

(i) entry-level positions in the General Schedule Contracting series (GS–1102);

(ii) senior positions in the General Schedule Contracting series (GS–1102);

(iii) all positions in the General Schedule Purchasing series (GS–1105); and

(iv) positions in other General Schedule series in which significant acquisition-related functions are performed; and

(B) prescribe the manner and extent to which the qualification requirements shall apply to an individual serving in a position described in subparagraph (A) at the time the requirements are established.

(2) Relationship to requirements applicable to defense acquisition workforce.—The Administrator shall establish qualification requirements and make prescriptions under paragraph (1) that are comparable to those established for the same or equivalent positions pursuant to chapter 87 of title 10 with appropriate modifications.

(3) Approval of requirements.—The Administrator shall submit any requirement established or prescription made under paragraph (1) to the Director of the Office of Personnel Management for approval. The Director is deemed to have approved the requirement or prescription if the Director does not disapprove the requirement or prescription within 30 days after receiving it.

(h) Education and Training.—

(1) Funding levels.—The head of an executive agency shall set forth separately the funding levels requested for educating and training the acquisition workforce in the budget justification documents submitted in support of the President's budget submitted to Congress under section 1105 of title 31.

(2) Tuition assistance.—The head of an executive agency may provide tuition reimbursement in education (including a full-time course of study leading to a degree) in accordance with section 4107 of title 5 for personnel serving in acquisition positions in the agency.

(3) Restricted obligation.—Amounts appropriated for education and training under this section may not be obligated for another purpose.

(i) Training Fund.—

(1) Purposes.—The purposes of this subsection are to ensure that the Federal acquisition workforce—

(A) adapts to fundamental changes in the nature of Federal Government acquisition of property and services associated with the changing roles of the Federal Government; and

(B) acquires new skills and a new perspective to enable it to contribute effectively in the changing environment of the 21st century.

(2) Establishment and management of fund.—There is an acquisition workforce training fund. The Administrator of General Services shall manage the fund through the Federal Acquisition Institute to support the activities set forth in section 1201(a) of this title, except as provided in paragraph (5). The Administrator of General Services shall consult with the Administrator in managing the fund.

(3) Credits to fund.—Five percent of the fees collected by executive agencies (other than the Department of Defense) under the following contracts shall be credited to the fund:

(A) Government-wide task and delivery-order contracts entered into under sections 4103 and 4105 of this title.

(B) Government-wide contracts for the acquisition of information technology as defined in section 11101 of title 40 and multiagency acquisition contracts for that technology authorized by section 11314 of title 40.

(C) multiple-award schedule contracts entered into by the Administrator of General Services.

(4) Remittance by head of executive agency.—The head of an executive agency that administers a contract described in paragraph (3) shall remit to the General Services Administration the amount required to be credited to the fund with respect to the contract at the end of each quarter of the fiscal year.

(5) Transfer and use of fees collected from department of defense.—The Administrator of General Services shall transfer to the Secretary of Defense fees collected from the Department of Defense pursuant to paragraph (3). The Defense Acquisition University shall use the fees for acquisition workforce training.

(6) Amounts not to be used for other purposes.—The Administrator of General Services, through the Office of Federal Procurememt 1 Policy, shall ensure that amounts collected under this section are not used for a purpose other than the activities set forth in section 1201(a) of this title.

(7) Amounts are in addition to other amounts for education and training.—Amounts credited to the fund are in addition to amounts requested and appropriated for education and training referred to in subsection (h)(1).

(8) Availability of amounts.—Amounts credited to the fund remain available to be expended only in the fiscal year for which they are credited and the 2 succeeding fiscal years.

(j) Recruitment Program.—

(1) Shortage category positions.—For purposes of sections 3304, 5333, and 5753 of title 5, the head of a department or agency of the Federal Government (other than the Secretary of Defense) may determine, under regulations prescribed by the Office of Personnel Management, that certain Federal acquisition positions (as described in subsection (g)(1)(A)) are shortage category positions in order to use the authorities in those sections to recruit and appoint highly qualified individuals directly to those positions in the department or agency.

(2) Termination of authority.—The head of a department or agency may not appoint an individual to a position of employment under this subsection after September 30, 2017.

(k) Reemployment Without Loss of Annuity.—

(1) Establishment of policies and procedures.—The head of each executive agency, after consultation with the Administrator and the Director of the Office of Personnel Management, shall establish policies and procedures under which the agency head may reemploy in an acquisition-related position (as described in subsection (g)(1)(A)) an individual receiving an annuity from the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund, on the basis of the individual's service, without discontinuing the annuity. The head of each executive agency shall keep the Administrator informed of the agency's use of this authority.

(2) Criteria for continuation of annuity.—Policies and procedures established under paragraph (1) shall authorize the head of the executive agency, on a case-by-case basis, to continue an annuity if any of the following makes the reemployment of an individual essential:

(A) The unusually high or unique qualifications of an individual receiving an annuity from the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund on the basis of the individual's service.

(B) The exceptional difficulty in recruiting or retaining a qualified employee.

(C) A temporary emergency hiring need.

(3) Service not subject to csrs or fers.—An individual reemployed under this subsection shall not be deemed an employee for purposes of chapter 83 or 84 of title 5.

(4) Reporting requirement.—The Administrator shall submit annually to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate a report on the use of the authority under this subsection, including the number of employees reemployed under authority of this subsection.

(5) Sunset provision.—The authority under this subsection expires on December 31, 2011.

(l) Acquisition Internship and Training Programs.—All Federal civilian agency acquisition internship or acquisition training programs shall follow guidelines provided by the Office of Federal Procurement Policy to ensure consistent training standards necessary to develop uniform core competencies throughout the Federal Government.

(Pub. L. 111–350, §3, Jan. 4, 2011, 124 Stat. 3702; Pub. L. 112–74, div. C, title V, §526, Dec. 23, 2011, 125 Stat. 914; Pub. L. 112–81, div. A, title VIII, §864(c), (d), Dec. 31, 2011, 125 Stat. 1525; Pub. L. 112–239, div. A, title X, §1076(a)(15), title XI, §1103, Jan. 2, 2013, 126 Stat. 1948, 1973.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised 
Section
Source (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large)

1703(a)
41:433(e) (last sentence).
Pub. L. 93–400, §37(b)–(h)(2), as added Pub. L. 104–106, title XLIII, §4307(a)(1), Feb. 10, 1996, 110 Stat. 666.

1703(b)(1)
41:433(a).
Pub. L. 93–400, §37(a), as added Pub. L. 104–106, title XLIII, §4307(a)(1), Feb. 10, 1996, 110 Stat. 666; Pub. L. 109–163, div. A, title VIII, §821(b)(1), Jan. 6, 2006, 119 Stat. 3386.

1703(b)(2)
41:433(e) (1st sentence).

1703(c)
41:433(b).

1703(d)
41:433(c).

1703(e)
41:433(d).

1703(f)
41:433(f).

1703(g)
41:433(g).

1703(h)(1)
41:433(h)(1)(A).

1703(h)(2)
41:433(h)(2).

1703(h)(3)
41:433(h)(1)(B).

1703(i)(1)
41:433 note.
Pub. L. 108–136, div. A, title XIV, §1412(a), Nov. 24, 2003, 117 Stat. 1664.

1703(i)(2)–(8)
41:433(h)(3).
Pub. L. 93–400, §37(h)(3), as added Pub. L. 108–136, div. A, title XIV, §1412(b), Nov. 24, 2003, 117 Stat. 1664; Pub. L. 109–163, div. A, title VIII, §821(a), Jan. 6, 2006, 119 Stat. 3386; Pub. L. 110–181, div. A, title VIII, §854, Jan. 28, 2008, 122 Stat. 251.

1703(j)
41:433 note.
Pub. L. 108–136, div. A, title XIV, §1413, Nov. 24, 2003, 117 Stat. 1665; Pub. L. 110–181, div. A, title VIII, §853, title X, §1063(g)(2), Jan. 28, 2008, 122 Stat. 250, 323.

1703(k)
41:433(i).
Pub. L. 93–400, §37(i), as added Pub. L. 109–313, §4, Oct. 6, 2006, 120 Stat. 1737.

In subsection (e), the word "information" the second time it appears is substituted for "data" for consistency in the subsection.

In subsection (i)(6), the words "Office of Federal Procurement Policy" are substituted for "Office of Federal Acquisition Policy" to provide the correct name of the office.

In subsection (j), the text of 1413(c) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2004 (Pub. L. 108–136, 117 Stat. 1665) is omitted as obsolete.

In subsection (k)(4), the words "Committee on Oversight and Government Reform" are substituted for "Committee on Government Reform" on authority of Rule X(1)(m) of the Rules of the House of Representatives, adopted by House Resolution No. 6 (110th Congress, January 5, 2007).

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Section 5051(c) of the Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act of 1994, referred to in subsec. (c)(2)(A), is section 5051(c) of Pub. L. 103–305, which is set out as a note under this section.

Amendments

2013—Subsec. (i)(6). Pub. L. 112–239, §1076(a)(15), amended Pub. L. 112–81, §864(d)(2). See 2011 Amendment note below.

Subsec. (j)(2). Pub. L. 112–239, §1103, substituted "September 30, 2017" for "September 30, 2012".

2011—Subsec. (c)(2). Pub. L. 112–81, §864(c)(1), designated existing provisions as subpar. (A), inserted subpar. heading, and added subpar. (B).

Subsec. (i)(2). Pub. L. 112–81, §864(d)(1), substituted "to support the activities set forth in section 1201(a) of this title" for "to support the training of the acquisition workforce of the executive agencies".

Subsec. (i)(6). Pub. L. 112–81, §864(d)(2), as amended by Pub. L. 112–239, §1076(a)(15), substituted "ensure that amounts collected under this section are not used for a purpose other than the activities set forth in section 1201(a) of this title." for "ensure that amounts collected under this subsection are not used for a purpose other than the purpose specified in subparagraphs (A) and (C) to (J) of section 1122(a)(5) of this title."

Pub. L. 112–74 struck out "for training" after "amounts collected" and substituted "subparagraphs (A) and (C) to (J) of section 1122(a)(5) of this title" for "paragraph (2)".

Subsec. (l). Pub. L. 112–81, §864(c)(2), added subsec. (l).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Change of Name

Committee on Oversight and Government Reform of House of Representatives changed to Committee on Oversight and Reform of House of Representatives by House Resolution No. 6, One Hundred Sixteenth Congress, Jan. 9, 2019. Committee on Oversight and Reform of House of Representatives changed to Committee on Oversight and Accountability of House of Representatives by House Resolution No. 5, One Hundred Eighteenth Congress, Jan. 9, 2023.

Effective Date of 2013 Amendment

Pub. L. 112–239, div. A, title X, §1076(a), Jan. 2, 2013, 126 Stat. 1947, provided that the amendment made by section 1076(a)(15) is effective Dec. 31, 2011, and as if included in Pub. L. 112–81 as enacted.

Artificial Intelligence Training for the Acquisition Workforce

Pub. L. 117–207, Oct. 17, 2022, 136 Stat. 2238, provided that:

"SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

"This Act may be cited as the 'Artificial Intelligence Training for the Acquisition Workforce Act' or the 'AI Training Act'.

"SEC. 2. ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE TRAINING PROGRAMS.

"(a) Definitions.—In this section:

"(1) AI.—The term 'AI' has the meaning given the term 'artificial intelligence' in section 238(g) of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 [Pub. L. 115–232] (10 U.S.C. 2358 note [now 10 U.S.C. 4061 note prec.]).

"(2) AI training program.—The term 'AI training program' means the training program established under subsection (b)(1).

"(3) Covered workforce.—The term 'covered workforce' means—

"(A) employees of an executive agency who are responsible for—

"(i) program management;

"(ii) the planning, research, development, engineering, testing, and evaluation of systems, including quality control and assurance;

"(iii) procurement and contracting;

"(iv) logistics; or

"(v) cost estimating; and

"(B) other personnel of an executive agency designated by the head of the executive agency to participate in the AI training program.

"(4) Director.—The term 'Director' means the Director of the Office of Management and Budget.

"(5) Executive agency.—The term 'executive agency'—

"(A) has the meaning given the term in section 133 of title 41, United States Code; and

"(B) does not include—

"(i) the Department of Defense or a component of the Department of Defense; or

"(ii) the National Nuclear Security Administration or a component of the National Nuclear Security Administration.

"(b) Requirement.—

"(1) In general.—Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act [Oct. 17, 2022], and not less frequently than annually thereafter, the Director, in coordination with the Administrator of General Services and any other person determined relevant by the Director, shall develop and implement or otherwise provide an AI training program for the covered workforce.

"(2) Purpose.—The purpose of the AI training program shall be to ensure that the covered workforce has knowledge of the capabilities and risks associated with AI.

"(3) Topics.—The AI training program shall include information relating to—

"(A) the science underlying AI, including how AI works;

"(B) introductory concepts relating to the technological features of artificial intelligence systems;

"(C) the ways in which AI can benefit the Federal Government;

"(D) the risks posed by AI, including discrimination and risks to privacy;

"(E) ways to mitigate the risks described in subparagraph (D), including efforts to create and identify AI that is reliable, safe, and trustworthy; and

"(F) future trends in AI, including trends for homeland and national security and innovation.

"(4) Updates.—Not less frequently than once every 2 years, the Director shall update the AI training program to—

"(A) incorporate new information relating to AI; and

"(B) ensure that the AI training program continues to satisfy the requirements under paragraph (3).

"(5) Format.—The Director is encouraged to develop and implement or otherwise include under the AI training program interactive learning with—

"(A) technologists;

"(B) scholars; and

"(C) other experts from the private, public, and nonprofit sectors.

"(6) Metrics.—The Director shall ensure the existence of a means by which to—

"(A) understand and measure the participation of the covered workforce; and

"(B) receive and consider feedback from participants in the AI training program to improve the AI training program.

"(7) Sunset.—Effective 10 years after the date of enactment of this Act, this section shall have no force or effect."

Supply Chain Security Training

Pub. L. 117–145, June 16, 2022, 136 Stat. 1269, provided that:

"SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

"This Act may be cited as the 'Supply Chain Security Training Act of 2021'.

"SEC. 2. TRAINING PROGRAM TO MANAGE SUPPLY CHAIN RISK.

"(a) In General.—Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [June 16, 2022], the Administrator of General Services, through the Federal Acquisition Institute, shall develop a training program for officials with supply chain risk management responsibilities at Federal agencies.

"(b) Content.—The training program shall be designed to prepare such personnel to perform supply chain risk management activities and identify and mitigate supply chain security risks that arise throughout the acquisition lifecycle, including for the acquisition of information and communications technology. The training program shall—

"(1) include, considering the protection of classified and other sensitive information, information on current, specific supply chain security threats and vulnerabilities; and

"(2) be updated as determined to be necessary by the Administrator.

"(c) Coordination and Consultation.—In developing and determining updates to the training program, the Administrator shall—

"(1) coordinate with the Federal Acquisition Security Council, the Secretary of Homeland Security, and the Director of the Office of Personnel Management; and

"(2) consult with the Director of the Department of Defense's Defense Acquisition University, the Director of National Intelligence, and the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology.

"(d) Guidance.—

"(1) In general.—Not later than 180 days after the training program is developed under subsection (a), the Director of the Office of Management and Budget shall promulgate guidance to Federal agencies requiring executive agency adoption and use of the training program. Such guidance shall—

"(A) allow executive agencies to incorporate the training program into existing agency training programs; and

"(B) provide guidance on how to identify executive agency officials with supply chain risk management responsibilities.

"(2) Availability.—The Director of the Office of Management and Budget shall make the guidance promulgated under paragraph (1) available to Federal agencies of the legislative and judicial branches.

"SEC. 3. REPORTS ON IMPLEMENTATION OF PROGRAM.

"Not later than 180 days after the completion of the first course, and annually thereafter for the next three years, the Administrator of General Services shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees and leadership a report on implementation of the training program required under section 2.

"SEC. 4. DEFINITIONS.

"In this Act:

"(1) Appropriate congressional committees and leadership.—The term 'appropriate congressional committees' means—

"(A) the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs and the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate; and

"(B) the Committee on Oversight and Reform [now Committee on Oversight and Accountability] and the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives.

"(2) Information and communications technology.—The term 'information and communications technology' has the meaning given the term in section 4713(k) of title 41, United States Code.

"(3) Executive agency.—The term 'executive agency' has the meaning given the term in section 133 of title 41, United States Code.

"(4) Federal agency.—The term 'Federal agency' means any agency, committee, commission, office, or other establishment in the executive, legislative, or judicial branch of the Federal Government.

"(5) Training program.—The term 'training program' means the training program developed pursuant to section 2(a)."

Effective Communication Between Government and Industry

Pub. L. 114–92, div. A, title VIII, §887, Nov. 25, 2015, 129 Stat. 949, provided that: "Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 25, 2015], the Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council shall prescribe a regulation making clear that agency acquisition personnel are permitted and encouraged to engage in responsible and constructive exchanges with industry, so long as those exchanges are consistent with existing law and regulation and do not promote an unfair competitive advantage to particular firms."

Training for Contracting and Enforcement Personnel

Pub. L. 111–240, title I, §1343(a), Sept. 27, 2010, 124 Stat. 2545, provided that: "Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act [Sept. 27, 2010], the Federal Acquisition Institute, in consultation with the Administrator for Federal Procurement Policy, the Defense Acquisition University, and the Administrator [of the Small Business Administration], shall develop courses for acquisition personnel concerning proper classification of business concerns and small business size and status for purposes of Federal contracts, subcontracts, grants, cooperative agreements, and cooperative research and development agreements."

Defense Acquisition University Funding

Pub. L. 109–163, div. A, title VIII, §821(c), Jan. 6, 2006, 119 Stat. 3386, provided that: "Amounts transferred under section 37(h)(3)(D) of the Office of Federal Procurement Policy Act [now 41 U.S.C. 1703(i)(5)] (as amended by subsection (a)) for use by the Defense Acquisition University shall be in addition to other amounts authorized for the University."

Enhanced System of Performance Incentives

Pub. L. 103–355, title V, §5051(c), Oct. 13, 1994, 108 Stat. 3351, provided that: "Within one year after the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 13, 1994], the Deputy Director for Management of the Office of Management and Budget, in consultation with appropriate officials in other departments and agencies of the Federal Government, shall, to the maximum extent consistent with applicable law—

"(1) establish policies and procedures for the heads of such departments and agencies to designate acquisition positions and manage employees (including the accession, education, training and career development of employees) in the designated acquisition positions; and

"(2) review the incentives and personnel actions available to the heads of departments and agencies of the Federal Government for encouraging excellence in the acquisition workforce of the Federal Government and provide an enhanced system of incentives for the encouragement of excellence in such workforce which—

"(A) relates pay to performance (including the extent to which the performance of personnel in such workforce contributes to achieving the cost goals, schedule goals, and performance goals established for acquisition programs pursuant to section 313(b) of the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949, as added by subsection (a) [now 41 U.S.C. 3103(b)]); and

"(B) provides for consideration, in personnel evaluations and promotion decisions, of the extent to which the performance of personnel in such workforce contributes to achieving such cost goals, schedule goals, and performance goals."

1 So in original. Probably should be "Procurement".
41 U.S.C. § 7101 (2024) — Title 41: PUBLIC CONTRACTS / Chapter 71 / Section 7101: Definitions
Definitions
Status: in_force

In this chapter:

(1) Administrator.—The term "Administrator" means the Administrator for Federal Procurement Policy appointed pursuant to section 1102 of this title.

(2) Agency board or agency board of contract appeals.—The term "agency board" or "agency board of contract appeals" means—

(A) the Armed Services Board;

(B) the Civilian Board;

(C) the board of contract appeals of the Tennessee Valley Authority; or

(D) the Postal Service Board established under section 7105(d)(1) of this title.

(3) Agency head.—The term "agency head" means the head and any assistant head of an executive agency. The term may include the chief official of a principal division of an executive agency if the head of the executive agency so designates that chief official.

(4) Armed services board.—The term "Armed Services Board" means the Armed Services Board of Contract Appeals established under section 7105(a)(1) of this title.

(5) Civilian board.—The term "Civilian Board" means the Civilian Board of Contract Appeals established under section 7105(b)(1) of this title.

(6) Contracting officer.—The term "contracting officer"—

(A) means an individual who, by appointment in accordance with applicable regulations, has the authority to make and administer contracts and to make determinations and findings with respect to contracts; and

(B) includes an authorized representative of the contracting officer, acting within the limits of the representative's authority.

(7) Contractor.—The term "contractor" means a party to a Federal Government contract other than the Federal Government.

(8) Executive agency.—The term "executive agency" means—

(A) an executive department as defined in section 101 of title 5;

(B) a military department as defined in section 102 of title 5;

(C) an independent establishment as defined in section 104 of title 5, except that the term does not include the Government Accountability Office; and

(D) a wholly owned Government corporation as defined in section 9101(3) of title 31.

(9) Misrepresentation of fact.—The term "misrepresentation of fact" means a false statement of substantive fact, or conduct that leads to a belief of a substantive fact material to proper understanding of the matter in hand, made with intent to deceive or mislead.

(Pub. L. 111–350, §3, Jan. 4, 2011, 124 Stat. 3816.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised 
Section
Source (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large)

7101
41:601.
Pub. L. 95–563, §2, Nov. 1, 1978, 92 Stat. 2383; Pub. L. 104–106, div. D, title XLIII, §4322(b)(5), Feb. 10, 1996, 110 Stat. 677; Pub. L. 109–163, div. A, title VIII, §847(d)(1), Jan. 6, 2006, 119 Stat. 3393.

In paragraph (8)(C), the words "Government Accountability Office" are substituted for "General Accounting Office" because of section 8(b) of the GAO Human Capital Reform Act of 2004 (Public Law 108–271, 118 Stat. 814, 31 U.S.C. 702 note).

In paragraph (8)(D), the words "section 9101(3) of title 31" are substituted for "section 846 of title 31" because of section 4(b) of Public Law 97–258 (31 U.S.C. note prec. 101).
41 U.S.C. § 3312 (2024) — Title 41: PUBLIC CONTRACTS / Chapter 33 / Section 3312: Database on price trends of items and services under Federal contracts
Database on price trends of items and services under Federal contracts
Status: in_force

(a) Database Required.—The Administrator shall establish and maintain a database of information on price trends for items and services under contracts with the Federal Government. The information in the database shall be designed to assist Federal acquisition officials in the following:

(1) Monitoring developments in price trends for items and services under contracts with the Federal Government.

(2) Conducting price or cost analyses for items and services under offers for contracts with the Federal Government, or otherwise conducting determinations of the reasonableness of prices for items and services under such offers, and addressing unjustified escalation in prices being paid by the Federal Government for items and services under contracts with the Federal Government.

(b) Use.—(1) The database under subsection (a) shall be available to executive agencies in the evaluation of offers for contracts with the Federal Government for items and services.

(2) The Secretary of Defense may satisfy the requirements of this section by complying with the requirements of section 892 1 of the Ike Skelton National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011 (10 U.S.C. 2306a note).

(Added Pub. L. 112–239, div. A, title VIII, §851(a)(1), Jan. 2, 2013, 126 Stat. 1855.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Section 892 of the Ike Skelton National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011, referred to in subsec. (b)(2), is section 892 of Pub. L. 111–383, which was formerly set out as a note under section 2306a of Title 10, Armed Forces, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 114–92, div. A, title X, §1073(f), Nov. 25, 2015, 129 Stat. 996.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Use of Elements of Department of Defense Pilot Project

Pub. L. 112–239, div. A, title VIII, §851(b), Jan. 2, 2013, 126 Stat. 1855, provided that: "In establishing the database required by section 3312 of title 41, United States Code (as added by subsection (a)), the Administrator for Federal Procurement Policy shall use and incorporate appropriate elements of the pilot project on pricing being carried out by the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics pursuant to section 892 of the Ike Skelton National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011 [Pub. L. 111–383] (10 U.S.C. 2306a note) and the Better Buying Power initiative of the Secretary of Defense."

1 See References in Text note below.
41 U.S.C. § 6101 (2024) — Title 41: PUBLIC CONTRACTS / Chapter 61 / Section 6101: Advertising requirement for Federal Government purchases and sales
Advertising requirement for Federal Government purchases and sales
Status: in_force

(a) Definitions.—In this section—

(1) Appropriation.—The term "appropriation" includes amounts made available by legislation under section 9104 of title 31.

(2) Federal government.—The term "Federal Government" includes the government of the District of Columbia.

(b) Purchases.—

(1) In general.—Unless otherwise provided in the appropriation concerned or other law, purchases and contracts for supplies or services for the Federal Government may be made or entered into only after advertising for proposals for a sufficient time.

(2) Limitations on applicability.—Paragraph (1) does not apply when—

(A) the amount involved in any one case does not exceed $25,000;

(B) public exigencies require the immediate delivery of articles or performance of services;

(C) only one source of supply is available and the Federal Government purchasing or contracting officer so certifies; or

(D) services are required to be performed by a contractor in person and are—

(i) of a technical and professional nature; or

(ii) under Federal Government supervision and paid for on a time basis.

(c) Sales.—Except when otherwise authorized by law or when the reasonable value involved in any one case does not exceed $500, sales and contracts of sale by the Federal Government are governed by the requirements of this section for advertising.

(d) Application to Wholly Owned Government Corporations.—For wholly owned Government corporations, this section applies only to administrative transactions.

(Pub. L. 111–350, §3, Jan. 4, 2011, 124 Stat. 3801.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised 
Section
Source (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large)

6101(a)
41:5a.
Aug. 2, 1946, ch. 744, §18, 60 Stat. 811.

6101(b)–(d)
41:5.
R.S. §3709; Aug. 2, 1946, ch. 744, §9(a), (c), 60 Stat. 809; June 30, 1949, ch. 288, title VI, §602(f), formerly title V, §502(e), 63 Stat. 403, renumbered title VI, §602(f), Sept. 5, 1950, ch. 849, §§6(a), (b), 8(c), 64 Stat. 583, 591; Pub. L. 85–800, §7, Aug. 28, 1958, 72 Stat. 967; Pub. L. 93–356, §1, July 25, 1974, 88 Stat. 390; Pub. L. 98–191, §9(b), Dec. 1, 1983, 97 Stat. 1332.

In subsection (a), before paragraph (1), the words "In this section" are substituted for "as used in this Act" as the probable intent of Congress. Section 9(a) of the Act of August 2, 1946 (ch. 744, 60 Stat. 809) restated 41:5 generally and section 9(c) of the Act, an independent provision, was editorially added as the last paragraph of 41:5. The definitions which apply to "as used in this Act" are probably intended to apply also to 41:5 as restated by the Act. The definitions for "department" and "continental United States" are omitted because those terms do not appear in 41:5. In paragraph (1), the words "section 9104 of title 31" are substituted for "section 104 of the Government Corporation Control Act, approved December 6, 1945" because of section 4(b) of Public Law. 97–258 (31 U.S.C. note prec. 101). In paragraphs (1) and (2), the word "includes" is substituted for "shall be construed to include" and for "shall be construed as including", respectively, to eliminate unnecessary words.

In subsection (c), the words "as authorized by section 29 of the Surplus Property Act of 1944 (50 U.S.C. App. 1638)" in section 3709 of the Revised Statutes are omitted because section 29 was repealed by section 602(a)(1) of the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 (ch. 288, 63 Stat. 399).
41 U.S.C. § 106 (2024) — Title 41: PUBLIC CONTRACTS / Chapter 1 / Subchapter I / Section 106: Federal Acquisition Regulation
Federal Acquisition Regulation
Status: in_force

In this subtitle, the term "Federal Acquisition Regulation" means the regulation issued under section 1303(a)(1) of this title.

(Pub. L. 111–350, §3, Jan. 4, 2011, 124 Stat. 3680.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised 
Section
Source (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large)

106
41:259(e).
June 30, 1949, ch. 288, title III, §309(e), as added Pub. L. 103–355, title I, §1551, Oct. 13, 1994, 108 Stat. 3299.

The defined term is made applicable to the subtitle because of the numerous references throughout the Office of Federal Procurement Policy Act (Public Law 93–400, 88 Stat. 796), restated in division B of this subtitle, and especially because of sections 6(a) and 25(c) of the Act, restated in sections 1121 and 1303, respectively.
41 U.S.C. § 3101 (2024) — Title 41: PUBLIC CONTRACTS / Chapter 31 / Section 3101: Applicability
Applicability
Status: in_force

(a) In General.—An executive agency shall make purchases and contracts for property and services in accordance with this division and implementing regulations of the Administrator of General Services.

(b) Simplified Acquisition Threshold and Procedures.—

(1) Simplified acquisition threshold.—

(A) Definition.—For purposes of an acquisition by an executive agency, the simplified acquisition threshold is as specified in section 134 of this title.

(B) Inapplicable laws.—A law properly listed in the Federal Acquisition Regulation pursuant to section 1905 of this title does not apply to or with respect to a contract or subcontract that is not greater than the simplified acquisition threshold.

(2) Simplified acquisition procedures.—Simplified acquisition procedures contained in the Federal Acquisition Regulation pursuant to section 1901 of this title apply in executive agencies as provided in section 1901.

(c) Exceptions.—

(1) In general.—This division does not apply—

(A) to the Department of Defense, the Coast Guard, and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration; or

(B) except as provided in paragraph (2), when this division is made inapplicable pursuant to law.

(2) Applicability of certain laws related to advertising, opening of bids, and length of contract.—Sections 6101, 6103, and 6304 of this title do not apply to the procurement of property or services made by an executive agency pursuant to this division. However, when this division is made inapplicable by any law, sections 6101 and 6103 of this title apply in the absence of authority conferred by statute to procure without advertising or without regard to section 6101 of this title. A law that authorizes an executive agency (other than an executive agency exempted from this division by this subsection) to procure property or services without advertising or without regard to section 6101 of this title is deemed to authorize the procurement pursuant to the provisions of this division relating to procedures other than sealed-bid procedures.

(Pub. L. 111–350, §3, Jan. 4, 2011, 124 Stat. 3742.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised 
Section
Source (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large)

3101(a)
41:252(a) (words before 1st semicolon).
June 30, 1949, ch. 288, title III, §302(a), 63 Stat. 393; July 12, 1952, ch. 703, §1(m), 66 Stat. 594; Pub. L. 85–800, §1, Aug. 28, 1958, 72 Stat. 966; Pub. L. 89–343, §1, Nov. 8, 1965, 79 Stat. 1303.

3101(b)(1)
41:252a.
June 30, 1949, ch. 288, title III, §302A, as added Pub. L. 103–355, title IV, §§4003, 4103(a), Oct. 13, 1994, 108 Stat. 3338, 3341.

3101(b)(2)
41:252b.
June 30, 1949, ch. 288, title III, §302B, as added Pub. L. 103–355, title IV, §4203(b), Oct. 13, 1994, 108 Stat. 3346.

3101(c)(1)
41:252(a) (words after 1st semicolon and before "but when").

3101(c)(2)
41:252(a) (words after "other law").

 
41:260.
June 30, 1949, ch. 288, title III, §310, 63 Stat. 397; July 12, 1952, ch. 703, §1(m), (n), 66 Stat. 594; Pub. L. 85–800, §6, Aug. 28, 1958, 72 Stat. 967; Pub. L. 89–343, §5, Nov. 8, 1965, 79 Stat. 1303; Pub. L. 98–369, div. B, title VII, §2714(a)(6), July 18, 1984, 98 Stat. 1185.

In subsection (c)(1)(B), the words "except as provided in paragraph (2)" are added for clarity. The words "section 113(e) of title 40 or any other" are omitted as unnecessary.

Executive Documents

Ex. Ord. No. 13005. Empowerment Contracting

Ex. Ord. No. 13005, May 21, 1996, 61 F.R. 26069, provided:

In order to promote economy and efficiency in Federal procurement, it is necessary to secure broad-based competition for Federal contracts. This broad competition is best achieved where there is an expansive pool of potential contractors capable of producing quality goods and services at competitive prices. A great and largely untapped opportunity for expanding the pool of such contractors can be found in this Nation's economically distressed communities.

Fostering growth of Federal contractors in economically distressed communities and ensuring that those contractors become viable businesses for the long term will promote economy and efficiency in Federal procurement and help to empower those communities. Fostering growth of long-term viable contractors will be promoted by offering appropriate incentives to qualified businesses.

Accordingly, by the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, including section 486(a) [now 121(a)] of title 40, United States Code, and section 301 of title 3, United States Code, it is hereby ordered as follows:

Section 1. Policy. The purpose of this order is to strengthen the economy and to improve the efficiency of the Federal procurement system by encouraging business development that expands the industrial base and increases competition.

Sec. 2. Empowerment Contracting Program. In consultation with the Secretaries of the Departments of Housing and Urban Development, Labor, and Defense; the Administrator of General Services; the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration; the Administrator of the Small Business Administration; and the Administrator for Federal Procurement Policy, the Secretary of the Department of Commerce shall develop policies and procedures to ensure that agencies, to the extent permitted by law, grant qualified large businesses and qualified small businesses appropriate incentives to encourage business activity in areas of general economic distress, including a price or an evaluation credit, when assessing offers for government contracts in unrestricted competitions, where the incentives would promote the policy set forth in this order. In developing such policies and procedures, the Secretary shall consider the size of the qualified businesses.

Sec. 3. Monitoring and Evaluation. The Secretary shall:

(a) monitor the implementation and operation of the policies and procedures developed in accordance with this order;

(b) develop a process to ensure the proper administration of the program and to reduce the potential for fraud by the intended beneficiaries of the program;

(c) develop principles and a process to evaluate the effectiveness of the policies and procedures developed in accordance with this order; and

(d) by December 1 of each year, issue a report to the President on the status and effectiveness of the program.

Sec. 4. Implementation Guidelines. In implementing this order, the Secretary shall:

(a) issue rules, regulations, and guidelines necessary to implement this order, including a requirement for the periodic review of the eligibility of qualified businesses and distressed areas;

(b) draft all rules, regulations, and guidelines necessary to implement this order within 90 days of the date of this order; and

(c) ensure that all policies and procedures and all rules, regulations, and guidelines adopted and implemented in accordance with this order minimize the administrative burden on affected agencies and the procurement process.

Sec. 5. Definitions. For purposes of this Executive order:

(a) "Agency" means any authority of the United States that is an "agency" under 44 U.S.C. 3502(1), other than those considered to be independent regulatory agencies, as defined in 44 U.S.C. 3502(10).

(b) "Area of general economic distress" shall be defined, for all urban and rural communities, as any census tract that has a poverty rate of at least 20 percent or any designated Federal Empowerment Zone, Supplemental Empowerment Zone, Enhanced Enterprise Community, or Enterprise Community. In addition, the Secretary may designate as an area of general economic distress any additional rural or Indian reservation area after considering the following factors:

(1) Unemployment rate;

(2) Degree of poverty;

(3) Extent of outmigration; and

(4) Rate of business formation and rate of business growth.

(c) "Qualified large business" means a large for-profit or not-for-profit trade or business that (1) employs a significant number of residents from the area of general economic distress; and (2) either has a significant physical presence in the area of general economic distress or has a direct impact on generating significant economic activity in the area of general economic distress.

(d) "Qualified small business" means a small for-profit or not-for-profit trade or business that (1) employs a significant number of residents from the area of general economic distress; (2) has a significant physical presence in the area of general economic distress; or (3) has a direct impact on generating significant economic activity in the area of general economic distress.

(e) "Secretary" means the Secretary of Commerce.

Sec. 6. Agency Authority. Nothing in this Executive order shall be construed as displacing the agencies' authority or responsibilities, as authorized by law, including specifically other programs designed to promote the development of small or disadvantaged businesses.

Sec. 7. Judicial Review. This Executive order does not create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or equity by a party against the United States, its agencies or instrumentalities, its officers or employees, or any other person.

William J. Clinton.      

Ex. Ord. No. 13627. Strengthening Protections Against Trafficking in Persons in Federal Contracts

Ex. Ord. No. 13627, Sept. 25, 2012, 77 F.R. 60029, provided:

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act (40 U.S.C. 101 et seq.) and the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000, as amended (TVPA) (Public Law 106–386, Division A), and in order to strengthen protections against trafficking in persons in Federal contracting, it is hereby ordered as follows:

Section 1. Policy. More than 20 million men, women, and children throughout the world are victims of severe forms of trafficking in persons ("trafficking" or "trafficking in persons")—defined in section 103 of the TVPA, 22 U.S.C. 7102(8) [now 7102(11)], to include sex trafficking in which a commercial sex act is induced by force, fraud, or coercion, or in which the person induced to perform such act has not attained 18 years of age, or the recruitment, harboring, transportation, provision, or obtaining of a person for labor or services, through the use of force, fraud, or coercion, for the purpose of subjection to involuntary servitude, peonage, debt bondage, or slavery.

The United States has long had a zero-tolerance policy regarding Government employees and contractor personnel engaging in any form of this criminal behavior. As the largest single purchaser of goods and services in the world, the United States Government bears a responsibility to ensure that taxpayer dollars do not contribute to trafficking in persons. By providing our Government workforce with additional tools and training to apply and enforce existing policy, and by providing additional clarity to Government contractors and subcontractors on the steps necessary to fully comply with that policy, this order will help to protect vulnerable individuals as contractors and subcontractors perform vital services and manufacture the goods procured by the United States.

In addition, the improved safeguards provided by this order to strengthen compliance with anti-trafficking laws will promote economy and efficiency in Government procurement. These safeguards, which have been largely modeled on successful practices in the private sector, will increase stability, productivity, and certainty in Federal contracting by avoiding the disruption and disarray caused by the use of trafficked labor and resulting investigative and enforcement actions.

Sec. 2. Anti-Trafficking Provisions. (a) Within 180 days of the date of this order, the Federal Acquisition Regulatory (FAR) Council, in consultation with the Secretary of State, the Attorney General, the Secretary of Labor, the Secretary of Homeland Security, the Administrator for the United States Agency for International Development, and the heads of such other executive departments and agencies (agencies) as the FAR Council determines to be appropriate, shall take steps necessary to amend the Federal Acquisition Regulation to:

(1) strengthen the efficacy of the Government's zero-tolerance policy on trafficking in persons by Federal contractors and subcontractors in solicitations, contracts, and subcontracts for supplies or services (including construction and commercial items), by:

(A) expressly prohibiting Federal contractors, contractor employees, subcontractors, and subcontractor employees from engaging in any of the following types of trafficking-related activities:

(i) using misleading or fraudulent recruitment practices during the recruitment of employees, such as failing to disclose basic information or making material misrepresentations regarding the key terms and conditions of employment, including wages and fringe benefits, the location of work, living conditions and housing (if employer provided or arranged), any significant costs to be charged to the employee, and, if applicable, the hazardous nature of the work;

(ii) charging employees recruitment fees;

(iii) destroying, concealing, confiscating, or otherwise denying access by an employee to the employee's identity documents, such as passports or drivers' licenses; and

(iv) for portions of contracts and subcontracts:

(I) performed outside the United States, failing to pay return transportation costs upon the end of employment, for an employee who is not a national of the country in which the work is taking place and who was brought into that country for the purpose of working on a U.S. Government contract or subcontract;

(II) not covered by subsection (a)(1)(A)(iv)(I) of this section, failing to pay return transportation costs upon the end of employment, for an employee who is not a national of the country in which the work is taking place and who was brought into that country for the purpose of working on a U.S. Government contract or subcontract, if the payment of such costs is required under existing temporary worker programs or pursuant to a written agreement with the employee; provided, however

(III) that the requirements of subsections (a)(1)(A)(iv)(I) and (II) shall not apply to:

(aa) an employee who is legally permitted to remain in the country of employment and who chooses to do so; or

(bb) an employee who is a victim of trafficking and is seeking victim services or legal redress in the country of employment, or an employee who is a witness in a trafficking-related enforcement action;

(v) other specific activities that the FAR Council identifies as directly supporting or promoting trafficking in persons, the procurement of commercial sex acts, or the use of forced labor in the performance of the contract or subcontract;

(B) requiring contractors and their subcontractors, by contract clause, to agree to cooperate fully in providing reasonable access to allow contracting agencies and other responsible enforcement agencies to conduct audits, investigations, or other actions to ascertain compliance with the TVPA, this order, or any other applicable law or regulation establishing restrictions on trafficking in persons, the procurement of commercial sex acts, or the use of forced labor; and

(C) requiring contracting officers to notify, in accordance with agency procedures, the agency's Inspector General, the agency official responsible for initiating suspension or debarment actions, and law enforcement, if appropriate, if they become aware of any activities that would justify termination under section 106(g) of the TVPA, 22 U.S.C. 7104(g), or are inconsistent with the requirements of this order or any other applicable law or regulation establishing restrictions on trafficking in persons, the procurement of commercial sex acts, or the use of forced labor, and further requiring that the agency official responsible for initiating suspension and debarment actions consider whether suspension or debarment is necessary in order to protect the Government's interest;

(2) except as provided in subsection (a)(3) of this section, ensure that provisions in solicitations and clauses in contracts and subcontracts, where the estimated value of the supplies acquired or services required to be performed outside the United States exceeds $500,000, include the following requirements pertaining to the portion of the contract or subcontract performed outside the United States:

(A) that each such contractor and subcontractor maintain a compliance plan during the performance of the contract or subcontract that is appropriate for the size and complexity of the contract or subcontract and the nature and scope of the activities performed, including the risk that the contract or subcontract will involve services or supplies susceptible to trafficking. The compliance plan shall be provided to the contracting officer upon request, and relevant contents of the plan shall be posted no later than the initiation of contract performance at the workplace and on the contractor or subcontractor's Web site (if one is maintained), and shall, at a minimum, include:

(i) an awareness program to inform employees about:

(I) the policy of ensuring that employees do not engage in trafficking in persons or related activities, including those specified in subsection (a)(1)(A) of this section, the procurement of commercial sex acts, or the use of forced labor; and

(II) the actions that will be taken against employees for violation of such policy;

(ii) a process for employees to report, without fear of retaliation, any activity that would justify termination under section 106(g) of the TVPA, or is inconsistent with the requirements of this order, or any other applicable law or regulation establishing restrictions on trafficking in persons, the procurement of commercial sex acts, or the use of forced labor;

(iii) a recruitment and wage plan that only permits the use of recruitment companies with trained employees, prohibits charging recruitment fees to the employee, and ensures that wages meet applicable host country legal requirements or explains any variance;

(iv) a housing plan, if the contractor or subcontractor intends to provide or arrange housing, that ensures that the housing meets host country housing and safety standards or explains any variance; and

(v) procedures to prevent subcontractors at any tier from engaging in trafficking in persons, including those trafficking-related activities described in subsection (a)(1)(A) of this section, and to monitor, detect, and terminate any subcontractors or subcontractor employees that have engaged in such activities; and

(B) that each such contractor and subcontractor shall certify, prior to receiving an award and annually thereafter during the term of the contract or subcontract, that:

(i) it has the compliance plan referred to in subsection (a)(2)(A) of this section in place to prevent trafficking-related activities described in section 106(g) of the TVPA and this order; and

(ii) either, to the best of its knowledge and belief, neither it nor any of its subcontractors has engaged in any such activities; or, if abuses have been found, the contractor or subcontractor has taken the appropriate remedial and referral actions;

(3) specify that the requirements in subsections (a)(2)(A) and (B) of this section shall not apply with respect to contracts or subcontracts for commercially available off-the-shelf items.

(b) Not later than 1 year after the date of this order, the member agencies of the President's Interagency Task Force to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons (PITF), established pursuant to section 105 of the TVPA, 22 U.S.C. 7103, shall jointly establish a process for evaluating and identifying, for Federal contracts and subcontracts performed substantially within the United States, whether there are industries or sectors with a history (or where there is current evidence) of trafficking-related or forced labor activities described in section 106(g) of the TVPA, in subsection (a)(1)(A) of this section, or any other applicable law or regulation establishing restrictions on trafficking in persons, the procurement of commercial sex acts, or the use of forced labor. Where the PITF has identified such industries or sectors, it shall notify agencies of these designations, and individual agencies shall, in consultation with the Office of Federal Procurement Policy of the Office of Management and Budget, adopt and publish appropriate safeguards, guidance, and compliance assistance to prevent trafficking and forced labor in Federal contracting in these identified areas.

Sec. 3. Guidance and Training. (a) The Administrator for Federal Procurement Policy shall:

(1) in consultation with appropriate management councils, such as the Chief Acquisition Officers Council, provide guidance to agencies on developing appropriate internal procedures and controls for awarding and administering Federal contracts to improve monitoring of and compliance with actions to prevent trafficking in persons, consistent with section 106 of the TVPA, including the development of methods to track the number of trafficking violations reported and remedies applied; and

(2) in consultation with the Federal Acquisition Institute and appropriate management councils, such as the Chief Acquisition Officers Council:

(A) develop methods to track the number of Federal employees trained; and

(B) implement training requirements to ensure that the Federal acquisition workforce is trained on the policies and responsibilities for combating trafficking, including on:

(i) applicable laws, regulations, and policies; and

(ii) internal controls and oversight procedures implemented by the agency, including enforcement procedures available to the agency to investigate, manage, and mitigate contractor and subcontractor trafficking violations.

(b) The member agencies of PITF shall jointly facilitate the sharing of information that may be used by acquisition, program, and other offices within agencies to evaluate where the risk of trafficking in persons may be heightened based on the nature of the work to be performed, the place of performance, and any other relevant considerations.

Sec. 4. Effective Date. This order shall become effective immediately and shall apply to solicitations issued on or after the effective date for the action taken by the FAR Council under subsection 2(a) of this order.

Sec. 5. General Provisions. (a) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:

(1) the authority granted by law to an executive department, agency, or the head thereof; or

(2) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.

(b) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.

(c) This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.

Barack Obama.      

Executive Order No. 13673

Ex. Ord. No. 13673, July 31, 2014, 79 F.R. 45309, as amended by Ex. Ord. No. 13683, §3, Dec. 11, 2014, 79 F.R. 75042; Ex. Ord. No. 13738, Aug. 23, 2016, 81 F.R. 58807, which related to compliance with labor laws by Federal contractors, was revoked by Ex. Ord. No. 13782, §1, Mar. 27, 2017, 82 F.R. 15607, set out below.

Ex. Ord. No. 13782. Revocation of Federal Contracting Executive Orders

Ex. Ord. No. 13782, Mar. 27, 2017, 82 F.R. 15607, provided:

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered as follows:

Section 1. Revocation. Executive Order 13673 of July 31, 2014, section 3 of Executive Order 13683 of December 11, 2014, and Executive Order 13738 of August 23, 2016, are revoked.

Sec. 2. Reconsideration of Existing Rules. All executive departments and agencies shall, as appropriate and to the extent consistent with law, consider promptly rescinding any orders, rules, regulations, guidance, guidelines, or policies implementing or enforcing the revoked Executive Orders and revoked provision listed in section 1 of this order.

Sec. 3. General Provisions. (a) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:

(i) the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or

(ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.

(b) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.

(c) This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.

Donald J. Trump.      

Government Contracting

Memorandum of President of the United States, Mar. 4, 2009, 74 F.R. 9755, provided:

Memorandum for the Heads of Executive Departments and Agencies

The Federal Government has an overriding obligation to American taxpayers. It should perform its functions efficiently and effectively while ensuring that its actions result in the best value for the taxpayers.

Since 2001, spending on Government contracts has more than doubled, reaching over $500 billion in 2008. During this same period, there has been a significant increase in the dollars awarded without full and open competition and an increase in the dollars obligated through cost-reimbursement contracts. Between fiscal years 2000 and 2008, for example, dollars obligated under cost-reimbursement contracts nearly doubled, from $71 billion in 2000 to $135 billion in 2008. Reversing these trends away from full and open competition and toward cost-reimbursement contracts could result in savings of billions of dollars each year for the American taxpayer.

Excessive reliance by executive agencies on sole-source contracts (or contracts with a limited number of sources) and cost-reimbursement contracts creates a risk that taxpayer funds will be spent on contracts that are wasteful, inefficient, subject to misuse, or otherwise not well designed to serve the needs of the Federal Government or the interests of the American taxpayer. Reports by agency Inspectors General, the Government Accountability Office (GAO), and other independent reviewing bodies have shown that noncompetitive and cost-reimbursement contracts have been misused, resulting in wasted taxpayer resources, poor contractor performance, and inadequate accountability for results.

When awarding Government contracts, the Federal Government must strive for an open and competitive process. However, executive agencies must have the flexibility to tailor contracts to carry out their missions and achieve the policy goals of the Government. In certain exigent circumstances, agencies may need to consider whether a competitive process will not accomplish the agency's mission. In such cases, the agency must ensure that the risks associated with noncompetitive contracts are minimized.

Moreover, it is essential that the Federal Government have the capacity to carry out robust and thorough management and oversight of its contracts in order to achieve programmatic goals, avoid significant overcharges, and curb wasteful spending. A GAO study last year of 95 major defense acquisitions projects found cost overruns of 26 percent, totaling $295 billion over the life of the projects. Improved contract oversight could reduce such sums significantly.

Government outsourcing for services also raises special concerns. For decades, the Federal Government has relied on the private sector for necessary commercial services used by the Government, such as transportation, food, and maintenance. Office of Management and Budget Circular A–76, first issued in 1966, was based on the reasonable premise that while inherently governmental activities should be performed by Government employees, taxpayers may receive more value for their dollars if non-inherently governmental activities that can be provided commercially are subject to the forces of competition.

However, the line between inherently governmental activities that should not be outsourced and commercial activities that may be subject to private sector competition has been blurred and inadequately defined. As a result, contractors may be performing inherently governmental functions. Agencies and departments must operate under clear rules prescribing when outsourcing is and is not appropriate.

It is the policy of the Federal Government that executive agencies shall not engage in noncompetitive contracts except in those circumstances where their use can be fully justified and where appropriate safeguards have been put in place to protect the taxpayer. In addition, there shall be a preference for fixed-price type contracts. Cost-reimbursement contracts shall be used only when circumstances do not allow the agency to define its requirements sufficiently to allow for a fixed-price type contract. Moreover, the Federal Government shall ensure that taxpayer dollars are not spent on contracts that are wasteful, inefficient, subject to misuse, or otherwise not well designed to serve the Federal Government's needs and to manage the risk associated with the goods and services being procured. The Federal Government must have sufficient capacity to manage and oversee the contracting process from start to finish, so as to ensure that taxpayer funds are spent wisely and are not subject to excessive risk. Finally, the Federal Government must ensure that those functions that are inherently governmental in nature are performed by executive agencies and are not outsourced.

I hereby direct the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), in collaboration with the Secretary of Defense, the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the Administrator of General Services, the Director of the Office of Personnel Management, and the heads of such other agencies as the Director of OMB determines to be appropriate, and with the participation of appropriate management councils and program management officials, to develop and issue by July 1, 2009, Government-wide guidance to assist agencies in reviewing, and creating processes for ongoing review of, existing contracts in order to identify contracts that are wasteful, inefficient, or not otherwise likely to meet the agency's needs, and to formulate appropriate corrective action in a timely manner. Such corrective action may include modifying or canceling such contracts in a manner and to the extent consistent with applicable laws, regulations, and policy.

I further direct the Director of OMB, in collaboration with the aforementioned officials and councils, and with input from the public, to develop and issue by September 30, 2009, Government-wide guidance to:

(1) govern the appropriate use and oversight of sole-source and other types of noncompetitive contracts and to maximize the use of full and open competition and other competitive procurement processes;

(2) govern the appropriate use and oversight of all contract types, in full consideration of the agency's needs, and to minimize risk and maximize the value of Government contracts generally, consistent with the regulations to be promulgated pursuant to section 864 of Public Law 110–417;

(3) assist agencies in assessing the capacity and ability of the Federal acquisition workforce to develop, manage, and oversee acquisitions appropriately; and

(4) clarify when governmental outsourcing for services is and is not appropriate, consistent with section 321 of Public Law 110–417 (31 U.S.C. 501 note).

Executive departments and agencies shall carry out the provisions of this memorandum to the extent permitted by law. This memorandum is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.

The Director of OMB is hereby authorized and directed to publish this memorandum in the Federal Register.

Barack Obama.
41 U.S.C. § 107 (2024) — Title 41: PUBLIC CONTRACTS / Chapter 1 / Subchapter I / Section 107: Full and open competition
Full and open competition
Status: in_force

In this subtitle, the term "full and open competition", when used with respect to a procurement, means that all responsible sources are permitted to submit sealed bids or competitive proposals on the procurement.

(Pub. L. 111–350, §3, Jan. 4, 2011, 124 Stat. 3680.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised 
Section
Source (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large)

107
41:259(c)(4).
June 30, 1949, ch. 288, title III, §309(c)(4), as added Pub. L. 98–369, title VII, §2711(a)(3), July 18, 1984, 98 Stat. 1180; Pub. L. 98–577, title V, §504(a)(4), Oct. 30, 1984, 98 Stat. 3086; Pub. L. 103–355, title I, §1551, Oct. 13, 1994, 108 Stat. 3299.

 
41:403(6).
Pub. L. 93–400, §4(6), formerly §4(7), as added Pub. L. 98–369, title VII, §2731(3), July 18, 1984, 98 Stat. 1195; Pub. L. 98–577, title I, §102(1), Oct. 30, 1984, 98 Stat. 3067; redesignated as §4(6), Pub. L. 100–679, §3(c), Nov. 17, 1988, 102 Stat. 4056; Pub. L. 103–355, title VIII, §8001(b)(1)–(3), Oct. 13, 1994, 108 Stat. 3386.
41 U.S.C. § 3705 (2024) — Title 41: PUBLIC CONTRACTS / Chapter 37 / Section 3705: Pre-award debriefings
Pre-award debriefings
Status: in_force

(a) Request for Debriefing.—When the contracting officer excludes an offeror submitting a competitive proposal from the competitive range (or otherwise excludes that offeror from further consideration prior to the final source selection decision), the excluded offeror may request in writing, within 3 days after the date on which the excluded offeror receives notice of its exclusion, a debriefing prior to award.

(b) When Debriefing To Be Conducted.—The contracting officer shall make every effort to debrief the unsuccessful offeror as soon as practicable but may refuse the request for a debriefing if it is not in the best interests of the Federal Government to conduct a debriefing at that time.

(c) Precondition for Post-Award Debriefing.—The contracting officer is required to debrief an excluded offeror in accordance with section 3704 of this title only if that offeror requested and was refused a pre-award debriefing under subsections (a) and (b).

(d) Information To Be Provided.—The debriefing conducted under this section shall include—

(1) the executive agency's evaluation of the significant elements in the offeror's offer;

(2) a summary of the rationale for the offeror's exclusion; and

(3) reasonable responses to relevant questions posed by the debriefed offeror as to whether source selection procedures set forth in the solicitation, applicable regulations, and other applicable authorities were followed by the executive agency.

(e) Information Not To Be Disclosed.—The debriefing conducted pursuant to this section may not disclose the number or identity of other offerors and shall not disclose information about the content, ranking, or evaluation of other offerors' proposals.

(f) Summary To Be Included in File.—The contracting officer shall include a summary of the debriefing in the contract file.

(Pub. L. 111–350, §3, Jan. 4, 2011, 124 Stat. 3772.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised 
Section
Source (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large)

3705(a)
41:253b(f)(1) (1st sentence).
June 30, 1949, ch. 288, title III, §303B(f), (g) (related to §303B(f)), as added Pub. L. 104–106, title XLI, §4104(b)(3), Feb. 10, 1996, 110 Stat. 645.

3705(b)
41:253b(f)(1) (last sentence).

3705(c)
41:253b(f)(2).

3705(d)
41:253b(f)(3).

3705(e)
41:253b(f)(4).

3705(f)
41:253b(g) (related to 41:253b(f)).
41 U.S.C. § 2301 (2024) — Title 41: PUBLIC CONTRACTS / Chapter 23 / Section 2301: Use of electronic commerce in Federal procurement
Use of electronic commerce in Federal procurement
Status: in_force

(a) Definition.—For the purposes of this section, the term "electronic commerce" means electronic techniques for accomplishing business transactions, including electronic mail or messaging, World Wide Web technology, electronic bulletin boards, purchase cards, electronic funds transfers, and electronic data interchange.

(b) Establishment, Maintenance, and Use of Electronic Commerce Procedures and Processes.—The head of each executive agency, after consulting with the Administrator, shall establish, maintain, and use, to the maximum extent that is practicable and cost-effective, procedures and processes that employ electronic commerce in the conduct and administration of the procurement system of the agency.

(c) Applicable Standards.—In conducting electronic commerce, the head of an executive agency shall apply nationally and internationally recognized standards that broaden interoperability and ease the electronic interchange of information.

(d) Requirements of Systems, Technologies, Procedures, and Processes.—The head of each executive agency shall ensure that systems, technologies, procedures, and processes established pursuant to this section—

(1) are implemented with uniformity throughout the agency, to the extent practicable;

(2) are implemented only after granting due consideration to the use or partial use, as appropriate, of existing electronic commerce and electronic data interchange systems and infrastructures such as the Federal acquisition computer network architecture known as FACNET;

(3) facilitate access to Federal Government procurement opportunities, including opportunities for small business concerns, socially and economically disadvantaged small business concerns, and business concerns owned predominantly by women; and

(4) ensure that any notice of agency requirements or agency solicitation for contract opportunities is provided in a form that allows convenient and universal user access through a single, Government-wide point of entry.

(e) Implementation.—In carrying out the requirements of this section, the Administrator shall—

(1) issue policies to promote, to the maximum extent practicable, uniform implementation of this section by executive agencies, with due regard for differences in program requirements among agencies that may require departures from uniform procedures and processes in appropriate cases, when warranted because of the agency mission;

(2) ensure that the head of each executive agency complies with the requirements of subsection (d); and

(3) consult with the heads of appropriate Federal agencies with applicable technical and functional expertise, including the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, the General Services Administration, and the Department of Defense.

(f) Inapplicability to Department of Defense.—In this section, the term "executive agency" does not include the Department of Defense.

(Pub. L. 111–350, §3, Jan. 4, 2011, 124 Stat. 3732; Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title VIII, §833(b)(5)(A)(ii), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2285.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised 
Section
Source (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large)

2301(a)
41:426(f).
Pub. L. 93–400, §30, as added Pub. L. 103–355, title IX, §9001(a), Oct. 13, 1994, 108 Stat. 3399; Pub. L. 105–85, title VIII, §850(a), Nov. 18, 1997, 111 Stat. 1847; Pub. L. 106–398, §1 [[div. A], title VIII, §810(d)], Oct. 30, 2000, 114 Stat. 1654A–210.

2301(b)
41:426(a).

2301(c)
41:426(b).

2301(d)
41:426(c).

2301(e)
41:426(d).

In this section, the text of 41:426(e) is omitted as obsolete because the last report was to be submitted not later than March 1, 2004.

In subsection (c), the word "executive" is added for clarity and for consistency in the revised section.

In subsection (e)(2), the words "with respect to the agency systems, technologies, procedures, and processes established pursuant to this section" are omitted as unnecessary.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2016—Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 114–328 added subsec. (f).

Executive Documents

Streamlining Procurement Through Electronic Commerce

Memorandum of President of the United States, Oct. 28, 1993, 58 F.R. 58095, provided:

Memorandum for the Heads of Executive Departments and Agencies [and] the President's Management Council

The Federal Government spends $200 billion annually buying goods and services. Unfortunately, the red tape and burdensome paperwork of the current procurement system increases costs, produces unnecessary delays, and reduces Federal work force productivity. Moving to an electronic commerce system to simplify and streamline the purchasing process will promote customer service and cost-effectiveness. The electronic exchange of acquisition information between the private sector and the Federal Government also will increase competition by improving access to Federal contracting opportunities for the more than 300,000 vendors currently doing business with the Government, particularly small businesses, as well as many other vendors who find access to bidding opportunities difficult under the current system. For these reasons, I am committed to fundamentally altering and improving the way the Federal Government buys goods and services by ensuring that electronic commerce is implemented for appropriate Federal purchases as quickly as possible.

1. OBJECTIVES.

The objectives of this electronic commerce initiative are to:

(a) exchange procurement information—such as solicitations, offers, contracts, purchase orders, invoices, payments, and other contractual documents—electronically between the private sector and the Federal Government to the maximum extent practical;

(b) provide businesses, including small, small disadvantaged, and women-owned businesses, with greater access to Federal procurement opportunities;

(c) ensure that potential suppliers are provided simplified access to the Federal Government's electronic commerce system;

(d) employ nationally and internationally recognized data formats that serve to broaden and ease the electronic interchange of data; and

(e) use agency and industry systems and networks to enable the Government and potential suppliers to exchange information and access Federal procurement data.

2. IMPLEMENTATION.

The President's Management Council, in coordination with the Office of Federal Procurement Policy of the Office of Management and Budget, and in consultation with appropriate Federal agencies with applicable technical and functional expertise, as necessary, shall provide overall leadership, management oversight, and policy direction to implement electronic commerce in the executive branch through the following actions:

(a) by March 1994, define the architecture for the Government-wide electronic commerce acquisition system and identify executive departments or agencies responsible for developing, implementing, operating, and maintaining the Federal electronic system;

(b) by September 1994, establish an initial electronic commerce capability to enable the Federal Government and private vendors to electronically exchange standardized requests for quotations, quotes, purchase orders, and notice of awards and begin Government-wide implementation;

(c) by July 1995, implement a full scale Federal electronic commerce system that expands initial capabilities to include electronic payments, document interchange, and supporting databases; and

(d) by January 1997, complete Government-wide implementation of electronic commerce for appropriate Federal purchases, to the maximum extent possible.

This implementation schedule should be accelerated where practicable.

The head of each executive department or agency shall:

(a) ensure that budgetary resources are available, within approved budget levels, for electronic commerce implementation in each respective department or agency;

(b) assist the President's Management Council in implementing the electronic commerce system as quickly as possible in accordance with the schedules established herein; and

(c) designate one or more senior level employees to assist the President's Management Council and serve as a point of contact for the development and implementation of the Federal electronic commerce system within each respective department or agency.

3. NO PRIVATE RIGHTS CREATED.

This directive is for the internal management of the executive branch and does not create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable by a party against the United States, its agencies or instrumentalities, its officers or employees, or any other person.

The Director of the Office of Management and Budget is authorized and directed to publish this memorandum in the Federal Register.

William J. Clinton.
41 U.S.C. § 8101 (2024) — Title 41: PUBLIC CONTRACTS / Chapter 81 / Section 8101: Definitions and construction
Definitions and construction
Status: in_force

(a) Definitions.—In this chapter:

(1) Contractor.—The term "contractor" means the department, division, or other unit of a person responsible for the performance under the contract.

(2) Controlled substance.—The term "controlled substance" means a controlled substance in schedules I through V of section 202 of the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970 (21 U.S.C. 812).

(3) Conviction.—The term "conviction" means a finding of guilt (including a plea of nolo contendere), an imposition of sentence, or both, by a judicial body charged with the responsibility to determine violations of Federal or State criminal drug statutes.

(4) Criminal drug statute.—The term "criminal drug statute" means a criminal statute involving manufacture, distribution, dispensation, use, or possession of a controlled substance.

(5) Drug-free workplace.—The term "drug-free workplace" means a site of an entity—

(A) for the performance of work done in connection with a specific contract or grant described in section 8102 or 8103 of this title; and

(B) at which employees of the entity are prohibited from engaging in the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession, or use of a controlled substance in accordance with the requirements of the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988 (Public Law 100–690, 102 Stat. 4181).

(6) Employee.—The term "employee" means the employee of a contractor or grantee directly engaged in the performance of work pursuant to the contract or grant described in section 8102 or 8103 of this title.

(7) Federal agency.—The term "Federal agency" means an agency as defined in section 552(f) of title 5.

(8) Grantee.—The term "grantee" means the department, division, or other unit of a person responsible for the performance under the grant.

(b) Construction.—This chapter does not require law enforcement agencies to comply with this chapter if the head of the agency determines it would be inappropriate in connection with the agency's undercover operations.

(Pub. L. 111–350, §3, Jan. 4, 2011, 124 Stat. 3826.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised 
Section
Source (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large)

8101(a)(1)
41:706(7).
Pub. L. 100–690, title V, §§5157, 5158, Nov. 18, 1988, 102 Stat. 4308.

8101(a)(2)
41:706(3).

8101(a)(3)
41:706(4).

8101(a)(4)
41:706(5).

8101(a)(5)
41:706(1).

8101(a)(6)
41:706(2).

8101(a)(7)
41:706(8).

8101(a)(8)
41:706(6).

8101(b)
41:707.
41 U.S.C. § 4301 (2024) — Title 41: PUBLIC CONTRACTS / Chapter 43 / Section 4301: Definitions
Definitions
Status: in_force

In this chapter:

(1) Compensation.—The term "compensation", for a fiscal year, means the total amount of wages, salary, bonuses, and deferred compensation for the fiscal year, whether paid, earned, or otherwise accruing, as recorded in an employer's cost accounting records for the fiscal year.

(2) Covered contract.—The term "covered contract" means a contract for an amount in excess of $500,000 that is entered into by an executive agency, except that the term does not include a fixed-price contract without cost incentives or any firm fixed-price contract for the purchase of commercial products or commercial services.

(3) Fiscal year.—The term "fiscal year" means a fiscal year established by a contractor for accounting purposes.

(4) Senior executive.—The term "senior executive", with respect to a contractor, means the 5 most highly compensated employees in management positions at each home office and each segment of the contractor.

(Pub. L. 111–350, §3, Jan. 4, 2011, 124 Stat. 3784; Pub. L. 115–232, div. A, title VIII, §836(b)(17), Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 1864.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised 
Section
Source (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large)

4301(1)
41:256(m)(1).
June 30, 1949, ch. 288, title III, §306(m), as added Pub. L. 105–85, title VIII, §808(b)(2), Nov. 18, 1997, 111 Stat. 1836; Pub. L. 105–261, title VIII, §804(b), Oct. 17, 1998, 112 Stat. 2083.

4301(2)
41:256(l)(1).
June 30, 1949, ch. 288, title III, §306(l)(1), as added Pub. L. 100–700, §8(a)(1), Nov. 19, 1988, 102 Stat. 4634; Pub. L. 103–355, title II, §2151, Oct. 13, 1994, 108 Stat. 3315.

4301(3)
41:256(m)(3).

4301(4)
41:256(m)(2).

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2018—Par. (2). Pub. L. 115–232 substituted "commercial products or commercial services" for "commercial items".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2018 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 115–232 effective Jan. 1, 2020, subject to a savings provision, see section 836(h) of Pub. L. 115–232, set out as an Effective Date of 2018 Amendment; Savings Provision note under section 453b of Title 6, Domestic Security.
41 U.S.C. § 1704 (2024) — Title 41: PUBLIC CONTRACTS / Chapter 17 / Section 1704: Planning and policy-making for acquisition workforce
Planning and policy-making for acquisition workforce
Status: in_force

(a) Definitions.—In this section:

(1) Associate Administrator.—The term "Associate Administrator" means the Associate Administrator for Acquisition Workforce Programs as designated by the Administrator pursuant to subsection (b).

(2) Chief Acquisition Officer.—The term "Chief Acquisition Officer" means a Chief Acquisition Officer for an executive agency appointed pursuant to section 1702 of this title.

(b) Associate Administrator for Acquisition Workforce Programs.—The Administrator shall designate a member of the Senior Executive Service as the Associate Administrator for Acquisition Workforce Programs. The Associate Administrator shall be chosen on the basis of demonstrated knowledge and expertise in acquisition, human capital, and management. The Associate Administrator shall be located in the Office of Federal Procurement Policy. The Associate Administrator shall be responsible for—

(1) supervising the acquisition workforce training fund established under section 1703(i) of this title;

(2) developing, in coordination with Chief Acquisition Officers and Chief Human Capital Officers, a strategic human capital plan for the acquisition workforce of the Federal Government;

(3) reviewing and providing input to individual agency acquisition workforce succession plans;

(4) recommending to the Administrator and other senior government officials appropriate programs, policies, and practices to increase the quantity and quality of the Federal acquisition workforce;

(5) implementing workforce programs under subsections (f) through (l) of section 1703 of this title; and

(6) carrying out other functions that the Administrator may assign.

(c) Acquisition and Contracting Training Programs Within Executive Agencies.—

(1) Chief Acquisition Officer authorities and responsibilities.—Subject to the authority, direction, and control of the head of an executive agency, the Chief Acquisition Officer for that agency shall carry out all powers, functions, and duties of the head of the agency with respect to implementation of this subsection. The Chief Acquisition Officer shall ensure that the policies established by the head of the agency in accordance with this subsection are implemented throughout the agency.

(2) Requirement.—The head of each executive agency, after consultation with the Associate Administrator, shall establish and operate acquisition and contracting training programs. The programs shall—

(A) have curricula covering a broad range of acquisition and contracting disciplines corresponding to the specific acquisition and contracting needs of the agency involved;

(B) be developed and applied according to rigorous standards; and

(C) be designed to maximize efficiency, through the use of self-paced courses, online courses, on-the-job training, and the use of remote instructors, wherever those features can be applied without reducing the effectiveness of the training or negatively affecting academic standards.

(d) Government-wide Policies and Evaluation.—The Administrator shall issue policies to promote the development of performance standards for training and uniform implementation of this section by executive agencies, with due regard for differences in program requirements among agencies that may be appropriate and warranted in view of the agency mission. The Administrator shall evaluate the implementation of the provisions of subsection (c) by executive agencies.

(e) Information on Acquisition and Contracting Training.—The Administrator shall ensure that the heads of executive agencies collect and maintain standardized information on the acquisition and contracting workforce related to the implementation of subsection (c).

(f) Acquisition Workforce Human Capital Succession Plan.—

(1) In general.—Each Chief Acquisition Officer for an executive agency shall develop, in consultation with the Chief Human Capital Officer for the agency and the Associate Administrator, a succession plan consistent with the agency's strategic human capital plan for the recruitment, development, and retention of the agency's acquisition workforce, with a particular focus on warranted contracting officers and program managers of the agency.

(2) Content of plan.—The acquisition workforce succession plan shall address—

(A) recruitment goals for personnel from procurement intern programs;

(B) the agency's acquisition workforce training needs;

(C) actions to retain high performing acquisition professionals who possess critical relevant skills;

(D) recruitment goals for personnel from the Federal Career Intern Program; and

(E) recruitment goals for personnel from the Presidential Management Fellows Program.

(g) Acquisition Workforce Development Strategic Plan.—

(1) Purpose.—The purpose of this subsection is to authorize the preparation and completion of the Acquisition Workforce Development Strategic Plan, which is a plan for Federal agencies other than the Department of Defense to—

(A) develop a specific and actionable 5-year plan to increase the size of the acquisition workforce; and

(B) operate a government-wide acquisition intern program for the Federal agencies.

(2) Establishment of plan.—The Associate Administrator shall be responsible for the management, oversight, and administration of the Acquisition Workforce Development Strategic Plan in cooperation and consultation with the Office of Federal Procurement Policy and with the assistance of the Federal Acquisition Institute.

(3) Criteria.—The Acquisition Workforce Development Strategic Plan shall include an examination of the following matters:

(A) The variety and complexity of acquisitions conducted by each Federal agency covered by the plan, and the workforce needed to effectively carry out the acquisitions.

(B) The development of a sustainable funding model to support efforts to hire, retain, and train an acquisition workforce of appropriate size and skill to effectively carry out the acquisition programs of the Federal agencies covered by the plan, including an examination of interagency funding methods and a discussion of how the model of the Defense Acquisition Workforce Development Fund could be applied to civilian agencies.

(C) Any strategic human capital planning necessary to hire, retain, and train an acquisition workforce of appropriate size and skill at each Federal agency covered by the plan.

(D) Methodologies that Federal agencies covered by the plan can use to project future acquisition workforce personnel hiring requirements, including an appropriate distribution of such personnel across each category of positions designated as acquisition workforce personnel under section 1703(g) of this title.

(E) Government-wide training standards and certification requirements necessary to enhance the mobility and career opportunities of the Federal acquisition workforce within the Federal agencies covered by the plan.

(F) If the Associate Administrator recommends as part of the plan a growth in the acquisition workforce of the Federal agencies covered by the plan below 25 percent over the next 5 years, an examination of each of the matters specified in subparagraphs (A) to (E) in the context of a 5-year plan that increases the size of such acquisition workforce by not less than 25 percent, or an explanation why such a level of growth would not be in the best interest of the Federal Government.

(4) Deadline for completion.—The Acquisition Workforce Development Strategic Plan shall be completed not later than one year after October 14, 2008, and in a fashion that allows for immediate implementation of its recommendations and guidelines.

(5) Funds.—The acquisition workforce development strategic plan shall be funded from the acquisition workforce training fund under section 1703(i) of this title.

(h) Training in the Acquisition of Architect and Engineering Services.—The Administrator shall ensure that a sufficient number of Federal employees are trained in the acquisition of architect and engineering services.

(i) Utilization of Recruitment and Retention Authorities.—The Administrator, in coordination with the Director of the Office of Personnel Management, shall encourage executive agencies to use existing authorities, including direct hire authority and tuition assistance programs, to recruit and retain acquisition personnel and consider recruiting acquisition personnel who may be retiring from the private sector, consistent with existing laws and regulations.

(Pub. L. 111–350, §3, Jan. 4, 2011, 124 Stat. 3706; Pub. L. 111–383, div. A, title X, §1075(e)(15), Jan. 7, 2011, 124 Stat. 4375; Pub. L. 112–81, div. A, title VIII, §864(a), Dec. 31, 2011, 125 Stat. 1522; Pub. L. 112–239, div. A, title X, §1076(a)(14), Jan. 2, 2013, 126 Stat. 1948.)

Amendments Not Shown in Text

Subsec. (g) of this section was derived from Pub. L. 110–417, [div. A], title VIII, §869, Oct. 14, 2008, 122 Stat. 4553, which was set out as a note under section 433a of former Title 41, Public Contracts, prior to being repealed and reenacted as subsec. (g) of this section by Pub. L. 111–350, §§3, 7(b), Jan. 4, 2011, 124 Stat. 3677, 3855. Section 869 of Pub. L. 110–417 was amended by Pub. L. 111–383, div. A, title X, §1075(e)(15), Jan. 7, 2011, 124 Stat. 4375. For applicability of that amendment to this section, see section 6(a) of Pub. L. 111–350, set out as a Transitional and Savings Provisions note preceding section 101 of this title. Section 869 of Pub. L. 110–417 was amended as follows:

(1) in subsection (b), by striking "433(a)" and inserting "433a(a)"; and

(2) in subsection (c)(4)—

(A) by striking "37(j)" and inserting "37(g)"; and

(B) by striking "433(j)" and inserting "433(g)".

Such references did not appear in the text of subsec. (g) as enacted. See Historical and Revision Notes below.

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised 
Section
Source (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large)

1704(a)(1)
no source.

1704(a)(2)
41:433a(h).
Pub. L. 110–181, div. A, title VIII, §855, Jan. 28, 2008, 122 Stat. 251.

1704(b)–(f)
41:433a(a)–(e).

1704(g)
41:433a note.
Pub. L. 110–417, [div. A], title VIII, §869, Oct. 14, 2008, 122 Stat. 4553.

1704(h), (i)
41:433a(f), (g).

In subsection (a), the definition of "executive agency" is omitted as unnecessary.

In subsection (f)(1), the words "Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act" are omitted as obsolete.

In subsection (g)(2), the words "Associate Administrator" are substituted for "Associate Administrator for Acquisition Workforce Programs designated under section 855(a) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 (Public Law 110-181; 122 Stat. 251; 41 U.S.C. 433(a))" because of subsection (a)(1).

In subsection (g)(3)(D), the reference to "section 37(j) of the Office of Federal Procurement Policy Act" is changed to "section 1703(g) of this title" to correct an error in the law.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2013—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 112–239, §1076(a)(14), made technical amendment to directory language of Pub. L. 112–81, §864(a)(2). See 2011 Amendment note below.

2011—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 112–81, §864(a)(2), as amended by Pub. L. 112–239, §1076(a)(14), substituted "The Associate Administrator shall be located in the Office of Federal Procurement Policy." for "The Associate Administrator shall be located in the Federal Acquisition Institute (or its successor)." in introductory provisions.

Pub. L. 112–81, §864(a)(1), inserted "The Associate Administrator shall be chosen on the basis of demonstrated knowledge and expertise in acquisition, human capital, and management." after "Programs." in introductory provisions.

Subsec. (b)(5), (6). Pub. L. 112–81, §864(a)(3)–(5), added par. (5) and redesignated former par. (5) as (6).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2013 Amendment

Pub. L. 112–239, div. A, title X, §1076(a), Jan. 2, 2013, 126 Stat. 1947, provided that the amendment made by section 1076(a)(14) is effective Dec. 31, 2011, and as if included in Pub. L. 112–81 as enacted.

Expansion of Training and Use of Information Technology Cadres

Pub. L. 113–291, div. A, title VIII, §835, Dec. 19, 2014, 128 Stat. 3449, provided that:

"(a) Purpose.—The purpose of this section is to ensure timely progress by Federal agencies toward developing, strengthening, and deploying information technology acquisition cadres consisting of personnel with highly specialized skills in information technology acquisition, including program and project managers.

"(b) Strategic Planning.—

"(1) In general.—The Administrator for Federal Procurement Policy, in consultation with the Administrator for E-Government and Information Technology, shall work with Federal agencies, other than the Department of Defense, to update their acquisition human capital plans that were developed pursuant to the October 27, 2009, guidance issued by the Administrator for Federal Procurement Policy in furtherance of section 1704(g) of title 41, United States Code (originally enacted as section 869 of the Duncan Hunter National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009 (Public Law 110–417; 122 Stat. 4553)), to address how the agencies are meeting their human capital requirements to support the timely and effective acquisition of information technology.

"(2) Elements.—The updates required by paragraph (1) shall be submitted to the Administrator for Federal Procurement Policy and shall address, at a minimum, each Federal agency's consideration or use of the following procedures:

"(A) Development of an information technology acquisition cadre within the agency or use of memoranda of understanding with other agencies that have such cadres or personnel with experience relevant to the agency's information technology acquisition needs.

"(B) Development of personnel assigned to information technology acquisitions, including cross-functional training of acquisition information technology and program personnel.

"(C) Use of the specialized career path for information technology program managers as designated by the Office of Personnel Management and plans for strengthening information technology program management.

"(D) Use of direct hire authority.

"(E) Conduct of peer reviews.

"(F) Piloting of innovative approaches to information technology acquisition workforce development, such as industry-government rotations.

"(c) Federal Agency Defined.—In this section, the term 'Federal agency' means each agency listed in section 901(b) of title 31, United States Code."
41 U.S.C. § 6506 (2024) — Title 41: PUBLIC CONTRACTS / Chapter 65 / Section 6506: Administrative provisions
Administrative provisions
Status: in_force

(a) In General.—The Secretary shall administer this chapter.

(b) Regulations.—The Secretary may make, amend, and rescind regulations as necessary to carry out this chapter.

(c) Use of Government Officers and Employees.—The Secretary shall use Federal officers and employees and, with a State's consent, State and local officers and employees as the Secretary finds necessary to assist in the administration of this chapter.

(d) Appointments.—The Secretary shall appoint an administrative officer and attorneys, experts, and other employees from time to time as the Secretary finds necessary for the administration of this chapter. The appointments are subject to chapter 51 and subchapter III of chapter 53 of title 5 and other law applicable to the employment and compensation of officers and employees of the Federal Government.

(e) Investigations.—The Secretary, or an authorized representative of the Secretary, may make investigations and findings as provided in this chapter and may, in any part of the United States, prosecute an inquiry necessary to carry out this chapter.

(Pub. L. 111–350, §3, Jan. 4, 2011, 124 Stat. 3809.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised 
Section
Source (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large)

6506
41:38.
June 30, 1936, ch. 881, §4, 49 Stat. 2038.

In subsection (b), the word "rules" is omitted as included in "regulations".

In subsection (c), the words "and to prescribe rules and regulations with respect thereto" are omitted as unnecessary because of subsection (b).

In subsection (d), the words "without regard to the provisions of the civil-service laws", which appear in section 4 of the Walsh-Healey Act (June 30, 1936, ch. 881, 49 Stat. 2038), are omitted as obsolete because of Executive Order 8743, April 23, 1941 (5 U.S.C. 3301 note), issued by the President pursuant to the Act of November 26, 1940, ch. 919, title I, §1, 54 Stat. 1211. The words "the Classification Act of 1923", which appear in section 4 of the Walsh-Healey Act (June 30, 1936, ch. 881, 49 Stat. 2038), are considered to be a reference to the Classification Act of 1949 because of section 1106(a) of the Classification Act of 1949 (Oct. 28, 1949, ch. 782, 63 Stat. 972). The words "chapter 51 and subchapter III of chapter 53 of title 5" are substituted for the reference to the Classification Act of 1949 because of section 7(b) of Public Law 89–554 (5 U.S.C. note prec. 101).
41 U.S.C. § 3302 (2024) — Title 41: PUBLIC CONTRACTS / Chapter 33 / Section 3302: Requirements for purchase of property and services pursuant to multiple award contracts
Requirements for purchase of property and services pursuant to multiple award contracts
Status: in_force

(a) Definitions.—In this section:

(1) Executive agency.— The term "executive agency" has the same meaning given in section 133 of this title.

(2) Individual purchase.—The term "individual purchase" means a task order, delivery order, or other purchase.

(3) Multiple award contract.—The term "multiple award contract" means—

(A) a contract that is entered into by the Administrator of General Services under the multiple award schedule program referred to in section 3012(3) of title 10;

(B) a multiple award task order contract that is entered into under the authority of chapter 245 of title 10 or chapter 41 of this title; and

(C) any other indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity contract that is entered into by the head of an executive agency with 2 or more sources pursuant to the same solicitation.

(4) Sole source task or delivery order.—The term "sole source task or delivery order" means any order that does not follow the competitive procedures in paragraph (2) or (3) of subsection (c).

(b) Regulations Required.—The Federal Acquisition Regulation shall require enhanced competition in the purchase of property and services by all executive agencies pursuant to multiple award contracts.

(c) Content of Regulations.—

(1) In general.—The regulations required by subsection (b) shall provide that each individual purchase of property or services in excess of the simplified acquisition threshold that is made under a multiple award contract shall be made on a competitive basis unless a contracting officer—

(A) waives the requirement on the basis of a determination that—

(i) one of the circumstances described in paragraphs (1) to (4) of section 4106(c) of this title or section 3406(c) of title 10 applies to the individual purchase; or

(ii) a law expressly authorizes or requires that the purchase be made from a specified source; and

(B) justifies the determination in writing.

(2) Competitive basis procedures.—For purposes of this subsection, an individual purchase of property or services is made on a competitive basis only if it is made pursuant to procedures that—

(A) require fair notice of the intent to make that purchase (including a description of the work to be performed and the basis on which the selection will be made) to be provided to all contractors offering the property or services under the multiple award contract; and

(B) afford all contractors responding to the notice a fair opportunity to make an offer and have that offer fairly considered by the official making the purchase.

(3) Exception to notice requirement.—

(A) In general.—Notwithstanding paragraph (2), and subject to subparagraph (B), notice may be provided to fewer than all contractors offering the property or services under a multiple award contract as described in subsection (a)(3)(A) if notice is provided to as many contractors as practicable.

(B) Limitation on exception.—A purchase may not be made pursuant to a notice that is provided to fewer than all contractors under subparagraph (A) unless—

(i) offers were received from at least 3 qualified contractors; or

(ii) a contracting officer of the executive agency determines in writing that no additional qualified contractors were able to be identified despite reasonable efforts to do so.

(d) Public Notice Requirements Related to Sole Source Task or Delivery Orders.—

(1) Public notice required.—The Federal Acquisition Regulation shall require the head of each executive agency to—

(A) publish on FedBizOpps notice of all sole source task or delivery orders in excess of the simplified acquisition threshold that are placed against multiple award contracts not later than 14 days after the orders are placed, except in the event of extraordinary circumstances or classified orders; and

(B) disclose the determination required by subsection (c)(1) related to sole source task or delivery orders in excess of the simplified acquisition threshold placed against multiple award contracts through the same mechanism and to the same extent as the disclosure of documents containing a justification and approval required by section 3204(e)(1) of title 10 and section 3304(e)(1) of this title, except in the event of extraordinary circumstances or classified orders.

(2) Exemption.—This subsection does not require the public availability of information that is exempt from public disclosure under section 552(b) of title 5.

(e) Applicability.—The regulations required by subsection (b) shall apply to all individual purchases of property or services that are made under multiple award contracts on or after the effective date of the regulations, without regard to whether the multiple award contracts were entered into before, on, or after the effective date.

(f) Commercial Leasing Services.—The regulations required by subsection (b) shall not apply to individual purchases for commercial leasing services that are made on a no cost basis and made under a multiple award contract awarded in accordance with the requirements for full and open competition.

(Pub. L. 111–350, §3, Jan. 4, 2011, 124 Stat. 3746; Pub. L. 111–383, div. A, title X, §1075(e)(14), Jan. 7, 2011, 124 Stat. 4375; Pub. L. 116–92, div. A, title VIII, §893(b), Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 1540; Pub. L. 117–81, div. A, title XVII, §1702(h)(12), Dec. 27, 2021, 135 Stat. 2158.)

Amendment Not Shown in Text

This section was derived from Pub. L. 110–417, [div. A], title VIII, §863(a)–(e), Oct. 14, 2008, 122 Stat. 4547, which was set out as a note under section 253h of former Title 41, Public Contracts, prior to being repealed and reenacted by Pub. L. 111–350, §§3, 7(b), Jan. 4, 2011, 124 Stat. 3677, 3855. Section 863(b)(3)(A) of Pub. L. 110–417 was restated as subsec. (c)(3)(A) of this section and subsequently amended by Pub. L. 111–383, div. A, title X, §1075(e)(14), Jan. 7, 2011, 124 Stat. 4375. For applicability of that amendment to this section, see section 6(a) of Pub. L. 111–350, set out as a Transitional and Savings Provisions note preceding section 101 of this title. Section 863(b)(3)(A) of Pub. L. 110–417 was amended by striking "subsection (d)(2)(A)" and inserting "subsection (d)(3)(A)". Such reference did not appear in the text of subsec. (c)(3)(A) as enacted. See Historical and Revision Notes below.

Repeal of Subsection (f)

Pub. L. 116–92, div. A, title VIII, §893(b)(2), Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 1540 provided that, effective Dec. 31, 2025, subsection (f) of this section is repealed. See 2019 Amendment note below.

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised 
Section
Source (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large)

3302
41:253h note.
Pub. L. 110–417, [div. A], title VIII, §863(a)–(e), Oct. 14, 2008, 122 Stat. 4547.

In subsection (b), the words "Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act" are omitted because of section 6(f) of the bill. The words "shall require" are substituted for "shall be amended to require" to reflect the permanence of the provision.

In subsection (c)(2)(A), the words "except as provided in paragraph (3)" are omitted as unnecessary.

In subsection (c)(3)(A), "subsection (a)(3)(A)" is substituted for "subsection (d)(2)(A)" for consistency in the revised title and to correct an error in the law.

In subsection (d)(1), the words "Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act" are omitted because of section 6(f) of the bill. The words "shall require" are substituted for "shall be amended to require" to reflect the permanence of the provision.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2021—Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 117–81, §1702(h)(12)(A), substituted "section 3012(3)" for "section 2302(2)(C)" in subpar. (A) and "chapter 245 of title 10" for "sections 2304a to 2304d of title 10," in subpar. (B).

Subsec. (c)(1)(A)(i). Pub. L. 117–81, §1702(h)(12)(B), substituted "section 3406(c)" for "section 2304c(b)".

Subsec. (d)(1)(B). Pub. L. 117–81, §1702(h)(12)(C), substituted "section 3204(e)(1)" for "section 2304(f)(1)".

2019—Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 116–92, §893(b)(2), struck out subsec. (f). Text read as follows: "The regulations required by subsection (b) shall not apply to individual purchases for commercial leasing services that are made on a no cost basis and made under a multiple award contract awarded in accordance with the requirements for full and open competition."

Pub. L. 116–92, §893(b)(1), added subsec. (f).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2019 Amendment

Pub. L. 116–92, div. A, title VIII, §893(b)(2), Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 1540, provided that the amendment made by section 893(b)(2) is effective Dec. 31, 2025.

Individual Acquisition for Commercial Leasing Services

Pub. L. 115–232, div. A, title VIII, §877, Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 1907, which related to individual acquisition for commercial leasing services not construed as purchase of property or services under certain conditions, was repealed by Pub. L. 116–92, div. A, title VIII, §893(a), Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 1540.
41 U.S.C. § 4505 (2024) — Title 41: PUBLIC CONTRACTS / Chapter 45 / Section 4505: Payments for commercial products and commercial services
Payments for commercial products and commercial services
Status: in_force

(a) Terms and Conditions for Payments.—Payments under section 4501 of this title for commercial products or commercial services may be made under terms and conditions that the head of the executive agency determines are appropriate or customary in the commercial marketplace and are in the best interests of the Federal Government.

(b) Security for Payments.—The head of the executive agency shall obtain adequate security for the payments. If the security is in the form of a lien in favor of the Federal Government, the lien is paramount to all other liens and is effective immediately on the first payment, without filing, notice, or other action by the Federal Government.

(c) Limitation on Advance Payments.—Advance payments made under section 4501 of this title for commercial products or commercial services may include payments, in a total amount not more than 15 percent of the contract price, in advance of any performance of work under the contract.

(d) Nonapplication of Certain Conditions.—The conditions of sections 4503 and 4504 of this title need not be applied if they would be inconsistent, as determined by the head of the executive agency, with commercial terms and conditions pursuant to this section.

(Pub. L. 111–350, §3, Jan. 4, 2011, 124 Stat. 3791; Pub. L. 115–232, div. A, title VIII, §836(b)(18)(A), (B)(i), Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 1864.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised 
Section
Source (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large)

4505
41:255(f).
June 30, 1949, ch. 288, title III, §305(f), as added Pub. L. 103–355, title II, §2051(e), Oct. 13, 1994, 108 Stat. 3304, as amended Pub. L. 104–106, title XLIII, §4321(a)(4), Feb. 10, 1996, 110 Stat. 671.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2018—Pub. L. 115–232, §836(b)(18)(B)(i), substituted "Payments for commercial products and commercial services" for "Payments for commercial items" in section catchline.

Subsecs. (a), (c). Pub. L. 115–232, §836(b)(18)(A), substituted "commercial products or commercial services" for "commercial items".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2018 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 115–232 effective Jan. 1, 2020, subject to a savings provision, see section 836(h) of Pub. L. 115–232, set out as an Effective Date of 2018 Amendment; Savings Provision note under section 453b of Title 6, Domestic Security.
41 U.S.C. § 1906 (2024) — Title 41: PUBLIC CONTRACTS / Chapter 19 / Section 1906: List of laws inapplicable to procurements of commercial products and commercial services
List of laws inapplicable to procurements of commercial products and commercial services
Status: in_force

(a) Definition.—In this section, the term "Council" has the meaning given that term in section 1301 of this title.

(b) Contracts.—

(1) Inclusion in federal acquisition regulation.—The Federal Acquisition Regulation shall include a list of provisions of law that are inapplicable to contracts for the procurement of commercial products or commercial services. A provision of law properly included on the list pursuant to paragraph (2) does not apply to purchases of commercial products or commercial services by an executive agency. This section does not render a provision of law not included on the list inapplicable to contracts for the procurement of commercial products or commercial services.

(2) Laws enacted after october 13, 1994.—A provision of law described in subsection (d) that is enacted after October 13, 1994, shall be included on the list of inapplicable provisions of law required by paragraph (1) unless the Council makes a written determination that it would not be in the best interest of the Federal Government to exempt contracts for the procurement of commercial products or commercial services from the applicability of the provision.

(c) Subcontracts.—

(1) Definition.—In this subsection, the term "subcontract" includes a transfer of commercial products or commercial services between divisions, subsidiaries, or affiliates of a contractor or subcontractor. The term does not include agreements entered into by a contractor for the supply of commodities that are intended for use in the performance of multiple contracts with the Federal Government and other parties and are not identifiable to any particular contract.

(2) Inclusion in federal acquisition regulation.—The Federal Acquisition Regulation shall include a list of provisions of law that are inapplicable to subcontracts under a contract or subcontract for the procurement of commercial products or commercial services. A provision of law properly included on the list pursuant to paragraph (3) does not apply to those subcontracts. This section does not render a provision of law not included on the list inapplicable to subcontracts under a contract for the procurement of commercial products or commercial services.

(3) Provisions to be excluded from list.—A provision of law described in subsection (d) shall be included on the list of inapplicable provisions of law required by paragraph (2) unless the Council makes a written determination that it would not be in the best interest of the Federal Government to exempt subcontracts under a contract for the procurement of commercial products or commercial services from the applicability of the provision.

(4) Waiver not authorized.—This subsection does not authorize the waiver of the applicability of any provision of law with respect to any subcontract under a contract with a prime contractor reselling or distributing commercial products or commercial services of another contractor without adding value.

(d) Covered Law.—A provision of law referred to in subsections (b)(2) and (c) is a provision of law that the Council determines sets forth policies, procedures, requirements, or restrictions for the procurement of property or services by the Federal Government, except for a provision of law that—

(1) provides for criminal or civil penalties; or

(2) specifically refers to this section and provides that, notwithstanding this section, it shall be applicable to contracts for the procurement of commercial products or commercial services.

(e) Petition.—A person may petition the Administrator to take appropriate action when a provision of law described in subsection (d) is not included on the list of inapplicable provisions of law as required by subsection (b) or (c) and the Council has not made a written determination pursuant to subsection (b)(2) or (c)(3). The Administrator shall revise the Federal Acquisition Regulation to include the provision on the list of inapplicable provisions of law unless the Council makes a determination pursuant to subsection (b)(2) or (c)(3) within 60 days after the petition is received.

(Pub. L. 111–350, §3, Jan. 4, 2011, 124 Stat. 3723; Pub. L. 115–91, div. A, title VIII, §820, Dec. 12, 2017, 131 Stat. 1464; Pub. L. 115–232, div. A, title VIII, §836(b)(6)(A), (B)(i), Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 1861.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised 
Section
Source (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large)

1906(a)
no source.

1906(b)–(e)
41:430.
Pub. L. 93–400, §34, as added Pub. L. 103–355, title VIII, §8003(a), Oct. 13, 1994, 108 Stat. 3388.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2018—Pub. L. 115–232, §836(b)(6)(B)(i), substituted "List of laws inapplicable to procurements of commercial products and commercial services" for "List of laws inapplicable to procurements of commercial items" in section catchline.

Subsecs. (b) to (d). Pub. L. 115–232, §836(b)(6)(A), substituted "commercial products or commercial services" for "commercial items" wherever appearing.

2017—Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 115–91 inserted at end "The term does not include agreements entered into by a contractor for the supply of commodities that are intended for use in the performance of multiple contracts with the Federal Government and other parties and are not identifiable to any particular contract."

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2018 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 115–232 effective Jan. 1, 2020, subject to a savings provision, see section 836(h) of Pub. L. 115–232, set out as an Effective Date of 2018 Amendment; Savings Provision note under section 453b of Title 6, Domestic Security.
41 U.S.C. § 6103 (2024) — Title 41: PUBLIC CONTRACTS / Chapter 61 / Section 6103: Opening of bids
Opening of bids
Status: in_force

Whenever proposals for supplies have been solicited, the parties responding to the solicitation shall be notified of the time and place of the opening of the bids, and be permitted to be present either in person or by attorney. A record of each bid shall be made at the time and place of the opening of the bids.

(Pub. L. 111–350, §3, Jan. 4, 2011, 124 Stat. 3803.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised 
Section
Source (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large)

6103
41:8.
R.S. §3710.
41 U.S.C. § 4106 (2024) — Title 41: PUBLIC CONTRACTS / Chapter 41 / Section 4106: Orders
Orders
Status: in_force

(a) Application.—This section applies to task and delivery order contracts entered into under sections 4103 and 4105 of this title.

(b) Actions Not Required for Issuance of Orders.—The following actions are not required for issuance of a task or delivery order under a task or delivery order contract:

(1) A separate notice for the order under section 1708 of this title or section 8(e) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 637(e)).

(2) Except as provided in subsection (c), a competition (or a waiver of competition approved in accordance with section 3304(e) of this title) that is separate from that used for entering into the contract.

(c) Multiple Award Contracts.—When multiple contracts are awarded under section 4103(d)(1)(B) or 4105(f) of this title, all contractors awarded the contracts shall be provided a fair opportunity to be considered, pursuant to procedures set forth in the contracts, for each task or delivery order in excess of the micro-purchase threshold under section 1902 of this title that is to be issued under any of the contracts, unless—

(1) the executive agency's need for the services or property ordered is of such unusual urgency that providing the opportunity to all of those contractors would result in unacceptable delays in fulfilling that need;

(2) only one of those contractors is capable of providing the services or property required at the level of quality required because the services or property ordered are unique or highly specialized;

(3) the task or delivery order should be issued on a sole-source basis in the interest of economy and efficiency because it is a logical follow-on to a task or delivery order already issued on a competitive basis; or

(4) it is necessary to place the order with a particular contractor to satisfy a minimum guarantee.

(d) Enhanced Competition for Orders in Excess of $5,000,000.—In the case of a task or delivery order in excess of $5,000,000, the requirement to provide all contractors a fair opportunity to be considered under subsection (c) is not met unless all such contractors are provided, at a minimum—

(1) a notice of the task or delivery order that includes a clear statement of the executive agency's requirements;

(2) a reasonable period of time to provide a proposal in response to the notice;

(3) disclosure of the significant factors and subfactors, including cost or price, that the executive agency expects to consider in evaluating such proposals, and their relative importance;

(4) in the case of an award that is to be made on a best value basis, a written statement documenting—

(A) the basis for the award; and

(B) the relative importance of quality and price or cost factors; and

(5) an opportunity for a post-award debriefing consistent with the requirements of section 3704 of this title.

(e) Statement of Work.—A task or delivery order shall include a statement of work that clearly specifies all tasks to be performed or property to be delivered under the order.

(f) Protests.—

(1) Protest not authorized.—A protest is not authorized in connection with the issuance or proposed issuance of a task or delivery order except for—

(A) a protest on the ground that the order increases the scope, period, or maximum value of the contract under which the order is issued; or

(B) a protest of an order valued in excess of $10,000,000.

(2) Jurisdiction over protests.—Notwithstanding section 3556 of title 31, the Comptroller General shall have exclusive jurisdiction of a protest authorized under paragraph (1)(B).

(g) Task and Delivery Order Ombudsman.—

(1) Appointment or designation and responsibilities.—The head of each executive agency who awards multiple task or delivery order contracts under section 4103(d)(1)(B) or 4105(f) of this title shall appoint or designate a task and delivery order ombudsman who shall be responsible for reviewing complaints from the contractors on those contracts and ensuring that all of the contractors are afforded a fair opportunity to be considered for task or delivery orders when required under subsection (c).

(2) Who is eligible.—The task and delivery order ombudsman shall be a senior agency official who is independent of the contracting officer for the contracts and may be the executive agency's advocate for competition.

(Pub. L. 111–350, §3, Jan. 4, 2011, 124 Stat. 3782; Pub. L. 111–383, div. A, title X, §1075(f)(5)(B), Jan. 7, 2011, 124 Stat. 4376; Pub. L. 112–81, div. A, title VIII, §813, Dec. 31, 2011, 125 Stat. 1491; Pub. L. 114–260, §2, Dec. 14, 2016, 130 Stat. 1361; Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title VIII, §835(b), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2285; Pub. L. 116–92, div. A, title VIII, §826, Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 1491.)

Amendment Not Shown in Text

This section was derived from section 253j of former Title 41, Public Contracts, which was amended by Pub. L. 110–181, div. A, title VIII, §843(b)(2)(C), Jan. 28, 2008, 122 Stat. 239, to add subsec. (e), from which subsec. (f) of this section was derived, prior to being repealed and reenacted as this section by Pub. L. 111–350, §§3, 7(b), Jan. 4, 2011, 124 Stat. 3677, 3855. The directory language of section 843(b)(2)(C) of Pub. L. 110–181 was amended by Pub. L. 111–383, div. A, title X, §1075(f)(5)(B), Jan. 7, 2011, 124 Stat. 4376. For applicability of that amendment to this section, see section 6(a) of Pub. L. 111–350, set out as a Transitional and Savings Provisions note preceding section 101 of this title. Section 843(b)(2)(C) of Pub. L. 110–181 was amended by striking "paragraph (1)" and inserting "subparagraph (A)".

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised 
Section
Source (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large)

4106(a)
41:253j(g).
June 30, 1949, ch. 288, title III, §303J, as added Pub. L. 103–355, title I, §1054(a), Oct. 13, 1994, 108 Stat. 3264; Pub. L. 110–181, div. A, title VIII, §843(b)(2), Jan. 28, 2008, 122 Stat. 238.

4106(b)
41:253j(a).

4106(c)
41:253j(b).

4106(d)
41:253j(d).

4106(e)
41:253j(c).

4106(f)
41:253j(e).

4106(g)
41:253j(f).

In subsection (g)(2), the words "advocate for competition" are substituted for "competition advocate" for consistency with section 1705 of the revised title.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2019—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 116–92 substituted "the micro-purchase threshold under section 1902 of this title" for "$2,500" in introductory provisions.

2016—Subsec. (f)(3). Pub. L. 114–260 and Pub. L. 114–328 amended subsec. (f) identically by striking out par. (3). Text read as follows: "Paragraph (1)(B) and paragraph (2) of this subsection shall not be in effect after September 30, 2016."

2011—Subsec. (f)(3). Pub. L. 112–81 amended par. (3) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "This subsection shall be in effect for three years, beginning on the date that is 120 days after January 28, 2008."

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Postaward Explanations for Unsuccessful Offerors for Certain Contracts

Pub. L. 116–92, div. A, title VIII, §874, Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 1527, provided that: "Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 20, 2019], the Federal Acquisition Regulation shall be revised to require that with respect to an offer for a task order or delivery order in an amount greater than the simplified acquisition threshold (as defined in section 134 of title 41, United States Code) and less than or equal to $5,500,000 issued under an indefinite delivery-indefinite quantity contract, the contracting officer for such contract shall, upon written request from an unsuccessful offeror, provide a brief explanation as to why such offeror was unsuccessful that includes a summary of the rationale for the award and an evaluation of the significant weak or deficient factors in the offeror's offer."
41 U.S.C. § 3906 (2024) — Title 41: PUBLIC CONTRACTS / Chapter 39 / Section 3906: Cost-reimbursement contracts
Cost-reimbursement contracts
Status: in_force

(a) Definition.—In this section, the term "executive agency" has the same meaning given in section 133 of this title.

(b) Regulations on the Use of Cost-Reimbursement Contracts.—The Federal Acquisition Regulation shall address the use of cost-reimbursement contracts.

(c) Content.—The regulations promulgated under subsection (b) shall include guidance regarding—

(1) when and under what circumstances cost-reimbursement contracts are appropriate;

(2) the acquisition plan findings necessary to support a decision to use cost-reimbursement contracts; and

(3) the acquisition workforce resources necessary to award and manage cost-reimbursement contracts.

(d) Annual Report.—

(1) In general.—The Director of the Office of Management and Budget shall submit an annual report to Congressional committees identified in subsection (e) on the use of cost-reimbursement contracts and task or delivery orders by all executive agencies.

(2) Contents.—The report shall include—

(A) the total number and value of contracts awarded and orders issued during the covered fiscal year;

(B) the total number and value of cost-reimbursement contracts awarded and orders issued during the covered fiscal year; and

(C) an assessment of the effectiveness of the regulations promulgated pursuant to subsection (b) in ensuring the appropriate use of cost-reimbursement contracts.

(3) Time requirements.—

(A) Deadline.—The report shall be submitted no later than March 1 and shall cover the fiscal year ending September 30 of the prior year.

(B) Limitation.—The report shall be submitted from March 1, 2009, until March 1, 2014.

(e) Congressional Committees.—The report required by subsection (d) shall be submitted to—

(1) the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform of the House of Representatives;

(2) the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate;

(3) the Committees on Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the Senate; and

(4) in the case of the Department of Defense and the Department of Energy, the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives.

(Pub. L. 111–350, §3, Jan. 4, 2011, 124 Stat. 3777.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised 
Section
Source (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large)

3906
41:254 note.
Pub. L. 110–417, [div. A], title VIII, §864(a), (b), (d), (e), (f)(2), (g), Oct. 14, 2008, 122 Stat. 4549.

In subsection (b), the words "Not later than 270 days after the date of the enactment of this Act" are omitted because of section 6(f) of the bill. The words "shall address" are substituted for "shall be revised to address" to reflect the permanence of the provision.

In subsection (d), the words "Subject to subsection (f)" are omitted as unnecessary.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Change of Name

Committee on Oversight and Government Reform of House of Representatives changed to Committee on Oversight and Reform of House of Representatives by House Resolution No. 6, One Hundred Sixteenth Congress, Jan. 9, 2019. Committee on Oversight and Reform of House of Representatives changed to Committee on Oversight and Accountability of House of Representatives by House Resolution No. 5, One Hundred Eighteenth Congress, Jan. 9, 2023.

Amendment of Federal Acquisition Regulation

Pub. L. 111–350, §6(f)(5), Jan. 4, 2011, 124 Stat. 3855, provided that: "The Federal Acquisition Regulation shall be amended to meet the requirements of section 3906(b) of title 41, United States Code, not later than 270 days after October 14, 2008."
41 U.S.C. § 4105 (2024) — Title 41: PUBLIC CONTRACTS / Chapter 41 / Section 4105: Advisory and assistance services
Advisory and assistance services
Status: in_force

(a) Definition.—In this section, the term "advisory and assistance services" has the same meaning given that term in section 1105(g) of title 31.

(b) Authority To Award.—

(1) In general.—Subject to the requirements of this section, section 4106 of this title, and other applicable law, the head of an executive agency may enter into a task order contract for procurement of advisory and assistance services.

(2) Only under this section.—The head of an executive agency may enter into a task order contract for advisory and assistance services only under this section.

(c) Contract Period.—The period of a task order contract entered into under this section, including all periods of extensions of the contract under options, modifications, or otherwise, may not exceed 5 years unless a longer period is specifically authorized in a law that is applicable to the contract.

(d) Content of Notice.—The notice required by section 1708 of this title and section 8(e) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 637(e)) shall reasonably and fairly describe the general scope, magnitude, and duration of the proposed task order contract in a manner that would reasonably enable a potential offeror to decide whether to request the solicitation and consider submitting an offer.

(e) Required Content of Solicitation and Contract.—

(1) Solicitation.—The solicitation shall include the information (regarding services) described in section 4103(b) of this title.

(2) Contract.—A task order contract entered into under this section shall contain the same information that is required by paragraph (1) to be included in the solicitation of offers for that contract.

(f) Multiple Awards.—

(1) Authority to make multiple awards.—On the basis of one solicitation, the head of an executive agency may award separate task order contracts under this section for the same or similar services to 2 or more sources if the solicitation states that the head of the executive agency has the option to do so.

(2) Content of solicitation.—In the case of a task order contract for advisory and assistance services to be entered into under this section, if the contract period is to exceed 3 years and the contract amount is estimated to exceed $10,000,000 (including all options), the solicitation shall—

(A) provide for a multiple award authorized under paragraph (1); and

(B) include a statement that the head of the executive agency may also elect to award only one task order contract if the head of the executive agency determines in writing that only one of the offerors is capable of providing the services required at the level of quality required.

(3) Nonapplication.—Paragraph (2) does not apply in the case of a solicitation for which the head of the executive agency concerned determines in writing that, because the services required under the contract are unique or highly specialized, it is not practicable to award more than one contract.

(g) Contract Modifications.—

(1) Increase in scope, period, or maximum value of contract only by modification of contract.—A task order may not increase the scope, period, or maximum value of the task order contract under which the order is issued. The scope, period, or maximum value of the contract may be increased only by modification of the contract.

(2) Use of competitive procedures.—Unless use of procedures other than competitive procedures is authorized by an exception in section 3304(a) of this title and approved in accordance with section 3304(e) of this title, competitive procedures shall be used for making such a modification.

(3) Notice.—Notice regarding the modification shall be provided in accordance with section 1708 of this title and section 8(e) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 637(e)).

(h) Contract Extensions.—

(1) When contract may be extended.—Notwithstanding the limitation on the contract period set forth in subsection (c) or in a solicitation or contract pursuant to subsection (f), a contract entered into by the head of an executive agency under this section may be extended on a sole-source basis for a period not exceeding 6 months if the head of the executive agency determines that—

(A) the award of a follow-on contract has been delayed by circumstances that were not reasonably foreseeable at the time the initial contract was entered into; and

(B) the extension is necessary to ensure continuity of the receipt of services pending the award of, and commencement of performance under, the follow-on contract.

(2) Limit of one extension.—A task order contract may be extended under paragraph (1) only once and only in accordance with the limitations and requirements of this subsection.

(i) Inapplicability to Certain Contracts.—This section does not apply to a contract for the acquisition of property or services that includes acquisition of advisory and assistance services if the head of the executive agency entering into the contract determines that, under the contract, advisory and assistance services are necessarily incident to, and not a significant component of, the contract.

(Pub. L. 111–350, §3, Jan. 4, 2011, 124 Stat. 3780.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised 
Section
Source (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large)

4105(a)
41:253i(i).
June 30, 1949, ch. 288, title III, §303I, as added Pub. L. 103–355, title I, §1054(a), Oct. 13, 1994, 108 Stat. 3262.

4105(b)
41:253i(a).

4105(c)(1)
41:253i(b).

4105(c)(2)
41:253i note.
Pub. L. 109–364, div. A, title VIII, §834(b), (c) (related to (b)), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2333.

4105(d)
41:253i(c).

4105(e)
41:253i(d).

4105(f)
41:253i(e).

4105(g)
41:253i(f).

4105(h)
41:253i(g).

4105(i)
41:253i(h).

In subsection (b)(1), the words "(as defined in section 253k of this title)" are omitted as unnecessary.

In subsection (c)(2)(C), the words "Committee on Oversight and Government Reform" are substituted for "Committee on Government Reform" on authority of Rule X(1)(m) of the Rules of the House of Representatives, adopted by House Resolution No. 6 (110th Congress, January 5, 2007).

Senate Revision Amendment

Senate amendment to the bill effectively struck out subsec. (c)(2) and redesignated subsec. (c)(1) as (c). See S. Amdt. 4726 (111th Cong.), 156 Cong. Rec. 18683 (2010).
41 U.S.C. § 4304 (2024) — Title 41: PUBLIC CONTRACTS / Chapter 43 / Section 4304: Specific costs not allowable
Specific costs not allowable
Status: in_force

(a) Specific Costs.—The following costs are not allowable under a covered contract:

(1) Costs of entertainment, including amusement, diversion, and social activities, and any costs directly associated with those costs (such as tickets to shows or sports events, meals, lodging, rentals, transportation, and gratuities).

(2) Costs incurred to influence (directly or indirectly) legislative action on any matter pending before Congress, a State legislature, or a legislative body of a political subdivision of a State.

(3) Costs incurred in defense of any civil or criminal fraud proceeding or similar proceeding (including filing of any false certification) brought by the Federal Government where the contractor is found liable or had pleaded nolo contendere to a charge of fraud or similar proceeding (including filing of a false certification).

(4) Payments of fines and penalties resulting from violations of, or failure to comply with, Federal, State, local, or foreign laws and regulations, except when incurred as a result of compliance with specific terms and conditions of the contract or specific written instructions from the contracting officer authorizing in advance those payments in accordance with applicable provisions of the Federal Acquisition Regulation.

(5) Costs of membership in any social, dining, or country club or organization.

(6) Costs of alcoholic beverages.

(7) Contributions or donations, regardless of the recipient.

(8) Costs of advertising designed to promote the contractor or its products.

(9) Costs of promotional items and memorabilia, including models, gifts, and souvenirs.

(10) Costs for travel by commercial aircraft that exceed the amount of the standard commercial fare.

(11) Costs incurred in making any payment (commonly known as a "golden parachute payment") that is—

(A) in an amount in excess of the normal severance pay paid by the contractor to an employee on termination of employment; and

(B) paid to the employee contingent on, and following, a change in management control over, or ownership of, the contractor or a substantial portion of the contractor's assets.

(12) Costs of commercial insurance that protects against the costs of the contractor for correction of the contractor's own defects in materials or workmanship.

(13) Costs of severance pay paid by the contractor to foreign nationals employed by the contractor under a service contract performed outside the United States, to the extent that the amount of severance pay paid in any case exceeds the amount paid in the industry involved under the customary or prevailing practice for firms in that industry providing similar services in the United States, as determined under the Federal Acquisition Regulation.

(14) Costs of severance pay paid by the contractor to a foreign national employed by the contractor under a service contract performed in a foreign country if the termination of the employment of the foreign national is the result of the closing of, or the curtailment of activities at, a Federal Government facility in that country at the request of the government of that country.

(15) Costs incurred by a contractor or subcontractor, or personal service 1 contractor in connection with any criminal, civil, or administrative proceeding commenced by the Federal Government or a State, to the extent provided in section 4310 of this title.

(16) 2 Costs of compensation of any contractor employee for a fiscal year, regardless of the contract funding source, to the extent that such compensation exceeds $625,000 adjusted annually for the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Cost Index for total compensation for private industry workers, by occupational and industry group not seasonally adjusted, except that the executive agency may establish exceptions for positions in the science, technology, engineering, mathematics, medical, and cybersecurity fields and other fields requiring unique areas of expertise upon a determination that such exceptions are needed to ensure that the executive agency has continued access to needed skills and capabilities.

(16) 2 Costs of compensation of contractor and subcontractor employees for a fiscal year, regardless of the contract funding source, to the extent that such compensation exceeds $487,000 per year, adjusted annually to reflect the change in the Employment Cost Index for all workers, as calculated by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, except that the head of an executive agency may establish one or more narrowly targeted exceptions for scientists, engineers, or other specialists upon a determination that such exceptions are needed to ensure that the executive agency has continued access to needed skills and capabilities.

(b) Waiver of Severance Pay Restrictions for Foreign Nationals.—

(1) Executive agency determination.—Pursuant to the Federal Acquisition Regulation and subject to the availability of appropriations, an executive agency, in awarding a covered contract, may waive the application of paragraphs (13) and (14) of subsection (a) to that contract if the executive agency determines that—

(A) the application of those provisions to that contract would adversely affect the continuation of a program, project, or activity that provides significant support services for employees of the executive agency posted outside the United States;

(B) the contractor has taken (or has established plans to take) appropriate actions within the contractor's control to minimize the amount and number of incidents of the payment of severance pay by the contractor to employees under the contract who are foreign nationals; and

(C) the payment of severance pay is necessary to comply with a law that is generally applicable to a significant number of businesses in the country in which the foreign national receiving the payment performed services under the contract or is necessary to comply with a collective bargaining agreement.

(2) Solicitation to include statement about waiver.—An executive agency shall include in the solicitation for a covered contract a statement indicating—

(A) that a waiver has been granted under paragraph (1) for the contract; or

(B) whether the executive agency will consider granting a waiver and, if the executive agency will consider granting a waiver, the criteria to be used in granting the waiver.

(3) Determination to be made before contract awarded.—An executive agency shall make the final determination whether to grant a waiver under paragraph (1) with respect to a covered contract before award of the contract.

(c) Establishment of Definitions, Exclusions, Limitations, and Qualifications.—The provisions of the Federal Acquisition Regulation implementing this chapter may establish appropriate definitions, exclusions, limitations, and qualifications. A submission by a contractor of costs that are incurred by the contractor and that are claimed to be allowable under Department of Energy management and operating contracts shall be considered a proposal for settlement of indirect costs incurred by the contractor for any period after those costs have been accrued.

(Pub. L. 111–350, §3, Jan. 4, 2011, 124 Stat. 3785; Pub. L. 113–66, div. A, title VIII, §811(b), Dec. 26, 2013, 127 Stat. 806; Pub. L. 113–67, div. A, title VII, §702(a)(1), Dec. 26, 2013, 127 Stat. 1189; Pub. L. 114–261, §1(b)(2)(B), Dec. 14, 2016, 130 Stat. 1363.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised 
Section
Source (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large)

4304
41:256(e).
June 30, 1949, ch. 288, title III, §306(e), as added Pub. L. 100–700, §8(a)(1), Nov. 19, 1988, 102 Stat. 4634; Pub. L. 103–355, title II, §2151, Oct. 13, 1994, 108 Stat. 3310; Pub. L. 105–85, title VIII, §808(b)(1), Nov. 18, 1997, 111 Stat. 1836.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2016—Subsec. (a)(15). Pub. L. 114–261 inserted "or subcontractor, or personal service contractor" after "contractor".

2013—Subsec. (a)(16). Pub. L. 113–66 and Pub. L. 113–67 amended par. (16) generally. Prior to amendment, par. (16) read as follows: "Costs of compensation of senior executives of contractors for a fiscal year, regardless of the contract funding source, to the extent that the compensation exceeds the benchmark compensation amount determined applicable for the fiscal year by the Administrator under section 1127 of this title." See Effective Date of 2013 Amendment notes below.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2013 Amendment

Pub. L. 113–67, div. A, title VII, §702(c), Dec. 26, 2013, 127 Stat. 1189, provided that: "This section [amending this section and former section 2324 of Title 10, Armed Forces, repealing section 1127 of this title, and enacting provisions set out as a note under this section] and the amendments made by this section shall apply only with respect to costs of compensation incurred under contracts entered into on or after the date that is 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 26, 2013]."

Pub. L. 113–66, div. A, title VIII, §811(d), Dec. 26, 2013, 127 Stat. 806, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [amending this section and former section 2324 of Title 10, Armed Forces, and repealing section 1127 of this title] shall apply with respect to costs of compensation incurred under contracts entered into on or after the date that is 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 26, 2013]."

Reports

Pub. L. 113–67, div. A, title VII, §702(d), Dec. 26, 2013, 127 Stat. 1189, provided that:

"(1) In general.—Not later than 60 days after the end of each fiscal year, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget shall submit a report on contractor compensation to—

"(A) the Committee on Armed Services of the Senate;

"(B) the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives;

"(C) the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate;

"(D) the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform [now Committee on Oversight and Accountability] of the House of Representatives;

"(E) the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate; and

"(F) the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives.

"(2) Elements.—The report required under paragraph (1) shall include—

"(A) the total number of contractor employees, by executive agency, in the narrowly targeted exception positions described under subsection (a) during the preceding fiscal year;

"(B) the taxpayer-funded compensation amounts received by each contractor employee in a narrowly targeted exception position during such fiscal year; and

"(C) the duties and services performed by contractor employees in the narrowly targeted exception positions during such fiscal year."

Revision of Cost Principle Relating to Entertainment, Gift, and Recreation Costs for Contractor Employees

Pub. L. 103–355, title II, §2192, Oct. 13, 1994, 108 Stat. 3315, provided that:

"(a) Costs Not Allowable.—(1) The costs of gifts or recreation for employees of a contractor or members of their families that are provided by the contractor to improve employee morale or performance or for any other purpose are not allowable under a covered contract unless, within 120 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 13, 1994], the Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council prescribes amendments to the Federal Acquisition Regulation specifying circumstances under which such costs are allowable under a covered contract.

"(2) Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council shall amend the cost principle in the Federal Acquisition Regulation that is set out in section 31.205–14 of title 48, Code of Federal Regulations, relating to unallowability of entertainment costs—

"(A) by inserting in the cost principle a statement that costs made specifically unallowable under that cost principle are not allowable under any other cost principle; and

"(B) by striking out '(but see 31.205–1 and 31.205–13)'.

"(b) Definitions.—In this section:

"(1) The term 'employee' includes officers and directors of a contractor.

"(2) The term 'covered contract' has the meaning given such term in section 2324(l) of title 10, United States Code (as amended by section 2101(c) [2101(d)]), and section 306(l) of the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 (as added by section 2151) [see 41 U.S.C. 4301(2)].

"(c) Effective Date.—Any amendments to the Federal Acquisition Regulation made pursuant to subsection (a) shall apply with respect to costs incurred after the date on which the amendments made by section 2101 apply (as provided in section 10001 [set out as an Effective Date of 1994 Amendment note under section 2302 of Title 10, Armed Forces]) or the date on which the amendments made by section 2151 apply (as provided in section 10001), whichever is later."

Executive Documents

Ex. Ord. No. 13494. Economy in Government Contracting

Ex. Ord. No. 13494, Jan. 30, 2009, 74 F.R. 6101, as amended by Ex. Ord. No. 13517, §2, Oct. 30, 2009, 74 F.R. 57239, provided:

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act, 40 U.S.C. 101 et seq., it is hereby ordered that:

Section 1. To promote economy and efficiency in Government contracting, certain costs that are not directly related to the contractors' provision of goods and services to the Government shall be unallowable for payment, thereby directly reducing Government expenditures. This order is also consistent with the policy of the United States to remain impartial concerning any labor-management dispute involving Government contractors. This order does not restrict the manner in which recipients of Federal funds may expend those funds.

Sec. 2. It is the policy of the executive branch in procuring goods and services that, to ensure the economical and efficient administration of Government contracts, contracting departments and agencies, when they enter into, receive proposals for, or make disbursements pursuant to a contract as to which certain costs are treated as unallowable, shall treat as unallowable the costs of any activities undertaken to persuade employees—whether employees of the recipient of the Federal disbursements or of any other entity—to exercise or not to exercise, or concerning the manner of exercising, the right to organize and bargain collectively through representatives of the employees' own choosing. Such unallowable costs shall be excluded from any billing, claim, proposal, or disbursement applicable to any such Federal Government contract.

Sec. 3. Contracting departments and agencies shall treat as allowable costs incurred in maintaining satisfactory relations between the contractor and its employees (other than the costs of any activities undertaken to persuade employees to exercise or not to exercise, or concerning the manner of exercising, the right to organize and bargain collectively), including costs of labor management committees, employee publications, and other related activities. See 48 C.F.R. 31.205–21.

Sec. 4. Examples of costs unallowable under section 2 of this order include the costs of the following activities, when they are undertaken to persuade employees to exercise or not to exercise, or concern the manner of exercising, rights to organize and bargain collectively:

(a) preparing and distributing materials;

(b) hiring or consulting legal counsel or consultants;

(c) holding meetings (including paying the salaries of the attendees at meetings held for this purpose); and

(d) planning or conducting activities by managers, supervisors, or union representatives during work hours.

Sec. 5. Within 150 days of the effective date of this order, the Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council (FAR Council) shall adopt such rules and regulations and issue such orders as are deemed necessary and appropriate to carry out this order. Such rules, regulations, and orders shall minimize the costs of compliance for contractors and shall not interfere with the ability of contractors to engage in advocacy through activities for which they do not claim reimbursement.

Sec. 6. Each contracting department or agency shall cooperate with the FAR Council and provide such information and assistance as the FAR Council may require in the performance of its functions under this order.

Sec. 7. (a) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.

(b) This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.

Sec. 8. This order shall become effective immediately, and shall apply to contracts resulting from solicitations issued on or after the effective date of the action taken by the FAR Council under section 5 of this order.

Barack Obama.      

1 So in original. Probably should be "services".

2 So in original. Two pars. (16) have been enacted.
41 U.S.C. § 132 (2024) — Title 41: PUBLIC CONTRACTS / Chapter 1 / Subchapter II / Section 132: Competitive procedures
Competitive procedures
Status: in_force

In division B, the term "competitive procedures" means procedures under which an agency enters into a contract pursuant to full and open competition.

(Pub. L. 111–350, §3, Jan. 4, 2011, 124 Stat. 3682.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised 
Section
Source (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large)

132
41:403(5).
Pub. L. 93–400, §4(5), formerly §4(6), as added Pub. L. 98–369, title VII, §2731(3), July 18, 1984, 98 Stat. 1195; redesignated as §4(5), Pub. L. 100–679, §3(c), Nov. 17, 1988, 102 Stat. 4056; Pub. L. 103–355, title VIII, §8001(b)(1)–(3), Oct. 13, 1994, 108 Stat. 3386.
41 U.S.C. § 8501 (2024) — Title 41: PUBLIC CONTRACTS / Chapter 85 / Section 8501: Definitions
Definitions
Status: in_force

In this chapter:

(1) Blind.—The term "blind" refers to an individual or class of individuals whose central visual acuity does not exceed 20/200 in the better eye with correcting lenses or whose visual acuity, if better than 20/200, is accompanied by a limit to the field of vision in the better eye to such a degree that its widest diameter subtends an angle of no greater than 20 degrees.

(2) Committee.—The term "Committee" means the Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled established under section 8502 of this title.

(3) Direct labor.—The term "direct labor"—

(A) includes all work required for preparation, processing, and packing of a product, or work directly relating to the performance of a service; but

(B) does not include supervision, administration, inspection, or shipping.

(4) Entity of the federal government and federal government.—The terms "entity of the Federal Government" and "Federal Government" include an entity of the legislative or judicial branch, a military department or executive agency (as defined in sections 102 and 105 of title 5, respectively), the United States Postal Service, and a nonappropriated fund instrumentality under the jurisdiction of the Armed Forces.

(5) Other severely disabled.—The term "other severely disabled" means an individual or class of individuals under a physical or mental disability, other than blindness, which (according to criteria established by the Committee after consultation with appropriate entities of the Federal Government and taking into account the views of non-Federal Government entities representing the disabled) constitutes a substantial handicap to employment and is of a nature that prevents the individual from currently engaging in normal competitive employment.

(6) Qualified nonprofit agency for other severely disabled.—The term "qualified nonprofit agency for other severely disabled" means an agency—

(A)(i) organized under the laws of the United States or a State;

(ii) operated in the interest of severely disabled individuals who are not blind; and

(iii) of which no part of the net income of the agency inures to the benefit of a shareholder or other individual;

(B) that complies with any applicable occupational health and safety standard prescribed by the Secretary of Labor; and

(C) that in the production of products and in the provision of services (whether or not the products or services are procured under this chapter) during the fiscal year employs blind or other severely disabled individuals for at least 75 percent of the hours of direct labor required for the production or provision of the products or services.

(7) Qualified nonprofit agency for the blind.—The term "qualified nonprofit agency for the blind" means an agency—

(A)(i) organized under the laws of the United States or a State;

(ii) operated in the interest of blind individuals; and

(iii) of which no part of the net income of the agency inures to the benefit of a shareholder or other individual;

(B) that complies with any applicable occupational health and safety standard prescribed by the Secretary of Labor; and

(C) that in the production of products and in the provision of services (whether or not the products or services are procured under this chapter) during the fiscal year employs blind individuals for at least 75 percent of the hours of direct labor required for the production or provision of the products or services.

(8) Severely disabled individual.—The term "severely disabled individual" means an individual or class of individuals under a physical or mental disability, other than blindness, which (according to criteria established by the Committee after consultation with appropriate entities of the Federal Government and taking into account the views of non-Federal Government entities representing the disabled) constitutes a substantial handicap to employment and is of a nature that prevents the individual from currently engaging in normal competitive employment.

(9) State.—The term "State" includes the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands.

(Pub. L. 111–350, §3, Jan. 4, 2011, 124 Stat. 3833.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised 
Section
Source (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large)

8501(1)
41:48b(1).
June 25, 1938, ch. 697, §5, 52 Stat. 1196; Pub. L. 92–28, §1, June 23, 1971, 85 Stat. 81; Pub. L. 93–358, §1(3), July 25, 1974, 88 Stat. 393; Pub. L. 94–273, §3(22), Apr. 21, 1976, 90 Stat. 377.

8501(2)
41:46(a) (words in parentheses before par. (1)).
June 25, 1938, ch. 697, §1(a) (words in parentheses before par. (1)), 52 Stat. 1196; Pub. L. 92–28, §1, June 23, 1971, 85 Stat. 77.

8501(3)
41:48b(5).

8501(4)
41:48b(7).

8501(5)
41:48b(2).

8501(6)
41:48b(4).

8501(7)
41:48b(3).

8501(8)
41:48b(2).

8501(9)
41:48b(8).

In this chapter, the word "disabled" is substituted for "handicapped" for consistency with the name of the Committee. The word "product" is substituted for "commodity" to reflect the current usage of the items produced in the Committee's program.

In this section, the text of 41:48b(6) is omitted as unnecessary.

In paragraph (9), the words "the Northern Mariana Islands" are substituted for "the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands" because the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands terminated. See 48 U.S.C. note prec. 1681. However, section 502(a)(2) of the Covenant to Establish a Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands in Political Union with the United States of America (48 U.S.C. 1801 note) provided that laws in existence on the effective date of section 502 that were applicable to Guam and that were of general application to the several States would apply to the Northern Mariana Islands. The Marshall Islands, Palau, and the Federated States of Micronesia are not included because although they were part of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, they are independent entities and not part of the United States.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Contracting With Employers of Persons With Disabilities

Pub. L. 109–364, div. A, title VIII, §856(a), (d), Oct. 17, 2006, 120 Stat. 2347, 2349, provided that:

"(a) Inapplicability of Certain Laws.—

"(1) Inapplicability of the randolph-sheppard act to contracts and subcontracts for military dining facility support services covered by javits-wagner-o'day act.—The Randolph-Sheppard Act (20 U.S.C. 107 et seq.) does not apply to full food services, mess attendant services, or services supporting the operation of a military dining facility that, as of the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 17, 2006], were services on the procurement list established under section 2 of the Javits-Wagner-O'Day Act ([former] 41 U.S.C. 47) [now 41 U.S.C. 8503].

"(2) Inapplicability of the javits-wagner-o'day act to contracts for the operation of a military dining facility.—(A) The Javits-Wagner-O'Day Act ([former] 41 U.S.C. 46 et seq.) [now 41 U.S.C. 8501 et seq.] does not apply at the prime contract level to any contract entered into by the Department of Defense as of the date of the enactment of this Act with a State licensing agency under the Randolph-Sheppard Act (20 U.S.C. 107 et seq.) for the operation of a military dining facility.

"(B) The Javits-Wagner-O'Day Act [now 41 U.S.C. 8501 et seq.] shall apply to any subcontract entered into by a Department of Defense contractor for full food services, mess attendant services, and other services supporting the operation of a military dining facility.

"(3) Repeal of superseded law.—[Repealed section 853(a), (b) of Pub. L. 108–375, 118 Stat. 2021.]

"(d) Definitions.—In this section:

"(1) The term 'State licensing agency' means any agency designated by the Secretary of Education under section 2(a)(5) of the Randolph-Sheppard Act (20 U.S.C. 107a(a)(5)).

"(2) The term 'military dining facility' means a facility owned, operated, leased, or wholly controlled by the Department of Defense and used to provide dining services to members of the Armed Forces, including a cafeteria, military mess hall, military troop dining facility, or any similar dining facility operated for the purpose of providing meals to members of the Armed Forces."

Statement of Policy and Report Concerning the Operation and Management of Certain Military Facilities Regarding the Blind or Severely Disabled

Pub. L. 109–163, div. A, title VIII, §848(b), (c), Jan. 6, 2006, 119 Stat. 3395, provided that:

"(b) Statement of Policy.—The Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of Education, and the Chairman of the Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled shall jointly issue a statement of policy related to the implementation of the Randolph-Sheppard Act (20 U.S.C. 107 et seq.) and the Javits-Wagner-O'Day Act ([former] 41 U.S.C. 48 [46 et seq.]) [now 41 U.S.C. 8501 et seq.] within the Department of Defense and the Department of Education. The joint statement of policy shall specifically address the application of those Acts to both operation and management of all or any part of a military mess hall, military troop dining facility, or any similar dining facility operated for the purpose of providing meals to members of the Armed Forces, and shall take into account and address, to the extent practicable, the positions acceptable to persons representing programs implemented under each Act.

"(c) Report.—Not later than April 1, 2006, the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of Education, and the Chairman of the Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives, the Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions of the Senate, and the Committee on Education and the Workforce of the House of Representatives a report describing the joint statement of policy issued under subsection (b), with such findings and recommendations as the Secretaries consider appropriate."
41 U.S.C. § 7105 (2024) — Title 41: PUBLIC CONTRACTS / Chapter 71 / Section 7105: Agency boards
Agency boards
Status: in_force

(a) Armed Services Board.—

(1) Establishment.—An Armed Services Board of Contract Appeals may be established within the Department of Defense when the Secretary of Defense, after consultation with the Administrator, determines from a workload study that the volume of contract claims justifies the establishment of a full-time agency board of at least 3 members who shall have no other inconsistent duties. Workload studies will be updated at least once every 3 years and submitted to the Administrator.

(2) Appointment of members and compensation.—Members of the Armed Services Board shall be selected and appointed in the same manner as administrative law judges appointed pursuant to section 3105 of title 5, with an additional requirement that members must have had at least 5 years of experience in public contract law. The Secretary of Defense shall designate the chairman and vice chairman of the Armed Services Board from among the appointed members. Compensation for the chairman, vice chairman, and other members shall be determined under section 5372a of title 5.

(b) Civilian Board.—

(1) Establishment.—There is established in the General Services Administration the Civilian Board of Contract Appeals.

(2) Membership.—

(A) Eligibility.—The Civilian Board consists of members appointed by the Administrator of General Services (in consultation with the Administrator for Federal Procurement Policy) from a register of applicants maintained by the Administrator of General Services, in accordance with rules issued by the Administrator of General Services (in consultation with the Administrator for Federal Procurement Policy) for establishing and maintaining a register of eligible applicants and selecting Civilian Board members. The Administrator of General Services shall appoint a member without regard to political affiliation and solely on the basis of the professional qualifications required to perform the duties and responsibilities of a Civilian Board member.

(B) Appointment of members and compensation.—Members of the Civilian Board shall be selected and appointed to serve in the same manner as administrative law judges appointed pursuant to section 3105 of title 5, with an additional requirement that members must have had at least 5 years experience in public contract law. Compensation for the members shall be determined under section 5372a of title 5.

(3) Removal.—Members of the Civilian Board are subject to removal in the same manner as administrative law judges, as provided in section 7521 of title 5.

(4) Functions.—

(A) In general.—The Civilian Board has jurisdiction as provided by subsection (e)(1)(B).

(B) Additional jurisdiction.—With the concurrence of the Federal agencies affected, the Civilian Board may assume—

(i) jurisdiction over any additional category of laws or disputes over which an agency board of contract appeals established pursuant to section 8 of the Contract Disputes Act exercised jurisdiction before January 6, 2007; and

(ii) any other function the agency board performed before January 6, 2007, on behalf of those agencies.

(c) Tennessee Valley Authority Board.—

(1) Establishment.—The Board of Directors of the Tennessee Valley Authority may establish a board of contract appeals of the Tennessee Valley Authority of an indeterminate number of members.

(2) Appointment of members and compensation.—The Board of Directors of the Tennessee Valley Authority shall establish criteria for the appointment of members to the agency board established under paragraph (1), and shall designate a chairman of the agency board. The chairman and other members of the agency board shall receive compensation, at the daily equivalent of the rates determined under section 5372a of title 5, for each day they are engaged in the actual performance of their duties as members of the agency board.

(d) Postal Service Board.—

(1) Establishment.—There is established an agency board of contract appeals known as the Postal Service Board of Contract Appeals.

(2) Appointment and service of members.—The Postal Service Board of Contract Appeals consists of judges appointed by the Postmaster General. The judges shall meet the qualifications of and serve in the same manner as members of the Civilian Board.

(3) Application.—This chapter applies to contract disputes before the Postal Service Board of Contract Appeals in the same manner as it applies to contract disputes before the Civilian Board.

(e) Jurisdiction.—

(1) In general.—

(A) Armed services board.—The Armed Services Board has jurisdiction to decide any appeal from a decision of a contracting officer of the Department of Defense, the Department of the Army, the Department of the Navy, the Department of the Air Force, or the National Aeronautics and Space Administration relative to a contract made by that department or agency.

(B) Civilian board.—The Civilian Board has jurisdiction to decide any appeal from a decision of a contracting officer of any executive agency (other than the Department of Defense, the Department of the Army, the Department of the Navy, the Department of the Air Force, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the United States Postal Service, the Postal Regulatory Commission, or the Tennessee Valley Authority) relative to a contract made by that agency.

(C) Postal service board.—The Postal Service Board of Contract Appeals has jurisdiction to decide any appeal from a decision of a contracting officer of the United States Postal Service or the Postal Regulatory Commission relative to a contract made by either agency.

(D) Other agency boards.—Each other agency board has jurisdiction to decide any appeal from a decision of a contracting officer relative to a contract made by its agency.

(E) Administrative False Claims Act.—

(i) In general.—The boards described in subparagraphs (B), (C), and (D) shall have jurisdiction to hear any case referred to a board of contract appeals under section 3803(d) of title 31.

(ii) Declining referral.—If the Chair of a board described in subparagraph (B), (C), or (D) determines that accepting a case under clause (i) would prevent adequate consideration of other cases being handled by the board, the Chair may decline to accept the referral.

(2) Relief.—In exercising this jurisdiction, an agency board may grant any relief that would be available to a litigant asserting a contract claim in the United States Court of Federal Claims or, in the event that a case is filed under chapter 38 of title 31, any relief that would be available to a litigant under that chapter.

(f) Subpoena, Discovery, and Deposition.—A member of an agency board of contract appeals may administer oaths to witnesses, authorize depositions and discovery proceedings, and require by subpoena the attendance of witnesses, and production of books and papers, for the taking of testimony or evidence by deposition or in the hearing of an appeal by the agency board. In case of contumacy or refusal to obey a subpoena by a person who resides, is found, or transacts business within the jurisdiction of a United States district court, the court, upon application of the agency board through the Attorney General, or upon application by the board of contract appeals of the Tennessee Valley Authority, shall have jurisdiction to issue the person an order requiring the person to appear before the agency board or a member of the agency board, to produce evidence or to give testimony, or both. Any failure of the person to obey the order of the court may be punished by the court as contempt of court.

(g) Decisions.—An agency board shall—

(1) to the fullest extent practicable provide informal, expeditious, and inexpensive resolution of disputes;

(2) issue a decision in writing or take other appropriate action on each appeal submitted; and

(3) mail or otherwise furnish a copy of the decision to the contractor and the contracting officer.

(Pub. L. 111–350, §3, Jan. 4, 2011, 124 Stat. 3820; Pub. L. 111–259, title IV, §422, Oct. 7, 2010, 124 Stat. 2727; Pub. L. 111–383, div. A, title X, §1075(o), Jan. 7, 2011, 124 Stat. 4378; Pub. L. 118–159, div. E, title LII, §5203(g)(2), Dec. 23, 2024, 138 Stat. 2442.)

Amendments Not Shown in Text

Subsecs. (b) and (e)(1)(A), (B), (D) and (2) of this section were derived from sections 438 and 607(d), respectively, of former Title 41, Public Contracts. Sections 438 and 607(d) were amended by Pub. L. 111–383, div. A, title X, §1075(o), Jan. 7, 2011, 124 Stat. 4378, and Pub. L. 111–259, title IV, §422, Oct. 7, 2010, 124 Stat. 2727, respectively, prior to being repealed and reenacted as subsecs. (b) and (e)(1)(A), (B), (D) and (2) of this section by Pub. L. 111–350, §§3, 7(b), Jan. 4, 2011, 124 Stat. 3677, 3855. For applicability of those amendments to this section, see section 6(a) of Pub. L. 111–350, set out as a Transitional and Savings Provisions note preceding section 101 of this title. Section 438 of former Title 41 was amended in subsec. (c)(1) by striking "(41 U.S.C. 607(b))" and inserting "(41 U.S.C. 607(d))" and in subsec. (c)(2)(A) by inserting "of 1978" after "Contract Disputes Act". Section 607(d) of former Title 41 was amended by adding at the end "Notwithstanding any other provision of this section and any other provision of law, an appeal from a decision of a contracting officer of the Central Intelligence Agency relative to a contract made by that Agency may be filed with whichever of the Armed Services Board of Contract Appeals or the Civilian Board of Contract Appeals is specified by such contracting officer as the Board to which such an appeal may be made and such Board shall have jurisdiction to decide that appeal."

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised 
Section
Source (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large)

7105(a)
41:607(a)(1), (b)(1).
Pub. L. 95–563, §8(a)(1), (b)(1), Nov. 1, 1978, 92 Stat. 2385; Pub. L. 101–509, title V, §529 [title I, §104(d)(4)], Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1447; Pub. L. 109–163, div. A, title VIII, §847(d)(3), Jan. 6, 2006, 119 Stat. 3394.

7105(b)
41:438.
Pub. L. 93–400, §42, as added Pub. L. 109–163, div. A, title VIII, §847(a), Jan. 6, 2006, 119 Stat. 3391.

7105(c)
41:607(a)(2), (b)(2).
Pub. L. 95–563, §8(a)(2), (b)(2), Nov. 1, 1978, 92 Stat. 2385, 2386.

7105(d)
41:607(c) (1st, 3d, last sentences).
Pub. L. 95–563, §8(c), Nov. 1, 1978, 92 Stat. 2386; Pub. L. 109–163, div. A, title VIII, §847(d)(2)(B), Jan. 6, 2006, 119 Stat. 3394.

7105(e)(1) (A), (B)
41:607(d) (1st, 2d sentences).
Pub. L. 95–563, §8(d), Nov. 1, 1978, 92 Stat. 2386; Pub. L. 97–164, title I, §160(a)(15), Apr. 2, 1982, 96 Stat. 48; Pub. L. 109–163, div. A, title VIII, §847(d)(2)(A), Jan. 6, 2006, 119 Stat. 3393.

7105(e)(1)(C)
41:607(c) (2d sentence).

7105(e)(1)(D)
41:607(d) (3d sentence).

7105(e)(2)
41:607(d) (last sentence).

7105(f)
41:610.
Pub. L. 95–563, §11, Nov. 1, 1978, 92 Stat. 2388.

7105(g)
41:607(e).
Pub. L. 95–563, §8(e), Nov. 1, 1978, 92 Stat. 2386.

In subsection (a)(2), the words "administrative law judges" are substituted for "hearing examiners" because of section 3 of Public Law 95–251 (5 U.S.C. 3105 note). The words "Full-time members of agency boards serving as such on the effective date of this chapter shall be considered qualified" are omitted as obsolete.

In subsection (b), the text of 41 U.S.C. 438 (b)(1)(C) is omitted as obsolete.

In subsection (e)(1)(B) and (C), the words "Postal Regulatory Commission" are substituted for "Postal Rate Commission" because of section 604(f) of the Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act (Public Law 109–435, 120 Stat. 3242, 39 U.S.C. 404 note).

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Section 8 of the Contract Disputes Act, referred to in subsec. (b)(4)(B)(i), probably means section 8 of Pub. L. 95–563, the Contract Disputes Act of 1978, which was classified to former section 607 of this title prior to being repealed and reenacted as subsecs. (a), (c) to (e), and (g) of this section by Pub. L. 111–350, §§3, 7(b), Jan. 4, 2011, 124 Stat. 3677, 3855.

Administrative False Claims Act, referred to in subsec. (e)(1)(E), is subtitle B of title VI of Pub. L. 99–509, Oct. 21, 1986, 100 Stat. 1934, which is classified generally to chapter 38 (§3801 et seq.) of Title 31, Money and Finance. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 3801 of Title 31 and Tables.

Amendments

2024—Subsec. (e)(1)(E). Pub. L. 118–159, §5203(g)(2)(A), added subpar. (E).

Subsec. (e)(2). Pub. L. 118–159, §5203(g)(2)(B), inserted before period at end "or, in the event that a case is filed under chapter 38 of title 31, any relief that would be available to a litigant under that chapter".
41 U.S.C. § 4706 (2024) — Title 41: PUBLIC CONTRACTS / Chapter 47 / Section 4706: Examination of facilities and records of contractor
Examination of facilities and records of contractor
Status: in_force

(a) Definition.—In this section, the term "records" includes books, documents, accounting procedures and practices, and other data, regardless of type and regardless of whether the items are in written form, in the form of computer data, or in any other form.

(b) Agency Authority.—

(1) Inspection of plant and audit of records.—The head of an executive agency, acting through an authorized representative, may inspect the plant and audit the records of—

(A) a contractor performing a cost-reimbursement, incentive, time-and-materials, labor-hour, or price-redeterminable contract, or any combination of those contracts, the executive agency makes under this division; and

(B) a subcontractor performing a cost-reimbursement, incentive, time-and-materials, labor-hour, or price-redeterminable subcontract, or any combination of those subcontracts, under a contract referred to in subparagraph (A).

(2) Examination of records.—The head of an executive agency, acting through an authorized representative, may, for the purpose of evaluating the accuracy, completeness, and currency of certified cost or pricing data required to be submitted pursuant to chapter 35 of this title with respect to a contract or subcontract, examine all records of the contractor or subcontractor related to—

(A) the proposal for the contract or subcontract;

(B) the discussions conducted on the proposal;

(C) pricing of the contract or subcontract; or

(D) performance of the contract or subcontract.

(c) Subpoena Power.—

(1) Authority to require the production of records.—The Inspector General of an executive agency appointed under section 403 or 415 of title 5 or, on request of the head of an executive agency, the Director of the Defense Contract Audit Agency (or any successor agency) of the Department of Defense or the Inspector General of the General Services Administration may require by subpoena the production of records of a contractor, access to which is provided for that executive agency by subsection (b).

(2) Enforcement of subpoena.—A subpoena under paragraph (1), in the case of contumacy or refusal to obey, is enforceable by order of an appropriate United States district court.

(3) Authority not delegable.—The authority provided by paragraph (1) may not be delegated.

(4) Report.—In the year following a year in which authority provided in paragraph (1) is exercised for an executive agency, the head of the executive agency shall submit to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform of the House of Representatives a report on the exercise of the authority during the preceding year and the reasons why the authority was exercised in any instance.

(d) Authority of Comptroller General.—

(1) In general.—Except as provided in paragraph (2), each contract awarded after using procedures other than sealed bid procedures shall provide that the Comptroller General and representatives of the Comptroller General may examine records of the contractor, or any of its subcontractors, that directly pertain to, and involve transactions relating to, the contract or subcontract and to interview any current employee regarding the transactions.

(2) Exception for foreign contractor or subcontractor.—Paragraph (1) does not apply to a contract or subcontract with a foreign contractor or foreign subcontractor if the executive agency concerned determines, with the concurrence of the Comptroller General or the designee of the Comptroller General, that applying paragraph (1) to the contract or subcontract would not be in the public interest. The concurrence of the Comptroller General or the designee is not required when—

(A) the contractor or subcontractor is—

(i) the government of a foreign country or an agency of that government; or

(ii) precluded by the laws of the country involved from making its records available for examination; and

(B) the executive agency determines, after taking into account the price and availability of the property and services from United States sources, that the public interest would be best served by not applying paragraph (1).

(3) Additional records not required.—Paragraph (1) does not require a contractor or subcontractor to create or maintain a record that the contractor or subcontractor does not maintain in the ordinary course of business or pursuant to another law.

(e) Limitation on Audits Relating to Indirect Costs.—An executive agency may not perform an audit of indirect costs under a contract, subcontract, or modification before or after entering into the contract, subcontract, or modification when the contracting officer determines that the objectives of the audit can reasonably be met by accepting the results of an audit that was conducted by another department or agency of the Federal Government within one year preceding the date of the contracting officer's determination.

(f) Expiration of Authority.—The authority of an executive agency under subsection (b) and the authority of the Comptroller General under subsection (d) shall expire 3 years after final payment under the contract or subcontract.

(g) Inapplicability to Certain Contracts.—This section does not apply to the following contracts:

(1) Contracts for utility services at rates not exceeding those established to apply uniformly to the public, plus any applicable reasonable connection charge.

(2) A contract or subcontract that is not greater than the simplified acquisition threshold.

(h) Electronic Form Allowed.—This section does not preclude a contractor from duplicating or storing original records in electronic form.

(i) Original Records Not Required.—An executive agency shall not require a contractor or subcontractor to provide original records in an audit carried out pursuant to this section if the contractor or subcontractor provides photographic or electronic images of the original records and meets the following requirements:

(1) Preservation procedures established.—The contractor or subcontractor has established procedures to ensure that the imaging process preserves the integrity, reliability, and security of the original records.

(2) Indexing system maintained.—The contractor or subcontractor maintains an effective indexing system to permit timely and convenient access to the imaged records.

(3) Original records retained.—The contractor or subcontractor retains the original records for a minimum of one year after imaging to permit periodic validation of the imaging systems.

(Pub. L. 111–350, §3, Jan. 4, 2011, 124 Stat. 3797; Pub. L. 117–286, §4(b)(73), Dec. 27, 2022, 136 Stat. 4351.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised 
Section
Source (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large)

4706(a)
41:254d(i).
June 30, 1949, ch. 288, title III, §304C(a)(1), (b), (g)–(i), as added Pub. L. 103–355, title II, §2251(a), Oct. 13, 1994, 108 Stat. 3318, 3320.

4706(b)(1)
41:254d(a)(1).

4706(b)(2)
41:254d(a)(2).
June 30, 1949, ch. 288, title III, §304C(a)(2), as added Pub. L. 103–355, title II, §2251(a), Oct. 13, 1994, 108 Stat. 3318; Pub. L. 104–106, title XLIII, §4321(e)(5), Feb. 10, 1996, 110 Stat. 675.

4706(c)
41:254d(b).

4706(d)
41:254d(c).
June 30, 1949, ch. 288, title III, §304C(c), as added Pub. L. 103–355, title II, §2251(a), Oct. 13, 1994, 108 Stat. 3319; Pub. L. 110–417, title VIII, §871(a), Oct. 14, 2008, 122 Stat.4555.

4706(e)
41:254d(d).
June 30, 1949, ch. 288, title III, §304C(d), as added Pub. L. 103–355, title II, §2251(a), Oct. 13, 1994, 108 Stat. 3319; Pub. L. 104–201, title VIII, §808(b), Sept. 23, 1996, 110 Stat. 2607.

4706(f)
41:254d(e).

4706(g)
41:254d(f).
June 30, 1949, ch. 288, title III, §304C(f), as added and amended Pub. L. 103–355, title II, §2251(a), title IV, §4103(d), Oct. 13, 1994, 108 Stat. 3320, 3341.

4706(h)
41:254d(g).

4706(i)
41:254d(h).

In subsection (c)(4), the words "Committee on Oversight and Government Reform" are substituted for "Committee on Government Operations" on authority of section 1(a)(6) of Public Law 104–14 (2 U.S.C. note prec. 21), Rule X(1)(h) of the Rules of the House of Representatives, adopted by House Resolution No. 5 (106th Congress, January 6, 1999), and Rule X(1)(m) of the Rules of the House of Representatives, adopted by House Resolution No. 6 (110th Congress, January 5, 2007). The words "Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs" are substituted for "Committee on Governmental Affairs" on authority of Senate Resolution No. 445 (108th Congress, October 9, 2004).

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2022—Subsec. (c)(1). Pub. L. 117–286 substituted "section 403 or 415 of title 5" for "section 3 or 8G of the Inspector General Act of 1978 (5 U.S.C. App.)".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Change of Name

Committee on Oversight and Government Reform of House of Representatives changed to Committee on Oversight and Reform of House of Representatives by House Resolution No. 6, One Hundred Sixteenth Congress, Jan. 9, 2019. Committee on Oversight and Reform of House of Representatives changed to Committee on Oversight and Accountability of House of Representatives by House Resolution No. 5, One Hundred Eighteenth Congress, Jan. 9, 2023.