[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 163 (Friday, August 22, 1997)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 44827-44828]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-21498]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION

NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION

48 CFR Part 25

[FAC 97-01; FAR Case 97-019; Item XIII]
RIN 9000-AH68


Federal Acquisition Regulation; Designation of Hong Kong

AGENCIES: Department of Defense (DoD), General Services Administration 
(GSA), and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Civilian Agency Acquisition Council and the Defense 
Acquisition Regulations Council have agreed on a final rule amending 
the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to add Hong Kong as a 
designated country under the Trade Agreements Act of 1979, as directed 
by the United States Trade Representative. This regulatory action was 
not subject to Office of Management and Budget review under Executive 
Order 12866, dated September 30, 1993, and is not a major rule under 5 
U.S.C. 804.

DATE: Effective August 22, 1997.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: The FAR Secretariat, Room 4035, GS 
Building, Washington, DC 20405, (202) 501-4755 for information 
pertaining to status or publication schedules. For clarification of 
content, contact Mr. Paul Linfield, Procurement Analyst, at (202) 501-
1757. Please cite FAC 97-01, FAR case 97-019.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

A. Background

    This final rule amends FAR 25.401 to add Hong Kong as a designated 
country under the Trade Agreements Act of 1979, as directed by the 
United States Trade Representative. The accession of Hong Kong to the 
World Trade Organization Agreement on Government Procurement became 
effective on June 19, 1997.

B. Regulatory Flexibility Act

    This final rule does not constitute a significant FAR revision 
within the meaning of FAR 1.501 and Public Law 98-577, and publication 
for public comment is not required. Therefore, the Regulatory 
Flexibility Act does not apply. However, comments from small entities 
concerning the affected FAR subpart will be considered in

[[Page 44828]]

accordance with 5 U.S.C. 610. Such comments must be submitted 
separately and cite 5 U.S.C. 601, et seq. (FAC 97-01, FAR case 97-019), 
in correspondence.

C. Paperwork Reduction Act

    The Paperwork Reduction Act does not apply because the changes to 
the FAR do not impose recordkeeping or information collection 
requirements, or collections of information from offerors, contractors, 
or members of the public which require the approval of the Office of 
Management and Budget under 44 U.S.C. 3501, et seq.

List of Subjects in 48 CFR Part 25

    Government procurement.

    Dated: August 7, 1997.
Edward C. Loeb,
Director, Federal Acquisition Policy Division.

    Therefore, 48 CFR Part 25 is amended as set forth below:

PART 25--FOREIGN ACQUISITION

    1. The authority citation for 48 CFR Part 25 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 40 U.S.C. 486(c); 10 U.S.C. chapter 137; and 42 
U.S.C. 2473(c).


25.401  [Amended]

    2. Section 25.401 is amended in the definition of ``Designated 
country'' by adding, in alphabetical order, ``Hong Kong''.

[FR Doc. 97-21498 Filed 8-21-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6820-EP-P