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[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 100 (Tuesday, May 26, 2015)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 30119-30124]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-12343]

Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 100 / Tuesday, May 26, 2015 / 
Proposed Rules

[[Page 30119]]

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DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Defense Acquisition Regulations System

48 CFR Parts 212, 225, and 252

RIN 0750-AI41

Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement: Photovoltaic 
Devices from the United States (DFARS Case 2015-D007)

AGENCY: Defense Acquisition Regulations System, Department of Defense 
(DoD).

ACTION: Proposed rule.

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SUMMARY: DoD is proposing to amend the Defense Federal Acquisition 
Regulation Supplement (DFARS) to implement a section of the National 
Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015 that revises the 
restrictions relating to utilization of domestic photovoltaic devices.

DATES: Comments on the proposed rule should be submitted in writing to 
the address shown below on or before July 27, 2015, to be considered in 
the formation of a final rule.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments identified by DFARS Case 2015-D007, using 
any of the following methods:
    [cir] Regulations.gov: http://www.regulations.gov. Submit comments 
via the Federal eRulemaking portal by entering ``DFARS Case 2015-D007'' 
under the heading ``Enter keyword or ID'' and selecting ``Search.'' 
Select the link ``Submit a Comment'' that corresponds with ``DFARS Case 
2015-D007.'' Follow the instructions provided at the ``Submit a 
Comment'' screen. Please include your name, company name (if any), and 
``DFARS Case 2015-D007'' on your attached document.
    [cir] Email: osd.dfars@mail.mil. Include DFARS Case 2015-D007 in 
the subject line of the message.
    [cir] Fax: 571-372-6094.
    [cir] Mail: Defense Acquisition Regulations System, Attn: Amy G. 
Williams, OUSD(AT&L)DPAP/DARS, Room 3B941, 3060 Defense Pentagon, 
Washington, DC 20301-3060.
    Comments received generally will be posted without change to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information provided. To 
confirm receipt of your comment(s), please check www.regulations.gov, 
approximately two to three days after submission to verify posting 
(except allow 30 days for posting of comments submitted by mail).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Amy G. Williams, Defense 
Acquisition Regulations System, OUSD(AT&L)DPAP/DARS, Room 3B941, 3060 
Defense Pentagon, Washington, DC 20301-3060. Telephone 571-372-6106.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background

    DoD is proposing to revise the DFARS to implement section 858 of 
the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2015 
(Pub. L. 113-291), which addresses utilization of domestic photovoltaic 
devices.
    DFARS currently addresses utilization of domestic photovoltaic 
devices at DFARS 225.7017, Utilization of domestic photovoltaic 
devices, and the associated clause at 252.225-7017, Photovoltaic 
Devices, and provision at 252.225-7018, Photovoltaic Devices--
Certificate. The current regulations that implement section 846 of the 
NDAA for FY 2011 (Pub. L. 111-383) were first published as an interim 
rule under DFARS Case 2011-D046 on December 20, 2011 (76 FR 78858) and 
finalized on May 22, 2012 (77 FR 30368). Some clarification of the 
rules of origin for photovoltaic devices to be utilized under covered 
contracts were published as an interim rule under FAR Case 2014-D006 on 
December 18, 2013 (78 FR 76993) and finalized on April 21, 2014 (79 FR 
22041). Those clarifications are not affected by this rule.

II. Discussion and Analysis

A. Analysis and Interpretation of Statutory Requirements

    Although section 858 of the NDAA for FY 2015 does not contain 
specific language to rescind or supersede section 846 of the NDAA for 
FY 2011, DoD has determined through detailed comparison of the two 
statutes that compliance with section 858 will meet or exceed the 
requirements for compliance with section 846.
    The most significant differences between the two statutes are as 
follows:
1. Covered Contracts
    Section 846 applied to contracts awarded by DoD, including energy 
savings performance contracts, utility service contracts, land leases, 
and private housing contracts, to the extent that such contracts result 
in ownership of photovoltaic devices by DoD. Section 846 further 
provides that DoD is deemed to own a photovoltaic device if the device 
is--
     Installed on DoD property or in a facility owned by DoD; 
and
     Reserved for the exclusive use of DOD for the full 
economic life of the device.
    Section 858 applies to any contract awarded by DoD that provides 
for a photovoltaic device to be--
     Installed inside the United States on DoD property or in a 
facility owned by DoD; or
     Reserved for the exclusive use of DoD in the United States 
for the full economic life of the device.
    These conditions are generally the same except--
    (1) Section 858 explicitly restricts applicability to the U.S., 
which is still equivalent to the section 846 applicability, because the 
Buy American Act invoked in section 846 does not apply overseas; and
    (2) Section 858 substitutes ``or'' for ``and'' in connecting the 
two conditions. Therefore, either one of the conditions is sufficient 
to make the law applicable and compliance with section 858 will meet 
and exceed compliance with section 846.
    Land leases are not addressed in this rule. Although section 846 
mentioned land leases as an example of the type of contract that might 
be a covered contract, the current DFARS regulations do not address 
land leases, because land leases are outside the scope of the FAR and 
DFARS. As used in the FAR and DFARS, the term ``acquisition'' means the 
``acquiring by contract with appropriated funds of supplies or service 
(including construction). . . .'' Section 858 does not mention or 
affect land leases.
2. Requirements
    Section 846 required that, with some exceptions, photovoltaic 
devices provided under covered contracts comply with the Buy American 
Act. The Buy American Act requires, for use inside the United States, 
that manufactured articles, materials and supplies be manufactured in 
the U.S., substantially all from articles, materials, or supplies 
mined, produced, or manufactured in the U.S.
    Section 858 requires that any photovoltaic device installed under a 
covered contract be manufactured in the U.S. substantially all from 
articles, materials or supplies mined, produced, or manufactured in the 
United States. This requirement is the same as the basic requirement of 
the Buy American Act, but because this requirement is now separated 
from the explicit application of the Buy American Act, the exceptions 
and waivers that apply to the Buy American Act do not automatically 
apply to section 858, unless provided for and authorized by section 
858.
    However, to the extent section 858 does not differ from the Buy 
American

[[Page 30120]]

Act, it is reasonable and within the regulatory authority of DoD to 
apply a similar interpretation to that which has developed with regard 
to the Buy American Act over the years. Consequently, it is not 
necessary, nor would it be desirable, to reinterpret elements of the 
Buy American Act that appear unchanged in section 858.
    Executive Order (E.O.) 10582, Prescribing Uniform Procedures for 
Certain Determinations under the Buy-American Act, signed December 17, 
1954, has interpreted ``substantially all'' in the Buy American Act to 
mean that the cost of domestic components is at least 50 percent of the 
value of all components. It is reasonable to interpret the same 
language regarding ``substantially all'' in section 858 to have the 
same meaning established by the E.O. for interpretation of the Buy 
American Act.
 3. Exceptions for Domestic Nonavailability and Micro-Purchase 
Threshold
    The Buy American Act provides exceptions for domestic 
nonavailability and acquisitions below the micro-purchase threshold. 
These exceptions are not provided in section 858.
4. Public Interest Determination
    The Buy American Act provides for individual or class 
determinations that application of the Buy American Act is inconsistent 
with the public interest. Through public interest class determinations, 
DoD does not apply the Buy American Act to (1) qualifying country end 
products; or (2) U.S.-made end products, if the World Trade 
Organization Government Procurement Agreement applies (i.e., the 
aggregate value of the photovoltaic devices to be utilized is $204,000 
or more). Section 858 allows determinations that application of the 
restriction in 858 is not in the public interest, but only on a case-
by-case basis. Therefore, in order to allow a contractor to utilize a 
qualifying country photovoltaic device or a U.S.-made photovoltaic 
device, an individual public interest determination would be necessary.
5. Determination of Unreasonable Cost
    Both the Buy American Act and section 858 allow a determination not 
to utilize a domestic product if the cost of the domestic product is 
unreasonable. The section 858 determination must be on a case-by-case 
basis. With regard to determining that the cost of a domestic item is 
unreasonable, E.O. 10582 provides a methodology to determine 
unreasonable cost, using a minimum differential of 6 percent, but also 
provides that the head of an executive agency may determine that the 
use of a higher differential between the cost of materials of domestic 
origin and the cost of materials of foreign origin ``is not 
unreasonable.'' The then Secretary of Defense, Cyrus Vance, signed a 
memorandum on May 7, 1964, providing for application of a 50 percent 
differential under the Buy American Act. Therefore, DoD proposes to 
continue application of a 50 percent evaluation factor when determining 
whether the price of domestic photovoltaic devices is unreasonable when 
the estimated aggregate value of the photovoltaic devices to be 
utilized is less than $204,000 (the World Trade Organization Government 
Procurement Agreement threshold). DoD considers it reasonable and 
within its regulatory discretion to use 50 percent as the evaluation 
factor for determination that the cost of a domestic photovoltaic 
device is unreasonable. By continuing an established and familiar 
practice, there will be less confusion in implementation.
    The application of an evaluation factor to foreign products to 
determine whether the price of domestic products is reasonable is not 
applicable when the World Trade Organization Government Procurement 
Agreement applies, because there is a prohibition under that agreement 
to buying any products that are not designated, domestic, U.S.-made, or 
qualifying country products. DoD has waived the application of the Buy 
American Act to U.S.-made products, so no evaluation factor is 
applicable. Likewise, if applicability of section 858 to U.S.-made 
photovoltaic devices is waived, then no evaluation factor is 
applicable.
6. Exemption for Commercially Available Off-the-Shelf (COTS) Items
    Pursuant to 41 U.S.C. 1907 and determinations by the Administrator 
of Federal Procurement Policy, the component test of the Buy American 
Act does not apply to the acquisition of COTS items. This exemption 
does not apply to photovoltaic devices utilized under section 858, 
because section 858 no longer invokes the restrictions of the Buy 
American Act.
7. Trade Agreements or Otherwise Provided by Law
    Both section 846 and section 858 state that the restrictions are 
subject to the exceptions provided in the Trade Agreements Act or 
otherwise provided by law. The Trade Agreements Act (19 U.S.C. 2501 et 
seq.) provides authority for the President to waive the Buy American 
Act and other discriminatory provisions (e.g., sections 846 and 858) 
for eligible products from designated countries. This authority has 
been delegated to the United States Trade Representative (USTR). The 
USTR has confirmed that the trade agreements provide an exception to 
the domestic source restrictions of section 858.

B. Regulatory Implementation

    DoD is proposing changes to the DFARS as follows:
    1. Definitions (DFARS 225.7017-1). Amend the definition of 
``covered contract'' to conform to the wording of section 858, 
specifically adding ``inside the United States'' and changing ``and'' 
to ``or'' for the two conditions.
    2. Restriction (DFARS 225.7017-3). Amend the restriction to cite 
section 858 and replace the reference to the Buy American Act with the 
specific requirements of section 858 for utilization of domestic 
photovoltaic devices, including ``substantially all'' domestic 
components.
    3. Exceptions (225.7017-3). Delete the automatic exceptions for 
qualifying countries and Buy American unreasonable cost.
    4. Waiver (DFARS 225.7017-4). Add a new section on waivers on a 
case-by case basis. This section provides examples of circumstances in 
which it may be appropriate to waive the restrictions of section 858, 
based on ``Inconsistent with the public interest,'' in order to allow--
     Utilization of U.S.-made photovoltaic if the aggregate 
value of photovoltaic devices to be utilized on the contract is 
$204,000 or more, the threshold for the World Trade Organization 
Government Procurement Agreement;
     Utilization of photovoltaic devices from a qualifying 
country; or
     Unreasonable cost, applicable only when the aggregate 
value of the photovoltaic devices to be installed under the contract is 
less than $204,000 (the World Trade Organization Government Procurement 
Agreement threshold) and utilizing the evaluation factor of 50 percent, 
consistent with DoD implementation of other domestic source 
restrictions such as the Buy American Act and Balance of Payments 
Program.
    5. Solicitation provision and contract clause (DFARS 225.7017-5). 
Amend the clause prescription to conform to the revised definition of 
``covered contract.''
    6. Provision and clause (DFARS 252.225-7017 and 252.225-7018).
     Amend the definition of ``domestic photovoltaic device'' 
in the clause to include the requirement that the cost of components 
mined, produced, or

[[Page 30121]]

manufactured in the United States must exceed 50 percent of the cost of 
all components.
     Amend the restrictions in the clause to remove qualifying 
country photovoltaic devices and U.S.-made photovoltaic devices from 
being automatically acceptable unless the contractor specified their 
use in its offer.
     Update the statutory references in the clause.
     Remove the $3,000 micro-purchase threshold from paragraph 
(c)(1) of the clause and from paragraph (b)(1) of the provision, 
because these thresholds were associated only with the Buy American 
Act, not section 858.
     Amend the certificate to accommodate the requirement for 
case-by-case determinations in order to allow contractors to utilize 
qualifying country or U.S.-made photovoltaic devices or to determine 
that the price of a domestic photovoltaic device is unreasonable.

III. Executive Orders 12866 and 13563

    Executive Orders (E.O.s) 12866 and 13563 direct agencies to assess 
all costs and benefits of available regulatory alternatives and, if 
regulation is necessary, to select regulatory approaches that maximize 
net benefits (including potential economic, environmental, public 
health and safety effects, distributive impacts, and equity). E.O. 
13563 emphasizes the importance of quantifying both costs and benefits, 
of reducing costs, of harmonizing rules, and of promoting flexibility. 
This is not a significant regulatory action and, therefore, was not 
subject to review under section 6(b) of E.O. 12866, Regulatory Planning 
and Review, dated September 30, 1993. This rule is not a major rule 
under 5 U.S.C. 804.

IV. Determination of Applicability

    Consistent with the determinations that DoD made with regard to 
application of the requirements of section 846 of NDAA for FY 2011, DoD 
does not intend to apply the requirements of section 858 of the NDAA 
for FY 2015 to contracts at or below the simplified acquisition 
threshold (SAT), but does intend to apply the rule to contracts for the 
acquisition of commercial items, including COTS items.

A. Applicability to Contracts at or Below the Simplified Acquisition 
Threshold

    41 U.S.C. 1905 governs the applicability of laws to contracts or 
subcontracts in amounts not greater than the simplified acquisition 
threshold. It is intended to limit the applicability of laws to such 
contracts or subcontracts. 41 U.S.C. 1905 provides that if a provision 
of law contains criminal or civil penalties, or if the FAR Council 
makes a written determination that it is not in the best interest of 
the Federal Government to exempt contracts or subcontracts at or below 
the SAT, the law will apply to them. The Director, DPAP, is the 
appropriate authority to make comparable determinations for regulations 
to be published in the DFARS, which is part of the FAR system of 
regulations. DoD does not intend to make that determination. Therefore, 
this rule will not apply below the simplified acquisition threshold.

B. Applicability to Contracts for the Acquisition of Commercial Items, 
Including COTS items

    41 U.S.C. 1906 governs the applicability of laws to contracts for 
the acquisition of commercial items, and is intended to limit the 
applicability of laws to contracts for the acquisition of commercial 
items. 41 U.S.C. 1906 provides that if a provision of law contains 
criminal or civil penalties, or if the FAR Council makes a written 
determination that it is not in the best interest of the Federal 
Government to exempt commercial item contracts, the provision of law 
will apply to contracts for the acquisition of commercial items. 
Likewise, 41 U.S.C. 1907 governs the applicability of laws to COTS 
items, with the Administrator for Federal Procurement Policy being the 
decision authority to determine that it is in the best interest of the 
Government to apply a provision of law to acquisitions of COTS items in 
the FAR. The Director, DPAP, is the appropriate authority to make 
comparable determinations for regulations to be published in the DFARS, 
which is part of the FAR system of regulations.
    Therefore, given that the requirements of section 858 of the NDAA 
for FY 2015 were enacted to promote utilization of domestic 
photovoltaic devices, and since photovoltaic devices are generally COTS 
items, DoD has determined that it is in the best interest of the 
Federal Government to apply the rule to contracts for the acquisition 
of commercial items, including COTS items, as defined at FAR 2.101. An 
exception for contracts for the acquisition of commercial items, 
including COTS items, would exclude the contracts intended to be 
covered by the law, thereby undermining the overarching public policy 
purpose of the law.

V. Regulatory Flexibility Act

    DoD does not expect this proposed rule to have a significant 
economic impact on a substantial number of small entities within the 
meaning of the Regulatory Flexibility Act, 5 U.S.C. 601, et seq. 
However, an initial regulatory flexibility analysis has been performed 
and is summarized as follows:
    This rule proposes to implement section 858 of the National Defense 
Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2015 (Pub. L. 113-291), 
by proposing changes to the regulatory coverage on utilization of 
domestic photovoltaic devices under certain covered contracts.
    The objectives of this rule are to further promote utilization of 
domestic photovoltaic devices under DoD contracts, if such contract 
does not include DoD purchase of photovoltaic devices as end products, 
but will nevertheless provide for a photovoltaic device to be (1) 
installed inside the United States on DoD property or in a facility 
owned by DoD; or (2) reserved for the exclusive use of DoD in the 
United States for the full economic life of the device. The legal basis 
for the rule is section 858 of the NDAA for FY 2015.
    This rule generally applies at the prime contract level to other 
than small entities. When purchasing renewable power generated via on-
site photovoltaic devices, DoD can either purchase the photovoltaic 
devices and thereby own, operate, and maintain the devices for their 
full economic life (already covered in DFARS part 225 under standard 
Buy American Act/Trade Agreements regulations) or, for example, may do 
some variation of the following:
    a. Enter into an energy savings performance contract, which is a 
contracting method in which the contractor provides capital to 
facilitate energy savings projects and maintains them in exchange for a 
portion of the energy savings generated. Under this arrangement, the 
Government would take title to the devices during contract performance 
or at the conclusion of the contract. For example, the Defense 
Logistics Agency--Energy uses the master Department of Energy 
indefinite delivery-indefinite quantity contract and awards task orders 
off that contract. Of the 16 contractors, all are large businesses. 
There are subcontracting goals that each contractor has to meet, but 
the ultimate task order award is made to a large business.
    b. Enter into a power purchase agreement, also referred to as a 
utility service contract, for the purchase of the power output of 
photovoltaic devices that are installed on DoD land or buildings, but 
owned, operated, and maintained by the contractor. At the conclusion of 
the contract, DoD would

[[Page 30122]]

either require the contractor to dismantle and remove the photovoltaic 
equipment or abandon the equipment in place. Prime contractors for this 
type of contract would generally be large businesses, based on the 
capital costs involved in these projects. However, many developers tend 
to subcontract out the majority of work to smaller companies.
    There are approximately 80 manufacturers of photovoltaic devices. 
We do not currently have data available on whether any of the 
manufacturers of photovoltaic devices are small entities, because FPDS 
does not collect such data on subcontractors.
    There are no new reporting burdens under this rule. There are some 
negligible variations to the existing reporting burdens. Furthermore, 
since the prime contractors subject to this rule are other than small 
businesses, the reporting requirements will not impact small entities.
    However, under section 858, if the aggregate value of the 
photovoltaic devices to be utilized under a contract is less than 
$204,000, or unless a waiver is obtained for the utilization of U.S.-
made products when the aggregate value of the photovoltaic devices is 
$204,000 or more, there will be a requirement to track the origin of 
the components of the domestic photovoltaic devices. However, DoD 
estimates that most covered contracts will involve utilization of 
photovoltaic devices with an aggregate value in excess of $204,000 and 
expects to grant waivers as appropriate.
    The rule does not duplicate, overlap, or conflict with any other 
Federal rules.
    DoD did not identify any significant alternatives that meet the 
requirements of the statute and would have less impact on small 
entities. The ability for the Government to grant a waiver of section 
858 if it is inconsistent with the public interest to preclude 
utilization of U.S.-made photovoltaic devices when the World Trade 
Organization Government Procurement Agreement is applicable (i.e., the 
aggregate value of the photovoltaic devices to be utilized is $204,000 
or more) will greatly reduce the burden on manufacturers of 
photovoltaic devices, regardless of size of the entity.
    DoD invites comments from small business concerns and other 
interested parties on the expected impact of this rule on small 
entities.
    DoD will also consider comments from small entities concerning the 
existing regulations in subparts affected by this rule in accordance 
with 5 U.S.C. 610. Interested parties must submit such comments 
separately and should cite 5 U.S.C. 610 (DFARS Case 2015-D017), in 
correspondence.

VI. Paperwork Reduction Act

    The rule contains information collection requirements that require 
the approval of the Office of Management and Budget under the Paperwork 
Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. chapter 35); however, these changes to the 
DFARS do not impose additional information collection requirements to 
the paperwork burden previously approved under OMB Control Number 0704-
0229, entitled ``Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement 
(DFARS) Part 225, Foreign Acquisition, and related clauses at DFARS 
252.225.''

List of Subjects in 48 CFR Parts 212, 225, and 252

    Government procurement.

Amy G. Williams,
Editor, Defense Acquisition Regulations System.

    Therefore, 48 CFR parts 212, 225, and 252 are proposed to be 
amended as follows:

0
1. The authority citation for parts 212, 225, and 252 continues to read 
as follows:

    Authority:  41 U.S.C. 1303 and 48 CFR chapter 1.

PART 212--ACQUISITION OF COMMERCIAL ITEMS

0
2. In section 212.301, revise paragraphs (f)(x)(I) and (f)(x)(J) to 
read as follows:

212.301  Solicitation provisions and contract clauses for the 
acquisition of commercial items.

    (f) * * *
    (x) * * *
    (I) Use the clause at 252.225-7017, Photovoltaic Devices, as 
prescribed in 225.7017-5(a), to comply with section 858 of Public Law 
113-291).
    (J) Use the provision at 252.225-7018, Photovoltaic Devices--
Certificate, as prescribed in 225.7017-5(b), to comply with section 959 
of Public Law 113-291.
* * * * *

PART 225--FOREIGN ACQUISITION

0
3. Revise sections 225.7017-1 through 225.7017-4 to read as follows:

225.7017-1  Definitions.

    As used in this section--
    Covered contract means a contract awarded by DoD that, by means 
other than DoD purchase as end products, provides for a photovoltaic 
device to be--
    (1) Installed inside the United States on DoD property or in a 
facility owned by DoD; or
    (2) Reserved for the exclusive use of DoD in the United States for 
the full economic life of the device.
    Designated country photovoltaic device, domestic photovoltaic 
device, foreign photovoltaic device, Free Trade Agreement country 
photovoltaic device, photovoltaic device, qualifying country 
photovoltaic device, and U.S.-made photovoltaic device are defined in 
the clause at 252.225-7017, Photovoltaic Devices.

225.7017-2  Restriction.

    In accordance with section 858 of the National Defense 
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015, photovoltaic devices provided 
under any covered contract shall be manufactured in the United States 
substantially all from articles, materials, or supplies mined, 
produced, or manufactured in the United States, except as provided in 
225.7017-3 and 225-7017-4.

225.7017-3  Exceptions.

    (a) Free Trade Agreements. For a covered contract that utilizes 
photovoltaic devices valued at $25,000 or more, photovoltaic devices 
may be utilized from a country covered under the acquisition by a Free 
Trade Agreement, depending upon dollar threshold (see FAR subpart 
25.4).
    (b) World Trade Organization--Government Procurement Agreement. For 
covered contracts that utilize photovoltaic devices that are valued at 
$204,000 or more, only domestic photovoltaic devices or designated 
country photovoltaic devices may be utilized, unless acquisition of 
U.S.-made or qualifying country photovoltaic devices is allowed 
pursuant to a waiver in accordance with 225.7017-4(a).

225.7017-4  Waivers.

    The head of the contracting activity is authorized to waive, on a 
case-by-case basis, the application of the restriction in 225.7017-2 
upon determination that one of the following circumstances applies (see 
PGI 225.7017-4 for sample determinations and findings):
    (a) Inconsistent with the public interest. For example, a public 
interest waiver may be appropriate to allow--
    (1) Utilization of U.S.-made photovoltaic devices if the aggregate 
value of the photovoltaic devices to be utilized under the contract 
exceeds $204,000; or
    (2) Utilization of photovoltaic devices from a qualifying country, 
regardless of dollar value.
    (b) Unreasonable cost. A determination that the cost of a

[[Page 30123]]

domestic photovoltaic device is unreasonable may be appropriate if--
    (1) The aggregate value of the photovoltaic devices to be utilized 
under the contract does not exceed $204,000; and
    (2) The offeror documents to the satisfaction of the contracting 
officer that the price of the foreign photovoltaic devices plus 50 
percent is less than the price of comparable domestic photovoltaic 
devices.
0
4. Add section 225.7017-5 to read as follows:

225.7017-5  Solicitation provision and contract clause.

    (a)(1) Use the clause at 252.225-7017, Photovoltaic Devices, in 
solicitations, including solicitations using FAR part 12 procedures for 
the acquisition of commercial items, for a contract that--
    (i) Is expected to exceed the simplified acquisition threshold; and
    (ii) May be a covered contract, i.e., a contract that provides for 
a photovoltaic device to be--
    (A) Installed inside the United States on DoD property or in a 
facility owned by DoD; or
    (B) Reserved for the exclusive use of DoD in the United States for 
the full economic life of the device.
    (2) Use the clause in the resultant contract, including contracts 
using FAR part 12 procedures for the acquisition of commercial items, 
if it is a covered contract.
    (b) Use the provision at 252.225-7018, Photovoltaic Devices--
Certificate, in solicitations, including solicitations using FAR part 
12 procedures for the acquisition of commercial items, that contain the 
clause at 252.225-7017.

PART 252--SOLICITATION PROVISIONS AND CONTRACT CLAUSES

0
5. Section 252.225-7017 is amended by--
0
a. In the introductory text, removing ``225.7017-4(a)'' and adding 
``225.7017-5(a)'' in its place;
0
b. Removing the clause date ``(JAN 2014)'' and adding ``(DATE)'' in its 
place;
0
c. In paragraph (a), revising the definition of ``Domestic photovoltaic 
device''; and
0
d. Revising paragraphs (b) and (c).
    The revisions read as follows:

252.225-7017  Photovoltaic Devices.

* * * * *
    (a) * * *
    Domestic photovoltaic device means a photovoltaic device--
    (i) Manufactured in the United States; and
    (ii) The cost of its components that are mined, produced, or 
manufactured in the United States exceeds 50 percent of the cost of all 
components. The cost of components includes transportation costs to the 
place of incorporation into the end product and U.S. duty (whether or 
not a duty-free entry certificate is issued). Scrap generated, 
collected, and prepared for processing in the United States is 
considered domestic.
* * * * *
    (b) This clause implements section 858 of the National Defense 
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015 (Pub. L. 113-291).
    (c) Restriction. If the Contractor specified in its offer in the 
Photovoltaic Devices-Certificate provision of the solicitation that the 
estimated value of the photovoltaic devices to be utilized in 
performance of this contract would be--
    (1) Less than $25,000, then the Contractor shall utilize only 
domestic photovoltaic devices unless, in its offer, it specified 
utilization of qualifying country or other foreign photovoltaic devices 
in paragraph (c)(2) of the Photovoltaic Devices-Certificate provision 
of the solicitation. If the Contractor certified in its offer that it 
will utilize a qualifying country photovoltaic device, the Contractor 
shall utilize a qualifying country photovoltaic device as specified, 
or, at the Contractor's option, a domestic photovoltaic device;
    (2) $25,000 or more but less than $79,507, then the Contractor 
shall utilize in the performance of this contract only domestic 
photovoltaic devices unless, in its offer, it specified utilization of 
Canadian, qualifying country, or other foreign photovoltaic devices in 
paragraph (c)(3) of the Photovoltaic Devices-Certificate provision of 
the solicitation. If the Contractor certified in its offer that it will 
utilize a qualifying country photovoltaic device or a Canadian 
photovoltaic device, the Contractor shall utilize a qualifying country 
photovoltaic device or a Canadian photovoltaic device as specified, or, 
at the Contractor's option, a domestic photovoltaic device;
    (3) $79,507 or more but less than $100,000, then the Contractor 
shall utilize under this contract only domestic photovoltaic devices, 
or Free Trade Agreement country photovoltaic devices (other than 
Bahrainian, Korean, Moroccan, Panamanian, or Peruvian photovoltaic 
devices), unless, in its offer, it specified utilization of qualifying 
country or other foreign photovoltaic devices in paragraph (c)(4) of 
the Photovoltaic Devices-Certificate provision of the solicitation. If 
the Contractor certified in its offer that it will utilize a qualifying 
country photovoltaic device or a Free Trade Agreement country 
photovoltaic device (other than a Bahrainian, Korean, Moroccan, 
Panamanian, or Peruvian photovoltaic device), the Contractor shall 
utilize a qualifying country photovoltaic device; a Free Trade 
Agreement country photovoltaic device (other than a Bahrainian, Korean, 
Moroccan, Panamanian, or Peruvian photovoltaic device) as specified, 
or, at the Contractor's option, a domestic photovoltaic device;
    (4) $100,000 or more but less than $204,000, then the Contractor 
shall utilize under this contract only domestic photovoltaic devices, 
or Free Trade Agreement country photovoltaic devices (other than 
Bahrainian, Moroccan, Panamanian, or Peruvian photovoltaic devices), 
unless, in its offer, it specified utilization of qualifying country or 
other foreign photovoltaic devices in paragraph (c)(4) of the 
Photovoltaic Devices-Certificate provision of the solicitation. If the 
Contractor certified in its offer that it will utilize a qualifying 
country photovoltaic device or a Free Trade Agreement country 
photovoltaic device (other than a Bahrainian, Moroccan, Panamanian, or 
Peruvian photovoltaic device), the Contractor shall utilize a 
qualifying country photovoltaic device; a Free Trade Agreement country 
photovoltaic device (other than a Bahrainian, Moroccan, Panamanian, or 
Peruvian photovoltaic device) as specified, or, at the Contractor's 
option, a domestic photovoltaic device; or
    (5) $204,000 or more, then the Contractor shall utilize under this 
contract only domestic or designated country photovoltaic devices 
unless, in its offer, it specified utilization of U.S.-made or 
qualifying country photovoltaic devices in paragraph (c)(5) of the 
Photovoltaic Devices-Certificate provision of the solicitation. If the 
Contractor certified in its offer that it will utilize a designated 
country, U.S.-made, or qualifying country photovoltaic device, the 
Contractor shall utilize a designated country, U.S.-made, or qualifying 
country photovoltaic device as specified, or, at the Contractor's 
option, a domestic photovoltaic device.
* * * * *
0
6. Section 252.225-7018 is amended by--
0
a. In the introductory text, removing ``225.7017-4(b)'' and adding 
``225.7017-5(b)'' in its place;

[[Page 30124]]

0
b. Removing the clause date ``(JAN 2014)'' and adding ``(DATE)'' in its 
place;
0
c. Revising paragraph (b);
0
d. In paragraph (c), removing ``(See http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/trade/legal/rulings/.)'' and adding ``(See http://www.cbp.gov/trade/rulings.)'' in its place; and
0
e. Revising paragraph (d).
    The revisions read as follows:

252.225-7018  Photovoltaic Devices--Certificate.

* * * * *
    (b) Restrictions. The following restrictions apply, depending on 
the estimated aggregate value of photovoltaic devices to be utilized 
under a resultant contract:
    (1) If less than $204,000, then--
    (i) The Government will not accept an offer specifying the use of 
other foreign photovoltaic devices in paragraphs (d)(2)(iii), 
(d)(3)(iii), (d)(4)(iii), or (d)(5)(iii) of this provision, unless the 
Offeror documents to the satisfaction of the Contracting Officer that 
the price of the foreign photovoltaic device plus 50 percent is less 
than the price of a comparable domestic photovoltaic device and the 
Government determines in accordance with DFARS 225.217-4 that the price 
of a comparable domestic photovoltaic device would be unreasonable; and
    (ii) The Government will not accept an offer specifying the use of 
a qualifying country photovoltaic device unless the Government 
determines in accordance with 225.217-4 that it is in the public 
interest to allow use of a qualifying country photovoltaic device.
    (2) If $204,000 or more, then the Government will consider only 
offers that utilize photovoltaic devices that are domestic or 
designated country photovoltaic devices, unless the Government 
determines in accordance with DFARS 225.7017-4, that it is in the 
public interest to allow use of a qualifying country photovoltaic 
device or a U.S.-made photovoltaic device.
* * * * *
    (d) Certification and identification of country of origin. [The 
Offeror shall check the block and fill in the blank for one of the 
following paragraphs, based on the estimated value and the country of 
origin of photovoltaic devices to be utilized in performance of the 
contract:
    ___(1) No photovoltaic devices will be utilized in performance of 
the contract.
    (2) If less than $25,000--
    _ (i) The Offeror certifies that each photovoltaic device to be 
utilized in performance of the contract is a domestic photovoltaic 
device;
    _ (ii) The Offeror certifies that each photovoltaic device to be 
utilized in performance of the contract is a qualifying country 
photovoltaic device [Offeror to specify country of origin____]; or
    _ (iii) The foreign (other than qualifying country) photovoltaic 
devices to be utilized in performance of the contract are the product 
of ____. [Offeror to specify country of origin, if known, and provide 
documentation that the cost of a domestic photovoltaic device would be 
unreasonable in comparison to the cost of the proposed foreign 
photovoltaic device, i.e., that the price of the foreign photovoltaic 
device plus 50 percent is less than the price of a comparable domestic 
photovoltaic device.
    (3) If $25,000 or more but less than $79,507--
    _ (i) The Offeror certifies that each photovoltaic device to be 
utilized in performance of the contract is a domestic photovoltaic 
device or a Canadian photovoltaic device [Offeror to specify country of 
origin____];
    _ (ii) The Offeror certifies that each photovoltaic device to be 
utilized in performance of the contract is a qualifying country 
photovoltaic device [Offeror to specify country of orgin____]; or
    _ (iii) The foreign (other than qualifying country or Canadian) 
photovoltaic devices to be utilized in performance of the contract are 
the product of ____. [Offeror to specify country of origin, if known, 
and provide documentation that the cost of a domestic photovoltaic 
device would be unreasonable in comparison to the cost of the proposed 
foreign photovoltaic device, i.e., that the price of the foreign 
photovoltaic device plus 50 percent is less than the price of a 
comparable domestic photovoltaic device.]
    (4) If $79,507 or more but less than $100,000--
    _ (i) The Offeror certifies that each photovoltaic device to be 
utilized in performance of the contract is a domestic photovoltaic 
device; a Free Trade Agreement country photovoltaic device (other than 
a Bahrainian, Korean, Moroccan, Panamanian, or Peruvian photovoltaic 
device) [Offeror to specify country of origin ____];
    _ (ii) The Offeror certifies that each photovoltaic device to be 
utilized in performance of the contract is a qualifying country (except 
Australian or Canadian) photovoltaic device; [Offeror to specify 
country of origin ____ ]; or
    _ (iii) The offered foreign photovoltaic devices (other than those 
from countries listed in paragraph (d)(4)(i) or (d)(4)(ii) of this 
provision) are the product of ____. [Offeror to specify country of 
origin, if known, and provide documentation that the cost of a domestic 
photovoltaic device would be unreasonable in comparison to the cost of 
the proposed foreign photovoltaic device, i.e., that the price of the 
foreign photovoltaic device plus 50 percent is less than the price of a 
comparable domestic photovoltaic device.]
    (5) If $100,000 or more but less than $204,000--
    _ (i) The Offeror certifies that each photovoltaic device to be 
utilized in performance of the contract is a domestic photovoltaic 
device; a Free Trade Agreement country photovoltaic device (other than 
a Bahrainian, Moroccan, Panamanian, or Peruvian photovoltaic device) 
[Offeror to specify country of origin ____];
    _ (ii) The Offeror certifies that each photovoltaic device to be 
utilized in performance of the contract is a qualifying country (except 
Australian or Canadian) photovoltaic device [Offeror to specify country 
of origin ____]; or
    _ (iii) The offered foreign photovoltaic devices (other than those 
from countries listed in paragraph (d)(4)(i) or (d)(4)(ii) of this 
provision) are the product of ____. [Offeror to specify country of 
origin, if known, and provide documentation that the cost of a domestic 
photovoltaic device would be unreasonable in comparison to the cost of 
the proposed foreign photovoltaic device, i.e., that the price of the 
foreign photovoltaic device plus 50 percent is less than the price of a 
comparable domestic photovoltaic device.]
    (6) If $204,000 or more, the Offeror certifies that each 
photovoltaic device to be used in performance of the contract is--
    _ (i) A domestic or designated country photovoltaic device [Offeror 
to specify country of origin ____];
    _ (ii) A U.S.-made photovoltaic device; or
    _ (iii) A qualifying country photovoltaic device. [Offeror to 
specify country of origin ____].
* * * * *

[FR Doc. 2015-12343 Filed 5-22-15; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 5001-06-P
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