Title 41—Public Contracts and Property Management--Volume 1
PART 101-1—INTRODUCTION
§ 101-27.402   Applicability.
The provisions of this subpart are applicable to all executive agencies in connection with inventory items maintained at stocking activities other than Government wholesale supply sources.
§ 101-27.403   General.
By eliminating inactive items and slow-moving items which are readily available, when needed, from Government wholesale supply activities or from commercial sources, the costs to the Government in inventory investment and for maintaining the items in inventory can be eliminated. An “inactive item” is an item for which no current or future requirements are recognized by previous users and the item manager. A “slow-moving item” is an item for which there are current or future requirements, but the frequency and quantity of such requirements do not make it economical to stock them in lieu of obtaining requirements from other sources when needed. However, “standby or reserve items” are not to be eliminated from inventories. A “standby or reserve item” is an item for which a reserve stock is held so that the items will be available immediately to meet emergencies for which there is insufficient time to procure or requisition the items without endangering life or causing substantial financial loss to the Government.
§ 101-27.404   Review of items.
Except for standby or reserve stocks, items in inventory shall be reviewed periodically (at least annually) to identify those which are inactive and slow-moving. This review may be conducted coincidently with the normal replenishment or long supply reviews. The estimate of current or future requirements for an item shall be based on its recent history of recurring requirements. Standby items shall also be reviewed at appropriate intervals to substantiate their qualification for inclusion in that category.
§ 101-27.405   Criteria for elimination.
Inactive items, items which no longer qualify as standby, and slow-moving items which are readily available, when needed, from Government or commercial sources shall be eliminated from inventory. The determination of a slow-moving item shall be based on a comparison of the costs for continuing to maintain it in stock as opposed to the costs for ordering it from outside sources each time it is requested. This comparison shall also consider any difference in price and transportation costs for each alternative. In the absence of criteria for stockage of an item developed and used by an agency, the desired results will be obtained through application of the following table:
Note: Except for the low dollar infrequently ordered item, which requires a higher minimum, an item should be discontinued from stock if the number of requests for it is less than twice its order frequency under EOQ. For example, an item ordered six times per year under EOQ should have at least 12 requests per year to continue stockage. For 11 requests, it would cost less to order each time it was requested.
§ 101-27.406   Disposition of stock.
Stocks of slow-moving items which are not otherwise determined to be eligible for continued stockage shall be eliminated through normal attrition and shall not be replenished. The successive actions indicated in paragraphs (a) through (c) of this section, shall be taken, as necessary, to remove stocks of inactive items from inventory.
(a) Transfer stock to other offices where needed within the agency.
(b) Transfer stock to other agencies as follows:
(1) Centrally managed items to the agency managing the item for credit; or
(2) Agency program items to agencies requiring them.
(c) Dispose of remaining stocks, as excess, after actions taken in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section, in accordance with subpart 101-43.3.
§ 101-27.500   Scope and applicability of subpart.
This subpart sets forth policy and procedures for the return to GSA for credit of items which are in long supply or for which no current or future requirements are anticipated. The provisions of this subpart 101-27.5 are applicable to all executive agencies. Federal agencies other than executive agencies may participate in this program and are encouraged to do so.
§ 101-27.501   Eligibility for return.
GSA stock items for which no current or future agency requirements are anticipated are eligible for return to GSA for credit. Despite eligibility for return to GSA, consideration should be given to the transportation costs involved as related to the value of the items, and, where excessive, such items shall not be reported to GSA.
§ 101-27.502   Criteria for return.
Any GSA stock item to be returned to GSA by an agency which has no current or future requirements for that item shall meet the following conditions:
(a) The minimum dollar value per line item, based on the current GSA selling price, shall be:
(1) $130 for hand tools, FSG 51, and measuring tools, FSG 52; and
(2) $450 for items in all other Federal supply groups and classes except for tires and tubes, FSC 2610; tool kits, FSC 5180; laboratory supplies, FSCs 6630 and 6640; Standard forms, FSC 7540; paints, dopes, varnishes, and related products, FSC 8010; preservatives and sealing compounds, FSC 8030; adhesives, FSC 8040; boxes, cartons, and crates, FSC 8115; and subsistence items, FSG 89, which are not returnable and shall be considered excess, and shall be processed in accordance with part 101-43 of this chapter.
(b) The minimum remaining shelf life of this material shall be 12 months at the time of receipt by GSA.
(c) The material shall not be a terminal or discontinued item.
(d) The material shall be in either condition code A or condition code E.
§ 101-27.503   Allowable credit.
Allowable credit for activities returning material that is accepted by GSA will be reflected in billings by GSA and will be commensurate with the condition of the material received.
(a) Credit will be granted at the rate of 80 percent of the current GSA selling price after acceptance by GSA for new, used, repaired, or reconditioned material which is serviceable and issuable to all agencies without limitation or restriction (condition code A).
(b) Credit will be granted at the rate of 60 percent of the current GSA selling price for items which involve limited expenses or effort to restore to serviceable condition, and which is accomplished in the storage activity where the stock is located (e.g., a deficiency in packing or packaging which restricts the issue or requires repacking or repackaging (condition code E)).
(c) No credit will be given for material returned to GSA which does not meet the above criteria or which was returned to GSA without prior approval.
§ 101-27.504   Notice to GSA.
When an activity elects to offer material to GSA for credit, the activity shall submit offers in accordance with chapter 4 of the FEDSTRIP Operating Guide or chapter 9 of MILSTRIP (DoD 4000.25-1-M).
§ 101-27.505   Notice to activity.
GSA will provide notice to the offering activity of an acceptance/rejection decision for an offer and verification of material receipt for accepted offers.
(a) Within 20 workdays after receipt of an offer to return material, GSA will notify the offering activity of acceptance or rejection of the offer.
(1) For accepted offers, GSA will inform the offering activity of the GSA material return facility (storage activity) to which the material shall be shipped. Prior to shipment of the material authorized by GSA for return, activities shall verify the declared condition. (If the offering activity considers that the transportation costs of sending the material to the GSA material return facility are excessive in relation to the value of the material and withdraws the offers, the GSA region that was designated to receive the offered material shall be notified accordingly.)
(2) For rejected offers, GSA will so inform the activity offering the material and give the reason for nonacceptance.
(b) Upon receipt of material authorized for return by GSA, the offering activity will be provided verification of receipt and a report of any discrepancies. When the discrepant condition is attributable to carrier negligence, subsequent credit allowed by GSA will be reduced by the amount to be paid the agency by the carrier for any damages incurred. A notice of credit will be provided the offering activity through credit entries on the monthly billing statement from the supporting GSA finance center.
(c) When offers of material that have been authorized by GSA for return are withdrawn, offering activities shall report such cancellation to the GSA region that was designated to receive the offered material.
§ 101-27.506   Determination of acceptability for credit.
Returned material will be examined by GSA upon receipt to determine acceptability for credit. Returned material which is unacceptable for credit will be deemed to have been declared excess by the returning activity, and will be disposed of by GSA as excess or surplus in the name of the activity, in accordance with part 101-43 of this chapter. The returning activity will be officially notified of the disposal action taken by GSA.
§ 101-27.507   Transportation and other costs.
Transportation costs for the movement of material to GSA and handling costs for preparation and shipment shall be paid by the activity shipping the material to GSA.
§ 101-28.000   Scope of part.
This part prescribes policy and procedures for the economical and efficient management of warehousing and related activities by executive agencies.
§ 101-28.200   Scope of subpart.
This subpart prescribes policies and procedures to be followed in the cross-servicing of storage and warehousing services between executive agencies of the Government. It implements the provisions of the cross-servicing agreement between the Department of Defense (DOD) and GSA and extends the provisions of the agreement to provide cross-servicing between the civilian agencies of the Government.
§ 101-28.201   Applicability.
(a) The policies and procedures established by this subpart 101-28.2 are primarily applicable to storage activities within the United States. Executive agencies shall make every effort to utilize available Government storage services of other executive agencies to avoid new construction of storage facilities, acquisition of temporary space, and unnecessary transportation of supplies, material, and equipment to distant storage points. Whenever feasible, the policies and procedures shall be used to cross-service storage and warehousing requirements in overseas storage activities. Available storage services of executive agencies shall be made available for cross-servicing the requirements of other Federal agencies when requested. Other Federal agencies are encouraged to participate in cross-servicing arrangements.
(b) The provisions of this subpart 101-28.2 do not apply to ocean terminals, Government storage activities financed under industrial funds, activities concerned with the storage and handling of bulk fuels (petroleum products), and storage functions performed by GSA for the Federal Preparedness Agency.
§ 101-28.202   GSA/DOD cross-servicing agreement.
An agreement between GSA and DOD has established procedures to be followed in the cross-servicing of storage and warehousing services between Government agencies. Copies of the agreement, containing a listing of minimum services to be provided, responsibilities of agencies operating storage facilities, responsibilities of requesting agencies, and agency contact points to determine storage availability, may be obtained from the General Services Administration (FFN), Washington, DC 20406.
§ 101-28.202-1   Request for services.
Requests for storage and warehousing services shall be in accordance with the procedures set forth in the GSA/DOD cross-servicing agreement. Arrangements incident to the furnishing of services, specific limitations, terms, and conditions shall be agreed to directly by the activities concerned.
§ 101-28.202-2   Cancellation of cross-servicing arrangements.
(a) Accepted requests may be canceled by the requesting agency prior to delivery of supplies, material, and equipment to the storage activity when logistical developments make cancellation necessary or cancellation is in the best interest of the Government. The agency which accepted the request shall be informed of the cancellation in writing as soon as possible.
(b) Cancellation of arrangements in facilities to be inactivated or disposed of by an operating agency may be made as provided for in the GSA/DOD agreement. Also, after supplies, material, and equipment have been received at a storage activity, cancellation may be made when unforeseen emergencies arise which justify such cancellation. Advice of these necessary cancellations shall be in writing to the agency owning the material sufficiently in advance to allow the owning agency the maximum amount of time to make other arrangements for their property.
(c) When a facility in which cross-servicing is being accomplished is to be transferred from an operating agency to another agency, the operating agency shall inform the agency owning the property at least 90 days before the transfer. The agency owning the property shall negotiate with the agency gaining the facility for continued cross-servicing of the property at the facility. The agency gaining the facility shall continue the cross-servicing arrangements unless they are contrary to the best interest of the Government.
§ 101-28.202-3   Cross-servicing rates.
Normally, charges for services rendered will be based upon the standard rates established by the agency for internal use. However, special rates may be negotiated to cover actual or estimated costs for large, bulk lots of material when the applicable rates appear inequitable, subject to the approval of the appropriate program official for the civilian agency, and the Assistant Secretary of Defense (I and L) when DOD is involved.
§ 101-28.202-4   Reimbursement for services.
Reimbursement for services rendered shall be made promptly after receipt of billing. The frequency for billing and reimbursement shall be established by the activity providing warehousing and storage services; however, billing and reimbursement shall be made not less frequently than quarterly nor more frequently than monthly.
§ 101-28.203   Definitions.
As used in this subpart 101-28.2, the following term shall apply.
§ 101-28.203-1   Government storage activity.
A Government activity or facility utilized for the receipt, storage, and issue of supplies, materials, and equipment, including storage of reserve or excess stocks or intransit storage. The activity may be either Government owned or leased, and it may be either Government operated or contract operated.
§§ 101-28.203-2--101-28.203-3   [Reserved]
§ 101-28.203-4   Contact point.
The point within the headquarters of a military service or civilian agency to which requests should be forwarded. Coordination necessary with various organizational elements within a military service or civilian agency shall be accomplished by the contact point.
§ 101-28.300   Scope of subpart.
This subpart provides policy for the GSA customer supply center program, including policy on item stockage, services provided, and Federal agency participation.
§ 101-28.301   Applicability.
This subpart is applicable to all activities that are eligible to use customer supply centers. Eligible activities include executive agencies, elements of the legislative and judicial branches of the Government, and cost reimbursable contractors. Customer supply centers are for the use of activities located within the market area of a customer supply center as determined by GSA.
§ 101-28.302   Mission of customer supply centers.
Customer supply centers are retail supply distribution outlets established by GSA to provide efficient, economical support of frequently needed common-use expendable items for the accomplishment of customer agency missions.
§ 101-28.303   Benefits provided by customer supply centers.
The customer supply centers (CSCs) provide the following:
(a) Overall savings to the Federal Government through volume purchases.
(b) Quick and easy catalog item selection and simplified order placement by telephone, mail, electronic mail, or customer walk-in for urgent agency requirements.
(c) Next business day shipment to the customer for most orders.
(d) Same day pick up of emergency walk-in and telephone orders.
(e) Immediate stock availability information for all telephone and walk-in orders.
(f) Extensive inventory designed to meet the needs of customer agencies within the geographic area served by each CSC.
(g) A detailed catalog which lists the items stocked and procedures for use of the CSC.
(h) Automated biweekly billings (consistent with DOD MILSBILLS).
(i) Other services as approved by the GSA Regional Administrator.
§ 101-28.304   Item selection and stockage criteria.
§ 101-28.304-1   Types of items.
Items stocked in customer supply centers are based on customer agency requirements for common use expendable items. In addition to administrative type items commonly used in Government offices, janitorial supplies, handtools, and other industrial-type items are stocked when required to meet the mission-related needs of the activities supported by the CSC.
§ 101-28.304-2   Determining items to be stocked.
(a) Each CSC will stock administrative items normally required by Federal agencies for day-to-day operations. In addition to those items, each CSC will stock additional items as determined by the requirements of the activities within the geographic area it serves.
(b) Regional FSS offices will canvass customer agencies periodically to identify items for which there is an official need within their support area.
(c) Customer agencies may request that specific items be stocked by their support CSC. The requests must be submitted in writing to the appropriate-FSS Bureau Director and must be signed by a customer agency official at a level of responsibility (division director or higher) acceptable to the GSA Regional Administrator. All requests must indicate the expected monthly usage of the item requested. Each request will be evaluated and the submitting activity notified of the results of the evaluation.
§ 101-28.305   Prices of customer supply center items.
The selling price of a CSC item is an average price which is calculated automatically by the CSC computer at the time the item is ordered. Items stocked in CSCs that are obtained from GSA wholesale supply distribution facilities are input into the computer at the price in effect at the time of shipment from the facilities (this price is normally the price shown in the GSA Supply Catalog). Items stocked in CSCs that are not available from GSA wholesale supply distribution facilities but which are obtained from other Government supply sources or commercial sources are input into the computer at the invoice cost. Due to cost averaging, item prices listed in the CSC catalog may differ somewhat from the sale price for a particular transaction.
§ 101-28.306   Customer supply center (CSC) accounts and related controls.
§ 101-28.306-1   Establishment of a CSC account by a customer activity.
(a) Eligible agencies should contact the GSA Regional Federal Supply Service Bureau to obtain full information on the use of the CSC for their locale. FSS Bureau personnel will provide assistance to agencies in the establishment of the CSC account, brief personnel on the use of the CSC to meet local, retail supply requirements, and provide copies of the CSC catalog.
(b) An appropriate level management official (division director of higher) authorized to obligate agency funds must sign the GSA Form 3525, Application for Customer Supply Services, requesting establishment of the CSC account for the activity.
§ 101-28.306-2   Use of customer supply centers.
(a) Orders are received by the CSC via phone, mail, electronic mail, or in person on a walk-in basis for urgent agency requirements. All use of the CSC is based upon the customer access code assigned at the time of establishment of the activity account. The customer access code determines the ship-to point for orders placed with the CSC. The ship-to point cannot be changed, one established, except by the submission of a written request signed by an appropriate agency official.
(b) All orders placed with the CSC, except emergency pickup orders, described in § 101-28.306-1(c), will be shipped to the activity placing the order via mail or small parcel carrier not later than the end of the next business day.
(c) Walk-in orders for urgent requirements are accepted and filled immediately provided the individual placing the order has proper identification. Telephone orders placed in the morning may be picked up in the afternoon of the same day provided that the individual picking up the order possesses proper identification and the order ticket number provided by the CSC personnel at the time the order is placed.
§ 101-28.306-3   Limitations on use.
(a) Agencies shall establish internal controls to ensure that the use of the CSC account by the agency or other authorized activities is limited to the purchase of items for official Government use. The controls shall include written instructions that contain a statement prohibiting the use of the CSC account in acquiring items for other than Government use. When an agency makes a purchase of more than $500 per line item from a GSA customer supply center which is other than a similar lowest priced item available from a multiple-award schedule, GSA will assume that a justification has been prepared and made a part of the buying agency's purchase file. Availability of products, regardless of the total amount of the line item price, does not relieve an agency of the responsibility to select the lowest priced item commensurate with needs of the agency.
(b) Office supplies needed by Members of Congress and the Delegate of the District of Columbia for use in their offices in the House or Senate Office Buildings should be obtained from the Senate and Houses Representatives supply rooms, as appropriate. Members of Congress, except for the Delegate of the District of Columbia, should limit their use of the CSCs to those located outside of the District of Columbia. The Delegate of the District of Columbia may obtain office supplies for the use of his or her district offices from the CSC serving the District of Columbia.
§ 101-28.306-4   Expiration or cancellation.
(a) CSC accounts established for Federal agencies or members of the Federal judiciary are valid for an indefinite period of time unless canceled by the Commissioner, FSS, GSA, or by a GSA Regional Administrator.
(b) CSC accounts established for authorized contractors or Members of Congress will contain an expiration date reflecting the termination date of the contract or term of office. New accounts will be established for reinstated contractors or reelected Members of Congress upon submission of a new application.
(c) Any CSC customer may request cancellation of his/her account when no longer required or whenever there is cause to believe that the customer access code has been compromised. Agencies shall keep GSA advised of any changes in organization or accounting structures that might have an impact on their CSC accounts.
(d) The Commissioner FSS, GSA, may periodically direct a nationwide purge of all CSC accounts to cancel those that are duplicates, not needed, or for which the customer access code has been compromised. Selective account cancellations may be directed by the GSA Regional Administrator in coordination with FSS Central Office. Under the procedures of a nationwide purge, CSC accounts become invalid as of a specific date established by the Commissioner, FSS, GSA, or by a Regional Administrator, and new CSC accounts are established upon receipt of new applications.
§ 101-28.306-5   Safeguards.
Agencies shall establish internal controls to ensure that the customer access codes assigned for their accounts are properly protected. It is by use of these access codes that orders are accepted by the CSC and these codes determine the ship-to points for all orders filled by the CSC with the exception of orders picked up at the CSC by the customer. GSA will not change the ship-to location associated with the customer access code except upon receipt of a written request to do so, signed by a duly authorized official of the customer activity.
§ 101-28.306-6   Sensitive items.
Many items stocked by the CSCs may be considered sensitive based upon standard criteria factors such as propensity for personal use, the potential for embarrassment of GSA and customer agencies, the level of customer complaints, and control as an accountable item of personal property. Each customer activity shall take all appropriate measures necessary to ensure that all items are properly controlled within its activity and are purchased solely for official Government use.
§ 101-28.306-7   Responsibility for operation.
The GSA Regional Administrator is responsible for the operation of any CSCs located within his or her region.
§ 101-29.000   Scope of part.
This part sets forth the policy and procedures for managing and using Federal product descriptions.
§ 101-29.101   Federal product descriptions.
Federal and interim Federal specifications, their associated Federal qualified products lists (QPL's), Federal and interim Federal standards and Commercial item descriptions (CID's) are referred to collectively as Federal product descriptions. They are developed by GSA or other Federal agencies under the Assigned Agency Plan described in the “Federal Standardization Handbook” issued by the Assistant Administrator for Federal Supply and Services (FSS). Product descriptions are coordinated with other Federal agencies having technical, statutory, or regulatory interest in the commodity or other subject matter covered. Generally, before they are issued, Federal product descriptions are reviewed by technical societies, individual industrial producers, and organizations representing industrial producers and consumers.
§ 101-29.102   Use of metric system of measurement in Federal product descriptions.
In accordance with Public Law 94-168, 15 U.S.C. 205b, the Administrator of General Services shall develop procedures and plan for the increasing use of metric products by requiring Federal agencies to:
(a) Maintain close liaison with other Federal agencies, State and local governments, and the private sector on metric matters, and
(b) Review, prepare, and revise Federal standardization documents to eliminate barriers to the procurement of metric goods and services. These actions will occur during the overage document review or when the agency is informed by the private sector that metric products can be produced in a specific Federal supply classification class.
§ 101-29.201   Specification.
A specification is a document, prepared specifically to support acquisition that clearly and accurately describes the essential technical requirements for purchased material. Procedures necessary to determine whether these requirements have been met are also included.
§ 101-29.202   Standard.
A standard is a document that establishes engineering and technical requirements for items, processes, procedures, practices, and methods that have been adopted as customary. Standards may also establish requirements for selection, application, and design criteria so as to achieve the highest practical degree of uniformity in materials or products, or interchangeability of parts used within or on those products.
§ 101-29.203   Federal specification.
A Federal specification is a specification, issued in the Federal series, that is mandatory for use by all Federal agencies. These documents are issued or controlled by the General Services Administration and are listed in the GSA “Index of Federal Specifications, Standards and Commercial Item Descriptions.”
§ 101-29.204   Interim Federal specification.
An interim Federal specification is a potential Federal specification issued in temporary form for optional use by all Federal agencies. Interim amendments to Federal Specifications and amendments to interim Federal specifications are included in this definition. These documents are issued or controlled by the General Services Administration and are listed in the GSA “Index of Federal Specifications, Standards and Commercial Item Descriptions.”
§ 101-29.205   Federal standard.
A Federal standard is a standard, issued in the Federal series, that is mandatory for use by all Federal agencies. These documents are issued or controlled by the General Services Administration and are listed in the GSA “Index of Federal Specifications, Standards and Commercial Item Descriptions.”
§ 101-29.206   Interim Federal standard.
An interim Federal standard is a potential Federal standard issued in temporary form for optional use by all Federal agencies. These documents are issued or controlled by the General Services Administration, primarily for use in the telecommunication functional area.
§ 101-29.207   Qualified products list (QPL).
A qualified products list is a list of products that have met the qualification requirements stated in the applicable specification, including appropriate product identification and test or qualification reference number, with the name and plant address of the manufacturer and distributor, as applicable. Documents that contain QPL requirements are listed in the GSA “Index of Federal Specifications, Standards and Commercial Item Descriptions.”
§ 101-29.208   Commercial item description (CID).
A commercial item description is an indexed, simplified product description that describes by function or performance characteristics of available, acceptable commercial products that will satisfy the Government's needs. These documents are issued or controlled by the General Services Administration and are listed in the GSA “Index of Federal Specifications, Standards and Commercial Item Descriptions.”
§ 101-29.209   Purchase description.
A purchase description is any informal product description prepared for one-time use only or for small purchases when issuance of a formal product description is not cost effective.
§ 101-29.210   Product.
The term product is any end item, either manufactured or produced, and also includes materials, parts, components, subassemblies, equipment, accessories, attachments, and services.
§ 101-29.211   Product description.
A product description is a description of a product for acquisition and management purposes. Product descriptions include specifications, standards, commercial item descriptions, purchase descriptions, and brand-name purchase descriptions.
§ 101-29.212   Tailoring.
Tailoring is a process by which the individual requirements (sections, paragraphs or sentences) or product descriptions are evaluated to determine the extent to which each requirement is most suitable for a specific acquisition and the modification of these requirements, where necessary, to ensure that each document invoked achieves and optimal balance between operational needs and costs.
§ 101-29.213   Commercial product.
A commercial product is any item, component, or system available from stock or regular production that is sold in substantial quantities to the general public at established catalog or market prices (for definition of terms, see FPR 1-3.807.1).
§ 101-29.214   Commercial-type product.
A commercial-type product is defined as:
(a) Any product similar to the commercial product but modified or altered in compliance with specified Government requirements and, as such is usually sold only to the Government and not through the normal catalog or retail outlets;
(b) Any product similar to a commercial product that is either assembled or manufactured in accordance with specifically stated Government requirements and sold only to the Government and not to the general public; or
(c) A commercial product identified or marked differently than the commercial product normally sold to the general public.
§ 101-29.215   Departmental specification or standard.
A departmental specification or standard is a specification or standard prepared by, and of primary interest to, a particular Federal agency, but which may be used by other Federal agencies.
§ 101-29.216   Department of Defense Index of Specifications and Standards (DODISS).
The Department of Defense Index of Specifications and Standards is a Department of Defense (DoD) publication of unclassified Federal and military specifications and standards, related standardization documents, and voluntary standards that are used by DoD.
§ 101-29.217   Military specification or standard.
A military specification or standard is a specification or standard issued by the Department of Defense and listed in the DODISS.
§ 101-29.218   Voluntary standards.
Voluntary standards are established generally by private sector bodies and available for use by any person or organization, private or governmental. The term includes what are commonly referred to as “industry standards” as well as “consensus standards,” but does not include professional standards of personal conduct, institutional codes of ethics, private standards of individual firms, or standards mandated by law such as those contained in the United States Pharmacopeia as referenced in 21 U.S.C. 351.
§ 101-29.219   Index of Federal Specifications, Standards and Commercial Item Descriptions.
The Index of Federal Specification, Standards and Commercial Item Descriptions is a GSA publication that lists Federal specifications, qualified products lists, standards, and commercial item descriptions.
§ 101-29.220   Market research and analysis.
Market research and analysis is a process used to ascertain and analyze the range and quality of available commercial products to determine whether they meet user needs and to identify the market practices of firms engaged in producing, distributing, and supporting the products.
§ 101-29.221   Federal Specifications, Standards and Commercial Item Description Program (Federal Standardization Program).
The Federal Specifications, Standards and Commercial Item Description Program is a standardization program developed under authority of the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949, as amended (63 Stat. 377) in consonance with the Defense Cataloging and Standardization Act (Sections 2451-2456, title 10, U.S.C. chapter 145), managed by the General Services Administration, for the purpose of coordinating civilian and military standardization functions to avoid unnecessary duplication. Within the program, procedures and controls govern the development, coordination, approval, issuance, indexing, management, and maintenance of product descriptions in the Federal series (Federal specifications, Federal standards, and CID's) that define commercial products and products that have high potential for common Federal agency use.
§ 101-29.301   General Services Administration.
§ 101-29.301-1   Policies and procedures.
The Administrator of General Services is responsible for establishing policies and procedures, in coordination with the other agencies, for the preparation, coordination, approval, issuance, and maintenance of product descriptions in the Federal series of specifications, standards, and CID's.
§ 101-29.301-2   Federal Standardization Handbook.
The Assistant Administrator for Federal Supply and Services will issue and maintain on a current basis a “Federal Standardization Handbook.” The Federal Standardization Handbook sets forth operating procedures and applicable definitions used in the development of Federal product descriptions under the Assigned Agency Plan described therein. Federal agencies shall adhere to the provisions of the handbook in the development and coordination of Federal product descriptions.
§ 101-29.301-3   Availability of Federal product descriptions.
The Assistant Administrator for Federal Supply and Services will promulgate and maintain on a current basis the “Index of Federal Specifications, Standards and Commercial Item Descriptions.” The Index lists Federal product descriptions which have been printed and distributed, including those which are mandatory for use, and identifies the sources from which these documents may be obtained. Supplements to the Index indicate the dates on which the use of new Federal product descriptions become mandatory. The Department of Defense also lists Federal product descriptions in the “Department of Defense Index of Specifications and Standards.”
§ 101-29.301-4   Periodic review of Federal product descriptions.
The Assistant Administrator for Federal Supply and Services is responsible for establishing a program for periodically reviewing Federal product descriptions to determine whether revision, cancellation or reauthorization (validation) is appropriate. The frequency of the review shall be based on the degree of change in the technology of the product covered by the description and shall be conducted at least once every 5 years.
§ 101-29.302   Other Federal agencies.
Heads of other Federal agencies are responsible for adhering to the policies and procedures established by GSA for management and control of Federal product descriptions and for the use of these documents in acquisition as applicable.
§ 101-29.303   All Federal executive agencies.
(a) Federal executive agencies shall evaluate the effectiveness of their Federal product descriptions by:
(1) Establishing a system for obtaining user critiques of products acquired using those descriptions; and
(2) Establish a method whereby the preparing activity can locate and communicate with the users.
(b) The system shall encourage users to communicate with acquisition organizations regarding:
(1) The user's essential requirements;
(2) Product suitability for use in the user's environment;
(3) Product failures and deficiencies;
(4) The needs of the logistics system; and
(5) Suggestions for corrective actions.
(c) Acquisition organizations shall designate a central point in each agency to evaluate and respond to user critiques and take corrective action on reasonable complaints and suggestions.
(d) At the time of the periodic review, the responsible preparing activity shall consider available user evaluations, the results of market research and analysis, and all reported deviations from the product description. Information, such as the following shall be examined in the review process:
(1) Whether the product description is still needed in its present form and scope or whether a more simplified one can be used;
(2) The existence of voluntary standards or other Government product descriptions that may better reflect current requirements;
(3) The need to convert Federal and agency specifications covering commercial or commercial-type products to CID's; and
(4) The currency and applicability of reference documents included in the product description.
§ 101-29.401   Federal product descriptions listed in the GSA Index of Federal Specifications, Standards and Commercial Item Descriptions.
(a) Federal product descriptions shall be used by all Federal agencies in the procurement of supplies and services covered by such descriptions, except as provided in § 101-29.402 and § 101-29.403.
(b) The order of preference in selecting Federal product descriptions for acquisition shall be:
(1) Any Federal product description adopting voluntary standards.
(2) Commercial item descriptions.
(3) Federal specifications and standards.
§ 101-29.402   Exceptions to mandatory use of Federal product descriptions.
(a) Federal product descriptions do not need to be used under any of the following circumstances:
(1) The purchase is required under a public exigency and a delay in obtaining agency requirements would be involved in using the applicable description.
(2) The total amount of the purchase is less than $10,000. (Multiple small purchases of the same item shall not be made for the purpose of avoiding the intent of this exception. Further, this exception in no way affects the requirements for the procurement of items available from GSA supply distribution facilities, Federal Supply Schedule contracts, GSA procurement programs, and certain procurement sources other than GSA that have been assigned supply responsibility for Federal agencies as provided in subparts 101-26.3, § 101-26.4, and § 101-26.5).
(3) The items are purchased in foreign markets for use of overseas activities of agencies.
(4) The products are adequately described in voluntary standards or in standards mandated by law.
(5) The acquisition involves a one-time procurement.
(6) A Federal product description is not currently available and is not expected to be available within a reasonable time of the scheduled acquisition action.
(7) The product is available only from a single source or is produced to a single manufacturer's design.
(8) The product is unique to a single system.
(9) The product (excluding military clothing) is acquired for authorized resale.
(b) If the purchase involves the following, Federal product descriptions do not need to be used except to the extent they are applicable, in whole or in part:
(1) Items required in construction of facilities for new processes or new installations of equipment;
(2) Items required for experiment, test, or research and development; or
(3) Spare parts, components, or material required for operation, repair, or maintenance of existing equipment.
§ 101-29.403   Federal product description exceptions and tailoring.
§ 101-29.403-1   Authorization of exceptions.
When the exceptions listed in § 101-29.402 do not apply and an applicable indexed product description is desired for use in procurement but does not meet an agency's essential needs, exceptions to the product description to effect procurement may be authorized as follows:
(a) All exceptions to Federal telecommunications standards require prior approval by the Assistant Administrator for Information Resources Management, General Services Administration, Washington, DC 20405.
(b) Preparing activities may designate specific product descriptions that require approval of exceptions by the preparing activity before use.
(c) Exceptions to Federal product descriptions that do not require prior approval under paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section may be authorized by the acquiring agency if:
(1) Justifications for exceptions are subject to review before authorization and that such justification can be fully substantiated if post audit is required;
(2) Notification of exception or recommendation for change to the Federal product description is sent promptly to the preparing activity and the General Services Administration (FCO), Washington, DC 20406.
§ 101-29.403-2   Agency responsibility relative to exceptions to Federal product descriptions.
Each agency taking exceptions shall establish procedures whereby a designated official having substantial procurement responsibility shall be responsible for assuring that Federal product descriptions are used and provisions for exceptions are complied with.
§ 101-29.403-3   Tailoring of Federal product descriptions.
Product descriptions prepared to define and impose performance characteristics, engineering disciplines, and manufacturing practices such as reliability, system safety, quality assurance, maintainability, configuration management, and the like shall be tailored in accordance with their specific application in acquisitions.
§ 101-29.501   Optional use of interim Federal specifications.
Interim Federal specifications are for optional use. All agencies are urged to make maximum use of them and to submit suggested changes to the preparing activity for consideration in further development of the specifications for promulgation as Federal specifications or commercial item descriptions. Interim revisions or interim amendments to Federal specifications are for optional use as valid exceptions to the Federal specifications so revised or amended and must, therefore, be specifically identified by symbol and date in the invitation for bids or request for proposal.
§ 101-29.502   Use of Federal specifications and interim Federal specifications in Federal construction contracts.
When material, equipment, or services covered by an available Federal specification or interim Federal specification are specified in connection with Federal construction, the Federal specification or interim Federal specification shall be made part of the specification for the construction contract, subject to provisions in §§ 101-29.402, 101-29.403, and 101-29.501.
§ 101-29.503   Agency product descriptions.
When a Federal product description is not available, existing agency product descriptions should be used by all agencies consistent with each agency's procedures for establishing priority for use of such descriptions.
§ 101-30.000   Scope of part.
This part provides for a Federal Catalog System by which items of supply under § 101-30.301 are uniformly named, described, classified, and assigned national stock numbers (NSN's) to aid in managing all logistical functions and operations from determination of requirements through disposal. This system provides a standard reference language or terminology to be used by personnel in managing these items of supply, a prerequisite for integrated item management under the Federal procurement system concept.
§ 101-30.001   Applicability.
The provisions of this part are applicable to all Federal agencies. However, they shall apply to the Department of Defense only when so specified within or by the subparts of this part.
§ 101-30.100   Scope of subpart.
This subpart defines the objectives of the Federal Catalog System, and assigns responsibilities for its operation. The basic principles and procedures of the Federal Catalog System are contained in published cataloging handbooks and manuals described in subpart 101-30.2.
§ 101-30.101   Definitions.
As used in this part 101-30, the following terms shall have the meanings set forth in this § 101-30.101.
§ 101-30.101-1   Civil agency item.
Civil agency item means an item of supply in the supply system of one or more civilian agencies, which is repetitively procured, stocked, or otherwise managed (includes direct delivery requirements as well as items stocked for issue).
§ 101-30.101-1a   Item of production.
Item-of-production means those articles, equipment, materials, parts, pieces, or objects produced by a manufacturer which conform to the same engineering drawing, standard, or specification and receive the same quality control and inspection.
§ 101-30.101-2   Item of supply.
Item of supply means an item of production that is purchased, cataloged, and assigned a national stock number by the Government. The item of supply is determined by the requirements of each Government agency's supply system. The item of supply concept differentiates one item from another item in the Federal Catalog System. Each item of supply is expressed in and fixed by a national item identification number. An item of supply may be:
(a) A single item of production;
(b) Two or more items of production that are functionally interchangeable;
(c) A more precise quality controlled item than the regular item of production, or
(d) A modification of a regular item of production.
§ 101-30.101-3   National stock number.
The national stock number (NSN) is the identifying number assigned to each item of supply. The NSN consists of the 4-digit Federal Supply Classification (FSC) code and the 9-digit national item identification number (NIIN). The written, printed, or typed NSN configuration is 1234-00-567-8901. The following terms are elements of the 13-digit national stock number:
(a) Federal Supply Classification (FSC) is a 4-digit number which groups similar items into classes.
(b) National Codification Bureau (NCB) code is a 2-digit number designating the central cataloging office of the NATO or other friendly country which assigned the national item identification number (NIIN) and is used as the first two digits of the NIIN.
(c) National item identification number (NIIN) is a 9-digit number composed of the NCB code number (2-digits) followed by 7 other nonsignificant digits.
§ 101-30.101-4   Federal item identification.
Federal item identification means the approved item identification for the item of supply, plus the national stock number assigned to that item identification. It consists of four basic elements: The name of the item, the identifying characteristics, the Federal Supply Classification code, and the national item identification number.
§ 101-30.101-5   Cataloging.
Cataloging means the process of uniformly identifying, describing, classifying, numbering, and publishing in the Federal Catalog System all items of personal property (items of supply) repetitively procured, stored, issued, and/or used by Federal agencies.
§ 101-30.101-6   Cataloging activity.
Cataloging activity means the activity of a Federal agency having responsibility for performing cataloging operations in identifying and describing items of supply in the Federal Catalog System.
§ 101-30.101-7   Federal Catalog System.
Federal Catalog System means the single supply catalog system designed to uniformly identify, classify, name, describe, and number the items of personal property used by the Federal Government by providing only one classification, one name, one description, and one item identification number for each item of supply. It provides a standard reference language or terminology to be used by all persons engaged in the process of supply.
§ 101-30.101-8   Conversion.
Conversion means the changeover from using existing supply classifications, stock numbers, names, and identification data to using those of the Federal Catalog System in all supply operations, from determination of requirements to final disposal.
§ 101-30.101-9   Item entry control.
Item entry control means the functional responsibility of GSA/DOD cataloging to minimize the number of items in the supply system by: (a) Establishing controls that prevent unessential new items from entering the supply system; (b) promoting the development of standards and use of standard items; and (c) eliminating items having nonstandard characteristics, and isolating and recommending the use of duplicate or replacement items.
§ 101-30.101-10   GSA section of the Federal Supply Catalog.
GSA section of the Federal Supply Catalog means a series of supply catalogs issued by GSA as an integral part of the Federal Supply Catalog. These catalogs indicate the source for obtaining supplies and services and contain ordering instructions and related supply management data.
§ 101-30.101-11   Recorded data.
Recorded data means the data which are associated with a national stock number and are recorded on microfilm or magnetic computer tape at the Defense Logistics Center (DLSC), Battle Creek, MI 49016.
§ 101-30.101-12   Item identification data.
Item identification data means recorded data which are used to differentiate an item from all other items. Item identification data are composed of data that describe the essential physical characteristics of the item and reference data that relate the item to other identifying media (such as manufacturers' part numbers, identified blueprints, suppliers' catalogs, or the like).
§ 101-30.101-13   Management data.
Management data means recorded data that relate an item to the individual agency's supply system for purposes of supply management as standardization, source of supply, or inventory control. Management data do not affect the identification of an item.
§ 101-30.101-14   Maintenance action.
Maintenance action means any action taken after conversion to the Federal Catalog System which changes the previously reported identification or management data regarding a cataloged item.
§ 101-30.101-15   Data preparation.
Data preparation means the conversion of item identification and management data to the appropriate Automated Data Processing (ADP) format.
§ 101-30.101-16   Data transmission.
Data transmission means the operation of telecommunication equipment for the receipt and transmission of item identification and management data.
§ 101-30.101-17   Supply support.
Supply support means the functions performed by the supply manager to provide requesting (using) activities with a Government source and method of supply for an item; e.g., GSA stock program, Federal supply schedule program, GSA's buy-on-demand program, or GSA's authorizing an agency to purchase locally.
§ 101-30.101-18   Supply support request.
Supply support request means a request from an activity to a supply manager; e.g., a request to GSA to provide that activity with supply support for an item.
§ 101-30.102   Objectives.
The objectives of the Federal cataloging program are:
(a) To provide for the maintenance of a uniform Federal supply catalog system and the conversion to and exclusive use of this system by all Federal agencies.
(b) To name, describe, identify, classify, and number each item of personal property to be included in the Federal Catalog System so that the same items will have a single Federal item identification within and among the organizational elements of all Federal agencies.
(c) To collect, maintain, and publish such Federal catalog data and related supply management data as may be determined necessary or desirable to reflect such benefits to supply management as:
(1) Assistance in standardization of supplies and equipment;
(2) Disclosure of interchangeability and substitutability of items;
(3) Reduction in inventories of stock and increased rates of turnover;
(4) Increase in vendor competition and broader sources of supply;
(5) Provision of data for determining the most effective and economical method of item management on a Federal agency systemwide basis;
(6) Enhance item entry control;
(7) Facilitation of better interagency and intra-agency use of supplies, equipment, and excess stocks, and more exact identification of surplus personal property; and
(8) Assistance in providing precise statistics for budget and financial accounting purposes.
§ 101-30.103   Responsibilities.
§ 101-30.103-1   General.
(a) The provisions of section 206 of the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 (40 U.S.C. 487) authorize the Administrator of General Services to establish and maintain a uniform Federal Catalog System to identify and classify personal property under the control of Federal agencies. Under this law each Federal agency is required to utilize the uniform Federal Catalog System, except as the Administrator of General Services shall otherwise provide, taking into consideration efficiency, economy, and other interests of the Government.
(b) The Defense Cataloging and Standardization Act (chapter 145, title 10, U.S. Code) authorizes the Secretary of Defense to develop a single supply catalog system for the Department of Defense.
(c) Both laws require that the Administrator of General Services and the Secretary of Defense shall coordinate the cataloging activities of GSA and the Department of Defense to avoid unnecessary duplication.
§ 101-30.103-2   Agency responsibilities.
(a) Each civil agency shall:
(1) Participate in the preparation and maintenance of the civil agency portion of the Federal Catalog System and in the conversion to and utilization of this system, and
(2) Comply with the policies, principles, rules, and procedures of the Federal Catalog System as prescribed in this part 101-30.
(b) Adherence by the Department of Defense to the single supply catalog system developed for the military departments under chapter 145, title 10, U.S. Code, shall be deemed to constitute full coordination of cataloging activities with GSA.
§ 101-30.201   General.
(a) This subpart describes the cataloging handbooks and manuals prepared by the Defense Logistics Agency, Department of Defense, in coordination with GSA.
(b) The following basic cataloging handbooks and manuals are available for purchase from the Superintendent of Documents, Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402. The requirements of these publications shall be followed by all cataloging activities participating in the Federal Catalog System.
(1) Federal Catalog System Policy Manual (DOD 4130.2-M). This hard copy manual prescribes the operating policies and instructions covering the maintenance of a uniform catalog system.
(2) Defense Integrated Data Systems (DIDS) Procedures Manual (DOD 4100.39-M). This hard copy manual prescribes the procedures covering the maintenance of a uniform catalog system.
(3) Federal Supply Classification (Cataloging Publication H2 Series). This microfiche publication includes the listings and indexes necessary for using the commodity classification system (grouping related items of supply) as prescribed by the Federal Catalog System Policy Manual.
(4) Federal Supply Code for Manufacturers (Cataloging Publication H4 Series). This microfiche publication includes a comprehensive listing of the names and addresses of manufacturers who have supplied or are currently supplying items of supply used by the Federal Government and the applicable 5-digit code assigned to each.
(5) Federal Item Name Directory (FIND) for Cataloging (Cataloging Publication H6 Series). This microfiche publication includes names of supply items with definitions, item name codes, and other related data required to prepare item identifications for inclusion in the Federal Catalog System.
§ 101-30.202   Policies.
The cataloging publications indicated in § 101-30.201 provide a ready reference to the following operating policies and rules covering the uniform catalog system:
(a) Identification. (1) Each civil agency shall ensure that each of its items authorized for cataloging is included and maintained in the Federal Catalog System as prescribed in the Federal Catalog System Policy Manual.
(2) Each item of supply shall have applicable to it one, and only one, Federal item identification; each Federal item identification shall be applicable to one, and only one, item of supply.
(b) Federal Supply Classification ( FSC ). (1) The Federal Supply Classification shall be used in supply management within the civil agencies.
(2) Each item included in the Federal Catalog System shall be classified under the Federal Supply Classification and shall be assigned only one 4-digit class in accordance with the rules prescribed in the Federal Catalog System Policy Manual.
(c) Numbering. (1) Each item of supply identified in the Federal Catalog System shall be assigned a national stock number which shall consist of the applicable 4-digit FSC class code and a 9-digit national item identification number.
(2) The national stock number shall be the only stock number used in supply operations for items within the scope of the Federal Catalog System. The integrity of the national stock number shall always be maintained whenever it is employed in any operation or document. Supply management codes, or other management symbols, may be associated with, but never included as a part of the national stock number. These management codes or symbols shall always be separated from the national stock number in such a manner that the national stock number is clearly distinguishable.
§ 101-30.300   Scope of subpart.
This subpart prescribes the types of items to be cataloged, the types of items to be excluded from the Federal Catalog System, the responsibilities for catalog data preparation and transmission to the Defense Logistics Services Center (DLSC), and the application of item entry control procedures upon request for cataloging action.
§ 101-30.301   Types of items to be cataloged.
Items of personal property in the civil agency systems that are subject to repetitive procurement, storage, distribution and/or issue, and all locally purchased, centrally managed items will be named, described, identified, classified, and numbered (cataloged) in the Federal Catalog System. Other locally purchased items may be cataloged based upon civil agency requirements. The term “repetitive” will be construed to mean continual or recurring and applies to those items for which a need is deemed to exist within the appropriate civil agency.
§ 101-30.302   Types of items excluded from cataloging.
Items of personal property in the following categories are to be excluded from the Federal Catalog System except when an agency determines that Federal item identification data will be of value in its supply management operations:
(a) Capital equipment items which are nonexpendable and are especially designed for a specific purpose, such as elevators or central air-conditioning system installations.
(b) Items of personal property on which security classification is imposed.
(c) Items procured on a one-time or infrequent basis for use in research and development, experimentation, construction, or testing and not subject to centralized item inventory management, reporting, or stock control.
(d) Items procured in foreign markets for use in overseas activities of Federal agencies.
(e) Printed forms.
§ 101-30.303   Responsibility.
Each agency shall ensure that each of its items to be cataloged is included and maintained in the Federal Catalog System.
(a) Agencies with cataloging and data preparation and transmission capabilities, when authorized by GSA, shall submit data direct to the Defense Logistics Services Center (DLSC) in conformance with procedures set forth in the Defense Integrated Data System (DIDS) Procedures Manual (DOD 4100.39-M).
(b) Agencies not having the capabilities cited in paragraph (a) of this section shall submit their request to the appropriate cataloging activity; i.e., GSA or VA, for the performance of all cataloging functions and/or the preparation of data for submission to DLSC. Cataloging requests to GSA or VA shall be prepared using Standard Form 1303, Request for Federal Cataloging/Supply Support Action (illustrated at § 101-30.4901-1303). EAM card formatted requests for volume add/delete user actions may also be submitted. Instructions on the preparation of Standard Form 1303 and EAM card formatted requests and guidance in determining the appropriate cataloging activity designated to receive requests are in the GSA Handbook, Federal Catalog System-Logistics Data (FPMR 101-30.3), issued by the Commissioner, Federal Supply Service.
(c) GSA will confer with civil agencies periodically to review and devise methods of submission according to their needs and capabilities.
§ 101-30.304   Application of item entry control.
In addition to the reviews attendant to the process of item identification and assignment of national stock numbers, proposed new items will be subjected to a technical review to associate them with items available through the GSA supply system. Where a similar item is available through the GSA supply system, the agency will be informed of the national stock number and a source of supply and will be requested to use that item. If the requesting agency considers the GSA item unacceptable because of technical differences, the requesting agency shall notify GSA of the technical differences between the alternate item and the requested item to allow for the assignment of a new national stock number to the requested item.
§ 101-30.305   Exemptions from the system.
When an agency believes that the benefits of the Federal Catalog System may be realized without formal participation, a request for an exemption shall be submitted to the General Services Administration (FRI), Washington, DC 20406. After reviewing the request for an exemption, GSA will inform the requesting agency of the decision and will provide instructions for implementation. The request for an exemption shall include, but not be limited to, the following information:
(a) Number of items repetitively procured, stored, distributed, or issued.
(b) Number of items currently used having national stock numbers.
(c) Identification system planned or in use other than the Federal catalog system.
(d) Whether procurement is centralized.
(e) Description of any catalogs published. If none, so state.
(f) Whether supply support is received from another agency including the name of the agency and category of item involved; e.g., electronics.
(g) Cost differential between submitting a request for cataloging action and identifying the item under the agency's current or planned system.
§ 101-30.400   Scope of subpart.
This subpart prescribes the policies and procedures governing the dissemination of Federal catalog data, the conversion to and use of the Federal catalog system by Federal agencies, and the requesting of supply support from Government supply managers.
§ 101-30.401   Data available from the Federal Catalog System.
Federal Catalog System data are available in publications of general interest to Government supply activities and in the form of automated output tailored to meet individual agency needs.
§ 101-30.401-1   Publications providing Federal catalog data.
(a) Federal Catalog System publications contain selected data from the Defense Logistics Services Center (DLSC) files chosen, assembled, and formatted to meet recognized needs for information in support of assigned missions, functions, and related responsibilities. Most publications are produced in microfiche form; however, some are produced in hard copy form. The following publications are available:
(1) Master cross-reference list. A microfiche publication which contains a master list of national stock numbers (NSN's) cross-referenced to and from manufacturers' part numbers, specifications, or reference drawings. This publication is used to cross-relate reference numbers and stock numbers or to ascertain the manufacturer of an item when the reference number or the NSN is known.
(2) Identification list (IL). A microfiche publication arranged by Federal supply class and containing descriptions of items in the DLSC file. The principal uses of the IL are to obtain or verify an NSN when only the characteristics of the item are known or descriptive data when the NSN is known, and to determine interchangeable or substitutable items.
(3) Consolidated Management Listing. A microfiche publication which is a consolidated listing of NSN's and related supply management data of each integrated manager and military service. These data include Government source of supply, unit of issue, unit price, etc.
(4) Federal item logistics data records (FILDR). A microfiche publication containing complete identification data in tabular format for all descriptive-type item identifications. The data are arranged in NSN sequence within Federal supply class. An FILDR is known in hard copy form as a DD-146 card which is furnished as an output to authorized receivers of Federal catalog data who cannot use other available output media.
(5) Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Federal Supply Catalog for Civil Agencies. This publication (available in hard copy only) includes NSN's for which DLA is the single source of supply for civil agencies. These NSN's may not necessarily have a DOD user recorded. The publication contains descriptive and management data for items not usually listed in the GSA catalog but which might be required by civil agencies.
(b) Agencies may obtain without charge copies of the DLA Federal Supply Catalog for Civil Agencies, described in paragraph (a)(6) 1 of this section by contacting the Defense Logistics Services Center, DLSC-TP, Federal Center, Battle Creek, MI 49016. To obtain copies of the publications described in paragraphs (a) (1) through (5) of this section, agencies may submit a request in writing to the same address shown above, except that the applicable mail distribution code is DLSC-AP. Information concerning the charges for the latter publications is available from DLSC-AP.
1 At 46 FR 35645, July 10, 1981, paragraph (a)(6) of § 101-30.401-1 was removed.
§ 101-30.401-2   Automated catalog data output.
As a result of participation in the Federal catalog system, activities may receive data directly from DLSC tailored to their individual needs in support of their own supply management data system. The two basic categories of file maintenance are:
(a) Simplified file maintenance (SFM). Subscribers to this category of file maintenance are provided replacement files (magnetic tape) semiannually containing selected technical and supply management data for those items on which they are a registered user. The subscriber will also receive a monthly maintenance update and cumulative monthly basic records from DLSC which may be used to maintain the semiannual basic file. Recipients of this form of file maintenance have latitude in selecting those items which meet the needs of their supply system from the categories of data available from the Federal Catalog System.
(b) Regular file maintenance (RFM). This form of the file maintenance provides activities with data on a daily basis as transactions affect items upon which they are a registered user. It is used primarily by those activities which consider it essential to maintain file compatibility with the DLSC file at all times.
§ 101-30.402   Conversion.
Following completion of cataloging action, GSA will establish a time period in which conversion to the Federal Catalog System shall be accomplished by all civil agencies. The terminal dates for conversion will be established after consultation with the civil agencies concerned.
§ 101-30.403   Utilization.
On and after the established date for completion of conversion, all interagency and intra-agency transactions involving item identifications, commodity classification, or stock numbers shall be in the terms of the Federal Catalog System.
§ 101-30.403-1   Reports of excess and surplus personal property.
For items of personal property which have been identified in the Federal Catalog System, national stock numbers and Federal item identifications, with such additional descriptive detail as is required, shall be utilized in reports and listings of excess and surplus personal property. The assignment of national stock numbers and Federal item identifications shall not be required for items of excess or surplus personal property which have not been identified in the Federal Catalog System.
§ 101-30.403-2   Management codes.
For internal use within an agency, alphabetic codes excluding letters “I” and “O” may be prefixed or suffixed to the national stock number as CM7520-00-123-4567 or 7520-00-123-4567CM, as required for supply management operations. Numeric codes shall not be affixed immediately adjacent to or as a part of the national stock number, nor shall codes be intermingled in the national stock number.
§ 101-30.404   Supply support.
Civilian agencies requiring supply support on an item of supply shall request this action by preparing Standard Form 1303, Request for Federal Cataloging/Supply Support Action (illustrated at § 101-30.4901-1303), and submitting the form to the General Services Administration (FRIS), Washington, DC 20406. All supply support request for nonperishable subsistence items in Federal Supply Group 89, subsistence (except condiment packets in FSC classes 8940 and 8950), shall be submitted to the Veterans Administration, Catalog Division (901S), Veterans Administration Supply Depot, P.O. Box 27, Hines IL 60141. Guidance on the preparation of supply support requests is in the GSA Handbook, Federal Catalog System-Logistics Data (FPMR 101-30.3), issued by the Commissioner, Federal Supply Service.
§ 101-30.404-1   Consolidation of supply support requests.
Requests for supply support should be consolidated in one focal point within each agency or activity. On the basis of the total consolidated agency or activity requirement; i.e., annual demand, GSA can determine the most economical and efficient method of supply support.
§ 101-30.500   Scope of subpart.
This subpart prescribes the policies and procedures governing the maintenance of the Federal Catalog System.
§ 101-30.501   Applicability.
(a) The Administrator of General Services delegated authority to the Secretary of Defense to develop and maintain the Federal Catalog System. This delegation provided for the cataloging system to continue to provide for the identification and classification of personal property under the control of Federal agencies and to maintain uniform item management data required and suitable for interdepartment supply activities.
(b) The Federal Catalog System Policy Manual (DOD 4130.2-M) and the Defense Integrated Data System (DIDS) Procedures Manual (DOD 4100.39-M) are equally applicable to all DOD and civilian agencies. The Federal Supply Service, GSA, and the Department of Defense share joint responsibility for the coordination of civilian agency cataloging to ensure the integrity of the system and the compatibility of civilian and military agency participation in the Federal Catalog System.
§ 101-30.502   [Reserved]
§ 101-30.503   Maintenance actions required.
After converting to the Federal Catalog System, the agency concerned shall promptly take maintenance actions affecting the items converted and new items to be added. These actions may include deletion or revision of item identification or management data, or any other change required to ensure that the recorded data are maintained on a current basis. Submission of data to DLSC shall be as follows:
(a) As new items meeting criteria for national stock number (NSN) assignment are added to an agency's supply system, the agency shall submit data to GSA, the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA), the Veterans Administration (VA), or DLSC when a direct submitter of catalog data is involved in accordance with § 101-30.303.
(b) All civilian agencies not authorized to submit catalog data direct to DLSC shall prepare Standard Form 1303, Request for Federal Cataloging/Supply Support Action (illustrated at § 101-30.4901-1303), to request maintenance action. Maintenance requests shall be submitted to GSA for collaboration and submission to DLSC, except that civilian agencies receiving supply support on an item from a DLA center or the VA, as expressed by major organizational entity (MOE) rule, should submit these requests to the DLA center using DD Form 1685, Data Exchange and/or Proposed Revision of Catalog Data, or to the VA using Standard Form 1303, for collaboration and submission to DLSC. When GSA receives maintenance requests on these items, they will be forwarded to the appropriate DLA center or to the VA.
(c) Agencies authorizd to submit catalog data direct to DLSC as provided in § 101-30.303(a) shall comply with item maintenance and data collaboration procedures as set forth in the Defense Integrated Data System (DIDS) Procedures Manual (DOD 4100.39M).
(d) All civilain agencies not authorized to submit catalog data to DLSC shall use Standard Form 1303, Request for Federal Cataloging/Supply Support Action, to request maintenance action. Proposed maintenance requests shall be submitted to GSA for collaboration and submission to DLSC, except that civilian agencies receiving supply support from DLA supply centers, as expressed in the DLSC user record by major organizational entity (MOE) rule, should submit proposed maintenance requests to the appropriate DLA supply center for collaboration and submission to DLSC. When GSA receives maintenance requests for these items, they will be referred to the appropriate DLA supply center.
(e) Any civilian agency participating in the Federal Catalog System (those agencies previously assigned a Cataloging Activity Code) may propose action for maintenance of the catalog system tools as outline in § 101-30.201(b).
§ 101-30.504   Cataloging data from Defense Logistics Services Center (DLSC).
Upon receipt of cataloging data from civil agencies, DLSC will process the data and provide for their inclusion in the Federal Catalog System. Notification to the submitting and originating agencies of the action taken by DLSC will be as required in the Federal Catalog System Policy Manual (DOD 4130.2-M) and will be accomplished by means of electric accounting machine cards, magnetic tape, or wire transmission, according to the capabilities of those agencies. DLSC will send this information to the agencies that are designated by GSA as direct data receivers. Otherwise, DLSC will transmit the information to the submitting agency to be forwarded to the originating agency, when required.
§ 101-30.505   Assistance by Government suppliers.
When a new item is to be introduced into an agency supply system, the agency establishing the need for the new item shall determine whether or not adequate identification data for cataloging the item are available. If the data are not available, the agency may specify in procurement documents the use of Federal Standard No. 5, Standard Guides for Preparation of Proposed Item Logistics Data Records, and submission of the cataloging data required by that standard to the contracting officer (for further processing in accordance with this subpart 101-30.5).
§ 101-30.600   Scope of subpart.
This subpart describes that section of the Federal Supply Catalog issued by GSA and authorizes its issuance by the Commissioner, Federal Supply Service.
§ 101-30.601   Objective.
GSA supply catalogs are primarily designed to aid in the acquisition of GSA centrally managed, stocked, and issued items available from GSA supply facilities by Federal civilian agencies and other organizations authorized to use the GSA Federal Supply Service (FSS) stock program as a source of supply. GSA also provides information relative to other FSS sales programs and GSA services.
§ 101-30.602   Authority for issuance.
The GSA section of the Federal Supply Catalog is issued as an integral part of the Federal Supply Catalog and the Federal Catalog System as prescribed in subpart 101-30.1. The Commissioner, Federal Supply Service, is authorized to publish catalogs for those items and programs for which GSA furnishes supply support to Federal agencies.
§ 101-30.603   GSA Supply Catalog.
(a) The GSA Supply Catalog is an illustrated catalog, published annually, which serves as the primary source to identify and order centrally managed, stocked, and issued items available from GSA supply facilities. The catalog also provides information concerning other Federal Supply Service programs and GSA services.
(b) The GSA Supply Catalog contains all necessary information for ordering from the GSA Federal Supply Service stock program and basic information, such as:
(1) Alphabetical Index. This index is organized alphabetically by approved item names under the basic noun name in inverted word sequence, (i.e. sofa, sleeper) with reference to the page that contains the pertinent item description.
(2) Item Descriptions/Ordering Data. Item descriptions are listed by commodity groups in this section. Included also are descriptive and ordering data with representative illustrations for selected common-use items that are centrally managed, stocked, and issued from GSA supply facilities.
(3) National Stock Number Index. This NSN sequenced index lists items that are centrally managed, stocked, and issued from GSA supply facilities.
(4) Narrative. The narrative includes comprehensive detailed information to use and understand the GSA Federal Supply Service stock program.
(5) Other Federal Supply Service sales programs and GSA services. This section provides to user agencies pertinent information regarding the use and understanding of the GSA Federal Supply Service stock program, sales program, and other GSA services.
(c) Changes to the GSA Supply Catalog are effected by change bulletins issued during April, July, and October. These are cumulative publications that contain information pertaining to new items, changes to supply management data, and deleted items.
(d) Special Notice to Ordering Office is issued on a nonscheduled basis as required by the Commissioner, FSS, to inform agencies of significant program changes to the GSA Supply Catalog.
§ 101-30.603-1   [Reserved]
§ 101-30.603-2   GSA Supply Catalog.
The GSA Supply Catalog, published annually and updated quarterly, is an illustrated publication which serves as the primary source for identifying items and services available through the following GSA supply sources:
(a) GSA supply distribution facilities;
(b) Federal Supply Schedules; and
(c) Term Contract Program.
§§ 101-30.603-3--101-30.603-4   [Reserved]
§ 101-30.603-5   Change bulletins.
Changes to the GSA Supply Catalog are effected by quarterly cumulative publications entitled “Change Bulletin to the GSA Supply Catalog.” These change bulletins will serve as the media to notify agencies of additions, deletions, and other pertinent changes occurring between the annual publication of the GSA Supply Catalog.
§ 101-30.603-6   Special Notices.
Special Notices will be issued on a nonschedule basis to advise agencies of program changes, general information, or additions, deletions, and other pertinent changes to the GSA Supply Catalog.
§ 101-30.604   Availability.
Agencies that require current copies of and desire to be placed on distribution lists to receive Federal supply catalogs and related publications shall complete GSA Form 457, FSS Publications Mailing List Application (illustrated at § 101-26.4902-457), and forward the completed GSA Form 457 to General Services Administration (8BRC), Centralized Mailing Lists Services, Building 41, Denver Federal Center, Denver, CO 80225. Copies of GSA Form 457 may also be obtained from the above address. Periodically, the Centralized Mailing Lists Services will request information from agency offices for use in maintaining current distribution lists.
§ 101-30.700   Scope of subpart.
This subpart defines the objectives of the item reduction program and assigns responsibilities for its operation. Procedures implementing the policy set forth herein are contained in the GSA Handbook, Item Elimination (FPMR 101-30.7), issued by the Commissioner, Federal Supply Service.
§ 101-30.701   Definitions.
As used in this subpart 101-30.7, the following terms shall have the meanings set forth in this § 101-30.701.
§ 101-30.701-1   Item reduction study.
Item reduction study means the study of a group of generally similar items which are subject to evaluation by physical and performance characteristics. This evaluation process identifies items determined to be unnecessarily similar or uneconomical for Government use and which will be considered for removal from Government supply systems. For items so identified, a replacement item shall be proposed. The result of item reduction studies will indicate items which are authorized for procurement or not authorized for procurement.
§ 101-30.701-2   Item standardization code.
Item standardization code (ISC) means a code assigned an item in the supply system which identifies the item as authorized for procurement or not authorized for procurement.
§ 101-30.701-3   Preparing activity.
Preparing activity means a Government agency responsible for the preparation of item reduction studies, or an activity authorized by the listed agencies to conduct an item reduction study. The DOD Standardization Directory SD-1 provides such a listing.
§ 101-30.701-4   Standardization relationship.
Standardization relationship means the relationship between the replaced item and the replacement item. The replaced item will contain an item standardization code designating the item as not authorized for procurement and therefore must have a replacement item. The relationship of the two items is displayed within the item reduction study by item standardization codes and, upon approval of the study, in the Federal catalog system data base at the Defense Logistics Services Center (DLSC).
§ 101-30.702   Determining item reduction potential.
Item reduction studies are required where there are large numbers of generally similar items which are subject to grouping and examination by item name, item name modifiers, or other characteristics such as sizes, grades, lengths, and materials. Before conducting a full scale item reduction study, the assignee activity shall determine whether sufficient item reduction potential appears to exist. Item reduction studies shall be undertaken only when the expected benefits outweigh the costs of performing the study.
§ 101-30.703   Program objectives.
The objective of the item reduction program is to reduce the varieties and sizes of similar items in the Government supply system by:
(a) Implementing a coordinated item reduction process among supply managers of using activities;
(b) Standardizing items of supply used by the Government;
(c) Ensuring that all participants in item reduction studies give priority to controlling and completing item reduction studies;
(d) Promptly recording decisions in the Federal catalog system data base; and
(e) Phasing out of the Government supply system those items identified in item reduction studies as not authorized for procurement to reduce cataloging, supply management, and warehousing costs; then following through to eliminate the items from agency catalog systems.
§ 101-30.704   Agency responsibilities.
§ 101-30.704-1   General Services Administration.
(a) The General Services Administration (GSA) will develop or authorize other Government agencies to develop item reduction studies on items within the Federal supply classification (FSC) classes for which GSA is the integrated material manager.
(b) GSA, as the civil agency coordinating activity for item reduction studies originated by both GSA and DOD, will:
(1) Distribute proposed item reduction studies, as appropriate, to all civil agencies recorded as users of the item in the DLSC data base. This distribution will be made by coordination letters in which a time frame for a response will be specified. GSA will interpret each nonresponse to a proposed study to mean that the activity concurs with the study. Extensions, when requested by an agency, normally will be granted by GSA.
(2) Respond to questions concerning proposed item reduction studies.
(3) Prepare a consolidated civil agency position paper (including comments and nonconcurrences) relative to each study upon receipt of user responses.
(4) Incorporate civil agency positions into proposed item reduction studies prepared by GSA or forward a consolidated civil agency position paper to appropriate preparing activities.
(5) Resolve controversies arising from proposed item reduction study recommendations.
(6) Review approved item reduction studies to ensure that concurrences and nonconcurrences from all civil agencies are accurately reflected.
(7) Register into the Federal catalog system, data base approved item reduction decisions concerning items within the FSC classes which are managed by GSA.
(8) Implement decisions documented in approved item reduction studies within the GSA supply system.
(9) Distribute approved item reduction studies to all recorded civil agency users. All civil agencies (except direct submitters of catalog data to DLSC) will also be forwarded covering letters which will request specific information relative to implementing the studies; i.e., inventory levels of items coded ISC 3. Activities not responding within the time frame specified (60 calendar days) will receive a followup notice before being automatically withdrawn as users of all items coded as not authorized for procurement.
§ 101-30.704-2   Other agencies.
Civil agencies participating in the Federal Catalog System shall:
(a) Conduct a review of the items included in the proposed study by the preparing activity with respect to the ISC to determine the impact the assigned code may have on the agency's supply system.
(b) Prepare and submit written comments on the proposed study to GSA within the time frame specified in the GSA coordination letter, concur with the study, or nonconcur on specific proposed standardization relationships. If comments cannot be prepared and submitted within the time frame specified, an extension shall be requested from GSA.
(c) Review the approved item reduction study and notify GSA in writing if the activity is to be retained or deleted as a user of any item coded as “not authorized for procurement.” This notification will allow the preparer of the study to complete coordination of the study and update the DLSC Total Item Record (TIR).
(d) Implement within the agency those item reduction decisions resulting from the study.
(e) Request, as appropriate, the retention of a nonstandard item in their supply system by forwarding a letter to General Services Administration (FRIS), Washington, DC 20406. The request shall include but not be limited to the following information:
(1) The specific end-use of end-item application;
(2) A technical explanation comparing the physical and functional characteristics of the nonstandard item with each authorized-for-procurement item;
(3) The duration of the requirement for the item or how long the end-item will be retained in the agency's supply system; and
(4) Economic considerations from a technical standpoint. GSA will evaluate the request and inform the agency of its acceptance or rejection.
§ 101-30.705   GSA assistance.
Activities requiring assistance in fulfilling their responsibilities under the program shall contact the General Services Administration (FRI), Washington, DC 20406.
§ 101-30.4900   Scope of subpart.
This subpart illustrates forms prescribed or available for use in connection with subject matter covered in other subparts of this part 101-30.
§ 101-30.4901   Standard forms.
(a) Standard forms are illustrated in this § 101-30.4901 to show their text, format, and arrangement and to provide a ready source of reference. The subsection numbers in this § 101-30.4901 correspond with the Standard form numbers.
(b) Standard forms illustrated in this § 101-30.4901 may be obtained by submitting a requisition in FEDSTRIP format to the GSA regional office providing support to the requesting activity.
§ 101-30.4901-1303   Standard Form 1303, Request for Federal Cataloging/Supply Support Action.
The form illustrated in § 101-30.4901-1303 is filed with the original document and does not appear in the Federal Register.
§ 101-31.000   Scope of part.
This part prescribes policy, guidelines, and procedures related to inspection, testing, and grading of supplies or services.
§ 101-31.200   Cross-reference to the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) (48 CFR chapter 1, parts 1-99).
For guidance see Federal Acquisition Regulation (e.g., Subpart 7.5, and parts 37 and 46) (48 CFR Subpart 7.5, and parts 37 and 46).
§ 101-33.0   Cross-reference to the Federal Management Regulation (FMR) 41 CFR chapter 102 parts 1 through 220).
For information on public utilities, see FMR part 102-82 (41 CFR part 102-82).
§ 101-37.000   Cross-reference to the Federal Management Regulation (FMR) (41 CFR chapter 102, part 102-33 and the Federal Travel Regulation (FTR) (41 CFR chapters 300-304, parts 300-3, 301-10, and 301-70)).
(a) For information on Government aviation administration and coordination, previously contained in subparts 101-37.1, 101-37.2, 101-37.3, and 101-37.5 through 101-37.14, see FMR part 102-33, Management of Government Aircraft (41 CFR part 102-33).
(b) For information on travel on Government aircraft previously contained in subparts 101-37.1 and 101-37.4, see 41 CFR parts 300-3, 301-10, and 301-70 of the Federal Travel Regulation (FTR).
§ 101-38.000   Cross-reference to the Federal Management Regulation (FMR) (41 CFR chapter 102, parts 102-1 through 102-220).
For motor vehicle management policy, see FMR part 34 (41 CFR part 102-34).
§ 101-39.000   Scope of part.
This part prescribes policies governing the establishment and operation of interagency fleet management systems and operating procedures applicable to the General Services Administration (GSA) Interagency Fleet Management System.
§ 101-39.001   Authority.
Section 211 of the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949, as amended, (40 U.S.C. 491), requires that the Administrator of General Services will, to the extent that he determines that so doing is advantageous to the Government in terms of economy, efficiency, or service, and after consultation with, and with due regard to the program activities of the agencies concerned, (a) consolidate, take over, acquire, or arrange for the operation by any executive agency of motor vehicles and other related equipment and supplies for the purpose of establishing fleet management systems to serve the needs of executive agencies; and (b) provide for the establishment, maintenance, and operation (including servicing and storage) of fleet management systems for transportation of property or passengers, and for furnishing such motor vehicles and related services to executive agencies. The exercise of this authority is subject to regulations issued by the President, which are set forth in Executive Order 10579, dated November 30, 1954.
§ 101-39.002   Applicability.
The regulations in this part apply to all executive agencies of the Federal Government to the extent provided in the Act.
§ 101-39.003   Financing.
(a) Section 211(d) of the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act, 1949, as amended, provides that the General Supply Fund, provided for in section 109 of the Act, shall be available for use by or under the direction and control of the Administrator of General Services for paying all elements of cost incident to the establishment, maintenance, and operation of fleet management systems.
(b) When an agency other than GSA operates an interagency fleet management system, the financing and accounting methods shall be developed by GSA in cooperation with the agency concerned.
§ 101-39.004   Optional operations.
Nothing in this part shall preclude the establishment or operation of interagency fleet management systems by GSA or by other agencies which are to be operated on the basis of optional use by executive or other agencies under arrangements worked out between the agencies concerned and GSA.
§ 101-39.100   General.
GSA will conduct studies of the operation and costs of motor vehicle and motor vehicle services in selected geographical areas to determine the advisability of establishing fleet management systems.
(a) Based on these studies, the Administrator of General Services, with the assistance of the affected agencies, shall develop necessary data and cost statistics for use in determining the feasibility of establishing a fleet management system in the geographical area studied.
(b) If the Administrator, GSA, determines that a fleet management system shall be established, a formal determination is prepared to that effect.
(c) In the event the Administrator, GSA, decides that the establishment of a fleet management system is not feasible, the head of each agency concerned will be notified.
(d) In the making of determinations for the establishment of fleet management systems, the Administrator, GSA, will, to the extent consistent with the provisions of section 1(b) of Executive Order 10579, observe the policies outlined in the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circular A-76, for the utilization of commercial facilities.
(e) Except as provided in this subpart, all Government motor vehicles subsequently acquired for official purposes by fully participating agencies which are stored, garaged, or operated within the defined mandatory use service area of a fleet management system shall also be consolidated into and operated under the control of that system.
(f) Fleet management systems established under this subpart provide for furnishing motor vehicles and related services to executive agencies. So far as practicable, these services will also be furnished to any mixed-ownership corporation, the District of Columbia, or a contractor authorized under the provisions of Federal Acquisition Regulation, 48 CFR part 51, subpart 51.2, upon request. Such services may be furnished, as determined by the Administrator, GSA, through the use, under rental or other arrangements, of motor vehicles of private fleet operators, commercial companies, local or interstate common carriers, or Government-owned motor vehicles, or combinations thereof.
§ 101-39.101   Notice of intention to begin a study.
The Administrator, GSA, will ascertain the possibilities of economies to be derived through the establishment of a fleet management system in a specific geographical area. After preliminary investigation, he or she will notify the head of each agency concerned at least 30 calendar days in advance of the intent to conduct a study to develop data and justification as to the feasibility of establishing a fleet management system. The notification, in writing, will include:
(a) The approximate geographical area to be included in the study, including a defined mandatory use service area and an optional use service area; and
(b) The date on which the study will begin.
§ 101-39.101-1   Agency cooperation.
(a) As provided by Executive Order 10579, the head of each executive agency receiving notice that GSA will conduct a study will designate representatives with whom members of the GSA staff may consult and who will furnish information and assistance to the GSA staff, including reasonable opportunities to observe motor vehicle operations and facilities and to examine pertinent cost and other records. Such information shall include the inventory, management, operation, maintenance, and storage of motor vehicles, motor vehicle facilities, and motor vehicle services in the area, including location, use, need, cost, and personnel involved.
(b) In the absence of recorded information, GSA will assist in preparing agency estimates, if requested, or will develop the necessary data.
§ 101-39.102   Determinations.
Each determination to establish a fleet management system will include:
(a) A description of the proposed operation (including Government-owned vehicles operated by contractors) covering the types of service and the geographic area (including the defined mandatory and optional use service areas) and executive agencies or parts of agencies to be served;
(b) The name of the executive agency designated to be responsible for operating the fleet management system and the reason for such designation;
(c) A statement indicating the motor vehicles and related equipment and supplies to be transferred and the amount of reimbursement, if any, to be made; and
(d) An analytical justification to accompany each determination, including a comparison of estimated costs of the present and proposed methods of operation, an estimate of the savings to be realized through the establishment of the proposed fleet management system, a description of the alternatives considered in making the determination, a statement concerning the availability of privately owned facilities and equipment, and the feasibility and estimated cost (immediate and long-term) of using such facilities and equipment.
§ 101-39.102-1   Records, facilities, personnel, and appropriations.
(a) If GSA decides to establish a fleet management system, GSA, with the assistance of the agencies concerned, will prepare and present to the Director, OMB, a schedule of those records, facilities, personnel, and appropriations, if any, that are proposed for transfer to the fleet management system. The Director, OMB, will determine the records, facilities, personnel, and appropriations, if any, to be transferred.
(b) The Administrator of General Services will furnish a copy of each determination, with a copy of the schedule of proposed transfer of motor vehicles, records, facilities, personnel, and appropriations, to the Director, OMB, and to each agency affected.
§ 101-39.102-2   Effective date of determination.
Unless a longer time is allowed, any determination made by the 6Administrator, GSA, shall become binding on all affected executive agencies 45 calendar days after issuance, except with respect to any agency which appeals or requests an exemption from any determination in accordance with § 101-39.103.
§ 101-39.103   Agency appeals.
(a) Any executive agency may appeal or request exemption from any or all proposals affecting it which are contained in a determination. Appeals shall be submitted, in writing, within 45 calendar days from the date of the determination to the Director, OMB, with a copy to the Administrator of GSA. Appeals shall be accompanied by factual and objective supporting data and justification.
(b) The Director, OMB, will review any determination which an executive agency has appealed and will make a final decision on that appeal. The Director, OMB, will decide within 75 calendar days after he or she receives the appeal, or as soon thereafter as practicable, on the basis of information contained in GSA's determination, the executive agency appeal, and any supplementary data submitted by GSA and the contesting agency. The Director, OMB, will send copies of decisions to GSA and to the heads of other executive agencies concerned.
(c) With reference to each appeal, the decision of the Director, OMB, if he or she holds that the GSA's determination shall apply in whole or in part to the appealing agency, will state the extent to which the determination applies and the effective date of its application. To the extent that the decision on an appeal does not uphold GSA's determination the, determination will be of no force and effect.
§ 101-39.104   Notice of establishment of a fleet management system.
GSA will inform each affected agency of the time schedule for establishment of a fleet management system and of the agency's responsibility for transferring personnel, motor vehicles, maintenance, storage and service facilities, and other involved property. Arrangements will be made for discussions at the local level between the agencies concerned and the agency responsible for operating the fleet management system in order to work out any problems pertaining to establishing and operating fleet management systems.
§ 101-39.104-1   Consolidations into a fleet management system.
(a) All Government-owned motor vehicles acquired by executive agencies for official purposes which are operated, stored, or garaged within a defined mandatory use service area of an established fleet management system and other related equipment and supplies shall, when requested by the Administrator, GSA, in accordance with a determination, be transferred to the control and the responsibility of the fleet management system. Those vehicles specifically exempt by:
(1) Section 101-39.106 and § 101-39.107,
(2) In the determination establishing the fleet management system,
(3) A subsequent determination by the Administrator, GSA, or
(4) The decision of the Director, OMB,
(b) Transfers of Government-owned motor vehicles to the control and responsibility of the fleet management system shall be accomplished with transfer forms of the transferring agency or forms furnished by GSA. Each transferring agency shall:
(1) Prepare a transfer document listing each vehicle to be transferred;
(2) Forward a signed copy to the Controller, Federal Supply Service, GSA;
(3) Furnish two copies of the transfer document to the fleet management system receiving the vehicles; and
(4) Forward an additional copy of the transfer document to the fleet management system, when a signed receipt is required by the transferring agency.
§ 101-39.104-2   Reimbursement.
Reimbursement for the motor vehicles and related equipment and supplies acquired by agencies through expenditure made from and not previously reimbursed to any revolving or trust fund authorized by law, shall be made by GSA in an amount equal to the fair market value of the vehicle, equipment, or supplies so taken over, as required by law (40 U.S.C. 491(g)).
§ 101-39.105   Discontinuance or curtailment of service.
(a) If, during any reasonable period not exceeding 2 successive fiscal years, no economies or efficiencies are realized from the operation of any fleet management system, the Administrator, GSA, will discontinue the fleet management system concerned.
(b) The Administrator, GSA, may discontinue or curtail a fleet management system when he or she determines that sufficient economies or efficiencies have not resulted from the operation of that fleet management system. The Administrator, GSA, will give at least 60 calendar days notice of his or her intent to the heads of executive agencies affected and to the Director, OMB, before taking action.
§ 101-39.105-1   Transfers from discontinued or curtailed fleet management systems.
When a fleet management system is discontinued or curtailed, transfers of vehicles and related equipment and supplies, personnel, records, facilities, and funds as may be appropriate will be made, subject to the approval of the Director, OMB. Reimbursement for motor vehicles and related equipment and supplies acquired by GSA through expenditure made from, and not previously reimbursed to the General Supply Fund, or any revolving or trust fund authorized by law, shall be made by the agency receiving the motor vehicles and related equipment and supplies in an amount equal to the fair market value, as required by law (40 U.S.C. 491(g)).
§ 101-39.105-2   Agency requests to withdraw participation.
(a) Executive agencies receiving motor vehicle services from fleet management systems may request discontinuance or curtailment of their participation after 1 year of participation, unless a different time period has been mutually agreed to, or if the need for these services ceases. Requests shall be submitted to the Administrator, GSA, with factual justification.
(b) If the Administrator, GSA, does not agree with these requests and is unable to make arrangements which are mutually acceptable to GSA and the agency concerned, the agency's request for discontinuance or modification and the explanation of the Administrator, GSA, denying the request will be forwarded to the Director, OMB, who will make the final and binding decision.
§ 101-39.106   Unlimited exemptions.
Unlimited exemptions from inclusion in the fleet management system are granted to the specific organizational units or activities of executive agencies listed below. Unlimited exemptions do not preclude agencies from requesting fleet management services, if available, under optional use arrangements. Such optional use services must be authorized under the provisions of Executive Order 10579 and 40 U.S.C. 472.
(a) Any motor vehicle regularly used by an agency in the performance of investigative, law enforcement, or intelligence duties if the head of that agency or designee makes a determination, in writing (a copy of which shall be forwarded to the Administrator of General Services), that the exclusive control of such vehicles is essential to the effective performance of those duties. Vehicles regularly used for common administrative purposes not directly connected with the performance of law enforcement, investigative, or intelligence duties shall not be exempted from inclusion.
(b) Motor vehicles designed or used for military field training, combat, or tactical purposes, or used principally within the confines of a regularly established military installation.
(c) Any motor vehicle exempted from the display of conspicuous identification by the Administrator, GSA, when identification as a Government vehicle would interfere with the purpose for which it is acquired and used.
(d) Unless inclusion is mutually agreed upon by the Administrator, GSA, and the head of the agency concerned:
(1) Motor vehicles for the use of the heads of the executive agencies, ambassadors, ministers, charges d'affaires, and other principal diplomatic and consular officials.
(2) Motor vehicles regularly and principally used for the transportation of diplomats and representatives of foreign countries or by officers of the Department of State for the conduct of official business with representatives of foreign countries.
(3) Motor vehicles regularly used by the United States Postal Service for the distribution and transportation of mail.
§ 101-39.107   Limited exemptions.
The Administrator, GSA, may exempt those vehicles which, because of their design or the special purposes for which they are used, cannot, advantageously be incorporated in the fleet management system, if the exemption has been mutually agreed upon by the Administrator and the head of the executive agency concerned. Limited exemption will normally be restricted to:
(a) Special-purpose motor vehicles. Motor vehicles acquired for special purposes and which, because of special design, use, or fixed special equipment, cannot advantageously be included in a consolidated operation; or
(b) Motor vehicles operated outside the defined geographical area of the fleet management system. Motor vehicles which are operated almost entirely outside the defined mandatory use area of the fleet management system.
§ 101-39.200   Scope.
This subpart defines the procedures for acquiring motor vehicles and related services provided by the General Services Administration (GSA) Interagency Fleet Management System (IFMS). Local transportation services for Government personnel and property may be provided by the GSA IFMS to efficiently meet the authorized requirements of participating agencies. These services may be furnished through commercial rental companies, private sector fleet operators, local or interstate common carriers, the Government, or a combination of the above.
§ 101-39.201   Services available.
GSA Interagency Fleet Management System (IFMS) vehicles and services shall be used in connection with official business and incidental use as prescribed by rule by the head of the agency in conformance with section 503 of the Ethics Reform Act of 1989 (Pub. L. 101-194) only. Available GSA IFMS services may include any or all of the following:
(a) Motor vehicles for indefinite assignment;
(b) Commercial motor vehicles for daily or short-term use, exclusive of temporary duty requirements;
(c) GSA IFMS dispatch vehicles for short-term use, where available. This service is generally limited to locations where there is no commercial alternative;
(d) Shuttle run or similar services;
(e) Driver services; and
(f) Other related services, including servicing, fueling, and storage of motor vehicles.
§ 101-39.202   Contractor authorized services.
(a) Authorized contractors and subcontractors shall use related GSA Interagency Fleet Management System (IFMS) services solely for official purposes.
(b) To the extent available, authorized contractors and subcontractors may use GSA IFMS services on a reimbursable basis to provide maintenance, repair, storage, and service station services for Government-owned or -leased equipment which is not controlled by a GSA IFMS fleet management center, or for authorized contractor-owned or -leased equipment used exclusively in the performance of Government contracts.
(c) Contractor use of GSA IFMS services will be allowable only to the extent provided in Federal Acquisition Regulation, 48 CFR part 51, subpart 51.2.
(d) Use of GSA IFMS vehicles in the performance of a contract other than a cost-reimbursement contract requires preapproval by the Administrator of GSA. Such requests shall be submitted through the Director, Fleet Management Division, GSA, Attn: FBF, Washington, DC 20406.
§ 101-39.203   Obtaining motor vehicles for short-term use.
Any participating Federal agency, bureau, or activity may obtain vehicles for short-term local use through the GSA Interagency Fleet Management System (IFMS). Short-term use vehicles may be provided through Military Traffic Management Command (MTMC) agreements with commercial firms or, where available, through GSA IFMS dispatch services. This support is available for official use performed locally or within commuting distance of an employee's designated post of duty. Arrangements for these vehicles will be made by the GSA IFMS fleet management center serving the local area. The requesting agency official or employee must be authorized to place orders for vehicle support and provide a complete billing address and GSA billed office address code (BOAC) at the time an order is placed. Agencies requiring a BOAC may obtain one by contacting any General Services Administration IFMS fleet management center.
§ 101-39.203-1   Obtaining motor vehicles while on temporary duty (TDY) travel.
Federal employees on TDY requiring short-term use of vehicles in the destination area shall obtain service directly from the appropriate sources listed in the Federal Travel Directory (available from the Superintendent of Documents, Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402).
§ 101-39.204   Obtaining motor vehicles for indefinite assignment.
Motor vehicles and related services of the GSA Interagency Fleet Management System (IFMS) are provided to requesting agencies under the following procedures. When competing requests are received, priority will be given to a fully participating agency over an other than fully participating agency.
(a) Federal agencies or parts thereof that meet the following conditions are considered fully participating:
(1) All agency-owned motor vehicles have been consolidated into the supporting GSA IFMS fleet management center, and no agency-owned vehicles, with the exception of approved exemptions, are operated in the defined mandatory use service area of the supporting GSA fleet management center;
(2) No vehicles were available to consolidate, but total reliance is placed on the supporting GSA IFMS fleet management center or the GSA IFMS as a whole to meet all motor vehicle requirements, and no agency-owned vehicles are operated in the defined mandatory use service area of the supporting GSA fleet management center;
(3) The agency would otherwise qualify under paragraph (a) (1) or (2) of this section but has been authorized by GSA to purchase or commercially lease motor vehicles because the GSA IFMS was unable to supply its requirements.
(b) Fully participating agencies may request indefinite assignment of vehicles, regardless of number, from the supporting IFMS fleet management center. Assignment may be made at that level, subject to availability. If the required vehicles are not available, a written request shall be sent to the General Services Administration, Attn: FBF, Washington, DC, 20406. To be considered, the request shall include the following:
(1) Certification that concurrence has been obtained from the designated agency fleet manager or other designated headquarters-level official and that other means of transportation are not feasible or cost-effective;
(2) The number and types of vehicles required, of which passenger vehicles are limited to compact or smaller unless the agency head or designee has certified that larger vehicles are essential to the agency's mission;
(3) Location where the vehicles are needed;
(4) Date required, including earliest and latest acceptable dates;
(5) Anticipated length of assignment;
(6) Projected utilization, normally in terms of miles per month or year;
(7) Certification of funding;
(8) Billing address and billed office address code (BOAC);
(9) Agency contact, including name, address, and telephone number;
(10) Office, program, or activity requiring the vehicles;
(11) A statement that the agency does or does not request authority to commercially lease, and the anticipated duration of the lease, should GSA be unable to provide the vehicles.
(c) Federal agencies that meet the following conditions are considered other than fully participating:
(1) Vehicles have been acquired from other sources for reasons other than the inability of the GSA IFMS to supply the required vehicles, except those designated as exempt vehicles as determined by the GSA IFMS;
(2) Cost reimbursable contractors authorized to utilize GSA IFMS motor vehicles when they represent participating agencies;
(3) Other authorized users of the GSA IFMS.
(d) Other than fully participating agencies must contact the supporting GSA IFMS fleet management center to ascertain vehicle availability, regardless of the number required. If the vehicles are available, assignment shall be made. When the supporting GSA IFMS fleet management center determines that the requested vehicles are not available, the requesting activity shall make a record of contact to document compliance with the mandatory first source of supply requirement. No further authorizations from GSA are required for the agency to execute a commercial lease from sources established by the GSA Automotive Commodity Center or the agency, provided that such agency has Congressional authority to lease motor vehicles and:
(1) All applicable procurement regulations (e.g., Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR)) and internal agency acquisition regulations are observed;
(2) The requirements of part 101-38 of this chapter regarding fuel economy, Government identification and marking, etc., are adhered to;
(3) The agency fleet manager or designee retains responsibility for fleet oversight and reporting requirements under Public Law 99-272; and
(4) Other than fully participating agencies that choose not to commercially lease may utilize the procedures for full participants in paragraph (b) of this section, on the understanding that fully participating agencies will receive priority consideration.
§ 101-39.205   [Reserved]
§ 101-39.206   Seasonal or unusual requirements.
Agencies or activities having seasonal, peak, or unusual requirements for vehicles or related services shall inform the GSA IFMS fleet management center as far in advance as possible. Normally, notice shall be given not less than 3 months in advance of the need. Requests for vehicles for other than indefinite assignment will usually be filled for agencies participating fully with the GSA IFMS, provided resources permit. Other than fully participating agencies will normally not be accommodated for seasonal, peak, or unusual vehicle requirements.
§ 101-39.207   Reimbursement for services.
(a) GSA Regional Administrators will issue, as appropriate, regional bulletins announcing the GSA vehicle rental rates applicable to their respective regions.
(b) The using agency will be billed for GSA Interagency Fleet Management System (IFMS) services provided for under this part at rates fixed by GSA. Such rates are designed to recover all GSA IFMS fixed and variable costs. Rates will be reviewed and revised periodically to determine that reimbursement is sufficient to recover applicable costs. Failure by using agencies to reimburse GSA for vehicle services will be cause for GSA to terminate motor vehicle assignments.
(c) IFMS services provided to authorized Government contractors and subcontractors will be billed to the responsible agency unless such agency requests that the contractor be billed directly. In case of nonpayment by a contractor, GSA will bill the responsible agency which authorized the contractor's use of GSA IFMS services.
(d) Using agencies will be billed for accidents and incidents as described in § 101-39.406. Agencies may also be charged administrative fees when vehicles are not properly maintained, repaired, or when the vehicle is subject to abuse or neglect.
(e) Agencies may be charged for recovery of expenses for repairs or services to GSA IFMS vehicles which are not authorized by the GSA IFMS either through preventive maintenance notices, approval from a GSA Maintenance Control Center, or approval from a GSA fleet management center, per instructions in the operator's guide issued with each vehicle. Excess costs relating to the failure to utilize self-service gasoline pumps or the unnecessary use of premium grade gasoline may also be recovered from using agencies (see § 101-38.401-2 of this chapter).
§ 101-39.208   Vehicles removed from defined areas.
(a) Normally, vehicles shall not be permanently operated outside the geographical area served by the issuing GSA IFMS fleet management center. However, when agency programs necessitate vehicle relocation for a period exceeding 90 calendar days, the agency shall notify the issuing GSA IFMS fleet management center of the following:
(1) The location at which the vehicles are currently in use;
(2) The date the vehicles were moved to the present location; and
(3) The expected date the vehicles will be returned to the original location.
(b) When vehicles will be permanently relocated outside the area served by the issuing GSA IFMS fleet management center, the affected GSA IFMS fleet manager will ascertain if the using agency is fully participating at the new location (see § 101-39.204). If this criterion is met, the vehicle will normally be transferred to the GSA IFMS fleet management center nearest the new location. If the agency is other than a full participant, the transfer will be treated as a request for additional vehicles at the new location.
§ 101-39.300   General.
(a) The objective of the General Services Administration (GSA) Interagency Fleet Management System (IFMS) is to provide efficient and economical motor vehicle and related services to participating agencies. To attain this objective, policies and procedures for use and care of GSA IFMS vehicles provided to an agency or activity are prescribed in this subpart.
(b) To operate a motor vehicle furnished by the GSA IFMS, civilian employees of the Federal Government shall have a valid State, District of Columbia, or Commonwealth operator's license for the type of vehicle to be operated and some form of agency identification. Non-Government personnel, such as contractors, shall have a valid license for the type of equipment to be operated when using vehicles supplied by the GSA IFMS (this may include a Commercial Driver's License). All other vehicle operators, and Federal civilian employees that have a valid civilian operator's license, but not for the type of equipment to be operated, must have in their possession an Optional Form 346, U.S. Government Motor Vehicle Operator's Identification Card, for the type of equipment to be operated. Specific regulations covering procedures and qualifications of Government motor vehicle operators are contained in 5 CFR part 930, issued by the Office of Personnel Management.
(c) To operate a motor vehicle furnished by GSA, drivers and occupants shall wear safety belts whenever the vehicle is in operation. The vehicle operator shall ensure that all vehicle occupants are wearing their safety belts prior to operating the vehicle.
(d) The use of tobacco products is prohibited in GSA IFMS motor vehicles. The agency to which the vehicle is assigned is responsible for ensuring that its employees do not use tobacco products while occupying IFMS vehicles. If a user agency violates this prohibition, the agency will be charged for the cost of cleaning the affected vehicle(s) beyond normal detailing procedures to remove tobacco odor or residue or repairing damage caused as a result of tobacco use. The decision to perform such additional cleaning or repair will be made by the GSA fleet manager based upon the condition of the vehicle when assigned, the degree of tobacco residue and damage, and the cost effectiveness of such additional cleaning.
(e) Reasonable diligence in the care of GSA IFMS vehicles shall be exercised by using agencies and operators at all times. Officials or employees failing to take proper care of motor vehicles issued to them may be refused further authorization to use GSA IFMS vehicles after reasonable notice has been provided by GSA to the head of the local activity concerned.
§ 101-39.301   Utilization guidelines.
An agency must be able to justify a full-time vehicle assignment. The following guidelines may be employed by an agency requesting GSA Interagency Fleet Management System (IFMS) services. Other utilization factors, such as days used, agency mission, and the relative costs of alternatives to a full-time vehicle assignment, may be considered as justification where miles traveled guidelines are not met.
(a) Passenger-carrying vehicles. The utilization guidelines for passenger-carrying vehicles are a minimum of 3,000 miles per quarter or 12,000 miles per year.
(b) Light trucks and general purpose vehicles. The utilization guidelines for light trucks and general purpose vehicles are as follows:
(1) Light trucks and general purpose vehicles, 12,500 lbs. Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and under—10,000 miles per year.
(2) Trucks and general purpose vehicles, over 12,500 lbs. GVWR to 24,000 lbs. GVWR—7,500 miles per year.
(c) Heavy trucks and truck tractors. The utilization guidelines for heavy trucks and truck tractors are as follows:
(1) Heavy trucks and general purpose vehicles over 24,000 lbs. GVWR—7,500 miles per year.
(2) Truck tractors—10,000 miles per year.
(d) Other trucks and special purpose vehicles. Utilization guidelines for other trucks and special purpose vehicles have not been established. However, the head of the local office of the agency or his/her designee shall cooperate with GSA IFMS fleet management center personnel in studying the use of this equipment and take necessary action to ensure that it is reasonably utilized or returned to the issuing GSA IFMS fleet management center.
§ 101-39.302   Rotation.
GSA Interagency Fleet Management System (IFMS) vehicles on high mileage assignments may be rotated with those on low mileage assignments to assure more uniform overall fleet utilization. In cases where the continued use of a vehicle is essential but its miles traveled are not consistent with utilization guidelines, the using agency may be required to justify, in writing, retention of the vehicle. Each GSA IFMS fleet manager will decide on a case-by-case basis which vehicles, if any, will be rotated based upon vehicle type, vehicle location, location and availability of replacement vehicles, and the mission of the using agency.
§ 101-39.303   Maintenance.
In order to ensure uninterrupted operation of GSA Interagency Fleet Management System (IFMS) vehicles, safety and preventive maintenance inspections will be performed at regularly scheduled intervals as directed by GSA. Users of GSA IFMS vehicles shall comply with the safety and preventive maintenance notices and instructions issued for the vehicle.
§ 101-39.304   Modification or installation of accessory equipment.
The modification of a GSA Interagency Fleet Management System (IFMS) vehicle or the permanent installation of accessory equipment on these vehicles may be accomplished only when approved by GSA. For the purpose of this regulation, permanent installation means the actual bolting, fitting, or securing of an item to the vehicle. Such modification or installation of accessory equipment must be considered by the agency as essential for the accomplishment of the agency's mission. The request for such modification or installation shall be forwarded to the appropriate GSA IFMS regional fleet manager for consideration. Accessory equipment or other after-market items which project an inappropriate appearance, such as radar detectors, will not be used on GSA IFMS vehicles. Decorative items (i.e., bumper stickers and decals) will not be used on IFMS vehicles unless authorized by the Director, Fleet Management Division, GSA.
§ 101-39.305   Storage.
(a) GSA Interagency Fleet Management System (IFMS) vehicles shall be stored and parked at locations which provide protection from pilferage or damage. In the interest of economy, no cost storage shall be used whenever practicable and feasible.
(b) The cost of parking and storing GSA IFMS vehicles is the responsibility of the using agency. Prior to the procurement of other than temporary parking accommodations in urban centers (see § 101-l8.102), agencies shall determine the availability of Government-owned or -controlled parking space in accordance with the provisions of § 101-17.101-6.
§ 101-39.306   Operator's packet.
The GSA Interagency Fleet Management System (IFMS) will provide each system vehicle with an operator's packet containing the following information and instructions. This information should remain in the vehicle at all times, except when inconsistent with authorized undercover operations.
(a) Driver's responsibilities;
(b) Requirement of use for official purposes only;
(c) Instruction for:
(1) Acquiring maintenance and repair authorizations;
(2) Acquiring emergency supplies, services, and repairs; and
(3) Reporting accidents.
(d) The telephone numbers of responsible GSA IFMS fleet management center employees to be called in case of accident or emergency;
(e) Instructions on the use of the Standard Form 149, U.S. Government National Credit Card;
(f) List of contractors from which vehicle operators may purchase items authorized by the SF 149, U.S. Government National Credit Card;
(g) Accident reporting kit which contains:
(1) Standard Form 91, Motor Vehicle Accident Report; and
(2) Standard Form 94, Statement of Witness.
The vehicle operator or assignee shall be personally responsible for safeguarding and protecting the SF 149, U.S. Government National Credit Card.
§ 101-39.307   Grounds for withdrawal of vehicle.
GSA may withdraw the issued vehicle from further use by the agency or its contractor if it is determined that the using agency has not complied with the provisions of subpart 101-39.3, that the vehicle has not been maintained in accordance with GSA IFMS maintenance standards, that the vehicle has been used improperly, or that the using agency has not reimbursed GSA for vehicle services. Improper use includes, but is not limited to, credit card abuse and misuse, continued violation of traffic ordinances, at-fault accidents, reckless driving, driving while intoxicated, use for other than official purposes, and incidental use when not authorized by the using agency.
§ 101-39.400   General.
Officials, employees, and contractors responsible for the operation of General Services Administration (GSA) Interagency Fleet Management System (IFMS) vehicles shall exercise every precaution to prevent accidents. In case of an accident, the employee or official concerned shall comply with the procedures established by this subpart.
§ 101-39.401   Reporting of accidents.
(a) The operator of the vehicle is responsible for notifying the following persons immediately, either in person, by telephone, or by facsimile machine of any accident in which the vehicle may be involved:
(1) The manager of the GSA IFMS fleet management center issuing the vehicle;
(2) The employee's supervisor; and
(3) State, county, or municipal authorities, as required by law.
(b) In addition, the vehicle operator shall obtain and record information pertaining to the accident on Standard Form 91, Motor Vehicle Accident Report. Only one copy of the Standard Form 91 is required. When completed, the Standard Form 91 shall be given to the vehicle operator's supervisor. The vehicle operator shall also obtain the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of any witnesses and, wherever possible, have witnesses complete Standard Form 94, Statement of Witness, and give the completed Standard Form 94 and other related information to his or her supervisor. The vehicle operator shall make no statements as to the responsibility for the accident except to his or her supervisor or to a Government investigating officer.
(c) Whenever a vehicle operator is injured and cannot comply with the above requirements, the agency to which the vehicle is issued shall report the accident to the State, county, or municipal authorities as required by law, notify the GSA IFMS fleet manager of the center issuing the vehicle as soon as possible after the accident, and complete and process Standard Form 91. A complete copy of the accident report shall be forwarded to the appropriate GSA office as outlined in the vehicle operator's packet.
§ 101-39.402   Recommendations for disciplinary action.
If a vehicle operator fails to report an accident involving a GSA Interagency Fleet Management System (IFMS) vehicle in accordance with § 101-39.401, or if the operator has a record showing a high accident frequency or cost, GSA will notify the appropriate official(s) of the operator's agency, and will advise that either failure to report an accident or poor driving record is considered by GSA to be sufficient justification for the agency to suspend the right of the employee to use a GSA IFMS vehicle.
§ 101-39.403   Investigation.
(a) Every accident involving a GSA Interagency Fleet Management System (IFMS) vehicle shall be investigated and a report furnished to the manager of the GSA IFMS fleet management center which issued the vehicle.
(b) The agency employing the vehicle operator shall investigate the accident within 48 hours after the actual time of occurrence. Also, GSA may investigate any accident involving an IFMS vehicle when deemed necessary. Should such investigation develop additional information, the additional data or facts will be furnished to the using agency for its information.
(c) Two copies of the complete report of the investigation, including (when available) photographs, measurements, doctor's certificate of bodily injuries, police investigation reports, operator's statement, agency's investigation reports, witnesses' statements, the Motor Vehicle Accident Report (SF 91), and any other pertinent data shall be furnished to the manager of the GSA IFMS fleet management center issuing the vehicle.
§ 101-39.404   Claims in favor of the Government.
Whenever there is any indication that a party other than the operator of the GSA Interagency Fleet Management System (IFMS) vehicle is at fault and that party can be reasonably identified, the agency responsible for investigating the accident shall submit all original documents and data pertaining to the accident and its investigation to the servicing GSA IFMS fleet management center. The GSA IFMS regional fleet manager, or his/her representative, will initiate the necessary action to effect recovery of the Government's claim.
§ 101-39.405   Claims against the Government.
(a) Whenever a GSA Interagency Fleet Management System (IFMS) vehicle is involved in an accident resulting in damage to the property of, or injury to, a third party, and the third party asserts a claim against the Government based on the alleged negligence of the vehicle operator (acting within the scope of his or her duties), it shall be the responsibility of the agency employing the person who was operating the GSA IFMS vehicle at the time of the accident to make every effort to settle the claim administratively to the extent that the agency is empowered to do so under the provisions of 28 U.S.C. 2672. It shall be the further responsibility of the agency, in the event that administrative settlement cannot be effected, to prepare completely, from an administrative standpoint, the Government's defense of the claim. The agency shall thereafter transmit the complete case through appropriate channels to the Department of Justice.
(b) Except for the exclusions listed in § 101-39.406, the agency employing the vehicle operator shall be financially responsible for damage to a GSA IFMS vehicle.
(c) If a law suit is filed against the agency using a GSA Interagency Fleet Management System (IFMS) vehicle, the agency shall furnish the appropriate GSA Regional Counsel with a copy of all papers served in the action. When requested, GSA's Regional Counsel will cooperate with and assist the using agency and the Department of Justice in defense of any action against the United States, the using agency, or the operator of the vehicle, arising out of the use of a GSA IFMS vehicle.
§ 101-39.406   Responsibility for damages.
(a) GSA will charge the using agency all costs resulting from damage, including vandalism, theft, and parking lot damage, to a GSA Interagency Fleet Management System (IFMS) vehicle which occurs during the period that the vehicle is assigned or issued to that agency, to an employee of that agency, or to the agency's authorized contractor; however, the using agency will not be held responsible for damages to the vehicle if it is determined by GSA, after a review on a case by case basis of the documentation required by § 101-39.401, that damage to the vehicle occurred:
(1) As a result of the negligent or willful act of a party other than the agency (or the employee of that agency) to which the vehicle was assigned or issued and the identity of the party can be reasonably determined;
(2) As a result of mechanical failure of the vehicle, and the using agency (or its employee) is not otherwise negligent. Proof of mechanical failure must be submitted; or
(3) As a result of normal wear and tear such as is expected in the operation of a similar vehicle.
(b) Agencies using GSA IFMS services will be billed for the total cost of all damages resulting from neglect or abuse of assigned or issued GSA IFMS vehicles.
(c) If an agency is held responsible for damages, GSA will charge to that agency all costs for removing and repairing the GSA IFMS vehicle. If the vehicle is damaged beyond economical repair, GSA will charge all costs to that agency, including fair market value of the vehicle less any salvage value. Upon request, GSA will furnish an accident report, where applicable, regarding the incident to the agency. Each agency shall be responsible for disciplining its employees who are guilty of damaging GSA IFMS vehicles through misconduct or improper operation, including inattention.
(d) If an agency has information or facts that indicate that it was not responsible for an accident, the agency may furnish the data to GSA requesting that costs charged to and collected from it be credited to the agency. GSA will make the final determination of agency responsibility based upon Government findings, police accident reports, and any available witness statements.
(e) When contractors or subcontractors of using agencies are in accidents involving GSA IFMS vehicles, the agency employing the contractor will usually be billed directly for all costs associated with the accident. It will be the responsibility of the using agency to collect accident costs from the contractor should the contractor be at fault.
§ 101-39.407   Accident records.
If GSA's records of vehicle accidents indicate that a particular activity has had an unusually high accident frequency rate or a high accident cost per mile, GSA will so advise the using activity. Corrective action will be requested and GSA will cooperate in any reasonable manner possible to bring about improved performance.
§ 101-39.4900   Scope of subpart.
This subpart provides the means for obtaining forms prescribed or available for use in connection with subject matter covered in part 101-39.
§ 101-39.4901   Obtaining standard and optional forms.
Standard and optional forms referenced in part 101-39 may be obtained through the General Services Administration, Inventory and Requisition Management Branch, Attn: FCNI, Washington, DC 20406, or through regional GSA Federal Supply Service Bureaus. GSA regional offices will provide support to requesting activities needing forms.
§ 101-40.000   Cross-reference to the Federal Management Regulation (FMR) (41 CFR chapter 102, parts 102-1 through 102-220).
For information on transportation and traffic management previously contained in this part, see FMR part 117 (41 CFR part 102-117).
§ 101-41.000   Cross-reference to the Federal Management Regulation (FMR) (41 CFR chapter 102, parts 102-1 through 102-220).
For transportation payment and audit policy, see FMR part 102-118 (41 CFR part 102-118).
§ 101-42.000   Cross-reference to the Federal Management Regulation (FMR) (41 CFR chapter 102, parts 102-1 through 102-220).
For information on the disposition of personal property with special handling requirements previously contained in this part, see FMR part 102-40 (41 CFR part 102-40), Disposition of Personal Property With Special Handling Requirements.
§ 101-43.000   Cross-reference to the Federal Management Regulation (FMR) (41 CFR chapter 102, parts 102-1 through 102-220).
For information on the disposition of excess personal property previously contained in this part, see FMR part 36 (41 CFR part 102-36).
§ 101-44.000   Cross-reference to the Federal Management Regulation (FMR) (41 CFR chapter 102, parts 102-1 through 102-220).
For information on donation of surplus personal property previously contained in this part, see FMR part 102-37 (41 CFR part 102-37).
§ 101-45.000   Cross-reference to the Federal Management Regulation (FMR) (41 CFR chapter 102, parts 102-1 through 102-220).
For information on the sale of personal property previously contained in this part, see FMR part 38 (41 CFR part 102-38). For information on demilitarization and decontamination; gold; and all-terrain vehicles previously contained in this part see FMR part 102-40 (41 CFR part 102-40).
§ 101-46.000   Cross-reference to the Federal Management Regulation (FMR) (41 CFR chapter 102, parts 102-1 through 102-220).
For information on replacement of personal property pursuant to the exchange/sale authority previously contained in this part, see FMR part 39 (41 CFR part 102-39).
§ 101-47.0   Cross-reference to the Federal Management Regulation (FMR) 41 CFR chapter 102 parts 1 through 220).
For information on utilization and disposal of real property, see FMR part 102-75 (41 CFR part 102-75).
§ 101-48.000   Cross-reference to the Federal Management Regulation (FMR) (41 CFR chapter 102, part 102-41).
For information on the disposition of seized, forfeited, voluntarily abandoned, and unclaimed personal property, see FMR part 102-41 (41 CFR part 102-41).
§ 101-49.000   Cross-reference to the Federal Management Regulation (FMR) (41 CFR chapter 102, parts 102-1 through 102-220).
For information on utilization, donation, and disposal of foreign gifts and decorations previously contained in this part, see FMR part 42 (41 CFR part 102-42).