Source: http://farsite.hill.af.mil/reghtml/changes/fac/fac2005-05.htm
Timestamp: 2017-10-17 05:40:53
Document Index: 170022747

Matched Legal Cases: ['arts 2', 'arts 45', 'art 2', 'art 2', 'art 2', 'art 2', 'art 8', 'art 8', 'art 8', 'art 8', 'art 6', 'arts 14', 'arts 14', 'arts 14', 'arts 14', 'arts 19', 'arts 45', 'art 45', 'art 45', 'arts 45', 'arts 45', 'ART 45', 'art 4']

[Federal Register: July 27, 2005 (Volume 70, Number 143)]
48 CFR Chapter 1, Parts 2, 4, 8, 14, et al.
Federal Acquisition Regulations; Interim Rules and Final Rules
Federal Acquisition Circular 2005-05; Introduction
SUMMARY: This document summarizes the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) rules agreed to by the Civilian Agency Acquisition Council and the Defense Acquisition Regulations Council in this Federal Acquisition Circular (FAC) 2005-05. A companion document, the Small Entity Compliance Guide (SECG), follows this FAC. The FAC, including the SECG, is available via the Internet at http://www.acqnet.gov/far.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: The FAR Secretariat, at (202) 501-4755, for information pertaining to status or publication schedules. For clarification of content, contact the analyst whose name appears in the table below in relation to each FAR case or subject area. Please cite FAC 2005-05 and specific FAR case number(s). Interested parties may also visit our Web site at http://www.acqnet.gov/far.
Definition of Information Technology (Interim)
Documentation Requirement for Limited Sources under Federal Supply Schedules
Confirmation of HUBZone Certification(Interim)
Government Property Rental and Special Tooling.
FAC 2005-05 amends the FAR as specified below:
Item I--Definition of Information Technology (FAR Case 2004-030)
This interim rule amends FAR 2.101(b) to revise the definition of ``information technology'' to reflect the recent changes to the definition resulting from the enactment of Public Law 108-199. The new language at Section 535(b) of Division F of Public law 108-199 permanently revises the term ``information technology,'' which is defined at 40 U.S.C. 11101, to add ``analysis'' and ``evaluation'' and to clarify the term ``ancillary equipment.'' This permanent change to the terminology necessitated this interim rule to amend the FAR.
Item II--Documentation Requirement for Limited Sources under Federal Supply Schedules (FAR Case 2005-004)
On June 18, 2004, DoD, GSA, and NASA published FAR case 1999-603 (69 FR 34231) amending the FAR to incorporate ordering procedures for orders against Federal Supply Schedules (FSS), including the documentation requirements for justifying sole source orders. The rule inadvertently established these justification and approval requirements for sole source orders instead of when an ordering activity restricts consideration of schedule contractors to less than the required number. This rule corrects that oversight. The final rule also based the content of the documentation requirements on that in FAR 6.303-2. By doing so, the rule established some unintentional and inapplicable content requirements, especially for orders under the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT). This rule corrects those unintended changes by establishing the standard for justifying restricted orders under the SAT and accurately specifying the justification content for restricted orders above the SAT. The rule will clarify the procedures for ordering activities.
Item III--Payment Withholding (FAR Case 2004-003)
Contracting officers and contracting officer's representatives who award or administer Time-and-Materials or Labor-Hour contracts or orders should be familiar with this amendment. Also, contractor personnel who are responsible for managing invoicing for those types of contracts should be aware of this new requirement. The amendment removes the mandatory requirement that a contracting officer withhold 5 percent of the payments due under a time-and-materials contract, unless it is necessary to withhold payment to protect the Government's interest or otherwise prescribed in the contract Schedule. It requires the use of a contract modification in order to make payment withholding and, in the event withholding is required, the contractor is responsible to withhold the amounts from its billings.
Item IV--Confirmation of HUBZone Certification (FAR Case 2005-009)
This interim rule amends FAR 19.703 and the clause at 52.219-9 to clarify that prime contractors must confirm that a subcontractor representing itself as a Historically Underutilized Business Zone (HUBZone) small business concern is certified, consistent with the requirements of 15 U.S.C. 632 et seq., as amended. This change is expected to increase subcontracting opportunities for certified HUBZone small business concerns and ensure accurate reporting of awards to HUBZone small business concerns under Government contracts.
Item V--Government Property Rental and Special Tooling (FAR Case 2002-015)
This final rule amends FAR Parts 45 and 52 to clarify the basis for determining rental charges for the use of Government property. The change, which is intended to promote the dual use of such property, will impact contracting officers and property administrators responsible for the management of Government property and contractors that desire to use Government property for commercial purposes.
Item VI--Technical Amendment
An editorial change is made at FAR 4.1102 in order to update a reference.
Dated: July 20, 2005. Julia B. Wise, Director, Contract Policy Division. Federal Acquisition Circular
Federal Acquisition Circular (FAC) 2005-05 is issued under the authority of the Secretary of Defense, the Administrator of General Services, and the Administrator for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
Unless otherwise specified, all Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and other directive material contained in FAC 2005-05 is effective August 26, 2005, except for Items I, II, IV, and VI which are effective July 27, 2005.
Dated: July 15, 2005. Deidre A. Lee, Director, Defense Procurement and Acquisition Policy.
Dated: July 19, 2005. Patricia A. Brooks, Acting Senior Procurement Executive, Office of the Chief Acquisition Officer, General Services Administration.
Dated: July 14, 2005. Tom Luedtke, Assistant Administrator for Procurement, National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
48 CFR Part 2
[FAC 2005-05; FAR Case 2004-030; Item I]
SUMMARY: The Civilian Agency Acquisition Council and the Defense Acquisition Regulations Council (Councils) have agreed on an interim rule amending the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to revise the definition of ``information technology'' to reflect the changes to the definition resulting from the enactment of Public Law 108-199, Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2004. The new language at Section 535(b) of Division F of Public Law 108-199 permanently revises the term ``information technology,'' which is defined at 40 U.S.C. 11101(6), to add ``analysis'' and ``evaluation'' and to clarify the term ``ancillary equipment.''
DATES: Effective Date: July 27, 2005.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments identified by FAC 2005-05, FAR case 2004-030, by any of the following methods:
Agency Web Site: http://www.acqnet.gov/far/ProposedRules/proposed.htm. Click on the FAR case number to submit comments. E-mail: farcase.2004-030@gsa.gov. Include FAC 2005-05, FAR case 2004-030, in the subject line of the message.
Instructions: Please submit comments only and cite FAC 2005-05, FAR case 2004-030, in all correspondence related to this case. All comments
received will be posted without change to http://www.acqnet.gov/far/ProposedRules/proposed.htm, including any personal information provided.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: The FAR Secretariat at (202) 501-4755, for information pertaining to status or publication schedules. For clarification of content, contact Ms. Cecelia L. Davis, Procurement Analyst, at (202) 219-0202, or Mr. Bill Sain, Procurement Analyst, at (703) 602-0293. Please cite FAC 2005-05, FAR case 2004-030.
A. Background This interim rule implements the changes to the FAR definition of ``information technology'' resulting from the enactment of Section 535(b), Division F, of Public Law 108-199, Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2004. The public law was effective January 23, 2004. The rule modifies the definition of ``information technology'' at FAR 2.101(b) to include ``analysis'' and ``evaluation.'' The rule also modifies the term ``information technology'' to include peripheral equipment designed to be controlled by the central processing unit of a computer, and clarifies the term ``ancillary equipment'' to include imaging peripherals, input, output, and storage devices necessary for security and surveillance. This is not a significant regulatory action and, therefore, was not subject to review under Section 6(b) of Executive Order 12866, Regulatory Planning and Review, dated September 30, 1993. This rule is not a major rule under5 U.S.C. 804.
B. Regulatory Flexibility Act The interim rule is not expected 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., because the interim rule revises the definition of information technology resulting from the enactment of Public Law 108-199, Consolidated Appropriation Act 2004. This is a minor technical change to the definition. Therefore, an Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis has not been performed. However, the Councils will consider comments from small entities concerning the affected FAR Part 2 in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 610. Interested parties must submit such comments separately and should cite 5 U.S.C 601, et seq. (FAC 2005-05, FAR case 2004-030), in orrespondence.
D. Determination to Issue an Interim Rule A determination has been made under the authority of the Secretary of Defense (DoD), the Administrator of General Services (GSA), and the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) that urgent and compelling reasons exist to promulgate this interim rule without prior opportunity for public comment. This action is necessary to implement the changes resulting from the enactment of Section 535(b), Division F, of Public Law 108-199, Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2004, that were effective January 23, 2004. However, pursuant to Public Law 98-577 and FAR 1.501, the Councils will consider public comments received in response to this interim rule in the formation of the final rule.
Government procurement. Dated: July 20, 2005.Julia B. Wise, Director, Contract Policy Division.0
Therefore, DoD, GSA, and NASA amend 48 CFR part 2 as set forth below:
1. The authority citation for 48 CFR part 2 is revised to read as follows:
2. In section 2.101, amend paragraph (b), in the definition ``Information technology,'' by adding the words ``analysis, evaluation,'' after the word ``storage,'' revising paragraph (2) of the definition; and in paragraph (3)(ii), adding ``analysis, evaluation,'' after the word ``storage,''. The revised text reads as follows:
(2) The term ``information technology'' includes computers, ancillary equipment (including imaging peripherals, input, output, and storage devices necessary for security and surveillance), peripheral equipment designed to be controlled by the central processing unit of a computer, software, firmware and similar procedures, services (including support services), and related resources.
48 CFR Part 8
[FAC 2005-05; FAR Case 2005-004; Item II]
Federal Acquisition Regulation; Documentation Requirement for Limited Sources Under Federal Supply Schedules
SUMMARY: The Civilian Agency Acquisition Council and the Defense Acquisition Regulations Council (Councils) have agreed on a final rule amending the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to make editorial and restructuring changes to clarify the procedures when an ordering activity limits consideration of schedule contractors.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: The FAR Secretariat at (202) 501-4755 for information pertaining to status or publication schedules. For clarification of content, contact Ms. Linda Nelson, Procurement Analyst, at (202) 501-1900. Please cite FAC 2005-05, FAR case 2005-004.
A. Background On June 18, 2004, DoD, GSA, and NASA published FAR case 1999-603 (69 FR 34231) amending the FAR to incorporate ordering procedures for orders against Federal Supply Schedules (FSS), including the documentation requirements for justifying sole source orders. The rule inadvertently established these justification and approval requirements for sole source orders instead of when an ordering activity restricts consideration of schedule contractors to less than the required number. This rule corrects that oversight. The final rule also based the content of the documentation requirements on that in FAR 6.303-2. By doing so, the rule established some unintentional and inapplicable content requirements, especially for orders under the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT). This rule corrects those unintended changes by establishing the standard for justifying restricted orders under the SAT and accurately specifying the justification content for restricted orders above the SAT.
The Councils agreed that the changes made did not substantively change the intent of the subpart but are merely a clarification and, therefore, publication for public comment is not required.
B. Regulatory Flexibility Act The Regulatory Flexibility Act does not apply to this rule. 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 comments is not required. However, the Councils will consider comments from small entities concerning the affected FAR Part 8 in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 610. Interested parties must submit such comments separately and should cite 5 U.S.C. 601, et seq. (FAC 2005-05, FAR case 2005-004), in correspondence.
Government procurement. Dated: July 20. 2005. Julia B. Wise, Director, Contract Policy Division.
Therefore, DoD, GSA, and NASA amend 48 CFR part 8 as set forth below:
1. The authority citation for 48 CFR part 8 is revised to read as follows:
2. Amend section 8.401 by revising the definition ``Multiple Award Schedule (MAS'') to read as follows:
Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) means contracts awarded by GSA or the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for similar or comparable supplies, or services, established with more than one supplier, at varying prices. The primary statutory authorities for the MAS program are Title III of the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 (41 U.S.C. 251, et seq.) and Title 40 U.S.C. 501, Services for Executive Agencies.
3. Amend section 8.405-1 in the second sentence of the introductory text of paragraph (c) by adding ``at least three schedule contractors through'' after the word ``surveying''; and adding paragraph (e) to read as follows:
(e) Minimum documentation. The ordering activity shall document--
4. Amend section 8.405-2 by adding paragraph (e) to read as follows:
(7) The rationale for using other than--
8.405-3 [Amended]
5. Amend section 8.405-3 in paragraph (b)(2)(i) by removing the word ``additional''.
6. Revise the section heading and text of section 8.405-6 to read as follows:
(a) Orders placed under Federal Supply Schedules are exempt from the requirements in Part 6. However, an ordering activity must justify its action when restricting consideration of schedule contractors to fewer than required in 8.405-1 or 8.405-2.
(b) Circumstances that may justify restriction include--
(3) The item is peculiar to one manufacturer. A brand name item, whether available on one or more schedule contracts, is an item peculiar to one manufacturer; or
(4) An urgent and compelling need exists, and following the ordering procedures would result in unacceptable delays.
(c) When an ordering activity restricts consideration of schedule contractors to fewer than that required in 8.405-1 or 8.405-2, the ordering activity shall procure such requirements under this subpart only if the need to do so is justified in writing and approved at the levels specified in paragraphs (d) and (f) of this subsection.
(d) Orders exceeding the micro-purchase threshold, but not exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold as defined in 2.101. For proposed orders exceeding the micro-purchase threshold, but not exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold, the ordering activity contracting officer shall document the circumstances when restricting consideration of schedule contractors to fewer than required in 8.405-1 or 8.405-2.
(e) Orders exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold. (1) For proposed orders exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold, the requiring activity shall assist the ordering activity contracting officer in the preparation of the justification. The justification shall cite that the acquisition is conducted under the authority of the Multiple Award Schedule Program (see 8.401).
(i) Identification of the agency and the contracting activity, and specific identification of the document as a ``Limited Source Justification.''
(iv) Identification of the justification rationale (see 8.405-6(b)) and, if applicable, a demonstration of the proposed contractor's unique qualifications to provide the required supply or service.
(viii) A statement of the actions, if any, the agency may take to remove or overcome any barriers that preclude the agency from meeting the requirements of 8.405-1 and 8.405-2 before any subsequent acquisition for the supplies or services is made.
(f) Justification approvals. (1) For proposed orders exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold, but not exceeding $500,000, the ordering activity contracting officer's certification that the justification is accurate and complete to the best of the ordering activity contracting officer's knowledge and belief will serve as approval, unless a higher approval level is established in accordance with agency procedures.
(2) For a proposed order exceeding $500,000, but not exceeding $10 million, the justification must be approved by the competition advocate of the activity placing the order, or by an official named in paragraph (f)(3) or (f)(4) of this subsection. This authority is not delegable.
(3) For a proposed order exceeding $10 million, but not exceeding $50 million (or, for DoD, NASA, and the Coast Guard, not exceeding $75 million), the justification must be approved by--
(ii) A designee who--
(iii) An official named in paragraph (f)(4) of this subsection.
(4) For a proposed order exceeding $50 million (or, for DoD, NASA, and the Coast Guard, over $75 million), the justification must be approved by the senior procurement executive of the agency placing the order. This authority is not delegable, except in the case of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics, acting as the senior procurement executive for the Department of Defense.
8.405-7 [Removed]
7. Remove section 8.405-7.
8.405-8 [Redesignated as 8.405-7]
8. Redesignate section 8.405-8 as 8.405-7
48 CFR Parts 14, 32, and 52
[FAC 2005-05; FAR Case 2004-003; Item III]
Federal Acquisition Regulation; Payment Withholding
SUMMARY: The Civilian Agency Acquisition Council and the Defense Acquisition Regulations Council (Councils) have agreed on a final rule amending the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) by removing the mandatory requirement that a contracting officer withhold 5 percent of the payments due under a time-and-materials contract, unless it is necessary to withhold payment to protect the Government's interest or otherwise prescribed in the contract schedule. The final rule also amends FAR guidance that requires the use of a contract modification to withhold payment and to state that the withhold is to be made by the contractor.
DATES: Effective Date: August 26, 2005.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: The FAR Secretariat at (202) 501-4755 for information pertaining to status or publication schedules. For clarification of content, contact Mr. Jeremy Olson, at (202) 501-3221. Please cite FAC 2005-05, FAR case 2004-003.
A. Background DoD, GSA, and NASA published a proposed rule in the Federal Register at 69 FR 29838, May 25, 2004, with request for public comments. The proposed rule would permit contracting officers to use their judgment regarding whether to withhold payments under time-and-materials and labor-hour contracts so that the withhold would be applied only when necessary to protect the Government's interests. The proposed rule also made it clear that normally there should not be a need to withhold payments when dealing with contractual release requirements in a timely manner. Six respondents submitted comments on the proposed FAR rule. Three of the six respondents supported the proposed rule, two of the six respondents supported it but with certain additional changes that would align it with the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulations Supplement (DFARS) rule that was published in the Federal Register at 68 FR 69631, December 15, 2003, and one of the six respondents requested clarification. A discussion of the comments is provided below. The Councils considered all comments and concluded that the proposed rule should be converted to a final rule with changes to the proposed rule. Differences between the proposed rule and final rule are discussed in Comments 1 and 2, below.
Align With DFARS
1. Comment: While five respondents supported the proposed rule, two stated that it is not consistent with the changes to relax the requirements included in the DFARS rule published in the Federal Register at 68 FR 69631, December 15, 2003. That rule stated that, if it was necessary to withhold payment to protect the Government's interest, the contracting officer would issue a modification requiring the contractor to withhold 5 percent of the amount due, up to a maximum of $50,000. One of the respondents stated the DFARS guidance should be applicable Governmentwide ``because requiring withholds to protect the interests of the Government is a serious matter, necessitating, in our opinion, the execution of a formal contract modification.'' In addition, the same respondent believes that, in most situations, it would be more efficient and less costly for both contractors and the Government if contractors take the withhold prior to submission of their invoices.
Councils' response: Concur. The Councils believes that, based on the analysis performed for the DFARS rule, it would be more efficient and less costly for both contractors and the Government if contractors take the withhold prior to the submission of their vouchers. In addition, in order to make it clear that the Government is exercising its right to a payment withhold to protect its interests, a contract modification should be issued requiring the withhold of payment under time-and-materials and labor-hour contracts. Therefore, the Councils have revised the guidance at FAR 32.111(a)(7)(iii) and the clause at FAR 52.232-7(a)(2) to require the use of a modification to withhold payment and to allow for the withhold to be made by the contractor instead of by the Government payment office. The Councils note that this clause does not preclude the Government from withholding other amounts due to non-performance, delivery of non-conforming goods, or other failure(s) to comply with contract requirements.
Task Order Versus Entire Contract
2. Comment: A respondent stated that the proposed rule is unclear as to whether the $50,000 ceiling on withholding applies to an individual task or to an entire contract. It recommended the proposed rule be clarified to identify the basis for application of the ceiling. The respondent added that it had previously recommended in an audit report that the $50,000 ceiling be applied to each order where orders are closed separately. The respondent's recommendation is based on the belief that the clarification will assist contracting officers in performing their jobs.
Councils' response: The Councils agree that it would assist both contractors and the Government if the proposed rule were clarified as to whether the withhold ceiling applies to an entire contract or to individual orders. Such a clarification would reduce any possible confusion by either party as to the applicability of the ceiling and thus remove the potential for disagreements. The Councils agree that the withhold ceiling applies to the entire contract. Therefore, the Councils have revised the guidance at FAR 32.111(a)(7)(iii) and the clause at FAR 52.232-7(a)(2) to clarify that the withhold ceiling applies to the total contract.
B. Regulatory Flexibility Act The Department of Defense, the General Services Administration, and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration certify that this final rule will not 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., because the rule applies only to time-and-materials and labor-hour contracts. Time-and-materials or labor-hour contracts with small business represent only approximately 2 percent of all contracts. In addition, the rule eases the impact of the current FAR by permitting the contracting officer to use judgment in deciding whether to withhold payments, thus the number of contracts affected is a subset of the 2 percent figure. This change is expected to have a small but beneficial impact on small businesses.
List of Subjects in 48 CFR Parts 14, 32, and 52
Government procurement. Dated: July 20, 2005. Julia B. Wise, Director, Contract Policy Division.
Therefore, DoD, GSA, and NASA amend 48 CFR parts 14, 32, and 52 as set forth below:
1. The authority citation for 48 CFR parts 14, 32, and 52 is revised to read as follows:
14.408-3 [Amended]
2. Amend section 14.408-3 in paragraph (b) by removing ``See 32.111(c)(1),'' and adding ``See 32.111(b)(1),'' in its place.
3. Amend section 32.111 by--
a. Removing from the end of paragraph (a)(5) the word ``and'';
b. Removing the period from the end of paragraph (a)(6) and adding ``; and'' in its place;
c. Adding paragraph (a)(7);0
d. Removing paragraph (b); and
e. Redesignating paragraphs (c) and (d) as (b) and (c), respectively.
(7) The clause at 52.232-7, Payments under Time-and-Materials and Labor-Hour Contracts, in solicitations and contracts when a time-and-materials or labor-hour contract is contemplated. (i) If the nature of the work to be performed requires the contractor to furnish material that is regularly sold to the general public in the normal course of business by the contractor and the price is under the limitations prescribed in 16.601(b)(3), the contracting officer shall use the clause with its Alternate I.
(ii) If a labor-hour contract is contemplated, and if no specific reimbursement for materials furnished is intended, the contracting officer may use the clause with its Alternate II.
(iii) If the contracting officer determines that it is necessary to withhold payment to protect the Government's interests, paragraph (a)(2) of the clause permits the contracting officer to unilaterally issue a modification requiring the contractor to withhold 5 percent of amounts due, up to a maximum of $50,000 under the contract. The contracting officer shall ensure that the modification specifies the percentage and total amount of the withhold payment. Normally, there should be no need to withhold payment for a contractor with a record of timely submittal of the release discharging the Government from all liabilities, obligations, and claims, as required by paragraph (f) of the clause.
4. Amend section 52.232-7 by--
a. Removing from the introductory text ``32.111(b)'' and adding ``32.111(a)(7)'' in its place;
c. Revising paragraph (a)(2).
52.232-7 Payments under Time-and-Materials and Labor-Hour Contracts.
PAYMENTS UNDER TIME-AND-MATERIALS AND LABOR-HOUR CONTRACTS (AUG 2005)
(2) Unless otherwise prescribed in the Schedule, the Contracting Officer may unilaterally issue a contract modification requiring the Contractor to withhold amounts from its billings until a reserve is set aside in an amount that the Contracting Officer considers necessary to protect the Government's interests. The Contracting Officer may require a withhold of 5 percent of the amounts due under paragraph (a), but the total amount withheld for the contract shall not exceed $50,000. The amounts withheld shall be retained until the Contractor executes and delivers the release required by paragraph (f) of this clause.
52.232-8 [Amended]0
5. In the introductory text of section 52.232-8, remove ``32.111(c)(1)'' and add ``32.111(b)(1)'' in its place.
52.232-9 [Amended]
6. In the introductory text of section 52.232-9, remove ``32.111(c)(2)'' and add ``32.111(b)(2)'' in its place.
52.232-10 [Amended]
7. In the introductory text of section 52.232-10, remove ``32.111(d)(1)'' and add ``32.111(c)(1)'' in its place.
52.232-11 [Amended]
8. In the introductory text of section 52.232-11, remove ``32.111(d)(2)'' and add ``32.111(c)(2)'' in its place.
[FAC 2005-05; FAR Case 2005-009; Item IV]
Federal Acquisition Regulation; Confirmation of HUBZone Certification
SUMMARY: The Civilian Agency Acquisition Council and the Defense Acquisition Regulations Council (Councils) have agreed to an interim rule amending the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to clarify that prime contractors must confirm that a subcontractor representing itself as a Historically Underutilized Business Zone (HUBZone) small business concern is certified, consistent with the requirements of 15 U.S.C. 632 et seq., as amended.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments identified by FAC 2005-05, FAR case2005-009, by any of the following methods:
E-mail: farcase.2005-009@gsa.gov. Include FAC 2005-05, FAR case 2005-009 in the subject line of the message.
Instructions: Please submit comments only and cite FAC 2005-05, FAR case 2005-009, in all correspondence related to this case. All comments received will be posted without change to http://www.acqnet.gov/far/ProposedRules/proposed.htm, including any personal information provided.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: The FAR Secretariat at (202) 501-4755, for information pertaining to status or publication schedules. For clarification of content, contact Ms. Rhonda Cundiff, Procurement Analyst, at (202) 501-0044. Please cite FAC 2005-05, FAR case 2005-009.
A. Background Title 15 of the United States Code, section 632 requires that a qualified Historically Underutilized Business Zone (HUBZone) small business concern be certified by the Small Business Administration (SBA). A Department of Defense Inspector General report D-2003-019 ``DoD Contractor Subcontracting With Historically Underutilized Business Zones (HUBZones) Small Businesses'' found that prime contractors were overstating their HUBZone accomplishments because subcontractor's representations were not being verified. The FAR is being revised to clarify that prime contractors must confirm a subcontractor representing itself as a HUBZone small business concern is certified, consistent with the requirements of 15 U.S.C. 632 et seq., as amended.
The specific changes revise FAR 19.703 and the clause at 52.219-9 to clarify that contractors shall confirm that a subcontractor representing itself as a HUBZone small business concern is certified by SBA as a HUBZone small business concern by accessing the Central Contractor Registration or by contacting the SBA.
B. Regulatory Flexibility Act The changes may 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., because this rule change will have a positive effect on small businesses who are certified HUBZone small business concerns and are losing subcontracting opportunities taken by another company falsely claiming to be a certified HUBZone small business concern. The FAR Secretariat has submitted a copy of the Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis to the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small Business Administration. The analysis is summarized as follows:
Title 15 of the United States Code, section 632 requires that a qualified Historically Underutilized Business Zone (HUBZone) small business concern be on the list of qualified HUBZone small business concerns maintained by the Small Business Administration. A Department of Defense Inspector General report D-2003-019 ``DoD Contractor Subcontracting With Historically Underutilized Business Zones (HUBZones) Small Businesses'' found that prime contractors were overstating their HUBZone accomplishments because subcontractor's representations were not being verified. This interim rule revises the Federal Acquisition Regulation to require prime contractors to verify that its HUBZone small business concerns are qualified as required by 15 U.S.C. 632 et seq., as amended.
The changes may 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., because certified HUBZone small business concerns will have additional subcontracting opportunities previously taken by other companies falsely claiming to be certified HUBZone small business concerns.
Interested parties may obtain a copy from the FAR Secretariat. The Councils will consider comments from small entities concerning the affected FAR Parts 19 and 52 in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 610. Interested parties must submit such comments separately and should cite 5 U.S.C 601, et seq. (FAC 2005-05, FAR case 2005-009), in correspondence.
D. Determination to Issue an Interim Rule A determination has been made under the authority of the Secretary of Defense (DoD), the Administrator of General Services (GSA), and the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) that urgent and compelling reasons exist to promulgate this interim rule without prior opportunity for public comment. This action is necessary because some subcontractors incorrectly claim to be certified HUBZone small business concerns. Since prime contractors are not currently required to verify their subcontractors' HUBZone certifications through the SBA prior to reporting their subcontracting awards to DoD, many real HUBZone small business concerns are losing opportunities that they should have. This also results in the reporting of inaccurate data on the HUBZone program to Congress and SBA. Awards to improperly certified subcontractors can be stopped immediately, if prime contractors make a simple check on the CCR database or contact SBA. Pursuant to Public Law 98-577 and FAR 1.501, the Councils will consider public comments received in response to this interim rule in the formation of the final rule.
Government procurement. Dated: July 20. 2005.Julia B. Wise ,Director, Contract Policy Division.
2. Amend section 19.703 by--
a. Removing ``HUBZone small business,'' from the first sentence of paragraph (b);
b. Removing the last sentence of paragraph (b); and
(c)(1) The contractor shall confirm that a subcontractor representing itselfas a HUBZone small business concern is certified by SBA as a HUBZone small business concern by accessing the Central Contractor Registration (CCR) database or by contacting the SBA. Options for contacting the SBA include--
(i) HUBZone web page at http://dsbs.sba.gov/dsbs/dsp_searchhubzone.cfm
(ii) In writing to the AA/HUB at U.S. Small Business Administration, 409 3rd Street, S.W., Washington DC 20416; or
a. Revising the date of the clause; and0
b. Removing from paragraph (b)(8)(i) ``(JAN 2002'') and adding ``(JUL 2005'').
CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS REQUIRED TO IMPLEMENT STATUTES OR EXECUTIVE ORDERS--COMMERCIAL ITEMS (JUL 2005)
4. Amend section 52.219-9 by--
b. Redesignating paragraph (e)(4) as paragraph (e)(5); and
SMALL BUSINESS SUBCONTRACTING PLAN (JUL 2005)
48 CFR Parts 45 and 52
[FAC 2005-05; FAR Case 2002-015; Item V]
SUMMARY: The Civilian Agency Acquisition Council and the Defense Acquisition Regulations Council (Councils) have agreed on a final rule amending the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to incorporate a class deviation regarding use and charges, which has been applicable to the Department of Defense since 1998. This deviation is appropriate for application across the Federal Government. The change clarifies the basis for determining the rental charges for the use of Government property and is intended to promote the dual use of such property. The final rule specifically impacts contracting officers, property administrators, and contractors responsible for the management of Government property.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: The FAR Secretariat at (202) 501-4755 for information pertaining to status or publication schedules. For clarification of content, contact Ms. Jeritta Parnell, Procurement Analyst, at (202) 501-4082. Please cite FAC 2005-05, FAR case 2002-015.
A. Background DoD, GSA, and NASA published a proposed rule in the Federal Register at 69 FR 42544, July 15, 2004, to incorporate two Department of Defense class deviations, 98-O0010, Use and Charges, and 98-O0011, Special Tooling, into FAR Part 45 and make appropriate revisions to FAR 52.245-9, Use and Charges, and FAR 52.245-17, Special Tooling. The final rule establishes, as the basis for rental charges, the time property is actually used for commercial purposes, rather than the time available for use; permits contractors to obtain property appraisals from independent appraisers; permits appraisal-based rentals for all property; and allows contracting officers to consider alternate bases for determining rentals. The final rule does not change the requirements for special tooling as originally proposed by the Councils because the Councils are now considering deleting the clause in its entirety rather than revising it based on comments received on the proposed rule. The Councils plan to solicit comments on the proposed deletion of the FAR clause at 52.245-17, Special Tooling, under another proposed rule.
2. PR: 52.245-17. All respondents proposed the elimination of the special tooling clause. The Councils plan to solicit comments on the proposed deletion of the FAR clause at 52.245-17, Special Tooling, under another proposed rule.
3. PR: 52.245-9(h). Amend paragraph (h) to strike ``person'' and replace it with ``contractor.'' Rationale is that a company would control their personnel through their administrative procedures when wrong is discovered and the Government may control the contractor in a like manner.
5. PR: 45.106. Add at 45.106(h)(3), ``Contractors shall be encouraged to submit plans and enter into advance agreements to minimize unnecessary delays, administrative costs and possible legal exposure.'' Approved plans for use and charges of a contract, program, site, or entity would be beneficial to both the Government and the contractor in that the clause, as now written, will cause unnecessary delays, administrative cost and legal exposure. This type of plan would be similar to a site scrap plan as now provided for in FAR Part 45.
7. PR: 52.245-9(a). Change the definition of Government property to mean all ``real and personal'' property.
8. PR: 52.245-9(c). Revise the exception of the use of Government property in this paragraph to be described as ``production'' material. Non-production material (expendable items) may be suitable for rental in some circumstances.
9. PR: 52.245-9(d)(2). Change estimated rental charge for ``other'' property to ``personal'' property.
B. Regulatory Flexibility Act The Department of Defense, the General Services Administration, and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration certify that this final rule will not 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., because the rule only clarifies FAR coverage to clarify the basis for determining rental charges for the use of Government property and is intended to promote the dual use of such property. Therefore, this rule will allow small businesses more flexibility in the use of Government property.
C. Paperwork Reduction Act The Paperwork Reduction Act does apply; however, these changes to the FAR do not impose additional information collection requirements to the paperwork burden previously approved under OMB Control Number 9000-0075.
Therefore, DoD, GSA, and NASA amend 48 CFR parts 45 and 52 as set forth below:
1. The authority citation for 48 CFR parts 45 and 52 is revised to read as follows:
PART 45--GOVERNMENT PROPERTY
45.106 Government property clauses.
(h)(1) Insert the clause at 52.245-9, Use and Charges--
45.302-6 [Amended]
45.403 Rental--Use and Charges clause.
(b) Use of Government property. The Contractor may use the Government property without charge in the performance of--
(2) Subcontracts of any tier under Government prime contracts if the Contracting Officer having cognizance of the prime contract--
(e) Rental charge.--(1) Real property and associated fixtures. (i) The Contractor shall obtain, at its expense, a property appraisal from an independent licensed, accredited, or certified appraiser that computes a monthly, daily, or hourly rental rate for comparable commercial property. The appraisal may be used to compute rentals under this clause throughout its effective period or, if an effective period is not stated in the appraisal, for one year following the date the appraisal was performed. The Contractor shall submit the appraisal to the ACO at least 30 days prior to the date the property is needed for nongovernmental use. Except as provided in paragraph (e)(1)(iii) of this clause, the ACO shall use the appraisal rental rate to determine a reasonable rental charge.
(2) Interest will be charged if payment is not made by the date specified in paragraph (f)(1) of this clause. Interest will accrue at the ``Renegotiation Board Interest Rate'' (published in the Federal Register semiannually on or about January 1\st\ and July 1\st\) for the period in which the rent is due.
(h) Unauthorized use. The unauthorized use of Government property can subject a person to fines, imprisonment, or both, under 18 U.S.C. 641.
52.245-10 [Amended]
6. Amend section 52.245-10 in the introductory paragraph by removing ``45.302-6(d)'' and adding ``45.302-6(c)'' in its place.
52.245-11 [Amended]
7. Amend section 52.245-11 in the introductory paragraph by removing ``45.302-6(e)(1)'' and adding ``45.302-6(d)(1)'' in its place.
48 CFR Part 4
[FAC 2005-05; Item VI]
SUMMARY: This document makes an amendment to the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) in order to make an editorial correction.
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. Please cite FAC 2005-05, Technical Amendment.
2. Amend section 4.1102 by removing from paragraph (c)(1)(ii) ``52.204-7(g)(1)(i)(3)'' and adding ``52.204-7(g)(1)(i)(C)'' in its place.
END OF FAC 2005-05