Document Headings

                    Document headings vary by document type but may contain                    the following:                  
                -                       the agency or agencies that issued and signed a document                    
                -                       the number of the CFR title and the number of each part                      the document amends, proposes to amend, or is directly                      related to                    
                -                       the agency docket number / agency internal file number                    
                -                       the RIN which identifies each regulatory action listed in                      the Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory                      Actions                    

                    See the                                          Document Drafting Handbook                                        for more details.                  

###### Environmental Protection Agency

          - 48 CFR Parts 1501, 1509, 1532 and 1552 
          - [FRL-6712-2] 

# AGENCY:

Environmental Protection Agency. 

# ACTION:

Direct final rule. 

# SUMMARY:

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is issuing this rule to amend Agency administrative procedures related to the: processing of individual FAR deviations, redelegation of Agency contract ratification authority, debarment, suspension and ineligibility of contractors, and reduction or suspension of contract payments upon finding of fraud. 

# DATES:

                        This rule is effective on September 12, 2000 without further notice, unless EPA receives adverse comments by July 14, 2000. If we receive adverse comments, we will, before the rule's effective date, publish a timely withdrawal in the                         **Federal Register**                         informing the public that this rule will not take effect.                     

# ADDRESSES:

Adverse comments may be submitted to Larry Wyborski, US Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Acquisition Management (3802R), 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20460 or electronically at: wyborski.larry@epamail.epa.gov

# FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Larry Wyborski, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Acquisition Management (3802R), 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20460, (202) 564-4369, wyborski.larry@epamail.epa.gov

# SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

 

##                     A.                     *Background Information*

This rule revises Subpart 1501.4 to delete a requirement that the Head of the Contracting Activity (HCA) furnish copies of individual Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) deviations to the FAR Secretariat, consistent with a prior change to the FAR. 

Subpart 1501.6 is revised to clarify how contract ratification authority is authorized in the absence of the duly authorized ratifying official. 

Subpart 1509.4 is updated for consistency with: (1) The Federal Acquisition Regulation and (2) an Agency Memorandum of Understanding on the respective roles of the EPA offices involved in processing actions for debarment or suspension of contractors. 

In addition, Federal Acquisition Regulation 32.006 references Agency procedures for reducing or suspending contractor payments based on a finding of fraud and EPAAR 1532.006 is being added to set forth Agency procedures for reducing or suspending contractor payments based on a finding of fraud. 

## B. Executive Order 12866

This is not a significant regulatory action for purposes of Executive Order 12866; therefore, no review is required at the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, within the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). 

## C. Paperwork Reduction Act 

                    The Paperwork Reduction Act does not apply because this rule does not contain information collection requirements for the approval of OMB under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980 (44 U.S.C. 3501,                     *et seq.*)                 

## D. Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA), as Amended by the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996 (SBREFA), 5 U.S.C. 601 et seq. 

                    The RFA generally requires an agency to prepare a regulatory flexibility analysis of any rule subject to notice and comment rulemaking requirements under the Administrative Procedure Act or any other statute unless the Agency certifies that the rule will not have a significant impact on a substantial                           ( print page 37290)                        number of small entities. Small entities include small businesses, small organizations, and small governmental jurisdictions.                 

For purposes of assessing the impact of this rule on small entities, small entity is defined as: (1) A small business that meets the definition of a small business found in the Small Business Act and codified at 13 CFR 121.201; (2) a small governmental jurisdiction that is a government of a city, county, town, school district or special district with a population of less than 50,000; and (3) a small organization that is any not-for-profit enterprise which is independently owned and operated and is not dominant in its field. 

                    After considering the economic impacts of today's direct final rule on small entities, I certify that this action will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. In determining whether a rule has a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities, the impact of concern is any                     *adverse*                     economic impact on small entities, since the primary purpose of the regulatory flexibility analyses is to identify and address regulatory alternatives “which minimize any significant economic impact of the proposed rule on small entities.” 5 U.S.C. Sections 603 and 604. Thus, an agency may certify that a rule will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities if the rule relieves regulatory burden, or otherwise has a positive economic effect on all of the small entities subject to the rule. This direct final rule does not have a significant impact on a substantial number of small entities. The requirements under the rule impose no reporting, record-keeping, or compliance costs on small entities.                 

## E. Unfunded Mandates 

Title II of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (UMRA) Public Law 104-4, establishes requirements for Federal agencies to assess their regulatory actions on State, local and Tribal governments and the private sector. This direct final rule does not contain a Federal mandate that may result in expenditures of $100 million or more for State, local, and Tribal governments, in the aggregate, or the private sector in any one year. Any private sector costs for this action relate to paperwork requirements and associated expenditures that are far below the level established for UMRA applicability. Thus, the rule is not subject to the requirements of sections 202 and 205 of the UMRA. 

## F. Executive Order 13045

Executive Order 13045, Protection of Children from Environmental Health Risks and Safety Risks (6 FR 19885, April 23, 1997), applies to any rule that: (1) Is determined to be economically significant as defined under Executive Order 12866; and (2) concerns an environmental health or safety risk that EPA has reason to believe may have disproportionate effect on children. If the regulatory action meets both criteria, the Agency must evaluate the environmental health or safety effects of the planned rule on children, and explain why the planned regulation is preferable to other potentially effective and reasonably feasible alternatives considered by the Agency. 

This rule is not subject to Executive Order 13045 because it is not a significant rule as defined by E.O. 12866, and because it does not involve decisions on environmental health or safety risks. 

## G. Executive Order 13084

Under Executive Order 13084, EPA may not issue a regulation that is not required by statute, that significantly or uniquely affects the communities of Indian Tribal governments, and that imposes substantial direct compliance costs on those communities, unless the Federal government provides the funds necessary to pay for the direct compliance costs incurred by the Tribal governments, or EPA consults with those governments. If EPA complies by consulting, E.O. 13084 requires EPA to provide to OMB, in a separately identified section of the preamble to the rule, a description of the extent of EPA's prior consultation with representatives of affected Tribal governments, a summary of the nature of their concerns, and a statement supporting the need to issue the regulation. In addition, Executive Order 13084 requires EPA to develop an effective process permitting elected and other representatives of Indian tribal governments “to provide meaningful and timely input in the development of regulatory policies on matters that significantly or uniquely affect their communities.” 

This rule does not significantly or uniquely affect the communities of Indian Tribal governments. Accordingly, the requirements of section 3(b) of Executive Order 13084 do not apply to this rule. 

## H. National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act of 1995 

                    Section 12(d) of the National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act of 1995 (NTTAA), Public Law 104-113, section 12(d) (15 U.S.C. 272 note), directs EPA to use voluntary consensus standards in its regulatory activities unless to do so would be inconsistent with applicable law or otherwise impractical. Voluntary consensus standards are technical standards (                    *e.g.*, materials specifications, test methods, sampling procedures and business practices) that are developed or adopted by voluntary consensus standards bodies. The NTTAA directs EPA to provide Congress, through OMB, explanations when the Agency decides not to use available and applicable voluntary consensus standards.                 

This rule does not involve technical standards. Therefore, EPA did not consider the use of any voluntary consensus standards. 

## I. Executive Order 13132

Executive Order 13132, entitled “Federalism” (64 FR 43255, August 10, 1999), requires EPA to develop an accountable process to ensure “meaningful and timely input by State and local officials in the development of regulatory policies that have federalism implications.” “Policies that have federalism implications” are defined in the Executive Order to include regulations that have “substantial direct effects on the States, on the relationship between the national government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.” 

Under Section 6 of Executive Order 13132, EPA may not issue a regulation that has federalism implications, that imposes substantial direct compliance costs, and that is not required by statute, unless the Federal government provides the funds necessary to pay the direct compliance costs incurred by State and local governments, or EPA consults with State and local officials early in the process of developing the proposed regulation. EPA also may not issue a regulation that has federalism implications and that preempts State law, unless the Agency consults with State and local officials early in the process of developing the proposed regulation. 

                    This direct final rule does not have federalism implications. It will not have substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between the national government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government, as specified in Executive Order 13132. The rule amends the EPA Acquisition Regulation relating to internal agency procedures addressing: (1) Processing of individual FAR deviations, (2) redelegation of                           ( print page 37291)                        agency contract ratification authority, (3) debarment, suspension and ineligibility of contractors, and (4) reduction or suspension of contract payments upon finding of fraud. Thus, the requirements of section 6 of the Executive Order do not apply to this rule.                 

## J. Submission to Congress and the General Accounting Office 

                    The Congressional Review Act, 5 U.S.C. 801*et seq.*, as added by the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996, generally provides that before a rule may take effect, the agency promulgating the rule must submit a rule report, which includes a copy of the rule, to each House of Congress and to the Comptroller General of the United States. EPA will submit a report containing this rule and other required information to the U. S. Senate, the U. S. House of Representatives, and the Comptroller General of the United States prior to publication of the rule in the                     **Federal Register**                    . A major rule cannot take effect until 60 days after it is published in the                     **Federal Register**                    . This action is not a “major rule” as defined by 5 U.S.C. 804(2).                 

Authority:The provisions of this regulation are issued under 5 U.S.C. 301; section 205(c), 63 Stat. 390, as amended 40 U.S.C. 486(c). 

# List of Subjects in 48 CFR Parts 1501, 1509, 1532 and 1552

      - Government procurement

Therefore, 48 CFR Chapter 15 is amended as set forth below: 

1. The authority citation for parts 1501, 1509, 1532 and 1552 continues to read as follows: 

Authority:Sec. 205(c), 63 Stat. 390 as amended, 40 U.S.C. 486(c). 

2. Section 1501.403 is revised to read as follows: 

1501.403 

Requests for individual deviations from the FAR and the EPAAR shall be submitted to the Head of the Contracting Activity (HCA) for approval. Requests submitted shall cite the specific part of the FAR or EPAAR from which it is desired to deviate, shall set forth the nature of the deviation(s), and shall give the reasons for the action requested. 

3. Section 1501.602-3(b) is revised to read as follows: 

1501.602-3 

* * * * *

                            (b)                             *Ratification Approval.*                             The Chief of the Contracting Office (CCO) is delegated authority to be the ratifying official. In order to act as the ratifying official, a CCO or an acting CCO must have delegated contracting officer authority. A CCO or acting CCO cannot approve a ratification if he/she acted as the contracting officer in preparing the determination and findings required under paragraph (c)(3) of this section.                         

* * * * *

4. Subpart 1509.4 is revised to read as follows: 

# Subpart 1509.4—Debarment, Suspension and Ineligibility 

      - 1509.403 
      - Definitions. 
      - 1509.406 
      - Debarment. 
      - 1509.406-3 
      - Procedures. 
      - 1509.407 
      - Suspension. 
      - 1509.407-3 
      - Procedures. 

1509.403

The “Debarring Official” and the “Suspending Official” as defined in FAR 9.403 is a designated individual located in the Office of Grants and Debarment. This Agency official is authorized to make the determinations and provide the notifications required under FAR subpart 9.4 or this subpart, except for the determinations required by FAR 9.405-1(a) which are to be made by the Head of the Contracting Activity. All compelling reason determinations to be made by the Debarring or Suspending Official under FAR subpart 9.4 or this subpart will be made only after coordination and consultation with the Head of the Contracting Activity. See also 40 CFR part 32. 

1509.406 

1509.406-3 

                            (a)                             *Investigation and referral.—*                            (1) Contracting officer responsibility. (i) When contracting personnel discover information which indicates that a cause for debarment may exist, they shall promptly report such information to the cognizant Chief of the Contracting Office (CCO). Purchasing agents in simplified acquisition activities which do not come under the direct cognizance of a CCO shall report such information by memorandum, through their immediate supervisor, and addressed to the cognizant CCO responsible for their office's contract acquisitions.                         

(ii) Contracting officers shall review “The List of Parties Excluded from Federal Procurement and Nonprocurement Programs” to ensure that the Agency does not solicit offers from, award contracts to, or consent to subcontracts with listed contractors. 

                            (2)                             *Chief of the Contracting Office responsibility.*                            When the Chief of the Contracting Office determines that sufficient information is available to indicate that a cause for debarment may exist, such information shall be promptly reported by memorandum to the HCA. The memorandum provides the Chief of the Contracting Office's assessment of the information, any investigative report or audit, and any additional information he/she has discovered.                         

                            (3)                             *HCA responsibility.*                            Upon receipt of a report of a suspected debarment situation, the HCA shall take the following actions:                         

(i) Notify the Director, Suspension and Debarment Division, that investigation of a potential debarment has been initiated. 

(ii) Review the reported information. 

(iii) Investigate as necessary to verify or develop additional information. 

(iv) Refer the matter through the Suspension and Debarment Division to the Debarring Official for consideration of debarment; request that the Suspension and Debarment Division evaluate the information and, if appropriate, refer the matter to the Debarring Official for consideration of debarment; or recommend to the Suspension and Debarment Division that the matter be closed without further action because the facts do not warrant debarment. 

(v) Obtain legal counsel's opinion on referrals or recommendations made to the Debarring Official. 

(vi) Notify EPA Contracting Officers of those Contractors who are ineligible for solicitation, award, or subcontracting but who do not appear on the GSA Consolidated List; e.g., those who are ineligible based on a settlement reached by the Debarring Official under which the Contractor has agreed to voluntarily exclude itself from participation in Government contracting/subcontracting for a specified period or because of a Notice of Proposal to Debar. 

                            (4)                             *Any official.*                            When information is discovered which may indicate potential criminal or civil fraud activity, such information must be referred promptly to the EPA Office of Inspector General.                         

                            (5)                             *Debarring Official's responsibility.*                            The Debarring Official shall:                         

(i) Review referrals from the HCA together with the HCA's recommendations, if any, and determine whether further consideration by the Debarring Official is warranted and take such actions as are required by FAR subpart 9.4; 

(ii) Obtain the HCA's recommendation prior to reaching a voluntary exclusion settlement with a Contractor in lieu of debarment; 

                            (iii) Promptly notify the HCA of Contractors with whom a settlement in lieu of debarment has been reached                                   ( print page 37292)                                under which the Contractor voluntarily excludes itself from or restricts its participation in Government contracting/subcontracting for a specified period; and of Contractors who have received a Notice of Proposal to Debar.                         

(b) [Reserved] 

1509.407 

1509.407-3 

The procedures prescribed in 1509.406-3(a) shall be followed under conditions which appear to warrant suspension of a Contractor. 

5. Section 1532.006 is added preceding subpart 1532.1 is added to read as follows: 

1532.006 

1532.006-1 

(a)-(b) [Reserved] 

(c) Agency responsibilities and determinations under FAR 32.006 are, consistent with FAR 32.006-1(c), delegated to the Head of the Contracting Activity, if that individual is not below Level IV of the Executive Schedule. If the Head of the Contracting Activity is below Level IV of the Executive Schedule, then Agency responsibilities and determinations under FAR 32.006 are delegated to the Assistant Administrator for Administration and Resources Management. 

1532.006-2 

The Remedy Coordination Official for EPA is the Assistant Inspector General for Investigations. 

1532.006-3

(a) EPA shall use the procedures in FAR 32.006-4 when determining whether to reduce or suspend further payments to a contractor when there is a report from the Remedy Coordination Official finding substantial evidence that the contractor's request for advance, partial or progress payments is based on fraud and recommending that the Agency reduce or suspend such payments to the contractor. 

(b) [Reserved] 

6. Section 1552.209-74 is amended as follows: 

a. In paragraph (h) of the clause, remove “(g)” and add in its place “(h)”; 

b. In Alternate I paragraph (h), remove “(g)” and add in its place “(h)”; 

c. In Alternate II paragraph (h), remove “(g)” and add in its place “(h)”; 

d. In Alternate III paragraph (e), remove “(d)” and add in its place “(e)”. 

e. In Alternate IV paragraph (h), remove “(g)” and add in its place “(h)”. 

f. In Alternate VI paragraph (i) remove “(h)” and add in its place “(i)”. 

Dated: May 12, 2000. 

Betty L. Bailey, 

Director, Office of Acquisition Management. 

[FR Doc. 00-14635 Filed 6-13-00; 8:45 am] 

BILLING CODE 6560-50-P